SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound complicated, but at its core, it's simply a way to help your website show up higher on Google and other search engines.
Whether you run a small business or just want your blog to be more visible, learning the basics of SEO can make a huge difference.
It does take some work & time if you decide to do it yourself, but with all the tools available nowadays it makes setting up your basic SEO so much easier.
Follow this beginner-friendly guide to get you started.
1. What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of making your website more attractive to search engines. When someone searches for something on Google, SEO helps your website appear closer to the top of the results. The better your SEO, the easier it is for people to find you online.
2. Why Does SEO Matter?
Imagine having a store, but it’s hidden in a back street with no sign.
SEO is like putting that store on the main street with a big, bright sign.
If your website isn’t optimised, people might never find it.
Good SEO increases visibility, brings more visitors to your site, and can lead to more sales or engagement.
3. The Three Main Components of SEO:
A. On-Page SEO:
This is everything you do on your website to improve its search rankings.
Key elements include:
Keywords: These are the words or phrases people type into search engines. By using relevant keywords & search phrases in your website content, titles, and descriptions, you help search engines understand what your site is about.
Content Quality: High-quality, helpful, and engaging content performs better in search engines. Blogs, videos, and FAQs that answer visitors' questions can boost your SEO.
Meta Descriptions and Titles: These are the short descriptions and titles that appear on search engines. Make them clear and keyword-friendly. If you’re using a platform like Wix or Squarespace search on their support articles - how to add Meta Descriptions & Titles to your pages.
B. Off-Page SEO:
Off-page SEO focuses on activities outside your website that improve its credibility and authority.
This includes:
Backlinks: When other reputable websites (like blogs or magazines for example) link to your site, it signals to search engines that your content is valuable.
Social Media: Sharing your content on social media platforms can drive traffic and improve your site’s authority.
C. Technical SEO:
This deals with the backend of your website. It ensures your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy for search engines to navigate.
Important elements include:
Site Speed: A slow website can hurt your rankings. Optimise images and reduce unnecessary plugins.
Mobile Optimisation: Ensure your site looks and works well on phones and tablets.
Site Structure: Use clear headings, organised menus, and a clean URL structure to help search engines understand your site.
4. Simple SEO Tips for Beginners:
Make sure your website is indexed: First thing first- You have to make sure that search engines are “permitted” to crawl your site. Indexing your website means giving it that permission, the process of indexing depends on the platform your site is built on, and on platforms like Wix is very easy to do.
Start with Keywords: Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or SemRush Keyword Magic to find keywords related to your business. Add these keywords naturally to your content.
Create Valuable Content: Write blog posts or guides that answer questions your audience might have. Quality content is king in SEO.
Optimise Your Images: Use descriptive file names and "alt text" for images, which helps search engines understand them. (If you’re not sure how to add alt text to images, run a quick search about it in your platform’s support articles).
Focus on Local SEO: If you have a local business, add your business to Google My Business and use local keywords like “Best Pilates Studio in [Your City].”
Keep Updating Your Site: Regularly update your website with fresh content and keep all information current.
5. SEO Takes Time – Be Patient!
SEO is not an overnight fix.
It takes time to see results, but with consistent effort, your website will gradually climb the search rankings. Think of it as planting seeds – with the right care, they will grow.
If you’re not feeling like gardening, you can always consider hiring an expert to set up the basic SEO for you, then all you need to do is keep updating and playing with different keywords.
By understanding and applying these basic SEO principles, you’ll set your website up for long-term success and better visibility. You can do this!
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