Beginners guide to SEO

Venturing into the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) may seem intimidating, but fear not. This beginner’s guide aims to simplify the process, emphasising the absolute basics you need to know.

1. Get Started with keyword research

Whether you're a newbie to the world of SEO or a seasoned pro, one fact remains: keyword research is of utmost importance. These keywords bridge the gap between your content and potential visitors. Think of keywords as the language your audience uses when they are trying to find the services or products you offer. Matching your content with their search intent is pivotal.

2. Create awesome content around your keywords

Once you have a list of keywords, it's time to craft content around them. But don’t just stuff your content with keywords; it should resonate with readers and provide value. It's a balancing act between being SEO-friendly and user-friendly.

For instance, if you run a social media agency, you could have blogs addressing topics related to your service. Not only will this establish your authority, but these blogs could become some of the most-visited pages on your website, thus driving traffic.

3. Optimise your content for users and for search engines

SEO isn't just about pleasing algorithms; it’s about catering to human needs. Ensure your content provides a great user experience, and remember, it’s not written by robots for robots. Your headings should answer user queries, and keywords should be woven naturally throughout the content.

It's also essential to ensure your images are optimised. Consider the image names and the alt text. Don’t forget to check your links too; broken links can harm your SEO efforts.

a. Understanding the power of links

While discussing SEO, we can't overlook the importance of links. Regularly check your website and socials. For instance, does your social media platform link back to your homepage, or are you inadvertently sending visitors to a 404 error page?
Speaking of links, LinkedIn can be a powerful SEO tool. A well-optimised LinkedIn profile can rank even higher than your website in some instances. So, invest time in it. An updated profile photo, a compelling bio, and regular posts can significantly boost your online presence.

b. Simplicity is the key

People often complicate SEO. But if we "uncomplicate" it, at its core, SEO is all about ensuring search engines prioritise your site or socials. The ultimate goal is for potential customers to find you when they search for what they need. In essence, keywords and long-tail keywords are your golden tickets.

c. Practical tips for keyword research

If you're at the onset of your SEO journey, it can be tempting to seek quick solutions, like asking ChatGPT for a list of keywords. While it may give you a starting point, it's vital to validate these keywords. Pop them into Google, check the search results, and gauge their efficacy.

Consider making a list of around 50 keywords. It sounds daunting, but when you break it down, you'll find many variations. For instance, if you're a wedding photographer in Byron Bay, you might have keywords like "Byron Bay wedding photographer," "Northern Rivers wedding photographer," and so on.

d. YouTube: The overlooked search engine

People often mistake YouTube for just a video platform, but it's primarily a search engine. Remember, any platform with a search bar essentially operates as a search engine. Hence, if you're producing content, be it podcasts, shorts, or other video forms, YouTube can amplify your reach significantly.
Starting your SEO journey might feel overwhelming, but it's all about understanding your audience and tailoring your content to meet their needs. Keep it simple, be authentic, and remember: it's not just about the search engines; it's about the humans using them.

 

Listen in to our Bite-Size podcast episode about
Beginners Guide to SEO 

 

 Watch this episode of our Business Bite-Size on YouTube to learn more:

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