SEO Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Found Online

Written By Lanna Gonzales

When you launch a website, you want people to actually find it! That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. With a few SEO basics, you can improve your site’s visibility in search engine results, helping you reach your audience more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of essential SEO steps you can start with:

1. Keyword Research

Keywords are the terms people type into search engines to find what they’re looking for. Start by researching keywords that relate to your business or content and use these terms naturally within your website. The best free keyword research tools.

2. On-Page SEO

On-page SEO means optimizing individual pages of your website. This includes:

  • Titles and Headings: Use clear and descriptive titles and headings that include relevant keywords.

  • Meta Descriptions: Write a short description for each page that tells search engines and users what the page is about.

  • Alt Text for Images: Describe your images with alt text to help search engines understand what each image shows.

3. Create Quality Content

Content is key to SEO (that’s the main driver behind this blog). Create informative, valuable content that addresses your audience’s needs or questions. The more engaging and relevant your content is, the more likely users are to stay on your site—and search engines love that!

4. Optimize for Mobile

With most people browsing on mobile devices, a mobile-friendly website is a must. Google favors sites that are optimized for both desktop and mobile, so make sure your site looks and functions well on smaller screens.

5. Build Backlinks

Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. High-quality backlinks signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. You can build backlinks by sharing your content, guest blogging, or collaborating with others in your industry.

6. Track Your Progress

SEO is an ongoing process, so it’s essential to track your progress. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console help you monitor traffic, see which pages are performing well, and understand what needs improving.

Useful SEO Resources:

Lanna Gonzales
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