Introduction: What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of improving your website so it shows up higher in Google (or other search engines) when people search for something related to your business.
This guide is for complete beginners. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Understand How Search Engines Work
Search engines like Google want to show the best and most helpful content to users. They rank websites based on:
- Relevance (Is your content matching the search?)
- Quality (Is your content useful and original?)
- Authority (Are others linking to your content?)
Step 2: Do Keyword Research
Keywords are the words people type into search engines.
Use free tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- AnswerThePublic
Find low-competition, long-tail keywords like:
- “best running shoes for beginners”
- “how to cook pasta without cheese”
Step 3: Create Helpful Content
Write articles, blog posts, and guides that answer common questions.
Use your keywords in:
- Page Title
- Headings (H1, H2)
- First 100 words
- Meta description
- URL
But don’t overdo it—write for people, not robots.
Step 4: Optimize On-Page SEO
- Add internal links (link to other pages on your site)
- Use short, readable URLs (e.g., yoursite.com/seo-for-beginners)
- Add image alt text (helps Google understand your images)
- Make your website mobile-friendly
Step 5: Build Backlinks
Backlinks = other websites linking to yours. This builds your site’s authority.
Start by:
- Submitting guest posts
- Sharing content on social media
- Listing your site in business directories
Step 6: Track Your Progress
Use free tools like:
- Google Search Console
- Google Analytics
Check:
- Which keywords bring traffic
- Which pages are most visited
- What needs improvement
Final Tip: SEO Takes Time
SEO is not a one-day job. It may take weeks or months to see big results. But if you stay consistent, SEO can bring free, organic traffic to your website for years.