SEO Tips For Beginners
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
“I know SEO is important, but what the heck does it even mean, and how do you do it?!”
This is a very common reaction when it comes to SEO.
Let’s start with the basics: SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.
The most popular search engine is Google (by a long shot). But Bing and Yahoo are a couple of others.
Having an optimized website (along with optimized social channels and web links) ensures your content will populate high when someone Googles you.
SEO can get extremely complex and nuanced, plus, the algorithms are always changing. But, the good news is, there are some techniques you can start implementing right now to get your website ranking higher, and make it easier for users to find you.
Submit your website to Google’s Search Console
SEO is powered by content, so ensure you are always adding fresh and relevant content (a blog is a great place to do this)
Answer the public by writing blogs that answer common questions associated with your industry; this also generates more traffic to your website
Use a mix of short and long-tail keywords on your website pages, and include the primary keyword in the meta tag description (a short-tail keyword could be “public relations” whereas a long-tail version of that keyword could be “boutique public relations agency in Toronto”)
Add ALT text and titles to all images and media on your site and be as descriptive as possible
Earn backlinks by implementing a public relations strategy to have another site feature yours
Search engine results ranking is based on multiple factors including site click-through-rate, relevance and landing page experience, so ensure your website is optimized
Index
Common abbreviations associated with SEO:
SEM = Search Engine Marketing
SEO = Search Engine Optimization
PPC = Pay Per Click
CTR = Click Through Rate
SERP = Search Engine Results Page
CPC = Cost Per Click
Quick Tip: get ahead of the game and start thinking about optimizing for voice search now. Your FAQ page is a perfect place to start, as voice commands are often question-based.
On-page SEO checklist
Conduct keyword research and incorporate relevant keywords throughout
Ensure appropriate keyword density
Add meta description tag
Add alt tags
Add H1 tags
Set a vanity URL
Internal linking
Ensure structure, readability and flow
Submit the new URL to Google’s search console
Use engaging high resolution photos and name the file
Share the article to social media
