What to Expect When Starting SEO

Ready to dive into the world of SEO? If you're looking to boost your website's visibility and attract more visitors, you're in the right place. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a critical part of your marketing strategy. Did you know that 93% of all online experiences begin with a search engine? That's a staggering number, highlighting just how crucial it is to ensure your website ranks well in search results. Even if you've dabbled in SEO before, it's always good to stay updated. Let's walk through what SEO entails and what kind of timeline you can expect.

What Is SEO?

First things first, what exactly is SEO? SEO is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. In simpler terms, it's all about making sure people can find your site when they search for something related to your business on Google or other search engines. (Not to get confused with SEM) It's about getting your site and content in front of the right eyes, so those visitors hopefully turn into customers!

Initial Steps in SEO

Keyword Research

Every great SEO strategy starts with keyword research. This step involves figuring out what words and terms people are using when they search for your products or services. When you understand how people describe their needs, you can tailor your website content to match those keywords. It might sound a bit involved, but trust me, it's worth it. There are plenty of tools out there, like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush, that can help simplify this process.

Thinking Mobile First

Did you know more than half of all searches happen on mobile devices? With this in mind, it's crucial to focus on your mobile site first. Google even announced that they index sites based on their mobile versions. So, if your site looks great and works well on a phone, you're off to a fantastic start.

Initial Website Assessment

Before diving too deep, it's a good idea to do a quick health check of your website. This means using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to get insights into your site's performance. Look out for things like broken links, site speed, and mobile-friendliness. Fixing these issues early on sets a solid foundation for your SEO efforts.

On-Page Optimization

Updating Content

Content is king, as they say. Having fresh, up-to-date, and relevant content is key to performing well in search results. If your site is full of stale information, you're likely falling behind competitors who are regularly updating their content. Start with your evergreen content (the stuff that's always relevant) and work from there. It might feel like a big task, but breaking it down into smaller pieces makes it manageable.

Technical SEO

Let's not forget the behind-the-scenes stuff. Updating meta descriptions, title tags, and alt-tags can make a big difference. Also, check for broken links and those annoying 404 error pages that can hurt your SEO reputation. And if you decide to change your URL structure, have a plan for redirects. It might sound technical, but these steps are crucial for search engines to understand, index, and rank your site properly. One of my favorite tools for this is the Chrome extension Detailed. You can use this tool to look at all of a website’s SEO information. 

Off-Page Optimization

Link Building

Link building is another essential part of SEO. Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, are like votes of confidence for your site. Focus on getting high-quality backlinks from reputable sources rather than going for quantity. This not only boosts your site's authority but also helps in climbing up the search engine rankings. Make sure to stay away from low-quality backlinks that will end up hurting your site.

Social Signals and Influencer Collaborations

Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Promoting your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help build links and drive traffic. Collaborating with influencers in your industry can also boost your site's visibility and credibility.

Content Creation and Marketing

Types of Content

Mix it up! Blog posts, videos, infographics – diversify your content to reach a broader audience. Different people prefer different types of content, so having a mix can help you connect with more potential customers.

Content Promotion and Distribution

Once you've created awesome content, get it out there! Promote it across your social media channels, email newsletters, and any other platforms where your audience avatar hangs out. The more you share, the wider your reach.

Consistency in Content Publishing

Consistency is key. Regularly publishing fresh, valuable content keeps your audience engaged and signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant.

Monitoring and Analytics

Setting Up Tracking Tools

To measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts, set up tracking tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. These tools provide valuable data on your website’s performance, including traffic sources, user behavior, and conversion rates.

Tracking Progress

Keep an eye on your progress by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website visits, click-through rates, and leads from organic traffic. Adjust your strategy based on the data you collect to keep improving your results.

Patience and Persistence

Realistic Expectations for SEO Results

SEO is a long-term game. Unlike paid ads (Pay-per-click), it can take months to see significant results from your efforts. But don’t get discouraged! With consistent effort and the right strategies, you’ll start to see improvements over time.

Long-Term Nature of SEO

SEO isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process that requires dedication and adaptability. Keep learning, stay updated with industry trends, and be ready to tweak your strategy as needed.

Summary

Starting your SEO journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable and rewarding. Remember, SEO is not a sprint but a marathon. In the first three months, focus on laying a strong foundation through keyword research, updating your content, and optimizing for mobile. As you progress, continue refining your strategies, monitoring your results, and adapting to changes in search engine algorithms.

SEO is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning. But the effort is worth it—over time, you'll see improvements in your website's visibility, traffic, and overall online presence. Stay dedicated, keep up with the latest trends, and watch your website rise in search rankings, bringing more visitors and potential customers your way. Happy optimizing!