About 68% of all activities online begin with search engines like Google and Bing. Most people (75%) don’t look beyond the first page of results, though. With search engine optimization (SEO), you can boost your ranking.
Then, you can reach people as they’re searching for your product or service. Consumers can click on your website, learn about your brand, and start shopping!
Not sure how to start using SEO for your business? Keep this beginner’s guide to SEO handy. With these tips, you can start using search engine optimization right away.
Then, you can boost your ranking online and start reaching more customers than ever before!
Start reaching this beginner’s guide to search engine optimization and give your business the boost it needs today.
What is SEO?
First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is SEO, exactly?
Search engine optimization uses keywords and other ranking factors to determine where your website ranks on search pages. A higher ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs) will position you in front of more customers.
Then, consumers can click on your website to learn more about your product or service.
You can use keyword research to determine what keywords your ideal customers use during a search. Then, you can create content with those keywords in mind. Your website content can include blog posts, infographics, eBooks, videos, and more.
Your fresh, engaging content can show consumers you understand the problems they’re experiencing. They’ll see you have the experience and expertise they need.
In order to optimize your SEO content, you’ll need to choose a single target keyword for each post. Then, you’ll place the target keyword in the:
- URL
- Page title
- Heading
- Opening and closing paragraphs
- Image alt text
- Meta description
- Body text
It’s not enough to strategically place your keywords, though. You’ll need to keep up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, too. Otherwise, your ranking might plummet.
If you’re not appearing on the first page of results, consumers might not find your business.
Local SEO is an important part of your SEO strategy as well. For example, you’ll need to update your Google My Business (GMB) listing. Your GMB listing will help more customers find your store.
The Benefits of SEO
Why should you start using this beginner’s guide to SEO? Before using SEO basics, it helps to understand how SEO can benefit your business.
For starters, SEO can help you rank higher on SERPs. Remember, a high ranking will position you in front of more customers. Your brand awareness and recognition will start to rise as a result.
Without SEO, however, consumers might never realize your business exists. They could struggle to find your website or your store’s location.
SEO can help you generate more website traffic, too.
As you continue generating traffic, Google will take notice. Your ranking will continue to rise, helping you reach more customers.
Using this beginner’s guide to search engine optimization can help you generate more leads, too. In fact, about 60% of marketers say SEO helps generate more leads than any other marketing initiative.
Other benefits of learning SEO basics include:
- Generating brand trust and loyalty
- Appearing as a thought leader in your industry
- Ranking ahead of competitors
- Generating more online leads and conversions
- Improving your ROI
Remember, consumers are already searching for your product or service online. You can leverage that existing interest to boost sales.
As brand trust and loyalty grow, you can retain long-term customers, too. You can generate repeat sales, boosting your ROI.
SEO Basics
To use this beginner’s guide to SEO, start by learning as much as you can about your target audience. Segment your broad audience into smaller groups. Then, create a separate SEO strategy with each buyer’s persona in mind.
Google considers the user’s search intent before producing rankings. You can appeal to their search intent by understanding what the customer is looking for.
Then, you can create content with their distinct needs in mind.
Once you understand who your customers are, learn more about what they’re searching for online using keyword research. Create a list of keywords your customers use in a search. Then, create high-quality, engaging content.
Improve your content by adding data and research from high-authority websites. Linking to other websites can boost your SEO ranking.
Keep up with the latest SEO trends, too. For example, voice searches are becoming more popular. You’ll need to consider your website design and development as well.
Google now uses mobile-first indexing to determine rankings. Optimizing your website for mobile devices could give your ranking a boost.
Why Hire a Pro
Google’s search engine algorithm changes throughout the year. If you want to effectively learn SEO, find an expert. They’ll ensure your SEO strategy is up-to-date and generating results.
Otherwise, you could unintentionally use black hat SEO tactics. Black hat SEO could get your website penalized. You won’t appear in Google searches, impacting your ability to reach customers.
Your SEO expert can help you create your link-building strategy, too.
About 66% of pages don’t have backlinks. Without backlinks, you might struggle to improve your ranking. Generating backlinks from high-authority websites can take time, though.
Trying to develop an effective SEO strategy alone can take time and effort. Remember, you’ll need to generate audience research. You’ll need to determine which keywords to use, too.
Then, you’ll need to create high-quality content with the user’s search intent in mind. These steps could take time away from your customers.
Instead, find an SEO company that can provide the experience and expertise you need. With their help, you can boost your ranking and get ahead of the competition.
Then, you can generate more business and boost your ROI.
Start With Search: Your Beginner’s Guide to SEO
Don’t let your SEO ranking drop off the first page. Instead, keep this beginner’s guide to SEO handy. With a strong SEO marketing strategy, you can boost your ranking and reach more customers online.
Remember, you don’t have to develop your SEO strategy alone. Consider working with a talented SEO team for help.
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