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Search engine optimization, or SEO, can be a challenging task for people who want to learn one of the ways to bring readers in. This feeling is understandable for several reasons.
SEO involves several key steps, including understanding how search engines work, identifying the right keywords, and consistently providing valuable content to readers. It also requires building links to the site, making sure that visitors have a positive experience, and staying on top of trends.
Google is the default search engine for much of the world. According to StatCounter, Google held an 89.57% worldwide market share between May 2024 and May 2025.
However, as the Google team frequently updates its algorithm, which is the set of automated rules that influence a site’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs or SERP), keeping up with SEO feels Sisyphean.
With all that in mind, SEO is not just for experts. Budding site owners don’t need a Ph.D. to get started. Here are ten basic tips to help dive into SEO with confidence.
1. Learn the basics
Start by learning the terms. Begin with keywords, words or phrases that accurately describe a product, service, or topic. Backlinks are URLs from one web page to another, which act as referrals from other sites. Page ranking refers to the computer-automated process of assigning a position to a URL on SERP, typically based on its relevance and authority.
There are more terms, but these are all good starting points.
2. Keyword research
To identify keywords that the site’s target audience is actively searching for, use tools such as Keywords Everywhere, Google Keyword Planner, and SEMrush. These tools provide valuable insights into search trends and keyword performance.
Specifically, focus on long-tail keywords, or phrases that consist of three or more words, which can yield more targeted results by capturing niche interests and specific user intents.
Think about what people type into Google to make it serve up what they want. People don’t type formal, full-length sentences, they will type things like: “lady gaga alejandro lyrics” or “creative writing prompts.”
By focusing on these longer, more specific phrases, site owners can refine their content strategy and better align it with the particular queries of their target audience, which can help drive qualified traffic to the site.
3. On-page optimization
Make sure to optimize the article by naturally incorporating keywords into titles, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the content.
For instance, the keyword for this article is “basic SEO tips.” Observe how consistently and differently the phrase appears throughout the content.
A meta description is a short summary of what a webpage contains. It usually has between 150 and 160 characters. To write a good one, integrate the article’s target keyword.
However, keyword stuffing is bad form all around, so don’t do that.
Keyword stuffing is filling a page with too many keywords to try to improve its ranking in search results. This often means repeating the same words too much, making the content hard to read and less enjoyable. Keyword stuffing can lead to ranking penalties.
4. Quality content
To get the best results, create high-quality content that addresses users’ questions and concerns. Search engines prefer informative, engaging, and user-friendly content. Images, graphics, and videos are also helpful.
Sites that provide detailed explanations, practical examples, and actionable insights build trust with readers, which can help improve rankings and user engagement.
5. Mobile optimization
Many readers typically find sites on their mobile devices first. It’s a fact of life. So, it’s crucial to optimize for mobile use. Implementing a responsive design, where the layout and content automatically adjust to fit various screen sizes, helps users navigate the site easily and enjoy a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets.
WordPress makes this easy, as they have a preview mode in their Theme Customizer tab that shows what the site looks like when the theme is installed on the site.
There is also a button in the Post screen to test how the article looks before publishing. It’s in the Post or Page interface, and the button looks like a little computer screen.
Prioritizing mobile-friendliness enhances user engagement, reduces bounce rates, and contributes to higher conversion rates. Make sure to test the site across different devices to provide a consistent, user-friendly experience for all visitors.
6. Page load speed
To significantly improve a site’s loading speed, use tools that analyze site performance, such as Pingdom or Google PageSpeed Insights. These tools can help evaluate server response times, image optimization, and JavaScript execution, and also generate specific recommendations for improvement. Other areas to improve the page load speed is to try and minimize CSS and JavaScript files and use browser caching.
Regularly monitoring page load speed will help address potential issues early and maintain an optimal loading speed.
7. Build backlinks
Focus on acquiring backlinks from relevant, established, and reputable sites. High-quality backlinks are crucial to bolster site authority. To achieve this, engage in strategies such as guest blogging on well-respected sites, participating in relevant industry forums, or building relationships with influential figures. Another option is to use a service like Peter Shankman’s free Source of Sources mailing list, where subscribers can provide niche expertise to journalists.
Above all, create unique and valuable content that others would want to link to, such as informative articles, infographics, or original research. Prioritizing quality instead of quantity can boost site credibility and enhance visibility in search results.
8. Use analytics
Gain a strategic advantage with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, which offer valuable insights into site performance and user behavior. Both tools can help monitor and improve the site’s overall effectiveness and reach.
Google Analytics tracks various metrics through an embedded code, such as visitor demographics, traffic sources, and user engagement. Google Search Console provides valuable data on the site’s visibility, including keyword performance, indexing status, and any potential issues that could affect ranking.
9. Stay updated
SEO is an ever-evolving field that requires continuous learning and adaptation. It’s essential to be aware of any relevant blogs, social media profiles, and places like Reddit to navigate this dynamic landscape.
These resources not only provide insights into the latest trends and algorithmic updates but also share best practices that can enhance content strategies. Staying engaged with these communities will empower site owners to make informed decisions about what direction to take the site.
10. Be patient
SEO is a long-term strategy, and results can take time. Consistency and ongoing efforts are essential for achieving and maintaining a good ranking. Everyone starts somewhere. With dedication and an open mind, the knowledge and skills will come with time.
Happy learning!
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