Understanding SEO: A Brief Beginners Guide
Think of SEO as your website’s passport to the online world. It’s the set of strategies that ensures search engines comprehend and value your content, presenting it to users when relevant queries are made.
Keywords: The Navigator's Compass.
Keywords are not just words; they are the lifelines connecting users to your content. But not all keywords are equal, so whittling down is not always a straightforward task.
For example, if you have a travel blog targeted to budget travellers, and you’re just starting out, it’s best to target long tail keywords, rather than keeping it too broad.
Broad keywords, like “budget travel” are highly competitive.
While a long tail keyword like “budget-friendly travel tips for solo travellers” is more specific and achievable. Especially if you include specific regions, and focus content based on FAQs surrounding that topic.
On-Page SEO: Crafting a User-Friendly Experience
Imagine your website as a book, and search engines as readers who understand only code.
Clear and organised meta title tags signal the content inside, like a book cover.
Meta descriptions then provide a blurb or extract to summarise the book.
H1 tags are the main points, like chapters of the book, for example “Exploring Europe on a Budget” while H2 and H3 tags (subheadings) provide structure, like “Hostel vs Hotel: Pros and Cons.”
URLs are like the table of contents – straightforward and guiding users to specific chapters. For instance, “yourwebsite.com/budget-travel/spain/pros-vs-cons.”
Off-Page SEO: Building Bridges of Trust
In SEO, trust is currency. Backlinks are recommendations from others in your industry. If a reputable travel site links to your budget tips, it’s like a respected friend vouching for you. Search engines trust this recommendation, boosting your site’s credibility.
If On-Page SEO is your book, then Off-Page SEO is your entourage of advocates and trusting critics praising your work.
Technical SEO: Optimising the Foundations
Search engines are like curious explorers navigating your website’s landscape. Mobile-friendliness ensures your site welcomes all travellers, regardless of their device.
Site speed ensures a smooth journey – users and search engines both appreciate fast-loading pages.
An XML sitemap acts as a guide, ensuring search engines explore every corner of your digital domain. It’s essentially a list of all your URLs.
This, along with your URL structure, should be like a neatly kept filling cabinet. Don’t have messy organised folders, everything should be kept exactly where it’s expected to be found. Likewise, any secret pages should be excluded.
Monitoring and Analytics: The Navigational Tools
Google Analytics and Search Console are your trusty compass and map. They provide insights into your audience, their behaviour, and the performance of your content. These tools help you navigate and adjust your course based on real-time data.
The SEO Landscape: Strategy and Adaptation
Not all seas are the same, and not all strategies work universally. Some keywords are like crowded tourist destinations – competitive and challenging. A strategic approach involves targeting achievable keywords or leveraging local terms, ensuring you stand out in less congested waters.
Patience and Persistence
SEO is not an instant teleportation device; it’s a climb. Consistency, quality content, and adaptability will determine your success. Be patient, and over time, your website will rise in the ranks towards search engine summits 🏔️