Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving a website’s rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs) in order to increase visibility and traffic. Proper SEO implementation requires an understanding of both technical and content-focused best practices. Here is an overview of how SEO works, step-by-step:
- Keyword Research
The first step in an SEO strategy is conducting thorough keyword research to identify high-value keywords and phrases that relate to your business offerings. Look at search volume data to determine keywords with sufficient search interest. Also analyze keyword difficulty to target keywords you can realistically rank for. Useful keyword research tools include Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz Keyword Explorer.
- Website Audit
Next, audit your website’s technical health to identify any issues impacting site performance and SEO. Check page speed with Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix. Fix any crawl errors in Google Search Console. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly. And eliminate duplicate content, broken links, thin content, etc. Technical SEO establishes the infrastructure for ranking well.
- On-Page Optimization
With target keywords in mind, optimize your website pages to improve relevancy and authority signals. This includes optimizing page titles and meta descriptions to include keywords. Use keywords appropriately throughout your content. Add alt text to images and videos. Structure pages with semantic HTML markup. And embed relevant internal links to pass authority around your site. On-page signals are critical for ranking individual pages.
- Link Building
The more quality links from external sites that point to pages on your website, the better those pages will rank in SERPs. An effective link building strategy involves content creation, outreach, and other tactics to earn earned links. You can also build site-wide authority with links to your homepage. Useful link building tactics include guest posting, resource page development, influencer partnerships, etc.
- Local SEO
For businesses operating locally, local SEO is critical for bringing in nearby customers. Optimize Google My Business listing with complete, accurate business information. Earn reviews and local links. Improve local landing pages with city-specific content and keywords. Create location pages if operating in multiple areas. Ranking well locally ensures customers can find your brick-and-mortar or service area.
- Content Creation
Search engines value websites with regularly updated, original content focused on specific topics. An ongoing content marketing strategy is therefore essential for SEO success. Ideal content provides value for readers while naturally incorporating keywords you want to rank for. Refresh existing content as well. Blogs, videos, and other media are great for SEO content.
- Technical Upkeep
SEO is an ongoing process requiring regular upkeep and monitoring. Continuously check for and fix technical errors. Monitor site performance with Google Analytics. Watch keyword rankings and traffic. Update content to keep it fresh. And leverage new best practices as search algorithms evolve. Remaining agile and proactive ensures maximum search visibility.
- Schema Markup
Add schema markup to your pages to markup content types, improve snippet displays, and enhance how search engines interpret your content. Schema also amplifies visitor signals. Useful schemas include corporate contact, local business, FAQ page, reviews, events, products, and more. Structured data results in better CTR and higher rankings.
- User Experience
At its core, SEO is about providing value to searchers. If users have a positive experience on your site, engagement signals like time on site, pages per visit, and bounce rate improve. This boosts rankings. Ensure fast load speeds, compelling copy, effective navigation, and a mobile-friendly responsive design. UX and conversions go hand in hand with SEO.
- Backlink Auditing
Check incoming links regularly to identify bad links that may harm SEO, like those from low-quality sites. Disavow spam links in Google Search Console. Reach out to site owners to remove harmful links. Prioritize earning links from reputable sites closely aligned to your niche. Link quality is more important than quantity.
- Competition Analysis
Research how competitors rank for shared target keywords. Who ranks first, and can you identify their SEO strategies? Study their technical performance and backlinks. This competitive analysis uncovers optimization opportunities and informs your own SEO roadmap. Outperforming rivals takes your visibility to the next level.
- Google Algorithm Updates
Google constantly updates its search algorithms, affecting rankings across the web. Stay on top of new updates like core updates and policy changes. Identify any optimization areas impacted at your site. Then make necessary adjustments to regain lost rankings and remain compliant. Rolling with algorithm changes is key.
- Conversion Tracking
Installing tracking pixels like Google Analytics allows you to monitor website conversions across channels. Connect Analytics with Search Console to see keywords driving website traffic and conversions. This reveals your highest-converting keywords. Optimize pages around these terms to maximize your SEM strategy for ROI.
- Google Search Console
All websites should be registered with Google Search Console to access key SEO insights. Review crawl stats, index coverage, and sitemaps info. Check performance reports to identify high-traffic keywords. Diagnose technical errors impacting crawling. Search Console data uncovers optimization opportunities.
- Mobile Optimization
With a majority of searches now on mobile, having a mobile-friendly responsive site is mandatory. Test your website on various devices. Improve site speed on mobile networks. Adjust sizing, spacing, text size, CTA buttons etc. for small screens. Mobile SEO establishes relevance for multi-device searches.
Mastering these key steps in proper implementation order provides the foundation for effective SEO resulting in higher rankings, visibility, web traffic, and conversions over time. SEO is an evolving landscape demanding flexibility as algorithms change. But the fundamental best practices remain reliable guidelines for search engine visibility. Stick to the fundamentals, and your SEO strategy will deliver results.
