Search engine optimization basics. The ideas for this post series came to me when I was learning to bake bread from my cousin. Yes, I know. Food is my muse for many a thing 😉

Any way, here’s why SEO or search engine optimization is a lot like learning to bake bread: 

1. You need to follow a recipe. With SEO, you need to follow some basic principles and steps so that you start right and smart.

2. Bread making takes more time than say, whipping up a batch of cookies. There’s proving, kneading, rising, kneading some more. With optimizing your site for SEO, too, it does take some time too especially when you’re doing it right. In fact, if anyone promises you overnight ranking on page #1, run fast and as far as you can.

3. The end result is totally scrumptious. The same is true for your site. A well-optimized site is not only incredibly engaging but also, super effective for your business as well.

So now that we know the whole history behind this post series, let’s get started with the first post. Something simple and easy to help you begin with.

Ready to bake some scrumptious SEO into your site?

Roll up your sleeves and get started.

Search Engine Optimization Basics for Beginners

Let’s dig into 3 quick, easy and non-scary ways to improve your site’s search engine optimization status and bring targeted customers running to you for a slice { or sale 😉 }:

1. Use Keywords for Optimum Optimization

Keywords form the base of search engine optimization and represent the search terms that people are using to look for what you offer. Naturally, you want your site to rank well for those keywords.

So, how do you find keywords that would help you rank higher on search engine pages?

By doing some keyword research.

I have a step-by-step guide in Content Cookbook but for starters you can begin with a free tool, like the Google Adwords Keyword  Planner Tool or you can hire an analyst {ahem, ME!} to do the digging and analyzing.

Once you have your list of keywords, here are 3 cool things to do right away:

1. Use them in your meta title and meta description. While search engines no longer use metadata for ranking, your meta description and title will help people understand what you’re offering easily and quickly.

If you’re on WordPress, I recommend you use the FREE SEO by Yoast plugin to make entering all of this meta stuff super simple. Check this post out to see how to use meta titles and get some more power-packed SEO tips.

2. Using the keywords generated, brainstorm a list of at least 10 topics for your business blog. If you don’t have a blog, now is a good time to create one. Static sites take longer to rank than sites with dynamic content or blogs. So, set up a business blog now.

3. Pick one page on your site, review and revise the text to make it more search engine friendly without impacting readability and value to the reader. Repeat the exercise with another page the next day.

2. Link Up for Better Ranking

Ever wonder why you’re creating great content, using keywords and still not ranking?

It’s because of links and the love they spread.

Now, how do you get links?

You start by interlinking YOUR own content. It increases site stickiness and also, credibility in Google’s eyes.

Next, you get links by being incredible with your content and your expertise.

Give people a reason to link to you and your site. Offer them amazing value in everything you write and share.

Other ways to get links include guest posting, commenting on blogs {but PLEASE don’t leave links to your blogs IN a comment}, getting mentions in the press, sponsoring and supporting events and charities online.

3. SEO-friendly Social Media

Yes, social media is good for SEO. Socially shared content ranks better and higher.

So, when you create killer content, not only do you increase your potential of getting linked to but also increase the social share-ability of that content.

Add clear social calls to action. Ask readers to tweet, share on Facebook or pin your content.

Make sure your site has social icons so that users can follow you.

Every tweet, FB post, comment and ‘pin’ sends a message to the search engines that your content is valuable.

So, there you have it. 3 easy as pie hacks to help you start with optimizing your site for targeted traffic and strong search engine visibility.

Here’s what I want you to do:

Once you decide WHICH tip you’ll be using, share with me in the comments and then, tell me what ELSE are you struggling with SEOwise.

I want this post series to be tailor made and be insanely useful, so help me do that. Okay? Let’s talk in the comments.

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