How can I start SEO as a beginner?

Author: Semrush Team
1 min read
Jan 10, 2025

Here’s how you can start SEO as a beginner:

  1. Learn how search engines work. Understand how Google and other search engines find, index, and rank webpages. This basic knowledge will guide your decisions.
  2. Do keyword research. Use simple keyword research tools to find words and phrases people enter into search engines. Start with a few relevant keywords that align with what your site is mainly about.
  3. Create helpful content. Write useful and easy-to-read content. Aim to answer likely questions and solve real problems.
  4. Optimize on-page details. Refine meta titles, meta descriptions, headings, and image alt tags. These small changes help search engines understand your content.
  5. Check your site’s technical health. Ensure your site loads quickly, works well on mobile devices, is well-structured, and is easy for search engines to access. Solid technical SEO helps both users and rankings.
  6. Earn quality backlinks. Attract links from reputable sites by producing content worth sharing. Good backlinks show search engines your site is trustworthy.
  7. Monitor and adjust. Use free tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to track results. If something isn’t working, make changes and try new tactics.

When you’re just starting out, having only a few pages and limited content is normal. Even at this early stage, taking small steps can help search engines find and understand your site. Keep your pages simple and easy to navigate—and focus on creating helpful content that answers real questions.

As you add quality content and refine your approach over time, search engines like Google will discover your site, recognize your site’s value, and reward your website with better rankings and visibility.

Further reading: How to Do SEO for Beginners

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