Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) might sound like a technical buzzword, but it’s essentially about helping your audience find you online. Whether you’re a freelancer, blogger, or business owner, SEO plays a key role in boosting your website’s visibility and attracting the right audience.
So, do you need to worry about SEO? The answer depends on your goals. If you’re promoting a business, blog, or freelance service online, then yes, you should care about SEO. Otherwise, it’s not something to lose sleep over.
Why does SEO matter?
Think of SEO as your website’s ticket to being noticed. If you want people to find your site through search engines like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Ecosia, SEO helps make that possible.
Since Google holds over 80% of the search engine market share, focusing your efforts there makes the most sense. Other search engines often pick up data from Google automatically, so submitting your site to Google is a great starting point.
Getting started with SEO: the basics
If you’re new to SEO, here are a few simple steps to help your website appear in search results:
1. Submit a website to Google
Google Search Console is a free tool that helps you monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google search results. To get started:
- Visit Google Search Console.
- Create a free account or log in with your Google credentials.
- Add your website by following the on-screen instructions.
- Verify ownership using one of the provided methods (e.g., uploading an HTML file or DNS verification).
Once this is done, Google will start indexing your site, making it easier for users to find you online.
2. Use an XML sitemap
An XML sitemap is like a roadmap for search engines, helping bots (automated crawlers) understand your site’s structure. Many platforms, like WordPress, have plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO or Rank Math) that can generate a sitemap for you.
Submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console ensures that all your important pages are indexed, speeding up the process of appearing in search results.
3. Notify Google of updates automatically
Every time you publish new content, an SEO plugin can notify Google automatically. This ensures your updates are indexed quickly. While this isn’t strictly necessary (Google bots will find your content eventually), it can help speed things up – especially if your content is linked from your homepage or included in your sitemap.
Basic SEO vs. active SEO
- Basic SEO is about ensuring your site appears in search results when someone searches for your name or exact matches.
- Active SEO is about competing for broader, high-traffic terms, like “freelance web design” or “best coffee shop near me.”
The latter involves strategies like:
- Keyword Research: Finding and targeting search terms your audience uses.
- Content Marketing: Creating valuable content that ranks for specific keywords.
- Backlink Building: Getting other websites to link to your content.
These strategies take time and effort but can significantly increase traffic and sales if done correctly.
Analytics: tracking your progress
To understand how your site is performing, set up analytics tools. Google Analytics is a popular, free option that lets you track:
- Traffic sources (e.g., search engines, social media, direct visits).
- User behavior (e.g., time spent on pages, clicks, bounce rate).
- Conversion rates (e.g., sales, signups).
For more advanced tracking and optimisation, consider using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs. These tools provide deeper insights, such as:
- Keyword rankings and performance over time.
- Competitor analysis to see how your site stacks up.
- Suggestions for improving on-page SEO, like fixing broken links or optimising content structure.
Using these tools in conjunction with Google Analytics can give you a more complete picture of your website’s performance and help you identify specific opportunities to improve.
For smaller websites, analytics may not seem critical, but they become invaluable as your traffic grows or if you run paid ads to promote your site.
DIY SEO checklist
If you’re just starting out, here’s a simple checklist:
- Submit your site to Google Search Console.
- Create and submit an XML sitemap.
- Install an SEO plugin for automatic updates (if using WordPress).
- Add meta titles and descriptions to your pages.
- Optimise images for faster load times.
- Include keywords in your content naturally – don’t overdo it!
- Ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
These steps will give your site a solid foundation for being discovered in search results.
When should you invest in professional SEO?
If you’re aiming to rank for highly competitive keywords, professional SEO services may be worth considering. However, they often start at several thousand pounds per month and require a long-term commitment.
For those on a budget, focus on alternative strategies like:
- Word-of-mouth referrals
- Social media marketing
- Local SEO: Claim your Google My Business profile and optimise it for local searches.
Common misconceptions about SEO
- “SEO is a one-time job.”
SEO is an ongoing process. Search engines constantly update their algorithms, so staying consistent is key. - “You need analytics to succeed.”
Analytics can help track performance, but they’re not mandatory unless you’re actively promoting your site or running ads. - “Cheap SEO services will work.”
Low-cost services often use outdated or black-hat tactics that can hurt your site’s ranking in the long run.
Conclusion: take action today
SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with the basics—like submitting your site to Google and creating a sitemap—you can lay a strong foundation for success. If you want to take things further, consider using tools like Google Analytics or investing in content marketing.
Remember, your online presence is an ongoing project. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll see results over time.
Have questions or want to learn more? Drop a comment below or get in touch – we’d love to help!
Related links
- Google Search Console website for step-by-step instructions on getting started.
- Rank Math plugin page for readers using WordPress who need an SEO plugin to simplify optimisation.
- SEMrush’s homepage for advanced tracking, keyword research, and competitor analysis tools.
- Mobile-Friendly Test Tool to ensure their site is optimised for mobile users.
- Ecosia, a sustainable alternative to traditional search engines, for additional relevance to eco-conscious readers.
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