top of page
Search

SEO for Beginners: How to Rank Higher on Google

  • Writer: Jonathan Eyres
    Jonathan Eyres
  • May 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

SEO for Beginners: How to Rank Higher on Google

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the foundation of digital visibility. For businesses just starting out, mastering the basics of SEO can make the difference between being buried on page ten or showing up in front of potential customers on page one.

This guide will break down what SEO is, why it matters, and how you can start optimizing your website today.

What is SEO?

SEO is the practice of improving your website and content to increase visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). When done well, it helps drive organic (unpaid) traffic to your site from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

SEO is typically divided into three key categories:

  • On-Page SEO: Optimizing content and HTML source code (e.g., headlines, meta tags, internal links).

  • Off-Page SEO: Building your site’s authority through backlinks, social signals, and brand mentions.

  • Technical SEO: Ensuring your site is crawlable, fast, and mobile-friendly.

Why SEO Matters

  • Organic traffic is high-intent: People searching are actively looking for solutions.

  • Cost-effective: Unlike paid ads, SEO traffic doesn’t stop when your budget runs out.

  • Builds credibility: Higher search rankings signal trust and authority to users.

Getting Started: On-Page SEO Basics

1. Keyword Research

Start by identifying keywords your target audience is likely to search. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush can help.

  • Target long-tail keywords (e.g., "best running shoes for flat feet") to reach specific audiences.

2. Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

  • Title tags should include your target keyword and stay under 60 characters.

  • Meta descriptions should be under 160 characters and offer a clear summary that entices clicks.

3. Header Tags (H1, H2, H3)

  • Use headers to structure your content clearly.

  • Include keywords naturally in headings where appropriate.

4. Internal Linking

  • Link to relevant pages on your site to help users and search engines navigate your content.

5. Image Optimization

  • Compress images for faster loading.

  • Use descriptive file names and alt text to improve accessibility and SEO.

Technical SEO Essentials

  • Mobile Optimization: Use responsive design to ensure your site works on all devices.

  • Site Speed: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can identify what’s slowing your site down.

  • XML Sitemap: Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console to help with indexing.

  • SSL Certificate: Secure sites (HTTPS) are favored by Google.

Off-Page SEO Tips

  • Build Backlinks: Reach out to industry blogs or directories for guest posts and mentions.

  • Get Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and relevant sites.

  • Be Active on Social Media: Share your content to increase visibility and engagement.

Local SEO: Get Found in Your Community

For businesses that serve a local audience, optimizing for local search is critical.

Local SEO and Google Profile

  • Google Business Profile: Claim and fully optimize your listing.

  • Local Keywords: Use location-specific terms (e.g., "plumber in Nashville").

  • NAP Consistency: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number are consistent across directories.

  • Local Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave Google reviews.

Search Everywhere Optimization: The Next Frontier

As users increasingly rely on AI-powered platforms (like ChatGPT or voice assistants) for answers, SEO is evolving.

  • Structured Data: Use schema markup to help machines understand your content.

  • Conversational Content: Optimize for natural language and Q&A formats.

  • Brand Mentions & Authority: AI systems prioritize trusted, well-known sources. Building authority across channels matters more than ever.

Optimizing your content for visibility in these platforms ensures you're discoverable beyond traditional search engines.

Measuring SEO Success

Use tools like:

  • Google Analytics: Monitor traffic and user behavior.

  • Google Search Console: See keyword rankings and indexing status.

  • Ahrefs or Moz: Track backlinks and domain authority.

Final Thoughts

SEO is a long-term investment, but even small changes can have a significant impact over time. Focus on creating helpful content, optimizing your pages, and earning backlinks—and you’ll be well on your way to higher rankings.

Ready to go deeper? Explore our full guide to digital marketing or reach out to our team for hands-on SEO support.


bottom of page