Simple SEO Wins for Beginners In 2024

If you’re new to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), don’t worry—it’s just a way to help people find your website on Google. By making a few simple changes, you can improve your site’s ranking in search results, which can bring more visitors. Here are some easy SEO steps to get started!

1. Use Headings to Organize Your Page

Why Heading Tags Matter:

Heading tags (H1, H2, H3) help you organize your content, so it’s easy for both readers and Google to follow. Think of them like chapter titles in a book: they tell people what each section is about and make your page easier to read. Headings also help Google understand your page’s main points, which can improve your ranking.

Quick Steps:

• Use one H1 heading for the main title at the top of the page (for example, the title of this article).
• Use H2 headings for main sections, like each of the tips below.
• Use H3 headings for smaller points under each section if needed.

2. Keyword Basics: Specific Keywords Attract the Right People

Why Keywords Matter:

Keywords are the words or phrases that people type into Google when they’re searching. Choosing keywords that match what people are looking for helps Google know when to show your page. Keywords help bring in people who want exactly what you’re offering, making them more likely to stay and read.

Quick Steps:

• Think about what your page is about and write down a few words or phrases that describe it.
• Try using tools like Ubersuggest or Google’s Keyword Planner to find keywords that match what your page is about.
• Add these keywords in your title, headings, and a few times throughout your content, but don’t overuse them.

3. Write Clear, Compelling Titles and Descriptions for Your Pages

Why Titles and Descriptions Matter:

The title and description show up in Google search results, helping people decide if your page is what they’re looking for. A clear title and description can encourage people to click on your link, which means more visitors to your site.

Quick Steps:

• Keep your title short and straightforward, telling people what’s on the page (under 60 characters).
• Write a description around 150 characters that explains what the page is about.
• Include keywords in both the title and description, but keep them natural and easy to read.

4. Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly

Why A Mobile Friendly Website Matters:

Most people search the web on their phones, and Google gives preference to websites that work well on mobile. If your site doesn’t adjust for small screens, it could rank lower in search results. A mobile-friendly site also makes it easier for people to read and navigate, keeping them on your page longer.

Quick Steps:

• Ensure your web design or theme template automatically adjusts to any screen size.
• Check your site on a phone to make sure everything is easy to read and use.
• Avoid pop-ups that block the screen on mobile, as they can be annoying and hard to close.

5. Use Smaller Images to Make Your Site Load Faster

Why Image Size Matters:

Big images take longer to load, which can make your site slower. A fast-loading site improves the experience for visitors and can help with your SEO. Google prefers faster sites, so using smaller images can actually help boost your ranking.

Quick Steps:

• Compress images before uploading them to your site using tools like TinyPNG.
• Add “alt text” (a short description) to each image. This text helps visually impaired users and gives Google more context about your page.
• Name each image with a simple, descriptive name, like “woman-using-laptop.jpg,” to make it more SEO-friendly.

6. Link to Other Pages on Your Site

Why Internal Linking Matters:

Internal links (links that connect different pages on your site) help people find more content that might interest them. This keeps them on your site longer and helps Google understand how your pages are related. Linking also makes it easier for search engines to find and crawl all the pages on your site.

Quick Steps:

• In each post or page, add links to other relevant pages on your site.
• Use descriptive link text so readers know what they’re clicking on (like “Learn more about our services” instead of “click here”).
• Review older content and add links to any new pages that are related.

7. Use Google Search Console to Track Your Progress

Why Google Search Console Matters:

Google Search Console is a free tool that shows you how your site is doing on Google. You can see which words people are searching to find your site, how many times your pages show up in search, and if there are any technical issues holding your site back.

Quick Steps:

• Sign up for Google Search Console and connect it to your website (there are many online guides for this).
• Check the “Performance” section to see which keywords are bringing people to your site.
• Review the “Coverage” section for any issues that need fixing.

8. Add Simple Code (Schema) to Stand Out on Google

Why Schema Markup Matters:

Schema markup is extra code that tells Google more about your content. This code can make your search result stand out with extra details like star ratings or a list of FAQ questions. It helps your page look more interesting in search results, which can attract more clicks.

Quick Steps:

• Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to create schema code.
• Add schema to pages that would benefit from extra details, like your homepage or blog posts.
• Test your schema with Google’s Rich Results Test to make sure it’s working correctly.

9. Write Useful, Interesting Content That People Will Want to Read

Why Good Content Matters:

Good content is what keeps visitors on your site and coming back for more. Google wants to show pages that people find helpful and engaging, so the better your content, the better chance you have of ranking higher. Content that answers people’s questions or solves their problems is more likely to be shared and linked to, which also helps your SEO.

Quick Steps:

• Think about what your audience wants to learn and create content around those topics.
• Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and images to make the content easy to read.
• Aim to provide useful and unique information that readers can’t find everywhere else.

10. Keep Your Website Up to Date and Well-Maintained

Why An Up to Date Website Matters:

A well-maintained website signals to Google (and your visitors) that your site is active, trustworthy, and relevant. Outdated or broken content can hurt your search ranking and frustrate visitors, leading them to leave your site. Regular updates, like fixing broken links, updating old content, and keeping plugins or features current, all contribute to a better user experience, which Google values highly for SEO.

Maintaining your website also helps you stay relevant in your industry. By regularly adding fresh content or revising outdated information, you’re showing that your website provides the most accurate, helpful information for visitors—which can improve your ranking over time.

Quick Steps:

• Check for Broken Links: Use tools like Broken Link Checker to find and fix broken links, so visitors (and Google) don’t run into dead ends.
• Update Old Content: Review older blog posts or pages periodically. Add any new, relevant information, and update dates or statistics to keep them accurate and useful.
• Regularly Backup Your Site: Regular backups ensure you have a recent copy of your website in case of issues, so you can quickly restore it and avoid downtime.
• Keep Plugins and Software Updated: If you’re using a website builder like WordPress, make sure plugins, themes, and the core software are updated to avoid security issues and keep everything running smoothly.
• Add Fresh Content: Add new blog posts, videos, or other resources regularly to keep your site fresh. Google favors websites that are actively updated with useful, relevant content.

Quick Tips Recap

• Headings: Organize your page with H1 for the title, H2 for main sections, and H3 for subpoints.
• Keywords: Use specific phrases that match what your audience searches for.
• Titles and Descriptions: Write a clear, interesting title and a short description for each page.
• Mobile-Friendly: Make sure your site looks good and is easy to use on a phone.
• Images: Use smaller images that load quickly and add descriptive alt text.
• Internal Links: Link to other pages on your site to help people find more content.
• Google Search Console: Track your SEO progress with this free tool.
• Schema Markup: Use basic schema to stand out in search results.
• Content: Create content that’s helpful and interesting to your readers.
• Stay Up to Date: Regularly update and maintain your website yo keep your site active, relevant, and appealing.

By following these steps, you can make your website more appealing to both Google and your visitors. These simple changes will help improve your ranking and bring in more visitors throughout 2024!

To your success!