SEO Explained In 8 Simple: Let’s Clear The Confusion
SEO Explained In 8 Simple: Let’s Clear The Confusion
When I initiate a conversation about search engine optimization (SEO), some prospects assume it’s magic. This is likely due to the endless noise among hack digital marketing agencies.
SEO isn’t magic. It’s a strategic formula that involves technical website bits, keywords and valuable content — the most important element.
I’ll simplify things without getting granular. The following are the basic steps of a typical SEO campaign:
Step 1: Technical Audit/Implementation
Think of heading to the garage with a noisy engine: The mechanic must diagnose before wrenching. It’s the same with an SEO audit.
First, you need a strong technical foundation. Technical SEO addresses site speed, site architecture, clean code and duplicate content issues, to name very few.
Reputable agencies will start by auditing the website’s technicals. This requires top-level tools and skilled SEOs. Once everything is diagnosed, a plan can be created to address all issues. Audits can take anywhere between 10 and 50 hours of work depending on the size of the website. They are a must to get things running smoothly before anything else.
Ask the agency for a copy of the audit. It’s interesting to see exactly what they are fixing — and the best audits explain why.
Step 2: Keyword Research/Mapping
Keyword research is next. A decade ago, it was much simpler: Find what people are searching for — the more granular (what SEOs call long-tail), the better. For example, ranking for “Bridgestone sport bike tires” or “Bridgestone tires for Ducati Monster” would drive much more qualified traffic than “motorcycle tires.”
Agencies must consider voice search when completing keyword research. These keywords must be properly mapped to the website, which connects the page’s purpose and the audience’s needs by placing the optimal keywords in just the right places.
Step 3: Title Tag/Meta Description Rewrite
Title tags — the main titles you see in search results pages — are simply the headlines of stories, and some of the most essential elements for search engines and users. They should be keyworded to attract the curiosity of the reader.
