SEO: let’s get back to the basics

22 July 2024/Maelle Coutenay/,

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a set of techniques aimed at improving the visibility and ranking of a website in search engine results. Mastering SEO is essential for attracting organic traffic, increasing brand awareness, and generating leads. Here is a practical guide to learning SEO techniques, with concrete examples and advice on the best platforms to use.

| Understanding the Basics of SEO

Keyword Research

Keyword research is the first crucial step in SEO. It involves identifying the terms and phrases that users type into search engines.


Tips:

On-page Optimization

On-page optimization involves improving the content and structure of your pages to make them more attractive to search engines.


Tips:

  • Title tags and meta descriptions: Ensure each page has a unique title tag and a relevant meta description containing your main keywords.
  • Content structure: Use H1, H2, H3 tags to structure your content. This helps search engines understand the hierarchy of information.
  • Images: Optimize images by using descriptive alt tags and compressing files to improve loading speed.

| Advanced SEO Techniques

Technical SEO

Technical SEO involves improving the technical aspects of your site to help search engines discover and index it more easily.


Tips:

  • Loading speed: Use tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze and improve your site’s speed.
  • Mobile-friendly: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly by using responsive design.
  • XML Sitemap: Create and submit an XML sitemap to Google Search Console to facilitate the indexing of your pages.

Link Building

Link building is a technique that involves acquiring high-quality backlinks (incoming links) from other websites.


Tips:

  • Guest blogging: Write articles for other blogs in your niche and include links to your site.
  • Social media: Share your content on social media to attract natural backlinks.
  • Tracking tools: Use Moz Link Explorer or Ahrefs Backlink Checker to monitor and analyze your backlinks.

| Essential SEO Platforms and Tools

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a free tool that allows you to track and analyze your website’s traffic. It helps you understand how visitors interact with your site and which pages perform best.

Tips:

  • Set up goals to track conversions (such as newsletter sign-ups or purchases).
  • Analyze traffic sources to see where your visitors come from (organic search, social media, etc.).

Google Search Console

Google Search Console is another free tool from Google that helps you monitor and maintain your site’s presence in Google search results.

Tips:

  • Submit your XML sitemap to help Google index your site.
  • Monitor crawl errors and fix them to improve your site’s indexability.

| Some Platforms:

  • SEMrush
    SEMrush is a very popular paid platform for SEO, offering a full range of tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, site audit, and more.

  • Ahrefs
    Ahrefs is another top-tier paid tool for SEO, particularly known for its link building and backlink analysis capabilities.

  • Yoast SEO
    For WordPress users, the Yoast SEO plugin is essential. It helps optimize every aspect of your pages and posts easily.

| Practical Tips to Improve Your SEO

Create Quality Content
Content is king in SEO. Ensure your content is informative, engaging, and meets your audience’s needs.

  • Regularly publish blog posts on relevant topics for your audience.
  • Use varied formats like videos, infographics, and podcasts to diversify your content.

Optimize for Voice Search
With the increasing use of voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, optimizing for voice search is becoming crucial.

  • Use natural and conversational phrases
  • Answer frequently asked questions by your audience (FAQ)

Monitor and Analyze Your Performance
Use the mentioned tools to monitor your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Learning SEO techniques is an ongoing process that requires practice and patience. By using the tools and advice mentioned, you can improve your website’s visibility, attract more organic traffic, and achieve your marketing goals. Remember to stay updated with the latest trends and algorithm updates to keep your site at the top of search results.

Happy SEO! 🚀

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"SEO: let’s get back to the basics"