SEO for Beginners: How does SEO work?

Welcome to the world of SEO. As an experienced SEO specialist with over a decade of experience, I invite you to explore the world of SEO with me.

This practical guide on SEO for Beginners covers several features. Here I want to explain the various topics, including understanding search engines, optimizing a website and selecting the right tools. I will also discuss building quality backlinks.

My approach to SEO for Beginners focuses not only on search engines but more importantly on website users. SEO is all about continuously creating value for these users. In this article, I tell you more about it.

How does SEO for beginners work?

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a process by which we optimize a website for search engines. The main goal is to improve the visibility of the website in the search results of search engines, such as Google. Consider:

• higher positions in Google;
• More conversions from SEO;
• lower costs for Google Ads.

SEO is a strategic approach to reaching target audiences and providing them with relevant information. Companies can transform significantly through SEO.(1)

This is often done in practice by tightening the following components:

• the technology;
• the content;
• usability;
• authority (link building).

When all these components are in place, you will at some point obtain improved positions in Google as well.

Getting started with my

SEO course?

Check out my SEO course here and get started with SEO optimization yourself.

Why is SEO for beginners important?

In a world where almost everyone consults search engines for answers, SEO is very important. An effective SEO strategy ensures that users find a website at the right time. This is not just about visibility, the main goal is to provide value to the target audience at the right time. Only when this component is in order can SEO reach its full potential.

Do you always need an SEO specialist to do this? Certainly not. Especially for the more basic things, you can get started yourself.(2)

SEO for beginners summarized

Watch the video for a summary of SEO for Beginners. In a short time, all the important information is explained to you.

Your first step (SEO explanation)

Enough with the introduction. Let’s get started. I provide a concrete checklist on SEO for beginners so you can work on this right away.

Suitable tools for beginners

Of course, always choose the tool you like to work with yourself, but to give an idea of some free tools (or partially free). (3)

• Google Analytics
• Google Search Console
• Ubersuggest
• AnswerThePublic
• Keyword Tool
• Moz
• Yoast SEO
• SEOquake
• Google Trends
• Screaming Frog

SEO content for beginners

My (short) checklist for SEO content for beginners. See this page for the full checklist.

• quality always over quantity;
• Choose keywords that are actually searched for in Google;
• Be sure to use enriched content (images, videos, etc.);
• Alternate long sentences with short sentences (readability);
• Write actively when needed;
• Make use of sources in the content (as I do).

Some stand-alone points to consider. It really comes down to the quality of SEO content writing.

Technical SEO for Beginners

When it comes to technical SEO for beginners, I always think of the division between technical SEO for Google and technical SEO for the user. For beginners, I’ll stick with technology for the user:

• speed up the website;
• Make sure the website is responsive;
• make sure all pages work on the website (no 404s);
• Make sure the enriched content is of high quality (sharp images, for example);
• Make sure internal links are intuitive.

Some things to consider. This part in particular will be slightly more complex than the other components.

UX for Beginners

A bit of user experience optimization is always important in SEO for beginners. Some basic things I keep in mind:

• Make sure the customer journey is laid out;
• Ensure that the user does not encounter unexpected things on the website;
• reviews are always good (the more the merrier);
• Place a call-to-action in strategic places.

SEO is also about sending the right user signals toward Google. When a user quickly finds what he or she is looking for on a site, Google is more likely to appreciate (and hopefully reward) that.

Link building for beginners

The link building piece is difficult to do yourself in practice. This requires a large network of websites that are in the same market. Options organizations have for doing a small part of this themselves anyway:

• Becoming a sponsor of something;
• write good content that is referenced naturally;
• asking to exchange links with other websites;
• Publish guest articles in professional journals.

Often without an agency or specialist it is difficult to do this fully, but it is worth a try. Again, really go for quality backlinks, not quantity.(4)(5)

Getting started with my

SEO course?

Check out my SEO course here and get started with SEO optimization yourself.

SEO roadmap for beginners

An SEO roadmap is for SEO beginners to improve their approach.

1. Target audience analysis and keyword research: the basis for an SEO strategy. Start with this right away.
2. Website and technical optimization: essential for a well-functioning website.
3. Content and link building: medium priority, builds on the fundamentals and increases visibility and authority.
4. Monitoring and analysis: these tasks are ongoing. They are essential to keep track of progress. Make adjustments as needed.
5. Social media and local SEO: These are additional tasks. They depend on specific needs and target market.

The table above provides a clear overview of the most important tasks for SEO over a 6-month period. Do keep in mind a company’s specific needs and goals.

Getting started with my

SEO course?

Check out my SEO course here and get started with SEO optimization yourself.

SEO for beginners summarized

To get started with SEO as a beginner requires a lot of time (and energy). Especially if you are in a competitive market then the chances of success are relatively slim if you do this all by yourself. I myself always compare it to a soccer match against FC Barcelona, when the competitor does cooperate with a specialist or agency. Some markets are very competitive unfortunately (and it seems to be getting worse).

That aside, good luck with the optimization and hopefully you will obtain many organic visitors to your website!