Image by Christian Schnettelker (CC BY 2.0)
As a newcomer, you may find it intimidating to kick off a search engine optimization (SEO) campaign. Some experts seemingly paint a complex picture of this field. And, in some ways, it is true.
Hundreds of factors bear an impact on search engine ranking and visibility. Thus, SEO mastery will take years of research, practice and experience.
Yet, you can start a successful SEO campaign with a few basic components—without breaking the bank or gathering years of experience. While dominating search engine rankings may take time, a small investment in time and effort will already help increase site traffic and visibility.
Here are six things you can work on to start a successful SEO campaign:
1. Determine and focus on your niche
First, identify the niche your business falls under and create a list of specific keywords that target your products or services. General keywords will not help your cause, as bigger companies with longer brand histories have entrenched their influence already. As a newcomer, you had better focus on well-targeted, relevant keywords to your customers. The fewer the competition, the better the chance of success.
Thus, you have to conduct a research on terms with low competition ratings but with high search volumes.
2. Start a website with effective SEO plugins
You need a decent website to jumpstart your business online. WordPress is a website builder that serves your best interest and requires less effort to manage. Best of all, it comes with basic SEO tools and plugins.
You may want to consider looking for a different SEO plugin. Some tools optimize meta descriptions and title tags and pinpoint keyword density.
3. Post high-quality content regularly
Your aim is to deliver new posts regularly every week. Your chosen topics have to be relevant and informative to your readers. The best reads are those detailed content that your competitors have yet to cover.
Stick to your editorial calendar and spend time to refine your overall strategy. Be creative by adding photos and videos to the mix.
4. Overhaul your website
While your website builder already covers the basics, you had better add your own content to connect with the target audience.
Organize your site’s pages with titles that have your target keywords, and include well-written, relevant content in each page. Finally, optimize the title tags, headings, subheadings and meta descriptions.
5. Add social media to the mix
While social media has no direct impact on search engine rankings, it can help you achieve a successful SEO campaign indirectly.
Promote your site’s content regularly on social media. The likes, mentions and shares will boost your brand’s visibility across different social channels.
The followers you gain with social media will become a steady stream of traffic to your website. Also, it establishes your credibility as an influencer in your industry.
6. Measure your SEO campaign’s effectiveness
Google Analytics is a good tool for starters to determine what adjustments you have to make with your strategy. It measures the traffic generated naturally through search engines, also called organic traffic. It will grow with time.
Takeaways
While these six tips will not maximize your online marketing potential in a fortnight, these are surefire ways to start your journey on the right path. With the right setup, your investments will be more valuable in the near future.
Once you have established your business online, consider hiring an SEO professional or agency or expand your knowledge by investing in SEO trainings and education.