Learning SEO (search engine optimization) can easily become overwhelming for those who are just getting started. Yes, there is a great deal you need to wrap your head around, but that does not mean you have to learn and master it all in one night or a few days for that matter. SEO is a complex process that takes a few weeks to understand. This is why we suggest you tap into your patience pool, and only take on a little bit every day. Luckily you can teach yourself SEO practices to make your life easier.
A practice that can help you learn all that you need to, and become proficient in search engine optimization. With the help of this post, we will teach you all that you need to know about SEO when getting started. Creating a strong base will help you add to well-established bases as you go through the learning process.
What is SEO?
SEO is a practice that can help you promote, and improve your website – which in return helps you increase the number of visitors. These visitors come from search engines such as Google and are commonly individuals looking for the services or products you have to offer.
In simple words, SEO is used to help boost your website’s ranking using keywords. These keywords are picked up in searches, and helps google sort through the endless choice there are available. Sort of what a coin sorter does, but on a whole new level. However, being found under a keyword and being ranked well are completely different. Think about it, how many times have you picked a website from the 3rd or 4th page of a Google search.
Think of SEO as a way to rank higher in the search result, one that allows you to secure a prime spot that brings in a great deal of traffic. All you need to do is follow a few set ways, and you too can help gain a great deal of traffic.
Importance of SEO
While Google does not share its search volume data, but a research report suggested that google gets at least seventy thousand search requests every second. Just think of how many times have you typed up a search in google and multiply it with billions of internet users around the world. Easily racking up 5.8 billion searches per day. Now, imagine if you could gain just a small fraction of that traffic, leading to sales.
This is just an idea from Google, there are more search engines such as Bing and Yahoo that offer amazing leads as well. Offering your website organic traffic that comes with a 90% intent of purchase.
So when you optimize your website you are basically creating a hot lead system. You rank well on search engines and search engines bring you hot leads that are interested in your services, content, or products. A chance to reach an audience that had no idea you existed before the search engine listed you as a choice.
Now, that you understand the basics and importance of SEO it’s time we take on the next step. To make sure you get started on the right foot, we have listed down a few ways you can teach yourself SEO without going insane. Again, we suggest you take on small amounts of information per day and allow the information to process and make a home before you add more to the mix.
Finding The Right Resources for Beginners
While it might be an obvious suggestion, but we feel it is a necessary one. The resource you use to teach yourself SEO can help you in many ways. Similarly, a poor source will cut you down and have you spiralling in ways you never imagined. While there are endless articles that can teach you the basics, but it’s important that you go about the process in a certain manner. This is why we suggest you do some research, and set up a program that works for you. Taking on each section or topic at a time.
Choosing Between Free or Paid Education
Once you have a plan set in place it’s time you decide how serious you are about learning SEO. While schools do not offer a full degree in SEO, but there are a number of online resources that can teach yourself SEO. These resources can be free, or a paid program designed to teach you search engine optimization. The one you choose is based on your personal choices, as both require a great deal of work and time.
Don’t let the price of these courses dishearten you. Fortunately, there is an active SEO community available online. Offering all the information you need to learn in regards to SEO. The more you research the more information you will have, and inevitably you will stumble on a website that offers you the format and teaching style that works for you. Remember to stick to your curriculum and do not take on reading materials that are beyond your reach. You won’t be able to learn it all in one day, so take time and think of it as a process.
Practice Makes Perfect
The only mantra you need to live by is “Practice makes Perfect”. Once you have learned the basics we suggest you try out one of the many free SEO tools out there. There is no better way to master your skill, than by putting it into practice. Paid or unpaid SEO tools are a great insight search around for one that looks promising and matches your requirements.
When going for free online tools we suggest you open them up in several tabs, and compare them with each other. This will help you understand their workings, and how each one offers different options.
Moreover, we suggest you work with different keywords and watch the numbers and rankings change. Allowing you a chance to get a sense of what the SEO tool has to offer, and how it can help you boost your SEO standing.
Find A Mentor
Finding a mentor that can take you under their wing is not going to be easy, especially when you are looking for one online. However, once you do find a mentor you will see how things start to fall into place. Yes, you don’t need a shoulder to cry on, but you do need someone who has been in the game longer than you. Someone who can offer information and insight on the matter.
To find the perfect mentor we suggest you head to Linkedin. Join SEO networks or any place that can help you find someone who sees potential in you and is willing to take out time to help you out. While many make it without a mentor, but those who have one – possess a constant friend that they can rely on.
Join An SEO Group
Fortunately, we live in a world that offers groups for almost anything you can think of. A place where you can easily get in touch with like-minded people, who can offer you the guidance you need. For instance, if you want to learn more about gardening, it’s best to hangout around gardeners and picks on the conversations that have. Similarly, if you wish to become an SEO expert hangout with other experts and pick on their conversations.
To become part of a group you don’t have to become their friend, it’s something you can easily achieve online. For instance, taking part in conversations on platforms such as Linkedin or can help you gain a great deal of insight. And some exceptionally well-crafted free advice.
Keep Yourself Up To Date
Congratulations, there will come a point when you will know all that there is to know about SEO. Unfortunately, the SEO world is constantly on the move, meaning you will see changes over time. Search engines are constantly updating or fixing their algorithm, which is why you must stay on top of your game.
Assume there is a new update every few days or weeks, and search up what is new so you can teach yourself SEO. One of the easiest ways to keep up with SEO trends is by searching SEO specialists on social media platforms. We suggest you look up Rand Fishkin on Twitter and go on looking for others.
For those who need a little more information that can fit into a small tweet. We suggest you start following bloggers such as Moz Blog, SEO Book, Search Engine Land, Neil Patel’s Blog, and others.
Rinse & Repeat
Last but not the least, we suggest you rinse and repeat. Follow each step thoroughly, and keep yourself motivated. You are here to learn, so learn – practice – repeat. Each journey begins with a single step, so no matter how long the road may be. A few steps every day will help you reach your final destination.
Once you have mastered the basics of SEO, and know each aspect in and out we suggest you move towards alt tags, meta descriptions, and Google Search console.