Master keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building to boost your Google ranking.
Table of Contents
- Ready to Get Found? SEO Basics
- What Are SEO Basics?
- Find Topics Readers Search For
- On-Page SEO: Boost Your Blog
- Why Links Matter for SEO
- Be Patient: SEO Takes Time
- Conclusion: Small Tweaks, Wins
Ready to Get Found? The SEO Basics You Need to Know
Ever wondered why some websites show up on the first page of Google while others get buried? It’s not luck, it’s SEO basics done right. Whether you’re a blogger sharing your passion or an entrepreneur growing your business online, understanding how search engines work can make the difference between being found or forgotten.
This guide will walk you through essential techniques like keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building, so you can boost your Google ranking and attract the audience you deserve.
What Are SEO Basics? Unlock the Secrets to Google Ranking
Let’s start simple. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of improving your website so search engines like Google can understand it—and show it to people searching for topics you cover.
If you want a deeper look at how creating great content connects with SEO, check out my in-depth guide to planning SEO content that ranks.
At its core, SEO basics include:
- Keyword Research: Finding out what words or phrases your audience is typing into Google.
- On-Page SEO: Optimizing individual pages on your site to make them search-friendly.
- Link Building: Getting other websites to link to yours, boosting your authority in Google’s eyes.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these pillars.
How to Discover Topics Your Readers Are Searching For
If you’re writing content without checking what your audience actually searches for, you’re shooting in the dark.
One smart place to start is by choosing a profitable niche, so your keyword research focuses on topics that have both interest and income potential.
Keyword research helps you discover:
- The exact words people use in Google searches
- How often those terms are searched
- How competitive it is to rank for those terms
How to do keyword research:
✅ Start with ideas. Think of topics your audience cares about.
✅ Use free tools. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic give insights into popular searches.
✅ Check search volume. Look for keywords with a decent number of searches per month.
✅ Consider intent. Are people looking for information, or ready to buy? Target keywords that match your goals.
By weaving these keywords naturally into your posts, you improve your chances of climbing the Google ranking ladder.
On-Page SEO Basics: Optimize Your Blog for Higher Google Ranking
Once you’ve chosen your keywords, it’s time to focus on on-page SEO. This involves adjusting both the content and the code on each page so Google understands what your page is about.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide your efforts:
Optimize images by choosing descriptive file names and writing clear alt text that incorporates keywords.
Add your main keyword to your title tags. For example: SEO Basics for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs.
Organize your content with clear headings (H1, H2, H3), naturally including keywords where appropriate.
Craft a meta description under 160 characters that includes your primary keyword.
Keep your URLs short and keyword-rich, such as andrewplimmer.com/seo-basics.
Aim for helpful, original content that thoroughly answers readers’ questions.
Include internal links to other relevant pages to keep visitors exploring your site.
Good on-page SEO helps both users and search engines understand your content, leading to higher Google ranking over time.
Building Credibility: Why Links Matter
Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other websites. When reputable sites link to yours, Google interprets this as a sign your content is valuable and trustworthy.
Here are some simple ways to start building links:
- Try guest blogging by writing articles for other sites in your niche, including a link back to your own.
- Develop shareable content like posts, infographics, or guides that others will want to reference.
- Focus on networking and building relationships with bloggers and businesses who might mention or link to your content.
Even a few quality backlinks can give your Google ranking a noticeable boost.
Be Patient: Good SEO Takes Time
One of the biggest myths is that SEO delivers instant results. In reality, it’s a long game. But every blog post you optimize, every keyword you research, and every backlink you earn builds momentum.
As a blogger or entrepreneur, understanding SEO basics is one of the smartest investments you can make. It’s free traffic, brand exposure, and a chance to reach people who are already searching for what you offer.
Conclusion: Small SEO Tweaks, Big Results
If you’ve been feeling invisible online, now you know why. Mastering SEO basics—like keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building can change the game for your blog or business.
Ready to take your first steps? Pick a keyword. Optimize a page. Reach out for a guest post opportunity. Small actions add up, and before long, you’ll start climbing those coveted Google rankings.
Stay tuned for more SEO insights here on AndrewPlimmer.com. Let’s get you found on Google!
Want to go deeper? Explore these guides to start building your online empire:
🚀 How to Launch an Online Business – Master the basics and build something real.
👻 Ghost Commerce Guide – No face, no fluff — just assets that work while you sleep.
💸 Affiliate Marketing for Beginners – Learn how to turn your passions into profits.
✍️ Learn How to Start a Blog from Scratch – A Beginner’s Guide to Blogging for Profit.
🌴 Build a Freedom Business – Work less. Stress less. Live free — for real.
