So you’ve built a website for your business or passion project, but now you’re wondering how to get people to actually find it. That’s where SEO comes in! Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or just someone who wants their voice heard online, understanding how to use SEO on your website is absolutely crucial for success. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have a massive marketing budget to make SEO work for you. Let’s break down this process into simple, actionable steps that will help your website climb those search rankings and attract the visitors you’re looking for.
What is SEO
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization – it’s the process of making improvements to your website that help search engines like Google understand and showcase your content to potential visitors. Think of SEO as building a bridge between what you offer and what people are searching for online. When done right, SEO connects your content with users by delivering relevant, valuable results based on their search queries.
Why is SEO important
The importance of SEO cannot be overstated in today’s digital landscape. Did you know that 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, and 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results? Without SEO, your website is essentially invisible to potential visitors.
SEO drives qualified traffic to your site, builds your brand’s credibility, and creates long-term value. Unlike paid advertising that stops working the moment you stop paying, SEO continues delivering results over time. For small businesses especially, SEO offers an opportunity to compete with larger companies by targeting specific local markets or niche keywords.
How to do SEO for a website
Start with Target low-competition keywords for faster results
When beginning your SEO journey, focus on keywords you can actually rank for. Many businesses make the mistake of targeting highly competitive terms right away, then get discouraged when they don’t see results. Instead, look for longer, more specific phrases (known as “long-tail keywords”) that have decent search volume but lower competition.
For example, rather than targeting “fitness tips” (extremely competitive), a local personal trainer might focus on “post-pregnancy workout tips for busy moms in Phoenix.” Sites that follow this strategy can see impressive growth – Backlinko started as a simple blog and now generates over 680K monthly sessions, with 74% coming from organic searches.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest
You don’t need expensive software to find great keywords. Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that uses Google’s proprietary data to suggest relevant keywords based on seed phrases or website URLs. To access it, you’ll need a Google Ads account (but you don’t actually need to run any ads).
Ubersuggest is another excellent option that offers additional functionality like finding common questions people ask about your topic, brainstorming content ideas, and even helping with writing drafts. For best results, use both tools together – Google Keyword Planner for volume data and Ubersuggest for content ideas and competitor analysis. [Neil Patel]
Focus on search terms your audience actually uses
One common SEO mistake is using industry jargon instead of the actual words your potential customers type into search engines. Remember, people don’t always search using proper terminology. They use casual language, ask questions, and sometimes even make spelling mistakes.
Study how your target audience searches by looking at Google’s “People also ask” sections, checking forums where they gather, and paying attention to the language they use on social media. Creating content that matches these real search behaviors will help connect your website with genuinely interested visitors.
Apply on-page SEO to each page
Use your main keyword in title, URL, and first paragraph
On-page SEO involves optimizing individual webpages to rank higher in search results. According to Google’s “How Search Works” report, the “most basic signal” that content is relevant is the presence of the same keywords as the user’s search query.
For each page, identify one primary keyword and place it strategically in:
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Your page title (ideally near the beginning)
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The URL (keep it short and descriptive)
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The first paragraph of your content
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At least one subheading (H2 or H3 tag)
But don’t overdo it! Keyword stuffing will hurt your rankings. Aim for natural integration that reads well to human visitors.
Add alt text to images and internal links where needed
Images are a vital part of SEO, with nearly 19% of Google’s search results now showing images. When adding images to your site, always include descriptive alt text that:
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Accurately describes what’s in the image
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Includes your target keyword when relevant (but not forced)
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Helps visually impaired users understand your content
For internal links, use descriptive anchor text rather than generic “click here” phrases. This helps both users and search engines understand what the linked page is about before clicking.
Create short, keyword-friendly URLs and meta descriptions
Your URL structure should be simple, descriptive, and include your target keyword. Instead of something like “yoursite.com/page?id=123,” use “yoursite.com/keyword-topic.”
Meta descriptions don’t directly impact rankings, but they significantly affect click-through rates, which do influence positioning. Limit meta descriptions to 155 characters, include your keyword naturally, add a clear call to action, and make each one unique. While Google doesn’t always display your custom meta description, creating them is still worth the effort.
Conclusion
SEO isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process of refinement and improvement. By starting with low-competition keywords, using the right research tools, focusing on your audience’s actual search terms, and implementing solid on-page optimization techniques, you’ll build a strong foundation for your website’s visibility. Remember that SEO results take time, but the organic traffic they generate is incredibly valuable. Start applying these steps today, be patient with the process, and watch as your website gradually climbs the rankings!
FAQs
How to use SEO on my website without paying for ads?
Focus on organic SEO strategies like creating quality content, optimizing on-page elements, building internal links, and earning backlinks through relationship building. Tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and free keyword research tools can help you manage and monitor your SEO efforts without spending on ads.
What are some core organic SEO tips for small business websites?
Small businesses should focus on local SEO by creating a Google Business Profile, gathering customer reviews, targeting location-based keywords, and building citations on local directories. Create content that addresses specific customer questions in your niche, and focus on mobile optimization since many local searches happen on phones.
Can I do effective SEO optimization for beginners on my own?
Absolutely! Start with the basics: keyword research, content creation, on-page optimization, and technical SEO fundamentals like site speed and mobile-friendliness. As you learn and grow, you can tackle more complex aspects. Many successful websites were built by owners who learned SEO as they went.
Which tools can help with SEO tips for beginners?
Essential free tools include Google Search Console (for monitoring performance and issues), Google Analytics (for tracking traffic), Google Keyword Planner (for keyword research), and Ubersuggest (for content ideas). For beginners, Yoast SEO (WordPress plugin) offers guidance on optimizing content as you create it.
How to do SEO step by step using only free tools?
Begin with keyword research using Google Keyword Planner, then create quality content optimized for those keywords. Set up Google Search Console to monitor performance and fix issues. Use PageSpeed Insights to improve loading times. Build relationships in your industry to earn backlinks, and regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant.
Is SEO for small business different than large-scale SEO?
Yes, in several key ways. Small businesses typically benefit more from local SEO strategies and narrowly focused keywords that larger competitors might overlook. While large businesses compete broadly with bigger budgets, small businesses can win by targeting specific local audiences, creating specialized content, and delivering personalized experiences that build community loyalty.
Ridam Khare is an SEO strategist with 7+ years of experience specializing in AI-driven content creation. He helps businesses scale high-quality blogs that rank, engage, and convert.
