Getting Seen Online: A Simple SEO Guide for Beginners

Building a website is only the first step—getting it noticed by search engines is where the magic happens. For non-technical users, this guide explains how to improve your website’s visibility with straightforward, actionable steps. These strategies are beginner-friendly but powerful enough to make a difference.

1. Understand Keywords: The Foundation of SEO

Start with the words people type into search engines to find businesses like yours. Use free tools like Google Autocomplete, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to find terms your audience is searching for.

Example: A local florist might find “affordable flower delivery” or “wedding bouquets in [city].” Use these terms naturally in your website's text, headlines, and page titles.

2. Create High-Quality Content

Search engines prioritise helpful, engaging content. Write blog posts, FAQs, or pages that solve common problems or answer questions for your customers.

Example: If you’re a plumber, a blog titled *“5 Easy Fixes for a Leaky Tap”* could attract people who need your services.

3. Optimise Titles and Meta Descriptions

Your page title and description appear in search results—make them count. Keep them clear, compelling, and keyword-focused.

Example:

• Title: "Fresh Bread in Cape Town | Daily Bakes"
• Meta Description: "Looking for delicious, freshly baked bread in Cape Town? Visit Daily Bakes for artisan loaves and pastries every day!"

4. Ensure a Mobile-Friendly Website

Most users browse on mobile devices, and search engines prioritise sites that work seamlessly on them. Use a responsive design and check your site’s mobile compatibility with tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

5. Prioritise Site Speed

Slow websites frustrate users and rank lower. Compress images, minimise code, and use reliable hosting to improve your site’s speed. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can provide specific recommendations.

6. Build Backlinks

Search engines see links to your site from other reputable websites as a vote of confidence. Reach out to partners, customers, or local businesses to link to your site.

Example: A bakery collaborating with a local coffee shop can share each other’s links on their websites.

7. Track Progress and Improve

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Monitor your site with tools like Google Search Console to see which pages perform well and which need tweaking.

Example: If a blog post about “DIY wedding flowers” drives traffic, expand on the topic with a follow-up post or video tutorial.

By following these steps, anyone—even those without technical skills—can enhance their website’s visibility and attract more customers online.