Simple SEO for Beginners

You know you need to do this thing called “SEO” but you’re not even sure where to start. If you’ve been avoiding SEO like the plague, then this post is for you.

We will cover your first four steps for SEO beginners:

1. Add text to every page
2. Use H1-H6 headings
3. Create page descriptions or excerpts
4. Add descriptions to images

1. Add text to every page

If you want people to find you on Google, then you need to give them something to find. Search engines prioritize text over images in website ranking because images are harder for search bots to understand.

Aim for at least 300 words on every page. Even if the purpose of the page is to show images, be sure to include a description at the bottom.

Struggling to write the content for your website? We have a copywriter to help with that. Checkout our copywriter services or download our free website writing guide today!

2. Use H1-H6 headings

Websites use tags to tell search engines what’s important. Google likes to see H1-H6 headings on a page to sort out the important sections.

Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. Remember grade school essays? You know, when your teacher made you use titles, headings and paragraphs?

Yep, it’s the same thing here.

• H1 (Heading One): Page title or main topic
  • H2 (Heading Two): Headings or supporting points
    • H3 (Heading Three): Subheading or subcategory
      • H4 (Heading Four): Further subheading or subcategory
        • H5 (Heading Five): Further subheading or subcategory
          • H6 (Heading Six): Further subheading or subcategory

Tips on using H1-H6 headings:

• Don’t skip headings– Don’t use H1 and skip to H4. Be sure to use your headings in numerical order H1…H2…H3….ect.
• Only use the headings you need– H1 and H2 headings are necessary but H3-H6 are optional. Use the amount of headings that makes sense for your content.
• Plan your headings with an outline– If you’re struggling how to use headings, try outlining your content as explained in Writing for the Web.

3. Create page descriptions or excerpts

Each page should include a description (also known as an excerpt). This helps visitors and search engines to understand what the page is about.

Don’t overthink it, 1-2 sentences is sufficient. For example:

• About Page  – Mark Brand Boutique is a boutique style graphic design studio that works with small businesses and creatives to grow their business into a strong brand with custom logos, websites, and branding.

If you don’t add a custom description most WordPress themes will automatically grab the first 1-2 sentences of your post. This is convenient if you forget, but the first 2 sentences usually aren’t the best overall description of your page.

Taking the extra time to write page excerpt/descriptions will improve your search engine scores and ranking.

4. Add descriptions to your images

Pictures are worth a thousand words to humans, but to Google…they are worth way less… unless you tell Google what the photo is about.

Use the image file name and file metadata descriptions to help Google understand what your image is and what it’s about.

This is critical if you are a photographer with a website primarily focused on images. Without any text, Google has a difficult time assessing your value to visitors.

Main lessons for SEO beginners

If the words “Google analytics” and “SEO” have you sweating buckets, it’s okay, you’re not alone.

The good news is SEO doesn’t have to be scary or complicated.

Use these four simple SEO beginner tips to start ranking higher in Google today.

1. Add text to every page
   
2. Use H1-H6 headings
3. Create page descriptions or excerpts
4. Add descriptions to images