How to Create an SEO Strategy from Scratch
How to Create an SEO Strategy from Scratch (That Actually Works)
You’ve got a website. Maybe a blog, an online store, or a service business. But here’s the problem—no one’s finding it. Google’s ignoring you, competitors are outranking you, and you’re stuck wondering:
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"How do I even start with SEO?"
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"Why isn’t my content ranking?"
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"What’s the fastest way to get traffic?"
I get it. SEO feels overwhelming—algorithm updates, backlinks, keyword research, technical jargon. But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t rocket science. You just need a clear, no-BS strategy.
So let’s break it down—step by step.
Step 1: Find the Right Keywords (Before Writing a Single Word)
If you’re writing content without knowing what people are searching for, you’re wasting time.
How to Do Keyword Research Like a Pro
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Use free tools first: Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic.
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Look for “low-hanging fruit”: Keywords with decent search volume (500–5k/month) and low competition.
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Check intent: Is the searcher looking to buy, learn, or compare? Match your content to that.
Pro Tip: Long-tail keywords (e.g., "best running shoes for flat feet") convert better than broad ones ("running shoes").
Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Google (Without Being a Tech Genius)
Google needs to understand your site before ranking it. Here’s how to make that easy:
On-Page SEO Checklist
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Title tags: Keep them under 60 chars, include your keyword.
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Meta descriptions: Write compelling previews (under 160 chars).
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Headers (H1, H2, H3): Structure content logically.
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URLs: Short, clean, keyword-included (e.g.,
/best-seo-strategy). -
Internal linking: Connect related pages (helps Google crawl your site).
Technical SEO Basics
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Page speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to fix load times.
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Mobile-friendly: If your site sucks on phones, Google won’t rank it.
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SSL certificate: HTTPS = non-negotiable.
Step 3: Create Content That Ranks (And Actually Helps People)
Forget fluff. Google rewards content that answers questions better than anyone else.
How to Write SEO-Optimized Content
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First 100 words matter: Hook readers + include your keyword.
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Break it up: Short paragraphs, bullet points, bold key takeaways.
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Add visuals: Images, videos, infographics (with alt text).
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Update old posts: Refreshing content = better rankings.
Example: If you’re targeting "how to start a podcast", give a step-by-step guide—not just vague advice.
Step 4: Build Backlinks (The Right Way)
Backlinks = votes of confidence. More high-quality links = higher rankings.
Ways to Get Backlinks Without Spam
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Guest posting: Write for reputable sites in your niche.
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HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Get quoted in news articles.
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Broken link building: Find dead links, suggest your content as a replacement.
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Create shareable content: Studies, templates, tools—stuff people want to link to.
Avoid:
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Buying links (Google penalizes this).
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Spammy directories.
Step 5: Track, Tweak, Repeat
SEO isn’t set-and-forget. You need data to improve.
Must-Track Metrics
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Organic traffic (Google Analytics).
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Keyword rankings (Google Search Console, Ahrefs).
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Click-through rate (CTR): If people see your listing but don’t click, tweak your title/meta.
FAQs (Quick Answers to Your SEO Questions)
1. How long does SEO take to work?
3–6 months for most sites. But small wins (ranking on page 2 → page 1) can happen faster.
2. Do I need to hire an SEO expert?
Not at first. Follow this guide, then outsource if needed.
3. What’s the #1 SEO mistake?
Ignoring user intent. If your content doesn’t match what people want, it won’t rank.
4. How do I promote my content for more traffic?
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Share on social media.
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Use platforms like:
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Mediageneous (great for boosting visibility)
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Final Thought: SEO Is a Long Game, But Worth It
No magic tricks. No overnight hacks. Just a solid strategy + consistency.
Start today—pick one keyword, optimize one page, and build from there.
And if you need a shortcut for promotion? Check out Mediageneous to get your content in front of the right audience fast.
Now go rank. 🚀