Search engine optimisation can seem like a daunting world when you are just starting out. So we explore some of the main questions (and answers) that crop up.
Without overcomplicating things by delving deeper into the technical aspects of SEO, here are some of the most common questions asked by SEO newcomers.
1. How much will it cost?
This all depends how much time you want to spend on it. You might be able to cover it all yourself by spending 10-20 hours per week on it. But remember, a campaign of any size should return a profit.
2. How long will it take before I see results?
This varies depending on your approach. If you are only investing a small amount and writing new blogs once a week it can take up to a year before you see any results. Multiple blogs every week, link building on a regular basis and content promotion could amount to results in weeks. The longer you spend on a campaign, the more you will get out of it.
3. Will I need to learn how to code?
Not really, but you may need to learn how to implement the basics such as meta descriptions, robot.txt files etc. as these require a bit of back-end knowledge. Most people are able to follow step-by-step instructions to do these tasks, so there’s no need to worry.
4. How do I pick my keywords?
It is thought that Google focuses on what keywords you target and semantic search (appeasing and understanding user intent). So pick strong primary keywords and write down a list of words that feautre in the topic you are writing about that you can use throughout your content. Look for these keywords by conducting some research into the common questions in your industry, important business areas or trending topics.
5. How do I know if I’m ‘keyword stuffing’?
Keyword stuffing is the process where you overuse your primary keywords in your content. If you’re shoehorning keywords into every other sentence just because you think it will benefit your rankings, you are stuffing. If you read the sentence aloud and it doesn’t flow correctly, you are stuffing. Keyword stuffing is bad for SEO and user experience. Avoid it.
Read and comment on the original Forbes article.