Website development, from design to content, is the foundation for a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. But where do you start? Keep reading for a beginner-friendly, practical guide to SEO for a new website!
Website Search Engine Optimization Basics
SEO is how search engines understand your website and show it to online users. The goal is to rank higher for relevant queries and keywords in order to increase visibility in organic search and drive more website traffic. Think of it in these main categories:
- Content: who you are and what you do
- Technical SEO: how your website works
- Authority: trustworthiness, relevance, and expertise
How to Do SEO for a New Website
1. Start With Keyword Research
Before you even begin writing content for your website, you have to figure out what people are searching for and their intent. Through keyword research, you can start to build a strategy to target your niche audience. Look for long-tail keywords (phrases of 3 or more words) that are as specific as possible.
2. Create Content Based on Search Intent
SEO for a new website hinges on high-quality content. Each page should have a clear intent: informational, commercial, or transactional. Whether someone is actively learning, comparing, or buying, you should have a page that matches the “why” behind a person’s online search.
Content Marketing Strategy Best Practices:
- Answer real questions.
- Personalize to your business with specific examples, data, and expertise.
- Write for humans first, then for search engines.
- Make content easy to read and skim (short paragraphs, lists, tables)
- Aim to make content that’s better than your competitors and what’s currently ranking.
3. Optimize On-Page SEO
SEO for new websites must include optimized metadata and content, including:
- Title tag (use your keyword)
- Meta description (catchy copy to boost clicks)
- H1 heading (main topic, only one per page)
- Subheadings (H2s, H3s, etc.)
Pro Tips: Use your keyword (or similar variations) throughout your content, but only when it makes sense. Avoid keyword stuffing, but try to incorporate them into subheadings if possible.
4. Set Up Technical SEO Foundation
Another important step is to set up tracking (such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console), as well as optimize your website for:
- Loading speeds
- Website security
- Mobile-friendly design
- Clean URL structure
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5. Focus on Local SEO (if Applicable)
Don’t overlook local SEO! It’s critical for a new website SEO strategy for any business with a physical location.
- Set up your Google Business Profile.
- Add NAP info to business directories.
- Request and respond to online reviews.
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5. Build Backlinks
Backlinks in SEO are one of the best ways to improve your brand trust and reputation, as well as stay visible in organic search. Local partnerships, events, and shareable content are top avenues for receiving high-quality backlinks, and quality always matters more than quantity.
Work With the Experts in New Website SEO
If you’re overwhelmed with where to begin when it comes to SEO for a new website, that’s okay. The team at IMEG is ready to help! With decades of experience and hundreds of clients nationwide, we know what works and what doesn’t. Ready to get started? Get in touch today!
