If you want your website to show up on Google and bring in real leads, SEO isn’t optional — it’s essential. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert to make smart SEO moves. Here are 10 simple, powerful SEO basics to start with.
🔟 The List:
- Use Clear Page Titles
Your page title should include keywords your audience is actually searching for (e.g., “Chattanooga Family Photographer” instead of “Welcome”). - Write Keyword-Rich Headlines (H1, H2, etc.)
Use headings with your core topics to help Google understand what your page is about. - Set Meta Descriptions
This is what shows in Google results. Make sure it’s engaging, clear, and includes your keywords. - Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly
Google penalizes sites that aren’t optimized for mobile — and so do users. - Use Image Alt Text
Add descriptive alt tags to every image — it helps SEO and accessibility. - Speed Up Your Site
Use tools like GTmetrix to check load times. Compress images, clean up plugins, and consider caching tools. - Add Internal Links
Link to other helpful pages or blog posts within your site — it improves navigation and SEO juice. - Claim Your Google Business Profile
Especially for local businesses! This is a huge win for showing up in local search. - Submit Your Sitemap to Google Search Console
It helps Google index your site faster and more accurately. - Create Consistent, Quality Content
A blog or resource section builds authority and keeps your site active — Google likes that.
Mastering SEO doesn’t mean learning code or becoming a Google genius — it just means applying small, consistent improvements. By using the basics above, you’re already ahead of the curve. Want to dive deeper? Check out my guide on Maximizing Online Visibility.
FAQs
How long does SEO take to work?
Most websites see improvements in 3–6 months, but it depends on competition and how consistent you are.
What’s the easiest SEO tip for beginners?
Set clear page titles and add meta descriptions — it’s simple and has big impact.
Do I need to blog for SEO?
It helps a lot. Google loves fresh content, and blogging is a great way to add keywords naturally.