One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “How can I learn SEO?” It’s a valid query, especially given the ever-evolving nature of the industry. To answer this, let me take you on a brief journey through my personal experience with SEO.
Back in 2009, before I even knew the term “SEO,” I started a humble blog on Blogspot. It was a fun endeavor, a space to share my thoughts without any ulterior motives. However, as time passed, I stumbled upon the world of SEO.
Curiosity piqued, I began devouring countless blogs on the subject, experimenting with strategies, and applying newfound knowledge to my blog. It was a process of trial and error, but with each step, I grew more proficient.
Fast forward to today, and I can confidently navigate the intricacies of ranking websites.
Now, let’s delve into a roadmap for budding SEO enthusiasts based on both my journey and the latest trends in 2023.
Begin With The Basics
Every expert was once a beginner. Start by understanding the foundational pillars of SEO. The process can be broadly categorized into three stages:
Crawling – Where search engines discover your site.
Indexing – Storing your site’s pages in a database for retrieval.
Ranking – Displaying your site in search results based on its relevance.
To ensure your site ranks well, it’s paramount to make it crawlable and indexable. For a solid start, the Moz SEO Beginner Guide is a treasure trove of information.
The Power Of Keyword Research
Keyword research is the backbone of SEO. The key lies in understanding search intent.
What are users truly seeking? The best gauge for this is the Google Search Engine Results Page (SERP). By aligning your content with user intent, you significantly improve your chances of ranking higher.
Crafting Content With Purpose
Identifying the right keywords is just the beginning. The next step is producing content that resonates with your audience.
While top-tier writing skills are a bonus, the real skill lies in guiding and managing your content team to align with SEO best practices.
Unraveling Technical SEO
Technical SEO might sound intimidating, but it’s about ensuring your site is optimized for crawling and indexing.
This includes aspects like site speed, which is a crucial ranking factor that can significantly impact user experience.
The Art And Science Of Link Building
Backlinks are the lifeblood of SEO. They act as endorsements for your website.
While the foundational knowledge for link building is consistent, tactics can vary. Some might have unique strategies to gain numerous backlinks, while others might take a different approach.
This largely boils down to personal experience and experimentation.
Dive In And Get Your Hands Dirty
Theory is valuable, but practice is irreplaceable.
To truly grasp SEO, start your own website. Implement your learnings, document every step, and analyze the outcomes. My journey began with a simple Blogspot site, and through hands-on experience, I honed my skills.
Essential Resources
Ahrefs SEO Guide
Google Search Essential
YouTube Channels:
Ahrefs
Brian Dean
Income School
Stay updated: Google’s Search Blog
Glossary
Crawling: The process where search engines discover your site.
Indexing: Storing pages of your site in a database for later retrieval.
Ranking: The order in which sites appear in search results.
Backlinks: Links from one website to another, signaling the importance and relevance of a site.
In conclusion, SEO is a journey, not a destination. With dedication, continuous learning, and hands-on experience, you can navigate the dynamic world of SEO.
Remember, every expert started somewhere. Your journey begins now.
As I’ve emphasized throughout, SEO is a continuous learning process. But let’s be honest, not everyone is a self-motivated learner. If you’re someone who thrives with structured guidance, considering an SEO course might be a wise choice.
For those in our local market, I’d like to recommend the APIDM Search Engine Optimization Masterclass.
Now, I’m someone who believes in authenticity. I never recommend anything without firsthand experience. I’ve participated in this class, and I can confidently vouch for it as one of the best SEO training programs in Sri Lanka.
However, a word of caution for those who’ve already dipped their toes into the SEO world: if you’ve got the basics down, this course might not be for you.
It’s time for you to embark on your practical journey.
While APIDM offers a comprehensive introduction, I felt they could enhance certain areas of their curriculum. For instance, the course lacks an in-depth, practical session on backlink building. They touch upon it, but it doesn’t delve deep enough.
If you’re seeking a hands-on, over-the-shoulder program, APIDM might not be the right fit.
But, for beginners eager to grasp the foundational concepts of SEO, APIDM is unparalleled. It’s the best beginner-centric program I’ve encountered. So, weigh your needs and choose wisely.
Happy learning!