Understanding the basics of SEO: What to know in 2023
SEO is one of those things that every business owner feels they should know, but it can be a bit daunting. Don’t worry, we are here to make SEO easy to understand and give you some helpful advice to get your SEO up to scratch..
Firstly, what is SEO?
In simple terms, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) helps you make your website easy to find on the internet. How often do you scroll down an entire page of google results to pick a website to look at? Chances are you’ve rarely even clicked on page 2 of the search results. That is why SEO is so important. No matter what business you run, ranking high on search engines is one of the most important (if not the most important) things to achieve. However, this is no easy task!
With millions of websites out there competing for the top rank, it can feel overwhelming to even know where to start. However, SEO is not only about ranking at the top anymore. It’s about how easy your website is to use, it’s about providing the right information, and it’s about understanding your website visitors. What type of visitors do you want to appeal to? Do they mostly use mobile phones or laptops? Do they like videos and pictures or do they like written content? How easy are you making it for them to find the information they need? These are all questions you need to ask to ensure you are making your website user friendly and efficient.
Think about the main goal of your website. Are you looking for a sale? A call to be scheduled? A blog to be read? Once you identify your main goal, you need to assess whether your website guides the visitor to the end goal effectively. Once you nail this, your website will attract more visitors and automatically do better in search results.
Consider this restaurant analogy: Imagine you were going to a restaurant, but you found it really hard to find. There wasn’t a clear sign outside that directed you to the restaurant. Once you finally find it, you go in and get a menu. However, the menu is very confusing and difficult to navigate. Are you likely to stay and spend money in that restaurant, let alone recommend it to other people? Probably not. That is why you need to consider your visitor’s perspective for every aspect of your website.
So, how do you do it?
Unlike paid advertising, it takes time to see results with SEO. When your website isn’t ranking as high as you’d like, it’s tempting to seek quick fixes. However, you have to be patient and understand that SEO is a long term strategy. We have compiled some of the most important adjustments you can make today to get started on your SEO journey.
Keyword Research: Understanding User Intent
Keyword research is the foundation of SEO. In the past, it was all about finding the right words to sprinkle throughout your content. But in 2023, it’s about understanding the user’s intent behind their search.
Consider this: when a user types “best running shoes” into a search engine, they aren’t just looking for a random list of shoes. They likely want to know which running shoes are suitable for their specific needs – like running on trails or for marathon training.
To get this right, you need to think like your audience. What questions are they asking? What problems are they trying to solve? For example, if you run a fitness blog, you could create content that answers questions like “How to choose the right running shoes for your needs” or “Top running shoes for beginners.”
Mobile Search: Optimising for the Future
In a world where smartphones are practically an extension of our hands, mobile search is a critical part of SEO.
Our phones are full of apps that work seamlessly and load quickly. Therefore, we expect the same when it comes to browsing the internet. If your website is slow on mobile, visitors are likely to leave, leading to lower rankings. So, make sure your image file sizes are not too large, you don’t have too many pop ups or redirects, and that large documents are compressed.
People Also Ask (PAA) Content: Answering User Questions
Have you ever noticed those “People Also Ask” boxes in search results? They are like little gold mines for SEO. When you see these, it means people are actively searching for answers to those questions.
So, search questions related to your niche, have a look at the PPA boxes, and create content that directly addresses these questions. This approach not only helps you rank higher but also provides valuable answers to your audience’s queries.
You might also consider adding a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at the bottom of your web pages. This not only provides a summary for readers but also offers SEO benefits.
Product SEO: Elevating Customer Experience
With the majority of consumers starting their product searches on platforms like Amazon, it’s essential to optimise your product pages for SEO to remain competitive.
When it comes to product pages, it’s not just about using the right keywords. Think of your product descriptions, images, and reviews as the salespeople in your virtual store. They should be informative and appealing. Here’s how:
Structured Data: Use structured data to provide additional context about your products. This helps search engines understand your content better and can lead to more attractive search results.
Rich Content: Include high-quality images, detailed product specifications, and 3D models if applicable. These elements make it easier for customers to make informed decisions and create a better customer experience.
Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your website. One way to do this is to provide a discount code to those who leave reviews. Positive reviews and ratings can boost your rankings and build trust with potential customers.
Give options: If your products are available through multiple vendors, provide options for customers to choose where to buy. This shows that you’re being helpful and offers a better customer experience.
In 2023, SEO is not just about ranking higher; it’s about providing a seamless and informative experience for your audience. Understanding user intent, optimising for mobile, addressing “People Also Ask” queries, and enhancing product SEO all contribute to a well-rounded and effective SEO strategy.
We hope that this blog has given you a simple overview of SEO, and highlighted some of the most important aspects to focus on in 2023. Remember, the world of SEO can get very complicated and overwhelming, so our number one piece of advice is to focus on your visitors. Keep it simple and work on one thing at a time!
This blog was written using information from https://www.semrush.com/blog/seo-trends/ and https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stay-ahead-curve-latest-trends-seo-2023/
Really useful, thanks Maddy