What is SEO?

SEO, short for Search Engine Optimization, aims to enhance a website’s organic performance on search engines and reduce the cost of paid advertisements.

On Which Platforms Can SEO Be Applied?

Search Engines

While SEO primarily focuses on websites, it is not limited to this area. Depending on your business needs, it can be extended to other platforms like Google, Yandex, Yahoo, Bing, Baidu, and Naver.

Maps

Google My Business features allow your business to display information like location, hours, and contact details, helping you rank higher and attract local customers through SEO efforts.

App Stores

SEO can also be applied to app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store to increase organic downloads of your app. This process is often referred to as App Store Optimization (ASO).

Social Media

SEO can be used on social media and video-based search engines to improve network visibility. Optimizing your profile and content can help you reach a wider audience. Similarly, SEO applies to YouTube videos.

Key SEO Terms You Should Know

To better understand SEO practices, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with related terms:

• Search Query: This is the term or phrase users enter into search engines, often containing keywords.
• Keywords: These are the words used by users when performing a search. Identifying and using relevant keywords in titles, content, and tags is crucial for SEO success. However, overuse or underuse of keywords can harm your SEO performance.
• SERP: Stands for Search Engine Results Page, which displays the results after a user’s search query. Understanding SERP is vital for an SEO expert.
• Traffic refers to the number of visitors to your website over a certain period. One goal of SEO is to increase traffic, ideally with users who take the desired actions, such as reading content or making purchases.

Before Starting SEO

Why Do SEO?

SEO aims to improve your website’s or business’s organic ranking on target search engines without paid advertisements. This involves increasing visitor numbers and ensuring the traffic consists of users who take desired actions.

When to Invest in SEO?

If you are unsatisfied with your website’s performance or want to increase revenue and brand awareness, it might be the right time to invest in SEO. However, since SEO is a long-term process, ensure your business has a suitable budget and the capability to keep SEO efforts updated.

How Do Search Engines Work?

Understanding how search engines operate is fundamental to grasping SEO principles. Their operation can be divided into three main steps:

1. Crawling: Also known as crawling, where search engines explore websites.
2. Indexing: The collected data is then added to the index if deemed appropriate.
3. Ranking: Websites are ranked using numerous signals, determining the SERP displayed to users.

What Should Be Done Under SEO? How Does the Process Work?

SEO is a multi-step process that can be tailored to each business’s needs but involves some essential steps:

Planning the SEO Strategy

Analyze your business’s situation to plan your SEO strategy. Conduct detailed competitor and sector analysis to determine your website’s technical needs and content optimization requirements. Set your budget and tools and choose an expert or agency before starting.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO focuses on optimizing your website for easier crawling and indexing by search engines. Examples of technical SEO practices include:

• Mobile Compatibility: Websites designed to be responsive and support different screen sizes can rank higher.
• Website Speed: Faster websites generally rank higher.
• Sitemap: Navigating the site is crucial for users and search engine crawlers.

What is Content Marketing? Should It Be Done?

Content marketing involves creating informative content for your target audience and is crucial for SEO success. It aims to reach a broader audience, increase website interaction, and enhance brand awareness. Content marketing is intertwined with SEO.

Off-Page SEO

All SEO activities outside your website fall under off-page SEO. Methods include:

• Social Media: Having active social media profiles can significantly boost your SEO success.
• Advertisements: Advertise through social media and search engines for targeted reach.
• Backlinks: Establish links with other websites to improve your rankings.

SEO Performance Tracking & Reporting

Monitoring SEO performance is part of the process. It helps you decide if your strategy is successful or needs adjustment. Use free and premium tools for regular reporting to ensure there are no technical issues.

Free Methods

Some free tools for SEO include:

• Google Analytics: Understand your website traffic better.
• Google Search Console: Track keyword performance and resolve technical issues.

Premium/ Paid Methods

Essential paid tools for SEO include:

• Semrush: Offers comprehensive traffic and keyword tracking systems.
• Ahrefs: Helps examine your link profile and keyword updates.

How to Manage an SEO Project?

SEO projects are extensive and require expertise. It is recommended that the project be managed under the guidance of an expert or agency.

Can SEO Be Done Individually?

Starting SEO individually is an option but requires extensive knowledge and research. Technical SEO might require knowledge of HTML and CSS. Content marketing demands high-quality, SEO-compliant content. A social media presence is also necessary. After establishing some basics, consulting an SEO expert is crucial for ongoing success.

Managing the Process with an SEO Agency

Investing in SEO at the right time allows you to manage your project with an agency. SEO efforts usually start showing results within 3 to 12 months. Continuously engage in digital marketing activities to maximize the benefit of SEO services.

Choosing an SEO Service Provider

Select your SEO service provider carefully to avoid irreversible mistakes. Consider these questions:

• How much experience do you have in the SEO industry?
• Can you provide examples of successful projects?
• What is your approach to search engine guidelines?
• How will the process work, and what are your priorities?
• How do you report, and how can we ensure our success?

SEO Knowledge Resources

Search engines themselves, like Google’s Starter Guide and Bing, provide some reliable and high-quality sources of SEO information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Risks of SEO? How to Prevent Them?

SEO projects involving tactics like automatic content creation, spamming, invisible text, or domain name mimicry are considered Black Hat SEO. To avoid these tactics, read search engine webmaster guidelines and ensure your SEO experts are knowledgeable.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for SEO results depends on factors like your website’s technical condition, goals, and brand awareness. SEO requires continuous effort, especially as you produce new content.

What Is the SEO Budget?

The SEO budget varies based on your business, competition, and goals. ROIBLE offers customized pricing based on the current situation.

Will I Always Pay for SEO?

SEO requires ongoing updates and monitoring. Continuously working monthly helps solidify your position in organic results.