Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is an ever-evolving discipline that requires marketers to keep up with the latest trends and techniques. As an SEO specialist, I’ve learned countless tips and tricks over the years, but there’s one that stands out as the best: always put the user first. It’s one of the best SEO tips for beginners and one of the best SEO tips for businesses as well.
When I first started in SEO, I was obsessed with ranking at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). I spent countless hours researching keywords, building backlinks, and optimising on-page elements. And while these tactics certainly helped me climb the ranks, I quickly realised that they weren’t enough! SEO tips and tricks counted for little.
I began to notice that some of my pages were ranking well, but they weren’t generating the kind of traffic and conversions I was hoping for. That’s when I started to shift my focus to the user experience.
I realised that search engines are designed to serve the user, and if my content wasn’t meeting their needs, then it didn’t matter how well-optimised it was. So, I started to think about what my target audience was looking for when they typed in a particular search query, and how I could deliver that in the most effective way possible.
Here are some of the best SEO tips I learned while putting the user first:
It’s important to optimise your content for search engines, but not at the expense of the user experience. Avoid keyword stuffing and other tactics that can make your content feel spammy or robotic. Instead, focus on creating high-quality, informative content that answers the user’s query and provides value.
Keyword research is an essential part of any SEO strategy, but it’s important to go beyond just finding high-volume keywords. Think about the user’s intent behind the search and what kind of information they’re looking for. Use long-tail keywords and semantic search to create content that matches the user’s intent.
Mobile optimisation is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. With more and more users accessing the web on their mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure that your site is mobile-friendly. This includes responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation. Using the Google Search Console also helps with warnings that get sent straight to your inbox.
Search engines use a variety of engagement metrics to determine the quality and relevance of your content, including bounce rate, time on site, and click-through rate. By focusing on these metrics and improving the user experience, you can improve your rankings and attract more organic traffic.
Internal linking is a powerful tool for guiding users through your site and improving the overall user experience. By linking to relevant content within your site, you can keep users engaged and encourage them to explore more of your content.
Putting the user first in your SEO strategy is not only good for the user, but it’s also good for your business’s success. Creating high-quality, informative content that meets the user’s needs can improve your rankings, attract more organic traffic, and ultimately drive more conversions.
So, simple SEO tips for better rankings are helpful but the best SEO tip I ever learned is to always put the user first. These are great SEO tips for new websites.
Other general tips that are very useful include:
With the rise of virtual assistants and voice-enabled devices, voice search has become increasingly popular. To optimise voice search, focus on natural language and long-tail keywords that reflect how people speak in conversation.
Site speed is a crucial factor in both user experience and search engine rankings. Optimise your website by compressing images, minifying code, leveraging browser caching, and using a content delivery network (CDN) to deliver your content faster. A good app for this is TinyPNG.
Website security is not only important for protecting user data but also for search engine rankings. Implement HTTPS encryption by obtaining an SSL certificate, which not only adds a layer of security but also boosts your site’s credibility and visibility in search results.
Featured snippets are the selected search results that appear at the top of organic search results, providing users with quick and concise answers. Structure your content to provide clear and concise answers to commonly asked questions related to your industry or niche.
While social media signals may not directly impact search rankings, having a strong social media presence can indirectly benefit your SEO efforts. By sharing and promoting your content on social media platforms, you can increase brand visibility, attract more visitors to your website, and potentially earn backlinks from other websites.
Steve Baron, an astute entrepreneur and seasoned marketing professional, is the driving force behind Webprecision, a company that specialises in crafting affordable, fast, and SEO-friendly websites. Before his venture into the digital realm, Steve established Baron Marketing Ltd, an advertising agency that flourished under his leadership for over two decades. His entrepreneurial spirit further propelled him to launch several successful online startups.
A staunch advocate for nurturing budding entrepreneurs, Steve has served as a mentor for Business Mentors NZ. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Waikato, complemented by an Honours Degree in Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington.
A prolific writer, Steve has penned three books, and his insightful editorials have graced the pages of newspapers across New Zealand. When not immersed in his professional endeavours, Steve fulfils his role as the Clerk of the Scales for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, is a competitive Bridge Grandmaster, and indulges in his passions for walking, running, and savouring the café experience.
