How to Create an SEO Strategy from Scratch
- martinsmurimih
- May 5
- 3 min read
How to Create an SEO Strategy from Scratch (That Actually Works)
You’ve got a website, a blog, or maybe even an online store—but no one’s finding it. Google’s ignoring you, your traffic is flatlining, and you’re wondering: How do I actually get my site to rank?
The truth? SEO isn’t magic. It’s a system. And if you follow the right steps, you can build a strategy that drives real traffic—without paying for ads.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Find the Right Keywords (Before You Write a Single Word)
Most people write content first and then hope it ranks. That’s backward.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Brainstorm Topics Your Audience Cares About
What problems do they have?
What questions are they typing into Google?
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to find search volume.
2. Target Low-Competition, High-Intent Keywords
Long-tail keywords (e.g., “best running shoes for flat feet” instead of “running shoes”) convert better.
Look for keywords with decent search volume (100+) and low difficulty (under 30).
3. Check the SERPs (Search Engine Results Page)
What’s currently ranking?
Can you make something 10x better?
Step 2: Create Content That Ranks (And Actually Helps People)
Google rewards content that solves problems. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
1. Write for Humans First, Google Second
Be conversational (like you’re explaining it to a friend).
Break up text with subheaders, bullet points, and bold highlights.
Keep sentences short.
2. Structure Matters (A Lot)
H1: Main heading (include your keyword).
H2/H3: Subheadings (use variations of your keyword).
First 100 words: Hook readers + include keyword.
Last paragraph: Wrap up + reinforce keyword.
3. Make It Easy to Read
Use short paragraphs (2-3 lines max).
Add images, videos, or infographics.
Tools to help: Hemingway Editor (simplifies writing).
Step 3: Optimize for On-Page SEO (The Little Things That Add Up)
You’ve got great content—now make sure Google understands it.
1. Title Tag & Meta Description
Title: 50-60 chars (include keyword near the front).
Meta description: 120-150 chars (entice clicks).
2. URL Structure
Keep it short and clean:❌ yoursite.com/blog/post?id=123✅ yoursite.com/seo-strategy-guide
3. Internal Linking
Link to other relevant posts on your site (helps Google crawl your site).
4. Image Optimization
Use descriptive file names (e.g., seo-strategy-guide.jpg instead of IMG123.jpg).
Add alt text (describe the image for SEO + accessibility).
Step 4: Build Backlinks (The #1 Ranking Factor)
Google sees backlinks as votes of confidence. More high-quality links = higher rankings.
Ways to Get Backlinks (Without Spamming)
Guest Posting – Write for reputable sites in your niche.
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) – Sign up here.
Broken Link Building – Find dead links and suggest your content as a replacement.
Create Link-Worthy Content – Studies, infographics, and ultimate guides attract links naturally.
Best Sites to Promote Your Content for More Traffic & Backlinks
Mediageneous (Great for social media & YouTube promotion)
Step 5: Track, Tweak, and Scale
SEO isn’t “set it and forget it.” You need data to improve.
Key Metrics to Watch
Organic traffic (Google Analytics)
Keyword rankings (Ahrefs, SEMrush)
Click-through rate (CTR) (Google Search Console)
What to Do If You’re Not Ranking
Update old content.
Get more backlinks.
Improve page speed (Test here).
FAQs (Quick Answers to Common SEO Questions)
How long does SEO take to work?
3-6 months for most sites. Faster if you already have authority.
Do I need to pay for SEO tools?
Free tools (Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest) work, but paid tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush) give deeper insights.
Can I do SEO myself?
Yes. Start with keyword research, on-page SEO, and basic link-building.
What’s the biggest SEO mistake?
Ignoring user intent. If your content doesn’t match what people are searching for, it won’t rank.
Final Thought: SEO Is a Long Game (But Worth It)
Traffic from SEO is free, consistent, and scales over time. Follow these steps, stay patient, and you’ll start seeing results.
Now, go make Google work for you. 🚀
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