Hi, I’m Jamie! Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) when getting noticed online. If you’ve ever felt like your website isn’t reaching as many people as possible, this guide is for you. Let’s simplify straightforward strategies to improve your site’s performance without overcomplicating things.
What Are SEO Practices, and Why Do They Matter?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is how you help search engines understand your website. If done well, your site is more likely to appear when someone searches for something you offer. But with so much conflicting advice, it’s hard to know where to start.
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I’ve heard:
- How do I make my website show up on Google?
- What’s the right way to use keywords?
- Is SEO just about writing blogs?
Here’s what’s worked for me and why I think it could work for you, too.
Start with Quality Content
The heart of SEO is content. If your website doesn’t provide value, no amount of technical tricks will save it. Think about your audience—what do they need, and how can you help them?
For example, if you run a bakery, your audience might want recipes, tips for choosing ingredients, or even advice on how to store their bread to keep it fresh. Create content that answers their questions in a clear, friendly tone.
Quick tips for writing engaging content:
- Keep your sentences short and to the point.
- Use subheadings so readers can easily find what they’re looking for.
- Share personal insights or experiences—it makes your content relatable.
Using Keywords Without Overloading
One mistake I see all the time is cramming keywords into every sentence. It doesn’t help; in fact, it often hurts. Instead, think of keywords as a guide for your content.
For this post, my keyword is “Best SEO practices.” I’ve used it naturally in the title, headings, and a few times in the text. You don’t need to repeat it endlessly—search engines are smart enough to understand synonyms and related terms.
Where to use keywords effectively:
- Page titles (like this one)
- Headings and subheadings
- In the first 100 words of your content
- File names and alt text for images
Optimise for Mobile Users
Have you checked your website recently on the phone? More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so your site must look good on smaller screens.
Things to watch for:
- Is your text easy to read without zooming?
- Do buttons and links work well when tapped?
- Are images loading quickly?
If you’re unsure how your site performs, tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test are a great place to start.
Page Speed Matters
No one likes waiting for a slow website to load. People will leave if your pages take longer than a couple of seconds. Worse still, search engines notice this and may push your site further down the results.
Here’s how I’ve improved page speed on my site:
- Compress images before uploading them.
- Remove unnecessary plugins or scripts.
- Use a reliable hosting provider.
Free tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom can give you a breakdown of what’s slowing you down and how to fix it.
Build Links (The Right Way)
Links are like trust signals for search engines. If other reputable sites link to yours, it tells search engines your content is valuable.
Here’s how to build links naturally:
- Write guest posts for websites in your industry.
- Share your content on social media and encourage others to do the same.
- Create content people want to reference, like how-to guides or original research.
Avoid buying links or joining link farms. It’s risky and could lead to penalties.
Make Your Images Work for You
Visual elements are more than just decoration—they can play a big role in your SEO. Use descriptive file names and alt text to help search engines understand what your images show. For example, instead of naming a file “IMG1234.jpg,” try something like “chocolate-cake-recipe.jpg.”
Alt text is also essential for accessibility, so it’s worth writing meaningful descriptions.
Stay Consistent and Patient
SEO isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. Update your content regularly, test new ideas, and monitor your analytics to see what’s working.
It can take weeks or months to see results but don’t get discouraged. The work you put in now will pay off over time.
Engage with Your Audience
One of the best ways to boost your SEO is to create a community around your content. Ask readers to leave comments, answer their questions, and encourage them to share your posts. This engagement builds trust and signals to search engines that people find your site valuable.
Questions to ask your readers:
- Did this guide help you?
- What’s been your biggest SEO challenge?
- Do you have any tips that have worked for you?
Wrapping It Up
Improving your website’s visibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on quality content, thoughtful keyword use, and making your site user-friendly, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, share it with someone looking to learn more about SEO. And if you have any questions or tips, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Here’s to better rankings and a website you can be proud of.
