How to Learn Search Engine Optimisation as a Business Owner
Do you feel like your business is lost in the vast sea of online competition? If you're looking for ways to boost your online presence, then you've come to the right place! In this post, I'll be sharing 5 ways for you to start learning search engine optimisation (SEO) by yourself, without having to spend your hard earned money on agency fees. You don't need to be a tech-savvy genius to master SEO. With a bit of knowledge, effort, and the right tools, you can improve your website's visibility and grow your business online. So, let's dive in!
1. Start with the basics
When it comes to learning SEO, it's essential to start with the basics. One of the first steps in learning SEO is researching and understanding the fundamentals, such as keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building, and technical SEO. These are the foundational elements of SEO that help you improve your website's visibility on search engines and attract more organic traffic.
Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases that people use to search for information on search engines. By targeting the right keywords, you can improve your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more relevant traffic to your website.
On-page optimisation refers to the practice of optimising the content and structure of your website's pages to make them more search engine friendly. This includes elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking. I’ve created the “Ultimate On-Page SEO Checklist” to help you get a headstart. I’ll link it here once it is ready!
Link building is the process of acquiring backlinks to your website from other websites. Backlinks are important because they signal to search engines that your website is a credible and authoritative source of information.
Finally, technical SEO refers to the practice of optimising your website's technical elements, such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, and crawlability. Technical SEO ensures that search engine crawlers can easily access and index your website, which can help improve your rankings.
Fortunately, there are many free resources available online that provide comprehensive guides on these topics. These resources can help you learn the fundamentals of SEO and give you a solid understanding of the core principles. Some popular SEO resources include Moz, Ahrefs, and Backlinko.
In addition to online resources, there are also many courses, webinars, and workshops available that can help you learn SEO in a more structured and comprehensive way. These resources often come at a cost, but can provide a more hands-on and immersive learning experience.
It's important to gradually build your knowledge over time. By understanding the core principles of SEO, you can improve your website's visibility on search engines, attract more relevant traffic, and ultimately drive more sales for your business.
2. Follow industry experts
Another great way to learn SEO as a small business owner is to follow experts and thought leaders in the industry. Social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook are great places to connect with SEO professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.
By following SEO experts on social media, you can gain valuable insights into the latest strategies and techniques that are working for them. These experts often share tips, tricks, and case studies that can help you improve your website's rankings and visibility on search engines.
Additionally, social media is a great place to connect with other small business owners who are also learning SEO. You can join SEO-focused groups and communities where you can share ideas, ask questions, and get feedback from other business owners who are in the same boat as you.
Some popular SEO experts and thought leaders to follow on social media include Neil Patel, and Brian Dean. These individuals have years of experience in the industry and are known for sharing valuable insights and tips with their followers.
Another benefit of following SEO experts on social media is that you can stay informed about industry events and conferences. Many SEO conferences and events are now held online, making them more accessible to small business owners who are looking to learn more about SEO.
3. Take online courses
If you're looking to learn SEO as a small business owner, there are many reputable online platforms that offer free courses on the topic. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot provide access to a wealth of information and resources that can help you improve your SEO skills and knowledge.
These free SEO courses cover a wide range of topics, including technical SEO, on-page optimisation, and link building. They are usually taught by industry experts who have years of experience in the field and can provide valuable insights and practical advice.
One of the benefits of taking an online SEO course is that you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for small business owners who have limited time to devote to learning new skills.
Another benefit of online SEO courses is that they often provide hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world case studies. This allows you to apply the knowledge you've gained in a practical way and see how it can be applied to your own business.
Some popular free SEO courses to consider include the Moz Beginner's Guide to SEO, the HubSpot SEO Training Course, and the Yoast SEO Training Course. These courses provide a comprehensive introduction to SEO and can help you build a strong foundation in the field.
Free online SEO courses can be an excellent way for small business owners to learn more about SEO and improve their skills in the field. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain valuable insights, practical experience, and a deeper understanding of the core principles of SEO.
4. Join SEO communities
Joining online SEO communities and forums can be an excellent way to learn more about the topic and connect with other SEO professionals. Communities like Moz, Reddit SEO, and Google Search Central provide valuable resources and opportunities for discussion and learning.
By joining these communities, you can ask questions, share ideas, and get feedback from other SEO professionals. This can help you gain new insights and perspectives on the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Additionally, participating in online SEO communities can help you build your network of contacts in the industry. This can lead to potential collaborations and partnerships with other professionals, as well as opportunities to learn from their experiences and insights. These communities provide a wealth of information and resources on a wide range of SEO topics and are a great place to connect with other professionals in the field.
In addition to participating in online communities, attending SEO conferences and events can also be a valuable way to connect with other professionals and learn more about the industry. Many SEO events and conferences are now held online, making them more accessible to small business owners who are looking to learn more about SEO.
5. Practice and experiment
There's no substitute for hands-on experience. The best way to learn SEO is by practicing it on your own website and experimenting with different techniques.
By applying the concepts you've learned in your research, courses, and online communities, you can gain a better understanding of how SEO works and what strategies work best for your business.
Using free tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can also be incredibly helpful in tracking your website's performance and making data-driven decisions. These tools provide valuable insights into your website's traffic, search rankings, and user behavior, which can help you optimise your website for better performance.
When experimenting with different SEO techniques, it's important to keep in mind that SEO is a long-term strategy. You won't see results overnight, and it may take several months to see the full impact of your efforts.
However, by consistently implementing best practices and monitoring your website's performance, you can make data-driven decisions that will help you improve your SEO over time.
Conclusion
A strong online presence is vital for small businesses. SEO is a powerful tool that can help you reach a wider audience and drive more sales. By optimising your website and content to rank higher on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, you can increase your website traffic and attract potential customers.
When it comes to learning SEO as a small business owner, it's important to start with the basics and gradually build your knowledge over time. But don't let the technical jargon intimidate you. There are plenty of resources and tools available to help you master the art of SEO. With a bit of curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can become an SEO expert and take your small business to new heights.
Remember, the benefits of SEO are well worth the effort. By improving your online visibility, you can reach more customers, increase your sales, and ultimately grow your business. So don't be afraid to dive in and start learning today!
