A Beginner’s Guide to SEO: 8 Steps for a Better Website

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can make your website more visible, attract the right audience, and help your business grow. Whether you’re brand new to SEO or just want to polish the basics, these beginner-friendly tips will help you build a website that works harder for you. From mobile-friendly design to choosing the right keywords, this guide covers the essentials to get you started.

1. Make your site mobile-friendly

Your website should look great and work seamlessly on any device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or desktop. Many website builders, like WordPress or Squarespace, offer mobile-friendly templates that automatically adjust to different screen sizes. A mobile-friendly site ensures every visitor has a great experience, no matter how they find you.

2. Optimise for fast loading pages

A fast website isn’t just a nice touch—it’s essential. Pages that load quickly keep visitors engaged and create a smooth browsing experience. Use lightweight images (72 pixels per inch is ideal) and avoid clutter to keep your site running at top speed. Think of it as creating a clear, inviting space online, just like you do in your business.

3. Choose short, clear page links

Your website’s links (or URLs) are like signposts, guiding visitors to what they need. Keep them short and descriptive, such as “yourbusiness.com/menu” instead of “yourbusiness.com/page?id=12345.” Clear links make it easy for customers to navigate your site and help search engines understand your content better, too.

4. Use HTTPS for Security

Security is key for any website. HTTPS (the padlock symbol in your browser bar) shows visitors that your site is safe and protects sensitive information like contact details or payments. Plus, Google favours secure sites in search results. Most hosting platforms make it easy to set up HTTPS—check with yours to ensure your site is protected.

5. Add keywords naturally

Keywords are the terms people search for when looking for businesses like yours. Think about what your customers might type into Google and use those words naturally in your titles, headings, and text. Don’t worry about being perfect—just focus on creating helpful, readable content that matches what your audience is looking for.

6. Write simple, helpful content

Your website is an extension of your voice and expertise. Keep your content easy to read and focused on solving your customers’ problems or answering their questions. For example, if you own a flower shop, a page with tips for keeping flowers fresh can be a great resource. The easier your content is to understand, the more value your visitors will get from it.

7. Share your sitemap with Google

A sitemap is like a guide for search engines, helping them find and index all the pages on your site. Most website builders create sitemaps automatically. Submit yours to Google Search Console to make sure your site shows up in search results. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your visibility.

8. Link strategically

Links help visitors explore your site and show search engines how your pages are connected. Add internal links to guide visitors to relevant content (e.g., from your “About” page to your “Services” page). Build external links by sharing your website on social media, adding it to online directories, or collaborating with other trusted sites.