What's one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out with SEO? What's the most important thing to focus on in the beginning?

Question

Discover the essential SEO strategies that can propel your website to new heights. This comprehensive guide, backed by insights from industry experts, unveils the key techniques beginners need to achieve long-term success in search engine optimization. From mastering search intent to building a strong on-page SEO foundation, these tips will set you on the path to improved visibility and organic growth.

Oscar Anguera · Answer

My top piece of advice would be to first get a global understanding of the key pillars of SEO: On-Page, Off-Page, and Technical SEO. From there, really try to grasp what each of these entails. It's vital to establish an objective starting point so you can track your progress later on.
The most important thing to focus on initially is On-Page SEO. While it might seem like the "simplest" of the three pillars, don't be fooled - it's not exactly easy either! On-Page SEO lays the groundwork for how Google and users interpret your website's content. This includes optimizing your titles, meta descriptions, headings, the content itself, URL structure, using relevant keywords naturally, image optimization, usability, and the overall user experience on the page.
Once you have a solid grasp of On-Page SEO fundamentals and have implemented basic optimizations, you can then start exploring Technical SEO (indexing, crawling, site speed, mobile optimization, website structure, etc.) and Off-Page SEO (building quality backlinks, brand mentions, social media, etc.).
It's crucial to remember that SEO isn't an exact science. Those of us in this field are constantly seeking the sweet spot between adapting content and technical factors to Google's guidelines and 'game,' all while keeping the user's experience and needs at the forefront.
Learning SEO is an ongoing process of trial and error. What works today might not work tomorrow, and what works for one website might not be ideal for another. The key is controlled experimentation, analyzing your results, and constant adaptation.
So, to begin, get that overall vision of the three pillars, delve into On-Page SEO as your starting point - keeping in mind it's more nuanced than it might seem - and then progress step by step, learning from each attempt and understanding that flexibility and adaptation are essential in this field.

Dhiren Mulani · Answer

When I first delved into SEO, I consumed a substantial amount of content from well-known marketers and popular YouTube channels. While helpful at a superficial level, much of the advice was generic—repackaged basics that anyone could find with a quick search. What truly elevated my skills was realizing this: SEO is 80% research and only 20% execution.
If you're spending most of your time "doing" and very little time understanding, you're missing the essence of SEO.
Here's a personal example—while reviewing a page in Google Search Console, I noticed several keywords ranking that I hadn't even targeted. Some of them were driving more impressions than my primary keyword. I updated the page's title and meta description to reflect those terms, and my rankings improved almost immediately.
This kind of insight doesn't come from tutorials—it comes from data-driven curiosity. Most new SEOs fall into the trap of obsessing over adding the "right" keywords, but SEO today is about relevance, context, and intent—not stuffing.
So my advice: conduct your own research. Dive into your data, test unconventional strategies, and learn by doing. The deeper your understanding, the sharper your strategy—and the faster the results.

Roshan Singh · Answer

One successful implementation of this advice involved a local bakery launching their first website. The owner was overwhelmed by SEO terminology and techniques, so I advised focusing exclusively on creating genuinely helpful, high-quality content addressing customer questions while delivering an excellent user experience.
My strategic approach included:First, we conducted customer interviews to identify the most common questions people had about their products. 
We discovered that customers frequently asked about ingredients, allergen information, custom order processes, and shelf life of various baked goods.We then created a content strategy focused on addressing these needs:
- Developed comprehensive product pages with detailed ingredient lists and allergen information- Created an FAQ section addressing common customer questions- Built a simple, mobile-friendly site structure with fast loading times- Ensured the website was easy to navigate with clear calls to action- Incorporated high-quality images of their products with optimized alt text- Used natural language in descriptions, incorporating keywords organically
The impact was remarkable:
- Organic traffic increased by 67% within 3 months- The bounce rate decreased by 42% as users found exactly what they needed- Online order requests grew by 83%- The site began ranking for unplanned local keywords like "gluten-free bakery [city name]" and "custom birthday cakes [city name]"- Google Business Profile engagement increased as website visitors discovered their location information
The key lesson was that by prioritizing genuine customer needs and creating a user-friendly experience, the SEO fundamentals happened naturally. The owner didn't need to worry about technical SEO aspects initially - focusing on solving customer problems with quality content provided the foundation for SEO success while simultaneously building customer trust and driving conversions.

Sanjit Sarker · Answer

Focus on mastering keyword research and creating valuable, intent-driven content right from the beginning. It's the foundation that ties everything else together and sets you up for success.
Start by learning how to do keyword research properly—it's not just about finding popular terms, but understanding what people are actually looking for when they type those words into Google. This will help you craft a strategy that aligns with real user needs. Once you've got that down, build content that matches their intent—whether they're seeking answers, solutions, or inspiration. Good content isn't just fluff; it's useful, engaging, and keeps people on your site longer, which search engines love.
Here's a tip from my own experience: pick a niche you enjoy, even if it's not a money-maker right away. When you're passionate about it, you'll naturally dig deeper, experiment more, and learn faster. I started tinkering with a topic I cared about, and the hands-on practice taught me more than any guide ever could. You'll figure out what works through trial and error, and that's invaluable.
Don't overcomplicate it early on—keep your on-page SEO clean (think clear titles, headers, and meta descriptions) and prioritize quality over quantity. If your content is solid and backed by smart keyword choices, you're already ahead of the game. It's less about chasing tricks and more about building something people genuinely want to find. Stick with that, and the rest will fall into place as you grow.

Chris Raulf · Answer

If you're just starting out with SEO, my best piece of advice is this: become laser-focused on learning and understanding keyword research. It's the foundation for everything SEO-related, and without mastering it, you're seriously limiting your chances for success.
Start by clearly defining who your audience is and learn how they search online. Then, leverage easy-to-use tools like SEranking, Google Keyword Planner, or Ahrefs to identify realistic, impactful keyword opportunities—especially less competitive, long-tail phrases your competitors might overlook. Remember, the real opportunity often lies in what your competitors haven't noticed yet.
Understanding keyword intent is crucial as part of my Micro-SEO approach. It's about creating human-driven, AI-assisted content that resonates directly with user needs. Target the right keywords, deliver high-value content around them, and the rest—organic traffic, rankings, and conversions—absolutely follows.
Bottom line: keyword research matters most in the beginning. Get that right, and SEO success naturally falls into place!

Luish Mahida · Answer

Pay attention to what your audience is looking for and make information that really helps them.
Many people who are just starting out in SEO jump right into tools, tricks, or technical terms like domain authority, backlinks, and meta tags. Although these are important, the most crucial aspect of SEO is understanding what, how, and why people search.
First, ask yourself:- What do my customers want to know?- What do they want to do to solve their problems?- What would they type into Google?
Real-life example: When I helped a fitness guide launch their first website, we didn't try to use many complicated SEO techniques. To avoid that, we made a list of typical client questions, such as:
"How do I lose belly fat?""How to lose belly fat?""What's the best home workout plan?""How many calories should I eat daily?"
We used simple titles and clear answers to turn these into helpful blog posts and service pages. Many of these keywords moved their site to the first page of search results within months, and they didn't use any paid ads or fancy tricks to achieve this.
What to focus on in the beginning:- Keyword Research - Helpful Content- Basic On-Page SEO- User Experience
One Last Tip:Don't aim for perfection; just aim for progress. SEO is not a one-time task; it's a long-term game. Keep learning, testing, and improving as you go.

Mei Ping Mak · Answer

Jumping into SEO can feel like trying to drink from a firehose at first - there's so much information and so many things people say you have to do!
My essential advice for beginners would be to maintain patience throughout the long term. The essential nature of SEO involves working with prolonged timelines because the process requires both steady endurance and sustainability. Building authority and ranking competitive terms while experiencing significant traffic changes takes more than a month or a week (usually). You should establish a foundation while consistently creating valuable content since your efforts will naturally build up progressively. You should avoid feeling disappointed when your progress appears slow at first.
Now, connecting that to the most important thing to focus on in the beginning:
It's absolutely understanding your target audience and their search intent. Your understanding of target audience behavior through search engines should be your first priority instead of focusing on technical audits or backlinks. What issues do these users need to solve? What particular information do users aim to obtain? What questions do they have? Not understanding how your target audience behaves during searches will lead you to create content for the wrong audience. All other SEO activities depend on this core understanding. Establish this requirement first because it determines the effectiveness of keyword research and content development. Starting basic SEO requires patience combined with a thorough understanding of the audience and their needs. Good luck with it!

Loise Musungu · Answer

The most important piece of advice for someone just starting out with SEO is:
Focus on understanding your audience's search intent and creating high-quality, helpful content that answers their questions better than anyone else.
Search engines are constantly improving at figuring out what users actually want when they type a query, so instead of obsessing over keywords alone, start by thinking:
What is my target audience struggling with?
What kind of information are they searching for?
How can I provide it clearly, accurately, and in a way that's engaging?
This approach naturally leads to good SEO practices—relevant keywords, strong on-page structure, better user experience, and ultimately, trust from both users and search engines.

Jason Bland · Answer

If I had to give one piece of advice to someone just starting to learn and use SEO, it would be this: Focus first on understanding your audience and their intent before you worry about tactics or tools. It's easy to get caught up in technical jargon or obsess over algorithms, but at its core, SEO is about connecting the right people to the right information at the right time.
Start by researching what questions your ideal clients are asking and what problems they're trying to solve. Use tools like Google Search, forums, and even client interviews to uncover the language they use and the topics they care about most. Once you have that insight, focus on creating clear, authoritative content that addresses those needs. Don't aim to just sell—be genuinely helpful and build trust.
In the beginning, it's tempting to jump into link building, keyword stuffing, or chasing after every SEO "hack" you read about. Resist that urge. The most important foundation is a strong, user-focused content strategy. Make sure every page on your site is valuable, relevant, and easy to understand—both for visitors and for search engines. This means well-structured pages, fast load times, and clear navigation.
SEO is a long game, and the biggest wins come from building credibility and meeting your audience's needs better than anyone else. Master the basics of on-page optimization, use analytics to listen and learn, and always be willing to adapt. If you get the fundamentals right early on, the more advanced strategies are far more effective down the road.

Brandon Leibowitz · Answer

When asked what advice I would give to someone just starting out with SEO, I always tell them to focus on understanding search intent before anything else. Early in my career, I spent months optimizing blog posts with perfect keywords and technical SEO, but they still didn't rank well. It wasn't until I shifted to matching content with what users were actually looking for—whether it was a how-to, a quick answer, or a product comparison—that I saw traffic grow substantially. SEO isn't just about keywords; it's about delivering the exact value people expect when they type a query.
The most important thing to focus on at the beginning of SEO is building a strong foundation with on-page basics: title tags, meta descriptions, and site structure. I once helped a local business jump from page three to page one of Google just by cleaning up their titles and making sure every page answered a clear question. Simple tweaks like adding internal links between related pages and writing headlines that speak directly to the user's need can make a bigger difference than chasing algorithm updates. Always start with the basics, because even the best content struggles without a clean, well-structured site behind it.

Jayant Surana · Answer

The biggest rookie mistake I see is chasing keywords without understanding what the user actually wants. SEO isn't just about matching phrases; it's about matching intent. We train new marketers to look at search results like a detective: Is Google surfacing product pages? Guides? Quora threads? That tells you how to write, not just what to write. Intent decoding is the superpower most early SEOs miss.
Start by reverse-engineering top-ranking pages for your niche. What structure do they follow? What question are they answering? Once you get good at spotting patterns, the rest - keywords, headlines, CTAs - fall into place. SEO isn't gaming an algorithm. It's building answers that deserve to rank.

Brian Spencer · Answer

Start by deeply understanding search intent. That's the foundation of effective SEO. Too many beginners focus on stuffing keywords or obsessing over tools, but if you don't understand why someone is searching, your content will miss the mark.
Whether it's a blog post or a service page, ask yourself this: What is the searcher actually trying to accomplish? Then build your content to answer that need clearly and thoroughly.
If you get that right, everything else (rankings, backlinks, traffic) starts falling into place.

Logan Mosby · Answer

When I first started in SEO back in 2015, the amount of information was incredibly overwhelming. Often, the industry can also get relatively muddy with contradictory tactics and so many "new shiny things" that it's tough to stay focused on learning the fundamentals, which is what my advice is going to be for new SEO'ers.
1. Learn the fundamentals really well. This includes keyword research (leveraging the right tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner or Semrush and Ahrefs), keyword targeting in title tags and meta descriptions (often the best bang for your buck with proper targeting), and then move into on-page signals like content, heading tags, interlinking, sitemaps, and image optimization.
2. Learn the ins and outs of how search engines find, crawl, and index content next. Google's Search Central guides are a great place to start. This guide walks you through everything like what SEO is, how Google search works, and gets as in-depth as providing guidelines of search that, while ambiguous, are great starting points for new SEOs in the field.
3. Start to learn more technical items like indexation, robots.txt optimization, site speed improvements, structured data, canonicalization + canonical tags, breadcrumbs, and off-site/backlinks. 
4. If you can, put all of the things that you are learning into practice. I've always leveraged mess-around sites to try out new techniques, test theories, and try to make my own decisions about a certain task by doing that specific task and monitoring the impact of that. Sometimes, what works in one niche or industry doesn't work in another, so it's good to be able to test.
5. Lastly, have fun with it! At the end of the day, it's just SEO. We aren't doing rocket science or saving lives. Get started, jump right in, learn as you go, and be flexible. Get your fundamentals down right and build from there.

Joe Benson · Answer

One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out with SEO is to learn how to work with AI, not against it. Search engines are evolving rapidly, and AI is now deeply woven into how content is ranked, understood, and served. If you try to game the system or rely on outdated tricks, you're going to fall behind. The most important thing to focus on in the beginning is understanding intent and using AI to enhance your ability to meet that intent clearly and naturally.
For example, instead of guessing what people want to read, use AI tools to analyze patterns in search queries, compare top-ranking pages, and uncover gaps in the content. Then write from a place of actual value, not just keyword stuffing. I've used AI to help refine topic clusters, adjust tone based on audience behavior, and even identify better internal linking opportunities. The key is not to copy or blindly follow what the AI generates. Use it as a thinking partner. Let it speed up your research, test ideas, and reveal angles you might miss on your own.
In the beginning, focus on learning how to ask the right questions and interpret what the AI tools show you. SEO today is less about gaming the algorithm and more about alignment. Use AI to figure out what real users are searching for and how you can be the best answer in that space. When you do that, you're not just playing the SEO game; you're building something that lasts.

Daniel Reparat Bort · Answer

If you're just starting out with SEO, my biggest piece of advice is this: focus on understanding search intent and go local if you can.
A lot of beginners chase big keywords because they have high search volume, but they overlook two things: the competition is tough, and those clicks don't always turn into leads or sales. Especially if you're a service-based or brick-and-mortar business, Local SEO is a much better place to start.
Target keywords that include your city or neighborhood, like "dentist in Austin" or "family lawyer in Brooklyn." These are transactional, lower competition, and actually bring in people who are ready to buy. Optimize your site titles, headers, and content around those terms, and make sure your Google Business Profile is properly set up and updated.
Also, don't obsess over getting everything perfect right away. SEO takes time. But if you focus early on serving a specific audience, in a specific place, with content that answers real questions, you'll build momentum and, more importantly, attract the right kind of traffic.

Peter Wootton · Answer

If you're just starting out with SEO, my biggest piece of advice would be to focus on building links and authority right from the beginning. Content is important, of course - but without trusted, relevant links pointing to your site, even the best-written pages can go unnoticed.
When I started working on SEO for solicitors' websites, one of the first things I learned was that Google really does care who's vouching for you. That's what links are (a vote of confidence). And local, niche-relevant links carry even more weight. Think legal directories, local press, industry partnerships, and collaborative content with related businesses. Even just a few solid backlinks can move the needle more than dozens of blog posts with no authority behind them.
So, early on, you should make link-building your priority. Reach out, build relationships, and create reasons for others to link to you. Authority builds slowly, but once it starts snowballing, everything else (rankings, traffic, conversions) becomes a lot easier.

Adam Truszkowski · Answer

Hey there PR Intelligence team! I hope this insight helps with your research:
If you're just starting out with SEO, my best advice is this: don't overcomplicate it.
You don't need a massive strategy, fancy tools, or a Ph.D. in algorithms. What you do need is focus. Start by finding relevant keywords that are actually achievable. Think long-tail, low-competition phrases that your audience is already searching for.
From there, write unique, helpful content around those topics. Add your own insight and voice. Create something that makes it stand out from the 47 other pages saying the same thing.
And then? Share it. Use social media, email, or anywhere your audience hangs out. Keep showing up, drip it out over time, and stay consistent.
If I were starting from scratch again, this is exactly where I'd spend most of my time.

Haley Gallerani · Answer

If you're just getting started with SEO, the most important thing to focus on is understanding search intent. Every time someone types a query into Google, they're looking for something specific. It could be information, a service, a product, or a solution to a problem. Your job is to figure out what that person wants and create content that delivers the most helpful, relevant answer.
Many beginners make the mistake of jumping straight into tools, technical audits, or backlink outreach. Those things matter, but they only work if your content is built around what real people are actually searching for. That's why mastering intent should be your foundation.
Here's how to start:
1. Pick a clear topic or niche. Stay focused rather than trying to rank for every keyword you can think of.2. Google your target keyword and study the top-ranking pages. What format do they use? What questions do they answer? That tells you what's working.3. Create content that meets those expectations and goes a step further. Make sure it's mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and easy to read.4. Prioritize helping users, not just pleasing algorithms. If your content is useful, people will stay longer, engage more, and potentially link to it.
At Real Estate Rankers, we help agents and brokerages grow their traffic and visibility by doing exactly that. Instead of publishing general posts like "tips for first-time homebuyers," we guide clients to focus on specific, location-driven topics. For example, an agent in Bend, Oregon, might write about "best neighborhoods in Bend for retirees," while someone in Savannah, Georgia, could focus on "cost of living in Savannah compared to Charleston."
These topics match what buyers are searching for, and because they're more specific, they're also less competitive. In one case, a client targeting midsize cities across the Midwest saw a 245% increase in organic traffic in just one year by shifting their strategy to focus on search intent and local relevance.
SEO isn't about tricking the algorithm. It's about understanding your audience and creating content that actually helps them. When you lead with that mindset, everything else--rankings, traffic, and leads--starts to follow.

Zeeshan Siddiqui · Answer

Master the Niche Before the Metrics:
If you're just starting out with SEO, the most important thing to focus on is understanding your niche inside out. For example, when we first began working exclusively with cleaning businesses, we didn't just optimize generic keywords — we spent weeks researching how homeowners and commercial property managers actually search for services. That meant joining local Facebook groups, reading Reddit threads, and listening to sales calls. SEO is not just about tools or traffic; it's about understanding intent.
If you can master how your audience talks, thinks, and searches, you'll build content that actually ranks and converts — not just content that looks good in a report. Start by becoming obsessed with your client's world before you touch their meta titles.

Aaron Whittaker · Answer

SEO is a long-term strategy. If you want quick wins, then SEO is not for you.
We're a digital marketing agency with clients locally and globally—and we always tell our clients that in order for their websites to rank higher on SERPs, they need to be patient and trust their digital marketing experts to do the job (with the right tools and meticulous planning, of course).
At Thrive, we've worked with clients who didn't see meaningful movement for months—but the ones who stuck with it are now outranking their competitors with steady traffic and leads.
In the early stages, focus on getting the foundation right: keyword research, solid on-page structure, and helpful content. One client came to us with a beautifully designed site that wasn't ranking at all. Once we cleaned up the site structure, rewrote title tags, and started publishing content that actually answered real user questions, traffic started picking up—slowly, but surely. It didn't explode overnight, but six months in, they were on the first page for their target keywords.
So don't worry if you don't see immediate results. Think of SEO like planting a garden—you don't see fruit on day one, but with the right care and consistency, it grows into something that keeps giving.

Tez Ferguson · Answer

If you're just starting with SEO, my biggest piece of advice is this: focus on understanding your audience's intent and building content that genuinely answers their questions. Too many beginners chase keywords without fully considering what the user is looking for. Start by doing proper keyword research using tools like Google Search Console or AnswerThePublic, but go deeper and look at what content is already ranking and ask, "How can I make something better, clearer, or more helpful?"
In the beginning, don't worry too much about backlinks or complex technical SEO. The most important thing is getting your on-page SEO right, which means optimized titles, meta descriptions, clear headings, fast page speed, mobile-friendly design, and valuable content. Resolve those basics, and Google will start to reward you. SEO is a long game, so start with a strong foundation.

darwin liu · Answer

At X Agency, we've worked with startups, enterprise brands, and everything in between--and no matter the size of the business, the most common SEO mistake we see beginners make is this: focusing on keywords before understanding search intent.
If you're just starting out in SEO, here's our #1 piece of advice:Don't just ask what people are searching for--ask why they're searching for it.
Why Search Intent is EverythingLet's say you're targeting the keyword "best CRM for small business." If someone searches that, are they:1. Looking for a product comparison?2. Ready to buy?3. Researching options for the future?
If you write a blog post that simply defines what a CRM is, you've missed the mark--because the intent behind that query is commercial. That person likely wants a list, reviews, or feature breakdowns to help make a decision.
Understanding this helps you:- Create content that actually satisfies the user (which Google rewards)- Increase dwell time and reduce bounce rate- Improve conversions, not just traffic
Our Strategy for BeginnersHere's how we train new team members and clients who are just stepping into SEO:1. Start with Questions, Not Keywords: What problem does your product or service solve? What questions do your ideal customers ask? That's your keyword research starting point.2. Google the Term Yourself: Look at the top-ranking pages. Are they how-to guides, videos, product pages, or case studies? This shows you what Google believes users want.3. Align Your Content Format with the Intent: If top results are listicles, don't write an essay. If they're video-heavy, consider adding a YouTube component.4. Don't Chase Volume--Chase Relevance: It's better to rank #1 for a term 100 people search each month and convert than to rank #9 for a 10,000-search term with no engagement.
SEO isn't just about optimizing for algorithms--it's about optimizing for people. When you deeply understand what your audience needs and tailor your content to meet that need, the rankings will follow.

Stephanie O'Keefe · Answer

If you're just getting started with SEO, the most impactful first step you can take is mastering keyword research. At Southern Creative, we believe that understanding and implementing effective keyword strategies is the cornerstone of a successful online presence and lays the foundation of your SEO strategy.
Think of keywords as the bridge connecting your ideal clients to your website. They're the phrases and terms your audience types into search engines when seeking solutions you provide. By identifying and incorporating these keywords thoughtfully into your website content, you're essentially rolling out a welcome mat for potential clients, guiding them directly to your services.
But here's the thing: keyword research isn't just about finding popular terms; it's about understanding the intent behind those searches. Are your potential clients looking for information, seeking a specific service, or ready to make a purchase? Grasping this intent allows you to tailor your content to meet their needs precisely, enhancing your site's relevance and authority in the eyes of search engines.
A few tips to get started with your keyword research:
1. Start with Your Audience: Delve into what your ideal clients are searching for. What questions are they asking? What problems are they trying to solve?
2. Utilize Effective Tools: Leverage tools like Ubersuggest, SEMrush, and Answer the Public to uncover keyword opportunities and understand search volumes and competition levels.
3. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that, while they may have lower search volumes, often attract more qualified traffic ready to engage with your services.
4. Integrate Keywords Naturally: Ensure your chosen keywords fit seamlessly into your content, maintaining a conversational and authentic tone that resonates with your audience.
SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, strategic keyword research and implementation lay the foundation for increased visibility, higher search rankings, and, ultimately, a thriving online presence.

Muhammad Imran Khan · Answer

One piece of advice for SEO beginners:
Don't start with keywords. Start by studying the questions people ask before they even know what to search. Go to Reddit, support forums, and YouTube comments. Write down the exact words people use when they're confused or frustrated.
Then create one page for each of those raw questions.
Why? Because beginners chase traffic. But conversions come from trust. And trust comes from showing up before people even realize they need you.
Most important thing to focus on in the beginning:
Write answers, not articles. Forget long intros, forget storytelling. Just answer the question clearly, show proof, then give them one honest next step. Do that consistently and Google will take care of the rankings later.
This is how we built our SEO foundation at Brand Ignite before we ever published a single "blog."

Deanna Berger · Answer

Focus on developing strong on-page optimization skills before diving into technical SEO or link building. This foundational skill is often overlooked by beginners eager to implement advanced tactics, but it remains the most reliable driver of sustainable results.
Specifically, learn to conduct thorough search intent analysis by studying the actual search results for your target keywords. Identify patterns in the content that currently ranks - what questions are being answered? What formats are dominant? What depth of information is provided? This analysis reveals what users actually want, not what keyword tools suggest they want.
I've trained many SEO Specialists, and have found one of the most critical foundational skills for newer SEOs to learn is how to effectively answer the searcher's question. The ability to create exactly what searchers are looking for remains the most valuable SEO skill, particularly as Google gets better at evaluating content quality and relevance. While all areas of SEO are critical to learn, mastering this foundation first is a great way to start out early in your SEO career, before expanding your technical toolkit.

25 Essential SEO Tips for Beginners to Achieve Long-Term Success

25 Essential SEO Tips for Beginners to Achieve Long-Term Success

Master Search Intent Before Keywords

Research Audience Needs First

Focus on Quality On-Page Content

Understand and Meet User Expectations

Prioritize Audience Understanding Over Tactics

Create Valuable Content for Users

Build a Strong On-Page SEO Foundation

Align Content with Search Intent

Decode User Intent for SEO Success

Start with On-Page SEO Basics

Focus on Audience Intent and Value

Understand Search Intent for Results

Master Keyword Research Fundamentals

Learn SEO Basics Before Advanced Tactics

Use AI to Enhance SEO Strategy

Target Local Keywords for Quick Wins

Build Authority Through Link Building

Start Simple Focus on Relevant Content

Understand Intent Create Helpful Content

Be Patient with SEO Results

Focus on Intent Not Just Keywords

Prioritize User Intent in Content

Master Keyword Research for Success

Study User Questions Before Keywords

Develop Strong On-Page Optimization Skills