How to Do SEO: A Beginner's Guide to Ranking on Google

Andev Digital
May 23
3 min read

If you're a business owner or entrepreneur trying to boost your visibility online, you've probably heard of SEO. But what is it, how does it work, and how can you do your own SEO without hiring an expert? This beginner-friendly guide breaks it all down for you.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It's the process of improving your website's content, structure, and visibility so that it ranks higher in search engine results—especially on Google.

When someone types a query into Google, the search engine uses complex algorithms to decide which pages are the most relevant and trustworthy to show. The better your SEO, the more likely your website will appear in those top spots.

How Does SEO Work?

SEO works by aligning your website with what Google is looking for. This includes:

Relevance: Does your content match what people are searching for?
Authority: Do other reputable sites link back to yours?
User Experience: Is your site fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate?

The goal is to make your website helpful, clear, and trustworthy so that Google wants to show it to searchers.

Step 1: Keyword Research with Google Keyword Planner

The foundation of all SEO is keyword research. Keywords are the words and phrases your potential customers are typing into Google.

Use Google Keyword Planner (a free tool inside Google Ads) to:

Search for relevant terms related to your business.
Look at the monthly search volume and competition level.
Choose keywords that are highly searched but not overly competitive.

For example, if you’re a pet groomer, you might discover that “mobile dog grooming near me” is a great keyword to target.

Step 2: Use Keywords Strategically in Your Content

Once you have your keywords, it’s time to add them to your website:

Title (H1): Make sure your keyword is in the main heading of the page.
Meta Description: Write a short, compelling summary using the keyword. This appears in search results.
Body Copy: Use your keyword 2–3 times naturally in your text.

For example: Keyword: how to do SEO

Title: How to Do SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Meta Description: Want to learn how to do SEO? Here's a simple guide to help beginners rank higher on Google and get more traffic.

Avoid keyword stuffing—it hurts your rankings. Always write for humans first, search engines second.

Step 3: Create Compelling Copy That Converts

Don’t just write for Google—write for your audience. Your content should:

Answer a question or solve a problem
Use clear, engaging language
Include CTAs (Calls to Action)

For example:

“Want expert help with your SEO? Contact us here.”
“Book a free strategy call today!”

These CTAs should link to your Contact Form, making every page a potential landing page.

Step 4: Build a Simple, Clear Navigation Menu

Your website should be easy to explore—for both visitors and Google. Here’s a simple structure to follow:

Home
About
Services
- Service 1
- Service 2
- Service 3
Contact

This helps users find what they need, keeps them on your site longer, and improves SEO rankings.

Step 5: Optimise for Local SEO with Google Business Profile

If you serve a specific city or region, Local SEO is key.

Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile:

Use your real business name and address
Choose accurate business categories
Add high-quality photos of your products or team
Collect and respond to reviews
Keep your hours and contact info updated

When people search “pet groomer near me” or “bakery in [City],” your profile helps you show up in those local results.

Best Practices to Remember:

Keep pages fast-loading and mobile-friendly
Use internal links to connect related pages
Add alt-text to images with descriptive keywords
Submit your site to Google Search Console

Final Thoughts

Whether you're building your first website or trying to improve an existing one, understanding how to do SEO is the first step toward long-term digital growth.

Don't let your competitors outrank you. Start applying these tips now—or let us handle the hard parts while you focus on your business.

Need help implementing your SEO plan or building a site that Google loves?