SEO For Beginners
In today’s digital world, having a website is just the beginning. If you want people to find your business online, you need to understand Search Engine Optimisation — or SEO for short. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a crucial process for enhancing a website's visibility in organic search results. But don’t worry if it sounds complicated; this guide breaks everything down in simple terms to help you get started.
At Approved Business, we work with thousands of UK companies, and we’ve seen first-hand how effective SEO can be when done properly. Whether you’re a start-up, tradesperson, or established company looking to grow, this guide is for you.
What Is SEO?
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the practice of improving your website so that it appears higher in search engine results, like Google or Bing, when people look for products or services you offer.
There are two types of results on a search engine:
Paid results (usually at the top, marked as “Ads”)
Organic results (free listings below the ads)
SEO focuses on the organic listings, helping your site appear naturally for relevant searches.
Understanding SEO involves diving into several key elements that work together to enhance your website’s visibility. These include keyword research, which helps you identify the terms people are searching for related to your business. By incorporating these relevant target keywords naturally into your content, you can improve your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Additionally, technical SEO ensures your website is structured in a way that search engines understand, making it easier for them to crawl and index your pages.
On-page SEO is another critical aspect, involving the optimisation of individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. This includes using appropriate title tags, meta descriptions, and internal linking strategies to enhance the user experience and signal to search engines the importance of your content. Moreover, off-page SEO, such as link building, plays a significant role in establishing your site’s authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines.
Additionally, optimising important pages for better visibility and indexing is crucial for overall SEO success.
By focusing on these SEO basics, you can create a comprehensive strategy that not only improves your search engine rankings but also drives organic search traffic to your site. This, in turn, can lead to increased brand awareness, more traffic, and ultimately, higher conversions for your business.
How Do Search Engines Work?
Search engines follow a three-step process:
Crawling – They scan the web to find new content.
Indexing – They store and organise the content they find.
Ranking – They decide which content is most relevant for each search query.
Ranking is determined by numerous and complex ranking factors that search engines like Google use to evaluate the relevance and trustworthiness of web pages.
So when someone types “plumber in Leeds,” Google will rank pages based on how relevant and trustworthy they seem — that’s where SEO comes in.
The Three Key Elements of SEO
1. On-Page SEO
This covers everything on your website, such as:
Title tags and meta descriptions – These appear in search results and influence clicks.
Keywords – Using the right words and phrases throughout your content.
Internal linking – Linking between your own pages helps both users and search engines.
2. Off-Page SEO
This focuses on things outside your website:
Backlinks – Links from other reputable websites pointing to yours. Earning links from other websites through guest blogging and link building can enhance your site's authority and visibility on search engines.
Online directories – Getting listed in places like Approved Business builds trust.
Social media mentions – Can increase visibility and engagement.
3. Technical SEO
This is about how well your website is built:
Site speed – A slow site puts users off.
Mobile-friendliness – Most users now browse on phones.
Secure connection (HTTPS) – Adds credibility and is favoured by Google.
Sitemap URL – Creating and submitting an XML sitemap to Google Search Console enhances your website's crawlability and indexability by helping search engines understand the site's structure and discover important pages for indexing.
Keyword Research for Beginners
Keywords are the words people type into search engines. Knowing what your customers are searching for helps you create content that meets their needs.
Using a keyword research tool can help you discover and analyse keywords effectively. These tools provide essential keyword metrics such as search volume and keyword difficulty, which are crucial for fine-tuning your keyword strategy.
Try free tools like:
Google Keyword Planner
Ubersuggest
AnswerThePublic
Seed keywords are broad terms related to your industry or service that serve as the foundation for keyword research. Identifying these seed keywords is essential for generating keyword ideas that can refine your content strategy.
Look for terms that are relevant to your business and not too competitive to begin with. These tools can help you identify keywords by filtering and analysing related keywords based on various parameters.
Creating SEO-Friendly Content
Search engines love high-quality, original content. Optimising each web page is crucial for better visibility and performance in search engine results. That could be:
Blog posts answering common customer questions.
Product/service pages written with clarity and purpose.
Guides or how-tos relevant to your industry.
Top tip: Use your keywords naturally — avoid keyword stuffing!
Local SEO Basics
If you serve a local area, Local SEO is a must:
Create or update your Google Business Profile
Get listed on reputable UK directories (like Approved Business)
Ask happy customers for Google reviews
Appearing prominently in Google's search results for local searches is crucial for enhancing your visibility and ranking. This helps you show up in “near me” or map-based searches — perfect for shops, trades, and local services.
Measuring Your SEO Success
It’s important to track your progress and evaluate your SEO efforts. Use tools like:
Google Analytics – Understand where your traffic comes from and measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
Google Search Console – See what keywords you rank for.
Rank tracking tools – Monitor your position on search engines.
Watch for improvements in organic traffic, keyword rankings, and website engagement.
Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
Not mobile-friendly – You’ll lose users fast.
Duplicate content – Google prefers unique pages.
Buying backlinks – This can lead to penalties.
No updates – SEO is ongoing, not a one-time fix.
Ignoring other search engines – Limiting your SEO strategy to just Google can reduce your visibility. Optimise for other search engines to increase clicks and visits.
How Approved Business Can Help
At Approved Business, we help UK companies boost their online presence through high-quality directory listings. Here’s how we support your SEO:
Optimised business profiles – Built to rank well in search engines. Our team ensures that your business profile is crafted with precision, incorporating relevant keywords that align with your industry. This not only helps in improving search engine rankings but also enhances your visibility in organic search results.
Backlink value – Quality links pointing to your site. Backlinks are a crucial ranking factor in search engine algorithms. By securing links from reputable websites like Approved Business, you increase your site’s authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of search engines. Additionally, analysing competitors' backlink profiles can provide valuable insights and strategies that can be applied to your own site, thereby increasing the chances of securing quality backlinks for better visibility. This, in turn, can lead to better keyword rankings and more organic search traffic.
Increased visibility – More eyes on your business from our established platform. Being listed on a trusted directory means that your business is exposed to a wider audience. This enhanced visibility can drive increased traffic to your website, boost brand recognition, and potentially lead to higher conversion rates.
Additionally, our platform offers insights into search queries and search traffic, allowing you to refine your SEO strategy. By understanding which keywords and search phrases bring visitors to your profile, you can tailor your content to better meet user search intent.
Let us help you take the next step online. With our support, you can navigate the complexities of search engine optimisation and achieve lasting SEO success.
Summary
SEO might seem complex at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much more manageable — and even exciting. Whether you’re optimising your site for the first time or just improving your local visibility, every small step helps.
Embarking on your SEO journey is crucial for gradually building your SEO skills and achieving long-term success.
Search engine optimisation is a critical component of online marketing, playing a pivotal role in how search engines understand and rank your website. By delving into keyword research, you can uncover valuable keywords and search queries that align with your business goals. This process involves using keyword tools to find relevant keywords with substantial search volume and low competition, ensuring your content aligns with search intent.
Incorporating on-page SEO elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, and internal links enhances your web page’s relevance and user experience. Moreover, technical SEO aspects like ensuring a mobile-friendly design and avoiding duplicate content are essential for maintaining a positive user experience and achieving higher search engine rankings.
At Approved Business, we’re here to support your growth every step of the way. Start by listing your business today, and let’s make sure you get found online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SEO take to work?
SEO isn’t instant — it’s a long-term investment. You may see some results in 3–6 months, but a lasting impact takes ongoing effort.
Can I do SEO myself or do I need an expert?
You can handle the basics yourself, especially with guides like this. But for more competitive industries or faster results, hiring an SEO expert can be worth it.
Is SEO only for Google?
Google dominates in the UK, but SEO can also help with Bing and other search platforms. Good SEO benefits all search engines.
What’s the difference between SEO and Google Ads?
SEO brings in free traffic over time. Google Ads cost money but can deliver immediate results. Many businesses use both.
Does being listed on Approved Business help with SEO?
Yes! Our directory is trusted by search engines and provides valuable backlinks to your site, helping boost your search rankings.