Although the principles of SEO remain the same, the approach and steps of SEO campaigns depend on the type of project. For content sites that lack a strategic approach, our primary objective is to enhance their performance in search results. This approach can be applied to various SEO projects, involving issue resolution and site optimization to improve keyword rankings. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure effective performance in search results. These steps can also be adapted for other types of SEO projects.
It’s important to note that the sequence of steps I am about to mention is not fixed and can be adjusted as needed.
Refreshening the foundational Knowledge
Since our SEO interns have already been involved in SEO for some time and have acquired knowledge through courses, we can assume they are familiar with SEO concepts. However, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and up to date with current practices, we would like them to brush up on their understanding of various SEO concepts and know what strategies are effective in the present.
Here is a list of key SEO tasks and concepts for our interns to brush up on:
- Making search engine-friendly websites
- Selecting successful keywords for optimization
- Creating topical maps for effective website structure
- Developing high-quality content that resonates with the target audience
- Improving low-quality content and ensuring it meets SEO standards
- Implementing competitive on-page SEO techniques
- Analyzing search results to understand trends and user behavior
- Addressing any knowledge gaps that may arise during our conversation
- Optimizing your crawl budget
By revisiting these concepts, our interns can reinforce their understanding of SEO principles and ensure they are up to date with effective strategies.
Developing analytical and research skills
The next steps involve developing analytical and research skills by examining both successful and failed sites. The interns will randomly select a couple of niches and then compare the sites that are performing well with those that are not.
Tasks:
- Analyze both failed and successful sites in the selected niches.
- Create a comprehensive report that explains the reasons behind the performance of successful sites.
- Prepare detailed reports based on the analysis of each site.
- Develop effective presentations that effectively communicate the findings to clients.
By carrying out these tasks, the interns will improve their ability to analyze and research websites, identify the factors contributing to success or failure, and present their findings in a clear and persuasive manner to clients. This exercise will enhance their overall analytical skills and help them gain practical experience in evaluating and understanding the dynamics of different websites in various niches.
Building a Proper Understanding of SERPs and Analyzing Search Results
To effectively analyze search results and gain insights into the competitiveness of keywords, understanding SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) is crucial. This knowledge will enable you to determine the level of competition for specific keywords, identify the types of content that Google ranks highly, and develop an appropriate content creation approach when targeting those keywords for your site.
For the assigned project, it is particularly important to thoroughly examine the search result landscape for major keywords, paying close attention to the sites that dominate the search results. This process will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, allowing you to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
Properly Understanding the Goal of the SEO Campaign
The goals of each SEO campaign can vary depending on the specific site and client requirements. To ensure client satisfaction and successful delivery, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what the clients want to achieve. This can be achieved by actively learning from the clients or assisting them in determining their goals.
In the case of your project, the goal is to transform non-performing websites into generating an additional $100 per month in revenue within the next six months or beyond. It is important to recognize that SEO is a long-term process that requires a solid foundation.
Your job is to address any issues and make the necessary additions to the website in order to generate $100 per month. Essentially, you are responsible for building the foundation to reach this target.
Steps:
By following these steps, you will strategically research your niche, utilize search console’s data, and conduct a technical SEO audit to optimize the website’s performance, visibility, and user experience.
- Learn to strategically research, unveiling your niche landscape and identifying gaps to fill:
- Analyze other niche sites, including categories, topics, site navigation, sitemaps, keywords, monthly traffic, on-page SEO, and backlinks.
- Conduct thorough keyword research by exploring forums, question-and-answer sites, and observing search engine results.
- Learn to make use of search console’s data:
- Collect data from Google and Bing Search Console, as well as SEO tools.
- Analyze the collected data alongside initial keyword research, competitor analysis, and examination of Q&A sites.
- Categorize pages based on their performance, such as high-performing, low-performing, no performance, and pages for potential deletion or improvement.
- Technical SEO Audit:
- Utilize tools like Screaming Frog to identify and assess various technical issues affecting the website’s performance.
- Evaluate website crawling and indexing, website speed and performance, mobile-friendliness, URL structure and site architecture, duplicate content and canonicalization, technical markup, and website security.
- Address identified issues to improve the website’s technical foundation, crawling, indexing, and user experience.
Note: The following outline is a preliminary version for the BDSEO group members who have shown interest in learning. It provides a basic structure but may still be incomplete. I will continue updating the page to include more points. Please visit the page periodically or check the BDSEO group for notifications in case of any major changes.