Starting your SEO journey can be overwhelming, especially as a beginner. In this video I explain the essential SEO skills every beginner must know in order to be effective at search engine optimization. These are skills most “experts” forget to tell you that you need!
Watch The Video:
What You Need to Get Started with SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a powerful strategy to grow your business online, but getting started requires the right tools, mindset, and resources. In this post, we’ll go over exactly what you need to kick off your SEO journey.
Time, Money, or Both?
The first thing you’ll need to dive into SEO is either time, money, or both. You’ve probably heard that if you have the time, you should focus on SEO, and if you have money, pay-per-click (PPC) ads might be the way to go. While this is a generalization, it’s somewhat true. Many people invest in SEO, such as hiring content writers for blog posts or other content creation tasks.
SEO requires consistent effort over time, and there’s a significant amount of initial setup and optimization to get things moving. You’ll need to invest time in tasks like setting up your Google My Business listing, taking photos of your business, and optimizing your website’s on-page content. If you can dedicate at least an hour a day to this effort, you’ll be on the right track. If not, outsourcing or considering another strategy might be your best option.
A Good Computer
While it might seem obvious, having a good computer is essential for SEO work. Some people may think they can get by with just a smartphone, but when it comes to using SEO tools, writing content, and making website changes, a desktop or laptop is vital. Your computer doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest, but it should be fast enough to handle the tools and tasks you’ll be using regularly.
Knowledge and Education
When starting with SEO, knowledge is key. It’s not enough to just read a few articles or watch YouTube videos. You’ll need to invest in quality resources like books, courses, or mentorship to develop the skills that actually work in the field.
Look for education that offers practical, real-world strategies rather than just theory. Not every SEO course will be helpful, so it’s essential to do your research and find one that teaches actionable skills. You can also seek a mentor who can guide you, though keep in mind that most experts in SEO are busy and might charge for their time. Investing in education up front is crucial to avoid wasting time on trial and error.
Patience is Key
SEO is not an instant gratification game. Most SEO experts agree that it takes anywhere from 6 months to a year to start seeing significant results. With today’s culture of instant gratification through platforms like TikTok, it can be challenging for many people to stay patient while they put in the work without immediate results.
If you’re used to seeing quick returns, SEO can be tough to stick with. Many beginners get frustrated and give up too early, but patience is essential. If you keep pushing through, the results will come—and when they do, you’ll experience a mindset shift as the snowball effect of SEO takes over.
Be in the Right Situation
Before diving into SEO, make sure you’re not in a situation where you desperately need quick traffic or profits. SEO requires time, and if you’re in a rush or need immediate results, it may not be the best strategy for you at the moment. Make sure you have the time and resources to commit to the process before jumping in.
Web Design Basics
Understanding the basics of web design is also important for SEO. You don’t need to be a web designer, but having a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will help you make the necessary adjustments to websites during on-page optimization. Bonus points if you know how to navigate WordPress, as it powers over 35% of websites on the internet.
While you can learn the basics of HTML and CSS quickly, WordPress might take a bit more time to get used to. Take the time to go through tutorials or courses that teach you how to manage and modify websites effectively. This knowledge will come in handy, especially if you’re working with clients.
Willingness to Learn
Finally, you must have a willingness to learn and adapt as you grow in the field of SEO. It’s not uncommon to go through multiple books or courses to get a full understanding of SEO. As you continue your learning journey, you might come across information that feels repetitive or not entirely new, but every piece of knowledge adds to the bigger picture.
The SEO landscape evolves, and to stay competitive, you’ll need to continue learning and refining your skills. Don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes, and understand that the more you invest in your education, the more value you’ll get in return.
Conclusion
Getting started with SEO isn’t a quick or easy process, but with the right tools, mindset, and resources, you can succeed. Time, patience, and a willingness to invest in yourself are all critical components of SEO success. Make sure you’re in a position where you can dedicate time and effort to the process, and remember that the results will come with persistence.
If you’re ready to begin your SEO journey, start by investing in the right education, tools, and resources. Stay patient and keep learning, and you’ll eventually see the rewards of your hard work.
About The Author
