9 Best SEO Resources For Beginners

As an entrepreneur, establishing a strong online presence is crucial for you to grow a business. While most people think about social media as part of their online strategy, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can become a helpful and even more strategic piece of your online business marketing plan.

SEO is a process of strategically optimizing your website so your posts or pages rank higher in search engine results. This makes you more visible to your target audience, and to people who are actively seeking the solution you provide, resulting in increased organic traffic to your site.

For any online business, SEO can be the lifeblood that ensures your website is not just another needle in the virtual haystack. It enables you to reach the right people, at the right time, and in the right place. By leveraging the power of SEO, you can effectively attract potential customers, increase brand visibility, and ultimately boost your revenue.

Although SEO can be vital to your marketing plan, it can also be overwhelming, especially for beginners who are just starting to dip their toes into the world of digital marketing. The ever-changing algorithms, countless strategies, and technical jargon can be intimidating. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this post, I’ll be sharing a round-up of the best SEO resources that will help you learn SEO and take you from a novice into an SEO expert in no time.

9 Best SEO Resources For Beginners

1. Moz

Moz is a renowned name in the world of SEO, and its website offers a wealth of resources for beginners and experts alike. They have an extensive collection of blog posts, SEO starter guides, and tutorials that cover various SEO topics, ranging from keyword research and on-page optimization to link building and technical SEO. With Moz, you can expect to learn the latest industry trends, best practices, and actionable tips to boost your website’s visibility and organic traffic. While some of their advanced tools and features are only available through a paid subscription, they also provide a large selection of free resources that are incredibly informative. Moz also offers a 30-day free trial for its premium tools, which include features like keyword research, site audits, backlink analysis, and more.

2. Search Engine Land

As one of the leading sources for news and insights on the search marketing industry, Search Engine Land offers a broad spectrum of SEO-related articles and expert analysis. Their website covers updates on search engine algorithms, Google’s guidelines, and the latest trends in digital marketing. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly SEO content or in-depth discussions, Search Engine Land caters to all levels of expertise. The website is free to access and ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest changes in SEO.

3. SEMrush

SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO tool, that hosts a fantastic learning hub filled with valuable resources. Their blog and academy cover topics such as competitive research, content marketing, and technical SEO, providing actionable insights to improve your online visibility. While SEMrush is primarily a paid tool, they do offer a substantial amount of free resources that can benefit beginners and advanced users alike. SEMrush also offers a free trial, typically for 7 days, that provides access to their suite of SEO tools, keyword research, competitor analysis, and more.

4. Ahrefs

Similar to SEMrush, Ahrefs is a powerful SEO tool with accompanying blog posts that contains educational articles on SEO tactics, link building, keyword research, and more. Their case studies and step-by-step SEO starter guides are particularly helpful for beginners, showcasing real-world examples of successful SEO strategies. Ahrefs offers some free resources, but their full range of features requires a paid subscription.

5. Backlinko

Backlinko, founded by SEO expert Brian Dean, is a treasure trove of practical SEO advice and strategies. The blog focuses on actionable tips backed by data and results. Brian’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for beginners to grasp complex SEO concepts. From on-page SEO techniques to advanced link-building strategies, Backlinko is an excellent resource for those looking to elevate their SEO game.

6. HubSpot Academy

HubSpot Academy is known for its marketing and sales courses, and they also have a dedicated SEO course for beginners. The course covers the fundamentals of SEO, keyword research, and content optimization. It’s a great starting point for entrepreneurs who want to learn SEO from the ground up. While they have additional paid courses, their SEO course is available for free.

7. Google’s Webmaster Central Blog

For the most reliable and up-to-date information straight from the source, Google’s Webmaster Central Blog is a must-follow. This blog is maintained by Google’s own team and provides insights into their search algorithms, updates, and best practices for webmasters. Keeping an eye on these blog posts will help you align your SEO efforts with Google’s guidelines and recommendations.

8. Yoast SEO Blog

If you’re running a website on WordPress, Yoast SEO is likely your go-to plugin. Their blog is a valuable resource for beginners, offering tips and tutorials on how to optimize your WordPress site for search engines. Yoast’s content covers everything from technical SEO to content creation, making it a top choice for WordPress users looking to improve their SEO knowledge.

9. Neil Patel

Neil Patel is a well-known digital marketing guru, and his website is packed with SEO-related content. While some of his services are premium, his blog section is free to access and contains a plethora of SEO tips, tricks, and case studies. Neil’s insights are easy to understand, making it a great resource for beginners seeking to enhance their SEO skills.

Best SEO Tips For Beginners

1. Understand Keyword Research

Keyword research is the foundation of successful SEO. Use the tools and techniques learned from resources like Moz, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to identify relevant keywords for your business. You will want to find keywords that have “high search volume” and “low competition”. When you use these keywords strategically in your web copy, it will improve your chances of ranking higher within search engine results.

2. Optimize On-Page Elements

Learn from Yoast SEO and Backlinko to optimize your on-page SEO elements effectively. This includes crafting compelling meta titles and descriptions, using header tags to structure your content, and incorporating relevant keywords naturally. Pay attention to your website’s URL structure and internal linking to create a well-organized site that search engines can easily crawl and index.

3. Create High-Quality Content

Quality content is a cornerstone of SEO success. Take inspiration from Search Engine Land and Neil Patel to create informative, engaging, and shareable content that resonates with your target audience. Focus on providing value and addressing the pain points of your potential customers. Content that answers their questions and solves their problems is more likely to attract organic traffic and earn backlinks, which are crucial for SEO.

4. Master Technical SEO

As you delve into SEO, you’ll encounter technical aspects that impact your website’s performance and visibility. Learn about technical SEO from resources like Moz and Google’s Webmaster Central Blog. Understand concepts like website speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, XML sitemaps, and canonicalization. A technically sound website enhances user experience and makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages.

5. Earn High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are crucial for SEO success, and Ahrefs and Backlinko can teach you effective link-building strategies. Focus on earning backlinks from reputable and relevant websites in your industry. Create valuable and shareable content that other websites would want to link to. Building relationships with influencers and engaging in guest posting are also effective ways to acquire high-quality backlinks.

6. Stay Updated with Algorithm Changes

Search engines like Google constantly update their algorithms, affecting search rankings. Follow Search Engine Land and Moz to stay informed about the latest algorithm changes and SEO trends. Being aware of updates will help you adapt your strategies and maintain your website’s visibility.

7. Use Analytics to Measure Performance

Regularly monitor your website’s metrics to identify areas of improvement and measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. HubSpot Academy can help you learn how to use analytics tools to track your website’s performance. Google Search Console is a powerful tool provided by Google that serves as a communication platform between website owners and Google, offering valuable insights and data to improve a website’s performance in Google search results.  By leveraging the insights and features provided by Google Search Console, website owners can identify and resolve potential SEO issues, optimize their content, and improve their website’s overall performance in Google’s search results. It is an indispensable tool for any SEO strategy and helps website owners ensure that their content is well-represented and discoverable on the world’s most popular search engine.

8. Develop an SEO Content Marketing Strategy

Combine your SEO knowledge with content marketing insights from Backlinko and Neil Patel. A well-structured content marketing strategy can amplify the impact of your SEO efforts. Plan and create content that aligns with your target audience’s interests and needs, such as SEO blogs. Promote your content through various channels to reach a wider audience and increase your chances of earning valuable backlinks.

9. Embrace Continuous Learning

SEO is an ever-changing field, so embrace continuous learning. Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on the latest SEO trends and techniques. Learning from industry SEO experts and engaging in online communities can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

10. Conduct Regular SEO Audits

Performing regular SEO audits is crucial for evaluating your website’s performance and identifying areas that need improvement. Utilize the insights gained from resources like Moz and SEMrush to conduct comprehensive SEO audits. Review your meta tags, header tags, keyword usage, and content quality. Ensure that your on-page elements align with your target keywords and are optimized for search engines and users. By conducting regular SEO audits, you can stay ahead of potential issues, optimize your website for better search rankings, and ensure a positive user experience. The insights gained from these audits will guide your SEO strategy and help you achieve long-term success in the competitive digital landscape.

11. Implement Structured Data

Integrate structured data (schema markup) into your website to provide search engines with valuable context about your content. This can lead to enhanced search results, improved click-through rates, and better visibility in voice search and featured snippets. Utilizing structured data can significantly boost your SEO efforts and help your website stand out in search engine results.

Remember, SEO is an ongoing process and something you do once and cross off the list. Be patient, consistent, and open to experimentation. By applying the tips from these resources and continuously improving your SEO skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an SEO expert and driving significant organic traffic to your website. 

The resources mentioned above, ranging from Moz and SEMrush to Google Search Console, provide valuable insights, tips, and tools to help beginners navigate the complexities of SEO and transform into experts in no time. As a lawyer who coaches entrepreneurs, I understand the significance of SEO in driving organic traffic and boosting the success of online businesses. 

Now that you have all the basics to knock your SEO strategy out of the park, you will want to be sure your website adheres to the necessary regulations and safeguards required by law. Don’t worry – I have a free legal webinar exclusively for entrepreneurs that covers what you need to know to ensure your online business and website are legally legit. Grab your seat here!

You’re only 60 minutes away from the peace of mind that comes with having a legally sound business… 

I hope you found these tips helpful! I want to hear about which tools you’ve tried and how they’ve worked for you. Comment below to share your biggest takeaway or any tips you’ve found helpful!  

Happy optimizing!