Creating a beautiful website is one thing, but ensuring people can find it on Google is another. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. For a new website, there are several fundamental steps you can take to build a strong SEO foundation.
Start with keyword research. Think about what terms your potential customers would type into Google to find services like yours. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords with good search volume. Choose 1-2 main keywords for each page on your website.
Next is On-Page SEO. This is the optimization you do directly on your website pages. Ensure your main keyword appears naturally in several key places: in the Title Tag, in the Meta Description, in the URL, in the first heading (H1), and a few times within your content paragraphs. Don't overdo it; make it read naturally.
A good website structure is also important. Ensure your website is easy to navigate for both users and Google's 'robots.' Use a logical URL structure (e.g., domain.com/services/web-design) and make sure every page is linked from another. Also, create a sitemap.xml to help Google index all your pages.
Finally, focus on quality content. Create content that is informative, useful, and answers your audience's questions. The more relevant and helpful your content is, the more likely Google is to rank it highly. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Perform these basic steps consistently, and you will slowly see the results.