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  • Kristie Hill

Good SEO is just good blogging.

January 20, 2015

Updated January 2018

Guess what? SEO isn’t a scary thing. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be that technical. Good SEO is just good blogging.

SEO doesn't have to be super technical, if you're practicing good blogging techniques, you have good SEO.

There are affiliate links in this post. Thank you for supporting Blog Ambitions.

Last week, I read an income report of an up and coming blogger. In the article they said they consciously ignored all SEO strategies and then encouraged all new bloggers to ignore SEO.

Admittedly, I was a bit shocked. I took a look at their blog and I have to tell you that I think their blog has perfect SEO and matches Google’s SEO requirements spot on.

How so?

  • The majority of their images are saved with proper names for the post and each has an alt tag describing the picture.
  • Their permalinks are short and match the content of the post.
  • The blog is easy to navigate with a simple menu directing readers to important pages and different categories.
  • Their blog design in mobile friendly, which is really important to Google.
  • Speaking of their blog design, it is a Restored 316 Designs child theme that runs on the Genesis Framework – which is known for its clean, SEO optimized coding: “State-of-the-art code and smart design architecture mean search engines see your content.”
  • Their content is compelling and useful. Google says, “Creating compelling and useful content will likely influence your website more than any of the other factors discussed here“
  • Each post has a meta title and meta description. These help search engines and readers know what the blog post is about.
  • Not only do they use meta descriptions, but their site is also optimized with open-graph meta tags which greatly improve social sharing (they do this by using the Yoast SEO plugin for WordPress)
  • They encourage social sharing.
  • Their site loads fast with premium hosting.

You’re probably better at SEO than you think!

I’m guessing that you are also already doing most of these things too. You’re an SEO pro and you didn’t even know it!

Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide is one of my favorite resources for SEO. The first time I read it, my thoughts went like this:

“Oh good! I’m going to learn all of Google’s tips and tricks for best SEO”

Read the 32 page starter guide,

“Wait, they just told me how to write a good blog/website”

Let it sink in

“Oh, Google just wants me to provide quality content to my readers, that is easy to navigate and is relevant to the topic of the post”

From Google,

Search engine optimization is often about making small modifications to parts of your website. When viewed individually, these changes might seem like incremental improvements, but when combined with other optimizations, they could have a noticeable impact on your site’s user experience and performance in organic search results. You’re likely already familiar with many of the topics in this guide, because they’re essential ingredients for any web page, but you may not be making the most out of them.

Even though this guide’s title contains the words “search engine”, we’d like to say that you should base your optimization decisions first and foremost on what’s best for the visitors of your site. They’re the main consumers of your content and are using search engines to find your work. Focusing too hard on specific tweaks to gain ranking in the organic results of search engines may not deliver the desired results. Search engine optimization is about putting your site’s best foot forward when it comes to visibility in search engines, but your ultimate consumers are your users, not search engines.”

SEO doesn’t have to be scary or a super technical thing. In fact, if it is getting too technical than you are probably dabbling into spammy techniques. Google sets up its algorithms to help its users find accurate, quality content in relation to what they are searching for. By practicing good blogging techniques, you are working on your SEO.

If you would like to dig into the depths of SEO, you can. Authority Hacker has an in-depth guide to writing content for SEO. It’s worth checking out. If you’re not up for that much information yet, don’t sweat it. Focus on these things:

SEO can be easy

If you focus your SEO effort on these 12 things your blog will have solid optimization in place.

  1. Optimize images for SEOΒ 
  2. Use a simple permalink structure (that’s the URL for the post)
  3. Make it easy to navigate your blog and use clear categories.
  4. Have a mobile friendly site
  5. Use a premium theme like Genesis. – which is known for its clean, SEO optimized coding: “State-of-the-art code and smart design architecture mean search engines see your content.”
  6. Write compelling and useful content.
  7. Write aΒ meta title and meta description for every post.
  8. EnableΒ open-graph meta tags (Do this by using the Yoast SEO plugin for WordPress OR the Social Warfare Plugin)
  9. Encourage social sharing.
  10. Use a good web host and make sure the plan is the right size for your traffic. Too many bloggers are running their blogs on too low of plans for their content+audience size.
  11. Focus on keywords that match your audience and content.
  12. IMPORTANT: write content that people want to read.

You got this! Don’t over think, just blog well and SEO will fall into place!

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Filed Under: Build, Popular Posts Tagged With: Google, SEO Conversation: 46 Comments

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Comments

  1. Jamie Boucher says

    November 23, 2020 at 12:16 am

    This was a really clear & concise post. I like how you just mention all of the small things you can do to boost your SEO, without focusing on anything technical. Definitely helps to read this to know I’m on the right track. Thanks for a great read.

    Jamie Boucher | Bristolian Abroad

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      November 23, 2020 at 10:29 pm

      You are very welcome. SEO is possible for even the least non-techy of us. Best of l uck!

      Reply
  2. Lily @ The Frugal Gene says

    August 4, 2017 at 6:39 pm

    I too wish for the blessed SEO guide is possible. I’m not sure if its private but who is the up and coming blogger mentioned? I’m curious to observe a natural at work πŸ˜‰

    Thanks for the write up, its so simple yet totally logical too.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:56 am

      Haha, it was a long time ago now.

      I don’t have an SEO guide, but you can check out this one: https://www.authorityhacker.com/seo-copywriting it covers everything!

      Reply
  3. Nicole says

    July 22, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    Thank you for putting this out there. The thought of SEO freaked me out at first. I wish I would have a came across this a few months ago. But you just reassured
    Me so Thank you and I am sure what ever other content you decide to put out here will be helpful.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:56 am

      Yay, glad you won’t be freaking out anymore!

      Reply
  4. Chesty says

    February 1, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    Thanks for the useful information on SEO. I own a photography website and I am happy to say that our marketing team takes care of our SEO. Our in house Photographers write our blogs. How often should be posting up a blog as there is always much debate on this.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 1, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      That’s definitely the biggest debate! For a photography blog, I would just be posting as you have new sessions or tips to share.

      Reply
  5. Sampurna says

    January 20, 2017 at 12:29 am

    Hey Kristie! Please post a guide on google’s SEO. It would help a lot! I am thinking about starting a blog about how to deal with insecurities, depression and relative stuffs! Please let me know what do you think about this blog idea and will it get traffic or not? Thanks! πŸ˜€

    Reply
  6. Palesa Makuru says

    October 27, 2016 at 6:33 am

    When I decided to worry about all the technical things that come with blogging, my mind became clear. What a person should do is to just start because you spend so much time researching and not starting your blog. You will learn as you go

    Reply
  7. Maria Carolina says

    June 19, 2016 at 7:19 am

    Amazing article. I’m just a begginer blogger, but I’m learning.

    http://www.mcarolina.com.br

    Reply
  8. Hieronymus Franck says

    October 11, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Well search engine optimization is all about boosting website ranking and these techniques that you have mention is really going to help us. Thank you so much for sharing this post. Keep posting and keep growing.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      October 12, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Roger MacRae says

    October 8, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Nice an simple overview. I love that you make it feel possible to the beginner and average bloggers.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      October 8, 2015 at 8:45 pm

      Thanks Roger, that was my goal with this post, so I’m glad to hear it’s understandable!

      Reply
  10. Jay of Relaxed Thairapy says

    June 18, 2015 at 5:18 am

    I’d love to see a series. Did you do it or still working on it?

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      June 18, 2015 at 3:23 pm

      It got put on the backburner while I work on other big projects. Planning on doing the SEO series in the late fall though!

      Reply
  11. Susan Priestley says

    May 4, 2015 at 11:47 pm

    Thankyou so very much for SEO 101class, i find it really difficult to navigate and look forward to more helpful tips!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      May 7, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      You’re welcome. Any specific questions for me?

      Reply
  12. Lisa says

    February 25, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Excellent post! Timely subject. As an entrepreneur who has more daily tasks than time, anything that simplifies a subject that isn’t in my “zone of genius” is a godsend to me. Very reassuring and I’d be interested in your series.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 25, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Lisa, thank you for taking the time to comment. Glad you found this SEO explanation reassuring. I’ll let you know when I start the series!

      Reply
  13. Kristen says

    February 25, 2015 at 4:45 am

    I would be very interested in this! I’ve started up a new blog and want to give it my best. Thanks πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:25 am

      This series is in the works, I’ll let you know when it goes live. For now, just focus on putting out original, quality content!

      Reply
  14. Judith Sentz says

    February 6, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Nice to meet you last week. Thanks for walking me in the right direction (after the Google presentation.) I’m enjoying all your articles. Am very interested in SEO, in fact was going to pay a specialist big bucks just last week. Then decided I needed to write some more! so will look forward to your upcoming blogs about it.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 12, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      It was nice to meet you too! I’m glad you found my blog, let me know if there are any posts you would like to see.

      Reply
  15. BritishMumUSA says

    January 30, 2015 at 6:52 am

    this is why I love reading your posts. You are clear, concise, and to the point. I went down your list and checked everything on your list that I am doing. Yea for me πŸ™‚ You are one of the only tech blogs I read now, because of the above… Yes I am interested in reading more on SEO, and how one can keep on improving. thanks

    xoxoxo

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      January 30, 2015 at 3:41 pm

      This comment made my day. Seriously, I’ve been thinking about it all day. Thanks Ray.

      Reply
  16. Kai says

    January 29, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    this is great! I’m new to blogging and I need all I can get my hands on! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 2, 2015 at 1:25 pm

      Glad you liked it, let me know if you have any questions for me. Good luck blogging!

      Reply
  17. [email protected] Peaceful Haven says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:59 am

    This was a great check up for my blog! Thanks for always being such a blessing!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:30 am

      It’s always good to know you’re doing something right!

      Reply
  18. Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams says

    January 23, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    Oh perfect timing…another blogger and I were just discussing this. It’s hard to find a good, easy to understand post on SEO.

    It’s pinned!

    Jen

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      January 25, 2015 at 9:11 am

      There will be more like this soon!

      Reply
  19. Deonna Wade says

    January 23, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Pinned and SO true πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      October 7, 2015 at 7:37 am

      πŸ™‚ Yes it is and you’re a perfect example of this.

      Reply
  20. Flavia Andrews says

    January 21, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    This article is spot on! Back when I didn’t know a thing about SEO, I wrote a post that today ranks number 1 on Google search. I wrote it effortlessly, just thinking as my readers would. So, yes it’s definitely about good blogging. πŸ™‚

    Needless to say, me too would love to see a series of Google’s SEO guide.

    Thank you Kristie!!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 12, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      That’s awesome about your post! I’ll work on that series.

      Reply
  21. Elizabeth T says

    January 21, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    I would LOVE to see a series on SEO–it’s one of my weak points I think and something I definitely don’t understand fully. I’d love to learn more!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 12, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      It’s in the plans!

      Reply
  22. Becky says

    January 21, 2015 at 9:36 am

    It would be great to see a walk thru of Google’s SEO guide. Would help us newbies alot. Thank you for all your help.

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 12, 2015 at 1:37 pm

      Any particular questions you’d like me to address?

      Reply
  23. krista says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Would love to see a series!

    Reply
    • Kristie Hill says

      February 2, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Thanks for the feedback, I’ll work on it!

      Reply

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