Beginner’s SEO for Solopreneurs

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for entrepreneurs starting up their business, as it directly impacts visibility and organic traffic from search engines like Google. Effective SEO strategies help businesses attract relevant traffic, build brand authority, and ultimately drive conversions. 

When you’re starting out building a business, SEO can look like a foreign language, so I wanted to list the top 4 most important aspects of SEO that solopreneurs should focus on when starting their business, and the specific actions you can start taking from the beginning:

1. Keyword Research and Targeting

Keyword research forms the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. Entrepreneurs need to identify and target keywords that potential customers are using to search for products or services related to their business. This involves understanding search intent—whether users are looking to buy, learn, or find information—and selecting keywords that align with their business goals.

Actions to take

• Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover the best keywords that are relevant to your business niche

• Focus on long-tail keywords (specific phrases with lower competition) and make sure you are looking at search volume and competition metrics

2. On-Page SEO

On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn relevant traffic. It includes taking a look at content, meta tags, headings, and images for ways to work in your target keywords. On-page factors not only improve search engine rankings but also enhance user experience, which is becoming increasingly important for SEO as search engines prioritize quality sites.

Actions to take

• Optimize title tags, meta descriptions, and URL structures to include primary keywords naturally (this is important, do not just stick words places because the algorithm will see that!)

• Ensure content is well-structured with consistent headings, and includes relevant keywords

• Improve page loading speed and mobile responsiveness for better user experience, which indirectly affects SEO rankings

3. Quality Content Creation

Content is fundamental to SEO success. Entrepreneurs should create high-quality, valuable content that addresses what users are typically searching for or asking, and provides solutions to their problems. Well-written content not only attracts visitors but also encourages engagement, sharing, and inbound links—key factors that signal authority to search engines.

Actions to take

• Regularly publish fresh, unique content that aligns with target audience interests and needs

• Use a variety of content formats such as blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, and case studies

• Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within content while maintaining readability and user engagement.
  

4. Link Building and Off-Page SEO

This step is moving beyond beginner to higher-level SEO. Off-page SEO focuses on activities outside your website that influence search engine rankings. Link building is a critical aspect of off-page SEO, involving acquiring backlinks from reputable websites that can signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and authoritative.

Actions to take

• Develop a link building strategy that includes guest blogging, outreach to influencers, and directory submissions.

• Focus on earning links from relevant and authoritative websites in your industry.

For solopreneurs just starting their business, focusing on these four aspects of SEO will help to lay a solid foundation for organic search success. While SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience and continuous effort, investing time and resources into these areas will help new businesses establish a strong online presence, attract targeted traffic, and successfully grow.