SEO Basics That Actually Work (No BS)

When I first learned SEO, I thought it was complicated.

It’s not.

Most beginners fail at SEO because they focus on tools instead of thinking. So here’s how I’d explain SEO if we were just talking, not selling a course.

1. Figure out what the search is really about

Before you write anything, stop and think:

Why would someone Google this?

Not the keyword. The reason.

Are they confused? Comparing options? Trying to fix something fast?

If your page answers a different question than what’s in their head, Google won’t save you.

1. Make the page easy to understand

Search engines don’t want clever layouts.
People don’t either.

Use:

one main heading

clear sections

links that actually make sense

If someone can skim your page in 20 seconds and get it, you’re doing fine.

1. Write like you talk (but cleaner)

Long paragraphs kill pages.

Short sentences win.

Say what you mean. Don’t pad it. Don’t sound smart on purpose. If something feels obvious, that’s usually good SEO.

1. Check what already ranks — then do it better

Look at a few top results and ask:

What’s missing?

What’s unclear?

What annoyed me as a reader?

That’s your opening.

You don’t need to be “more optimized.”
You need to be more helpful.

1. Add something that isn’t generic

This matters more than people think.

If your content could be written by anyone, it won’t rank for long.

Add:

something you’ve seen

something you’ve tried

something you believe (with a reason)

That’s the difference between filler and value.

One thing beginners forget

Content gets old.

Update it. Fix it. Improve it.
That alone beats half the internet.