1. Start with Clear Goals
Before diving into any project, I always ask myself: What am I trying to achieve? Setting clear, measurable goals keeps me focused and ensures I’m not wasting time on fluff.
What I do: I set SMART goals, like increasing organic traffic by 20% in three months or ranking on the first page for a specific keyword. Then, I track progress using tools like Google Analytics.
2. Organize Keyword Research
Let’s face it—keyword research can get messy fast if you don’t have a system. Early in my career, I’d end up with massive spreadsheets that didn’t make sense. Now, I group keywords into clusters based on intent (e.g., informational vs. transactional).
What I use: SEMrush or Ahrefs to find keywords and group them into categories. Then, I prioritize based on relevance and competition.
3. Create an SEO Calendar
If you’re not planning ahead, you’re probably scrambling to meet deadlines (been there, done that). Having an SEO calendar has been a game-changer for me.
How I do it: I map out blog topics, target keywords, and deadlines for the next 3–6 months. I also include regular reminders to audit and update older content.
4. Audit Your Website Regularly
It’s amazing how many small issues (like broken links or duplicate content) can quietly sabotage your rankings. I make it a habit to audit my website regularly.
My routine: Once a month, I run a technical audit using tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console. I focus on fixing high-priority errors, like slow-loading pages and 404 errors.
5. Automate Where You Can
Repetitive tasks can drain your time and energy, so I look for ways to automate them. It’s a lifesaver.
What I automate: Reports, internal link analysis, and even meta tag updates. Tools like Zapier or simple Python scripts are great for this.
6. Streamline Content Creation
Creating content is one of my favorite parts of SEO, but it can also be a headache if there’s no system. I’ve learned that a solid content brief saves tons of time.
What I include in briefs: The target keyword, a recommended outline, and internal links. This ensures the final content hits SEO goals without endless revisions.
7. Track Changes and Results
Have you ever made changes to your website and then forgot what you did? Same here—until I started tracking everything.
What I do: I keep a simple change log where I note things like title tag updates or new schema markup. Then, I track their impact in Google Analytics or Looker Studio.
8. Collaborate Effectively
SEO isn’t a solo sport. From writers to developers, there are always people involved. Clear communication is key to avoiding bottlenecks.
What I use: Tools like Trello or Asana to assign tasks and set deadlines. I also make sure everyone understands the SEO goal we’re working toward.
9. Stay on Top of Algorithm Updates
Google loves to keep us on our toes with constant algorithm updates. Instead of stressing, I’ve made it part of my workflow to stay informed.
My go-to sources: Search Engine Journal, Google’s official blog, and SEO forums. Whenever there’s an update, I reassess my strategies to stay aligned.
10. Never Stop Learning
SEO is always changing, and I’ve realized that the more I invest in learning, the better my results get.
How I keep up: I regularly take courses, join webinars, and follow SEO experts. Platforms like Moz Academy and HubSpot are packed with valuable resources.
Final Thoughts
I know SEO can feel like a juggling act, but these tips have helped me stay organized, save time, and get better results. You don’t have to implement them all at once—just pick one or two that resonate with you and start there.
What’s your biggest struggle with SEO? Let’s talk about it in the comments—I’d love to help!
