SEO Basics: How to Make Your Website Rank on Google
You’ve created a beautiful website — now what? If no one can find it, it won’t help your business. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.
SEO helps your website show up on Google search results when people look for services or products like yours. The higher you rank, the more traffic — and potential customers — you’ll get.
Let’s break down the basic steps to improve your SEO:
1. Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are the words people type into Google.
For example, if you’re a makeup artist in Nairobi, people might search:
“best makeup artist Nairobi”
“bridal makeup services”
“affordable makeup near me”
How to use keywords:
Add them naturally into your page titles, headings, and content
Include them in your meta description
Use them in blog posts
Tip: Use free tools like Ubersuggest, Google Keyword Planner, or Answer the Public to find the right keywords for your business.
2. Optimize Your Website Content
Your content must be relevant, valuable, and well-organized.
Basic tips:
Use clear headlines (H1, H2, H3)
Keep paragraphs short and readable
Add images with alt text (descriptions for Google)
Make sure every page answers a question or solves a problem
3. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
More than 60% of Google searches happen on phones.
Google will rank your site lower if it doesn’t work well on mobile.
To fix this:
Use responsive design (adjusts to all screen sizes)
Check your site on mobile devices
Avoid tiny fonts or hard-to-click buttons
4. Improve Website Speed
Slow websites drive people away — and Google notices.
Tips to increase speed:
Compress images
Avoid too many plugins
Use fast hosting
Minimize large files or videos on the homepage
Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve your site speed.
5. Get Backlinks (Links From Other Websites)
When other websites link to yours, Google sees your site as more trustworthy.
Ways to earn backlinks:
Guest blog on other sites
Share your site in online directories
Ask happy clients or partners to link to you
Create helpful blog content that people want to share
6. Keep Content Updated Regularly
Google loves fresh content.
Post regular blog articles, update old pages, and keep your services section current. This tells Google your site is active and worth ranking.
7. Use Google Tools
Two essential free tools:
Google Search Console – tracks how your site appears on Google and reports errors
Google Analytics – shows who visits your site, from where, and what they do
These tools help you monitor progress and improve.
Conclusion:
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics: use the right keywords, improve your website content, and make it user-friendly. With consistency, your site will climb the ranks and attract more customers — all without paying for ads.
