# How to Learn SEO **Last updated:** 2026-09-19 **Source:** https://www.lawrencehitches.com/how-to-learn-seo/ --- wp:paragraph Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Making specific changes to your website's design and content can help search engines better understand your website and its relevance to particular keywords and phrases. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you're new to SEO, it can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started with SEO as a beginner. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Understand the SEO fundamentals /wp:heading wp:paragraph Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a set of tactics and the process used to improve organic search engine rankings and drive more traffic from unpaid sources. It's a complicated process that involves both on-site and off-site optimization techniques, like keyword research, building links, making content, and more. By optimizing for significant search engines like Google and Bing!, Websites can gain visibility in front of their target audience and increase website traffic. The ultimate goal of [SEO is to get higher rankings in the SERPs or search engine results](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/what-is-seo-and-how-does-it-work/) on pages so that people looking for specific products or services can find them quickly, generating traffic and conversions. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph At our agency, StudioHawk, new junior [SEO specialists](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/how-to-become-an-seo-specialist/) are introduced to the key concepts of SEO in their first month in a rigorous training program that allows us to standardize knowledge of SEO, and build a base of key concepts when they start directly working on websites. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Learn how search engines work /wp:heading wp:paragraph Before diving into SEO, it's crucial to understand [how search engines work](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/how-search-engines-work/). When you type a query into a search engine like Google, the search engine's algorithm searches through millions of pages to find the most relevant results. To figure out which pages are most relevant to a search query, the algorithm looks at things like keyword usage, website content, and links to other sites. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Taking Google as the foremost search engine, this is how they explain [how their search engine works](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/how-search-works) in three stages: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} 1. **Crawling:** Google Search scours the web, crawling all available content with its crawlers. 2. **Indexing:** Bringing it back into its database - or 'index' - where it is sorted and categorized to make retrieval easier. 3. **Serving search results:** Once a user searches on Google, an algorithm takes over, quickly delivering results that are judged most relevant to their query; these are then ranked in order of relevance. /wp:list wp:paragraph To make your site visible on a search engine, you must optimize it with relevant [keywords related to your business niche](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/keyword-difficulty/) or industry. This means researching popular terms users enter into search engines when they seek out what you offer - products, services, or information about a topic.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Linking back to how these search engines work, when you optimize your site, it'll be crawled, indexed, then served to users based on their relevance to the queries. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Learn keyword research /wp:heading wp:paragraph Getting familiar with [keyword research is a foundational step](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/keyword-research/) in your SEO journey. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finding the right keywords and phrases people use when searching for your products or services is essential to successful SEO. You can achieve this by using keyword research tools like Google Adwords Keyword Planner, Keywords Everywhere, Answer the Public, and Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool, which allow you to gain insight into the top searches related to your industry. This helps you craft content that matches user intent, making it easier for them to find what they're looking for - increasing web traffic. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keyword research should also include analyzing the "long tail" of related keywords - longer phrases consisting of three words or more- indicating a high degree of intent from searchers who know exactly what they're looking for. These phrases often convert much better than shorter queries because they tend to come from someone further down the purchase funnel than generic inquiries such as "how does [product] work?"  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By doing a detailed analysis of each term's volume (how often it's searched for), difficulty (levels of competition), cost per click (CPC) if money is spent on paid campaigns, etc., keyword researchers can find the best opportunities in each market segment and make strategies for them. Mastering keyword brings data-driven insights into play, allowing marketers to craft compelling messages that will drive conversions while helping businesses stay ahead of industry trends by taking advantage of new opportunities before competitors do so first. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Learn on-page vs. off-page SEO /wp:heading wp:paragraph On-page is the first step, where you can hone in on what makes your content and website stand out. Then off-page SEO comes into play, which consists of building relationships with other websites to ensure yours ranks high. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Learning SEO involves understanding both components and what to focus on. On-page SEO focuses on formatting and keyword optimization, while off-page SEO focuses on external links, social media presence, and brand mentions. For a digital marketing plan that includes SEO, it's essential to know how to use both. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To start with SEO, mastering the basics of on-page elements includes keyword research and placement, meta tags, heading structure image optimization, page titles and descriptions, [internal linking structures](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/internal-linking-seo/), and more. These elements should be carefully considered when creating new content or updating existing web pages, as they play an essential role in helping search engines understand what your website is all about. This optimization also helps improve the user experience by giving more information about each page's topic. This allows visitors to find what they need quickly and avoid getting lost in useless information or dead ends.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Off-page SEO refers to the tactics outside of a website's internal content, such as link building (obtaining links from other sites back to yours), social media marketing (using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to engage with potential customers), local directory listings (including business profiles across multiple online directories), press releases (to generate newsworthy buzz about your brand), guest blogging (publishing articles on other people's websites/blogs). Every successful business that wants to make a name for itself online through search engine results pages (SERPs) needs to know how these parts work together to create an effective online presence. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Best Practices for SEO Content Creation /wp:heading wp:paragraph Creating content that appeals to both searchers and search engines takes finesse. Ensure your posts are well-written, comprehensive, and have an alluring composition. Lengthier articles rank higher in the SERPs if they're exciting and packed with valuable information. Refrain producing low quality content that doesn't add value to users - Google won't tolerate it! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph An experienced SEO specialist knows how to wield keyword research to maximum effect when briefing on new content. Well-written content can create an atmosphere that makes it easier for the reader to connect with and trust the business. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Learn about the concept of EEAT, meaning Experience, Expertise, Authority and Trust. Check out the [Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines](https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/guidelines.raterhub.com/en//searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf), this document provide an introduction to Page Quality Rating, understanding webpages and websites, important definitions, understanding the purpose of a webpage, and Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) topics. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"id":1326,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} /wp:image wp:heading ## Learn link-building processes /wp:heading wp:paragraph Earning quality links through a well-crafted strategy requires dedication and hard work. However, the effort is worthwhile because such links can help propel your website to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many people say that links are one of the top three factors for optimizing search engine results pages (SERPs). Links are still an important part of Google's ranking algorithms.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Backlinks from other websites to yours demonstrate to search engines that you are trusted and valuable across the web, but be warned! Search engines can be strict about questionable link-building tactics.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph To build a desirable reputation, start by strengthening connections, boosting brand awareness, and gaining natural links through guest blogging or requesting them for existing mentions.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Social media engagement goes hand-in-hand with link building. Get people talking about your site by crafting engaging content that encourages sharing and discussion.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By devoting time to creating a successful white hat link-building strategy, your efforts will be rewarded as SERP rankings begin climbing! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The link-building process can be daunting, but looking at the content you already have on your site is a great way to start. This simple but effective technique allows you to build on what's already there and create a solid foundation for further link-building efforts.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One way to existing content as part of your link-building strategy is by optimizing and updating it in fresh and relevant ways for the current news cycle. By updating old pieces, you make sure that people who visit your page will find new, interesting content. This makes people more likely to link to your page as a resource. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## What's the Best Way to Learn SEO? /wp:heading wp:paragraph The best way to learn SEO is to dive right in and begin experimenting. Start by learning the basics of search engine optimization, like keyword research and optimizing your content. Then, get hands-on experience by creating your website or blog and optimizing it for search engines. Test different strategies, measure results, and adjust accordingly. This will help you better understand how SEO works. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Start testing and predicting, and see what actions move the needle for the website over long periods. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Once you understand some of the fundamentals behind successful implementation strategies, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with current trends and to be able to track your results over time to identify areas for growth or improvement within your campaign efforts.  /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Monitoring your website's performance is essential to ensure success; you should keep tabs on data points such as organic traffic, click-through rates, bounce rate, and page views per session. This will help you identify what needs improvement and when changes should be made to provide an optimal user experience across all devices/platforms - something Google highly values in determining page rank. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Google Search Console is a great way to access how Google is reading your site directly, they've also released [new training on search console](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKoqnv2vTMUOnQn-lNDfT38X9gA_CHxTo) as it's such a powerful tool in my experience to learn about SEO. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Join an SEO Course /wp:heading wp:paragraph If you're looking to [become an SEO specialist](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/how-to-become-an-seo-specialist/), joining a course is the best way. A study will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective search engine optimization. It also provides valuable insight into how Google works and what factors influence search engine rankings. With this information, you can create strategies to help your website or business get noticed online: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph [SEMrush Academy](https://www.semrush.com/academy/) /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph SEMrush is another popular tool among SEO professionals, and their academy offers free and paid courses to learn about SEO, PPC, content marketing, and more. The courses are designed by industry experts and cover various aspects of digital marketing, including keyword research, site audit, and backlink analysis. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph [HubSpot Academy's SEO Training Course](https://academy.hubspot.com/courses/seo-training) /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph HubSpot Academy offers a comprehensive SEO course that teaches you how to optimize your website for search engines and create content that attracts visitors. You'll learn about on-page optimization, keyword research, and how to [measure your SEO performance](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/seo-roi/). The course also includes video lessons, quizzes, and practical exercises to help you apply what you've learned. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph [Hawk Academy](https://hawkacademy.co/) /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Our agency StudioHawk, launched an online SEO training academy to allow people to learn at their own pace from home. The course consists of several modules, including SEO Fundamentals 101, Introduction to technical SEO, Practical Technical SEO, SEO for a brand new website, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Local, Blog, Ecommerce, and Service SEO strategies, Content Creation, Intro to Link Acquisition, and Practical Link Acquisition. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Get an SEO internship /wp:heading wp:paragraph Finding an SEO internship is a great way to kick-start your career in search engine optimization. Many opportunities are available, from [working with small businesses](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/is-seo-worth-it-for-small-businesses/) to large corporations. To get started, you should begin researching potential employers and positions that interest you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Networking can also be beneficial in securing an opportunity; reach out to professionals working in the field and ask for advice or referrals. Additionally, many job boards have listings specifically for SEO careers - take advantage of these resources when searching! /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Go to SEO conferences /wp:heading wp:paragraph These are great ways to meet new people in the community and get insights from your peers, such as BrightonSEO, which has thousands of attendees annually. These gatherings provide a platform for [SEO experts to exchange methods and ideas](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/seo-expert/) - so it's well worth getting involved if you're interested in learning more. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Join SEO communities /wp:heading wp:paragraph *J*oin an SEO Slack or Discord community to level your digital marketing game. Whether you're looking for free or subscription-based options, Traffic Think Tank (TTT) is an ideal choice to get ahead in search engine optimization. Connect with other experts in the industry and stay on top of all the latest trends. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Follow SEO Specialists on Twitter /wp:heading wp:paragraph Twitter is a strong community in SEO for expert insights, industry updates, and advice from the pros. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Read SEO blogs & news. /wp:heading wp:paragraph SEOs are passionate about sharing their knowledge. There are so many excellent blogs out there to follower; blog posts continuously inform the community of algorithm changes and how these can impact websites: /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Search Engine Land ([searchengineland.com](https://searchengineland.com/)) - Search Engine Land is a leading source of news and information about search engine optimization and marketing. It covers everything from the latest trends and developments in SEO to new search engine algorithms and updates. Search Engine Land has a team of experts who write for it and give advice on how to improve your SEO strategy that is both insightful and useful. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph SEMrush Blog ([semrush.com/blog](https://www.semrush.com/blog/)) - SEMrush is a popular SEO tool offering various features, including keyword research, site audits, and backlink analysis. Their blog covers a wide range of topics related to SEO, content marketing, PPC, and social media marketing. The SEMrush blog has a mix of easy-to-understand and more advanced content for SEO professionals of all levels. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Google Webmaster Central Blog ([webmasters.googleblog.com](https://webmasters.googleblog.com/)) - The Google Webmaster Central Blog is an official blog run by Google that provides news and updates about Google Search. It talks about a lot of different things related to SEO, like algorithm updates, best practices, and ways to make your website do better on Google Search. What makes this blog special is that it provides insights directly from the source so that you can stay up-to-date with the latest. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Learn by Teaching SEO /wp:heading wp:paragraph Exploring SEO by helping others navigate the complex landscape of search engine optimization can be incredibly rewarding. You get to share your insight, and it's a great way to learn more about the craft and build relationships with people who are doing the same work as you. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sharing your experience and creating content that teaches allows you to take your instincts and form logic, checklists, and processes and can cement those learnings. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Now that there's ChatGPT, do I need to learn SEO? /wp:heading wp:paragraph ChatGPT is a helpful tool that can make optimizing your website easier; however, it’s important to remember that SEO is still a complex field. With ChatGPT, you can navigate the basics of Search Engine Optimization more easily than ever before, but if you want to take advantage of all the features and benefits of SEO, you’ll still need to understand some fundamentals. [ChatGPT prompts](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/chatgpt-prompts-for-seo/) can speed up your processes and execution, but getting to know your client's customers and their unique journey is essential to crafting content that speaks directly to them. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By understanding the motivations, needs, and interests of those customers, you can craft engaging content that compels them to contact you. Content marketing requires a deep knowledge of the market and an eye for what resonates with potential customers; by doing so, you set yourself up for success in connecting with your target audience. /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Is there a step-by-step order to learn SEO in? **Yes: ten steps, in the order the work actually happens on a real site.** The list above tells you what to learn. The roadmap in this reel tells you what to do first, second and tenth, and why the best rankings are the ones that took longest to build. Comment ROADMAP on the post and the ten steps arrive in your DMs. > Watch the reel on Instagram: How SEO should actually be done, step by step More like this → Follow @lawrenceaiseo ## Final Word: How to Learn SEO /wp:heading wp:paragraph If you are new to digital marketing and want to understand what SEO is, now is your chance. You can start by understanding the fundamentals and then put that knowledge into practice on a project to gain tangible results. As search engine optimization gains ever more traction globally, there is no better time than now for you to add this skill set to your resume! /wp:paragraph wp:heading ## Frequently Asked Questions /wp:heading wp:heading {"level":3} ### Can I learn SEO myself? /wp:heading wp:paragraph Yes, you can teach yourself SEO and you [can do it at home](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/how-to-learn-seo-at-home/). With some research and effort, you can learn the fundamentals of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and start implementing strategies to help your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). The key is staying up-to-date on the latest best practices and experimenting with different tactics that work for your unique website. /wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3} ### How do beginners learn SEO for free? /wp:heading wp:paragraph For those starting in SEO, getting informed is the first step. Beginning your journey here won't cost you a penny. There are plenty of ways to start learning the basics of search engine optimization, from free tutorials and webinars to blog posts. When you're ready for more comprehensive guidance on how to apply SEO techniques, an abundance of online courses and e-books await, providing you with all the tools necessary for success!" /wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3} ### Can I learn SEO in one month? /wp:heading wp:paragraph Yes, it's possible to gain a basic understanding of SEO principles within a month. You'll need to dedicate daily time to study, research, and implementation. However, becoming an expert in the field will require months (if not years) of dedication and practice.  /wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3} ### Can I learn SEO in 2 months? /wp:heading wp:paragraph Yes, it's also possible to [become proficient in SEO skills](https://www.lawrencehitches.com/seo-skills/) within two months. With dedication and the right resources, you can comprehensively understand search engine optimization principles during this period - it'll be more time to learn the basics in the first month, then have the opportunity to apply those learnings in the second month. /wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3} ### Why is SEO so difficult? /wp:heading wp:paragraph Even the most experienced marketers can find it hard to keep up with how search engine algorithms and user preferences change all the time. It's more complex than finding a one-size-fits-all approach that works across different industries or platforms; optimizing visibility on search engines requires understanding how content is ranked by Google, Bing, and other key players in the game. With so many factors to consider when perfecting SEO, it's no wonder it can be tricky to get it right. /wp:paragraph --- *Lawrence Hitches is an AI SEO consultant in Melbourne and Chief of Staff at StudioHawk, Australia's most awarded SEO agency. Agent edition of this site: https://www.lawrencehitches.com/md/index.md*