As you probably know, search engine optimization is used to gain more exposure via search results. In other words, you want your website to be as visible as possible to search engines. So, how exactly do you SEO optimize a website? The truth is there are many strategies and tactics you can use. And these are divided between on-site and off-site SEO approaches.

If you intend to optimize the website yourself, it is recommended to get familiar with basic strategies and work your way up. The following tips are considered fundamental, essential, and useful if you want your site to be competitive.

1. Create Engaging & Sharable Content

Websites are created to be useful. And for the most part, users utilize websites to gather information. People want to learn something or find clarity. Alternatively, users want to be entertained. Hence the reason for giving your audience something to come back to later. Make them happy about visiting your site by posting regularly and keep the posts worth reading. The more time users spend on your website, the more search engines take notice.

2. Research Keywords Your Audience Uses

It is tempting to pull keywords out of the air and assume they will do the trick. But in reality, you have to be more specific in order to make keywords work in your favor. That means researching the popularity of the keywords. It is also important that you keep your keywords relevant to the content.

3. Make Use of Helpful SEO Plugins

Installing plugins at the backend can help to increase search engine visibility. But too much of a good thing can turn south. In this case, too many plugins can clash, slow down the site loading speed, and literally drag your website down. So, use plugins, but do it strategically.

4. Keep Your Website Up to Speed

People are accessing the internet from an array of devices, which is why a responsive design plays such a big part in terms of visibility. A website has to be able to accommodate different devices while providing a great user experience. The same can be said about the loading speed. Make it a priority to maintain quick loading speeds for your pages. Not only does it influence traffic, but it helps to determine how high your website ultimately ranks.

These SEO strategies focus on what you can do directly to the website. But if you want to expand your reach, implement strategies for link building and social media. It can dramatically boost traffic and provide you with increased exposure.