Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for most websites and online marketing strategies. Everyone who runs a business, an online store or a blog has one goal: to achieve visibility and success in the search results of the major search engines. SEO is more than just a buzzword in the SEO industry - it's the key to getting to the top positions in search engines and reaching potential customers.
Search engines use a variety of ranking factors to determine the relevance of a website. Therefore, a comprehensive SEO strategy is essential to increase a site's visibility. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into the subject, SEO remains an ever-changing field - and that's exactly why this article is designed to introduce you to the topic step by step.
In this guide, you will learn what SEO is, why it is so important for companies and which measures will help you achieve a better ranking.
The basics of SEO
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is about making websites as visible as possible in search engine results. As Google has the largest market share in many countries, most SEO measures relate to how the content and technical aspects of a website can be optimized in order to rank in the search results of this search engine. In addition to Google, there are also other search engines such as Bing or Yahoo, but these have a smaller share of search queries.
Why is SEO important?
SEO enables companies to present their website in the best possible way so that it can be found more easily in searches. Without this optimization, even good content has little chance of achieving high visibility in search engine results. The advantages are obvious: a better ranking means more traffic and potential customers. This traffic is referred to as organic traffic , as it is achieved without paid advertising.
Difference between SEO, SEA and SEM
Many people confuse SEO with other online marketing terms, in particular SEA (Search Engine Advertising). While SEO is aimed at organic search, SEA is paid advertising in search engines. Both measures fall under the umbrella term SEM (Search Engine Marketing), which includes both organic and paid channels.
Aspect
SEO (search engine optimization)
SEA (search engine advertising)
Goal
Sustainable organic traffic
Faster results through ads
Costs
Primarily time expenditure, long-term
Budget-dependent, short-term success
Duration of the effect
Visible in the long term
Effect ends with budget switching
Effect
Strengthens trust, long-term visibility
Fast range, low sustainability
How does SEO work?
In order to be found well in search engines such as Google, certain SEO ranking factors must be fulfilled. These factors can be roughly divided into three main areas: On-Page SEO, Technical SEO and Off-Page SEO. Each area has specific measures and goals that contribute to the optimization of a website. Together, they ensure that the site is appealing to users and search engines both technically and in terms of content.
The goals of search engine optimization
The main goal of search engine optimization (SEO) is to increase the visibility of a website in organic search results. It is about improving the positioning of a page to generate more clicks and attract potential customers. An effective SEO strategy focuses on improving the user experience, increasing the conversion rate and creating a positive image for the brand.
The most important goals of SEO
More organic traffic: A better ranking in the search results generates more visitors to the site.
Increasing visibility and brand awareness: SEO measures make your website more visible in search engine results and your brand better known.
Improving the user experience: Optimizing the content, technical aspects and design increases the user experience and thus the chance that visitors will stay on the website.
Build long-term positioning and trust: SEO not only enables short-term results, but helps build long-term user trust by providing quality content and a positive user experience.
SEO always focuses on the user - and for good reason: visitor satisfaction has a significant impact on search engine rankings. The combination of relevant content, good user experience and technical optimization is crucial for sustainable success.
SEO compared to paid marketing
SEO is a long-term process in contrast to SEA (Search Engine Advertising). While SEA achieves quick results, SEO is a sustainable method that can be continuously improved and ensures long-term visibility. Paid campaigns are therefore good for short-term promotions, but SEO remains a crucial factor for long-term success in online marketing.
The aim of SEO is to reach potential customers exactly when they are searching for relevant search terms and therefore when they are most interested in your products or services.
The three main areas of SEO
SEO can be divided into three main areas, all of which are crucial for successful search engine optimization: On-Page SEO, Technical SEO and Off-Page SEO. Each of these areas contributes to how search engines evaluate and rank a website.
1. on-page SEO: optimize content and structure
On-page SEO includes all optimizations that are carried out directly on the website. The aim is to design the content of the page in such a way that it is relevant for both users and search engines.
Onpage SEO measures:
Keyword research: The basis of all SEO optimization. You find out which terms your target group is searching for.
Content optimization: Relevant, high-quality and useful content that fulfills the search intention and offers added value.
Meta tags: Optimized titles and descriptions (meta title & meta description) improve the click rate in the search results.
Internal linking: Clear structure and meaningful linking of content on the website improve the user experience and help search engines to crawl.
2. technical SEO: for better performance
Technical SEO refers to all measures that facilitate the crawling and indexing of your website and ensure a better user experience. It is the basis for ensuring that search engines and users can access the content without any problems.
Technical SEO measures:
Page speed: A fast loading time ensures a better user experience and is rewarded by search engines.
Mobile optimization: As more and more users search via smartphones, a mobile-friendly website is a ranking factor.
Sitemap and Robots.txt: Structural basics that help search engines to crawl your website effectively.
3. off-page SEO: strengthening the authority of the website
Off-page SEO includes all measures that take place outside of your own website in order to increase the authority of the page. This primarily includes building high-quality backlinks and increasing brand awareness.
Offpage SEO measures:
Backlinks (link building): Links from other, trustworthy websites that refer to your site increase your authority and improve your ranking.
Social signals: Activities in social media such as sharing content increase visibility and strengthen the online presence.
While on-page SEO and technical SEO lay the foundation for an optimized website, off-page SEO helps to increase the awareness and authority of your site.
The most important SEO ranking factors
In SEO, there are numerous factors that influence the ranking of your website. While some factors carry more weight, all of them contribute to successful optimization. These ranking factors are crucial to improving your website's ranking and thus increasing its visibility in search engines.
Relevance of keywords: The right use of search terms
Keywords are still a central component of search engine optimization. The content of a website should contain the keywords that users are searching for. However, this does not mean that these keywords should be used excessively (which is known as keyword stuffing). Instead, it's about understanding the user's search intent and designing the content to satisfy these questions and needs.
Tips on the use of keywords:
Place the main keyword in the title, in the headings (H2, H3) and of course in the text.
Use synonyms and related terms to increase the relevance of the content.
Pay attention to the natural integration of keywords - they should not disrupt the flow of reading.
Content quality: High-quality and valuable content
Content is king - this principle still applies in the SEO world. Google and other search engines have made it their mission to offer the best possible user experience. They therefore reward content that is informative, well-researched and tailored to users' needs. The quality of content is one of the most important ranking factors, as it not only attracts visitors but also helps them stay on the site longer.
Important aspects for high-quality content:
Uniqueness: Avoid duplicate content. Your content should be original and offer added value.
Structure: Use headings, lists and paragraphs to make the content clear and concise.
Added value: Offer users exactly the information they are looking for and provide detailed answers to their questions.
User experience: Usability and page structure
A positive user experience (UX) is a crucial factor that not only influences rankings, but also increases the likelihood that visitors will stay on your site, interact and ultimately become customers. User experience includes aspects such as site navigation, readability, design and mobile optimization.
How to improve the user experience:
Clear navigation: Clear menu navigation enables users to quickly find the information they need.
Readability: Use clear fonts, pleasant colors and a good text structure.
Mobile optimization: Make sure that your website works just as well on mobile devices as it does on desktops.
Authority through backlinks: External links as proof of trust
Backlinks, i.e. links from other websites that refer to your site, are still one of the most important ranking factors. A backlink from a high-quality, relevant page signals to search engines that your page is trustworthy and relevant. It is not only the number of backlinks that matters, but also their quality and relevance.
Important points for successful backlink building:
Quality over quantity: One link from an authoritative website is more valuable than many links from inferior sites.
Relevance: Links from thematically related pages carry more weight.
Natural structure: Make sure that your backlinks are created organically and do not appear artificial.
SEO strategies and best practices
Developing an effective SEO strategy is a continuous process that takes into account the needs of users, the technical aspects of the website and the changing algorithms of search engines. Best practices can be used to build a sustainable strategy that brings long-term success in search engine marketing.
Develop a solid keyword strategy
A good keyword strategy is at the heart of any successful SEO optimization. It's not just about researching keywords and integrating them into the content, but also following a clear strategy to fulfill user intent.
Step-by-step guide to the keyword strategy
Carry out keyword research: Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or Semrush to identify keywords that are relevant to your business.
Understand search intent: Make sure that the selected keywords match the user's search intention. Are they asking for information, or are they looking for a product?
Content planning: Develop content that is specifically tailored to the researched keywords. Relevant questions should be answered and problems solved.
Keyword clustering: Group similar keywords to create thematically appropriate content and comprehensively cover the search intent.
Example of a keyword strategy
Main keyword: "Optimize SEO"
Long-tail keywords: "SEO optimization for online stores", "SEO on-page optimization for small businesses", "SEO measures for better rankings"
Through clear planning, targeted content can be created that addresses the specific needs of users and stands out in search engine results due to its relevance.
Regular content optimization and updating
It is not enough to create content once and then leave it untouched. Search engines prefer up-to-date and relevant content that offers users added value. It is therefore important to regularly review, update and improve existing content.
Take user feedback into account: Pay attention to comments, questions and suggestions from users and adapt the content accordingly.
Incorporate current trends and developments: Pay attention to current industry developments to ensure that the content remains relevant.
Regularly updating content not only ensures that the website ranks better, but also strengthens user trust and loyalty.
Develop sustainable link building strategies
Backlinks remain a decisive factor for the ranking. Effective link building focuses on generating high-quality and thematically relevant links in order to strengthen the authority of your own website.
Successful strategies for sustainable link building
Write guest posts: Write articles for thematically relevant blogs or industry magazines and link to your own website.
Create content with added value: Provide content that is so useful or unique that other sites will want to link to it.
Broken link building: Search for broken links on other websites and offer your content as a replacement.
Link building should always be carried out organically and sustainably, as unnatural or purchased links are rated negatively by search engines.
Ensure technical optimization and crawlability
Technical SEO lays the foundation for search engines to crawl and index your website optimally. It is important to ensure that the technical aspects of your site are up to date and do not present any obstacles for search engines and users.
Technical aspects that you should consider
SSL certificate: A security protocol (HTTPS) is now standard and is preferred by search engines.
Error-free sitemap: A correctly structured sitemap helps search engines to find all important pages.
Mobile-first indexing: Make sure that your website is optimized for mobile users, as Google primarily looks at the mobile version of your website.
Optimize the user experience
A positive user experience (UX) is a decisive factor for SEO. Search engines prefer websites that are user-friendly and easy to navigate. This includes a clear structure, fast loading times and an appealing design.
Measures for UX optimization
Improve page structure: Use clear headings (H1, H2, H3) and a clear menu.
Integrate call-to-action elements: Ask the user to take an action, such as "Find out more" or "Buy now".
Integrate media: Images, videos and infographics improve readability and make the content more attractive.
A good SEO strategy is always based on a combination of technical optimization, content creation and optimization of the user experience. These areas must go hand in hand in order to achieve the best possible results.
SEO vs. SEA: When to use which strategy?
SEO marketing and SEA (search engine advertising) are both important components of search engine marketing (SEM). While SEO aims to achieve organic rankings in the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs), SEA aims to achieve rapid visibility through paid ads. The question is often when which strategy is the better choice.
The differences between SEO and SEA
SEO focuses on improving organic rankings in search engines through sustainable optimization measures. It is time-consuming, but effective and cost-efficient in the long term, as there are no direct click costs. SEA, on the other hand, delivers quick results by placing paid ads, but is only effective as long as the advertising budget is maintained.
Comparison between SEO and SEA:
Factor
SEO
SEA
Duration of results
Long-term and sustainable
Short-term and immediately visible
Costs
Time expenditure, no direct click costs
Paid clicks, budget-dependent
Goal
Improvement of organic rankings
Quick visibility through displays
Click rate
Tends to have a higher click rate in the SERPs
Lower click-through rate than organic listings
Consistency
Results remain unchanged
Advertising effect ends when the budget is exhausted
Combination of SEO and SEA for maximum success
An efficient online marketing strategy combines SEO and SEA. SEO is used to generate sustainable organic traffic, while SEA attracts attention and targeted leads in the short term. The combination of both approaches enables a quick market presence through SEA and lasting visibility through organic SEO successes.
For example, an online store can use SEO to improve its long-term ranking for relevant search queries, while SEA campaigns boost sales of new products in the short term.
Measuring SEO success
The effectiveness of SEO measures can only be measured through detailed tracking and monitoring. By regularly reviewing relevant KPIs (key performance indicators), it is possible to determine which measures are leading to success and which need to be adjusted.
Relevant KPIs for SEO measurement
In order to evaluate the success of search engine optimization, certain key figures are crucial:
Organic traffic: Shows the visitors who reach the website via search engines. An increase indicates successful optimizations.
Keyword rankings: Placement in the SERPs for relevant keywords is a direct indicator of SEO performance.
Bounce rate: Indicates how many users leave a page without taking any further action. A low bounce rate is positive.
Dwell time (time on page): The more time visitors spend on your website, the more relevant the content is.
Tools for measuring success
There are a variety of tools for successful measurement and optimization:
Google Analytics: One of the most important tools for analyzing traffic, bounce rate and user behavior on the website. It helps to gain precise insights into the performance of SEO measures.
Google Search Console: Shows how the website performs in the search results, which search queries bring traffic and whether there are any technical errors.
Rank tracking tools: Tools such as Ahrefs, Moz and Semrush specialize in tracking keyword rankings and performing competitive analysis.
The importance of regular analyses
The SEO world is dynamic, as Google and other search engines are constantly developing their algorithms. For this reason, it is important to regularly check the results of SEO measures and optimize them accordingly.
Continuous improvement: Analyze the most important KPIs on a monthly or weekly basis in order to be able to react to changes at an early stage.
Competitor analysis: Check which SEO strategies your competitors are pursuing and how you can stand out.
Common mistakes in search engine optimization
Even experienced SEO experts can make mistakes that negatively impact rankings. Some of these mistakes are avoidable and often the result of misunderstandings or outdated practices. Below we highlight some of the most common SEO mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Keyword stuffing: Excessive use of keywords
Keyword stuffing, i.e. the excessive use of keywords in text, used to be a common practice to manipulate search engines. Today, search engines such as Google recognize such techniques and penalize them. It not only leads to lower rankings, but also to a negative user experience. The text appears unnatural and difficult to read. Instead, keywords should be integrated sensibly and the focus should be on natural readability.
Tip: Use keywords in important areas such as the title, headings and in the text, but make sure that they do not impair the reading flow. Rely on the semantic use of synonyms and terms relevant to the topic to make the content natural.
Neglect of mobile optimization
One of the biggest challenges in SEO marketing is optimization for mobile devices. As the majority of search queries are now made via smartphones, search engines prefer mobile-optimized websites. Neglecting mobile optimization can result in the site ranking lower and having a high bounce rate because it is not user-friendly on mobile devices.
Tip: Use responsive design that automatically adapts to the screen size. Regularly test how your website looks and works on different mobile devices.
Lack of user orientation
Website operators often focus exclusively on what the search engines want and forget about the actual users. However, this can have a negative impact, as search engines also rate pages according to how satisfied the users are. A clear structure, easy-to-understand content and helpful information are crucial for a good user experience and therefore also for a better ranking.
Tip: Make sure your content is relevant and useful for both search engines and users. Use clear headings, paragraphs and multimedia content such as images and videos to improve readability.
Poor content quality
A common mistake in search engine optimization is the creation of content that does not meet the needs of users or is of low quality. Content that is only superficial or offers no added value leads to a high bounce rate and a low dwell time on the page. The consequence: poor rankings. It is not enough to simply integrate keywords into the text - the content must be in-depth, informative and useful.
Tip: Plan content strategically and research the interests of your target group. Make sure that your content is tailored to users' search intentions and answers their questions comprehensively.
Technical SEO errors
Technical aspects such as the crawlability and indexability of the page are often neglected. Incorrect redirects, broken links (404 errors), a confusing page structure or missing meta tags can have a negative impact on the ranking. Search engines must be able to access all relevant content without any problems and the site should function technically flawlessly.
Tip: Carry out regular technical SEO audits to identify and rectify potential errors. Use tools such as the Google Search Console to identify crawling problems and other technical errors at an early stage.
Ignoring the search intent (Search Intent)
Another common mistake is ignoring the user's search intent. Every keyword has a specific search intent - be it informative, navigational or transactional. If the content does not match the user's search intent, it will be difficult to achieve a good ranking and meet the visitor's expectations.
Tip: Analyze the search intent behind the keywords you are optimizing for. Offer the right content type for the respective search intent, for example guide articles for informative search queries or product pages for transactional search queries.
SEO trends and developments
Search engine optimization is constantly evolving, influenced by technological innovations and changing user habits. The most important trends at the moment include voice search, mobile optimization and the use of AI.
Voice search and voice search
Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant make search queries in natural language more relevant. These search queries are often longer and formulated in question form. Content that contains FAQs or long-tail keywords is better suited to these search intentions.
Mobile-first indexing
Search engines attach great importance to the mobile version of websites. A clear structure, fast loading and responsive design ensure better rankings. A mobile-friendly website also offers an optimized user experience.
AI-based search engine optimization
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in SEO. Google uses algorithms such as RankBrain to understand the context and user intent. The content should therefore be of high quality, relevant and helpful for the user. AI also personalizes search results based on factors such as location and search history.
Structured data and featured snippets
Structured data (schema markup) can be used to highlight content such as reviews, product prices or event details in the search results. This improves the presentation in the SERPs and can lead to featured snippets, which in turn increases the click-through rate.
The image shows an example of a featured snippet, a highlighted answer in the Google search results that provides a direct summary of the search query.
Frequently asked questions
What is SEO?
SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization". It encompasses all measures that serve to improve the visibility of a website in the organic search results of search engines. The aim is to attract more visitors via search engines.
What is meant by SEO?
SEO is an ongoing process that aims to optimize a website so that it complies with search engine guidelines and appears as high up as possible in the search results for relevant search queries.
Can I do SEO myself?
Yes, SEO can be implemented by yourself. However, it is important to keep up to date with current trends and techniques, as SEO requires continuous adaptation. There are numerous resources and tools that can help with this, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console and SEO platforms like Ahrefs or Semrush.
How do I get started with SEO?
The first step is keyword research to find out which terms and topics are relevant for your target group. The website should then be optimized in terms of its content, structure and technical aspects. It is also advisable to regularly measure SEO results and make adjustments accordingly.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for most websites and online marketing strategies. Everyone who runs a business, an online store or a blog has one goal: to achieve visibility and success in the search results of the major search engines. SEO is more than just a buzzword in the SEO industry - it's the key to getting to the top positions in search engines and reaching potential customers.
Search engines use a variety of ranking factors to determine the relevance of a website. Therefore, a comprehensive SEO strategy is essential to increase a site's visibility. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into the subject, SEO remains an ever-changing field - and that's exactly why this article is designed to introduce you to the topic step by step.
In this guide, you will learn what SEO is, why it is so important for companies and which measures will help you achieve a better ranking.
The basics of SEO
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is about making websites as visible as possible in search engine results. As Google has the largest market share in many countries, most SEO measures relate to how the content and technical aspects of a website can be optimized in order to rank in the search results of this search engine. In addition to Google, there are also other search engines such as Bing or Yahoo, but these have a smaller share of search queries.
Why is SEO important?
SEO enables companies to present their website in the best possible way so that it can be found more easily in searches. Without this optimization, even good content has little chance of achieving high visibility in search engine results. The advantages are obvious: a better ranking means more traffic and potential customers. This traffic is referred to as organic traffic , as it is achieved without paid advertising.
Difference between SEO, SEA and SEM
Many people confuse SEO with other online marketing terms, in particular SEA (Search Engine Advertising). While SEO is aimed at organic search, SEA is paid advertising in search engines. Both measures fall under the umbrella term SEM (Search Engine Marketing), which includes both organic and paid channels.
Aspect
SEO (search engine optimization)
SEA (search engine advertising)
Goal
Sustainable organic traffic
Faster results through ads
Costs
Primarily time expenditure, long-term
Budget-dependent, short-term success
Duration of the effect
Visible in the long term
Effect ends with budget switching
Effect
Strengthens trust, long-term visibility
Fast range, low sustainability
How does SEO work?
In order to be found well in search engines such as Google, certain SEO ranking factors must be fulfilled. These factors can be roughly divided into three main areas: On-Page SEO, Technical SEO and Off-Page SEO. Each area has specific measures and goals that contribute to the optimization of a website. Together, they ensure that the site is appealing to users and search engines both technically and in terms of content.
The goals of search engine optimization
The main goal of search engine optimization (SEO) is to increase the visibility of a website in organic search results. It is about improving the positioning of a page to generate more clicks and attract potential customers. An effective SEO strategy focuses on improving the user experience, increasing the conversion rate and creating a positive image for the brand.
The most important goals of SEO
More organic traffic: A better ranking in the search results generates more visitors to the site.
Increasing visibility and brand awareness: SEO measures make your website more visible in search engine results and your brand better known.
Improving the user experience: Optimizing the content, technical aspects and design increases the user experience and thus the chance that visitors will stay on the website.
Build long-term positioning and trust: SEO not only enables short-term results, but helps build long-term user trust by providing quality content and a positive user experience.
SEO always focuses on the user - and for good reason: visitor satisfaction has a significant impact on search engine rankings. The combination of relevant content, good user experience and technical optimization is crucial for sustainable success.
SEO compared to paid marketing
SEO is a long-term process in contrast to SEA (Search Engine Advertising). While SEA achieves quick results, SEO is a sustainable method that can be continuously improved and ensures long-term visibility. Paid campaigns are therefore good for short-term promotions, but SEO remains a crucial factor for long-term success in online marketing.
The aim of SEO is to reach potential customers exactly when they are searching for relevant search terms and therefore when they are most interested in your products or services.
The three main areas of SEO
SEO can be divided into three main areas, all of which are crucial for successful search engine optimization: On-Page SEO, Technical SEO and Off-Page SEO. Each of these areas contributes to how search engines evaluate and rank a website.
1. on-page SEO: optimize content and structure
On-page SEO includes all optimizations that are carried out directly on the website. The aim is to design the content of the page in such a way that it is relevant for both users and search engines.
Onpage SEO measures:
Keyword research: The basis of all SEO optimization. You find out which terms your target group is searching for.
Content optimization: Relevant, high-quality and useful content that fulfills the search intention and offers added value.
Meta tags: Optimized titles and descriptions (meta title & meta description) improve the click rate in the search results.
Internal linking: Clear structure and meaningful linking of content on the website improve the user experience and help search engines to crawl.
2. technical SEO: for better performance
Technical SEO refers to all measures that facilitate the crawling and indexing of your website and ensure a better user experience. It is the basis for ensuring that search engines and users can access the content without any problems.
Technical SEO measures:
Page speed: A fast loading time ensures a better user experience and is rewarded by search engines.
Mobile optimization: As more and more users search via smartphones, a mobile-friendly website is a ranking factor.
Sitemap and Robots.txt: Structural basics that help search engines to crawl your website effectively.
3. off-page SEO: strengthening the authority of the website
Off-page SEO includes all measures that take place outside of your own website in order to increase the authority of the page. This primarily includes building high-quality backlinks and increasing brand awareness.
Offpage SEO measures:
Backlinks (link building): Links from other, trustworthy websites that refer to your site increase your authority and improve your ranking.
Social signals: Activities in social media such as sharing content increase visibility and strengthen the online presence.
While on-page SEO and technical SEO lay the foundation for an optimized website, off-page SEO helps to increase the awareness and authority of your site.
The most important SEO ranking factors
In SEO, there are numerous factors that influence the ranking of your website. While some factors carry more weight, all of them contribute to successful optimization. These ranking factors are crucial to improving your website's ranking and thus increasing its visibility in search engines.
Relevance of keywords: The right use of search terms
Keywords are still a central component of search engine optimization. The content of a website should contain the keywords that users are searching for. However, this does not mean that these keywords should be used excessively (which is known as keyword stuffing). Instead, it's about understanding the user's search intent and designing the content to satisfy these questions and needs.
Tips on the use of keywords:
Place the main keyword in the title, in the headings (H2, H3) and of course in the text.
Use synonyms and related terms to increase the relevance of the content.
Pay attention to the natural integration of keywords - they should not disrupt the flow of reading.
Content quality: High-quality and valuable content
Content is king - this principle still applies in the SEO world. Google and other search engines have made it their mission to offer the best possible user experience. They therefore reward content that is informative, well-researched and tailored to users' needs. The quality of content is one of the most important ranking factors, as it not only attracts visitors but also helps them stay on the site longer.
Important aspects for high-quality content:
Uniqueness: Avoid duplicate content. Your content should be original and offer added value.
Structure: Use headings, lists and paragraphs to make the content clear and concise.
Added value: Offer users exactly the information they are looking for and provide detailed answers to their questions.
User experience: Usability and page structure
A positive user experience (UX) is a crucial factor that not only influences rankings, but also increases the likelihood that visitors will stay on your site, interact and ultimately become customers. User experience includes aspects such as site navigation, readability, design and mobile optimization.
How to improve the user experience:
Clear navigation: Clear menu navigation enables users to quickly find the information they need.
Readability: Use clear fonts, pleasant colors and a good text structure.
Mobile optimization: Make sure that your website works just as well on mobile devices as it does on desktops.
Authority through backlinks: External links as proof of trust
Backlinks, i.e. links from other websites that refer to your site, are still one of the most important ranking factors. A backlink from a high-quality, relevant page signals to search engines that your page is trustworthy and relevant. It is not only the number of backlinks that matters, but also their quality and relevance.
Important points for successful backlink building:
Quality over quantity: One link from an authoritative website is more valuable than many links from inferior sites.
Relevance: Links from thematically related pages carry more weight.
Natural structure: Make sure that your backlinks are created organically and do not appear artificial.
SEO strategies and best practices
Developing an effective SEO strategy is a continuous process that takes into account the needs of users, the technical aspects of the website and the changing algorithms of search engines. Best practices can be used to build a sustainable strategy that brings long-term success in search engine marketing.
Develop a solid keyword strategy
A good keyword strategy is at the heart of any successful SEO optimization. It's not just about researching keywords and integrating them into the content, but also following a clear strategy to fulfill user intent.
Step-by-step guide to the keyword strategy
Carry out keyword research: Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or Semrush to identify keywords that are relevant to your business.
Understand search intent: Make sure that the selected keywords match the user's search intention. Are they asking for information, or are they looking for a product?
Content planning: Develop content that is specifically tailored to the researched keywords. Relevant questions should be answered and problems solved.
Keyword clustering: Group similar keywords to create thematically appropriate content and comprehensively cover the search intent.
Example of a keyword strategy
Main keyword: "Optimize SEO"
Long-tail keywords: "SEO optimization for online stores", "SEO on-page optimization for small businesses", "SEO measures for better rankings"
Through clear planning, targeted content can be created that addresses the specific needs of users and stands out in search engine results due to its relevance.
Regular content optimization and updating
It is not enough to create content once and then leave it untouched. Search engines prefer up-to-date and relevant content that offers users added value. It is therefore important to regularly review, update and improve existing content.
Take user feedback into account: Pay attention to comments, questions and suggestions from users and adapt the content accordingly.
Incorporate current trends and developments: Pay attention to current industry developments to ensure that the content remains relevant.
Regularly updating content not only ensures that the website ranks better, but also strengthens user trust and loyalty.
Develop sustainable link building strategies
Backlinks remain a decisive factor for the ranking. Effective link building focuses on generating high-quality and thematically relevant links in order to strengthen the authority of your own website.
Successful strategies for sustainable link building
Write guest posts: Write articles for thematically relevant blogs or industry magazines and link to your own website.
Create content with added value: Provide content that is so useful or unique that other sites will want to link to it.
Broken link building: Search for broken links on other websites and offer your content as a replacement.
Link building should always be carried out organically and sustainably, as unnatural or purchased links are rated negatively by search engines.
Ensure technical optimization and crawlability
Technical SEO lays the foundation for search engines to crawl and index your website optimally. It is important to ensure that the technical aspects of your site are up to date and do not present any obstacles for search engines and users.
Technical aspects that you should consider
SSL certificate: A security protocol (HTTPS) is now standard and is preferred by search engines.
Error-free sitemap: A correctly structured sitemap helps search engines to find all important pages.
Mobile-first indexing: Make sure that your website is optimized for mobile users, as Google primarily looks at the mobile version of your website.
Optimize the user experience
A positive user experience (UX) is a decisive factor for SEO. Search engines prefer websites that are user-friendly and easy to navigate. This includes a clear structure, fast loading times and an appealing design.
Measures for UX optimization
Improve page structure: Use clear headings (H1, H2, H3) and a clear menu.
Integrate call-to-action elements: Ask the user to take an action, such as "Find out more" or "Buy now".
Integrate media: Images, videos and infographics improve readability and make the content more attractive.
A good SEO strategy is always based on a combination of technical optimization, content creation and optimization of the user experience. These areas must go hand in hand in order to achieve the best possible results.
SEO vs. SEA: When to use which strategy?
SEO marketing and SEA (search engine advertising) are both important components of search engine marketing (SEM). While SEO aims to achieve organic rankings in the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs), SEA aims to achieve rapid visibility through paid ads. The question is often when which strategy is the better choice.
The differences between SEO and SEA
SEO focuses on improving organic rankings in search engines through sustainable optimization measures. It is time-consuming, but effective and cost-efficient in the long term, as there are no direct click costs. SEA, on the other hand, delivers quick results by placing paid ads, but is only effective as long as the advertising budget is maintained.
Comparison between SEO and SEA:
Factor
SEO
SEA
Duration of results
Long-term and sustainable
Short-term and immediately visible
Costs
Time expenditure, no direct click costs
Paid clicks, budget-dependent
Goal
Improvement of organic rankings
Quick visibility through displays
Click rate
Tends to have a higher click rate in the SERPs
Lower click-through rate than organic listings
Consistency
Results remain unchanged
Advertising effect ends when the budget is exhausted
Combination of SEO and SEA for maximum success
An efficient online marketing strategy combines SEO and SEA. SEO is used to generate sustainable organic traffic, while SEA attracts attention and targeted leads in the short term. The combination of both approaches enables a quick market presence through SEA and lasting visibility through organic SEO successes.
For example, an online store can use SEO to improve its long-term ranking for relevant search queries, while SEA campaigns boost sales of new products in the short term.
Measuring SEO success
The effectiveness of SEO measures can only be measured through detailed tracking and monitoring. By regularly reviewing relevant KPIs (key performance indicators), it is possible to determine which measures are leading to success and which need to be adjusted.
Relevant KPIs for SEO measurement
In order to evaluate the success of search engine optimization, certain key figures are crucial:
Organic traffic: Shows the visitors who reach the website via search engines. An increase indicates successful optimizations.
Keyword rankings: Placement in the SERPs for relevant keywords is a direct indicator of SEO performance.
Bounce rate: Indicates how many users leave a page without taking any further action. A low bounce rate is positive.
Dwell time (time on page): The more time visitors spend on your website, the more relevant the content is.
Tools for measuring success
There are a variety of tools for successful measurement and optimization:
Google Analytics: One of the most important tools for analyzing traffic, bounce rate and user behavior on the website. It helps to gain precise insights into the performance of SEO measures.
Google Search Console: Shows how the website performs in the search results, which search queries bring traffic and whether there are any technical errors.
Rank tracking tools: Tools such as Ahrefs, Moz and Semrush specialize in tracking keyword rankings and performing competitive analysis.
The importance of regular analyses
The SEO world is dynamic, as Google and other search engines are constantly developing their algorithms. For this reason, it is important to regularly check the results of SEO measures and optimize them accordingly.
Continuous improvement: Analyze the most important KPIs on a monthly or weekly basis in order to be able to react to changes at an early stage.
Competitor analysis: Check which SEO strategies your competitors are pursuing and how you can stand out.
Common mistakes in search engine optimization
Even experienced SEO experts can make mistakes that negatively impact rankings. Some of these mistakes are avoidable and often the result of misunderstandings or outdated practices. Below we highlight some of the most common SEO mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Keyword stuffing: Excessive use of keywords
Keyword stuffing, i.e. the excessive use of keywords in text, used to be a common practice to manipulate search engines. Today, search engines such as Google recognize such techniques and penalize them. It not only leads to lower rankings, but also to a negative user experience. The text appears unnatural and difficult to read. Instead, keywords should be integrated sensibly and the focus should be on natural readability.
Tip: Use keywords in important areas such as the title, headings and in the text, but make sure that they do not impair the reading flow. Rely on the semantic use of synonyms and terms relevant to the topic to make the content natural.
Neglect of mobile optimization
One of the biggest challenges in SEO marketing is optimization for mobile devices. As the majority of search queries are now made via smartphones, search engines prefer mobile-optimized websites. Neglecting mobile optimization can result in the site ranking lower and having a high bounce rate because it is not user-friendly on mobile devices.
Tip: Use responsive design that automatically adapts to the screen size. Regularly test how your website looks and works on different mobile devices.
Lack of user orientation
Website operators often focus exclusively on what the search engines want and forget about the actual users. However, this can have a negative impact, as search engines also rate pages according to how satisfied the users are. A clear structure, easy-to-understand content and helpful information are crucial for a good user experience and therefore also for a better ranking.
Tip: Make sure your content is relevant and useful for both search engines and users. Use clear headings, paragraphs and multimedia content such as images and videos to improve readability.
Poor content quality
A common mistake in search engine optimization is the creation of content that does not meet the needs of users or is of low quality. Content that is only superficial or offers no added value leads to a high bounce rate and a low dwell time on the page. The consequence: poor rankings. It is not enough to simply integrate keywords into the text - the content must be in-depth, informative and useful.
Tip: Plan content strategically and research the interests of your target group. Make sure that your content is tailored to users' search intentions and answers their questions comprehensively.
Technical SEO errors
Technical aspects such as the crawlability and indexability of the page are often neglected. Incorrect redirects, broken links (404 errors), a confusing page structure or missing meta tags can have a negative impact on the ranking. Search engines must be able to access all relevant content without any problems and the site should function technically flawlessly.
Tip: Carry out regular technical SEO audits to identify and rectify potential errors. Use tools such as the Google Search Console to identify crawling problems and other technical errors at an early stage.
Ignoring the search intent (Search Intent)
Another common mistake is ignoring the user's search intent. Every keyword has a specific search intent - be it informative, navigational or transactional. If the content does not match the user's search intent, it will be difficult to achieve a good ranking and meet the visitor's expectations.
Tip: Analyze the search intent behind the keywords you are optimizing for. Offer the right content type for the respective search intent, for example guide articles for informative search queries or product pages for transactional search queries.
SEO trends and developments
Search engine optimization is constantly evolving, influenced by technological innovations and changing user habits. The most important trends at the moment include voice search, mobile optimization and the use of AI.
Voice search and voice search
Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant make search queries in natural language more relevant. These search queries are often longer and formulated in question form. Content that contains FAQs or long-tail keywords is better suited to these search intentions.
Mobile-first indexing
Search engines attach great importance to the mobile version of websites. A clear structure, fast loading and responsive design ensure better rankings. A mobile-friendly website also offers an optimized user experience.
AI-based search engine optimization
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in SEO. Google uses algorithms such as RankBrain to understand the context and user intent. The content should therefore be of high quality, relevant and helpful for the user. AI also personalizes search results based on factors such as location and search history.
Structured data and featured snippets
Structured data (schema markup) can be used to highlight content such as reviews, product prices or event details in the search results. This improves the presentation in the SERPs and can lead to featured snippets, which in turn increases the click-through rate.
The image shows an example of a featured snippet, a highlighted answer in the Google search results that provides a direct summary of the search query.
Frequently asked questions
What is SEO?
SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization". It encompasses all measures that serve to improve the visibility of a website in the organic search results of search engines. The aim is to attract more visitors via search engines.
What is meant by SEO?
SEO is an ongoing process that aims to optimize a website so that it complies with search engine guidelines and appears as high up as possible in the search results for relevant search queries.
Can I do SEO myself?
Yes, SEO can be implemented by yourself. However, it is important to keep up to date with current trends and techniques, as SEO requires continuous adaptation. There are numerous resources and tools that can help with this, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console and SEO platforms like Ahrefs or Semrush.
How do I get started with SEO?
The first step is keyword research to find out which terms and topics are relevant for your target group. The website should then be optimized in terms of its content, structure and technical aspects. It is also advisable to regularly measure SEO results and make adjustments accordingly.
About the author
Globalist
As a partner for high visibility in search engines, advertising on Facebook and Instagram, among others. Of course, we also implement the individual services separately.
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As a partner for high visibility in search engines, advertising on Facebook and Instagram, among others. Of course, we also implement the individual services separately.