One of the most common questions we receive typically relates to blogging and SEO – aka search engine optimization. I always like to first tell our clients during our initial discussion of our SEO services, when they initially start building a blog to focus on creating unique content. Because if they follow this rule, in the end they will have build a sound foundation and search engines should reward them with relevant search terms based on what they’ve been blogging about.

Now, this isn’t always true and in some circumstances there’s quite a bit of a challenge when starting a new blog – especially if they’re planning on hitting a over saturated SEO market like here in Chicago. I do want to stress, a few adjustments in the beginning can often save on hours of work in the future.

Getting Started with Blogging SEO Strategy:

The practice of SEO is multifaceted but when you really boil it down, there’s what I consider two main categories. Especially for blogging.

1. Create great content often. Make sure it’s optimized for search engines to best understand how to connect it with potential readers. As SEO strategiests, we try to think like how a search engine thinks a reader thinks…. (Yeah, I know it doesn’t sound right but it’s true. )

2. Build a manageable inbound linking strategy. There are many ways a blogger could go about generating links to their website but some of the safest ways to start are by utilizing the following independent strategies: (See Prezi Below)

• Email Marketing
• Social Media strategy
• Direct Referrals from other websites and advertising

I do want to note, most of the above are part of separate digital strategies but they all pretty much provide an end result in someone clicking a link back to your website. A huge need for SEO.

There should be a bit of a warning here. Be careful of services that offer link packages. The old adage applies. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is and it’s not worth having Google reject your entire blog because of some spammy, fly-by-night link service.

My linking suggestions are, however, relatively standard practices that will help grow your readership through SEO optimization.

Interact with our It’s a Start: Blogging and SEO Prezi: