Starting SEO for your online store can feel hard. Many people make mistakes that cost them time and money. This guide will help you focus on what matters most during the first 90 days. You'll learn how to get quick results and drive sales without wasting time on things that don't matter.

Common SEO Mistakes

Two big mistakes can hurt your SEO efforts:

• Focusing on the Wrong Things: Many people spend too much time on technical details that don't generate revenue. Content and links are more important at first.

Another significant mistake is treating SEO as a one-time task. In reality, SEO is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort, much like marketing or sales. A third mistake is hiring someone to do SEO when you don't know the basics. It's better to learn SEO on your own first. Then, you can hire someone good and see if they're doing a good job.

Timeline for SEO Growth

Here's a simple plan to grow your SEO:

Month One: Build Your Base

In the first month, focus on the basics:

• Site Structure: Plan how your pages link together. Ensure that essential pages are easily accessible. They should be one to three clicks from your homepage. If a page isn't linked, Google won't be able to find it.

• Basic SEO: Take care of easy things like URLs, titles, headings, and internal links. These are simple but important.

• Keyword Research: Find out what your customers search for. Consider what they type when they're ready to make a purchase. Then, create pages for those keywords. Start with keywords that lead to sales.

• Analytics: Set up Google Search Console and Google Analytics 4. These tools show you how your site is doing. You'll see what works and what needs to change.

Months Two to Four: Improve and Grow

After the first month, it's time to improve your site:

• Optimize Top Pages: Select your top-performing pages that can rank high and generate revenue. Update these pages with the right keywords. Put keywords in the URL, title, description, headings, and content.

• Create New Content: After improving old pages, make new ones. Focus on keywords that lead to sales. These might be new categories or product pages.

• Internal Linking: Link your pages together. This helps Google find and understand your site. It also helps visitors find what they are looking for.

• Backlink Building: Get links from other websites. This indicates to Google that your site is trusted. Begin with free links from directories and social media platforms. Then, try link exchanges or paid links. Most links should initially point to your homepage.

Months Four and Beyond: Scale Up

Once you have a strong base, you can grow faster:

• Double Down on What Works: See which pages are doing well. Put more effort into those pages. Add more content, links, and backlinks to help them improve their ranking.

• Scale Content: Create more content based on your customer's journey. Think about what people search for at each stage. Additionally, consider what's working in other channels, such as ads or social media.

• Feed Other Channels: Use SEO to help your other marketing efforts. Get more email and SMS sign-ups. Capture more searches for your brand and competitors.

Content and Links are King

While technical SEO is often the focus of many guides, it's important to remember that content and links are the real MVPs, especially in the early stages. Address the fundamental technical issues, but avoid getting bogged down in them. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content and establishing a robust network of links. This approach will drive traffic and sales more effectively.

Content and Links: The Cornerstones of SEO Success

Take Control of Your SEO

Starting SEO can be hard, but it's worth it. By focusing on the right things and working diligently, you can achieve outstanding results. Learn the basics yourself, build a solid foundation, and continually refine your skills.

Ready to take your online store to the top of search results? Start your SEO journey today!