What Is SEO and How Do I Start If I’m Brand New?

If you’re a new entrepreneur trying to build your business online, you’ve probably heard the term SEO. But maybe it sounds like techy stuff for experts—something you’ll "figure out later."

Let’s clear that up.

In this blog post, I’ll explain what SEO means, why it matters, and how to start using it even if you’re brand new and not good with technology. You don’t need to be a computer whiz or a marketing pro. You just need a basic understanding—and that’s what I’m here to give you.

What Does SEO Stand For?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.

Let’s break that down:

Search engine = A website like Google that helps people find information online.
Optimization = Making something better or easier to use.

So, Search Engine Optimization means making your content (like blog posts, website pages, and product descriptions) easier for search engines like Google to find, understand, and show to people who are looking for it.

When you use SEO, you're helping your website show up when someone types a question or keyword into Google.

Why Should New Entrepreneurs Care About SEO?

You might be thinking, “Do I really need SEO if I’m just getting started?”

Here’s why the answer is yes—especially for beginners:

It helps people find your website without ads.
It builds trust with your audience.
It saves money over time (no paying for every click like you do with ads).
It brings the right people to your content—people who are already looking for what you offer.

If you’re building your business from scratch, SEO can help you grow organically—which means naturally, without paying for traffic.

How Do Search Engines Like Google Work?

Imagine the internet is a huge library, and Google is the librarian. Every time someone asks a question (types something into Google), the librarian tries to find the best, most helpful answer.

To decide which pages to show first, the search engine looks at:

Words on your page (called keywords)
How helpful and clear your content is
How many other websites trust you (this is called backlinks)

The better your content matches what someone is looking for, the higher your page can show up in search results.

SEO Keywords: What Are They and How Do I Use Them?

A keyword is a word or phrase someone types into Google when they’re looking for something.

Example:
Let’s say you’re a beginner life coach for moms. Someone might search:

“how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a mom”
“life coach for moms with young kids”
“tips for moms who need more time”

These are all potential keywords.

If you write a blog post using one of those phrases (in the title, headings, and a few times in the body), Google is more likely to show your post when someone searches for it.

But don’t just stuff keywords into your page. Google is smart—it wants your writing to feel natural and helpful to real people.

Where Do I Start With SEO as a Beginner?

Here are the first 5 simple steps to start using SEO, even if you’re not techy.

1. Pick a Simple Topic Your Audience Cares About

Think about the problems your dream clients or customers are facing.

Ask yourself:

What questions do they ask me?
What are they searching for online?
What would help them take one small step?

Then choose a topic and write a blog post, video script, or even a simple web page around it.

2. Find a Keyword to Use

Use free tools like:

Ubersuggest
AnswerThePublic
Google search itself (start typing and see what comes up)

Choose a keyword or phrase that makes sense for your topic. Use it in your:

Page or blog title
First paragraph
A few headings
Image names (if you use images)

Example:
If your keyword is “meal planning for busy moms,” a good blog post title might be:
“Meal Planning for Busy Moms: 3 Easy Steps to Save Time Every Week”

3. Make Your Content Easy to Read

Search engines love content that’s easy to read.

Here’s how to do that:

Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines)
Add clear headings and subheadings
Use bullet points or numbered lists
Keep your words simple

Remember: write like you’re talking to a 6th grader. That’s not dumbing it down—it’s making it clear.

4. Link to Other Helpful Pages

When you link to other helpful pages (on your site or someone else’s), you’re doing two good things:

Helping your reader
Showing Google that your content is useful and connected

This is called internal linking (when you link to another blog post or page on your own site) and external linking (when you link to another website).

5. Be Consistent (Even If It’s Just Once a Month)

SEO isn’t about doing one big thing—it’s about doing small things over time.

If you can write one helpful blog post a month, that’s a great start. As your website grows, Google will notice. And more people will start finding your content.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.

How Long Does SEO Take to Work?

SEO is a slow and steady game. It’s not instant like an Instagram post or a paid ad.

It can take a few weeks or months for Google to notice your site and start ranking your content. But the good news is: once your content is out there, it keeps working for you while you sleep.

That’s why SEO is one of the smartest things you can do early in your business.

What If I Don’t Have a Website Yet?

That’s okay! You can still practice SEO in small ways:

Use keywords in your Instagram captions
Add them to your YouTube video titles and descriptions
Write keyword-rich blog posts on a simple blog platform (like WordPress, Showit, or Kajabi)

Then, when you do build your full website, you’ll already have a head start.

Final Thoughts: You Can Learn SEO—Even If You’re Brand New

You don’t need to be a tech expert to start using SEO. You just need to:

Understand the basics
Write clearly and kindly for your audience
Use the right words in the right places

Take one small step this week. Choose a keyword. Write a short blog post. Make your first page a little easier for Google (and real people) to find.

You’ve got this. And if you ever feel stuck, I’m here to help.

Need help building your first website or writing your first SEO blog post?
I work with new business owners who want simple, friendly guidance. Reach out anytime—no tech stress required.