{"id":655691,"date":"2025-03-05T03:25:28","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T00:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/"},"modified":"2025-03-05T03:25:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T00:25:28","slug":"7-tips-for-seo-newbies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/","title":{"rendered":"#7 tips for SEO newbies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2fded400256\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2fded400256\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#SEO_can_feel_overwhelming_for_beginners_but_these_tips_will_help_you_master_the_basics_and_build_a_strong_foundation_for_success\" >SEO can feel overwhelming for beginners, but these tips will help you master the basics and build a strong foundation for success.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#1_Start_with_the_business\" >1. Start with the business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#2_Be_curious_ask_questions\" >2. Be curious, ask questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#3_Build_from_the_foundations_of_SEO\" >3. Build from the foundations of SEO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#4_Dabble_in_the_technical_side_and_build_relationships_with_your_developers\" >4. Dabble in the technical side and build relationships with your developers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#5_Learn_the_different_types_of_information_Google_shows_in_search_results\" >5. Learn the different types of information Google shows in search results<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#6_Learn_the_different_types_of_query_intent_classifications\" >6. Learn the different types of query intent classifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#7_Do_the_research_yourself_before_finding_ways_to_use_LLMs\" >7. Do the research yourself before finding ways to use LLMs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#Laying_the_groundwork_for_SEO_success\" >Laying the groundwork for SEO success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/7-tips-for-seo-newbies\/#i\" >\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"subhead\" itemprop=\"alternativeHeadline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SEO_can_feel_overwhelming_for_beginners_but_these_tips_will_help_you_master_the_basics_and_build_a_strong_foundation_for_success\"><\/span>SEO can feel overwhelming for beginners, but these tips will help you master the basics and build a strong foundation for success.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"bialty-container\">\n<p>SEO is a fast-moving, marketing-centric industry that will always keep you on your toes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re just getting started, it can be overwhelming without a guide.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There are many facets and specializations in SEO that come later in a career \u2013 local, technical, content, digital PR, UX, ecommerce, <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a> \u2013 the list goes on.<\/p>\n<p>However, that level of specialization isn\u2019t something a junior professional needs to focus on right away.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Much like a liberal arts degree or an <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>renticeship, a newcomer to SEO should first develop a broad understanding of the entire discipline before choosing a specialty.<\/p>\n<p>This article covers several ways to build that foundational knowledge of search engine optimization.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-start-with-the-business\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Start_with_the_business\"><\/span>1. Start with the business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re in-house or at an agency, resist the urge to jump straight into \u201csolution mode\u201d when beginning an SEO project.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Instead of immediately focusing on meta tags, keywords, backlinks, or URL structure, start by understanding the business itself.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some key questions to consider as you browse the website:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What product or service is being sold?<\/li>\n<li>Who is the target audience? (If you\u2019re in-house, who is your company trying to sell to?)<\/li>\n<li>Why does the company believe customers should choose them over competitors? (Common differentiators include price, unique features, or benefits.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have the time or opportunity, dig deeper by asking your boss or client these business-focused questions:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What are the company\u2019s goals and targets?<\/li>\n<li>What is the three- to five-year plan for the business? (Are there plans to launch new products or expand into new markets?)<\/li>\n<li>Who are the main competitors, and what are they doing?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1270\" height=\"1020\" alt=\"A sample of onboarding business questions from Building a Business Brain by FLOQ Academy\" class=\"wp-image-452909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy.png.webp 1270w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-421x338.png.webp 421w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-747x600.png.webp 747w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-141x113.png.webp 141w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-768x617.png.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1270px) 100vw, 1270px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy.png.webp\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1270\" height=\"1020\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy.png.webp\" alt=\"A sample of onboarding business questions from Building a Business Brain by FLOQ Academy\" class=\"wp-image-452909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy.png.webp 1270w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-421x338.png.webp 421w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-747x600.png.webp 747w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-141x113.png.webp 141w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/A-sample-of-onboarding-business-questions-from-Building-a-Business-Brain-by-FLOQ-Academy-768x617.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1270px) 100vw, 1270px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A sample of onboarding business questions from Building a Business Brain by FLOQ Academy<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Even without that level of detail, the first three questions provide a useful frame of reference for determining the best SEO approach.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-be-curious-ask-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Be_curious_ask_questions\"><\/span>2. Be curious, ask questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SEO now touches nearly every aspect of digital marketing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Because of that, SEOs often become social butterflies, regularly collaborating with other departments and specialties.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been in SEO for 15 years now (which makes me feel old), but I continue to ask my clients questions every day.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This field encourages curiosity, so rather than feeling frustrated by what you don\u2019t fully understand, embrace being the one to ask the \u201cdumb questions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no such thing as a dumb question, by the way.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: How to become exceptional at SEO<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-build-from-the-foundations-of-seo\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Build_from_the_foundations_of_SEO\"><\/span>3. Build from the foundations of SEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As mentioned earlier, SEO has many specializations. Some, like video or local SEO, are referred to as \u201csearch verticals.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re new to the field, start with the basics: the website and how Google presents search results.<\/p>\n<p>Once you understand the business, try a simple exercise to analyze your site\u2019s optimization.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Open a key product, category, or service page in one window. In another, search for a term you think users would enter to find that page.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Compare what appears in the search results with your own page and the pages that rank for that term.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"945\" alt=\"Nike website vs. Google search - running shoes\" class=\"wp-image-452911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes.png.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-572x338.png.webp 572w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-800x473.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-191x113.png.webp 191w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-768x454.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-1536x907.png 1536w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes.png.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"945\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes.png.webp\" alt=\"Nike website vs. Google search - running shoes\" class=\"wp-image-452911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes.png.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-572x338.png.webp 572w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-800x473.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-191x113.png.webp 191w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-768x454.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Nike-website-vs.-Google-search-running-shoes-1536x907.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/figure>\n<p>For example, in a search for \u201crunning shoes,\u201d a few things stand out:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The intent is somewhat mismatched. Nike\u2019s category page targets users who are researching with intent to buy or are already planning a purchase. However, the search results display articles comparing different running shoes.<\/li>\n<li>Scrolling down, you might see an image carousel, a \u201cNearby Stores\u201d section, and \u201cPeople Also Ask\u201d results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If I were a new SEO at Nike and assumed the \u201crunning shoes\u201d category page could rank for the \u201crunning shoes\u201d query, I would rethink that after reviewing the search results.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If ranking for that broad term were a priority, I would create a running shoe comparison article featuring high-quality images of real people using the shoes \u2013 maybe even a video, if budget allowed.<\/p>\n<p>If your page aligns more closely with the search results, analyze the top-ranking pages and adapt successful elements to your own site.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do most of them have an on-page FAQ while yours doesn\u2019t?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>A product video? Detailed specs? User reviews?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Be critical and specific about what you can improve. (Never copy content directly.)<\/p>\n<p>At its core, SEO is about identifying what Google deems important for a given product or service, then doing it better than the competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Many SEOs get caught up in tools and tactics and forget to examine the search results themselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Break that habit early and make reviewing Google\u2019s search results a key part of your research process.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-dabble-in-the-technical-side-and-build-relationships-with-your-developers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Dabble_in_the_technical_side_and_build_relationships_with_your_developers\"><\/span>4. Dabble in the technical side and build relationships with your developers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Technical SEO is one of the more complex specializations in the field and can seem intimidating.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re using a major CMS, your technical foundations are likely solid, so today, much of technical SEO focuses on refinements and enhancements.<\/p>\n<p>While it\u2019s important to develop technical knowledge, a great way to start is by building relationships with your development team and staying curious.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Asking questions makes learning more interactive and immediately relevant to your work.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Exploring coding courses or creating your own website can also help you develop technical skills gradually instead of all at once.<\/p>\n<p>Some argue that you can be a good SEO without technical expertise \u2013 and I don\u2019t disagree.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, understanding a website\u2019s inner workings, how Google operates, and even how large language models (LLMs) function can help you prioritize your SEO efforts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Code is Google\u2019s native language, and knowing how to interpret it can be invaluable when migrating a site, launching a new one, or diagnosing traffic drops.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: SEO prioritization: How to focus on what moves the needle<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- START INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<p><!-- END INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-learn-the-different-types-of-information-google-shows-in-search-results\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Learn_the_different_types_of_information_Google_shows_in_search_results\"><\/span>5. Learn the different types of information Google shows in search results<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The way search results are presented today vastly differs from 10 or 15 years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Those who have been in the industry for a while have had the advantage of adapting gradually as Google has evolved.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Newcomers, on the other hand, are thrown into the deep end, facing a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/serp-features-guide\/\">wide range of search features<\/a> all at once \u2013 some personalized, some not, and some appearing inconsistently.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This can be challenging to grasp, even for experienced SEOs.<\/p>\n<p>Google has invested heavily in understanding user intent and presenting search results in a way that best addresses it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As a result, search results may include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Videos.<\/li>\n<li>Images.<\/li>\n<li><em>People Also Ask<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li><em>Related Searches<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>AI Overviews.<\/li>\n<li>AI-organized search.<\/li>\n<li>Map results.<\/li>\n<li>Nearby shopping options.<\/li>\n<li>Product listings.<\/li>\n<li><em>People Also Buy From<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">News<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Building visibility for each of these features often requires a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/serp-features-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">unique approach<\/a> and specific considerations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These search result types are now industry jargon, so a glossary can help you learn SEO terminology.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-learn-the-different-types-of-query-intent-classifications\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Learn_the_different_types_of_query_intent_classifications\"><\/span>6. Learn the different types of query intent classifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_au\/search\/howsearchworks\/our-approach\/\">Google\u2019s mission<\/a> is to \u201corganize the world\u2019s information and make it universally accessible and useful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As part of this, Google works to understand why people search for something and provides the most relevant results to match that intent.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To do this, they classify queries based on intent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1562\" height=\"466\" alt=\"Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines - Understanding user intent\" class=\"wp-image-452912\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent.png.webp 1562w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-600x179.png.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-800x239.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-200x60.png.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-768x229.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-1536x458.png 1536w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1562px) 100vw, 1562px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent.png.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1562\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent.png.webp\" alt=\"Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines - Understanding user intent\" class=\"wp-image-452912\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent.png.webp 1562w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-600x179.png.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-800x239.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-200x60.png.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-768x229.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/Search-Quality-Evaluator-Guidelines-Understanding-user-intent-1536x458.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1562px) 100vw, 1562px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/static.googleusercontent.com\/media\/guidelines.raterhub.com\/en\/\/searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines<\/a>, a handbook Google provides to evaluators who manually assess website and search result quality, also touches on understanding user intent:\u00a0<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIt can be helpful to think of queries as having one or more of the following intents.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Know<\/strong> query, some of which are <strong>Know Simple<\/strong> queries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do<\/strong> query, when the user is trying to accomplish a goal or engage in an activity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Website<\/strong> query, when the user is looking for a specific website or webpage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Visit-in-person<\/strong> query, some of which are looking for a specific business or organization, some of which are looking for a category of businesses.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>When conducting keyword research, it\u2019s helpful to analyze both your site and the queries you\u2019re targeting through this lens.<\/p>\n<p>Many SEO professionals also use these broader, traditional intent categories, though they don\u2019t always align perfectly with Google\u2019s classifications:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Informational<\/strong>: Who, what, when, where, how, why.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commercial<\/strong>: Comparison, review, best, specific product.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transactional<\/strong>: Buy, cheap, sale, register.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Navigational<\/strong>: Searching for a specific brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Rather than focusing solely on keywords, take a step back and consider the intent behind the search. Understanding intent is essential for SEO success.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: Why traditional keyword research is failing and how to fix it with search intent<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-do-the-research-yourself-before-finding-ways-to-use-llms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Do_the_research_yourself_before_finding_ways_to_use_LLMs\"><\/span>7. Do the research yourself before finding ways to use LLMs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your company may already have guidelines for using LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude for tasks such as keyword research, content creation, or competitor analysis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, if you\u2019re new to SEO, I strongly recommend completing at least one full project using tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, or Ahrefs without LLM support.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While AI can speed up the process, relying on it too early has drawbacks:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Slower learning curve<\/strong>: If an LLM does the heavy lifting, you miss the experience of making strategic trade-offs, such as choosing a low-volume, mid-competition keyword over a high-volume, high-competition one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lack of instinct for accuracy<\/strong>: Without firsthand research experience, it\u2019s harder to recognize when an LLM generates inaccurate information or pulls from an unreliable source.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduced impact<\/strong>: Google is increasingly sophisticated in detecting \u201crepetitive content.\u201d Relying too much on LLMs for mass content creation could hurt performance, whereas a more focused, strategic approach might yield better results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While it may be tempting to jump straight into strategy rather than hands-on execution, senior SEOs develop their strategic mindset through years of practical work across different clients and industries.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Skipping this foundational experience could make it harder to recognize large-scale patterns and trends.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: Why you need humans, not just AI, to run great SEO campaigns<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-laying-the-groundwork-for-seo-success\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laying_the_groundwork_for_SEO_success\"><\/span>Laying the groundwork for SEO success<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SEO offers endless opportunities once you master the fundamentals. If you\u2019re just starting out, focus on these core areas:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The business.<\/li>\n<li>The search results.<\/li>\n<li>User intent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep it simple. Stay focused. Be business-led.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Build your SEO expertise on a strong foundation, and your career will grow from there.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"about-author\">\n<p>About the author<\/p>\n<div class=\"information\">\n<div class=\"author-module\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-3 text-center\">\n<div class=\"avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" alt=\"Amanda King\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2023\/06\/Amanda-King.jpeg.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2023\/06\/Amanda-King.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"Amanda King\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-9\">\n<div class=\"about\">\n<div class=\"name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Amanda King<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"row g-2 pt-2\">\n<div class=\"col-auto twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/follow?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fsearchengineland.com%2F&amp;region=follow_link&amp;screen_name=amandaecking&amp;tw_p=followbutton&amp;variant=2.0\" rel=\"me\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-x-twitter\"><\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/amandaecking\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\"><\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tAmanda King has been in the SEO industry over a decade, has worked across countries and industries, and is currently consulting through her business, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/floq.co\/\">FLOQ<\/a>. She&#8217;s always been focused on the product, the user and the business. Along with a passion for solving puzzles, she&#8217;s incorporated data &amp; analytics, user experience and CRO alongside SEO. Always happy to trade war stories, find her on Twitter or LinkedIn for intermittently shared advice and thoughts on the industry.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/category\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Technology<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/tips-seo-newbies-452908\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SEO can feel overwhelming for beginners, but these tips will help you master the basics and build a strong foundation for success. SEO is a fast-moving, marketing-centric industry that will always keep you on your toes.\u00a0 If you\u2019re just getting started, it can be overwhelming without a guide.\u00a0 There are many facets and specializations in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":655692,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2025\/03\/7-tips-for-SEO-newbies.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[148094,149629,78070],"class_list":["post-655691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-advance-your-career","tag-education-and-training","tag-seo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=655691"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655691\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/655692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=655691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=655691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=655691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}