TL;DR: Getting Started with SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) boosts your website’s visibility in search results, crucial for startups seeking affordable customer acquisition.
• Focus on smart strategies like using relevant keywords and/or entities and switching to mobile-first designs.
• Prioritize quality content (once validated with Minimum Viable Articles) and build trust with authoritative backlinks.
• Avoid keyword overcrowding, neglecting the basics of metadata, and expect gradual returns.
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Getting started with SEO can feel like stepping into a jungle of algorithms, keywords, and technical jargon. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a PhD in computer science or a giant marketing budget to begin.
You are a startup founder, so you have seen worse. SEO is not that hard, if you know how to approach it.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving your website visibility when people search for relevant terms on platforms like Google.
As a bootstrapping European entrepreneur managing startups like CADChain and the game-based incubator Fe/male Switch, I’ve seen how SEO can transform an early-stage business.
It’s not about chasing impressions or obsessing over keywords, though.
Here’s the truth: Most SEO “rules” are complete bullshit.
I learned this the hard way. As a startup founder wearing every hat in the company, at some point I decided I needed to understand SEO, not delegate it blindly.
We had an agency help us get started, but I was so busy that I never had time to figure out what SEO was all about. I thought that the agency would just get stuff done.
Lol, that didn’t happen. Not because it was a bad agency, but because I didn’t add any value. My employees created some content that the agency requested. We published that. Then the agency started asking money for backlinks. I had no clue what they were talking about.
That’s when I decided to make a break. I realized we were wasting money because I had no time to learn the basics.
So I turned to the internet and followed the “experts.”
Title tags must be exactly 55 characters.
Meta descriptions can’t exceed 160 characters.
Target keywords need minimum search volume.
All theoretical.
All kinda wrong.
I watched Google rewrite my meta descriptions, saw zero-search-volume keywords drive traffic, and ranked articles that literally hadn’t been published (there was a glitch and the body of the article didn’t get published, so the article only had an intro and an FAQ BUT that article somehow ranked better than my polished pieces).
The more time I invested in perfect workflows and beautifully crafted articles, the worse my results became. Articles I threw together ranked like crazy. The ones I poured my soul into? Barely a dent.
That’s when I realized: following random “SEO experts” online is how you waste 6-12 months learning theories instead of understanding reality. I needed to find the people actually building things, running experiments, and sharing real data. The ones who test constantly. The ones who fail publicly. The ones building semantic authority and understanding why topical mapping actually matters (which, as a linguist, I suddenly realized I’d been doing intuitively all along without understanding the framework). After years of building hundreds of workflows and studying what actually moves the needle, I’ve compiled a list of the SEO experts worth following in 2026. Not the theorists. The practitioners.
🎯 Why Does SEO Matter For Startups?
The startup world is brutal, and that’s why I love it. Most founders I mentor are racing to validate their ideas, gain traction and attract customers , all while watching their runway evaporate. Fun, right?
I neglected SEO in the beginning, like 99.9% of first time founders. I understand where they are coming from, yet there are basics that I wish I got started with earlier.
SEO makes all the sense in the world for “normal” business. No excuse not to get started with it from day 1.
SEO helps you grow smartly by making your brand visible. Statistics show around 53% of website traffic comes from organic search results, making SEO non-negotiable if you’re running an online business.
- Cost-effective lead generation: Unlike ads, which stop working the minute you stop paying, SEO builds lasting organic traffic.
- Competitiveness: Startups can use SEO to punch above their weight and compete with bigger players in the market.
- User trust: Sites that appear at the top of a Google search carry more credibility with users.
📊 SEO Basics: What Do You Need to Know?
- Keywords: These are the phrases your target audience types into search engines, like “best project management SaaS.” They represent the bridge between your product and people who need it.
- On-Page Optimization: This includes improving headlines, structuring content with subheadings, and optimizing meta descriptions to make your pages easier for search engines to understand.
- Mobile Optimization: Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing. This means your mobile website performance affects your rankings more than your desktop version.
- Backlinks: These are links from other reputable sites to your website. They act as ‘votes of confidence’ for search engines.
🔍 How to Get Started with SEO in 5 Steps
- Conduct Thorough Keyword Research: Start with tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs. Identify keywords that resonate with your target audience and have manageable competition levels. For instance, a startup offering subscription-based task management might target “best small business task software.”
- Optimize Your Content: Write high-value, long-form content that naturally incorporates your keywords. Ensure your content answers user questions directly , consider formats like FAQs, guides, and listicles.
- Improve Website Speed: Site performance directly affects rankings and user experience. Compress large images, enable caching, and use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify weak spots.
- Focus on Local SEO: If your startup serves a specific geographic area, optimize for local search by including location-based keywords and creating a Google My Business profile.
- Monitor Progress with Analytics: Use platforms like Google Analytics or SEMrush to track keyword rankings, organic searches, and bounce rates. These insights help you refine your strategy.
⚠️ Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
- Keyword Stuffing: Overloading content with keywords does more harm than good. Focus on readability and relevance.
- Ignoring Metadata: Forgetting meta descriptions and alt tags can severely cripple your on-page SEO.
- Neglecting Mobile Users: Mobile-first indexing means if your site doesn’t work smoothly on phones, your rankings will suffer.
- Expecting Quick Results: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency earns long-term benefits.
🏆 Example: How One Startup Nailed Their SEO Strategy
A friend of mine launched EcoWriter, an app focused on mindful writing practices. They scaled their traffic by 300% in one year by focusing on niche, long-form content like “minimalist stationery reviews” and “top eco-friendly publishing tools.” By targeting less competitive keywords, they built a content foundation that pays returns even today.
🚀 Next Steps For Startup Founders
- Audit your website: Use tools like Screaming Frog to check existing SEO performance.
- Delegate: If SEO feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing to a freelancer or agency while you focus on your core product.
- Learn continuously: Follow blogs like Moz SEO Blog or Search Engine Journal for cutting-edge updates.
- Test experiments: Try small A/B tests on blog headlines, speed tweaks, or content format to see what converts.
SEO can be frustrating at first , there are no shortcuts. But if done correctly, your startup will grow not with the loudest voice, but with the smartest strategy. Consider it a game of deep learning and thoughtful precision , a philosophy I apply throughout my ventures, from role-playing edtech to AI-powered startups. Your time to dominate search starts now. 🚀
People Also Ask:
What is SEO for beginners?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, involves improving a website's visibility in search engines. It helps search engines understand your content, thereby aiding users in discovering your site. This includes optimizing on-page elements, creating relevant content, and ensuring good site structure.
How to start SEO as a beginner?
Start SEO by conducting keyword research, creating high-quality content, optimizing titles, descriptions, and URLs, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and using tools like Google Search Console to monitor performance. Internal and external linking are also key practices.
What is a SEO salary?
SEO salaries vary: entry-level positions typically earn around $67,000 per year, while senior roles like SEO Managers or Technical SEO Specialists may earn upwards of $80,000-$90,000, sometimes exceeding $100,000 depending on location and skills.
What is the first step in SEO?
The first step in SEO is research. This involves understanding your target audience's needs through keyword research and analyzing the competitive landscape to develop effective strategies.
Why is keyword research essential in SEO?
Keyword research helps identify terms users frequently search for, enabling businesses to focus on relevant, low-competition keywords to attract appropriate traffic and improve visibility.
How do tools like Google Search Console aid in SEO?
Google Search Console provides insights into how search engines view your site. It helps identify issues, track performance, submit sitemaps, and ensure the website appears correctly in search results.
What should beginners avoid when doing SEO?
Avoid keyword stuffing, using distracting advertisements, and duplicating content. These practices can harm rankings and deter users.
How does mobile-friendliness impact SEO?
Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites as they offer better user experiences. Ensuring your site works well on mobile devices boosts search rankings.
What are technical aspects of SEO?
Technical SEO involves optimizing site structure, ensuring crawlability, using robots.txt files to guide search engines, and implementing mobile-first designs to enhance accessibility.
What are off-page SEO techniques?
Off-page SEO focuses on building authority through actions like link building and promoting content on social media platforms to increase credibility and traffic from external sources.
FAQ on Getting Started with SEO
What role does “people-first” content play in SEO success?
People-first content aligns with user needs by providing valuable and relevant information, which draws more traffic and improves engagement. Search engines prioritize user-centric content over keyword-stuffing practices. Explore SEO guidance for people-first content.
How can startups effectively leverage SEO for global scaling?
By refining keyword strategies for linguistic and regional variations and focusing on technical SEO, startups can gain global visibility. Tools like Google Translate and hreflang tags assist in creating region-specific optimizations. Discover strategic SEO advice for scaling globally.
Why is adapting to mobile-first indexing critical?
Google’s mobile-first indexing ensures the mobile version of a website dictates its rankings. Startups must prioritize responsive design, fast loading speeds, and seamless navigation for a mobile-friendly experience. Learn mobile SEO tips for better rankings.
What is generative engine optimization (GEO) in SEO?
GEO involves using AI to understand user intent dynamically, creating content recommendations that satisfy both queries and contextual needs. It’s essential for staying competitive in AI-driven search environments. Find in-depth information on GEO for startups.
How should startups handle zero-click searches?
Zero-click searches provide quick answers without leading to website clicks. To optimize, startups can create snippet-friendly content like FAQs, ensure accurate metadata, and integrate structured data for improved SERP positioning. Gain insights into optimizing for zero-click searches.
What tools can startups use to refine their SEO efforts?
Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are essential tools for keyword analysis, ranking insights, and technical issue detection. Leveraging these streamlines SEO strategies and measures improvements effectively. Utilize Google Search Console effectively.
Why is understanding search intent vital for SEO?
Search intent reveals what users truly seek. Aligning content to searches, whether informational, navigational, or transactional, ensures relevance and improves conversion rates. Explore the importance of intent-driven SEO strategies.
Is long-form content more effective for startups?
Yes, long-form content addresses multiple user queries in-depth, increasing keyword coverage and dwell time. Effective internal linking within it can also reduce bounce rates. Master long-form SEO techniques for startups.
How do Core Web Vitals impact SEO rankings?
Core Web Vitals, which evaluate loading, interactivity, and visual stability of a webpage, directly influence rankings. Startups must improve site performance to meet these benchmarks for higher visibility. Optimize Core Web Vitals to boost SEO.
What’s the best way to build high-quality backlinks?
Producing valuable content, outreach to reputable sites, and collaborating within your industry helps earn quality backlinks. These links act as “votes of confidence,” improving authority and SEO rankings. Learn backlink strategies for startups.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
