---
title: 7 Ways to Establish a Base for SEO
description: Unsure of where to begin your SEO efforts? Here are 7 ways to establish a base and make the most out of your efforts!
image: https://www.tributemedia.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/rsz_nervous_man.jpg
---
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# 7 Ways to Establish a Base for SEO
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** Posted by [Sarah Wai](https://www.tributemedia.com/blog/author/sarah-wai) on Mar 31, 2016 10:43:00 AM
Do you ever find yourself frustrated with the requirements Google sets for websites? You think you finally get to a point where everything is perfect, and then Google goes and changes things again. Welcome to SEO! It's like a minefield. You have to be aware of the direction you are going and wary of where you step. It's important to establish a solid base and move forward from there. Let's discuss some good starting points.
## Only Google Knows Google
Google is like a closed group. You're in, or you are out. The "in" people work for Google; people out of the loop don't. Only Google knows what is required to succeed in SEO, and they keep it a secret from the rest of the world. Professionals are exceptional at making educated guesses, and having one of these professionals on your team can exponentially help you.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/481308/0a29397b-5512-4875-8f20-b41930ca37ee)
SEO is an effort to promote growth within a particular set of parameters. It's a constant search for advantages in an attempt to reach perfection when there is no precise definition of what perfection is. SEO is for the obsessive; the kind of person who is willing to pour over data, again and again, to find changes. Despite the flux of SEO, there are ways to establish a base from which to start.
## Establish a Base for SEO
You can focus on trying to get a leg up on your competitors through more advanced SEO tactics once you have proven that your site matches these standards.
1. Content that is relevant to your target audience. Google knows when you are trying to trick them. Now, more than ever, Google understands [**intent** over verbiage](https://blog.searchmetrics.com/us/2016/01/13/google-core-update/).
2. A [user experience](https://searchengineland.com/search-update-impact-on-seo-content-strategies-240558) that flows smoothly. Being able to navigate your site with ease is important. Part of this involves being mobile responsive. Gone are the days of having a mobile site and desktop site. You need a site that can work efficiently and effectively on mobile and desktop simultaneously.
3. No load time. Have you ever been to a site that takes forever to load? There are a few reasons for this, and all of them have to do with the lack of site optimization.
4. No duplicate content. If your content isn't original, Google will treat you as unoriginal by giving you a lower ranking.
5. No site errors. Why would Google give you a good ranking if you are a hot mess?
6. Organically derived links are healthy for your site. Notice the links we included in this blog? They are relevant and from reliable sites. These are the only kinds of links you want to be adding. Anything else will ding you.
7. Every page of a website is indexed and classified properly. If this isn't done correctly, you might end up being found for topics that don't have to do with your business.
## Further Navigation of the Minefield
After you have established your base, set your sights on more advanced SEO methods. It's not as cut-and-dry as many may think. There are a plethora of factors to consider and a variety of ways to approach SEO. Establish a base, then devise a plan. As you carry out your plan, be aware of changes and adapt accordingly. How much you invest in SEO will determine your success.
#### Written by [Sarah Wai](https://www.tributemedia.com/blog/author/sarah-wai)
Former Content, Email, and Social Media Marketing Specialist of Tribute Media. Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Arts and Master in Business Administration.
[Top * *](https://www.tributemedia.com/blog/seo-minefield#top)
## We Have Ideas To Grow Your Business
There's no doubt you have many choices when it comes to web design and web marketing services. Your middle schooler probably knows his way around CSS and HTML and every college kid is a blogger. The problem is, a site that looks hot but doesn't have well-thought out strategy, is like a certain reality show family we can't name for legal reasons: pretty, but worthless.
The difference between a website and a web strategy is something that the experts at Tribute Media have mastered. Put us to work and we'll create a web strategy that will help you generate leads and grow your business.
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