What are steps involved in implementing SEO?

7 Important Steps of an SEO Implementation Process
1.    Website Audit
2.    Keyword Analysis
3.    Website Analysis
4.    Backlink Analysis
5.    Content Optimization
6.    Directories and Citations
7.    Ongoing Reports, Reviews and Maintenance

There are basically two types of SEO techniques - on page and off page.

On page seo refers to the process that is followed on the website itself. Some of the tasks involved are:

Keyword research
Meta tags and title
Meta description
Robots.txt file
Sitemap generation
Content development
Image optimization

Off page refers to the link building and promotion of your website in search engines. Some of the most effective off page activities are:

Guest posting
Article submission
Press release submission
Social bookmarks
Classified ads
Infographics submission
Social media optimization

1.    Website Audit
If you have a website for your business, the first step is to run an SEO audit on it. The audit will check your website for keyword ranking, content, current SEO level, inbound/outbound links, social media presence and how you rank against your competition.

2.    Keyword Analysis
Performing keyword research is not always a straightforward process. Some keywords, obviously relevant to your business and product, can be highly competitive, making it futile to use them for ranking. There are tools that you can use to analyze and research what keywords and phrases might work best, but sometimes it takes plain old logic to determine the best ones.

For example, what will my target audience use in their search queries to find my product? And if they find your website using certain keywords, will they like what the results are; i.e., does your website answer their questions and fulfill their needs? Will the traffic those keywords bring result in a conversion to a sale or monetary gain?

3.    Website Analysis
Reviewing the details and underpinnings of your website design can reveal some areas that need modifications to improve SEO. Looking at page titles, meta descriptions and internal/external links are some areas that need review. Developing a content-to-keyword map helps as well.

4.    Backlink Analysis
Backlinks are links between websites; a backlink points back to another website. Backlinks are crucial to successful SEO, because they represent trust and confidence. Backlinks to your website are a signal to search engines that others vouch for your content.

In this step of the SEO implementation process, your website's backlink profile is analyzed and a plan created for building quality links.

5.    Content Optimization
This is where content is reviewed on your website, social media channels, blogs and wherever your brand name is mentioned under your control. A blogging calendar should be set up, to include dates and topics to be published. The keyword analysis results will be used to develop calls to action and other marketing opportunities.

6.    Directories and Citations
Claiming your business listing in Google My Business can boost your SEO considerably, so it's important to do so. There are dozens of directories and review sites where you should list and claim your business. Search engines love these, and it will definitely work in your favor as long as they are relevant to your business. You'll also need to make sure your Name, Address and Phone (NAP) is consistent throughout your listings and with your website.

7.    Ongoing Reports, Reviews and Maintenance
Reports showing status of your SEO progress will help determine if the strategy is working well or if it needs some tweaks. Periodic keyword review and analysis should be conducted to ensure they are still working to your advantage.