Keywords & Content | Speaking the Search Engine’s Language

🎯 Why This Matters

Now that you know what SEO is and how search engines work, it’s time to learn how to speak their language. Search engines understand pages through words and context. The way you write — and the words you choose — matter more than fancy tricks.

Two key ingredients sit at the heart of SEO success: keywords and content.

🔑 What Are Keywords? (The Words People Type Into Google)

A keyword, or key phrase, is simply what a person types into Google when they’re trying to find something.

• “easy chocolate cake recipe”
• “best hiking backpacks under $100”
• “how to start a Shopify store”

These searches are clues that reveal what people actually want. Your job is to create content that answers those questions clearly. When your page uses the same kind of language people search for, Google can connect the dots — and send them to you.

Big Takeaway: Keywords are the bridge between what people search for and what your website offers.

🕵️♀️ Finding the Right Keywords (Know What People Actually Type)

Guessing doesn’t work. Smart creators do a little detective work first.

✅ Easy Ways to Find Keywords

• Brainstorm: If you wanted to find your product, what would you type?
• Google Autocomplete: Start typing and watch the suggestions — those are real searches.
• People Also Ask: Check the question boxes in Google results — keyword gold.
• Related Searches: Scroll to the bottom of the results page for more ideas.
• Free Tools: Try Google Keyword Planner (free with a Google account).

Pro Tip: Go specific. “Best plants for low light” beats just “plants.” Specific = less competition and more qualified visitors.

Big Takeaway: Research first, write second. Let real data show you what people already search for.

👑 Content Is King – Why Good Stuff Wins Every Time

You can’t fake great content. Google rewards pages that genuinely help people.

Your content should:

• Solve a problem or answer a question.
• Be easy to read — use headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points.
• Be original — your own words and your own voice.
• Be thorough — give enough detail to actually help.
• Be current — update old information when needed.

If visitors stay on your page, share it, or link to it, Google notices — and boosts your rank.

Big Takeaway: Write for humans first. Optimize for search second. Helpful, human content naturally rises to the top.

⚙️ Basic On-Page SEO (Simple Things You Control)

On-page SEO covers the things you can fix on your own page to help search engines understand it better.

🧩 Quick Checklist

Page Title (Title Tag)

• Appears as the blue link in Google results.
• Keep under 60 characters.
• Include your main keyword.
• Example: Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe | My Awesome Blog

Meta Description

• The short summary under your title.
• Keep around 150 characters.
• Write it like a mini advertisement.
• Example: This is a simple recipe to make soft and chewy chocolate-chip cookies every time.

Headings (H1, H2, H3)

• H1: Main title (use once).
• H2: Major sections.
• H3: Subtopics.
• Example: <h1>My World-Famous Cookie Recipe</h1> then <h2>Ingredients You’ll Need</h2>

Body Text

• Use your keyword and related terms naturally.
• Avoid stuffing — Google’s smarter than that.

Image Alt Text

• Add a short, descriptive caption to every image.
• Example: freshly baked chocolate-chip cookie on a cooling rack.

Big Takeaway: On-page SEO = clear titles, logical structure, and human writing.

🪶 In Other Words

Keywords tell search engines what you’re about. Content proves you know your stuff. Together, they form the foundation of a strong SEO strategy.

Next Step: Read Part 4 – The Secret Sauce: Links & Trust to learn how Google decides which websites to believe and recommend.

Need a Quick Boost? Download your free guide 10 Easy SEO Wins for Beginners — real steps you can take this weekend to start improving your visibility.

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