SEO

Keyword Research

Foundation of everything. Know what people are actually searching for before creating content.

On-Page Optimization

Title tags, meta descriptions, header structure, internal linking. The basics that still matter.

Technical SEO

Check Indexed Pages

Use Google's site: operator to see how many pages are indexed:

Search site:yourdomain.com in Google
Click Tools (top right)
Look at "About X results" - that's your indexed page count

Quick way to spot indexing issues. For deeper analysis, use Google Search Console.

Link Building

Backlinks signal authority. Quality over quantity. Relevant sites in your niche matter more than random high-DA links.

Resource: Semantic Links

Semantic Links by Bradley Benner focuses on building contextually relevant backlinks—the kind that actually move the needle. Worth following for link building strategies that emphasize relevance over raw metrics.

Local SEO

For businesses serving specific areas. 60-70% of local search clicks go to the top 3 map pack positions—if you're not there, you're fighting for scraps.

The Core 30 method provides a systematic framework: fill out every box in your Google Business Profile, add 20-30 services, post weekly, and build a website structure that supports your GBP categories. Do the basics and you're ahead of 90% of competitors.

Content

The The Marketing Show approach builds topical authority through genuine interconnection, not keyword stuffing. Every piece of content strengthens the others. Your 50th article makes your 1st one rank better.

Use Claude or ChatGPT to help draft content, but add your own insights and experience for E-E-A-T.

Search vs Discovery

Search = people looking for answers (Google). Discovery = content finds them (social, YouTube). Different strategies for each.

EEAT

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness. Google's quality guidelines. Show real experience, cite sources, build reputation over time.

PAA (People Also Ask)

Google's "People Also Ask" boxes. Create content that directly answers these questions. Best tackled after your main service pages are solid.

Notes

Uses Opus 4.5 for all content now (Caleb)
Consider AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) as AI search grows

SEO

SEO