Adding more insights to this older thread in case it can be helpful for someone else.
SEO has changed significantly since this thread was created, but the core principles remain unchanged. SEO is a process, requiring time, experimentation, optimization, analysis, reporting, and refinement. Just like building a business, it cannot be instant.
If I were to answer this question today, here is a rough list of high-level items that I would go through:
- Create content for users, not search engines. Search engine’s main goal is to provide searchers with the best possible content FOR the users, not for the search engine.
- Improve the website’s user experience and site navigation. By navigation, I’m not referring to your header menu, but your overall website structure. The fewer clicks required to access a page/post, the better.
- Ensure mobile responsiveness. The majority of searches are done on mobile. If your website is broken on mobile, then I can assure you your website won’t rank.
- Optimize page loading speed. Speed is king, the longer your page loads, the higher your bounce rate will be.
- Optimize for local SEO if applicable.
- Publish authoritative content (guides, comparisons) that attract backlinks. Even though many people say backlinks are irrelevant, it’s still a major signal in rankings.
- Increase your authority by obtaining mentions from third-party sources such as ratings, reviews, guest posts, etc. The more websites and sources that mention your domain, company, or name, the better.
- Regularly update and refresh content.
- Use long-tail keywords specific to deals and coupons.
- Monitor performance using Google Search Console, Analytics, Ahrefs, or any other tools you use.
- Conduct competitor analysis and implement what works for them.
- And most importantly, be patient.
Best regards,
Abraham Ernesto