Complete SEO Process

STEP 1: Understand the Website (Before Doing Any SEO)

Before you start keywords, audits, or tools, pause and understand the website.
The first job is understanding the business.

Ask yourself (or the client):

1.       What is this website actually about?
   (Service website(informational), e-commerce store, NGO, etc.)
2.       Who is the website meant for?
   (General public, students, job seekers, buyers, local people, etc.)
3.       Which location is important?
   (Whole country, specific state, city, or local area)
4.       What is the main purpose of this website?

• To get leads?
• To sell products?
• To bring traffic?
•  To create awareness or trust?

5.   Know where the site currently stands, current authority, etc.,
6.   Check contact page and other important social links
7.   Check mobile friendliness and alignment
8.   Check google my business profile is available( best for local seo)

STEP 2: Get Access & Verify Ownership

Goal: Make sure tracking & control are ready.

Collect access for:

•   Google Search Console
•   Google Analytics (GA4)
•   CMS (WordPress / Shopify)
•   Google Tag Manager (if available)
•  Hosting (optional but useful)
•   Use google looker studio

If not set up:

•   Create GSC property
•   Set up GA4
•   Verify domain

STEP 3: Quick Website Health & Technical Check

Before starting SEO, quickly check if the website is healthy.

Check the following:

1. Website display

•   Opens properly on desktop & mobile
•   No alignment issues or broken layout

2. HTTPS security

•   Website uses https://
•   Secure lock icon visible

3. Google indexing

•   Search in Google: site:example.com
•   Important pages should appear

4. Website speed

•   Check using tools like PageSpeed Insights
•   Focus on mobile speed

5. Broken links

•   Check using Screaming Frog or dead Link Checker
•   Fix 404 and broken links
•   Check all interlinks like in buttons and other links in pages also correct

6. XML sitemap

•   Open: example.com/sitemap.xml
•   Sitemap should list all important pages including latest upadtes pages
•   Submit in Google Search Console

7. Robots.txt

•   Open: example.com/robots.txt
•   Ensure important pages are not blocked

If the site is hacked, spammy, or blocked, stop SEO and fix this first.

SEO works only when the website is technically healthy.

STEP 4: Competitor Analysis

Before choosing keywords or creating content, understand who you are competing with in Google.

1. Find main competitors

•   Search your main service or topic in Google(your main target keywords for a website)
•   Note top 5 websites ranking on page 1
•   These are your SEO competitors (not always business competitors)

2. Check their content

•   Content length
•   Topics they cover
•   How detailed their pages are

3. Check page structure

•   Titles and headings (H1, H2, H3)
•   Use of keywords
•   Internal linking
•   Website UI/UX, etc.,

4. Check extra SEO elements

•   FAQs
•   Schema (FAQ, Article, Breadcrumb)
•   Images and videos

5. Check authority

•   Number and quality of backlinks (using SEO tools)
•   Overall website strength
•   Check their reffering domains and their top ranking keywords through tools like SERPOK, AHREFs,etc.,

Competitor analysis shows what Google already prefers and where you can do better.

STEP 5: Keyword Research

After competitor analysis, find the right keywords to target.

1. List main topics

•   Services
•   Products
•   Blog topics
•   User problems

2. Find keywords Using tools like

•   Google Keyword Planner
•   SEMrush
•   Ahrefs
•   Google Trends
•  Answerthepublic.com ( best for ai search)
•   Check Auto Google search suggestions

3. Understand search intent

•   Informational (learn)
•   Commercial (compare)
•   Transactional (buy/contact)
•   Navigational

4. Choose the right keywords

•   Good search volume
•   Low to medium competition( Keyword difficulty)
•   Relevant to business goal(search intent)

Group keywords

•    main keyword per page
•   Supporting / related keywords under it

Choosing the right keywords is more important than choosing high-volume keywords.

STEP 6: Optimize Website Pages (Keywords & Meta Tags)

Optimize important website pages after keyword research.

• Checklist:

•   Assign 1 main keyword per page
•   Add supporting keywords naturally
•   Write SEO-friendly meta title (50–60 characters)
•   Write clear meta description (150–160 characters)
•   Use clean, keyword-based URL
•   Add main keyword in H1
•   Use H2/H3 for subheadings
•   Ensure content matches user intent

Always optimize main pages before blog posts.

STEP 7: Blog Content Creation & Optimization

1. Before Writing the Blog

✔ Choose 1 main keyword
✔ Choose 3–6 supporting keywords using tools and check whether it is trending now.
[Example:
Primary keyword: PAN Card
Secondary Keyword: How to apply pan card online, what are the documents required to apply pan card, how to download pan card, what is the age eligibility etc..,
( which can be used in subheadings for keyword optimization and also blog structure)]
✔ Understand search intent (what the user wants)
✔ Check top-ranking competitor blogs
✔ Decide content length (usually 600–1000+ words)

2. Blog Content Checklist

✔ One clear H1 (blog title) with keyword in starting
✔ Use descriptive H2 & H3 for subtopics( with secondary keywords)
✔ Short paragraphs (2–4 lines)
✔ Use interactive page elements like bullet points, numbered lists, tables and images(graphs and charts would best) preferred by both user and search engine.
✔ Clear introduction (problem + solution)
✔ Proper conclusion or summary
✔ Must be 100% Unique check using Duplichecker.com
✔ Must be like human written, Avoid generic AI-style writing.
✔ FAQs with secondary long tail question based keywords(use semrush and answerthepublic.com for these keywords)
✔ Follow current E-E-A-T and other google algorithm update which focus on indepth content, datas, etc.,.

Make sure keyword is naturally placed without stuffing.

Then move to SEO Process which includes,
1. ON PAGE optimization
2. OFF PAGE optimization
3. Technical SEO

Step 8: ON PAGE OPTIMIZATION:

On page optimization helps search engines to understand your website and its content as well as identify whether it is relevant to search query.

1. Keyword Optimization:

l  Check the keyword optimization ( title, intro,subheading,middle and end of content)

•   Keyword density preferred 1to 1.5% throughout the content

Formula: no.of uses of keyword/total word count*100
example: for 500 words blog 5 to 7 times is enough

2. Plagiarism check:

Check whether the content is 100% plagiarism free using tools like duplichecker after optimizing.

3. Heading Tags

Optimize proper subheading distribution like (H2,H3,H4)

4. ALT Text

Add descriptive ALT text for all images with keyword, make sure the image file name also with keyword

5. Add Internal Links

Why?

•   Improves crawlability (helps Google finds pages faster)
•   Helps improve crawlability and pass page authority (link juice).
•   Improves keyword ranking
•   Increases user time on website
•   Strengthens website structure

How?

•   Link to relevant pages only
•   Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text
•   Avoid “click here” like this generic words
•   Add 3–5 internal links per page
•   Link blogs → service pages
•   Link service pages → related pages

Right internal linking = Better SEO + Better user experience.

6. Add External Links

Adding trusted external links increases our website’s value, credibility, and authority in Google’s eyes.

Why Add External Links?

•   Increases credibility and authority
•   Shows content is research-based
•   Builds trust with users and Google
•   Improves topic relevance

How To Do It?

l  Add external links from:

•   Resource pages
•   Research / analysis articles
•   Top authority websites

•   Link naturally inside content using descriptive anchor text.
•   Open links in a new tab.
•   Do not link to competitors.

7. URL

URL optimization with keyword is very important, and preferred url size is 60 characters.

•   Keep URL short and clean
•   Preferred size for URL 50–60 characters ideally
•   Add primary keyword
•   Use hyphens (-), not underscores
•   Use lowercase letters only
•   Remove unnecessary words (and, the, for)
•   Avoid special characters & numbers
•   Don’t use long dynamic URLs (?id=123)
•   Keep proper folder structure ( /blog/ , /services/ )
•   Avoid dates for evergreen content

URL should clearly show what the page is about.

8. META Title

•   Appears as the clickable headline in Google
•   Helps improve ranking & CTR
•   Length: 50–60 characters
•   Include primary keyword
•   Keep keyword near the beginning
•   Use format: Primary Keyword | Brand Name
•   Use of power words (Best, Top, 2026, Guide, Affordable)
•   Make it clear and attractive
•   Avoid keyword stuffing
•   Every page must have a unique title

l  Analyze already ranking pages – Check top 5 competitors’ meta titles (keyword usage, power words, length, structure) and improve yours better than them

optimized title = Higher rankings + More clicks.

9. META Description

•   Write in 140–160 characters
•   Include the main keyword
•   Clearly mention the benefit/value
•   Add a strong call to action (CTA)
•   Create curiosity to encourage clicks
•   Make it clear, simple, and attractive
•   Keep it unique for every page

Example:

Normal:
Join our weight loss program with expert guidance, customized diet plans, and workout support. Start your journey today.

Problem → Solution (Curiosity):
Struggling to lose weight despite dieting? Our proven weight loss program gives personalized plans that deliver real results. Start today!

10. Schema Markup

Why?

•   Shows rich results (price, rating, FAQs, etc.)
•   Improves visibility in Google
•   Increases CTR (more clicks)
•   Helps Google clearly understand page content
•   Builds credibility and trust

How?

For Product Pages:

•   Add Product Schema (name, image, description, SKU, brand)
•   Add Offer Schema (price, currency, availability)
•   Add Review/Rating Schema

For Service Pages:

•   Add Service Schema, reviews
•   Add LocalBusiness Schema (name, address, phone, area served)
•   Add FAQ Schema

11. Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs = Navigation links that show the user’s location inside the website.

Example:
Home > Services > OT Security > SCADA Protection

Why Important?

•   Improves website navigation
•   Helps users go back easily
•   Improves user experience
•   Helps Google understand site structure
•   Can appear in Google search results

Step 9: OFF PAGE SEO

Off-page SEO helps build authority, trust, and backlinks outside your website. It is called link building, Getting backlinks from other websites to your website.

Backlink Building

•   Get backlinks from relevant websites
•   Focus on quality, not quantity
•   Avoid spammy or low-quality links
•   Choose niche-related websites
•   High-quality backlinks improve domain authority.

Types of Off-Page SEO Submissions

Activities done outside your website to improve rankings and authority. Submissions mean adding your website link to different platforms to build backlinks and visibility.

Why Important?

•  Increases Domain Authority
•   Improves keyword rankings
•   Builds trust & credibility
•  Drives referral traffic

1. Directory Submission/Local citations

Submitting business details to online directories.

Example: Business directories, Niche directories

Add business details on:

• JustDial
• Sulekha
• IndiaMART
• TradeIndia

Make sure:
Name, Address, Phone same everywhere.

2. Bookmarking Submission

Sharing website links on bookmarking platforms.

Purpose: Faster indexing, Traffic generation

3. Profile Creation Submission

Creating profiles on trusted niche based websites and adding your website link.

4. Article Submission

Publishing articles on third-party websites with a backlink(webpage or blog link).

Execution Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose Topic

Topic must match:

• Your service
• Keyword research
• Informational intent

Example (OT Cybersecurity):

“How Industrial Control Systems Are Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks”

Step 2: Write 800–1200 Words Article

Structure:

H1: Main topic
H2: Problem
H2: Solution
H2: Best Practices

Step 3: Add Natural Backlink

Inside content:

Example:

Industrial systems require structured OT security monitoring to prevent attacks.

Anchor text:
OT security monitoring

Link → Your service page

Step 4: Publish

Create account → Upload → Add tags → Publish

5. Guest Posting

Writing blogs for other websites and adding contextual backlinks. eg.blogpost,medium etc.,

6. Image Submission

Uploading images with website links.

7. Video Submission

Uploading videos and adding website link in description.

8. PPT submissions

uploading presentation files with your website link.

9. Q&A Submission

Q&A submission means answering questions on Q&A platforms and adding your website link where relevant.

Execution Process

Step 1: Find Questions

Search:

site:quora.com “OT security”

Look for:

• High views
• Relevant topic
• Recent questions

Step 2: Write Detailed Answer (Not Spam)

Bad Example:
Check our website: www.xyz.com

Good Example:

Industrial systems are vulnerable because they were not designed for internet exposure. Implementing layered OT cybersecurity frameworks reduces risks. You can learn more about industrial OT security solutions here.

Add 1 link only.

Rules:

✔ Add value first
✔ Maximum 1 link
✔ Use natural anchor
✔ No copy-paste content

10. Social media postings

Share blogs and events pages in social media and google business profiles.

Key Points for Submission Content Quality

•   Create backlinks from relevant niche sites
•   Follow the website’s submission guidelines
•   Match their writing style and tone
•   Provide real value (solve a problem)
•   Keep content 100% original
•   Use natural and relevant backlinks
•   Maintain proper structure (title, headings, short paragraphs)
•   Write for their audience, not just for backlinks
•   Avoid promotional or salesy tone
•  Do-follow links (preferred)

Focus on quality and relevance, not just getting a link.

TECHNICAL SEO CHECKLIST

Technical SEO ensures search engines can crawl, index, and rank your website properly.

1. Website Crawlability

•   Check robots.txt (example.com/robots.txt)
•   Ensure important pages are not blocked
•   Fix crawl errors in Google Search Console

2. XML Sitemap

Check: example.com/sitemap.xml

•   Include all pages
•   Submit in Google Search Console

Update automatically when new pages are added

3. Indexing Issues

Check “Pages” report in GSC

Fix:

•   Noindex pages
•   Duplicate pages
•   Discovered currently not indexed
•   Crawled currently not indexed
•   Canonical issues
•  Redirect issues

4. Website Speed

Check using PageSpeed Insights

Improve:

•  Image compression
•   Caching
•   Minify CSS/JS
•  Reduce server response time

5. Mobile Friendliness

•   Fully responsive design
•   Easy navigation on mobile
•   No text overlap or broken layout

6. HTTPS & Security

SSL certificate active

7. Fix Broken Links & Redirects

•   Remove 404 pages
•   Use proper 301 redirects

Check using tools like screeming frog and dead link checker to identify broken links and fix it.

8. Structured Data (Schema)

•   Article schema (blogs)
•   Product schema
•   FAQ schema
•   Breadcrumb schema

9. URL Structure & Hierarchy

Add:

•   Logical site structure
•   Proper parent-child hierarchy
  Example:
  /services/seo-services/

Important for crawl depth.

10. Crawl Depth

Add:

•   Important pages should be within 3 clicks from homepage
•   Deep pages reduce crawl priority

Technical SEO builds the foundation.
Without this, even good content won’t rank properly.

Monitoring, Tracking & Improvement

SEO doesn’t end after optimization.
You must track, analyze, and improve regularly.

1. Track Keyword Rankings

•   Monitor target keywords
•   Check movement (up / down)
•   Identify new ranking opportunities

2. Monitor Google Search Console

•   Indexing issues
•   Coverage errors
•  Clicks & impressions
•   CTR improvement opportunities

3. Analyze Traffic (GA4)

•   Organic traffic growth
•   Top performing pages
•   Bounce rate / engagement rate
•   Conversion tracking

4. Improve Low-Performing Pages

•   Update outdated content
•   Add more information
•   Improve internal linking
•  Improve meta title & description (CTR boost)

5. Content Update Strategy

•   Refresh blogs every 3–6 months
•   Add new FAQs
•   Add latest data
•  Expand content depth

6. Backlink Monitoring

l  Check new backlinks

l  Remove toxic links if needed

7. Use Disavow Tool to reduce spam links

Disavow = Ask Google to ignore harmful backlinks.

•   Identify toxic/spam backlinks (via uber / Ahrefs / SEMrush backlink audit)
•   Download backlink list
•   Select harmful domains carefully
•   Create a .txt file
•   Add domains in this format:
  [eg: domain:spamwebsite.com]
•   Disavow at domain level (recommended)
•   Upload the file in Google Search Console Disavow Tool
•   Submit and confirm

SEO is not one-time work.

It is a continuous process of:

Optimize → Monitor → Improve → Repeat