SEO Checklist for Beginners (That Actually Makes Sense)
When I first heard about SEO, I thought,
“Cool. Just throw in some blogs with my top keywords and Google will magically find me, right?”
Wrong.
Turns out SEO is less about tricks and more about helping your site make sense. To both people and search engines. And while it can get super technical, most of what really moves the needle is actually pretty simple once you know what to look for.
So if you’re just getting started or you’ve got a site that you think should be ranking but... isn’t, here’s the beginner-friendly checklist I wish I had when I started. And yes, there’s a free template at the end because I like checkboxes too.
First. What Even Is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is basically how you help Google understand what your website is about so it can show it to people who are already searching for it.
That’s it.
No weird hacks. No keyword stuffing. Just clarity.
The Actually-Useful SEO Checklist
1. Set up Google Search Console
Seriously, do this first. It shows you:
What keywords people are finding you with
Any indexing issues or errors
Which pages are ranking (and which ones aren’t even being seen)
Set it up here in like 3 minutes.
2. Submit Your Sitemap + robots.txt
If Google doesn’t know what pages you have, it won’t index them.
Make sure your site has:
A working sitemap (usually
yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml)A simple robots.txt that isn’t accidentally blocking stuff
And then submit the sitemap in Search Console so Google knows where to go
3. Choose One Main Keyword Per Page
Pick one clear topic per page. That’s it. Not 17.
Example: If you’re writing about “email marketing for Etsy sellers,” then focus on that, don’t also try to rank for “Instagram tips” and “best business ideas.”
Use tools like:
Ubersuggest
Keywords Everywhere
SearchAtlas (I use this one a lot for client sites)
4. Get the Basics Right
For each page or blog post, make sure you’ve got:
A solid title tag (under 60 characters, with your keyword)
A short, to-the-point meta description (about 150 characters)
A clean, keyword-relevant URL
→ Not this:mydomain.com/page123
→ But this:mydomain.com/email-marketing-etsy
5. Use Headings the Right Way
Use just one H1 (that’s your title), and then break everything up with H2s and H3s.
This helps:
People skim your content (hi, we all do it)
Google understand what each section is about
Bonus points for bullet lists like this one.
6. Link to Other Pages on Your Site
If you’ve written related blog posts or have a services page, link to it.
Google sees those internal links and starts connecting the dots between your content.
Also, it keeps people on your site longer, which is always a win.
7. Add Alt Text to Images
This helps with accessibility and SEO.
Just describe what’s in the image in plain English—bonus if it’s related to your keyword.
8. Make Sure Your Site’s Fast (and Not Ugly on Mobile)
Most people are finding you on their phones.
If your site loads like it's stuck in 2007 or doesn’t look good on mobile... they’re out.
Use:
Compressed images (JPG, WebP)
Simple, clean design
9. Blog Content = SEO Fuel
Every blog post is a new chance to show up on Google.
Even one post a month can build momentum. Think:
How-tos
Checklists (like this one!)
FAQs your audience is always asking
Just start. You don’t need to have a content calendar from day one.
10. Be Patient (I Know, I Hate That Too)
SEO takes time.
You won’t see traffic explode overnight, but with consistent content and the right setup, it builds.
You’re planting seeds. Water them, and they grow.
Freebie: Download the SEO Checklist (Google Sheets Style)
If you’re like me and love a good list to check off, I made you a copy.
Grab the free SEO checklist template here
It’s a Google Sheet you can duplicate and use to track your own website or clients’ sites if you freelance too.
Final Thoughts
If this helped you, share it with a biz bestie who needs it—or save it for later when you’re finally in the mood to clean up your site.
And if you want help with your SEO, ads, or just figuring out what the heck to focus on in your marketing… I’ve got you.
Shoot me a message anytime.
—Jacky
Freelancer. Founder of MyLunarix. Figuring it out one strategy at a time. 💻✨