How to Optimise Your Website SEO
- Christopher. H
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Ignored SEO = invisible website.
Imagine you’ve built your startup’s website — it looks great, your friends love it, and you hit “publish” with pride. A few weeks later, you realise your traffic is barely a trickle. It’s like you’ve opened a store in the middle of the desert — beautiful shop, zero foot traffic.
This happened to a Sydney-based founder I met at a startup networking night. She spent $8k on a functional site, but it was invisible to search engines because no one had set up the SEO foundations. The fix? A focused 30-day SEO sprint that got her on the first page for three key search terms — and started bringing in real leads.
The difference between crickets and conversions often comes down to whether your site is optimised for the people searching for you.
Let's look at how to optimise your website SEO so you can be found, trusted, and chosen.
What Is Website SEO?
Website SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving your site so it appears higher in search engine results — without paying for ads.
Here’s what this includes:
Technical SEO (site speed, mobile responsiveness, crawlability
On-page SEO (keywords, headings, image alt text, internal linking)
Off-page SEO (backlinks from credible sources)
Content SEO (blog posts, guides, landing pages)
Each of these can drive free, consistent traffic — but only if you apply them correctly and consistently.
Why It Matters
Here’s why I recommend every founder take this seriously:
Your best leads are already searching
People who find you via Google are usually looking to buy or engage — unlike cold social media traffic.
It compounds over time
One well-optimised page can bring you leads for years without extra spend.
It builds trust
Ranking high signals credibility — especially for B2B and high-value products.
Your competitors are already doing it
If you’re not showing up, they are. That’s lost business every single day.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you dive in, make sure you’ve gathered these:
Google Search Console account
Google Analytics account
Keyword research tool (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest)
Access to your website CMS (e.g., Wix Studio, WordPress, Shopify)
Image editing tool (e.g., Canva)
List of your top 5–10 products or services
How to Optimise Your Website SEO:
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Audit your current SEO
Run a full audit using Google Search Console and a tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush. Identify broken links, missing metadata, slow-loading pages, and mobile issues.
Mentor Tip:
Set up Google PageSpeed Insights to track your speed score.
Result: A clear list of priority fixes before you invest in new content.
Step 2: Research your keywords
Identify keywords your ideal customers use. Focus on a mix of “short-tail” (e.g., “business coach”) and “long-tail” (e.g., “startup business coach Sydney”).
Warning: Avoid chasing only high-volume terms — they’re competitive and slow to rank.
Result: A keyword list for every important page on your site.
Step 3: Optimise on-page elements
For each page:
Add the target keyword to the title, H1, meta description, first 100 words, and 1–2 subheadings.
Use image alt text with descriptive keywords.
Link internally to related pages.
Mentor Tip:
Use Yoast SEO (WordPress) or Wix SEO settings to guide you.
Result: Each page signals to Google exactly what it’s about.
Step 4: Improve technical SEO
Fix site speed issues, make sure your site is mobile-friendly, and set up HTTPS security.
Result: Faster, more accessible site that Google prefers.
Step 5: Create quality content
Publish blog posts, guides, or resources targeting your audience’s top questions.
Mentor Tip:
Aim for 1,200–1,600 words for evergreen content.
Result: New content that attracts traffic and builds authority.
Step 6: Build backlinks
Reach out to industry blogs, directories, or partners to link to your site.
Warning: Avoid spammy link farms — they hurt more than help.
Result: Increased domain authority and better rankings.
Step 7: Track and refine
Review Google Analytics and Search Console monthly.
Adjust based on what’s performing.
Result: Continuous improvement instead of “set and forget.”
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
Here’s what to budget for:
Keyword tool: $0–$150/month
SEO-friendly hosting: $10–$30/month
Professional SEO audit: $300–$1,500
Content creation: $150–$500/article
Costs can vary, but expect meaningful results in 3–6 months.
Common Mistakes Founders Make
Writing for themselves, not their customers
If your content uses your language, not your customer’s search terms, it won’t rank.
Ignoring mobile optimisation
More than 60% of searches in Australia are mobile — if your site fails on mobile, you lose.
Publishing once, then ghosting
SEO rewards consistency. Stop posting and your traffic will flatline.
What to Do Right Now
✅ Want it done for you? Book with Noize — We'll get your SEO foundations right in weeks, not months. [Noize.com.au]
✅ Get the full StartUp Deck — From SEO to sales to HR, everything you need to grow your business [theStartUpDeck.com]
COMING in 2026...
✅ Download our SEO Website Audit + Checklist — a Tool for founders who want a site that gets found and converts. [ProDesk.com]
The Bottom Line
If your website isn’t optimised for SEO, you’re invisible to the people searching for what you sell.
FAQs
How long until I see SEO results?
Most startups see initial improvements in 3–6 months, depending on competition.
Can I do SEO myself?
Yes, but expect a learning curve. Use free tools like Google Search Console to start.
Is SEO better than paid ads?
They work best together; SEO is long-term, ads are instant.
What’s the #1 SEO mistake?
Not targeting the right keywords for your audience.
Do I need a blog?
If you want consistent traffic and authority, yes.
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