SEO Fundamentals

Getting Started with SEO Fundamentals

Successful SEO starts with understanding the core fundamentals. Before diving into complex strategies and tactics, getting familiar with keyword types and user intent creates a strong foundation for effective optimization.

Core Keyword Categories

When conducting keyword research, three primary categories emerge as most important for strategic planning:

• Informational Keywords: Search terms used when people want to learn something. Examples include "how to optimize website" or "what is SEO"
• Navigational Keywords: Searches used to find specific websites or pages. Often includes brand names or specific product titles
• Transactional Keywords: Terms indicating purchase intent like "buy", "price", or "discount"

Understanding User Intent

Every search query comes with specific user intent. Understanding what users actually want when they type certain keywords helps create content that truly meets their needs. This alignment between content and intent leads to better rankings and engagement.

Natural Search Patterns

Modern SEO requires understanding how people naturally search. This includes:

• Conversational queries and long-tail keywords
• Question-based searches
• Voice search patterns
• Location-specific modifiers

These fundamentals form the basis for effective keyword research and content optimization. The next sections will build upon these concepts with practical research techniques and implementation strategies.