11-Step SEO Strategy That Actually Works in 2025

SEO is now 10X more complex than it was just a few years ago.

While most websites still focus on keyword densities, keyword difficulty and volumes, Google AI-driven algorithms have completely changed the game.

In fact, a study by Ahref shows that 99.55% of pages never receive any organic traffic from Google --- largely because they're still using yesterday's SEO playbook.

This comprehensive guide will show exactly how to adapt your SEO Strategy for 2025's landscape.

In fact I used the exact techniques to grow Blainy - an AI SaaS tool - 6X in less than 6 months.

You'll learn the step-by-step process how top-performing sites use to consistently rank on page one.

Keep reading to learn how…

What is an SEO Strategy?

Think of an SEO strategy as your roadmap for getting more eyes on your website through search engines like Google. It's your game plan for creating content that both people and search engines will love.

In simple terms, it's about three main things:

• Creating helpful content that answers people's questions

• Making your website and content easy for search engines to understand

• Getting other websites to notice and link to your stuff

The end goal? When someone searches for topics related to your website, you website pops up naturally (that's the "organic" part) in their search results.

Anyone can create an SEO strategy, but building one that delivers real results takes careful planning and dedication.

You'll need to focus on search engine optimization fundamentals while staying patient — real success doesn't happen overnight.

Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow to 10X your traffic, FAST.

• Step #1: Keyword Research and Search Trends

• Step #2: Google SERP analysis

• Step #3: Competitor Analysis

• Step #4: Create Something Better & Unique

• Step #5: Write High-Quality Headlines

• Step #6: On-Page SEO

• Step #7: Search Intent Optimization

• Step #8: Web Content Design and Structure

• Step #9: Link Building

• Step #10: Content Optimization and Updates

• Step #11: SEO Analytics and Reporting

Step #1: Keyword Research and Search Trends (find what people are looking for)

Keyword research is the first thing to do in SEO.

Without it, you've no direction.

One of the best way to find keywords — Google Suggest.

Start typing your keyword in Google's search box, and it will start showing suggestions:

Why use this? Because they come directly from Google.

Most importantly, it's FREE.

Tip: Look for Long-Tail keywords because in general there's less competition for them than short tail KWs.

Create a list of keywords, and if you want to check their search volume, you can use any of your favorite tool. (I use Ahref)

Once you've few keywords, you can move forward to Step #2.

Step #2: Google SERP Analysis

OK, so now you've some keywords from "Google Suggest".

Now, check who's ranking for those keywords.

Check first 2-3 pages. Yes, not just top 10 results.

​Dive deeper, and check what's ranking on page 2 and 3.

Why? Because by checking Top 10, you'll see what Google is rewarding. Try to find the pattern.

By checking the next 10-20 results, you'll see what they did different — why they're not on page 1. You need to avoid doing the same mistakes.

Step #3: Competitor Analysis (Know your competitors)

As Darth Maul said, "To defeat your enemies, you must know them. Even practice their belief"

Analyze your competitors. Find what your enemies (not literally) are doing. Reverse engineer their strategies.

To find your organic competitors:

1. Enter your site URL in Ahref Site Explorer.

2. Click "Organic Competitors" in left column.

   

3. ​​Ahref will show you your top organic competitors.

   

​​The "Common Keyword" section will show you keywords you and your competitors, both are ranking for.

​​The sites with highest number of common keywords are your biggest organic competitors.

Use this step to create a list of your top 5-10 competitors.

Step #4: Create Something Better (Value added content)

Google says: "Write for Users, not Search Engines"

I believe in, "Write for Users & Search Engines"

Why? Writing for users is great, and in fact necessary to rank in 2025. However if you're not taking Search Engines in account, you may not win.

In 2025, Google is showing more AI Overviews than it ever has. And there's a perplexity, and ChatGPT Search as well.

If you're not considering search engines, and only writing by keeping "Users" in mind. You may lose a lot of opportunities.

You need to optimize your content, so search engine are able to better understand them.

The better they understand your content, they are likely to use it in their AI overviews.

Now you know who to write for. It's time to create high-quality content that provides "Information Gain"

Here's a LinkedIn post by Andrew Holland you should checkout if you don't know what information gain means:

​​The post is even longer, so I'd recommend checking it out on LinkedIn.

In simple terms, "Information Gain" mean gaining information by consuming content.

As an SEO, you content should provide VALUE to readers.

Readers should learn something new, at the lowest cost possible.

To create amazing content, you need to do two things.

1. Write Better than others

2. Provide more value at less cost

For example:

Instead of just rephrasing the same thing, the other top 10 ranking pages have written. Provide unique insights, stats, case studies, etc.

Instead of writing 5,000+ word article, try to provide the same information in less words (less time-cost on readers end).

ASK YOURSELF: Is there a simpler way to write this?

SAY DIRECTLY WHAT YOU MEAN, IN FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE.

There's nothing wrong with SIMPLE, POWERFUL, DIRECT content.

Here's what I mean:

COMPLEX VERSION (Bad): "In order to effectively optimize your website's conversion rate, it is highly recommended to implement strategic placement of call-to-action buttons throughout your web pages, ensuring they are visually appealing and positioned in locations where users are most likely to engage with them."

SIMPLE VERSION (Good): "Put your 'Buy Now' button where people will see it."

See the difference? Same message, but:

• 47 words vs 9 words

• Complex jargon vs plain language

• Wordy explanation vs direct instruction

Another example:

COMPLEX VERSION (Bad): "Content creators should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive research methodologies to ensure their written material surpasses the quality standards set by competing articles in their niche."

SIMPLE VERSION (Good): "Research better than your competitors."

Remember:

• Short sentences win

• Cut unnecessary words

• Use simple language

• Get to the point

That's it. No fluff needed.

Step #5: Writing High-Converting Headlines

First impression is the Last.

Your headline is your first impressions. It's either a handshake or a goodbye wave.

Great headlines:

• Grab attention instantly

• Show readers "this is for you"

• Promise "what they will get by reading it" (saw my promise in the introduction?)

• Feel personal, not generic AI fluff.

Here's an example:

Boring headline: "A Guide to Dog Training"

Great headline: "Stop Your Puppy's Destructive Chewing in 7 Days (Even If Nothing Else Has Worked)"

Why the second one works:

• Speaks to a specific problem (destructive chewing)

• Promises a clear timeline (7 days)

• Addresses past failures (Even if nothing else has worked)

• Makes the reader think "This is exactly what I need!"

Here're two more examples before we move to the next section:

Boring headline: "Weight Loss Tips"

Great headline: "How I Lost 30 Pounds Without Giving Up Pizza (With Weekly Meal Plan)"

Boring headline: "How to Start a Business"

Great headline: "Launch Your First Online Business With Just $500 (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)"

Key elements of high-converting headlines:

1. Keep headlines between 6-13 words for maximum impact

2. Use power words like "proven," "essential," and "ultimate" to create urgency

3. Address specific pain points your audience faces daily

4. Include numbers to make content feel structured and actionable

Step#6: On-Page SEO

Now, you've completed keyword research, and written an excellent content copy. It's time for on-page SEO.

In this step, you'll optimize your content for Keywords.

Other than fundamental On-Page SEO steps - adding keyword in H1, SEO Title, Description, and Alt text — I recommend doing the following:

Include keyword in URL

Always use descriptive permalinks. These not only look clean, they are easier to read and understand, by both readers and search engines.

Internal Linking

Internal linking is one of the most important ranking factor. Always use descriptive-keyword-rich anchor text to link with relevant articles.

It'll pass Link Juice to other pages, and will guide readers to additional resources. They will spend more time on your website, which directly impact website ranking.

Semantic SEO

Semantic means: "of, relating to"

In SEO, it means using related words to your target keyword.

Here's really good Noob-Friendly explanation of Semantic SEO from one of my favorite SEO "Schieler Mew".

Here's how to optimize your content for Semantic SEO:

Search your keyword in Google, and look for relevant words and entities suggested by Google.

Click on Images section to see them.

​​​​

Copy and sprinkle them in your content naturally.

Step #7: Search Intent Optimization

Now that you've mastered on-page optimization, let's discuss one important thing which many miss.

Search Intent — the user's purpose of searching on Google, Bing, etc.

If you get it wrong, then no matter how meticulously you've followed the above mentioned steps, your page will not rank.

I still remember deleting 80% of Blainy Pages due to wrong search intent issue.

Remember: Doing No SEO is better than doing Bad SEO.

Here's how to make sure you're on the right track:

Before creating a page, go to google and analyze competitors (as discussed in Step #2 & 3).

Find what type of content is ranking.

Is it commercial, transactional, or informational. If google is ranking informational content in Top 10. Your Transactional or Commercial page stand no chance of ranking.

Now, Tools like Ahref & Semrush now makes it easier to check intent.

Simply go to the either tool, and search your keyword and they'll show you the Search Intent.

Step #8: Web Content Design and Structure

Content is King. But the best content fails with poor presentation.

Your content should be easier to consume (less cost - as discussed earlier)

Use simple, short sentences.

Again, there's nothing wrong with SIMPLE Sentences.

If something can be said in less words, use less words.

Use short paragraphs.

Even one-sentence paragraphs are OKAY.

Use graphics, screenshots — not just for the sake of it. They should add value.

Check all screenshots in this post. Every screenshot has a purpose. They are helping YOU (the reader) understand what I'm trying to say in an easier way.

Make sure to use the proper heading structure as well.

There can only be one H1 in your page. Followed by H2, H3, H4, etc.

H3 cannot be added before H2.

Here's an example of bad heading structure:

Here's an example of proper heading structure:

​​Note: I'm using SEO Wallet — a free google extension — to check heading structure.

Step #9: Link Building

Now you're done with On-page SEO. It's time for Link Building (aka. Off-Page SEO).

Link Building is one of the most important ranking factor.

There're a lot of ways to make backlinks in 2025.

Here're 2 link building strategies that are working in 2025, and I'm using them:

1. Link Outreach

2. Help a Reporter Out (Formerly known as HARO)

There're several other link building tactics. But to-no-waste-your-time I'll write a separate guide on Link Building in near future.

Link Outreach

Link Outreach still work in 2025.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Find 100 sites you want to get link from.

2. Use tools like Hunter to find emails of those sites

3. Send them personalized email

4. Negotiate

5. Done. Your link is posted

Now, there're few things you should keep in mind (especially when you're looking to get links from premium sites).

They don't know you, so they're unlikely to give you what you want, i.e. backlink.

So, what should you do?

Instead of just going out asking link, first build connection with them.

Find the person - most likely to get you a link - and reach out to them.

One of the way I do is, I do an SEO Audit, and send them an email and tell them what's wrong with their site.

Free. I don't mention anything about money.

People are most likely to reply to you, when you're giving them something without asking anything in return.

Help a Reporter Out (Formerly HARO)

HARO is dead. But there're platforms like Help a B2B Reporter and Source of Sources where you can still connect with journalists.

Here's how it works:

1. You sign up for receiving emails from these platforms

2. Journalist submit their questions, and you'll receive them in your Inbox.

3. You need to answer those questions, and if journalist likes and use it in their content. They link back to you/your site.

Here's an example:

​​Here's an example of a quote I sent to a journalist.

​​They liked my quote.

​​And, added a link to my site.

​​This technique can get you very high-quality links, however the success rate is very low. But this is 100% FREE.

However, I'm looking forward to HOAR, a similar platform created by Fery Kaszoni from Search Intelligence. But this platform is going to have a paid monthly subscription. It was announced to launch in Feb 2025.

Step #10: Content Optimization and Updates

Writing New Content is great. However you should not forget to update old content.

And, I'm not talking about changing 2024 to 2025 after new year in your blog titles.

After certain time has passed, check the ranking status of your articles.

If they're ranking on top, GREAT. Leave them as it is (don't do any major changes)

But if you think, there're new information related to the topic available, and some of the techniques you mentioned no longer work. You need to update your article to keep it relevant.

Add new strategies.

Delete the ones that no longer work.

No one has time to read about Keyword Stuffing Methods in 2025. Give people what works now.

Step #11: SEO Analytics and Reporting

Data tells you what's working. Listen to it.

Start with Google Search Console — it's your window into how people find you.

Check which keywords bring traffic, monitor click rates, and spot ranking changes as they happen.

Next, use Google Analytics to understand what happens after people land on your site.

Are they staying? Reading? Leaving? This data tells you if your content actually helps your visitors.

For serious keyword tracking, tools like Nozzle help you monitor your most important search terms. They'll alert you to ranking changes and show you where you stand against competitors.

Ready To Transform Your SEO?

You now have my complete 11-step SEO strategy that actually works in 2024.

The question is: Where will you start?

Maybe you'll craft those high-converting headlines first? Or dive into analytics to see what's already working?

Drop a comment below — I'd love to hear your first move.