First Step to Take in SEO

[pow-wow]

Keyword research plays a significant role in putting up a site which i think is the first step of SEO to be done to a new site.
Can you share your opinion on how you start SEO for a new site? What will be your first step to a new site that is no SEO done on it?

[KingPin]

1) Keyword Research.
2) Competitive Research.
3) Buy domain if I don't already have one in that sector.

KP

[hasan_889]

Basically in 2005/06, I started SEO for my websites. At that time, I was doing whatever people were advicing me. Do this, do that .... I was doing everything.

As time gone by, I've sattled down and I believe I know how to start.

I work for a company, where I already have the content, so I don't have much thing to do with content of the site. So when I have the content, I try to do keyword research - Adwords, Overture and other tools.

Then, I go for the niche market research - that means more niche keyword search.

Once I've the keywords in my hand, I start playing around

[smeagain]

1) Start with clean sheet of paper.
2) Carry out Keyword research.
3) Using #2 design Site Structure and draw on #1.

[johnafrankllin]

Assuming that you have a site to promote:
Check the site navigation structure.
Check All links working Properly.
Check content for spelling mistakes.
Now Do Keywords research
Ask for the top competitors list to your client.
Analyze the competitor's site.
Check Their Link Partners.
Check the keywords that they have used.
Extract some keywords from their.
Add some additional keywords by yourself.
Send them to your client for approval and suggestions.
After being finalized proceed to SEO.

[zurk]

I started out searching for targeted keywords, then moved on to on-page optimization

[TheeCommerceConsultant]

I think the first step is to work out what you are selling / promoting design your information archtecture around that and whilst you are building the site implement all best practice for SEO.

So if starting from a blank canvas
1/ What is the site content?
2/ What are you trying to acheive
3/ What are your keywords
4/ Build the site.

[anakin316]

keyword research is very important.....

[edyst3]

What I do for seo
Keyword research
adding keyword in my content
Linking to other's site that is related to my site.
Social bookmarking