Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just about inserting keywords and building links—it’s a strategic process that requires careful planning and goal setting. Before starting an SEO project, it’s crucial to establish the foundation that will ensure long-term success.
Planning Before Execution
A well-thought-out plan can make or break your SEO campaign. Understanding the client’s expectations, technical setup, and website goals will help you craft a tailored strategy that delivers measurable results.
Questions to Ask Your Client Before Starting an SEO Project:
- What’s the motivation behind optimizing the website?
(Is the goal to generate more sales, boost website traffic, improve brand visibility, or something else?) - What is the budget and time frame for completing the project?
(Knowing this helps prioritize tasks and define the scope of work.) - Who is responsible for the project, and who will collaborate with the SEO team?
(This ensures proper communication and task delegation.)
Once these are clarified, set limitations on the size and scope of the SEO campaign to avoid unrealistic expectations and scope creep.
SEO Project Requirements Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive list of technical and strategic considerations before starting an SEO project:
Technical & Structural Assessment
- What technology was used to build the website?
(HTML, WordPress Development, Shopify, Magento, etc.) - What are the file extensions of the pages?
(.html, .php, .asp, etc.) - Is it a dynamic or static website?
- Is there enough content (minimum 250 words) on the homepage and other key pages for optimization?
- How does the site navigation work?
(Text links, image links, JavaScript menus?) - How many pages does the site contain?
(How many of them will be optimized?) - Is there a sitemap (HTML and XML)?
(Has the XML sitemap been submitted to Google Search Console?) - What is the current link popularity of the site?
(How many and what quality backlinks does it have?) - What is the site’s Google PageRank or domain authority?
(Would the site benefit from a link-building campaign?)
Content & Access Considerations
- Do you have access to edit the source code directly?
(Or will changes need to be handed off to a developer?) - Do you have permission to modify the visible content of the site?
- What products or services does the site promote?
- What is the target geographical market?
(Global, national, regional, or local?) - Who is the target demographic market?
(Age, gender, interests, profession, etc.) - What are 20 target keywords or key phrases your ideal customers might search for?
- Who are the major online competitors?
(Include their URLs and identify which keywords they rank for.)
Analytics & Expectations
- Who are the stakeholders?
(How and how often will you report progress to them?) - Do you have access to traffic logs or analytics tools?
(What metrics will you monitor? Page views, bounce rate, CTR, conversions?) - How will you track conversions and SEO success over time?
- What are the client’s expectations from this SEO campaign?
(Are these expectations aligned with realistic SEO outcomes?)
Crucial Factors to Consider Before Starting an SEO Project!
By addressing these essential questions and requirements before starting an SEO project, you set the stage for a successful SEO strategy. Clear goals, technical clarity, and aligned expectations will help you build sustainable growth through organic search.
