How I got internet famous, you can too.
Source: Dev.to
If I search your name and you’re not on Google, then you’re not successful yet — only famous people appear on Google search. That was my mindset growing up. I first heard about SEO a few years ago and realized why my name appeared in search results. After getting a domain for my portfolio, I still didn’t see it rank, so I consulted a mentor who introduced me to SEO fundamentals. Since then I’ve helped several people rank their websites on Google, Microsoft, and other search engines.
SEO isn’t magic—it’s about speaking the search engine’s language. Below are the five core pillars I use to help my clients rank as a website developer.
5 Core Pillars for SEO Success
1. Prioritize Semantic HTML over “Div‑itis”
<div> tags give no meaning to crawlers. Semantic HTML tells search engines what your content actually is. Using proper elements such as headings, paragraphs, and lists acts as a map for crawlers, helping them distinguish your core message from sidebars or ads.
2. Optimize the Title Tag
The title tag is more than the visible heading on a page; it’s a primary signal for Google when categorizing content. A well‑crafted title can attract clicks even from the top position in SERPs.
3. Write Effective Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions don’t directly affect rankings, but they serve as ad copy in search results. An enticing description boosts click‑through rate (CTR), signaling to Google that the page is valuable.
<!-- Example meta description -->
<meta name="description" content="Your concise, compelling summary here">4. Use a Robots.txt File
Search engine bots have a limited “crawl budget.” A robots.txt file (placed in the site’s root) tells bots which directories to crawl and which to avoid, ensuring they focus on high‑value content and don’t waste resources on admin or cart pages.
5. Add Descriptive Alt Attributes for Images
Alt attributes improve accessibility, user experience, and SEO. Use clear, keyword‑rich descriptions without leading phrases like “Image of…”.
<img src="shoes.jpg" alt="Men's waterproof leather hiking boots in dark brown">[Image: shoes]
[Image: Men’s waterproof leather hiking boots in dark brown]
When a user searches for terms related to the alt text, the image is more likely to appear in image search results. Google also rewards sites that are accessible, so the more accessible your site, the higher it can rank.
SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. By mastering these technical basics, you build a foundation that Google can’t ignore.