SEO or Search Engine Optimization is a technique that helps your website appear on the first page of Google. It is also a skill that requires a certain amount of knowledge and effort.

To start with, you need to know how to code. A basic understanding of HTML tags is a must. Some CMS systems have built-in basic SEO functions. The more well-structured your code is, the better.

SEO also requires a lot of time. You’ll need to keep track of your website’s uptime and downtime. You’ll also need to make sure that your website has quality content.

You’ll also need to know how to write code that is search engine friendly. For example, Google’s Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines are an important reference for implementing SEO strategies.

One of the most important skills in SEO is critical thinking. You’ll need to be able to identify opportunities and threats, and understand how different factors influence the rankings of your competitors.

You’ll also need to be a fast learner. You’ll need to understand the marketing landscape, and be able to communicate complicated concepts to your clients. You’ll need to strategize and collaborate with your team.

To improve your SEO, you’ll need to invest in tools. You’ll want to be able to use analytics software to find out what your visitors are searching for, and which keywords they are using. You’ll also need to use SEO tools to research your competition. You can even conduct website audits with powerful tools like Semrush.