Welcome to My SEO Journey!
Documenting my growth, learnings, and achievements in mastering SEO
About My SEO Journey
Learning SEO and Sharing What I Discover
“Hi, I’m Ella Mae Baloran, currently training in SEO and building this website as part of my journey. I created this space to share what I learn, practice real-world SEO strategies, and help businesses understand how search optimization can grow their presence online. My goal is to inspire beginners like me to explore the world of digital marketing with confidence.”
SEO Services
Helping Websites Rank Higher and Reach More People.
As part of my SEO journey, I offer beginner-friendly SEO services to help brands grow online. From auditing websites to creating optimized content, I focus on building strong foundations for long-term success.
My SEO Training & Key Learnings
As part of my SEO journey, I’m documenting what I’ve learned in every session. This helps me apply the concepts, track my growth, and inspire others who are also starting their SEO path.
Session 1-5
Session 1 - Introduction to SEO
In our first session, I was introduced to the fundamentals of SEO, what it is, why it’s important, and how it helps websites gain visibility in search engines. We explored the three core types of SEO: on-page, off-page, and technical. I also learned how search engines like Google crawl and index content, giving me a clearer picture of how websites show up in search results.
Session 2 - History of SEO / Subdomains
The history of SEO shows us one important lesson; SEO is always evolving. What worked years ago may not work today, so continuous learning is the key to long-term success in digital marketing. Subdomains are powerful when used properly, but they require their own SEO efforts. For beginners, it’s often better to stick with subdirectories to build up the authority of one main website.
Session 3- SEO and AI Search Engine Ranking Factors
This session highlighted how crucial sitemaps are in guiding search engines to crawl and understand a website’s structure. I practiced submitting sitemaps in Google Search Console and deepened my understanding of why proper indexing matters. We also began working on keyword research and keyword mapping strategically assigning keywords to each page to ensure the content stays focused, relevant, and optimized for search.
Session 4 - Data Benchmarking / GA / SC / SEO Cycle / SEO Client
In our first session, I was introduced to the fundamentals of SEO, what it is, why it’s important, and how it helps websites gain visibility in search engines. We explored the three core types of SEO: on-page, off-page, and technical. I also learned how search engines like Google crawl and index content, giving me a clearer picture of how websites show up in search results.
Session 5 - Sitemap, Indexing, Keyword Research and Mapping Part 1
In this session, I learned the vital role sitemaps play in helping search engines crawl and understand a website. I practiced submitting sitemaps through Google Search Console and gained a better understanding of why indexing is so important. We also started exploring keyword research and keyword mapping organizing the right keywords for each page to keep content targeted, relevant, and effective.
Session 6 - Keyword Research and Mapping Part 2
This session emphasized the strategic role of keyword research in identifying relevant search terms aligned with user intent. It also highlighted the importance of keyword mapping, which ensures that each page has a clear focus and avoids keyword overlap. By assigning the right keywords to the right pages, content becomes more structured, user-friendly, and effective in improving overall search visibility. These practices are essential for enhancing content performance and building a solid SEO foundation.
Session 7 - Website Audit - Part 1
In this session, I learned the importance of a website audit in identifying technical and on-page issues that affect SEO performance. We reviewed key areas like Google Search Console setup, index status, crawl errors, sitemap submission, and analytics integration. I also gained insights on optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, H1 headings, content quality, images, and site navigation using audit tools. This process showed how audits provide clear findings and action plans that serve as the foundation for improving visibility and user experience.
Session 8 - Website Audit - Part 2
In this session, I learned how to audit advanced technical and usability factors that affect SEO and user experience. The audit covered canonical issues, redirects, schema markup, backlinks, internal linking, and page speed for both desktop and mobile. We also explored site structure, navigation, mobile usability, local business profiles, and compliance factors like SSL, security, and policy pages. This demo showed that auditing beyond on-page elements is crucial for ensuring site performance, credibility, and overall search visibility.
Session 9 - Website Audit - Part 3
The Website Audit Part 3 emphasizes strengthening your online credibility through improved social presence, local visibility, user experience, and security. Consistent business details across platforms and active social profiles build trust and enhance local SEO performance. Optimizing your Google Business Profile, using local directories, and adding localized features like language translation and currency improve accessibility and user engagement. A well-structured design with clear navigation, compelling calls-to-action, and trust elements such as testimonials and FAQs can significantly boost conversions. Finally, implementing SSL encryption, regular security checks, and reliable protection plugins ensures a secure and trustworthy browsing experience.
Session 10 - on-page SEO Part 1
The On-Page SEO Part 1 highlights the importance of optimizing every element within your website to improve visibility and user experience. It focuses on refining meta titles, descriptions, headings, and keyword placement to align with search intent. Proper internal linking, image optimization, and clean URL structures enhance both usability and crawlability. By creating high-quality, keyword-rich, and engaging content, your website can rank higher, attract the right audience, and establish stronger online authority.
Session 11 - on-page SEO Part 2
The On-Page SEO Part 2 focuses on refining key website elements to boost visibility and user engagement. It highlights the importance of optimizing content structure, multimedia, and technical factors like page speed and mobile responsiveness. Implementing schema markup, strategic linking, and clear formatting helps search engines better understand your content. Overall, it reinforces that effective on-page SEO combines technical precision with valuable, well-structured content to achieve higher rankings and improved user experience.
Session 12 Off- Page sEO Part 1
The Off-Page SEO Part 1 emphasizes strengthening your website’s authority through external strategies like link building, social sharing, and online reputation management. It highlights how earning quality backlinks from reputable sites and maintaining active engagement across digital platforms can improve domain authority, boost search rankings, and enhance overall online credibility.
Session 13 Off- page SEO Part 2
The Off-Page SEO Part 2 focuses on advanced techniques to enhance your website’s authority and trustworthiness. It highlights the value of guest posting, influencer collaborations, and content promotion to attract high-quality backlinks. Engaging in online communities and maintaining consistent brand mentions help strengthen your digital reputation, driving more traffic and improving your site’s search performance.
Session 14 Monthly Reports and Data Analysis
The session on Monthly Reports and Data Analysis underscores the power of data-driven decision-making in SEO. By analyzing monthly reports, tracking key metrics, and interpreting results, you can transform raw data into actionable insights. This approach helps sharpen your SEO strategy, optimize performance, and stay agile in responding to trends ensuring continuous growth and measurable success.
Session 15
Consultations Are Free!
Have questions about SEO or want me to review your website? Let’s connect! I offer free beginner-friendly consultations to help you get started with SEO.