Starting a website from scratch? No blog, no service pages, no about page—just a blank slate? That might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a great opportunity. With no clutter or legacy issues, you can build a clean SEO foundation from the ground up. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Step 1: Start with Keyword Research

Before you write a single word, find out what people are searching for in your niche. Use free or paid tools to uncover:

• Primary keywords (e.g., “roofing services in Dallas”)
• Long-tail keywords (e.g., “how much does a metal roof cost in Texas”)
• Competitor keywords (what top-ranking sites are targeting)

Organize your keywords into topic clusters for content planning later on.

Step 2: Map Out a Basic Site Structure

SEO isn’t just about content—it’s about structure too. Plan the core pages you’ll need:

• Homepage
• About Us
• Contact
• Service or Product Pages
• Blog or Resource Section

Keep the URL structure clean and keyword-relevant. For example, use /services/roof-installation instead of /page1?id=12.

Step 3: Write Foundational Content

Start small but strategic. Create 5–10 high-quality pages that each target a clear keyword cluster. Your first batch might include:

• Homepage (brand positioning + main keywords)
• Top 3–5 product or service pages
• FAQ or “How it Works” page
• One or two blog posts targeting helpful, low-competition topics

Step 4: Set Up On-Page SEO Basics

Make sure each page includes:

• A keyword-rich title tag (under 60 characters)
• A compelling meta description (under 155 characters)
• Headings that use H1, H2, and H3 properly
• Alt tags on images with keyword relevance
• Internal links between related pages

Step 5: Submit Your Site to Search Engines

Create a sitemap and submit it through Google Search Console. This helps search engines crawl your new content faster. Also set up:

• Google Analytics for traffic tracking
• Google Business Profile (if you’re a local business)
• Schema markup for better SERP appearance

Step 6: Create a Content Calendar

Don’t stop after launch. To build rankings and traffic, you’ll need to publish content regularly. Plan out at least one new blog post per week and schedule updates for older pages as needed.

Final Tip: Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once

SEO is a long game. Focus on building a solid foundation, then grow your site strategically. Avoid keyword stuffing, thin pages, and gimmicks. Instead, prioritize relevance, quality, and consistency from the beginning.

With the right roadmap, you can turn a blank website into a powerful SEO asset that brings in traffic and leads month after month.