UPP SEO

The Complete SEO Process We Use to Rank Our Clients on Google

Introduction: Transparent SEO That Drives Real Business Results

You deserve to know how SEO agencies work and what you’re paying for. This guide explains our SEO strategy step‑by‑step, from keyword research to reporting, so you can compare partners with confidence. It’s written for business owners, marketers, and teams who want a clear plan that leads to rankings, traffic, and qualified leads—not just vanity metrics.

The process below is proven across local services, e‑commerce, and B2B. It balances technical excellence, helpful content, and authority building with simple reporting tied to sales goals. Use it as a checklist for evaluating any agency—ours included.


Our SEO Process at a Glance

  1. Research & Strategy — audience interviews, keyword and intent mapping, topic clusters, and forecasting.

  2. On‑Page & Technical — crawl, indexation, Core Web Vitals (INP), architecture, on‑page templates, structured data.

  3. Content — optimization and net‑new content using editorial briefs, E‑E‑A‑T checks, and a consistent publishing cadence.

  4. Authority (Links & PR) — quality mentions and links, local citations, review growth, and risk‑free tactics.

  5. Tracking & Reporting — Google Analytics 4, Search Console, dashboards, experiments, and quarterly planning.

This loop repeats monthly: measure → learn → improve.


Step 1: Keyword Research & Audience Discovery

Great SEO starts with understanding your customer. We combine data with real‑world context to build a roadmap that aligns with revenue.

1.1 Business & Audience Discovery

  • Clarify your offers, ICPs, and the problems you solve.

  • Interview sales/support to hear objections and FAQs.

  • Note seasonal patterns, geographies, and compliance needs.

  • Collect current analytics, CRM lead quality, and revenue mix.

Deliverables: discovery notes, competitor list, market hypotheses.

1.2 Search Intent & Keyword Mapping

  • Build a seed list from products/services, competitors, and SERP suggestions.

  • Classify keywords by intent: Awareness, Consideration, Decision.

  • Map each keyword (or group) to the best page: service, category, blog, comparison, or FAQ.

  • Prioritize by difficulty vs potential using volume ranges, SERP features, and business fit.

Deliverables: keyword master sheet, intent mapping table, page‑level targets.

1.3 Topic Clusters & Information Architecture

  • Turn related keywords into pillar pages and supporting clusters.

  • Draft a simple site architecture (URL structure and breadcrumbs).

  • Define internal link hubs so authority flows from helpful resources to money pages.

  • For multi‑location brands, plan location and service‑area pages.

Deliverables: cluster blueprint, proposed URL map, internal link plan.

1.4 Competitor & Gap Analysis

  • Analyze top competitors by content depth, speed, UX, schema, and links.

  • Identify content gaps you can win fast (FAQs, comparisons, local terms).

  • Benchmark Core Web Vitals and responsiveness.

  • Note SERP patterns (snippets, “People also ask”, local pack).

Deliverables: competitive brief, quick‑win list, content gap backlog.

1.5 Forecasting & Goals

  • Project traffic/leads using conservative assumptions.

  • Set quarterly targets for rankings, non‑brand traffic, and conversions.

  • Align stakeholders on reporting cadence and decision rules.

Deliverables: goal sheet, forecast ranges, reporting calendar.


Step 2: On‑Page & Technical SEO

Technical soundness and page clarity make every channel work better. We start with the highest‑impact fixes first.

2.1 Site Audit & Indexation

  • Full crawl: status codes, canonicals, duplicate content, paginated sets.

  • XML sitemaps and robots rules; remove thin/duplicate or blocked pages.

  • Fix core issues: broken links, redirect chains, mixed content, bloated scripts.

  • Indexation strategy for filters/facets, internal search, and tag pages.

Deliverables: prioritized audit, fix list with owners, indexation policy.

2.2 Core Web Vitals & INP

  • Measure INP (Interaction to Next Paint), LCP, and CLS using field data.

  • Optimize JavaScript execution, reduce main‑thread blocking, lazy‑load offscreen assets.

  • Compress/resize images; adopt modern formats; serve responsive images.

  • Defer non‑critical CSS/JS; split bundles where needed.

Deliverables: performance report, page‑type optimization plan, before/after benchmarks.

2.3 Site Architecture & Internal Linking

  • Make important pages two to three clicks from the homepage.

  • Create hub pages that point to supporting content; add breadcrumb trails.

  • Use descriptive, natural anchor text; fix orphan pages.

  • Implement HTML sitemaps for large catalogs when helpful.

Deliverables: navigation map, internal link rollout, anchor guidance.

2.4 On‑Page Optimization Templates

  • Title and meta patterns by page type (service, product, blog, comparison).

  • H1–H3 structure for scannability; include semantic keywords.

  • Add FAQs, pros/cons, and concise summaries where helpful.

  • Clear CTAs and conversion blocks on all decision pages.

Deliverables: page templates, on‑page checklist, content brief samples.

2.5 Structured Data (Schema)

  • Organization, LocalBusiness, Product, Article, FAQ, and Breadcrumb markup as needed.

  • Validate and monitor for errors or rich result drops.

  • Keep schema consistent with on‑page facts (name, address, price ranges, etc.).

Deliverables: schema map, implementation notes, validation logs.


Step 3: Content Optimization & Creation

Content is where strategy meets the user. We balance quality, expertise, and scale.

3.1 Editorial Strategy & Briefs

  • Build a 90‑day editorial calendar tied to the topic clusters.

  • For each piece, produce a brief: goal, target reader, questions to answer, outline, internal links, sources, images, and CTA.

  • Optimize for readability: short paragraphs, bullets, tables, and examples.

  • Add images with descriptive alt text and captions.

Deliverables: calendar, briefs, image/asset list, review workflow.

3.2 E‑E‑A‑T & Review Process

  • Attribute content to real experts; include bios and credentials.

  • Cite reputable sources; be precise with definitions and data.

  • Add trust signals: testimonials, case references, awards, compliance notes.

  • Enforce an editorial QA pass before publishing.

Deliverables: author bios, editorial policy, QA checklist, review schedule.

3.3 Content Refresh & Cannibalization Control

  • Refresh pages losing impressions or clicks; update stats, examples, and FAQ.

  • Merge cannibalizing posts into a single stronger page; add redirects.

  • Track refresh ROI (before/after rankings and conversions).

Deliverables: refresh queue, redirect plan, performance diffs.

3.4 Programmatic & Scalable Content (Safely)

  • Use templates for repeating structures (e.g., city/service pages), but keep unique value on every page.

  • Avoid thin, automated pages; add local proof, images, and FAQs.

  • Monitor indexation and engagement to protect site quality.

Deliverables: template specs, content safeguards, rollout schedule.


Step 4: Authority Building & Link Strategy

High‑quality, relevant links and mentions help search engines trust your site. We focus on sustainable tactics only.

4.1 Link Prospecting & Qualification

  • Build a target list by topical relevance, traffic, and editorial standards.

  • Evaluate domains for spam signals and real audiences.

  • Prioritize sites that already rank for your topics.

Deliverables: prospect list with scoring, outreach plan, calendar.

4.2 White‑Hat Acquisition Tactics

  • Digital PR: data stories, expert quotes, and news‑worthy angles.

  • Resource links: guides, checklists, tools that deserve citations.

  • Partnerships: suppliers, associations, local chambers, universities.

  • Guest features on relevant publications (editorial review only).

  • Link reclamation for brand mentions without links.

Deliverables: campaign briefs, pitches, media list, published links log.

4.3 Anchor Strategy & Link Velocity

  • Mix of branded, URL, partial‑match, and generic anchors.

  • Match link velocity to your niche; avoid unnatural spikes.

  • Deep‑link to key pages in clusters, not just the homepage.

Deliverables: anchor guidelines, monthly pacing plan, target page map.

4.4 Local SEO, Citations & Reviews

  • Audit and correct NAP (Name‑Address‑Phone) across major directories.

  • Build niche citations; add photos, services, and Q&A to profiles.

  • Run a review program with simple, ethical asks and post‑purchase prompts.

  • Track local pack rankings by location.

Deliverables: citation sheet, review playbook, local rank tracker.

4.5 Risk Management & Compliance

  • No PBNs, paid link farms, or automated link schemes—ever.

  • Disavow only when clearly necessary; focus on proactive quality.

  • Keep documentation for every outreach and placement.

Deliverables: compliance log, domain risk notes, recovery SOP if needed.


Step 5: Tracking, Reporting & Iteration

SEO without measurement is guesswork. We connect metrics to outcomes that matter.

5.1 Analytics Stack

  • Google Analytics 4 (GA4): conversions, assisted conversions, revenue, and funnels.

  • Google Search Console (GSC): queries, pages, coverage, and enhancements.

  • Looker Studio dashboards: unified view with business KPIs.

  • Optional: call tracking, CRM integration, A/B testing tools.

Deliverables: GA4/GSC setup, dashboard links, conversion taxonomy.

5.2 KPI Tree & Dashboards

  • Business outcomes: leads, MQL/SQL, revenue, LTV/CAC.

  • Performance: organic sessions, non‑brand share, conversion rate.

  • Visibility: top‑3/top‑10 keywords, share of voice, SERP features.

  • Quality: Core Web Vitals, INP, bounce/engagement by page type.

Deliverables: KPI tree, target ranges, monthly executive summary.

5.3 Experiments & Quarterly Planning

  • Hypothesis‑driven tests on titles, CTAs, layouts, and internal links.

  • Quarterly content sprints (publish/refresh) and technical sprints (speed, schema, architecture).

  • Prioritization framework: Impact × Confidence × Effort (ICE).

  • Post‑mortems for wins and misses to improve decision‑making.

Deliverables: experiment backlog, sprint calendar, post‑mortems.


What’s in Our SEO Packages?

We tailor plans, but here’s how our SEO packages typically map to needs:

Starter (Great for Local/Small Teams)

  • Discovery, keyword mapping for core services.

  • Google Business Profile optimization and citation cleanup.

  • Technical essentials: indexation, speed basics, schema for key pages.

  • 2–4 optimized pages/posts per month; light outreach and review ops.

  • Monthly reporting with clear priorities.

Growth (SMB to Mid‑Market)

  • Full cluster strategy with editorial calendar.

  • Technical deep‑dive: Core Web Vitals/INP, JS optimization, architecture.

  • 4–8 content assets monthly (mix of service, blog, and comparison pages).

  • Digital PR campaigns and partnership features.

  • Looker Studio dashboard; conversion‑level reporting and experiments.

Scale (E‑commerce, Multi‑Location, or B2B with Complex Sales)

  • Enterprise crawl and log analysis; advanced index management.

  • Programmatic content (safely) and multilingual or multi‑region strategy.

  • 8–12+ content assets monthly; dedicated PR and link programs.

  • CRO program with A/B testing; analytics integration with CRM.

  • Executive reporting, quarterly planning workshops, and governance.

Not sure which package fits? We’ll audit your site and suggest the lowest tier that can deliver your goals.


12‑Week Execution Roadmap (Example)

Weeks 1–2: Setup & Discovery

  • GA4, GSC, call tracking; access and governance.

  • Crawl + performance baseline; initial keyword/intent map.

  • Quick‑win list and risk items.

Weeks 3–4: Technical & On‑Page Fixes

  • Indexation cleanup, sitemap/robots updates, fix high‑impact errors.

  • Title/meta templates, internal linking on core pages.

  • INP/LCP improvements on top revenue pages.

Weeks 5–6: Content Foundations

  • Publish/upgrade 3–5 key pages (service, category, comparison).

  • Launch editorial calendar; produce first briefs.

  • Implement Organization/LocalBusiness/Product/FAQ schema where relevant.

Weeks 7–8: Authority & Local

  • Start digital PR outreach; link reclamation.

  • Citation cleanup/build; review program kick‑off.

  • Publish 2–4 blog posts supporting a priority cluster.

Weeks 9–10: CRO & Conversion Paths

  • A/B test hero CTAs and forms; add trust elements and social proof.

  • Improve internal linking from high‑traffic posts to money pages.

Weeks 11–12: Scale & Report

  • Publish next 3–5 assets; refresh underperformers.

  • Executive summary with wins, learning, and next‑quarter plan.


Case‑Style Micro Examples

Local Service Brand

  • Challenge: low non‑brand visibility; few reviews.

  • Actions: service‑area pages, GBP optimization, review ops, citations.

  • Outcomes (6 months): stable local pack rankings for 6 services; calls up sharply.

E‑commerce Retailer

  • Challenge: slow site, thin category pages, weak internal links.

  • Actions: INP/LCP fixes, collection templates, buying guides, digital PR.

  • Outcomes (9 months): organic revenue up; dozens of top‑3 keywords.

B2B SaaS

  • Challenge: awareness‑heavy blog, poor demo conversions.

  • Actions: comparison/alternative pages, use‑case content, CRO tests.

  • Outcomes (8 months): demo requests from organic nearly double; better win rates.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this SEO process take to show results?
You should see early gains in 3–6 months. Competitive markets take longer, but work compounds over time.

Do you guarantee #1 rankings?
No. We do not promise positions we cannot control. We focus on inputs (quality, speed, authority) and outcomes (leads, revenue).

Will you work with our in‑house team?
Yes. We often share briefs, train editors, and coordinate with developers and PR.

Is link building safe?
Yes—when it’s editorial and relevant. We avoid risky tactics and document every placement.

What happens after the first 90 days?
We continue the loop: publish → earn links → measure → improve. Larger content/tech sprints roll out quarterly.


CTA: Schedule a Strategy Call

Ready to see how this SEO process fits your business?
Book a free strategy call. We’ll review your site, map quick wins, and outline a 90‑day plan you can use—whether you work with us or not.

👉 Schedule a Strategy Call