# SEO Checklist for Startups Launching Products When I launched my first startup, I assumed that building a great product was enough. It wasn't. Getting users to actually discover your product through search engines is crucial for sustainable growth. ## Pre-Launch SEO Foundation ### 1. Keyword Research Before writing a single line of copy, understand what your potential customers are searching for. **Tools to use:** - Google Keyword Planner (free) - Ahrefs Keywords Explorer - SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool - Answer The Public **Focus on:** - Long-tail keywords (3-4 words) - Problem-focused queries - Competitor analysis

2. Technical SEO Setup

Essential technical elements:

SSL certificate (HTTPS)
Mobile-responsive design
Fast loading speeds (less than 3 seconds)
XML sitemap
Robots.txt file
Clean URL structure

Content Strategy

Create Problem-Solving Content

Instead of just talking about your product features, create content that solves your audience's problems.

Content types that work:

How-to guides
Comparison articles
Industry insights
Case studies
Tool recommendations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keyword Stuffing: Don't overuse keywords unnaturally
Ignoring Mobile: 60%+ of searches are mobile
Slow Loading: Speed is a ranking factor
Duplicate Content: Each page should be unique
No Internal Linking: Help search engines understand your site structure

Conclusion

SEO isn't a one-time task—it's an ongoing process. Start with the basics, create valuable content, and gradually build your search presence.

Remember: SEO is a long-term game. Don't expect overnight results, but with consistent effort, you'll see organic traffic growth within 3-6 months.