8 Proven SEO Examples: Learn Effective Techniques That Work

Ranking your website can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out.

You’ve probably read dozens of SEO guides. But, to convert theory into actual results, you need some reference examples that show how to apply those SEO techniques.

This guide breaks down the 8 proven SEO examples from popular websites like Ahrefs, Moz, Healthline, and more so that you learn and get inspired by their strategies.

Ready to improve your website’s SEO? Let’s dive in!

What Are SEO Examples?

SEO examples are real-world implementations of search engine optimization techniques that help websites rank better on Google.

The best part about learning from and getting inspired through examples is that you can see the actual results.

When Backlinko adds custom images to explain complex topics, you notice how it makes the content easier to understand. When Buffer breaks down their blog posts into small, digestible chunks, you see how it keeps readers engaged.

These examples come from both small businesses and major websites. Moz writes meta descriptions that make people want to click. Ahrefs structures its content in a way that both Google and readers enjoy. OptinMonster uses data to back up their points and earn natural backlinks.

But here's what matters: These techniques work for any website. A local bakery can use the right meta-description and get more clicks on their website. A personal blog can structure its content effectively by getting inspired from Ahrefs. A small ecommerce store can optimize its product pages, getting inspired from IKEA.

The essential thing is understanding why these examples work. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the best SEO examples.

8 Best SEO Examples From Top Websites

1. How Buffer Makes Content Easy to Read

Buffer's blog shows exactly how to write content that keeps readers on your page. Their approach works for any type of business website or blog.

Open any Buffer blog post and you'll spot their strategy right away. They use short paragraphs with clean formatting that makes every post easy to read.

Plus, they also internal link related content which helps readers find other in-depth content pieces on the topic, and in turn, it improves their website SEO because readers stay longer on the site.

They break down complex topics into bite-sized chunks, which is really worth noting. Now, you might be wondering why this is important. Well, the more easy-to-read a content piece is, the better engagement it gets. When users better interact with your posts, search engines notice it resulting in a natural growth in SEO rankings.

2. Ahrefs Masters On-Page SEO

Ahrefs shows how to structure content so that both Google and readers like your content. Their blog posts rank well and keep readers coming back for more.

Check out any Ahrefs blog post title. You'll see the main keyword placed right at the start, but it never feels forced.

The first paragraph always includes their main keyword. But they do it smoothly. Look at any of their guides. The opening paragraph naturally talks about their target keyword topic because that's just how you'd explain the topic to someone.

Every Ahrefs post follows a clear path. Their Keyword Research Guide, for example, starts right from the basics to explaining different keyword types and how to choose the right set of keywords. Each part of their post naturally flows to the next part, explaining all the concepts step-by-step.

So, if you want to learn On-Page SEO, a great place to get started is the Ahrefs blog posts.

3. How Backlinko Uses Images To Explain Complex Topics

Backlinko turns difficult SEO concepts into clear visual explanations. Every blog post includes custom images that break down complex ideas into simple steps.

These aren't just stock photos or random screenshots. Each image serves a clear purpose adding value to the content.

The images often use simple arrows, boxes, and other elements to explain the concepts better, along with their written content.

Plus, their blog post image placements are worth noting. They use a lot of images in their blog posts.

A study was done by Buzzsumo in which they analyzed around 1 million blog posts. In that study, it was found that posts that had one image after almost 100 words of content got two times more shares than posts that had fewer images.

So using images not only helps increase the shareability of your content but also helps you keep readers engaged.

4. Moz's Approach To Meta Descriptions

Moz shows exactly how to write meta descriptions that make people want to click. Their approach works for any type of website, from small business sites to large blogs.

Their meta descriptions clearly highlight what the post is exactly about and why it’s worth reading.

Plus, their meta descriptions are within 155 characters. This ensures the full description shows up in search results. They also add their main keyword naturally in the first half of the description, helping both readers and search engines understand what the page covers.

5. OptinMonster's Strategy For Building Quality Natural Links

OptinMonster excels at creating content that naturally attracts links from other websites. Their approach focuses on publishing original data and statistics that other sites want to reference.

OptinMonster regularly publishes posts filled with different statistics. Their articles include specific numbers about email marketing success rates, popup conversion rates, cart abandonment statistics, and other such topics. Other websites link to these posts when they need to back up their own claims with data.

They break down exact percentages for different industries. Each statistic comes with its original source. This makes other websites trust their content and want to link to it as a reliable source.

They also update their statistics posts every few months. This ensures their data stays current. When they update a post, they change the year in the title and add new statistics. This gives other websites a reason to link to them as the most up-to-date source.

6. Healthline's Smart Website Navigation

Healthline shows how to organize a large website so visitors can find exactly what they need. Their navigation system works for both readers and search engines.

Each category has its own section with a clear overview page. This helps readers find related content and helps Google understand the website structure.

Each subcategory then links to specific articles about those topics.

7. ClickUp's Keyword Strategy For Business Growth

ClickUp targets keywords that bring in potential customers. Their approach shows how to choose keywords that lead to actual sales.

ClickUp creates content about different project management related topics. But they don't just explain the concept. They show how their tool makes the process easier.

The content focuses on helping readers first. They explain different methods and best practices. Then they naturally show how ClickUp helps with each step. This approach works because it gives value before mentioning the product.

ClickUp targets keywords their customers actually use. Instead of just "project management," they also rank for specific terms like templates and project management software. These keywords show clear purchase intent.

If you want to learn how to do keyword research that actually brings in leads and conversions, the ClickUp blog is a good place to learn from and get inspired for your SEO keyword research strategy.

8. IKEA's Product Page SEO

IKEA's product pages show exactly how to create content that ranks well and sells products. Their approach works for online stores of any size.

IKEA gives each product a unique name plus a clear description. The product title includes both the unique product term and the descriptive keyword. This helps them rank for both branded and generic searches.

IKEA writes product descriptions that cover common customer questions. Their furniture descriptions include exact measurements, materials, care instructions, and assembly information. This detailed content helps them rank for specific search terms like "white bookcase with glass doors" or "tall narrow bookcase."

Each description flows naturally. Instead of just listing features, they explain how the product helps customers.

Plus, IKEA includes multiple photos for each product. They show the item from different angles, in different rooms, and with different styling options. Each image has descriptive alt text that includes both the product name and what the image shows.

The main product image appears at the top of the page in large size. Additional images follow in a gallery format. Customers can click to zoom in on details, which keeps them on the page longer—a factor search engines often consider when ranking pages.

IKEA also includes customer reviews and photos on their product pages. These reviews add fresh, unique content to the page.

They display the star rating prominently near the product title. This rating appears in Google search results as rich snippets, which can improve click-through rates from search results.

Final Thoughts

These SEO examples from successful websites show that good SEO isn't just about complex techniques. It's about creating content that helps people find what they need. From Buffer's readable content to IKEA's clear product pages, each example demonstrates how to make your website more useful for both visitors and search engines.

The essential thing is to start with the basics. Focus on writing clear content that answers your customers' questions. Organize your website so people can find what they need. Use images and examples to explain complex ideas. These fundamental practices help search engines understand and rank your content.

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Prit Centrago Prit is an SEO Content Specialist and Copywriter. His work has helped SaaS brands across multiple industries reach more customers worldwide. When not involved in writing or planning content strategies, you'll find him reading books with a cup of coffee.