Install Node.js for SEO Automation: Setup Guide

When I started programming in JavaScript in early 2020 I found lots of great resources to get up and running, but they were all focused on traditional web development. It was hard to find content specifically focused on using Node.js for SEO.

Hence, I’ve decided to put together a series of resources for anyone that wants to start their journey in Node.js for SEO and doesn’t know where to begin. Today, we are going to start with the very basics: How to install Node.js and setup your laptop for JavaScript SEO Automation.

Node.js installation

There are two ways to get Node.js on your machine. The simple way is just downloading it directly from the official website and installing it. However, there is a better, future-proof way using Node Version Manager.

Node.js ships a new release every few weeks, and the project now maintains two important release channels: LTS (recommended) and Current (latest features). As of late 2025, the latest Active LTS version is Node 24, while Node 25 is the Current release.

Official release calendar from Node.js

Using a version manager ensures you can match whatever version your deployment environment supports.

Installing Node Version Manager

Before installing NVM, uninstall any existing Node.js installation to avoid PATH conflicts.

macOS / Linux / WSL2

Install NVM using the official script:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh

or

wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh

Restart your terminal so the nvm command becomes available.

Windows

Windows users can install nvm-windows, created by Corey Butler. Download the installer from nvm-windows releases.

Remove any previous Node installation before installing nvm-windows.

Downloading and using Node.js through NVM

macOS / Linux / WSL2

Install the latest LTS version:

nvm install --lts

Install the latest Current version:

nvm install node

Use a specific version:

nvm use 24

Check:

node -v
npm -v

Windows (nvm-windows)

Install the latest LTS:

nvm install lts
nvm use lts

Or install the latest Current:

nvm install latest
nvm use latest

Installation of your Code Editor

The easiest way to build your scripts is using a Code Editor, also known as an IDE.

My recommendation is Visual Studio Code. Other options include Sublime Text or WebStorm. Atom was sunset in 2022 and is no longer maintained.

VS Code Extensions

Below are some extensions that will make your JavaScript SEO workflow easier:

• Bracket Pair Colorization (built-in now, no extension required)

Enable via:

"editor.bracketPairColorization.enabled": true,
"editor.guides.bracketPairs": "active"

• ESLint

• Prettier - Code Formatter

• REST Client

• Edit csv

Install new terminal for windows users (optional)

If you’re using Windows, I recommend downloading Git For Windows. It includes Git and a Bash emulator.

For an even more complete Linux environment, you can install WSL2, which supports Node.js and NVM just like macOS/Linux.

Create and Run your first Node.js script

Open a new terminal from VS Code.

Create a folder:

mkdir first-test

Open it in VS Code:

code first-test

Starting your first JavaScript file

Right-click the sidebar -> New file -> create index.js.

Add the following:

console.log("JavaScript rules!")

Run it:

node index.js

Congratulations! You’ve just created your first Node.js script!

If you liked this intro to Node.js or have any questions, please hit me up on Twitter.