SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a crucial tool for small and solo business owners looking to grow their online presence and attract new customers. In today’s digital landscape, showing up in search engine results can make or break your business. But with limited budgets, you may be wondering whether to take on SEO yourself or hire an expert. While investing in professional help can deliver faster results, many small businesses don’t have the cash to employ an SEO expert right away. Below we provide some DIY basics plus what to consider if you get to the stage of hiring an expert.
DIY SEO Tips to Get You Started
Optimise Your Content for Keywords
Think about the search terms your potential customers might use to find your products or services. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your website’s content, especially in titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
Improve Your Page Load Speed
Google considers page speed as a ranking factor. Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights test your site’s load time and find recommendations on how to improve it. Compressing images, enabling browser caching, and using a content delivery network (CDN) can make a big difference.
Create Quality, Shareable Content
Search engines love fresh, relevant content. Blogging regularly about topics related to your business can improve your search engine ranking. Focus on creating valuable, well-researched content that others will want to link to and share.
Use Internal Links
Linking to other pages on your site helps search engines -see what I did there ;), understand the structure of your website and encourages visitors to explore more of your content. When writing new blog posts or creating product pages, look for opportunities to link to related content on your site.
Claim and Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
If you run a local business, having an optimised Google My Business listing is essential. It helps your business show up in local search results and maps. Make sure all your business information is accurate, and regularly update your listing with posts, reviews, and photos.
Resources
For beginners, there are several great resources available to learn about SEO. Here are a few options that offer free or affordable learning materials:
- Google’s SEO Starter Guide
Google itself provides an excellent SEO Starter Guide, which walks through the basics of SEO and how to optimise your site for better visibility in Google search results. It’s a great place to start, straight from the source. - Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO
Moz is one of the most trusted names in SEO, and their free beginner’s guide breaks down SEO concepts into easy-to-understand sections. It covers everything from how search engines work to keyword research and link building. - Yoast SEO Blog
Yoast is known for its popular SEO plugin, but their blog and free courses are also packed with useful tips and advice for beginners. It’s a helpful resource, especially if you use for your website. - Ahrefs’ SEO Learning Hub
Ahrefs offers a range of articles, tutorials, and videos that cover SEO basics. Their SEO Learning Hub is perfect for beginners and provides step-by-step guides on keyword research, on-page optimisation, and more. - YouTube Tutorials
Channels like this YouTube provide video tutorials for free. If you prefer visual learning, this can be a great way to get started with practical, real-world SEO strategies.
Side note this video re SEO and A.I. is worth a watch. (SEO is Dead in 2024 and What to Do.)
Choosing a SEO expert.
When it comes to boosting your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines, selecting the right SEO expert can make all the difference. But with so many professionals claiming to be SEO wizards, how do you know who’s truly the right fit for your business? Whether you’re a small business owner or a solo business operator taking on the SEO world for the first time, making this decision involves considering multiple factors.
1. Connection and Trust
The first factor to consider is the relationship between you and the expert. SEO isn’t a one-off task; it’s an ongoing process. You need to feel comfortable with the person or team you’ll be working with. Are they approachable? Do they take the time to understand your business? A strong connection and open communication with your SEO expert are vital.
Ask yourself:
- Do they seem genuinely interested in your business and goals?
- Are they responsive to your queries and concerns?
2. Pricing and Transparency
SEO pricing varies widely, and it’s essential to find someone who fits within your budget. However, the lowest price doesn’t always equate to the best service. Be wary of SEO providers who promise overnight success for cheap—they may rely on shady tactics that could hurt your site in the long run. Look for an expert who provides clear, transparent pricing and explains what’s included in their service.
Consider:
- What’s the structure of their pricing? Is it hourly, project-based, or retainer-based?
- Do they offer a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for, such as keyword research, on-page optimisation, or link building?
3. Communication Style
SEO can be a complex and technical subject, so it’s essential that your expert communicates in a way that you can understand. Whether you’re an SEO novice or have some experience, you’ll want someone who can explain their strategies clearly and keep you updated on your site’s progress.
Questions to ask:
- Do they break down complicated SEO jargon into simple terms?
- How often will they provide reports or updates on your SEO performance?
4. Experience and Proven Results
An experienced SEO expert should be able to demonstrate their track record of success. Look for case studies, testimonials, or examples of businesses they’ve helped in the past. While every business is unique, having experience in your industry can be a bonus.
- How long have they been doing SEO, and what are their areas of expertise?
- Can they share examples of how they’ve improved other clients’ search rankings or traffic?
5. Ethical Practices.
One of the most important factors in selecting an SEO expert is their commitment to ethical SEO, also known as white-hat SEO. Avoid experts who offer quick fixes or guarantee top rankings—SEO is a long-term investment. An expert who follows ethical practices will focus on creating quality content, optimising your website, and building authentic links, rather than using tricks that could get you penalised search engines.
Questions to ask:
- What SEO techniques do they use? (Beware of those using black-hat techniques.)
- How do they stay up-to-date with Google’s algorithm updates?
We wish you all the best no matter which way you SEO!
