How to Improve Your Website’s SEO Without Hiring an Expert
Want more organic traffic but don’t have the budget for an SEO agency? The good news is that you can significantly boost your website’s search rankings yourself by following proven, no-nonsense strategies.
At SaaS Web Works, we’ve helped businesses improve their SEO and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it for free (or cheap).
Why DIY SEO Works
- 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search (BrightEdge).
- 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google (Advanced Web Ranking).
- Small improvements can lead to 50%+ more traffic over time.
1. Optimize Your Content for Keywords (The Right Way)
What to Do:
✅ Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Uber suggest to find low-competition keywords.
✅ Include your main keyword in:
- Page title (H1)
- URL slug
- First 100 words of content
- At least one subheading (H2/H3)
✅ Write for humans first—Google rewards helpful, natural content. - Example:
❌ Weak: “Best Shoes”
✅ Strong: “Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet (2024 Buyer’s Guide)”
2. Speed Up Your Website (Google Loves Fast Pages)
Why It Matters:
- A 1-second delay in load time can drop conversions by 7% (Akamai).
- Core Web Vitals (loading speed, interactivity, visual stability) are now ranking factors.
How to Fix It for Free:
✔ Compress images (use TinyPNG or ShortPixel).
✔ Enable browser caching (via .htaccess or plugins like WP Rocket).
✔ Use a CDN (Cloudflare offers a free plan).
✔ Test your speed with Google PageSpeed Insights.
3. Get Quality Backlinks (Without Paying for Them)
Why Backlinks Matter:
- Sites with more backlinks rank higher (Ahrefs study).
- Google sees links as “votes of confidence.”
Free Ways to Build Links:
🔗 Guest blogging (find sites in your niche accepting contributors).
🔗 Create shareable content (lists, guides, infographics).
🔗 Fix broken links (use a tool like Check My Links, then suggest your content as a replacement).
4. Improve On-Page SEO (Easy Wins)
Quick Fixes Anyone Can Do:
✅ Add alt text to images (helps Google “see” them).
✅ Use internal links (link related pages together).
✅ Make URLs short & descriptive (e.g., /best-seo-tips instead of /post123).
✅ Add schema markup (use free tools like Schema.org).
5. Track Your Progress (Free Tools)
📊 Google Search Console – Shows your rankings, clicks, and errors.
📊 Google Analytics – Tracks traffic sources and user behavior.
📊 Ubersuggest / AnswerThePublic – Finds new keyword opportunities.
Conclusion: SEO Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
You won’t rank #1 overnight—but consistent small improvements compound over time. Start with one task per week, and within months, you’ll see more traffic, leads, and sales—without paying an expert.
Need Help?
If you’d rather save time and get expert-optimized SEO, check out our web development services. We build fast, Google-friendly sites that rank.
