You’ve probably spent hours, days, or even months trying to figure out why your website isn’t ranking on Google. You’ve read the blogs, watched the videos, maybe even hired an agency. And yet, here you are—still stuck on page 47 of search results, wondering what the heck you’re doing wrong.
I get it. SEO feels like this mysterious black box that only a select few understand. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve reviewed thousands of websites over the past few years, and I can tell you this—most people are making the same three mistakes. And the good news? They’re fixable.
So, if your SEO sucks right now, don’t sweat it. Let’s break it down together and get you back on track.
The Three Big Reasons Your SEO Isn’t Working
When it comes to SEO, there are three main areas where people consistently drop the ball: on-site SEO, content quality, and backlinks. These are the pillars of any solid SEO strategy, and if one of them is weak, the whole thing falls apart.
Let’s start with the first one—on-site SEO. This is where most people mess up, and honestly, it’s the easiest to fix. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why it matters so much.
On-Site SEO: The Foundation of Your Website
On-site SEO is all about optimizing the stuff that’s actually on your website. It’s the foundation of your SEO strategy, and if it’s not solid, nothing else will work. I’ve seen three main issues pop up over and over again: site speed, keyword optimization, and user experience (UX).
Let’s tackle site speed first because, let’s be honest, nobody likes a slow website. You know that feeling when you click on a link and it takes forever to load? Yeah, that’s a dealbreaker. And guess what? Google hates it too.
Site Speed: The Silent Killer
Here’s the thing about site speed—it’s not just about how fast your website loads for you. It’s about how fast it loads for someone visiting for the first time. Modern browsers like Chrome or Firefox save files from websites you visit often, so when you go back, it loads super quick. But for a new visitor? They’re starting from scratch.
If your site isn’t optimized, it’s going to load painfully slow for them. And first impressions matter. If your site takes more than a few seconds to load, they’re hitting the back button and moving on to your competitor.
So, how do you know if your site is slow? There are free tools out there that can help you test it. These tools not only tell you how fast (or slow) your site is but also give you actionable tips on how to fix it. For example, one common issue is heavy images. If you’re uploading large JPEGs or PNGs, you’re slowing your site down. Instead, you should be using a format called WebP. It’s lighter, faster, and just as high-quality.
Another thing to keep in mind is that mobile speed is just as important as desktop speed, if not more. Most people are browsing on their phones these days, so if your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re losing out big time.
Keyword Optimization: Stop Overcomplicating It
Next up is keyword optimization. This is where a lot of people get overwhelmed. They think they need to do some crazy advanced research or use expensive tools to figure out the perfect keywords. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Keyword optimization is really about understanding what your main service or product is and making sure that’s reflected on your website. For example, if you’re a plumber in Melbourne, your website should clearly say “plumber in Melbourne.” It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many websites miss this.
I recently came across a website for a life coach. It took me way too long to figure out what they actually did because their title tag was something vague like “Unleash Your Potential.” That’s great and all, but it doesn’t tell me anything about what they offer. Be specific. If you’re a local business, include your location. If you’re offering a specific service, say what it is.
And don’t forget about your meta description and headers (H1, H2, etc.). These are prime real estate for your keywords. If Google can’t figure out what your site is about, it’s not going to rank you.
User Experience and Conversions: Make It Obvious
Finally, let’s talk about user experience and conversions. This is where a lot of websites fall flat. You might have a beautiful site, but if it’s not easy to navigate or if people don’t know what to do next, it’s not going to convert.
Think about it like this: when someone lands on your website, they should immediately know what you offer and what action you want them to take. Whether it’s “Contact Us,” “Buy Now,” or “Sign Up,” make it obvious. Don’t make them scroll down or search for it. Put it front and center.
I’ve seen websites with cute photos and nice designs, but no clear call-to-action. If you’re offering dog training services, for example, have a button that says “Train Your Dog Today” right at the top. Don’t assume people will figure it out. As the saying goes, never underestimate stupidity in large numbers—especially on the internet.
And if you’re not sure how people are interacting with your site, consider using heat map software. It’ll show you how far people are scrolling and where they’re clicking. The more they have to scroll, the more you’re losing them. Keep it simple, keep it clear, and make it easy for them to take the next step.
Content Quality: The Backbone of Your SEO
Now that we’ve covered on-site SEO, let’s move on to the next big piece of the puzzle: content quality. This is where a lot of people struggle because it’s such a broad topic. But at its core, it’s about two things: value and relevance.
If you’re offering a service or product, your content should demonstrate that you know what you’re talking about. For example, if you’re a dog trainer, you should have blog posts that provide value to your audience. Think about the questions people are asking and answer them. What’s the best age to train a puppy? How do you deal with leash reactivity? These are the kinds of topics that will not only help your audience but also show Google that you’re an authority in your field.
One easy way to find out what people are asking is to use tools that show frequently asked questions. You can type in a keyword like “dog training” and get a list of questions people are searching for. Then, write blog posts that answer those questions. It’s a simple strategy, but it works.
And here’s a hot take: AI-generated content isn’t the enemy. As long as it’s high-quality and provides value, Google doesn’t care how it was created. The key is to avoid spammy, low-quality content. If it doesn’t add value, it’s not going to help you.
So, start by looking at your services and think about what kind of content you can create around them. If you offer puppy training, write about potty training, crate training, and socialization. Then, link those blog posts back to your main services page. It’s a win-win—you’re providing value to your audience and boosting your SEO at the same time.
Backlinks: The Secret Sauce of SEO
Alright, let’s talk about the third pillar of SEO—backlinks. This is where things get a little more mysterious, and honestly, a lot of people either overthink it or completely ignore it. But here’s the deal: backlinks are like the roads of the internet. They connect websites, and the more high-quality roads leading to your site, the easier it is for Google to find you and trust you.
Think of it this way: if you’re a new restaurant in town, and no one’s talking about you, it’s going to be hard for people to find you. But if other popular restaurants, food bloggers, and local guides are mentioning you and linking to your website, suddenly, you’re on the map. That’s what backlinks do for your SEO.
Why Backlinks Matter
Backlinks are essentially votes of confidence from other websites. When a reputable site links to yours, it’s like they’re telling Google, “Hey, this content is worth checking out.” The more of these votes you have, the more Google trusts your site, and the higher you’ll rank.
But here’s the catch: not all backlinks are created equal. A link from a random, low-quality site isn’t going to do much for you. In fact, it might even hurt your SEO. What you want are backlinks from high-quality, relevant sites. If you’re a dog trainer, a link from a dog grooming blog or a pet supply store is going to carry a lot more weight than a link from a site about car repairs.
How to Get Backlinks (Without Losing Your Mind)
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Great, but how do I actually get these backlinks?” It’s not as hard as you might think, but it does take some effort. Let’s break it down.
First, start with the low-hanging fruit. If you’re a local business, there are probably free business directories in your area where you can list your website. These directories often include a link back to your site, which can help Google understand that you’re a real business. It’s not the most glamorous strategy, but it’s a solid starting point.
Another way to get backlinks is by creating high-quality content. If you write a blog post that answers a common question or provides real value, other websites might link to it naturally. For example, if you’re a dog trainer and you write a comprehensive guide on potty training puppies, other pet blogs or even local vet offices might link to it because it’s helpful for their audience.
But here’s the thing: creating great content and hoping people will link to it is a bit of a waiting game. If you want to speed things up, you can reach out to other websites and ask them to link to your content. This is called outreach, and it can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it if you do it right.
When you’re reaching out, make sure you’re offering something of value. Don’t just say, “Hey, link to my site.” Instead, explain why your content is relevant to their audience and how it can add value to their site. For example, if you’ve written a blog post about the benefits of crate training, you could reach out to a dog grooming blog and say, “Hey, I noticed you have a post about puppy care. I just wrote a detailed guide on crate training that your readers might find helpful. Would you consider linking to it?”
The Dos and Don’ts of Backlinks
Before you go all-in on backlinks, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, don’t buy backlinks. I know it’s tempting, especially if you’re in a competitive industry, but it’s not worth the risk. Google is pretty clear about this—they don’t condone buying backlinks, and if they catch you, it could hurt your SEO.
Second, focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have a few high-quality backlinks from reputable sites than a ton of low-quality ones. Remember, relevance is key. A link from a site that’s completely unrelated to your industry isn’t going to do much for you.
Finally, don’t forget about internal linking. This is when you link to other pages on your own website. It might not have the same impact as external backlinks, but it’s still important. Internal linking helps Google understand the structure of your site and how your content is connected. Plus, it keeps visitors on your site longer, which is always a good thing.
Content Strategy: How to Create Content That Works
Now that we’ve covered backlinks, let’s circle back to content quality because it’s such a big part of SEO. I’ve already talked about creating content that answers your audience’s questions, but let’s dive a little deeper into how to build a content strategy that actually works.
First, start by looking at your services or products. What are the main things you offer? For example, if you’re a dog trainer, your services might include puppy training, leash reactivity, and general obedience. Once you have that list, think about what kind of content you can create around each service.
Let’s say you offer puppy training. You could write blog posts about potty training, crate training, and socialization. These are all topics that your audience is probably searching for, and they tie directly back to your services. Plus, if you do it right, you can use these blog posts to drive traffic to your main services page.
Another strategy is to use tools that show you what people are searching for. For example, you can type in a keyword like “dog training” and get a list of frequently asked questions. Then, write blog posts that answer those questions. It’s a simple way to create content that’s both valuable and relevant.
And don’t forget about long-form content. While shorter blog posts are great for answering specific questions, longer, more in-depth articles can really help establish you as an authority in your field. For example, you could write a comprehensive guide on how to train a puppy from start to finish. This kind of content not only provides a ton of value to your audience but also gives you more opportunities to include keywords and internal links.
Using AI to Scale Your Content
Here’s where things get interesting. If you’re struggling to keep up with content creation, AI tools can be a game-changer. I’m not talking about churning out low-quality, spammy content. I’m talking about using AI to help you brainstorm ideas, outline posts, and even write drafts.
For example, you can use AI to generate a list of blog post ideas based on your services. Then, you can use it to create an outline for each post, making sure you cover all the key points. From there, you can either write the post yourself or use the AI to generate a draft that you can tweak and polish.
The key is to make sure the content is high-quality and provides real value. Google doesn’t care if you use AI to create your content, as long as it’s not spammy or low-quality. So, use AI as a tool to help you scale your content creation, but don’t rely on it to do all the work for you.
Scaling Your SEO: From Basics to Advanced Strategies
By now, you’ve got the basics down. You’ve optimized your site speed, nailed your keyword strategy, and started building backlinks. But if you’re serious about dominating your niche, it’s time to take things to the next level. Let’s talk about how to scale your SEO efforts and turn your website into a traffic-generating machine.
Advanced On-Site SEO: Beyond the Basics
You’ve already tackled the big stuff—site speed, keyword optimization, and user experience. But there’s more you can do to fine-tune your on-site SEO and squeeze every last drop of performance out of your website.
Schema Markup: The Hidden Gem
Ever notice how some search results have little stars, images, or extra snippets of information? That’s schema markup at work. It’s a way to give Google more context about your content, and it can make your listings stand out in the search results.
For example, if you’re a local business, you can use schema markup to show your address, phone number, and business hours directly in the search results. If you’re a blogger, you can use it to highlight your recipe ratings or article summaries. It’s a small tweak, but it can make a big difference in your click-through rates.
Adding schema markup might sound technical, but there are tools out there that make it easy. You don’t need to be a coding wizard to get it done. Just find a tool that generates the code for you, and plug it into your website. It’s one of those little things that can give you an edge over your competitors.
Internal Linking: The Unsung Hero
I mentioned internal linking earlier, but it’s worth diving deeper. Internal links are like the connective tissue of your website. They help Google understand how your pages are related, and they keep visitors engaged by guiding them to other relevant content.
For example, if you’re writing a blog post about puppy training, you can link to your services page or other related posts, like “How to Crate Train a Puppy” or “The Best Dog Training Treats.” Not only does this help with SEO, but it also keeps people on your site longer, which is always a win.
Just make sure your internal links are natural and relevant. Don’t stuff them in just for the sake of it. Think about what would actually be helpful for your readers, and link accordingly.
Content Scaling: How to Create More Without Burning Out
Creating high-quality content is one of the most effective ways to boost your SEO, but it’s also one of the most time-consuming. If you’re struggling to keep up, it’s time to think about scaling your content creation process.
Repurposing Content: Work Smarter, Not Harder
One of the easiest ways to scale your content is by repurposing what you already have. For example, if you’ve written a detailed blog post, you can turn it into a video, an infographic, or even a podcast episode. This not only saves you time but also allows you to reach a wider audience.
Another strategy is to update old content. If you’ve got blog posts that are a year or two old, go back and refresh them. Add new information, update the stats, and make sure everything is still relevant. This can breathe new life into old posts and give them a boost in the search rankings.
Content Clusters: The Power of Topic Groups
If you’re serious about ranking for competitive keywords, you need to think bigger than individual blog posts. Enter content clusters. This is where you create a series of posts around a central topic, with one main “pillar” post and several supporting posts.
For example, if your main topic is “dog training,” your pillar post could be a comprehensive guide to training your dog. Then, you could create supporting posts on specific topics like “How to Stop Your Dog from Barking,” “The Best Training Treats for Dogs,” and “How to Teach Your Dog to Sit.”
Not only does this help you cover a topic in depth, but it also makes it easier for Google to understand what your site is about. Plus, it gives you more opportunities to link between your posts, which is great for SEO.
Backlink Building: Going Beyond the Basics
We’ve already talked about the importance of backlinks, but if you’re ready to take your SEO to the next level, it’s time to get strategic about your backlink building.
Guest Blogging: A Win-Win Strategy
One of the best ways to build high-quality backlinks is by guest blogging. This is where you write a post for another website in your niche, and in return, they link back to your site. It’s a win-win—you get a backlink, and they get free content.
To get started, look for websites that accept guest posts. You can usually find this information in their “Write for Us” or “Contributor Guidelines” section. Then, pitch them an idea that’s relevant to their audience. Make sure it’s something that provides real value, and don’t forget to include a link back to your site in your author bio.
Broken Link Building: Turning Mistakes Into Opportunities
Here’s a sneaky little strategy that not many people know about: broken link building. This is where you find broken links on other websites and offer your content as a replacement.
For example, let’s say you find a blog post about dog training that has a broken link to a resource on crate training. You could reach out to the site owner and say, “Hey, I noticed the link to your crate training resource is broken. I’ve got a great guide on my site that might work as a replacement. Would you like to check it out?”
It’s a bit of a hustle, but it can be a great way to build high-quality backlinks without spending a dime.
FAQs
Before we wrap up, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about SEO. These are the things that keep people up at night, and I want to make sure you’ve got the answers you need.
1. How long does it take to see results from SEO?
SEO is a long game. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to see significant results, depending on how competitive your niche is. The key is to be consistent and patient. Keep optimizing your site, creating great content, and building backlinks, and the results will come.
2. Do I need to hire an SEO agency?
Not necessarily. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can do a lot of SEO yourself. But if you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with the technical stuff, hiring an agency can be a good option. Just make sure you do your research and choose one that’s reputable.
3. Can I use AI to write my content?
Yes, but with caution. AI can be a great tool for brainstorming ideas, outlining posts, and even writing drafts. But you still need to review and edit the content to make sure it’s high-quality and provides real value. Don’t rely on AI to do all the work for you.
4. How many keywords should I target per page?
There’s no magic number, but a good rule of thumb is to focus on one primary keyword and a few related secondary keywords per page. Don’t stuff your content with keywords—just use them naturally where they make sense.
5. What’s the best way to track my SEO progress?
Use tools that track your rankings, traffic, and backlinks. These tools can give you a clear picture of how your SEO efforts are paying off and where you need to improve.
6. Do backlinks still matter in 2024?
Absolutely. Backlinks are still one of the most important ranking factors. Just make sure you’re focusing on quality over quantity. A few high-quality backlinks from reputable sites are worth more than a ton of low-quality ones.
7. How often should I update my content?
It depends on the content, but a good rule of thumb is to review and update your posts at least once a year. This is especially important for evergreen content that stays relevant over time.
8. What’s the biggest mistake people make with SEO?
Overcomplicating it. SEO doesn’t have to be rocket science. Focus on the basics—site speed, keyword optimization, content quality, and backlinks—and you’ll be ahead of most people.
Let’s Take Your SEO to the Next Level
SEO can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with the basics, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, it’s a long game, but the payoff is worth it.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to do it alone. If all this talk about site speed, keyword optimization, content clusters, and backlinks has your head spinning, I’ve got you covered.
At DastmyerSEO, we specialize in AI-powered SEO strategies that take the guesswork out of the equation. Our tools and automations simplify the process, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
Think of us as your SEO co-pilot. We’ll help you optimize your site, create high-quality content, and build backlinks that actually move the needle. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or spend hours learning the ins and outs of SEO. We’ve got the tools, templates, and expertise to get you ranking faster and smarter.
So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real results, let’s talk. Head over to dastmyerseo.com and see how we can help you dominate your niche. Because when it comes to SEO, you don’t just want to compete—you want to win.
Book a free call with one of our experts to discuss how we can transform your search presence together.
