DIY SEO: How to Rank Higher on Google Without Hiring an Agency

Let’s be honest—SEO can feel like a mystery. You’ve probably heard it’s important (it is), but between running your business and managing daily tasks, diving into algorithms and search rankings sounds... exhausting. The good news? You don’t need to hire a full agency or specialist to start seeing results.

If you’re a small business owner who wants to show up when someone searches for services in your area, here’s how you can do it—simply and effectively.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already, claim your Google Business Profile. This is your free listing on Google, and it’s prime real estate for local searches. Add your business info, upload clear photos, respond to reviews, and keep your hours up to date. Google loves accuracy—and so do your customers.

2. Use the Right Keywords (But Keep It Natural)

Think like your customer. What would you type into Google to find your business? Phrases like “plumber in Dallas” or “vegan bakery near me” are golden. Sprinkle these phrases naturally throughout your site—especially on your homepage, service pages, and page titles.

Pro Tip: Use free tools like Uber suggest or Google Keyword Planner to find phrases your customers are actually searching for.

3. Create Helpful, Local Content

Blogging isn’t just for influencers—it’s an SEO superpower. Write short, helpful posts that answer your customers’ common questions. Examples:

• “5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Roofer in [Your City]”

• “How to Prepare for Your First Massage Appointment”

• “The Best Vegan Desserts in [Your Area]”

Google loves fresh content, and writing for your local audience gives you a better chance to rank.

4. Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly

Over 60% of Google searches come from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing both visitors and SEO points. Check how your site looks on a phone. Does it load quickly? Is the text readable? If not, it’s time for a refresh.

5. Improve Your Page Speed

No one likes a slow website—especially Google. Use PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s speed. If it’s lagging, compress images, remove unnecessary plugins, and consider switching to a faster hosting provider.

6. Add Internal Links

Link your website pages to each other! If you’re writing a blog post about your services, add a link to your contact page or pricing. This helps both users and search engines navigate your site better.

7. Encourage Online Reviews

Google trusts businesses with real, recent reviews. Ask happy customers to leave a review on your Google profile (make it easy by sending them the direct link). Respond to each review—yes, even the bad ones—with professionalism.

Final Thoughts: SEO Isn’t Magic—It’s Strategy

You don’t need to be an expert to start seeing progress. With a few smart tweaks and some consistency, you can make major strides in your Google rankings—all without hiring an agency.

Want to take it to the next level but still keep it budget-friendly? I offer a low-cost monthly SEO upkeep plan that ensures your site is fully optimized and visible on search engines—so you can focus on running your business.