You want to rank higher on Google. But hiring an SEO expert sounds expensive. And all that tech talk—keywords, backlinks, algorithms—feels overwhelming.
Here's the thing: you don't need to be an expert to make your website better. Sometimes the simplest fixes make the biggest difference.
Here are 7 things you can do yourself, starting today, to help Google notice your site more.
1. Put Your Main Keyword in Your Page Titles
Every page on your website has a title. It's the big headline at the top of the page. It's also the blue link that shows up in Google search results.
If you want to rank for something, make sure that thing is in your title.
Bad title: "Welcome to Our Website"
Good title: "Plumber in Sacramento | Same-Day Service | Joe's Plumbing"
See the difference? Now Google knows exactly what this page is about.
2. Add Your Location to Your Pages
If you're a local business, Google needs to know where you're located. If your pages just say "we serve customers everywhere," Google gets confused.
Mention your city or neighborhood on your homepage, your contact page, and your service pages.
For example, instead of "We do roof repairs," try "We do roof repairs in San Diego." Simple, but it works.
3. Make Your Website Faster
Google cares about speed. Slow websites frustrate users, so Google pushes them down in search results.
You can check your speed for free at pagespeed.web.dev (it's a tool from Google). If it's slow, here are quick fixes:
- Compress images before uploading (use free tools like TinyPNG).
- Remove plugins or features you don't really need.
- Ask your hosting company if you're on a slow server.
4. Use Headings to Organize Your Content
Google reads your page like an outline. Headings (H1, H2, H3) tell Google what's important.
Your main title should be H1. Then break up your content with H2s and H3s. And here's the key: put keywords in those headings.
H2: "How Much Does AC Repair Cost in Fresno?"
H2: "Signs You Need a New Water Heater"
Now Google knows those topics are on your page.
5. Write Descriptive Alt Text for Images
Alt text is the hidden description of your images. It helps Google understand what's in the photo. It also helps blind people using screen readers.
Instead of naming your image "IMG_4572.jpg," rename it to something like "plumber-fixing-sink-san-jose.jpg." Then add alt text that describes it: "Plumber in San Jose fixing a kitchen sink."
This helps you show up in Google Image Search too.
6. Link to Other Pages on Your Website
When you write a page, link to other relevant pages on your site. This is called "internal linking."
For example, if you're writing about AC repair, link to your page about AC maintenance. This helps Google understand how your pages are connected and spreads "ranking power" around your site.
It also keeps visitors on your site longer.
7. Make Sure Your Site Works on Phones
Most local searches happen on phones. If your site is hard to read or use on a small screen, Google won't show it to mobile searchers.
Test your site on your own phone. Can you read the text without zooming? Can you tap buttons easily? If not, talk to your web designer about making it mobile-friendly.
Google has a free "Mobile-Friendly Test" tool—just search for it.
Bonus: Update Your Content Regularly
Google likes fresh content. If your website hasn't changed in 3 years, Google assumes it might be out of date.
You don't need to redesign everything. Just update your blog, add a new service page, or refresh your photos. Small updates tell Google you're still alive.
Quick Checklist
Pick one or two of these fixes to start. You don't have to do everything at once. Even small improvements can help Google notice your site more.
Remember
SEO isn't about tricking Google. It's about making your website clear, useful, and easy to understand. When you do that, Google rewards you—and customers find you faster.
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