Why should small business owners do SEO themselves?
Doing your own SEO gives you more than just savings. It puts you in control, helps you learn fast, and lets you act on changes the moment you spot them.
Save money on agency fees
DIY SEO is a cost-friendly way to improve your online presence. Many great SEO tools are free or cheap, meaning you don’t need to spend big to get started. You invest time instead of cash and learn useful skills along the way.
Take control of your website
When you handle SEO yourself, you see what works. You can test changes, update your keywords, and monitor results without waiting for someone else to do it. You’ll get a clearer picture of what helps your site rank better.
Make changes straight away
Found a broken link? Need to update a page title? DIY SEO lets you do it on the spot. That speed makes a big difference, especially when you want to stay ahead of local competitors.
For small business owners in Ireland, taking charge of SEO can be a smart, practical move.
Top 10 DIY SEO software tools
SEO tools can make or break how your website performs. The good news is you don’t need to spend loads to get started. Here are 10 tools small business owners in Ireland can use to improve search rankings without hiring an expert.
SE Ranking
Track keyword positions, monitor backlinks, and analyse your competition. SE Ranking gives you clear reports and an easy dashboard to help you grow your traffic.
Semrush
Semrush helps you find the best keywords, spy on competitors, and improve content. It’s packed with features for small business owners ready to take SEO into their own hands.
Surfer SEO
This tool tells you how to improve your content based on what’s already ranking. It breaks down what to write, how long it should be, and where to use keywords.
Google Search Console
Free and powerful. Google Search Console shows how your site performs in searches, what keywords bring traffic, and any issues that need fixing.
Screaming Frog
Crawl your site like a search engine. Screaming Frog helps find broken links, missing tags, and duplicate pages. It’s free for up to 500 pages.
Growthbar
A great tool for quick SEO wins. Get keyword ideas, content outlines, and performance data. Perfect for busy business owners who want simple, helpful tips.
MozBar
Add MozBar to your browser and see SEO stats for any site. Check page authority, backlinks, and keyword use as you browse.
Ahrefs Free Backlink Checker
See who links to your website and how strong those links are. This helps you understand your backlink profile and spot ways to improve.
Mangools
Easy to use and packed with features. Mangools offers tools for keyword research, backlink analysis, and tracking search rankings.
Gummy Search
Simple and free. Gummy Search helps you check your ranking, find new keyword ideas, and make sense of what your audience is looking for.
Try a few of these tools and see what fits your business best. They’re a great way to start DIY SEO without spending much.
Tips for getting started with DIY SEO
If you’re new to SEO, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a technical SEO expert to make real progress. With the right tools and a clear plan, small business owners in Ireland can manage their own SEO. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started.
1. Understand your audience and the keywords they use
Begin by getting a clear picture of who your ideal customer is. What are they looking for? What words do they type into search engines to find products or services like yours?
Use free keyword tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to spot search trends. Focus on long-tail keywords - these are longer, more specific phrases that are easier to rank for. For example, instead of just “bakery,” try “gluten free bakery in Cork.”
Once you know your keywords, use them in your website pages, blog posts, and product descriptions.
2. Optimise your website layout and content
Keep your site simple and easy to use. Clear menus, clean design, and quick load times matter to users and search engines.
Make sure every page has a descriptive title and meta description. Use headers (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content. This helps search engines understand what your pages are about.
Add internal links between your pages, and don’t forget about images - every image should have an alt text tag with a clear description.
Update your content regularly. Add blogs, answer common questions, or refresh product information to show that your site is active.
3. Use free SEO tools and resources
There are plenty of tools that make SEO easier, even if you’re just getting started:
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Google Search Console: shows how your site appears in search results and alerts you to issues.
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Google Analytics: tracks who visits your site and what they do.
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MozBar: gives instant SEO data about your website and competitors while browsing.
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Screaming Frog (free version): scans your website and points out errors like broken links or missing tags.
These tools give you a snapshot of how your site is performing and where you can make changes.
4. Regularly monitor and track your progress
Set a reminder to check your tools once a week or month. Look at your keyword rankings, traffic sources, and top-performing pages.
Keep a simple spreadsheet or document to track what’s working and what isn’t. This helps you stay organised and adjust your content or keyword strategy as needed.
5. Ask for help when you need it
DIY SEO doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. If you hit a wall, there’s no harm in getting advice from someone with experience.
This might be a one-off chat with an SEO specialist, joining a local workshop, or watching webinars on specific topics. Getting guidance can help you avoid mistakes and focus on what works.
Final thoughts
DIY SEO is doable. With free tools, some learning, and a bit of patience, you can take control of your website and improve your search visibility. Start small, stay consistent, and your efforts will begin to show. Keep learning, keep testing, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
FAQs about DIY SEO software tools
1. Can I really do SEO on my own without hiring an SEO expert?
Yes. Many small business owners manage their own SEO using free or low-cost tools. With time and practice, you can improve your website's ranking on search engines.
2. What are the best free tools for DIY SEO?
Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ubersuggest, MozBar, and Screaming Frog (free version) are great starting points. They help with tracking, keyword research, and site performance.
3. How long does it take to see results from DIY SEO?
It depends on your niche, competition, and how often you work on your site. Some changes may show in a few weeks, but steady results often take a few months.
4. Do I need to blog to improve my SEO?
Blogging helps, but it’s not required. The main goal is to have useful content that matches what people are searching for. That could be blog posts, product pages, or guides.
5. What if I get stuck or make a mistake?
It’s okay. You can learn from it or ask for help. Many online forums, SEO blogs, and local professionals can offer advice if you need support.
Need a hand with your SEO?
DIY SEO is a great way to get started, but it’s okay if things feel a bit tricky. If you’re not sure what to do next or want a bit of expert guidance, I’m here to help.
Get in touch today for clear, simple support that fits your business and your budget. Let’s get your website working harder for you.
