DIY SEO: Real Talk From Real Business Owners
Are you confused about SEO? Not sure whether to do it yourself or get help? You're not alone. This post shares real experiences from business owners like you and shows you exactly how to decide your best path forward.
When I asked local business owners and marketing professionals about their gut reactions to DIY SEO, their responses revealed more questions than answers, showing why many small businesses struggle with search engine optimisation.
The Understanding Gap
"What's SEO?" Mike, a content writer and author, asks tongue-in-cheek, pointing out the first barrier many businesses face - our industry's love of technical terms. He's right. When we say 'SEO' instead of 'Search Engine Optimisation,' we're already making things more complicated for business owners.
Marketing Expert Debbie Gilbert sees this confusion regularly: "Most start-ups or small solopreneurs glaze over when I talk about this." She explains SEO with an analogy I love: "It's like having a shop window with the windows blacked out. What's inside might be great (the website), but no one can find it to see inside."
Kate voiced what many think: "I've never really understood it!" while Helen added, "It's so complicated! How does it even work?!"
The Knowledge Gap
Debbie hit another nail on the head: "Most people believe that if they build it, the website will be found," she explains. They don't know everything they need to do—from external factors like LinkedIn company pages and Google Business Profiles to internal elements like keyword research and optimisation.
Even those with SEO knowledge share these doubts. Elena explains, "Even though I understand the basics of SEO, I still find it a bit of a dark art... people need educating on what it really does and how it works - it's not an overnight sensation, it takes time to build."
Where Do You Start?
"My gut reaction is, where would I start to DIY it?" says Rav.
Lindsay shares this feeling: "I'm Overwhelmed, and I won't understand it. I would need it broken down into the raw basics!"
This starting point paralysis is exactly why I built KickstartSEO around our Portal—to break SEO into clear, straightforward tasks you can handle in just a few hours.
Beyond Basic Tools
"My first thought is 'Yoast'," shares Stefan Thomas, author of "Business Networking for Dummies" and professional speaker. While basic plugins help, effective SEO needs comprehensive tools and proper guidance to prevent costly mistakes.
Business coach Tony adds another common perspective: "I tend to bury my head in the sand and get a guilty feeling... I use Yoast and occasionally I half-heartedly add some descriptions and focus words to posts." Even though his clients come through networking and speaking engagements, he notes, "Every now and then someone checks out my website after we've engaged."
This touches on an important point - SEO isn't always about finding new clients. Sometimes, it's about supporting your reputation when prospects check you out online.
The DIY vs Professional Choice
Phil asks: "How far would DIY get me vs using a pro? Some guidance showing when DIY is a false economy or a sensible option would be great."
How KickstartSEO Makes SEO Manageable
For DIY-Ready Businesses: Optimiser Essentials
Not sure where to start? Our free SEO audit shows how your website performs. Then Optimiser Essentials provides:
- Clear, jargon-free guidance
- Structured monthly tasks
- The mistake-preventing Onsite Optimiser
- Professional-grade tools
- Real-time progress tracking
"I've had the DIY package for about a year now, and Michael goes above and beyond. Helpful and informative onboarding and help videos are provided for everything I needed to get started and beyond."
For Those Wanting Expert Help: Optimiser Plus
Our fully managed service handles everything:
- Complete SEO management
- Monthly progress updates
- Clear reporting
- Regular strategy reviews
Choose your pathLearn More
"I thought I could do everything myself, so I started on the DIY package. Turns out I don't have the time or want to do it myself. Having Michael do all the SEO for me was the best thing I have done. The kickstart team does all the hard work and keeps me updated."
- Sharon, Optimiser Plus Client
Take Your Next Step
This article has shown you that:
- You're not alone in finding SEO challenging
- Both DIY and professional options can work
- The choice depends on your time, budget and goals
- There's no need to feel guilty about past SEO neglect
- You can start small and adjust as needed
Still not sure which path is right for you? Let's start with a Free SEO Review of your website. We'll identify the issues you currently face and then discuss the best way for you to start moving up the search engine results. We'll even analyse a competitor if you give us their website.
