Search engine optimization (SEO) can seem complicated if you’re just getting started. There’s no shortage of advice, technical jargon, and expensive solutions that promise quick results. The truth is, SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At its core, it’s about helping the right people find your website when they need it.

You don’t have to be an expert to start building stronger SEO. A few focused actions combined with the right tools can lead to meaningful improvements in your traffic and visibility over time.

Here are five important steps that anyone can take, even with little or no SEO experience.

Growing your traffic and sales isn’t about luck - it’s about having the right strategy.

Growth X is a fully managed SEO service that takes the guesswork out of getting more customers online. Get a dedicated team that's invested in your long-term success!

• Fully managed SEO strategy and deliverables
• Includes backlinks designed to get you results
• Includes content that connects with your specific audience

Learn more

1. Start with the Right Keywords

Keywords are the foundation of SEO. A keyword is simply the word or phrase someone types into a search engine when they’re looking for information. For example, “best accountant in Dallas” or “how to fix a leaking faucet.”

Choosing the right keywords means targeting the terms your potential customers are actually searching for — not just what you think sounds good. It’s better to focus on specific, realistic keywords where you have a chance to stand out, rather than going after broad, highly competitive terms.

A free tool like Diib’s Keyword Explorer can help you identify keywords that match your business size and industry. You’ll want a mix of keywords: some very specific (“emergency dentist Chicago”) and some broader (“dental services near me”) that relate to your services or products.

Action Tip: Pick 5–10 realistic keywords to start. Make sure your most important pages (like your homepage and main service pages) naturally include those terms.

2. Build Consistent, High-Quality Content

Having the right keywords is only the first step. To show up in search results, you need content that supports them. Consistently adding helpful, relevant content signals to Google that your website is active and valuable to users.

If you don’t already have a blog or learning center, now is the time to build one. This gives you a place to answer common questions, offer expert advice, and naturally incorporate the keywords you want to rank for.

You don’t need to publish every day. What matters more is consistency — even one or two well-written posts per month can make a big difference over time. Focus on topics that your customers actually care about, such as how-to guides, industry tips, service explanations, or buying advice.

Action Tip: Create a simple content calendar. Start with 5–10 blog ideas based on common questions your customers ask. Use each post to focus on one main keyword.

3. Understand the Importance of Backlinks

Backlinks are another major ranking factor. A backlink is simply a link from another website that points back to yours. In Google’s eyes, backlinks are a vote of confidence — if other sites are linking to you, it signals that your content is trustworthy and useful.

Not all backlinks are created equal. Links from high-authority websites (especially those with a Domain Authority, or DA, of 60 or higher) are far more valuable than links from low-quality or unrelated sites.

Earning strong backlinks can be challenging, especially when you’re starting out. That’s why Diib Pro members receive a free DA60+ backlink — a high-value link that can immediately strengthen your website’s authority and help improve your rankings faster.

Action Tip: Focus first on creating valuable content that others naturally want to link to, such as guides, checklists, and original research. Over time, as your site grows, you can also reach out to industry blogs for guest posting or partnership opportunities.

4. Pay Attention to Domain Authority

Domain Authority (DA) is a score developed by SEO experts to predict how well a website is likely to rank in search engine results. It’s not a direct Google ranking factor, but it’s a helpful indicator of your website’s overall SEO health compared to competitors.

DA is measured on a scale from 1 to 100. New websites often start with very low scores, while established brands and media sites have very high scores. Most small and mid-sized businesses will realistically target a DA between 20 and 50 as they grow.

Several factors influence your Domain Authority, including:

• The number and quality of backlinks pointing to your site

• The strength and relevance of your content

• Your website’s technical performance (speed, mobile optimization, security)

Action Tip: Use a free Domain Authority checker to see where you stand. Then focus on steady growth through backlinks, content updates, and technical improvements over time.

5. Track Your Progress Over Time

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is expecting immediate results. SEO is a long-term strategy. Even after making the right improvements, it can take several months to start seeing significant changes.

That’s why it’s important to track your website’s progress consistently. Watch key metrics like:

• Organic traffic growth

• Keyword rankings

• New backlinks earned

• Improvements in Domain Authority

Diib’s free dashboard makes it easy to monitor all of these in one place, offering insights into what’s working and where new opportunities are emerging. Having this visibility allows you to make smarter decisions — adjusting your content, refining your keywords, and staying ahead of the competition.

Action Tip: Set a reminder to check your SEO progress once a month. Look for positive trends, but don’t panic over small ups and downs — that’s normal.

SEO Growth Starts with Simple, Consistent Steps

You don’t need to become a technical expert to start building stronger SEO.
By focusing on the fundamentals — choosing realistic keywords, creating consistent content, building quality backlinks, improving your site’s authority, and tracking your progress — you’ll be well on your way to better rankings, more traffic, and more opportunities for your business.

And if you want extra support as you grow, Diib offers free tools to get you started and optional Pro upgrades that include benefits like a DA60+ backlink, deeper keyword insights, competitor tracking, and more.

Get your free website scan today and discover your biggest SEO opportunities. Small, smart steps today can lead to major growth tomorrow.