Can I fix SEO audit issues myself?
What you can fix yourself
If you have access to your site's CMS (like WordPress), you can fix many on-page issues: edit title tags and meta descriptions, add header tags, improve content, and fix broken links.
You can also handle basic technical tasks: submit your sitemap to Google Search Console, set up redirects, and improve page speed by compressing images or using caching plugins.
For smaller sites, you can often manage backlinks by reaching out to other sites or disavowing toxic links using Google's Disavow Tool.
- On-page: titles, meta descriptions, headings, content
- Technical: sitemap submission, redirects, image compression
- Backlinks: outreach, disavowing toxic links
- Analytics: setting up Google Analytics and Search Console
When to get help
Some issues are risky to fix yourself. For example, changing URL structures, implementing hreflang, or fixing JavaScript rendering problems can break your site if done wrong.
If your site is large (thousands of pages) or has complex technology, a developer or SEO professional is often needed. They can also help with advanced strategies like schema markup or log file analysis.
If you're unsure, start with a free audit tool to identify issues, then decide which ones you're comfortable handling. For the rest, consider hiring a professional.
How to learn
There are many free resources to learn SEO basics: Google's Search Central, Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO, and Ahrefs' blog. YouTube also has tutorials.
Practice on a small site or a test site first. You can also join SEO communities like r/SEO on Reddit or forums to ask questions.
Remember that SEO is a long-term game. Fixing issues yourself can save money, but be patient and prioritize high-impact fixes first.
Common mistakes
- Attempting complex technical fixes without knowing the risks, like editing .htaccess or robots.txt incorrectly.
- Ignoring issues because they seem too technical; many can be resolved with plugins or simple settings.
- Not backing up your site before making changes; always have a backup.