Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Jan Barley
For over a year, I watched my blog’s traffic statistics climb upward. I felt pretty cocky because I knew how to implement the quick SEO wins for bloggers.
Then, it all went a bit t*ts up.
If you’re a blogger, you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling when your traffic suddenly drops, maybe after one of the dreaded Google algorithm updates that seem to hit everyone, even the big players. With Google AI becoming so prominent, it’s a growing concern for us all.
That’s why mastering SEO quick wins for bloggers isn’t just a bonus; it’s a lifeline to keep your blog visible and growing, no matter what Google throws your way.
I’ve been there myself, watching keywords disappear and wondering if my site was doomed to the SEO abyss. Still, over time, I discovered that it’s not about chasing every complex strategy out there. It’s about ticking the right boxes with simple, effective tweaks that add up.
In this post, I’ll share 20 of my SEO quick wins for bloggers, the kind of fixes you can implement without needing a PhD in tech. Additionally, I’ll share a few tools that helped me turn things around when my site speed suddenly declined and rankings dropped.
So, before you panic or throw your laptop out the window, keep reading. These tips might just save your blog from the Google scrap heap.
Fix Your Titles for Maximum Impact
Your blog post titles need to be clear, catchy, and keyword-friendly. Google pays close attention to titles, so ensure each one naturally includes your target keyword, especially near the beginning.
Titles should be 60 characters or less. Try the free Headline Analyzer to check your title score.
Don’t overcomplicate it, but don’t be vague, either. Instead of “My Tips for Blogging,” try “10 Easy SEO Quick Wins for Bloggers to Boost Traffic.” Simple, clear, and straight to the point.
Write Meta Descriptions That Actually Work
Meta descriptions might not directly impact rankings, but they do influence whether someone clicks through to your blog from search results.
Write enticing summaries that include your keywords and make them sound natural and inviting. If you’re using Yoast or Rank Math, they’ll help you preview how your meta looks. Meta descriptions should be up to 160 characters and add a full stop.
Add Internal Links to Keep Readers Exploring
Don’t let visitors bounce after one post. Linking to other relevant posts within your content helps keep readers engaged and also helps Google understand your site’s structure.
For example, if you’re writing about “SEO quick wins for bloggers,” link to your other posts on blogging tips or site speed improvements. It’s a win-win as it provides a better user experience and stronger SEO.
Use Alt Text on All Your Images
Every image on your blog should have descriptive alt text that explains what’s in the picture. Use your primary keyword on feature images.
Alt text helps search engines index your images properly and improves accessibility for readers using screen readers. Instead of “IMG_1234,” write something like “Chart showing blog traffic growth after SEO improvements.” Include keywords naturally, but don’t stuff.
Clean Up Your URLs
Short, simple URLs that include your target keyword are much easier for both readers and search engines to understand. Avoid long, messy URLs with random numbers or irrelevant words.
For example, use yourblog.com/seo-quick-wins instead of yourblog.com/post?id=12345. If you’re on WordPress, you can easily change this in your permalink settings.
For example,this blog post is https://wolfheart.co.uk/quick-seo-wins-for-bloggers.
Do this from the beginning, as changing permalinks when you have a lot of blog posts can break all your links and mess with your SEO.
Use Headings Properly to Organise Your Content
Headings help Google understand the structure of your post. Use H2s for main sections and H3s for subpoints, naturally incorporating your keywords.
A good heading structure makes your posts easier to read and improves SEO. Plus, well-organised content keeps readers sticking around longer. For example, for every H2 heading, have 2-3 H3 headings.
Create and Submit a Sitemap
Don’t let Google guess what’s on your site. Plugins like Yoast or Rank Math can easily generate a sitemap for you.
Then, submit the sitemap to Google Search Console so Google can crawl and index your pages more efficiently. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in how quickly new content appears in search.
Pro Tip: Submit new blog posts in Google Search Console, too. That can speed up indexing.
Compress Images and Use Lazy Loading
Large images can slow down your site, and Google penalises slow-loading sites. Use JPGs instead of PNGs or WebP, which are next-generation images.
I use the WP Smush Pro plugin, which compress images, convert them to next-generation formats like WebP, and implement lazy loading so images load only when they’re about to appear on the screen.
Smush also performs preloading, so your content above the fold is instantly visible.
These plugins speed up your blog, especially on mobile devices, which can give you a rankings boost.
Prioritise Mobile Loading Speed
More than half of web traffic comes from mobiles, and Google prioritises mobile-first indexing.
Ensure your site loads quickly and is optimised for mobiles. Test your site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or look at Core Web Vitals in Google Console. Focus on improvements that help your mobile visitors the most.
I discovered that my blog was on shared hosting, which was significantly slowing down my site. Shockingly, I had no idea, as the hosting company didn’t mention that in the WordPress package I bought.
I am moving my blog to a Virtual Private Server (VPS), which means that nobody will be sharing my bandwidth. As my blog is dangerously close to the optimum acceptable speed, I’m taking action now to prevent future traffic losses.
Site speed is one of the top components for blogging success. A slow site will not get you the results, regardless of how many blog posts you publish. Prioritise it from the beginning.
Update or Remove Old Posts
Old blog posts can negatively impact your SEO if they’re outdated or irrelevant. Take time to refresh these posts with current information. A helpful tip is to add FAQs at the end. Use ChatGPT to cover common questions or remove posts that no longer serve your audience.
Keeping your content fresh signals to Google that your site is active and trustworthy.
Use Keywords Naturally, Not Excessively
Stuffing keywords is spammy, and Google can easily spot it. Instead, weave your primary and secondary keywords naturally throughout your post, especially in the first 200 words, headings, and conclusion.
Aim to mention your primary keyword around 8 to 10 times, depending on word count, but only if it fits smoothly. Quality beats quantity every time.
Add Clear Calls to Action
Encourage readers to take the next step, whether that’s reading another post, signing up for your newsletter, or sharing your content. Calls to action keep readers engaged and can boost the time spent on your site, both of which are good signals for SEO.
Use Social Sharing Buttons
Make it easy for readers to share your posts on social media by adding sharing buttons. More shares mean more visibility, which can lead to backlinks and increased traffic, both of which help your SEO efforts.
Write Longer, In-Depth Posts
Longer posts tend to rank better because they cover a topic more comprehensively. Aim for detailed content that answers your readers’ questions. Avoid waffling through.
Remember to add an FAQ section using ChatGPT to generate common questions and answers. This schema can help you rank for voice search and featured snippets.
Use Structured Data Markup (Schema) in Simple Terms
Structured data, or schema, is a type of code you add to your site that helps search engines understand your content better.
Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a tech genius. Plugins like Yoast or Schema Pro make this easy to implement without coding.
Use a Free Ahrefs Account for Quick Audits
Ahrefs offers a free Webmaster Tools account that allows you to monitor your site’s SEO health, check backlinks and broken links, and track keywords. It’s a fantastic way to catch issues early and spot new opportunities for free.
Secure Your Site with SSL
An SSL certificate (the little padlock in your browser) is vital for your blog. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, so make sure your hosting includes SSL. Many providers offer this service for free when you purchase your domain. It helps to build trust with your visitors.
Improve Your Site’s Navigation
Don’t make it difficult for readers to find their way around your blog. Clear menus and easy-to-find categories help visitors explore your blog, reducing bounce rates (a 40% or lower bounce rate is a good target to aim for). A well-organised site structure helps Google crawl your pages more effectively.
Note: I wish I had started with a better WordPress theme. My theme is no longer supported. I now have to face the prospect of migrating a back up of my blog to a new domain, testing a new theme and then migrating it back to my original site. I’m dreading it!
Start with a popular theme like Ocean WP. a Bulky theme with excess CSS can significantly slow down your site.
Regularly Check Core Web Vitals
Google’s Core Web Vitals measure aspects like loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
Utilise tools like Google Search Console or PageSpeed Insights to monitor these metrics and fix issues promptly to improve both user experience and SEO. These two don’t always correlate, so I trust Core Web Vitals first.
Focus on User Experience
Ultimately, Google rewards sites that visitors enjoy using. Make sure your font sizes are readable, your colours aren’t too harsh on the eyes, and your layout works well on all devices. Happy readers mean better SEO.
Conclusion
SEO quick wins for bloggers aren’t about reinventing the wheel or spending hours tangled in tech. They’re about simple tweaks that can make a real difference to your blog’s visibility and growth.
If you start applying these 20 SEO quick wins for bloggers, you’ll be well on your way to beating those Google updates and getting your blog the traffic it deserves.
Remember, consistency is key, and even minor improvements made regularly can yield significant results over time. Stuff that might not matter in the first six months can become crucial as your blog content grows. I wish someone had told me that!
FAQs
What Are SEO Quick Wins For Bloggers?
SEO quick wins for bloggers are simple, practical actions you can take to improve your blog’s search engine rankings without spending hours on complex strategies. They include tasks such as optimising titles, enhancing site speed, and utilising the appropriate plugins.
How Often Should I Update My Blog Content For SEO?
It’s a good idea to update blog posts every few months, especially if they aren’t evergreen topics. Fresh content signals to Google that your site is active and relevant. I try to update at least two older posts each week.
Do I Need To Be An SEO Expert To Use These Tips?
Not at all! These SEO quick wins for bloggers are easy to implement, even if you’re new to SEO. Many plugins and tools can help you along the way.
Can Improving Site Speed Really Affect My Rankings?
Absolutely. Google prioritises fast-loading sites, especially on mobile devices. A faster blog means a better user experience and a higher chance of ranking well.
Remember, I lost 200 organic keywords when Google Console flagged up 89 slow pages on my blog. I’m not sure why this issue suddenly arose, but it took weeks to resolve by installing and testing plugins to improve site speed.
Even though my site passed Core Web Vitals after that, it was still too close for comfort, which is why I switched to a VPS.
I paid the hosting company to migrate the files, and even though it was £100 + VAT, it’s worth it to help my site pass speed tests.
What Is A Sitemap, And Why Should I Submit It To Google?
A sitemap is a file that lists all the critical pages on your website, helping search engines crawl and index your content more efficiently. Submitting it to the Google search console speeds up this process.
Don’t worry. There are numerous free plugins available, such as Yoast, which can generate a site map.
