If you’ve ever asked yourself:
- “Do I need SEO services?”
- “Is SEO even worth it anymore?”
- “How do I choose someone who won’t rip me off?”
…then, mate, you’re in the right place. I’ve been where you are — trying to figure out why my site wasn’t ranking, wondering what all the hype was about, and searching for help without getting scammed by someone who promises the world and delivers sweet nothing.
Let me share what I’ve learned the hard way — the good, the dodgy, and the stuff that works.
What Are SEO Services? (No Buzzwords, Promise)
SEO services are just things people do to help your website appear higher on Google when someone searches for stuff you sell or talk about. That’s it.
But it’s not just about stuffing your website with keywords or buying 100 backlinks from dodgy
Eastern European directories. Good SEO is about:
- Writing helpful content people want to read
- Fixing your site’s technical issues so Google doesn’t throw a hissy fit
- Make sure your pages load quickly
- Getting quality links from websites that aren’t complete rubbish
- Tracking what’s working so you’re not flying blind
Think of SEO like a garden. If you ignore it, weeds grow. If you look after it—feed the soil, prune the plants, and water it regularly—it starts to bloom. It’s not magic—it’s just consistent work.
Why I Started Using SEO Services (And Why You Might Want To, Too)
I launched a little online store selling hand-carved wooden homewares a couple of years ago. I created a website, posted a few photos on Instagram, and waited.
Nothing happened. That’s when I found out — having a website doesn’t mean people will see it.
After trying to DIY my SEO for a few months (and nearly throwing my laptop out the window), I finally reached out for proper SEO services. Not only did I get more traffic, but that traffic turned into real orders — actual sales from people outside my circle of friends. Game-changer.
What You Should Expect from SEO Services
Here’s the honest truth: good SEO takes time. If someone promises “Page 1 rankings in 30 days!” — run.
Instead, here’s what real SEO services should include:
- Keyword Research
This is the foundation. You need to know what your ideal customers are typing into Google. A proper SEO provider will dig into the following:
- What people are searching for
- Which phrases are worth targeting
- How hard will it be to rank each keyword
- What your competitors are doing
- Technical Fixes
Google is a picky guest. If your site loads like it’s on dial-up, have broken links or isn’t mobile-friendly, it’ll be booted down the rankings.
Expect things like:
- Site speed improvements
- Mobile responsiveness checks
- Proper headings and tags
- Fixing crawl errors and dead links
- Content Strategy
No, not blog posts that read like they were written by a robot with a caffeine addiction. Real content that:
- Answers questions your audience has
- Builds trust
- Keeps people on your site longer
- Gets shared naturally
- Link Building
This is about getting other solid websites to link back to yours. But not through spammy methods. We’re talking:
- Guest posts on relevant blogs
- Business directories (the legit kind)
- Local news shoutouts
- Sharing useful guides (like this one!)
- Reporting and Tracking
You need to know what’s working and what’s not. A proper SEO report should show:
- Traffic growth
- Keyword movement
- Page performance
- Leads or sales generated
If you don’t understand the reports your SEO guy sends — ask. And if they can’t explain it in plain English? That’s a red flag.
Common Questions I Hear About SEO Services
“How long does SEO take to work?”
Usually, you’ll see solid traction within 3–6 months. Sometimes sooner, sometimes longer — depending on how competitive your niche is and the state of your website.
“Can I do SEO myself?”
Absolutely. I started that way. But, like fixing your plumbing, it takes time, patience, and a lot of Googling. Hiring someone can be well worth the investment if you’d rather focus on your business.
“Are paid ads better than SEO?”
Paid ads get quick traffic. But when the money stops, so does the traffic. SEO builds long-term results. Ideally, use both together for a good balance.
My Checklist: What to Look For in SEO Services
If you’re thinking about hiring someone, here’s what I suggest checking for:
They offer a free audit (but not one that’s full of scare tactics)
They ask about your goals, not just rankings
They explain things in plain language
They don’t lock you into long contracts
They’re upfront about pricing
They send clear monthly reports
And trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What I’ve Learned From Working with SEO Pros
Here’s the biggest lesson: good SEO is never a one-size-fits-all solution.
Some businesses need local SEO, like plumbers or cafes that want to appear in “near me” searches. Others need an eCommerce SEO strategy focused on product pages. Some need technical help, some need better content, and most need a bit of everything.
And here’s the kicker — Google rewards helpful sites. If your content helps people, your site works well, and other good sites link to you, you’re already halfway there.
DIY SEO Tips If You’re Just Starting Out
Not ready to hire someone yet? Fair enough. Here are a few things you can do yourself:
Claim your Google Business Profile
If you’re local, this is a must. Add your address, photos, and services, and update it regularly.
Write blog posts that answer real questions.
Think: “How do I clean wooden cutting boards?” instead of “Our wooden board range.”
Compress your images
Big images = slow site. Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel.
Add internal links
Link between your pages where it makes sense. Helps users and search engines understand your site better.
Use proper headings
Don’t use bold text for titles. Structure your content properly using H1, H2, and H3 tags.
My Final Thoughts on SEO Services
I know this stuff can feel overwhelming. A million opinions are online, and everyone’s trying to sell you something. But here’s the truth I’ve learned:
SEO isn’t just a marketing tactic — it’s part of running a modern business.
Treating it like a long-term investment — like you would a solid tool or a reliable one that’ll serve you for years. But if you treat it like a quick fix, it’ll let you down.
Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re DIYing it or hiring help, the key is to stay curious and keep learning.
Let’s Chat: What’s Been Your Experience with SEO Services?
Have you tried SEO before? Have you been burned? Have you found someone good? Let me know in the comments below—I read everyone. Or, if you’re just starting out and feeling a bit lost, drop your website link, and I’ll give it a quick look (no sales pitch, promise).
And hey—if you found this helpful, share it. You never know who else is stuck wondering how SEO is supposed to work.
