“Michelle, can I really handle doing my own SEO, or do I need to hire a company?” It’s one of the most common questions I get as an SEO coach, and I totally get it. SEO can seem overwhelming, filled with technical jargon, confusing stats, and conflicting advice. But here’s the truth – Yes! You absolutely can do SEO on your own. Not only that, you might even find that taking control of your SEO is one of the smartest business decisions you ever make.
Let’s break this down, debunk some myths, and explore how you can become your own SEO champion.
Myth: SEO Is Only for Experts (Wrong!)
First off, let’s bust a common misconception: you don’t need years of tech experience or a computer science degree to succeed at SEO. I’m living proof, and so are many of my clients, that SEO is learnable. What matters most isn’t technical prowess, but your willingness to learn, experiment, and be consistent.
Let me share a quick story: one client, a small-business owner running an organic skincare line, initially panicked at the thought of keywords, metadata, and competitor analysis. Fast-forward a few weeks after working through the basics together, and she was confidently implementing SEO herself, even spotting easy improvements I hadn’t pointed out yet!
SEO isn’t rocket science, but it does need clear guidance and an implementation strategy. With the right support and resources, anyone can handle their SEO effectively.
The DIY SEO Toolbox: Simple (and Free!) Resources to Get Started
When it comes to DIY SEO, the right tools make all the difference. And here’s my favorite part – most essential SEO tools are free! Here’s a quick cheat sheet of super-accessible, powerful tools you can start using right away:
Google Search Console & Analytics: The backbone of effective SEO, giving you clear insight into who visits your site and why.
Ubersuggest: Easy-to-use keyword research for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
MozBar: Quick browser extension to analyze how you stand compared to your competitors.
RankMath (WordPress plugin): Simplified content optimization without overwhelming complexity.
I cover these tools in more detail in my article Top 11 Free SEO Tools for Small Business Websites in 2025. Bookmark it – you’ll use it repeatedly, trust me!
Learning SEO Doesn’t Mean Doing Everything
Here’s another common concern I hear: “Michelle, won’t doing SEO myself take all my time?” Great question. But the answer is a resounding NO!
SEO doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You’re allowed, and encouraged, to prioritize the essentials first. In fact, I teach my clients to implement my “Money Page” strategy: prioritizing optimization of just a few high-converting pages and keywords to start, instead of exhausting themselves tackling the entire site at once.
One of my coaching clients, a custom furniture maker, initially struggled with overwhelm until he adopted this focused approach. After zeroing in on just two crucial product pages that gave him his highest ROI (Return on Investment), and optimizing them thoroughly, he saw measurable improvement in qualified leads and sales! He nailed just a small slice of SEO strategy, and still achieved great results.
DIY Doesn’t Have to Mean Do It Alone
One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY SEO is that it has to be completely solitary, just you and Google, fumbling through endless articles and tutorials. But here’s the truth: DIY doesn’t have to mean “do it alone.” As an SEO coach, my role isn’t to take over and do your work for you, but to equip you with the skills, confidence, and clarity you need to thrive independently.
Think of coaching like learning to ride a bike. You have to take control of the handlebars yourself, sure, but it helps tremendously to have someone holding the seat steady at first, cheering you on, and catching you if you start to wobble. My aim is to provide you with personalized, practical advice and actionable strategies so you can confidently pedal forward on your SEO journey.
It’s your business and your vision. My job is simply to help clear the confusion, highlight opportunities you might overlook, and empower you to achieve results faster and more effectively than navigating the SEO landscape alone.
Ready to Take Charge? Here’s Your Next Step.
The bottom line is this: You absolutely can handle your own SEO. But, just like any new skill, you’ll succeed faster and achieve better results if you have clear guidance to point you in the right direction.
Start by learning the SEO essentials through reputable resources, like me :-). Check out my SEO Coach Blog for beginner-friendly guides and practical tips. And if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or are ready for faster results, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support. Working alongside an experienced coach can fill in gaps, boost your confidence, and fast-track your success.
Ready to take the leap and become SEO-confident? Schedule your Discovery Call today, and let’s talk about taking your business visibility from good enough to extraordinary – together!