How should I prioritise technical SEO tasks with limited dev resources?

Prioritising technical SEO tasks with limited dev resources requires focusing on high-impact areas first. Start by addressing issues that directly affect your site’s performance and user experience, like site speed and mobile-friendliness. Then, tackle problems that influence search engine crawling and indexing, such as fixing broken links and optimising your XML sitemap.

Why Technical SEO Matters

Technical SEO isn’t just for the techies. It’s the backbone of your site’s performance on search engines. Imagine you’re running a B2B SaaS platform. If your site loads slower than a snail on a Sunday, potential clients won’t stick around. They’ll bounce faster than a cricket on a hot tin roof. Google notices this too. Poor technical SEO can lead to lower rankings, meaning fewer eyes on your product.

Think of technical SEO as the foundation of a house. If it’s shaky, no amount of fancy decor will make it appealing. A solid technical base ensures that your content shines and reaches the right audience.

Steps to Prioritise Technical SEO

You’ve got limited dev resources. That’s a given. So, how do you make the most of what you’ve got? Here’s a straightforward plan:

• Audit Your Site: Use tools like Google Search Console or Screaming Frog to identify issues. This will give you a clear picture of what needs fixing.

• Focus on Speed: Optimise images, leverage browser caching, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Faster sites rank better and keep users engaged.

• Ensure Mobile-Friendliness: More people browse on their phones. Make sure your site is responsive and offers a seamless mobile experience.

• Fix Broken Links: These are dead ends for users and search engines. Use a tool to find and repair them.

• Optimise Your XML Sitemap: Ensure it’s up-to-date and submitted to search engines. This helps with efficient crawling and indexing.

Once you’ve tackled these, you’ll start seeing improvements in your site’s performance. And remember, not everything needs a developer. Some tasks, like updating a sitemap, can be done without touching code.

The Human Element

Here’s the thing. SEO isn’t just about algorithms and robots. It’s about people. The folks who visit your site and the ones who help you maintain it. Speak their language. If you’re working with a developer, be clear about what you need and why it matters. A little context goes a long way.

And if you’re overwhelmed? Consider bringing in a search engine optimisation expert. They can help you navigate the complexities and get better rankings without stretching your resources too thin. Because at the end of the day, your goal is to connect with real people. Not just search engines.

So, take a breath. Focus on what matters. And remember, every small improvement is a step towards a more visible, user-friendly site.