SEO Step One: Goal setting
Managing your own SEO can feel a little intimidating at first, especially when you're wearing all the hats as a small business owner. But here’s the good news—successful SEO starts with something simple and empowering: setting clear goals.
Your SEO goals should align with the overall direction of your business. Think about your traffic needs, lead generation objectives, your industry landscape, and who you’re trying to reach. The more intentional you are with your goals from the start, the easier it becomes to track progress and stay focused.
If you're just starting out
When SEO is new territory, your main priority should be building consistent traffic. A solid goal framework could look like this:
Drive 300 website visitors within 3 months
Publish two blog posts each week
Target 10 keywords with a combined monthly search volume of 2,000 or more
Keep in mind that targeting keywords with a collective search volume of 2,000 doesn’t guarantee that many visitors. But it does improve your chances of showing up in search and reaching new audiences faster.
If you want to attract a more specific reader
Sometimes the goal isn't just more traffic—it’s the right traffic. In that case, your plan might include:
Research three competitors and identify their top 5 ranking keywords
Find overlapping topics and look for content gaps they’re not filling
Write blog posts that are more helpful, more relevant, and more valuable than anything else your audience can find
Think of it as becoming the go-to resource in your niche. The more value you bring, the more trust and visibility you earn.
A few final thoughts
Choose a goal that feels realistic with your current schedule and resources. There’s no need to overcommit or chase vanity metrics. Instead, focus on creating a strong, steady foundation.
Once your goals are set, you can choose the right SEO tools to track your progress. Whether you’re measuring keyword rankings, page views, or blog engagement, your metrics will give you helpful feedback on what’s working. Don’t forget to join The Compass Collective on the Resources page to download a FREE DIY SEO Checklist and more!
And remember—you don’t have to do it all alone. If you ever feel stuck, Mixie Design Co. is here to guide you through it. With a little clarity and consistency, you can absolutely master DIY SEO and grow your business in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.