SEO doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—especially if you’re a contractor balancing job sites, client calls, and everything else. The truth is, some of the best SEO improvements come from simple, low-effort tactics that deliver quick results. These “low-hanging fruit” opportunities help boost your rankings, attract more leads, and give your business a competitive edge without requiring hours of your time.
Let’s look at 12 actionable SEO tactics you can implement today to grow your business.
Optimize for Low-Hanging Fruit Keywords
One of the fastest ways to see results is by targeting keywords that have moderate search volume and low competition. These are often long-tail keywords (phrases with 3+ words) that align with what customers in your area are searching for.
For example, instead of trying to rank for “roof repair” (extremely competitive), aim for “roof repair in [City]” or “emergency roof repair near me.” These are more specific, easier to rank for, and more likely to convert.
How to find them:
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to identify keyword opportunities.
- Check “People Also Ask” questions in Google search results for content ideas.
- Combine service terms with location-based keywords, like “stamped concrete patios in Miami.”
Write for Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are those answer boxes that appear at the top of Google search results. Landing a featured snippet means your business gets prime visibility, which can drive significant traffic.
How to rank in snippets:
- Answer common customer questions directly and concisely.
- Use headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to organize your content.
- Focus on questions related to your services, like “How much does a stamped concrete driveway cost?” or “What are the benefits of asphalt over concrete?”
Pro Tip: Write clear, 40–60 word answers at the start of a blog section to maximize your chances of being featured.
Close Content Gaps with Competitors
Your competitors might be attracting traffic with content you haven’t created yet. A content gap happens when they rank for topics or keywords you don’t cover, but your audience is searching for.
How to identify content gaps:
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze competitor websites.
- Find keywords or topics they rank for that you haven’t addressed yet.
- Create better, more detailed content to fill those gaps.
Example: If a competitor ranks for “Driveway sealing tips in [City],” write a more thorough guide and include visuals, step-by-step instructions, and local keyword optimization.
Update Old Content for New Wins
If you have blog posts or service pages that used to perform well but have lost traffic, don’t let them sit untouched. Updating them can quickly bring them back to life.
How to refresh content:
- Add updated information, examples, or statistics.
- Include relevant, newer keywords.
- Add multimedia elements like images or videos.
Quick Tip: Use Google Analytics to identify pages with declining traffic and prioritize those for updates.
Rewrite Low-Traffic Pages Instead of Deleting Them
Low-traffic pages often just need a little TLC. Deleting them might seem like a quick fix, but you could lose valuable content that could rank better with some optimization.
Steps to rewrite:
- Improve readability by breaking up text with headings and bullet points.
- Add more in-depth content that addresses customer pain points or questions.
- Include calls-to-action (CTAs) to guide visitors toward contacting you or learning more.
Consolidate Pages Competing for the Same Keyword
If you have multiple pages targeting the same keyword, they could be competing against each other. This “keyword cannibalization” can dilute your SEO efforts.
How to consolidate pages:
- Identify overlapping content with tools like SEMrush or Screaming Frog.
- Merge similar pages into one, comprehensive resource.
- Set up 301 redirects from old pages to the new one to retain any link equity.
Redirect Links Pointing to Broken Pages
Broken pages (404 errors) can hurt your rankings and waste valuable backlinks. Redirecting those links ensures you don’t lose SEO value.
How to fix broken links:
- Use tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to identify broken pages.
- Redirect them to similar, active pages using 301 redirects.
- If there’s no clear match, direct them to your homepage or another high-value page.
Build Internal Links to New Content
Internal links help Google understand your site’s structure and connect visitors to related pages. They also give your new content a visibility boost.
How to use internal links effectively:
- Link from older, high-performing pages to new ones.
- Use anchor text that describes the linked content, like “Learn more about stamped concrete patios” instead of generic phrases like “click here.”
Fix Over-Optimized or Generic Anchor Text
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink, and it should feel natural while providing context. Over-optimized anchor text (e.g., “best stamped concrete patio contractor in [City]”) can appear spammy, while generic phrases (“read more”) lack clarity.
How to fix it:
- Audit your anchor text across your site.
- Replace overly generic or keyword-stuffed text with descriptive, user-friendly phrases.
Close Link Gaps with Competitors
Backlinks are one of the most powerful ranking factors. If your competitors have high-quality backlinks and you don’t, you’re missing an opportunity.
How to close the gap:
- Use tools like Ahrefs or S to see which sites link to your competitors but not you.
- Pitch those sites with a reason to link to your content, like a detailed blog or resource.
- Focus on earning backlinks from reputable directories or industry sites.
Convert Unlinked Mentions Into Links
Sometimes, websites mention your business but don’t link to your site. Converting these mentions into backlinks is an easy SEO win.
How to find unlinked mentions:
- Set up Google Alerts for your business name.
- Reach out to the site owner and politely ask them to add a link.
- Provide a direct URL to make it as simple as possible for them.
Fix Technical SEO Issues to Avoid Ranking Drops
Even small technical issues can hold your website back. Fixing these ensures search engines can crawl and index your site properly.
Common issues to check for:
- Broken links or images.
- Slow page load times.
- Missing meta descriptions or title tags.
- Mobile usability problems.
Tools to use:
Google Search Console and Screaming Frog are great for spotting and fixing technical errors.
Final Thoughts: Small SEO Tweaks Can Deliver Big Results
SEO doesn’t always have to be time-consuming or expensive. By focusing on these low-hanging fruit tactics—like refreshing old content, optimizing for local keywords, or fixing broken links—you can see real improvements in your rankings and lead generation.
Remember, even small changes can add up to significant results. Pick one or two tactics to get started, and watch as your visibility grows. If you’re stuck or need guidance, drop a comment or reach out—I’d be happy to help! 😊