Is Your Website Struggling to Rank on Google? Here’s Why

SEO should grow your traffic—not bury it.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful tools for generating consistent, organic traffic to your website. But if you’re not seeing results, there’s a good chance your site is making common SEO mistakes that sabotage rankings without you even knowing it.

The good news? They’re all fixable.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✅ The top 6 SEO mistakes small businesses make
✅ Why they destroy your rankings and traffic
✅ How to fix them today—step by step
✅ Real-world examples of what actually works

1️⃣ Ignoring Technical SEO

You can publish great content, but if your technical SEO is broken, Google may never see it.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Slow-loading pages

• ❌ Broken links and 404 errors

• ❌ Missing XML sitemap or robots.txt

🔹 Why It Hurts:

Google rewards fast, accessible, and error-free websites. If your pages take too long to load or have crawl issues, you’ll struggle to rank.

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test performance

• ✅ Repair broken links using Screaming Frog or Ahrefs

• ✅ Create and submit an XML sitemap via Google Search Console

💡 Example:
A small Raleigh business improved their load time from 6s to 2s—and saw a 37% boost in organic traffic in 90 days.

2️⃣ Targeting the Wrong Keywords

If you’re not ranking, you’re probably targeting keywords that are too competitive—or not targeting any at all.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Using broad, high-competition keywords

• ❌ Ignoring long-tail keywords

• ❌ Writing content without keyword research

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest

• ✅ Focus on long-tail keywords (e.g., “best roofing company in Raleigh”)

• ✅ Place keywords naturally in page titles, URLs, H1s, and body copy

💡 Example:
A local roofing company switched from “roofing services” to “best residential roofing company near me” and landed on Page 1 within two months.

3️⃣ Not Optimizing for Mobile Users

Google uses mobile-first indexing—your mobile experience is now your main ranking factor.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Site looks great on desktop but fails on mobile

• ❌ Long mobile load times

• ❌ Small text and hard-to-click buttons

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test

• ✅ Use responsive design and compress images

• ✅ Ensure CTA buttons are large and easy to tap

💡 Example:
A local restaurant improved its mobile UX and saw a 120% increase in online reservations.

4️⃣ Publishing Low-Quality Content

Short, generic, AI-generated content won’t help you rank—Google is smarter than ever.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Publishing thin content under 500 words

• ❌ No original insights or added value

• ❌ Ignoring Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Aim for 1,500–2,500 words per blog post

• ✅ Include case studies, examples, and expert input

• ✅ Follow E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust

💡 Example:
A law firm expanded its blogs from 400 to 2,000 words each—and saw a 64% increase in organic search traffic.

5️⃣ Neglecting Local SEO

If you serve a specific area like Raleigh or Wake County, Local SEO is essential.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ No Google Business Profile

• ❌ Ignoring “near me” search intent

• ❌ No local backlinks or citations

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile

• ✅ Get listed in local directories like Yelp and Angi

• ✅ Use geo-targeted keywords in your content

💡 Example:
A plumber optimized their profile and citations—ranking on Page 1 for “plumber near me” in just 60 days.

👉 Explore local SEO strategies with Kapa Technologies

6️⃣ Ignoring Backlinks—or Building the Wrong Ones

Backlinks are still one of the top 3 Google ranking factors. If you’re not building them—or using shady ones—you’re losing authority.

🔹 Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Having zero backlinks

• ❌ Buying spammy links or joining link farms

🔧 Fix It:

• ✅ Earn links through guest posting and partnerships

• ✅ Use HARO (Help A Reporter Out) to get featured

• ✅ Build local citations and ask customers to link to you

💡 Example:
A fitness coach got a backlink from a major health site and saw a 200% traffic increase in one week.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Clean Up Your SEO, See Real Results

The most common SEO problems are completely fixable—and once you fix them, your traffic will grow naturally.

✅ Recap of SEO Fixes:

• ✔ Speed up your website and fix technical errors

• ✔ Target the right (and realistic) keywords

• ✔ Make sure your site is mobile-first

• ✔ Publish long-form, value-driven content

• ✔ Strengthen your local SEO presence

• ✔ Build high-quality, trusted backlinks

You don’t need to be a tech expert—you just need the right strategy.

📢 Ready to rank higher and get more traffic?

👉 Schedule a Local SEO strategy session with Kapa Technologies