1. Ignoring page speed
Google has confirmed that page speed is a ranking factor. If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, you're not just losing visitors — you're being penalised in search results.
Fix: Compress images, minify CSS/JS, enable caching, and consider a CDN like Cloudflare.
2. Missing meta descriptions
Every page on your site should have a unique, compelling meta description. This is what appears in Google search results beneath your title. Without it, Google generates its own snippet — and it's usually not great.
Fix: Write a 150-160 character description for each page that includes your target keyword and a call to action.
3. Not being mobile-friendly
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn't responsive, you're invisible to the majority of your potential customers — and Google knows it.
Fix: Test your site on real devices. Use responsive design frameworks. Make sure buttons are tappable and text is readable without zooming.
4. No structured data
Structured data (Schema.org markup) helps Google understand what your page is about. It can enable rich results — star ratings, FAQ dropdowns, business info — that dramatically increase click-through rates.
Fix: Add JSON-LD structured data to your pages. At minimum, include LocalBusiness, WebSite, and Article schemas.
5. Duplicate or thin content
Having multiple pages with the same content, or pages with very little content, sends a signal to Google that your site isn't valuable.
Fix: Consolidate duplicate pages using canonical tags. Expand thin pages with genuinely useful content. Delete pages that serve no purpose.
The bottom line
SEO isn't magic — it's engineering. Every technical issue you fix makes it easier for Google to find, understand, and recommend your site.
Want to know how your site scores? Request a free SEO audit — we'll analyse your site and send you a detailed report within 48 hours.