The 15-Minute Weekly Tech Audit: A Non-Techie’s Guide to a Healthy Blog

We’ve all been there. You started your blog because you love sharing—whether it’s a review of a book you couldn't put down, a new fitness routine, or a travel itinerary from your latest weekend away. But then, the "tech gremlins" move in. Suddenly, you’re hearing about algorithms, indexing, and site speed, and it feels like the joy of blogging is being buried under a mountain of jargon.

I’m a huge fan of a good audit. Over the years, I’ve shared plenty of blogging basics for beginners and even did a deep dive into how to do a full blog audit to help you get your strategy on track. But I know that sometimes, a full-scale audit feels like a massive project you just don't have time for.

That’s why I’ve developed this 15-minute weekly tech audit. It’s simple, it’s clear, and I promise it won’t make your head spin. Think of it like a quick "house tidy" for your corner of the internet.

Why Bother with Tech?

If you’re trying to improve your blog SEO, Google needs to be able to "read" your site easily. If your "front door" is locked or your "hallways" are cluttered with broken links, Google will just move on to the next house.

Grab a cuppa, set a timer for 15 minutes, and let’s tick these off together.

1. The 5-Minute Link Sweep

Broken links are incredibly frustrating for readers. If someone clicks a link to see your favourite beauty product and hits a "404 Error" page, they’ll likely leave your site immediately.

• What to do: Use a free tool like Dr. Link Check or if you use WordPress, a simple plugin to find any "dead ends."

• The fix: Either update the link to a new, working URL or remove it entirely. It keeps the journey smooth for your readers.

2. The 3-Minute Speed Check

We live in a fast-paced world. If your site takes ages to load, people won't wait—especially if they’re browsing on their phones while on the go.

• What to do: Pop your URL into Google PageSpeed Insights.

• The fix: Don’t worry about the complex graphs. Just look for the stuff you can improve on. Usually, the culprit is a giant image. If you find one, make a note to resize your photos before uploading them next time. Small changes make a big difference!

3. The 4-Minute "Google Check-In"

Google Search Console sounds scary, but it’s actually just a way for Google to leave you a note about how your site is doing.

• What to do: Log in and look at the "Indexing" report.

• The fix: You’re looking for any bright red "Error" bars. Most of the time, everything is fine (grey and green are your friends!), but catching a red error early means you can fix it before it affects your traffic growth.

4. The 3-Minute Mobile Walkthrough

Since most of us are trying to grow our blogs without the overwhelm, we often forget to look at our own work the way our readers do: on a smartphone.

• What to do: Open your latest post on your phone.

• The fix: Can you read the text easily? Are the buttons too close together? If a pop-up is blocking your beautiful content, it might be time to tweak your settings.

Final Thoughts

Blogging should be about the things that make life better—learning, exploring, and enjoying the process. By spending just 15 minutes a week on these "techy" bits, you’re clearing the path so your content can actually reach the people who need to see it.

If you’re looking for more ways to polish your site, don’t forget to check out my previous posts on content strategy and simple growth tips. We’re all learning together, one step at a time!

Do you have a specific tech question that’s been holding you back? Drop it in the comments and let’s see if we can simplify it together.

Book synopsis for Soul Fraud by Andrew Givler

But Dan is a salesman behind on his quota and his demonic managers are running out of patience. He forges Matt's signature on the dotted line, stealing his soul and thrusting him into a supernatural world he never knew existed.

Now Matt must figure out how to get his soul back and stop a war before it is too late...

Where to find Soul Fraud by Andrew Givler online: 

 

Soul Fraud Amazon affiliate link

Soul Fraud on Goodreads

Keep your place in style with a set of magnetic bookmarks

About the author Andrew Givler

Andrew is the author of the Debt Collection and Ironbound series and also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.

To learn more about him you can go to his website: http://andrewgivler.com

Social Media

BookTube: http://youtube.com/@GivReads 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sigils 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sigils 

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@GivReads

For more inspiration, take a look at 101 Blog Post Ideas For Book Bloggers to keep your content fresh and engaging. 

If you enjoyed this spotlight, you might also like my Book Spotlight: Choices Meant for Gods by Sandy Lender

If you'd like to support me, donating goes a long way to helping with the running of this blog. Thanks for your support 💗

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Blogging Basics: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Google Updates

Google has been busy lately! If you’ve noticed your traffic wobbling or your stats looking a bit different, don't panic—it’s not just you. Between February and March 2026, Google rolled out some significant updates that are changing the game for bloggers. 

The good news? These updates actually favour the way we blog: with personality, real experience, and a focus on being helpful. 

Here is the simple, jargon-free breakdown of what’s happened and how to keep your blog growing.

The February 2026 "Discover" Update

In February, Google released a core update specifically for Google Discover (that feed of articles you see on your phone's Google app). 

What changed: Google is now prioritising "local" and "expert" content. 

What it means for you: If you’re a British blogger writing about things happening in the UK, you’re more likely to show up for UK readers. 

The "Anti-Clickbait" rule: They’ve cracked down on sensationalist headlines. If your title sounds like a tabloid "shocker," it might get hidden. Keep it honest and clear! 

The March 2026 "Information Gain" Core Update

This was a big one. The main theme for March was something called "Information Gain." 

What it is: Google is looking for new information. If you just rewrite what the top 10 results already say, Google might see your post as "extra noise." 

How to win: Add your own spin! If you’re reviewing a book, don't just summarise the plot—tell us how it made you feel or show us a photo of your dog reading it with you. If you’re sharing a recipe, tell us about the time you burnt the first batch. That first-hand experience is your SEO superpower. 

3 Simple Steps to Grow Right Now

Be Real (E-E-A-T): Google loves "Experience." Make sure your "About" page is up to date and that you use "I" and "me" in your posts. Show that a real human (with real opinions!) is behind the keyboard. 

Focus on Your Niche: Instead of writing about everything, try to go deep into your favourite topics. If you love budget beauty, write five connected posts about it. This builds "Topical Authority," which Google currently loves. 

Speed Up: Technical bits can be scary, but try to keep your images small so your site loads quickly. A fast site is a happy site in Google's eyes!

Final Thoughts: Keep it Real, Keep it You

At the end of the day, it’s easy to get bogged down in charts and algorithms, but these 2026 updates are actually a gentle nudge to get back to what we love most: connection. It’s a vital reminder that numbers aren't everything; the right readers matter more than just 'more' readers!

Building a community of people who actually value your voice is far more rewarding than chasing empty traffic stats. To help you stay on track without the stress, here is my top tips for navigating these changes:

The "Me" Factor

A robot can tell you that a face mask is "hydrating." But a robot can’t tell you that the mask made you look so much like a seal that your son couldn't stop laughing (like I shared in my recent review!). That laugh is your SEO advantage. It’s that unique, human spark that AI simply can't replicate, and it's exactly what will keep your readers coming back.

A Quick Pep Talk

SEO updates can feel like someone moved the goalposts while you were mid-kick. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ignore the technical jargon for today. Just pick one old post and add one personal story or a photo you took yourself. That’s a win in Google’s new book!

If you want ideas of ways you can update older posts click here.

Take it one step at a time, keep sharing your stories, and remember—you're doing great. Happy blogging!

Have you noticed a change in your blog traffic lately, or are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the "SEO talk"? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help you simplify things!

You might also like: SEO in 2026: A Beginner’s Guide

Books: First Lines Fridays 10th April 2026

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? 

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page 
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first 
• Finally… reveal the book!

My Pick For This Week

The first lines of the book:

And the book is...

Book synopsis for Nexus Academy: First Blood by Callie Madden

Four immortal warriors. One human girl. A prophecy that will either unite Heaven and Hell... or destroy them both.

When Celine's moment of compassion triggers ancient symbols to burn into her palms, the worldwide blackout that follows isn't an accident—it's an awakening. Suddenly, the museum clerk who sends every spare dollar to her disabled father becomes the most hunted human on Earth.

Four immortal warriors felt her awaken across dimensions. Four bonds that will either claim her... or destroy them all.

Dominion - The ruthless angel commander whose military precision crumbles the moment he sees her. He failed to protect someone once before. He'd rather die than fail her.

Zorrander - The ancient demon lord who's waited millennia for this moment. He planned to guard her from a distance. Instead, he can't breathe when she's not near.

Gideon - The brutal half-angel who despises his human blood—until training her to survive means accepting the humanity he's spent lifetimes trying to kill.

Lynx - The predatory young demon who came to corrupt her soul. Now he'd slaughter armies to keep her safe, and he doesn't understand why.

Dragged to the gothic Nexus Academy where angels and demons coexist in barely controlled hostility, Celine wants nothing more than to return to her quiet life. She never asked to be anyone's prophesied savior. But the bonds won't let her leave—and neither will her four guardians, who are bound by cosmic law to protect her whether she wants their protection or not.

The problem? Something older than Heaven and Hell is hunting her with ancient patience and unlimited power.

The First Shepherd has been dormant for millennia, waiting for the prophesied key to awaken. Now he's rising, and he'll burn down the entire world to reclaim what he believes belongs to him. Every human who falls to his stone armies, every soul he strips of free will—it's all to flush out one terrified girl who just wants to go home.

Some prophecies are written in starlight. Others are carved in blood and desperation.

A dark academy why choose paranormal romance where four dangerous immortals discover that protecting their human might be the most terrifying battle they've ever fought—and the only one that matters.

Where to find Nexus Academy: First Blood by Callie Madden online: 

 

Nexus Academy: First Blood Amazon affiliate link

Nexus Academy: First Blood on Goodreads