Blogging: Free SEO Tools to Boost Your Search Engine Rankings 

Let’s be honest, SEO can feel like a bit of a minefield sometimes. Algorithms change constantly, and keeping up with it all isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your website ranking higher on Google. There are plenty of free SEO tools out there that do a cracking job.

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

Whether you’re running a blog on Blogger, Wordpress, Wix, Squarespace, or even building it from scratch, these tools can help you understand what’s working (and what’s not), so you can make smart changes that actually pay off.

You might also like: Things That Should Be In Every Blog Post

1. Google Search Console

This one’s a no-brainer. Google Search Console helps you track your blog’s performance in search results, spot indexing issues, and see which keywords are bringing in traffic. It’s completely free and a must-have, no matter what platform you’re using.

Top Tip: Use it to identify your most popular blog posts and update them regularly for even better results.

2. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest is a brilliant all-in-one tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and content ideas. Even the free version gives you solid data to work with, especially if you’re a solo blogger or just getting started.

Top Tip: Check a competitor’s blog URL to see what keywords they rank for, you might discover a few gems you hadn’t thought of.

3. Answer the Public

If you ever feel stuck for content ideas, this one’s a lifesaver. Type in a topic and it’ll show you real questions people are asking about it online. Perfect for creating blog posts that answer what your readers are already searching for.

Top Tip: Turn these questions into your blog titles or subheadings, they’re great for SEO and easy for readers to follow.

4. PageSpeed Insights

No one likes a slow-loading blog, especially not Google. PageSpeed Insights shows you how fast your site loads and gives you practical tips to speed things up. Since site speed is a ranking factor, it’s well worth a look.

Top Tip: Compress your images before uploading. Large files are often the biggest culprit behind sluggish load times.

5. Ahrefs

Understanding what keywords you're ranking for, and where you’re falling short, can make or break your SEO strategy. Ahrefs gives you deep insights into your site's performance, backlinks, and competitor data, helping you make smarter content decisions.

Top Tip: Check out the Site Audit tool regularly. It can uncover hidden technical issues that might be hurting your rankings, from broken links to missing meta tags.

6. SemRush

If you want to dominate the search results, you need more than just keywords, you need competitive insights. Semrush gives you a full suite of tools to analyse your SEO, track keyword rankings, monitor backlinks, and spy on your competitors.

Top Tip: Use the Keyword Gap tool to discover keywords your competitors are ranking for that you’re missing out on. It’s a quick way to uncover valuable content opportunities.

7. Moz

If you want to climb the search engine rankings, it takes more than just good content. You need strategic SEO insights. Moz provides powerful tools to optimise your site, track keyword performance, audit technical SEO issues, and analyse competitor strategies.

Top Tip: Use the Link Explorer to uncover where your competitors are getting their backlinks. Identifying high-authority linking opportunities can give your SEO a major boost and help you close the authority gap.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a massive budget or fancy tools to improve your blog’s SEO. With these free resources, you can start making smarter decisions, drive more traffic, and hopefully see your blog climb up the search results.

Just remember, SEO isn’t a one-off job. Keep checking in, tweaking, and learning as you go. Bit by bit, it’ll pay off.

What's your favourite free SEO tool? 

You might also like: How I Got Over 200K Views In One Month

You might also like: E-A-T and Blogging in 2025: Why It Matters and How Bloggers Can Improve Their Content

Domain Rating vs Domain Authority: Which Matters Most in 2025?

In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimisation (SEO), understanding the factors that contribute to your website’s ranking can make all the difference. Two key metrics that often cause confusion are Domain Rating (DR) and Domain Authority (DA). These two indicators are used to evaluate the strength of a website's domain, but they are calculated in different ways and used by different platforms. So, in 2025, which one should you be focusing on?

This topic was recently brought to my attention and whilst I've covered Domain Authority in the past in my post DA Scores Explained, I've never really touched on Domain Rating. Let's take a closer look at each to see which matters most. 

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

What is Domain Rating (DR)?

Domain Rating (DR) is a metric created by Ahrefs that measures the strength of a website’s backlink profile. The higher the DR score, the more authoritative a website appears to search engines in terms of its backlink profile. DR ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 being the strongest possible score.

Ahrefs calculates DR based on the quantity and quality of backlinks pointing to a website and is therefore focused on off page SEO. These links are analysed and weighted according to the authority of the linking domains. Essentially, the more high-quality backlinks a site has, the higher its DR. DR is useful because it provides a clear indicator of the site’s backlink power and its potential to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs).

What is Domain Authority (DA)?

Domain Authority (DA), on the other hand, is a metric developed by Moz that attempts to predict a website’s ability to rank on search engines. Like DR, DA is scored on a 0 to 100 scale, with higher numbers indicating greater potential for ranking. However, DA doesn’t solely rely on backlinks. While links are certainly a factor, Moz’s DA algorithm also incorporates other data points such as the quality of the content, user experience, social signals, and the overall trustworthiness of the site.

Unlike DR, which primarily focuses on backlinks, DA considers a wider range of SEO factors, including on-page SEO and overall site health. This makes DA a more comprehensive indicator of a site's authority and ranking potential.

Key Differences Between DR and DA

While both DR and DA are important for understanding your website’s potential to rank, they differ in several key ways:

1. Focus Area: DR focuses almost entirely on backlinks and their quality, whereas DA includes a broader range of factors such as content quality, on-site optimisation, and social engagement.

2. Platform: DR is a metric created by Ahrefs, so it only applies within the Ahrefs ecosystem. DA, created by Moz, is Moz's proprietary metric but is widely used across the SEO community.

3. Calculation Method: The way these two metrics are calculated is distinct. DR uses an algorithm that evaluates backlinks specifically, while DA uses a combination of multiple factors, including link profile, content quality, and trustworthiness.

4. Benchmarking: DR is often used to gauge the link-building success of a website, while DA can be used to assess a site’s overall SEO health, including internal factors like site speed and mobile optimisation.

Which One Matters More in 2025?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of DR and DA, the question remains: Which one matters most in 2025?

The answer depends on your goals, your current SEO strategy, and the platform you’re working with. Here's a breakdown of when each metric might be more relevant:

1. Focus on DR if you’re backlink-focused:
   If your primary goal is to improve your site’s backlink profile and build authority through external links, DR might be the more important metric. If you’re looking to work with tools like Ahrefs to track your backlinks, DR will give you a clear understanding of your domain’s link power. Websites that thrive on organic link-building strategies will find DR more relevant.

2. Concentrate on DA for a well-rounded SEO strategy.:
   If you're adopting a comprehensive SEO strategy that encompasses content optimisation, site health, technical SEO, and user experience, DA is probably a more accurate indicator of your site's true SEO potential. Because DA incorporates multiple factors, it gives a more rounded picture of how well a website might perform in SERPs, making it a good metric for general site optimisation.

3. Use both metrics together for a comprehensive strategy:
   The best approach in 2025 is likely to be a combination of both metrics. While DR helps you track the strength of your backlinks, DA gives you a fuller understanding of your overall SEO health. Both metrics offer value, but relying on just one of them can provide a skewed view of your website’s SEO status.

The Role of Other Factors in 2025

While DR and DA are important metrics, they are not the only factors influencing search engine rankings. In 2025, Google’s algorithm continues to prioritise a variety of other signals, such as:

• User Experience (UX): Site speed, mobile optimisation, and intuitive design are crucial for keeping visitors engaged and encouraging Google to rank your site.

• Content Quality: High-quality, relevant, and regularly updated content is still a top-ranking factor.

• Technical SEO: Optimising your site’s structure, fixing broken links, improving site speed, and ensuring proper use of structured data are key.

• E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness): Google values authoritative and trustworthy content.

In other words, no single metric—whether DR or DA—can guarantee success. It’s the combination of quality backlinks, great content, excellent user experience, and strong technical SEO that will set you apart.

Conclusion: The Balanced Approach

In 2025, both Domain Rating and Domain Authority have their place in a robust SEO strategy. DR is an invaluable tool for measuring the quality of your backlink profile, while DA provides a broader overview of your site’s potential to rank.

Rather than focusing solely on one or the other, the key is to use both metrics in conjunction with a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes high-quality content, solid technical SEO, and a user-friendly experience. By keeping an eye on both DR and DA, you’ll be in the best position to improve your rankings and stay ahead of the competition in 2025.

So, the bottom line? Both matter, but a well-rounded approach is the key.

You might also like: A Guide to Image SEO: Boost Your Website’s Visibility with Smart Image Optimisation

A Guide to Image SEO

Boost Your Website’s Visibility with Smart Image Optimisation

If you’ve ever uploaded an image to your website and just clicked ‘save’, thinking that’s all you need to do, you're not alone. But here’s the thing – there’s a little more to it if you want those images to help you rank higher in search engines like Google. Enter Image SEO. You might have heard the term floating around, but what does it really mean? And why is it so important?

Let’s dive in and explore how you can optimise your images to boost your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), increase traffic, and make your content more engaging. It’s easier than you think!

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

What is Image SEO?

Image SEO is all about making sure that the images on your website are properly set up so search engines can crawl, index, and understand them. Why should you care? Well, images can actually appear in Google’s search results, especially if they’re optimised. Plus, a well-optimised image can improve your page load time, user experience, and accessibility – all of which impact your SEO rankings.

1. Choose the Right Image Format

You don’t want to choose an image format just because it looks good at first glance. Different formats have different advantages. Here are the main ones to know:

• JPEG – Best for photographs or images with lots of colours. It’s a compressed format, so it helps keep your website’s loading speed fast.
• PNG – Ideal for images that need transparency, like logos or icons.
• WebP – This newer format offers great compression and quality. It’s fast but still supported by most browsers.
• SVG – Perfect for vector-based images, such as logos or illustrations. They can scale infinitely without losing quality.

Pick the one that works best for the type of image you’re using and balances between quality and file size.

2. Optimise Image Size and Resolution

One of the biggest culprits of slow websites is large image files. If your images are too big, they’ll slow down your website, and we all know how frustrating it is when a page takes forever to load. Slow pages also don’t do well in search rankings!

To avoid this, always aim to compress your images before uploading them. There are plenty of online tools out there that will help you reduce the file size without compromising too much on quality. Aim for the smallest possible size that still looks great.

Also, make sure your images are the right resolution. Don’t use super high-resolution images when a lower one will suffice. For web images, 72 DPI (dots per inch) is usually more than enough. High DPI images are more suited to print.

3. Give Your Images Descriptive File Names

This one’s super important – search engines can’t “see” images the way we do, but they can read the file name. So, giving your image a descriptive name makes it easier for Google to understand what the image is about.

Instead of uploading a file called IMG_1234.jpg, rename it to something like Woman-reading-a-book.jpg. This tells both users and search engines exactly what the image shows, making it more likely to appear in relevant image searches.

4. Use Alt Text (Alternative Text)

Alt text is a brief description of an image that appears when the image can’t load for any reason. It’s also incredibly important for accessibility – it helps screen readers describe images to people with visual impairments.

But alt text isn’t just for accessibility; it also helps with SEO. When you include relevant keywords in your alt text, Google can better understand what your image is about, which improves its chances of showing up in search results. Keep it clear, concise, and descriptive. For example, if your image shows a “sunset over the beach,” write: alt="sunset over the beach with waves crashing on the shore".

The following post offers some great information about Image Alt Text: What It Is, How to Write It, and Why It Matters to SEO.

5. Use Image Sitemaps or Schema Markup

A sitemap is a list of all the important pages and files on your website that you want search engines to index. You can also create an image sitemap, which specifically includes all your website’s images. This helps Google find and crawl your images more efficiently.

If you want to get a bit fancy, you can use schema markup – it’s a type of code that you add to your website to help search engines understand the context of your content better. This could make your images eligible for rich snippets, which are those extra little details that show up in search results (like star ratings or pricing).

6. Ensure Mobile-Friendly Images

Let’s face it – we all use our phones more than our desktops these days. Google also knows this, which is why mobile-friendliness is a key ranking factor. If your website’s images don’t look good or load properly on mobile, it’s time to fix that.

Ensure your images are responsive (i.e., they automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes). 

7. Image Captions and Surrounding Text

Although it’s not a strict SEO requirement, adding captions and making sure your image is surrounded by relevant text can help boost SEO. Google looks at the context of your images (i.e., the text around them) to understand what the image is about.

If you have an image of a product or event, including captions and detailed descriptions around the image helps Google understand the topic and may increase the chances of your image ranking for related queries.

8. Don’t Forget About Image File Accessibility

This one’s not just for SEO – it’s about creating a more inclusive web. Make sure all your images are accessible to people with visual impairments. Use descriptive alt text, ensure high contrast for readability, and include text-based alternatives where necessary. This doesn’t just make your site more accessible; it shows Google you care about the user experience. Website accessibility is now also a legal requirement. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – optimising your images for SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can make sure your images are helping (not hindering) your site’s performance. Remember, images are more than just decorative – they can boost your rankings, improve user experience, and help your site stand out in Google’s search results.

Next time you upload an image, don’t forget to optimise it for SEO. Trust me, those little tweaks can go a long way. Happy optimising!

E-A-T and Blogging in 2025: Why It Matters and How Bloggers Can Improve Their Content

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), one concept remains at the core of ranking well on Google—E-A-T. As we step into 2025, understanding how E-A-T impacts SEO and blogging is more crucial than ever. Let’s dive into what E-A-T is, why it matters, and how bloggers can improve their blog posts to stay ahead.

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

What is E-A-T?

E-A-T stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These three principles are now core to how Google evaluates content, making them essential for bloggers striving to reach wider audiences and rank higher on search engines. While Google’s search algorithm takes into account hundreds of factors when ranking pages, E-A-T has become one of the most important signals for deciding which pages are most relevant and useful to users.

Let’s take a closer look:

• Expertise: Does the content reflect the knowledge and skill of the author? Is the writer an expert in the field or subject they are covering? Content that demonstrates subject matter expertise is more likely to rank higher, especially in fields like health, finance, or legal matters, where the accuracy of information is critical.

• Authoritativeness: Is the website or author recognized as an authority in their field? Authoritativeness refers to the reputation and credibility of the content creator, website, or organization. For example, content from a recognized thought leader, academic institution, or well-established brand is deemed more authoritative.

• Trustworthiness: Can users trust the website and the information presented? Trustworthiness is about creating a safe environment for readers, ensuring accurate information, secure websites (https), and clear, honest communication. Content that is well-researched, transparent, and free from errors is more likely to be considered trustworthy.

Why E-A-T Matters for Google and SEO

Google's primary goal is to provide its users with the best possible results when they search for information. To achieve this, it needs to rank content that is not only relevant but also high-quality and reliable. Therefore, E-A-T is essential because it helps Google identify which content is valuable and should be shown in search results.

You might also like: Things That Should Be In Every Blog Post

For bloggers, understanding how Google evaluates content through the use of E-A-T is key to ranking higher. Content that lacks expertise, authority, or trustworthiness is more likely to be pushed down the search rankings, while content that aligns well with these criteria has a better chance of earning visibility and organic traffic.

How Bloggers Can Improve Their Blog Posts for E-A-T in 2025

With E-A-T being such an important factor for SEO in 2025, bloggers need to take deliberate steps to optimize their content. Here are a few strategies bloggers can use to improve their blog posts:

1. Showcase Your Expertise

To build credibility, it's important to show your expertise in your field. Here’s how:

• Write Comprehensive Guides: In-depth, well-researched content that answers specific questions or solves problems will help establish you as a thought leader in your niche.

• Cite Authoritative Sources: Link to credible sources, studies, and expert opinions to back up your claims. This not only improves the quality of your content but signals to Google that your content is well-researched and trustworthy.

• Stay Updated: In fast-moving industries like tech, health, or finance, ensure your content stays relevant by keeping up with the latest developments. Regularly updating old posts with new information will keep them fresh and authoritative.

2. Demonstrate Authoritativeness

Being authoritative means showing that your content comes from a credible source. Here's how to boost your authority:

• Author Bios: Include detailed author bios, especially if you write on specialized or complex topics. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and any certifications or credentials that add value to your authority on the subject.

• Guest Posts and Collaborations: Collaborate with other authoritative figures in your industry. Guest posts, expert roundups, or interviews with credible sources will help build your authority by association.

• Build a Strong Brand: Establish a unique voice and style that reflects your authority and expertise. Consistency in your messaging, quality, and overall presentation helps reinforce your authority in the long term.

3. Establish Trustworthiness 

Trust is the foundation of E-A-T. Building trust with your audience and Google will ensure your content is valued. Here are ways to boost trustworthiness:

• Be Transparent: Make it clear where your information comes from and how you gather data. Being transparent about your sources or methodologies can help your audience feel confident in your content.
• Use Secure Websites: Ensure your website is secure with HTTPS, as this is a signal to Google that your site is safe for users.
• Avoid Clickbait: While sensational titles might grab attention, they can harm your trustworthiness if the content doesn’t deliver on the promise. Write honest, straightforward titles that accurately reflect the content of your posts.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and emails. Show that you care about your readers’ opinions and feedback. This interaction helps solidify your trustworthiness over time.

4. Leverage User-Generated Content and Testimonials

User-generated content (UGC) such as reviews, comments, and testimonials can enhance trust and authority. When your audience vouches for the quality of your content or product, it adds social proof. This also helps build a sense of community and trust between you and your readers.

5. Focus on Content Quality Over Quantity

While it might be tempting to publish as much content as possible, focusing on producing high-quality content is far more important in 2025. Google’s algorithms are designed to reward content that provides real value to readers, so prioritize quality over sheer volume.

6. Stay Ethical and Avoid Manipulative Practices

Conclusion: E-A-T as the Cornerstone of Future Blogging

In 2025, E-A-T is more than just a guideline—it’s a requirement for blogging success. As the digital landscape evolves, providing high-quality, authoritative, and trustworthy content will separate successful bloggers from those who are left behind. By focusing on expertise, building your authority, and establishing trust with your audience, you can improve your content and SEO rankings while cultivating a loyal following.

In a world where AI can generate content at lightning speed, human expertise and genuine credibility have never been more valuable. By aligning your content with Google’s E-A-T principles, you’re not only ensuring better rankings but also becoming a reliable voice in your niche. So, start prioritizing these elements today!

You might also like: 44 Tips for Bloggers

Blogging: Off-Page SEO Checklist

Exploring Search Engine Ranking with Off-Page SEO Strategies

Search engines are a powerful source of traffic for blogs so optimising your blog for SEO is important. 

Whilst On-Page SEO plays a significant role in search engine ranking Off-Page SEO is equally, if not more, important.

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

A Guide to Off-Page SEO

What is Off-Page SEO?

What kind of tactics are part of Off-Page SEO?

Blogging: A Guide to Blog Commenting

What You Need To Know About Blog Commenting

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

One thing that most bloggers will agree on is the struggle to build engagement on our blog posts. Even those of us with high traffic sites strive to get more blog comments on our posts. 

The reasons bloggers love comments so much are numerous. 

Firstly, because it creates a connection with our readers (sometimes it can feel a bit like we're just talking into the void). This is actually one of the top reasons why a lot of bloggers give up. 

When blog readers comment to say they enjoyed a post, to share opinions about a post or ask questions related to the post etc it gives the blogger a good indication about whether or not the content they are putting out is right for their readers. It can also spark ideas for future blog posts.

Secondly, the comments sections is an extension of the blog post and so quality comments containing keywords can have a positive impact on SEO.

The Benefits of Blog Commenting

How Blog Commenting Helps SEO Ranking

How Blog Comments Help Increase Traffic and New Visitors

Posting comments on other peoples blog posts is a great way of building relationships with other bloggers and readers. Showing support for other bloggers is always appreciated and with the right comment you could grab the interest of their readers and turn them into followers of your own blog too.

In fact, blog commenting is great for building credibility and driving traffic to your own blog. Readers that like your comment might click through to your blog to find out more about you and your content. 

Best Practices for Blog Commenting

Additional Reading

Blogging

Backlinks: What, How and Why

Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.

Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are an important part of blogging and can make a huge difference in the success of your blog.

For this post we'll be taking a closer look at everything you need to know about backlinks; What they are, how to get them, and why they are important for your blog. 

What are backlinks?

Types of backlinks

How to Get backlinks for your blog

Why backlinks are important