In this episode, I’m sharing why simple SEO tests can make a big difference—and why what works for someone else’s site might not work for yours. If your traffic’s dipping or you’re just looking to get more out of the content you already have, this one’s for you. I’m walking you through why SEO testing is worth the effort and how to get started with super simple ideas. Have fun!
Resources
- SEO Power Up Plan™
- Diib – SEO Tool
- Being Nice to Avoid Conflict Isn’t Nice, It’s Controlling – Here’s Why – Terri Cole
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What’s up, buttercup? If SEO has ever felt like a mystery or something you just “kind of know you should do,” but aren’t really sure how to test what’s working… this one’s for you.
Let’s talk about SEO testing—because what works for one business might not work for another. It’s not about copying what someone else did and hoping for the best. It’s about being strategic and curious enough to test what makes your content perform better.
Real Talk: Does Adding a YouTube Video Help SEO?
You may have heard that adding a YouTube video to your blog posts helps SEO. Some seasoned pros swear by it. So naturally, I put it to the test.
One client had a blog post that was slipping in traffic. We removed the embedded YouTube video just to see what would happen—and traffic went up. Win.
So I thought, let’s try the same on one of my posts. I took off a short intro video that wasn’t doing much, and… nothing. No change. It didn’t hurt, but it didn’t help either.
That’s why testing is so important. SEO advice is not one-size-fits-all.
Here are five simple SEO elements you can test on your own website:
1. Page Titles & Descriptions
This is one of the easiest and most effective things you can test.
We’re talking about the SEO page title (the text that shows up in search results) and the meta description (the snippet of text beneath it).
Most platforms default to using your blog post title as the SEO title, followed by your website name. But you can edit that—and you should. Try switching up your titles or writing a more compelling description to encourage clicks.
This alone can take a page from Page 2 in Google to Page 1.
2. Blog Intros & Tables of Contents
These two go hand-in-hand because they affect how long someone stays on your page.
If your bounce rate is creeping up (generally, under 30% is considered good), your blog post intro might not be doing its job. Test a new hook. Ask a better question. Give them a reason to scroll.
Also, consider testing your table of contents. I once replaced a manual version with a fancy dropdown menu—and… again, no change. But I kept it because it improves usability on a very long post. Some tests are worth doing even if they don’t impact traffic, because they make things better for your reader.
3. Personalized or Interactive Elements
Grab an old blog post and ask: Can I make this more “me”?
- Add a client story
- Include a brand-specific image
- Share a quote or infographic
- Embed a quiz
These small additions are yours—they’re unlikely to be duplicated elsewhere online. This kind of unique content boosts time on site and user experience.
4. Image Optimization
This is an overlooked SEO opportunity for a lot of websites. If you’re skipping this step, you’re probably leaving traffic on the table.
Pick a page that’s missing some image love and optimize those files. Here’s how:
- File name: Rename the image to include your target keyword (e.g., instead of
IMG_1234.jpg, tryinterior-design-portfolio.jpg). - Alt text: Write a descriptive sentence that includes your keyword (if it fits naturally) for accessibility and SEO.
- Sizing: Resize your images to fit the display area (ideally 2x for high-res screens), which improves load time and performance.
This kind of test helps with page speed, rankings, and overall user experience.
5. Content Enhancements
Find a blog post that could use a refresh. Then:
- Add an FAQ section (pro tip: look at the “People Also Ask” box on Google for your keyword)
- Include block quotes or pull quotes
- Insert a custom infographic
- Answer follow-up questions your readers may have
These additions can boost how long people stay on the page and signal more relevance to search engines.
How Long Should You Wait Before Testing Again?
A good rule of thumb: wait at least two weeks before expecting to see meaningful results. Sometimes I let it run longer, depending on the project. There’s no one magic number—it depends on what you’re testing and how much traffic the page gets.
If it’s something like changing a button color or headline, you might see results faster—sometimes even in a day or two. But content-based SEO changes usually need more time.
And here’s the thing: not all changes will produce big, dramatic shifts. But over time, these small optimizations stack up in your favor.
If SEO still feels like a foreign language and you’re ready for more traffic and leads, check out my SEO Power-Up Plan. It’s a personalized service that shows you exactly what traffic you’re missing out on—and how that missed traffic connects to sales. You’ll walk away knowing what’s working, what’s not, and where the opportunities lie.
The Takeaway
Testing is a game-changer. Pick one of the strategies above, run your own experiment, and see what happens. Then, let me know how it goes. You can connect with me on Instagram, drop a note through my website, or comment if you’re reading this on a platform that lets you.
Test one thing. See what shifts. Rinse and repeat.
