SEO often feels like a mysterious art, shrouded in algorithm updates and ever-changing advice. We’ve all seen the endless lists of “must-do” tricks, but do they really move the needle? To find out, our team at The Search Equation selected five of the most recommended SEO strategies and put them to the test over 30 days. The goal was simple: implement each trick as faithfully as possible, monitor the results, and separate hype from genuine impact.

The 5 SEO Tricks We Tested

• Deep Keyword Research & Strategic Targeting
• On-Page Optimisation (Titles, Meta Descriptions, Headers)
• Internal Linking Structure
• Content Upgrades & Refreshes
• Backlink Outreach Campaign

Each tactic was chosen for its reputation and accessibility; you don’t need to be a marketing tech freelancer wizard to try these, just consistent and methodical.

Trick #1: Deep Keyword Research & Strategic Targeting

We started with a comprehensive keyword audit, using tools like SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner. Our goal was to find high-intent keywords with realistic ranking potential. We analysed what our competitors were ranking for and looked for “content gaps”—valuable topics we hadn’t addressed.

Result: By refining our keyword list and weaving these terms naturally into our content, we saw a modest uptick in impressions and clicks within the first two weeks. It wasn’t explosive, but the foundation was set for sustainable growth.

Trick #2: On-Page Optimisation

Next, we revamped our on-page elements: clear, concise page titles, compelling meta descriptions, and a logical hierarchy of headers (H1, H2, H3). We ensured each page had a unique title and meta description optimised for our target keywords.

Result: This trick yielded noticeable improvements. Our click-through rate (CTR) from Google Search Console increased by 12%, and a few pages crept higher in the rankings. The key? Making each snippet irresistible and accurate—no keyword stuffing, just clarity and value.

Trick #3: Internal Linking Structure

We mapped out our website and created a plan for strong internal linking. This meant connecting relevant articles and pages together with descriptive anchor text, helping search engines understand how our content fits together.

Result: Bounce rates dropped by 8%, and users spent more time on site. Internal links not only distribute “SEO juice” but also keep readers engaged, guiding them to related resources. Google rewarded these changes with improved crawl rates.

Trick #4: Content Upgrades & Refreshes

We identified older blog posts that were slipping in rankings and gave them a facelift: updated stats, clearer formatting, new images, and expanded sections addressing fresh questions from our audience.

Result: Two of our previously declining posts bounced back into the top 10 for their target keywords. The process reminded us that SEO isn’t just about new content—sometimes, it’s about breathing new life into what you already have.

Trick #5: Backlink Outreach Campaign

Armed with a list of high-quality sites in our niche, we crafted personalised pitches, offering to contribute guest posts or share our expertise in exchange for links. We focused on building genuine relationships rather than spamming inboxes.

Result: This was the hardest trick by far, but it paid off. We secured three quality backlinks, and our domain authority nudged up. More importantly, we built connections that may benefit future campaigns.

What Didn’t Work (and What Surprised Us)

Not every trick was a home run. At times, progress felt slow, and some keyword targets remained stubbornly out of reach. The biggest surprise was how interconnected these tactics are—optimising one area often benefits another. For example, better internal linking made our refreshed content even more discoverable.

Lessons Learned

• Consistency trumps intensity. Small, regular improvements compound over time.
• The basics—on-page and internal linking—still matter most.
• Building backlinks requires patience and persistence, with no shortcuts.
• Refreshing old content can be as powerful as publishing new articles.

Conclusion

Our 30-day SEO experiment reinforced a timeless truth: there are no silver bullets, just proven strategies executed well. By focusing on these five tricks, we achieved measurable gains in traffic, engagement, and rankings. The journey is ongoing, but our results prove that anyone—armed with the right tactics and a dash of perseverance—can climb the SEO ladder.