What's a Good SEO Score? (And Why You're Probably Obsessing Over the Wrong Numbers)

What’s a Good SEO Score? (And Why You’re Probably Obsessing Over the Wrong Numbers)

by
  • SEO scores vary by tool, and a “good” score is more about improvement than hitting a perfect number.  
  • Obsessing over SEO scores can distract from critical actions like content quality and user experience.  
  • Focus on measurable outcomes, such as traffic, rankings, and conversions, instead of vanity SEO metrics.  

Introduction

If you’ve ever used an SEO (search engine optimisation) tool, you might have noticed those comforting or nerve-wracking, scores popping up like the grades of a high-pressure exam. “Is 70 good? Should I aim for 85? Why isn’t it 100 yet?” Sound familiar? It’s easy to get obsessed with these numbers, but here’s the truth: a good SEO score isn’t just about hitting a magic number. In fact, you’re probably wasting time counting points when you should be focusing on actions that really move the needle.

Let’s unpack what SEO scores really mean, why they can be misleading, and how you can focus on what matters most to your business and website.

1. What Is an SEO Score Anyway?

What Is an SEO Score Anyway?

SEO scores are generated by tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, and Google’s Lighthouse. Each tool uses a mix of factors to evaluate your site’s health, including:

  • Site speed  
  • Mobile optimisation  
  • On-page content quality and structure  
  • Technical SEO factors like metadata and internal linking  
  • Backlink profile strength  

These tools crunch these elements into a percentage or point system, giving you a snapshot of your site’s SEO health.

Key point: Different tools calculate scores differently. A 75 on one tool isn’t always the same as 75 on another.

2. Why Obsessing Over SEO Scores Can Backfire

Imagine trying to hit a perfect SEO score of 100. Sounds great, but:

  • Background noise: SEO tools tend to flag recommendations that vary in importance. Fixing every minor issue might take hours, with little to no real-world effect.  
  • Diminishing returns: After a certain point, improvements in score become very technical and rarely translate to better rankings or user experience.  
  • Overlooking essentials: Focusing solely on the score might distract you from creating compelling content, improving user experience, or building quality backlinks.  

Consider this: A study by BrightEdge showed that 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine, meaning good SEO practice is vital. However, not all SEO work is equal, prioritising the right work matters more than chasing perfect scores.

3. What Should You Focus On Instead?

Prioritise Results Over Scores  

  • Organic traffic: Is your website bringing visitors? An increase here usually reflects positive SEO impact.  
  • Keyword rankings: Are you climbing the ranks for important keywords? This shows your content is relevant and authoritative.  
  • Conversions and engagement: Are visitors taking desired actions, such as buying, signing up, or contacting you?  

User Experience Is Your Secret Weapon  

Google loves sites with smooth navigation, fast loading times, and mobile friendliness. Focus your efforts here, as these areas significantly impact your rankings and keep users happy.

Tip: Use Google Analytics and Search Console alongside your SEO tools to get a fuller picture beyond just scores.

4. How to Use SEO Scores Effectively

SEO scores are useful tools, just don’t let them hijack your strategy. Here’s how:

  • Use scores as starting points: Let them highlight obvious issues like broken links or missing tags.  
  • Track progress, not perfection: An improving score means you are on the right track; a static score with growing traffic might mean your foundation is solid.  
  • Focus on the bigger picture: Use SEO scores alongside business goals. Does better SEO lead to better sales or leads for you?  

5. Should You DIY SEO or Hire a Pro?

If you love rolling up your sleeves, learning, and implementing SEO, by all means, DIY. Tools and resources abound, making it accessible. But beware: SEO has technical, creative, and strategic layers. If you find yourself stuck or not seeing results despite efforts, a professional agency can:

  • Prioritise the right fixes and strategies  
  • Save you time and effort  
  • Provide expertise on ever-changing search engine algorithms  
  • Deliver measurable business outcomes rather than just scores  

Final Thoughts

In the world of SEO, perfection is an illusion, but progress is a reality. A “good” SEO score is one that moves you forward, not a number that makes you obsessed or stuck. Focus on the things that matter: great content, fast and friendly user experiences, relevant keywords, and clear business goals.

Remember, that SEO score is just a compass, not your destination.

Need help making sense of those numbers or want a customised SEO strategy? Feel free to reach out. We love turning complicated SEO puzzles into practical, profitable plans.

By keeping your eyes on real results instead of just scores, you’ll build a stronger, more effective online presence. Cheers to smart, stress-free SEO!