5 SEO Tips for the Non-Tech Savvy
How to help your dream clients find you on Google.
If the term "SEO" makes you want to close your laptop and head for the lake, you aren't alone. For many small business owners and creators, Search Engine Optimization feels like a dark art reserved for Silicon Valley coders. You might think, "I’m just a freelancer in Minnesota," or "I’m just a blogger sharing my journey—Google doesn't care about me."
But here is the secret: SEO is simply the act of being helpful. Google’s entire job is to match a person’s question with the best possible answer. When you optimize your website, you aren’t "gaming the system"—you are just making it easier for your dream client to find the solution you already provide. Here is how to handle the basics without the tech headache.
Think From Your Dream Clients Perspective
You do not need a complicated keyword list. Simply put yourself in the shoes of your dream client. What are they typing into Google at 11pm, when they’re feeling overwhelmed and need help with?
What You Need To Do:
Utilize keywords such as your title, what you do, what your business agency does. Utilize 3-5 long-tail phrases that describe exactly what you do and where you do it. Sprinkle these long-tail phrases throughout your website naturally.
"Alt-Text"
Google is incredibly smart, but it can’t "see" images the way we do. If you upload a beautiful photo of a lakeside home office and name it IMG_1234.jpg, Google has no idea what it is, therefore is unable to drive potential clients to your website.
What You Need To Do:
Every time you upload an image, fill out the "Alt-Text" box in your website editor. Describe the photo using one of your keywords. For example: "Minimalist Freelance Website Designer Minnesota." From that, Google can now "read" your photos and index them appropriately.
Your "Meta Description" is Your Elevator Pitch
Next time you search for something, notice the small blurb underneath the website title, this is the Meta Description. Essentially, it’s your 160-character elevator pitch to convince someone to click.
What You Need To Do:
Don't leave this blank! Most platforms (like Squarespace or Showit) have a specific box for this. Write a clear, punchy sentence that mentions what you offer and who you serve.
Consistency Over Complexity
Google loves a website that is "alive." If you haven't updated your site in a year, the search engine assumes your information might be out of date.
What You Need To Do:
Consider posting a blog once or twice a month. I recommend creating a blog capsule. This is a minimalist content marketing framework. You’ll create 12-24 versatile blogs related to your business. Schedule them out over the year. This will help drive traffic (through SEO) to your website. Every post is a new opportunity to rank on Google for a specific topic.
Mobile Speed Matters
Google prioritizes websites that load quickly and look great on mobile phones. If your site is slow, Google will move it further down the list to protect the user experience.
What You Need To Do:
Optimize your images (no massive 5MB files - PLEASE), use a reliable hosting provider (my favorite - Squarespace), and keep your plugins to a minimum. Speed is the first impression to a potential client. I can’t tell you how many times I have left a website, because it takes too long to download the home page.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to be a technical genius to include SEO on your website. You just need clarity and consistency. When you focus on providing value to your dream clients the search engines will naturally take notice.
SEO isn't a one-time project; it’s a slow-burn strategy that builds over time.
Website Design Resources to Check Out
Branding Toolkit: 25 color palettes with font pairings and logo suggestions. Choose & launch.
Squarespace Playbook: 44-page digital download with steps to launch your Squarespace Website.
Big Cat Creative’s Squarespace Website Templates: Customize a template to launch faster!
Pinterest Wealth Academy: Learn how to market your business through Pinterest, rather than always feeling “On” through Social Media.
From My Home to Yours
You can always keep up with the products I’m bringing into our home. I have an Amazon Storefront of all the things by category, to keep my favorite items organized for you. Feel free to browse around, and see if there is anything you might find useful in your own home. I do make a small commission from purchases at no cost to you (affiliate disclaimer).
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