Hi friend, and welcome back to The Brand It, Build It Podcast. I’m so glad you’re here today, because we’re starting something brand new together — a three-part series called SEO Made Simple.

Now, I know SEO can feel like one of those topics that’s confusing, overwhelming, or maybe even intimidating. But my goal is to take away the mystery and give you the tools you need — simply, clearly, and in a way that actually makes sense for your small business.

Over the next three weeks, I’ll be walking you through:

• Part 1: The Basics Every Creative Small Business Owner Needs (that’s today!)
• Part 2: Easy Website Tweaks to Boost Visibility
• Part 3: How to Create Content That Ranks

So let’s dive in.

What SEO Really Is

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. At its heart, SEO is about making sure the right people can find you when they’re searching for the services, products, or expertise you provide.

I like to think of it this way: your website is like a beautiful little shop tucked into a quiet street. SEO is the signage, directions, and word-of-mouth that help people discover it. Without it, your shop might be amazing — but if no one knows how to find it, it’ll stay quiet.

And with the rise of AI search results, like Google’s AI Overviews or even tools like ChatGPT, SEO has become less about chasing rankings and more about being truly helpful. When you write content that clearly answers questions, that’s original, and that’s trustworthy, AI tools are more likely to pull your content into results — giving you visibility in ways we didn’t even have five years ago.

Why SEO Matters — and the Power of AI

So why does this matter for you as a small business owner? Let’s look at a couple quick numbers

• More than half of all website traffic — around 53% — comes from organic search. That means SEO is still the single biggest driver of visitors online.
• But here’s what’s new: in early 2024, Google confirmed that its AI Overviews were showing up for about 84% of search queries. That means AI isn’t replacing SEO — it’s reshaping it. Instead of fighting for just a page-one spot, now your content might be summarized or recommended directly within AI answers.

So the goal is shifting: it’s less about “how do I trick an algorithm?” and more about “how do I genuinely help my ideal client, and present that help in a way search engines — and AI — can understand?”

That’s why starting with strong basics is more important than ever.

Foundational SEO Steps You Can Take

Here are a few basics to focus on first — the things that give you a solid foundation no matter how search evolves.

1. Get clear on your keywords
   • What would your dream client actually type into Google if they were looking for you? Be specific: “family photographer in Dallas studio” will work harder for you than “photographer.”
   • AI systems love clarity too. When your content uses natural, specific language, it’s easier for them to understand and summarize your expertise.
2. Write titles and descriptions that connect
   • Each page of your website has a title tag and a meta description — what shows up in search results. Think of these like little invitations.
   • Don’t just stuff them with keywords. Write them in a way that feels human, helpful, and clear — so your reader wants to click.
3. Create content that’s truly useful
   • Blog posts, service pages, even your FAQ page — these are chances to answer real questions your clients have.
   • The more helpful and original your content is, the more likely AI will pick it up in search summaries.
4. Make it easy to use
   • A site that loads quickly, looks beautiful on mobile, and has clear navigation matters not just to people, but to search engines, too.
   • Google has said repeatedly: if your site frustrates people, it’ll frustrate search engines, too.
5. Set up your free tools
   • Google Analytics and Google Search Console might sound technical, but they’re free and surprisingly user-friendly. They’ll show you how people are finding your site and what’s working.

Looking Ahead in the Series

So that’s where we’ll stop today — the foundation. In Part 2 next week, we’ll dig into simple website tweaks you can make right away to help your visibility — things like image alt text, linking between your own pages, and improving your site speed.

And then in Part 3, we’ll talk about creating content that ranks — not just blogs for the sake of blogs, but meaningful content that draws in the right people and helps your business grow.
If SEO has felt confusing in the past, I hope today gave you a sigh of relief. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to do everything at once. Just start with the basics: clear keywords, thoughtful titles and descriptions, genuinely helpful content, and a user-friendly site.

And remember — as AI becomes a bigger part of search, the businesses who focus on clarity and value will be the ones who stand out.

Thanks for joining me for Part 1 of SEO Made Simple. If you found this helpful, I’d love if you subscribed so you won’t miss Part 2, and maybe even share this episode with a fellow business owner who could use a little SEO encouragement.

Until next time, keep building a business — and a website — you love.