Welcome back to The Brand It, Build It Podcast. I’m your host, Kelly Zugay, and I’m so glad you’re here. Today we’re wrapping up our three-part series, SEO Made Simple, with a simple, practical approach to creating content that helps your business get found online.

If you’ve been following along, you already know: SEO isn’t about algorithms or keywords — it’s about clarity, connection, and genuinely helping your audience. In Part 1, we covered the basics every business owner should know. In Part 2, we talked about small website tweaks that make a big difference. And today, in Part 3, we’re focusing on how to create content that ranks — step by step, in a way that feels simple and doable.

Start with your dream client.

Before you think about keywords or titles, picture your dream client. Imagine them sitting across from you, maybe with a cup of coffee in hand, asking you a question they’re genuinely curious about. What would you say? What are the questions you find yourself answering again and again?

That’s exactly where your best content ideas come from.

If you’re a photographer, maybe it’s “What should we wear for our family photos?” If you’re a designer, it might be “How do I choose brand colors that feel timeless?” Or if you’re an interior designer, “What size rug do I need for my living room?”

When you start by answering a real question, your content automatically becomes helpful — and that’s what search engines and readers both love.

Choose one clear topic and phrase.

Once you’ve chosen a topic, think about how your dream client would search for it. Keep it specific. Instead of “family photos,” try “what to wear for family photos in Dallas.” Instead of “brand fonts,” try “best font pairings for luxury brand design.”

That one simple phrase becomes the thread that ties your post together. Use it naturally in your title, your first paragraph, and once or twice throughout your post. You don’t need to repeat it constantly — just write the way you’d speak to a friend.

Write like you’re having a conversation.

The best blog posts sound like real people talking. Try starting your post with something friendly and relatable, like:

“If you’re wondering what to wear for your Dallas engagement photos, you’re in the right place. I’ve photographed dozens of couples here, and I’m sharing my favorite tips to help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.”

See how simple that is? It’s warm, clear, and helpful — exactly what both your readers and search engines want.

From there, break your post into easy sections. Use short headings like “Choose colors that complement your location” or “Plan one outfit that feels like you.” This helps readers skim, and it helps Google understand your structure.

Add links that guide your reader.

Whenever you mention something helpful, link to it.

If you reference a location, link to its website.
If you mention your portfolio or services, link to those pages.
If you share resources or freebies, link to those too.

Think of your links as gentle handshakes — helping your visitor explore more of your website and spend more time learning from you. That’s great for user experience and great for SEO.

Use photos with purpose.

Photos make your content more engaging, but they also play a role in helping your site get found.

Before you upload a photo, rename the file something descriptive like “family-photos-dallas-white-rock-lake.jpg” instead of “IMG_1234.” Add a short alt text like “Family of four during fall photo session at White Rock Lake in Dallas.”

These little details tell Google — and your visitors — what your image is about and can even help your photos appear in image search results.

End with a clear next step.

Every piece of content should gently guide your reader toward what to do next.

You could say something like:
“If you’re newly engaged and ready to plan your session, I’d love to help you capture this season. Click here to inquire.”

Or:
“Download my free engagement session checklist to start planning your photos.”

A clear next step keeps the connection going and helps turn new visitors into clients or subscribers.

Keep it simple and consistent.

If SEO has ever felt overwhelming, remember this: it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to publish a new blog post every week or master every strategy.

Start with one helpful post this month. Answer one real question your clients are already asking. Use clear language, add a few thoughtful links, and give your reader a next step.

That’s the foundation of great content — and it’s exactly what helps your business grow.

The SEO Made Simple Series

If you remember one thing from this entire series, let it be this: SEO is really about helping. Helping your dream clients find answers, make decisions, and feel confident hiring you.

When you focus on being clear and consistent, SEO starts to feel less like a mystery and more like a natural part of your business.

Thank you so much for joining me for this three-part series, SEO Made Simple. I hope you feel more confident creating a website — and content — that truly works for you.

If you found this series helpful, I’d love if you subscribed or shared it with a fellow business owner who could use a little SEO encouragement.

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