Podcast

If the word “SEO” makes your eyes glaze over or sends you into a Google rabbit hole trying to figure out meta descriptions and keywords—this post is for you.

In a recent Inspired by Design podcast episode, I sat down with Caitlin Christensen, the brilliant mind behind Creative SEO Coach. Caitlin is an SEO expert, Showit strategist, and the go-to girl for making SEO actually make sense (yes, even for the non-techy creative business owners out there).

Whether you’ve just launched your website or you’ve been blogging for years with no idea why your traffic feels flat, Caitlin broke it all down in a way that was refreshingly simple, totally doable, and—dare I say—exciting?

In this post, I’m recapping the key takeaways from our conversation so you can finally stop putting SEO on the back burner and start optimizing your online presence in a way that feels aligned and approachable.

So, What Is SEO, Really?

Let’s start with the basics. According to Caitlin, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is really just a fancy way of saying, “helping your content get found.”

And while the algorithm might sound intimidating, Caitlin reassures us that if you’re creating value-driven content and your site is set up with intention, you’re already halfway there.

The First 3 Things to Do After Launching Your Website

If your site is live but you haven’t done anything “SEO-specific” yet, don’t panic. Caitlin recommends starting with these three foundational steps:

1. Submit Your Site to Google

You can do this through Google Search Console, which helps Google index your site and understand what it’s about. It’s free and incredibly valuable for tracking what keywords you’re ranking for.

2. Check Your Page Speed

Use PageSpeed Insights to analyze your website’s loading time. A slow site can hurt your rankings and frustrate your visitors—so it’s worth optimizing images and checking for unnecessary code.

3. Write Keyword-Rich Page Titles and Descriptions

These are what show up on Google results. Your homepage, about page, and service pages should all have clear, keyword-friendly titles and meta descriptions that describe who you help and what you do.

Why SEO Looks Different for Creative + Service-Based Businesses

Caitlin specializes in helping Showit users and creative entrepreneurs, so she gets that we’re not selling products on Etsy or Amazon—we’re selling services, skills, and connection.

For creatives, she says, SEO is more about visibility than high-volume traffic. You don’t need thousands of clicks—you need the right few people who are searching for exactly what you offer.

That’s why she focuses on intentional content creation—writing pages and blog posts with purpose, clarity, and keyword strategy. Think less “trying to beat the algorithm,” more “getting found by your dream client.”

Blogging Still Matters—Here’s How to Make It Work

Yes, blogging still matters—and no, it doesn’t have to be exhausting.

Caitlin encourages service-based business owners to use blogs as a tool to build trust and answer real questions your audience is searching for. But here’s the key: stop writing for yourself and start writing for your potential client.

Ask yourself:

• What are my clients Googling before they hire someone like me?
• What problems are they trying to solve?
• What do they need to know to move forward?

Then, write blog posts that solve those problems. Educate, inspire, and gently guide them toward your offer.

And remember, consistency beats perfection. One optimized blog post a month is better than ten rushed ones that miss the mark.

SEO on Showit vs. Other Platforms

If you’re a Showit user, you’re in luck—Caitlin is a Showit strategist and shares that the platform is very SEO-friendly when used right.

While Showit is more design-forward than some others (hello beautiful custom layouts!), it still integrates with WordPress for blogging and allows for full control over page titles, descriptions, and on-page content.

The main differences?

• Showit sites require more intentional backend setup (especially with blog URLs and image alt text)
• But they give you more creative freedom without sacrificing search performance—when you know how to use it

With her clients, Caitlin often finds that Showit sites outperform others once they’re properly optimized because they’re built to convert and connect—which Google loves.

How to Prioritize on a Budget

You don’t need to drop thousands on a strategist to start seeing results.

Caitlin shared some great ways to DIY your SEO, especially when you’re in a season of building momentum:

Free & Low-Cost SEO Tips:

• Download her Free SEO Checklist to start optimizing your site one step at a time.
• Use Google Search Console to track real-time keyword data and find content opportunities.
• Focus on writing evergreen blog posts that stay relevant over time and help build your authority.
• Don’t forget your image alt text and URL slugs—those little details add up!

And if you want to outsource eventually, Caitlin offers one-on-one SEO audits and services so you can get personalized support without the overwhelm.

Caitlin’s Resources to Support Your SEO Journey

Ready to dive deeper? Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:

• Free SEO Checklist – the perfect place to start
• PageSpeed Insights – check your website speed
• Google Search Console – monitor how your site shows up on Google
• Creative SEO Coach Services – done-for-you and done-with-you SEO options
• Creative Designer Directory – a curated space for creative pros to get found

Final Thoughts: SEO Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll figure out SEO later,” consider this your sign to take the first step now.

SEO isn’t just for tech bros or huge businesses—it’s for you, the creative, the coach, the service provider with something meaningful to share. And it doesn’t require perfection, just intention.

By learning how to show up where your people are already searching, you build a sustainable foundation for your brand—one that doesn’t rely on the algorithm gods or 24/7 content creation.

With the right tools, a little strategy, and support like Caitlin’s, you’ll be amazed at how SEO can start working for you—quietly but powerfully.

🎧 Ready to dive into the full episode?
Tune into Episode 39 of Inspired by Design:
“How to Make Google Love You: SEO Tips with Caitlin Christensen” wherever you listen to podcasts