How to Do Basic SEO (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
A Beginner-Friendly Guide for DIY Website Builders
If you’ve built your own website using Squarespace or Shopify, you’ve already taken a huge step toward building a business you’re proud of. But if you're wondering why your site isn't showing up on Google or bringing in new clients, it might be missing one key ingredient: basic SEO practices. Don’t worry—you do not need to become a tech expert. In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how to do basic SEO in simple and actionable steps made for DIY website builders. Whether you are launching a side hustle or growing your small business, this guide will help you get your site seen by the people who need it most.
Summary: What Is Basic SEO and How to Do It
Basic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the foundation for getting your website seen by potential clients through search engines like Google. In this post, we walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner—from what SEO actually means to how to apply it to your Squarespace or Shopify site. You’ll learn how to choose the right website platform, use keywords effectively, optimize your page titles and image alt text, improve mobile usability, and create internal links that guide visitors through your site. We also cover how blogging and consistent content can boost your visibility long term. This guide is built specifically for DIY website builders and side hustlers ready to turn their online space into a respected, traffic-generating business.
What Is Basic SEO?
Basic SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it’s the process of making your website easier for Google (and your potential clients) to find. If your site isn’t showing up in search results, it’s likely missing a few SEO essentials.
When you're just getting started, basic SEO usually includes:
Using the right keywords (the words your audience is actually searching for)
Optimizing your page titles and descriptions
Writing useful, clear website copy
Compressing and naming your images correctly
Structuring your website so it’s easy to navigate
Making sure your site is mobile friendly
These are simple things that can make a big difference in how your site performs—especially if you’re trying to get organic traffic.
Step 1: Choose the Right Website Builder
We design websites on Squarespace for a reason—it’s beginner friendly, SEO capable, and clean by default. That said, if you’re running a larger shop or want advanced eCommerce tools, Shopify might be a better fit. Just know that it has a steeper learning curve and may require more customization to look exactly how you want.
My recommendation:
Use Squarespace if you're a service-based business or want simplicity with built-in SEO tools
Use Shopify if you're focused on eCommerce and plan to scale your online store
Need help choosing or switching? Check out my Website in a Week packages.
Step 2: Add Keywords in the Right Places
To get found, you need to use the words your audience is searching for—these are called keywords. For example, if you're a wedding photographer in Boise, your keywords might be:
Boise wedding photographer
best photographer for elopements
wedding photography packages Idaho
Add these keywords to:
Your page titles (what shows up in browser tabs)
Your meta descriptions (the preview text under the title in Google)
Headings (like the H1 and H2s)
The body text of your pages and blog posts
If you're feeling stuck on what to write, try filling out this free resource: The Homepage Blueprint. It’ll help you clarify your messaging and place keywords where they matter.
Step 3: Optimize Your Images
This is an easy one DIY-ers skip, but it’s crucial. Google can’t “see” images, so you need to describe them in the alt text. This helps with both SEO and accessibility.
Here’s what to do:
Name your image files clearly before uploading (ex: "boise-brand-designer.jpg")
Add short, descriptive alt text (ex: “Custom branding design for small business in Boise”)
Compress your images using tools like TinyPNG to make your site load faster
Step 4: Add Internal Links
Internal linking means connecting different pages on your website through hyperlinks. This keeps visitors engaged and helps Google understand the structure of your site.
You’ll see it in action throughout this post. For example, I linked to:
My Website Design Services page
My Website in a Week package
My free guide The Homepage Blueprint
Use links naturally—just like you’re guiding someone through your site.
Step 5: Make Sure Your Website is Mobile Friendly
Over half of your site visitors are likely browsing from their phones. Google knows this, so it prioritizes websites that are mobile responsive.
Here’s how to check:
Visit your site on your phone—are things readable, clickable, and loading quickly?
Try Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test Tool
All custom websites built by Bear Design Company are designed mobile-first. If your site isn’t, it might be time for a redesign.
Step 6: Stay Consistent With Your Content
Publishing helpful, keyword-rich blog posts regularly is one of the best long-term SEO strategies. If you're not blogging yet, start with once or twice a month.
Need a topic? Try writing a post around questions your clients always ask—like how to book with you, how to prep for a session, or what makes your service different.
You can also check out my blog for inspiration: Visit the Blog
You Don’t Need to Do It All At Once
Basic SEO is about building good habits over time. If you’re a small business owner or mama running things solo, give yourself grace. Tackle one section at a time. Keep showing up. Your website can start bringing in traffic—and I’d love to help.
If you want support building a high-converting, SEO-friendly site, get in touch here. I work with small businesses and women entrepreneurs to create websites that look beautiful and work hard behind the scenes.
