Beginner’s Guide to SEO: How to Get Found Everywhere Online

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So, you’ve probably heard about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for blogs, but did you know it’s just as important for Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram, and other platforms? If you’re trying to stand out in the crowded online world, SEO isn’t just for websites—it’s your secret weapon for getting seen everywhere. Don’t worry; I’ll keep this simple, fun, and beginner-friendly!


What Is SEO, and Why Does It Matter Everywhere?

SEO is like leaving breadcrumbs for search engines (Google, Etsy, Pinterest, etc.) to follow. The better your “breadcrumbs” (keywords, descriptions, tags), the easier it is for people to find you.

Here’s the twist: each platform has its own “search engine,” and they work a little differently. But the basics are the same—use the right words, make your content clear, and show up where your audience is looking.


SEO for Blogs and Websites

If you’re blogging or running a website, you already know the basics:

  1. Keywords: Use the phrases your audience is searching for.
  2. Titles and Meta Descriptions: Make them clear and clickable.
  3. Fast Loading and Mobile-Friendly Design: Google loves speedy, easy-to-use sites.
  4. Content: Create valuable, shareable posts that answer questions or solve problems.

Example: If your audience is looking for “planners for busy moms,” write a blog post like “Top 5 Planners for Moms Who Do It All.”


SEO for Etsy

Etsy works like a search engine for handmade and unique products. Your goal? Match your listings to what shoppers are searching for.

Tips to Optimize Your Etsy Shop:

  1. Titles: Start with descriptive keywords, like “Personalized Dog T-Shirt” or “Boho Wedding Invitation.”
  2. Tags: Use all 13 tags with multi-word phrases. Think of synonyms and regional phrases (e.g., “planner” and “diary”).
  3. Descriptions: Naturally weave in keywords in the first two sentences.
  4. Categories and Attributes: Choose the most specific ones possible—they act like extra tags.
  5. Photos: Use clear, high-quality images and add descriptive alt text.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your keywords based on trends or seasons. For example, “Christmas gift for dog lovers” in December and “Spring outfit for pets” in March.


SEO for Pinterest

Pinterest isn’t just for recipes and DIY ideas—it’s a powerful search engine, especially for product discovery.

How to Shine on Pinterest:

  1. Pin Titles and Descriptions: Use keywords people are searching for, like “Beginner SEO Tips” or “Small Business Marketing Ideas.”
  2. Boards: Create niche-specific boards with keywords in the titles (e.g., “Wedding Inspiration” or “Digital Planners for Busy Moms”).
  3. Hashtags: Add a few related hashtags to boost visibility.
  4. Fresh Pins: Post regularly with eye-catching graphics and relevant keywords.
  5. Alt Text: Add descriptions to your images that include keywords.

Pro Tip: Use Pinterest Trends (a free tool) to see what’s popular and create content around it.


SEO for Instagram

SEO on Instagram? Yup! With people searching for content by keywords and hashtags, it’s essential to make your posts easy to find.

Steps to Optimize Instagram Posts:

  1. Captions: Write engaging captions that naturally include keywords.
    Example: “Feeling cozy in my new handmade shawl collar fleece robe – perfect for chilly mornings!”
  2. Hashtags: Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags (e.g., #HandmadeGifts, #BohoStyle, #MomsWhoPlan).
  3. Alt Text: Instagram has an option to add alt text to images—use it to describe your post with keywords.
  4. Profile Optimization: Include keywords in your bio so people know what you’re about.

Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s search bar to see what terms people are searching for, then use those in your content.


SEO for TikTok

TikTok’s search engine is all about relevance. If you’re making short videos, here’s how to optimize:

  1. Captions: Use clear keywords like “How to Organize Your Life” or “DIY Home Decor.”
  2. Hashtags: Add trending hashtags along with niche-specific ones.
  3. Spoken Words: TikTok’s algorithm picks up on what you say in your videos, so mention your keywords!
  4. Content Ideas: Create “how-to” videos or answer FAQs in your niche.

SEO for YouTube

YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world (after Google), so don’t skip SEO here!

  1. Titles: Make them catchy and keyword-rich (e.g., “How to Start a Passive Income Business”).
  2. Descriptions: Add keywords naturally and link to your website, Etsy shop, or other platforms.
  3. Tags: Use related keywords to help YouTube understand your content.
  4. Thumbnails: Create eye-catching thumbnails with clear text.

Pro Tip: Use YouTube’s autocomplete feature to see what people are searching for in your niche.


SEO: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Here’s the thing: while the basics of SEO apply everywhere, each platform has its quirks. The key is to tailor your strategy to each one while keeping your brand voice consistent.


Quick SEO Checklist for Beginners

  • Blog/Website: Use keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
  • Etsy: Optimize titles, tags, descriptions, and photos with specific keywords.
  • Pinterest: Use keyword-rich descriptions, hashtags, and alt text.
  • Instagram/TikTok: Add keywords to captions, hashtags, and spoken content.
  • YouTube: Focus on catchy titles, detailed descriptions, and relevant tags.

Final Thoughts

SEO isn’t some scary, techy thing—it’s just a way to make sure your amazing content or products don’t get lost in the crowd. Start with one platform, master it, and then expand your SEO magic to others.

Ready to put these tips to work? Let me know what platform you’re focusing on, and I’ll help you tweak your strategy!

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