SEO 101 for Small Business Owners: What I’ve Learned So Far

-

 If you’re anything like me, SEO felt like one of those big, scary, overly complicated things that only tech-savvy people understand. But as I started growing Rise Up Designs, I realized that if I wanted my business to get found online, SEO wasn’t optional.

So, I dove in headfirst. And let me tell you—it’s tricky, but not impossible. I’m still learning, but here’s what I’ve figured out so far about SEO and how it applies to Etsy, blogging, and small business owners like us.

1. SEO = Helping People Find You (Not Just "Gaming the System")

When I first heard the term Search Engine Optimization (SEO), I thought it was all about tricking Google or Etsy into showing my stuff first. Nope. SEO is really just about helping the right people find you.

💡 The goal: Make it as easy as possible for someone searching for exactly what you sell to find your products, blog, or shop.  The trick? Using the right words in the right places.

2. Keywords Are Everything

If you want to show up in searches, you have to use the words people are actually typing in. For example, I used to call my products "glass tumblers with vinyl decals." But guess what? No one was searching for that. They were typing in:

✔️ "Custom glass can tumbler"
✔️ "Personalized iced coffee cup"
✔️ "Aesthetic drinkware gift"

💡 Lesson: Use keyword research tools (Etsy search bar, EverBee, Marmalead, Google Trends) to see what customers are actually searching for. Then, use those words in your product titles, descriptions, and tags.

3. Etsy SEO vs. Blog SEO (They’re Not the Same!)

I quickly learned that SEO works differently on Etsy vs. Google.

✔️ Etsy SEO → Based on relevance + recency + engagement. Your listing title, description, and tags matter, but so do how many people click, favorite, or buy your product.

✔️ Google SEO (for my blog) → Google looks at keywords, page quality, backlinks, and how long people stay on my blog. (Aka, I need to keep people interested and engaged!).

💡 Lesson: Tailor your SEO strategy for each platform. What works on Etsy won’t necessarily work on your blog (and vice versa!).

4. Descriptions & Tags Matter More Than You Think

I used to think titles were the most important thing. But on Etsy and Google, your descriptions and tags are just as powerful.

For Etsy:

  • Use long, descriptive titles. Example: “Custom Glass Can Tumbler – Iced Coffee Cup – Aesthetic Gift for Her”
  • Repeat keywords naturally in your description. Etsy reads this!
  • Use all 13 tags with different keyword variations.

For Blogging:

  • Use keywords in headings & throughout the post. (But don’t overdo it—Google hates keyword stuffing!)
  • Add alt text to images so they show up in Google Image Search.
  • Write naturally—SEO is important, but your blog should still sound like YOU.

💡 Lesson: Your descriptions and tags are prime real estate—use them wisely!

5. Pinterest = An SEO Goldmine

Here’s something I didn’t expect: Pinterest is a search engine, not just a social media platform. I started creating Pinterest pins for my products and blog posts, and guess what? Traffic started increasing!

💡 Lesson: If you’re not using Pinterest for your business yet, start now.

6. SEO Takes Time (So Be Patient!)

This was the hardest part for me. I wanted instant results. I thought, "I used keywords! Where are my sales?!" But SEO is a long game. Google and Etsy take time to index content. The more consistent I am, the better my results get over time.

💡 Lesson: Keep improving your listings, keep blogging, and keep learning. SEO success doesn’t happen overnight—but it DOES happen!

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

SEO isn’t as scary as it seems once you break it down into steps:

✅ Use the right keywords (the ones customers are actually searching for).
✅ Optimize descriptions & tags (they matter more than you think).
✅ Tailor SEO strategies to different platforms (Etsy, blogging, Pinterest—they all work differently).
✅ Be patient & consistent.

I’m still learning, but every tweak I make helps my business grow. And if I can figure it out, so can you!  Are you working on SEO for your business? What’s the most confusing part? Drop a comment & let’s chat!

📌 Shop my designs here 🛒

Until next time,
Jecca

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My First Sale - That wasn't a friend or family member.

-
There comes a moment in every small business owner’s journey that feels like a rite of passage. No, I’m not talking about picking the perfect logo or finally figuring out how to price your products without second-guessing yourself (although those are both real struggles). I’m talking about The First Sale. Not the “Oh, honey, I’ll buy one” from your mom. Not the “I love your work! Do you take Venmo?” from your bestie. Not even the “I’ll support your business!” purchase from your cousin who still owes you money from 2009. I mean the first REAL sale —from a complete stranger. Someone who doesn’t share your last name, isn’t in your group chat, and gasp actually wants what you made! How It Happened So, there I was, minding my own business (literally), when I got The Notification. You know the one. 📩 Cha-ching! You’ve made a sale! At first, I assumed it was my sister or a coworker trying to be sneaky. But when I checked the order details… I didn’t recognize the name. I blinked. Could...
Read more

✨ Flex Friday: Fiesta, Family & a Sparkly Little CEO in Training ✨

-
Sometimes the biggest wins don’t come from big crowds or big booths… They come from a two-hour craft fair at an elementary school , under paper flowers, surrounded by community, family, and the unexpected magic of handmade joy. This week’s flex? A Fiesta-themed event hosted by my niece Gracie’s school , and y’all — it ended up being everything. Gracie, the Accidental CEO 👧🏻✨ Knowing she might get a little bored, I brought Gracie some silicone beads to play with while she sat at my booth. You know, just something to keep her busy. Cut to: Gracie crafting up the cutest little keychains you’ve ever seen , and casually laying them out on the table like she’s been doing markets for years. No sign. No price. Just sitting there being adorable. Then it happened… A woman walked by, picked one up and said, “Oh my gosh… these keychains are BEAUTIFUL!” 😍 I blinked. Gracie blinked. I said, “Yep! They’re for sale!” ( Internally: Are they? They are now. ) The lady BOUGHT it. Gra...
Read more

🔍 Flex Friday: 3 Things That Helped My Etsy Listings Get Found

-
 Let’s talk about something that every shop owner stresses over at some point: “How do I get my listings SEEN on Etsy?” When I first launched Rise Up Designs, I spent hours creating products — tumblers, wraps, keychains — and then stared at my stats wondering why no one was finding them. 😩 Sound familiar? Now, I’m not saying I cracked the Etsy algorithm (I wish! 😂), but I have figured out a few key moves that made a difference in getting found — and getting sales. So for today’s Flex Friday, I’m sharing 3 real things that helped my listings show up more consistently. 1️⃣ Get serious about your titles Your title isn’t just a description — it’s a search tool. I used to write cutesy or vague titles, but now I start by thinking: 💡 What would my ideal customer type into the search bar? Example: Instead of “Sparkle Teacher Cup” I go with:  Teacher Tumbler with Straw – Back to School Gift – Glitter Glass Can – Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea It may sound less poetic, b...
Read more