SEO Revamp: Are You Using Search Engine Optimization Correctly?

If you’re running a handmade or craft business, chances are you’ve heard of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It’s that magical term that promises to boost your visibility on the vast ocean of the internet.

But let’s be real—understanding SEO can feel like trying to knit a sweater while riding a unicycle. Not impossible, but definitely challenging. 

So, grab your favorite cup of tea (or coffee if you’re feeling spicy), and let’s dive into the world of SEO to see if you’re using it correctly—or if it’s time for a little revamp!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What is SEO, Anyway?

Before we go on a whirlwind tour of optimization tips, let’s break down what Search Engine Optimization really is. Simply put, SEO is the practice of enhancing your website so that search engines—like Google—can easily find and rank it.

Imagine you’re selling at a craft fair, but if your booth is hidden in a dark alley – no one will discover your incredible handmade earrings. SEO is a sign at the entrance to the fair, showing all potential customers exactly where your booth is!

The Importance of SEO for Craft Businesses

If you’re selling handmade items online, you’re likely competing against a sea of other sellers. Good SEO helps ensure that when someone searches for “handmade pottery,” your beautiful creations pop up in their search results. 

More visibility means more potential customers—and isn’t that what we all want?

But before you start haphazardly tossing keywords around like confetti, let’s explore some crucial aspects to consider for a successful SEO revamp.

1. Know Your Audience

Before you start optimizing, it’s essential to know who you’re trying to reach. Think of your Perfect Customer: What do they like? What problems do they want to solve? What words are they typing into search engines when they’re looking for products like yours?

Create Perfect Customer personas that include demographics, interests, and pain points. This foundational step will guide your SEO strategy and ensure that you’re speaking directly to those who are most likely to buy your handmade creations.

If you’re stuck on this first step, check out my Marketing School for Makers membership. I go in depth into finding your Perfect Customer, then crafting a marketing strategy that leads to more sales. 

Action Step: Keyword Research

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find relevant keywords. 

Focus on long-tail keywords, which are phrases that are more specific and usually less competitive. For example, instead of just “jewelry,” try “handmade silver earrings for sensitive ears.” 

These longer phrases may have lower search volumes, but they often lead to higher conversion rates because they target more specific queries.

2. Search Engine Optimization for Your Website

Now that you have your keywords, let’s talk about your website. It should be user-friendly, fast, and, of course, optimized for search engines. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

A. Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Your title tags (the clickable headlines in search results) and meta descriptions (the short blurb below the title) should include your main keywords. These elements give search engines and potential customers a snapshot of what your page is about. Make them catchy—this is your chance to hook your audience!

B. Use Header Tags Wisely

Break your content into easily digestible sections using header tags (H1, H2, H3). This not only makes it easier for visitors to read, but it also helps search engines understand the structure of your content.

C. Alt Text for Images

Since you’re in the handmade business, your visuals are key. Search engines can’t “see” images, so use alt text to describe what’s in your photos. This helps with search engine optimization and makes your site more accessible. Plus, it’s another opportunity to sprinkle in those keywords!

D. Mobile Optimization

More people are shopping on their phones than ever before. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. If it takes ages to load or isn’t easy to navigate on a phone, potential customers will likely bounce back to the search results faster than you can say “craft fair.”

3. Create High-Quality Content

Content is king (or queen) in the world of SEO. You might be thinking, “I just sell handmade goods; how much content do I really need?” The answer: plenty!

Consider adding a blog to your website where you share crafting tips, DIY tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks at your creative process. 

This not only establishes you as an authority in your niche but also gives you a treasure trove of opportunities to use those keywords!

A. Blog Ideas for Craft Businesses

• How-To Guides: Teach your audience how to make something similar to your products.
• Behind the Scenes: Share your creative process, your studio setup, or even the story behind your brand.
• Customer Spotlights: Feature customers using your products. It’s a great way to build community and encourage engagement!
• Gift Guides: Create lists of gift ideas for different people your customers may be shopping for. 

B. Consistency is Key

Regularly updating your blog signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant. Aim for a posting schedule that works for you—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—consistency matters.

4. Build Backlinks

Now that you’ve got quality content, it’s time to spread the word! Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are vital for SEO.

They signal to search engines that your content is credible and worth sharing.

Here are a few ways to build backlinks:

A. Collaborate with Other Creatives

Reach out to fellow crafters or bloggers for guest posting opportunities. You can write a blog post for their site while they contribute to yours, creating a win-win scenario! This works especially well with gift guides.

B. Leverage Social Media – it helps search engine optimization!

Share your blog posts and product updates on social media platforms. When people share your content, you increase your chances of getting backlinks.

C. Join Online Communities

Engage in forums and communities related to your craft. Share your expertise, link to your blog posts when relevant, and build relationships. Remember, this isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about contributing to the community!

5. Monitor and Adjust

Finally, the world of SEO is not static—it’s more like a bustling craft fair where trends change by the minute. 

To stay on top, you need to monitor your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

A. Use Analytics Tools

Google Analytics and Google Search Console can provide invaluable insights into how your site is performing. 

Pay attention to which keywords are driving traffic, which pages are popular, and where your visitors are coming from. 

This data is gold—use it to refine your strategy!

B. Experiment and Iterate

SEO is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different keywords, content types, or strategies. 

Keep track of what works and what doesn’t, and adjust your approach accordingly.

SEO Revamp: Are You Using Search Engine Optimization Correctly?

So, are you using SEO correctly? If you’ve made it through this guide, you’re already on the right path! 

Remember, SEO isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing journey. By getting to know your audience, optimizing your website, creating high-quality content, building backlinks, and continuously monitoring your performance, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Now, grab those crafting tools, put on your favorite playlist, and get to revamping your SEO strategy. Your handmade creations deserve to shine brightly in the online marketplace!

Happy crafting—and optimizing!