SEO guide for solopreneurs

Written By Daphnie Teo

When you’re running a business solo, digital visibility can feel like one more thing on an already packed to-do list. But here’s the truth: good SEO doesn’t have to be complicated—or overwhelming. It just needs to be clear, consistent, and focused on what matters.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, practical steps to help you understand and implement SEO on your own—so your business can start showing up (and growing) online.

What is SEO?

​​SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s the practice of improving your website so it shows up in search engine results (like Google) when your ideal clients are looking for services, answers, or inspiration.

Done right, SEO brings people to your website organically—without having to run ads. And for solopreneurs, that’s gold.

Why SEO matters for solopreneurs

If you’re the one doing it all—marketing, content, admin, delivery—SEO can be your most efficient long-term marketing channel. Here’s why it’s worth your time:

  • Helps people find you: Show up when people search for what you offer.

  • Works while you’re not working: SEO content keeps attracting traffic even when you’re offline.

  • Builds credibility: Ranking well signals trust and professionalism.

  • Supports sustainable growth: Unlike social media, SEO gains momentum over time.

  • Saves budget: Once it’s set up, SEO keeps working without ad spend.

Your Solo-Friendly SEO Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with keyword research

Before writing anything, figure out what your audience is searching for. Use tools like:

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Ubersuggest

  • AnswerThePublic

  • ChatGPT or Custom GPTs (great for brainstorming seed ideas)

Look for keywords that are relevant, have decent search volume, and aren't too competitive. Bonus points for long-tail keywords (e.g. “ethical business coaching for creatives”).

Learn more about keyword research with our Keyword research guide for small businesses!

2. Optimise your website structure

Make sure your website is easy to navigate—for both people and search engines. A few things to check:

  • Clear page hierarchy (e.g. Homepage > Services > Coaching)

  • Descriptive navigation labels

  • Mobile-friendly design

  • Fast loading speed

  • Clean URLs (e.g. yourdomain.com/seo-for-solopreneurs instead of yourdomain.com/page?id=123)

3. Write SEO-friendly content

Content is where SEO really shines. Here are some key elements to include:

  • Readable, keyword-focused headlines (use your primary keyword in the H1)

  • Meta title and description that include your target keywords and entice people to click

  • Clear, scannable structure (use headings, bullets, short paragraphs)

  • Internal links to other pages or posts on your site

  • Visuals with optimised file names and alt text (e.g. solo-seo-guide-2025.jpg)

Need help? Start with this: 8 Steps to Writing SEO-Friendly Content for Small Businesses!

4. Use free SEO tools (you don’t need to spend a cent to start)

You don’t need fancy software to get going with SEO. These free tools are a great starting point - especially for solopreneurs:

  • Google Search Console – See which keywords your site is already ranking for, and where you have room to grow

  • Google Trends – Explore keyword popularity over time and uncover seasonal opportunities

  • Ubersuggest – Get keyword suggestions, run site audits, and see traffic estimates

  • AnswerThePublic – Discover question-based content ideas that your audience is already searching for

  • Keyword Surfer (Chrome extension) – View keyword data right inside your Google search results

If you’re ready to take a deeper dive with a more comprehensive tool like Semrush, we’d be happy to walk you through it. Get in touch to tailor a session or explore our SEO services to learn more.

5. Keep track of what’s working

You don’t need a complicated setup to start learning what’s making an impact. Even a simple system can go a long way.

Start by tracking:

  • Which pages are bringing in the most traffic

  • What keywords you’re currently ranking for

  • Which blog posts are converting or generating enquiries

Tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, or even a basic spreadsheet can help you spot patterns and make smarter content decisions over time.

How AI Can Help Solopreneurs Do SEO Smarter

If you’re running your business solo, SEO can feel like just one more thing on your never-ending list. But AI tools—like ChatGPT and even Custom GPTs—can lighten that load and speed up the process without sacrificing quality.

What’s the difference between ChatGPT and a Custom GPT?

Both are powered by AI, but they work a little differently:

  • ChatGPT is a general-purpose tool anyone can use. You can ask it to brainstorm blog ideas, suggest keywords, draft content outlines, or rewrite paragraphs. It's flexible—but you’ll need to guide it by pasting in your tone of voice or business context each time.

  • A Custom GPT is like your brand-trained assistant. You can create one that remembers your voice, audience, services, and even preferred writing formats. That means faster, more consistent SEO content creation—with less back-and-forth.

Ways solopreneurs can use AI for SEO:

  • Generate keyword-rich blog outlines in seconds

  • Refine meta descriptions and page titles with better click appeal

  • Brainstorm content ideas that match real search intent

  • Speed up writing with AI-generated drafts you can personalise

  • Turn one blog post into multiple formats (e.g. newsletters, social posts)

  • Create a content calendar based on keyword gaps or seasonal topics

The best part? You don’t need to be “techy” to get started. With the right prompts and a little guidance, these tools can become a powerful part of your SEO workflow.

Curious about building your own SEO-focused GPT tailored to your brand? Get in touch or explore our SEO services to see how we can help.

Just remember: AI is a starting point—not a substitute. You bring the insight, the tone, and the trust your audience is looking for.

What SEO looks like when you keep it simple

You don’t need to master every SEO trick to see results. For solopreneurs, consistency is often more powerful than complexity.

Here’s what a simple, sustainable SEO practice could look like:

  • One new blog post per month, targeting a relevant keyword

  • A quarterly check-in on what pages are performing

  • Regular updates to your services page and homepage

  • Strategic use of internal links and updated meta descriptions

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things, well—in a way that fits your schedule and your energy.

Affordable SEO support for solopreneurs

At Dabble Works, we know that as a solopreneur, time and clarity matter. Our SEO services are designed to help you get visible - without the overwhelm.

Our approach includes:

  • Keyword research tailored to your niche

  • SEO content planning you can actually stick to

  • Clear, jargon-free recommendations

  • AI tools to support your writing process

  • Training to help you manage SEO in-house

  • Transparent, flexible pricing

Let’s build something sustainable, smart, and totally doable.

Daphnie Teo
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