We all want Google’s attention—let’s be real. But for us service providing queens (hello, Virtual Asistants, OBMs, coaches, SMM, and creatives), it’s not just about showing up. It’s about showing up right, with an SEO strategy that pulls in the clients who need exactly what you offer.

And while SEO can seem intimidating, the basics are totally doable—especially if you have a little guidance. That’s why these SEO tips for service providers are here to help you optimize one step at a time.

Whether you’re a Showit user or just getting started with SEO, here are the core dos and don’ts to make Google herself take notice.

1. Do: Write SEO-Friendly H1s (aka Make Your Headline Work Overtime)

Your H1 (the main headline) isn’t just there to look cute—it’s prime SEO real estate. A vague “Welcome!” or “About Me” on the homepage? Not doing you any favors. One of the essential SEO tips for service providers is to make sure your H1 is crystal clear.

Let’s say you’re a virtual assistant specializing in high-level business support, and your goal is to rank for those looking for exactly that. If your H1 simply says “High-Level Support for Your Business,” Google might think you’re an app, software, or something else entirely.

Instead of: “High-Level Support for Your Business”

Try: “Virtual Assistance for Small Business Owners Needing Expert Support”

This makes it crystal clear for Google and your visitors. Ditch the mysterious labels and make your H1 work like a pro.

Showit Tip: On Showit, setting up your H1 is super simple. Just select your text, head over to the Text Properties panel, and choose “H1” from the dropdown. Only one H1 per page, though! Use H2s and H3s to structure other sections of your page.

2. Don’t: Keyword-Stuff (Keep It Real!)

We’ve all come across those awkwardly keyword-stuffed pages, and trust me, it’s not a vibe. Google can spot keyword stuffing, and so can your readers—it makes your copy sound less like you and more like a spammy robot. When it comes to SEO tips for service providers, keeping your language natural is key.

Instead, stick with one main keyword and let it flow naturally in your writing. Not sure which keyword to go with? Tools like Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic help you find what people are actually searching for. Focus on what your ideal clients would be typing into the search bar and go from there.

Showit Tip: You can add keywords to your page titles and meta descriptions in the SEO Settings tab for each page. Use natural language that describes what’s on each page, and remember, don’t force it!

3. Do: Make Your Content Easy to Scan

People skim—Google knows it, and so should you. Break up your content into readable chunks, using headers (H2s and H3s) that clearly tell visitors what each section is about. This helps Google understand your page structure and makes it easier for readers to find exactly what they need.

Example: Instead of writing long paragraphs about all your services, try creating sections for each with H2s and H3s. This also allows Google to see the structure of your content, which can improve your search ranking.

Showit Tip: In Showit, use H2s and H3s to label different sections of your page. You can find these under the Text Properties panel, just like with the H1, so everything flows logically from one section to the next.

4. Don’t: Skip the Alt Text for Images

Alt text isn’t just for accessibility; it’s also prime SEO real estate for images. Adding alt text to your images allows Google to understand what’s in them, giving you a chance to add relevant keywords where they fit. Among SEO tips for service providers, this is an easy win.

Example: Instead of “IMG_4567.jpg,” use alt text like “Social Media Manager Working on Instagram Strategy” or “Colorful Client Workbook for Female Entrepreneurs.”

Showit Tip: You can easily add alt text in Showit by going to the Media Library, selecting an image, and filling in the alt text field. Use this space to describe the image naturally, including keywords if they fit, but don’t overdo it.

5. Do: Keep Your URLs Clean and Descriptive

A URL full of random letters and numbers? Not cute. A clean, descriptive URL? Now that’s something Google likes. Use URLs that briefly describe what’s on the page to make it easier for search engines and users to understand. This small change makes a big difference for SEO and readability.

Example:

Instead of /page?id=12345

Try /virtual-assistant-services-small-business

Showit Tip: When creating new pages, Showit gives you the option to edit URLs in the Page Settings. Keep them simple, lowercase, and use hyphens between words. Google loves clarity!

6. Don’t: Ignore Mobile Optimization

With most searches happening on mobile, a website that isn’t mobile-friendly will cost you traffic. Google prioritizes mobile-optimized sites, so make sure your layout and images adjust well on smaller screens.

Showit Tip: Showit makes mobile design easy by allowing you to customize your mobile layout separately from your desktop version. Use this to your advantage and make sure everything’s looking fab on phones and tablets. You can preview and tweak your layout directly in the Showit builder.

7. Do: Use a Tool to Keep Your SEO Strategy on Track

Managing SEO can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Tools like Google Search Console and Yoast help you track your SEO progress and ensure you’re on the right path. Use them to identify which pages are performing well, and where there’s room to improve. These SEO tips for service providers are made even easier with the right tools in your pocket.

Showit Tip: Even though Showit doesn’t support SEO plugins like WordPress, you can still use Google Search Console to track your Showit site’s performance. Link it up to get insights and see where you can make adjustments for better results.

Ready to Optimize Like a Pro?

SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. With these SEO tips for service providers, you can set up your site to shine on Google’s radar. Whether you’re adjusting headers, adding alt text, or cleaning up your URLs, these tweaks can make a huge difference.

And hey, if all this sounds overwhelming, I’m here to help! SEO is one of the many things I consider when building custom websites for service providers like you. So if you want your site to pull its weight in the search rankings, let’s talk about a design that gets you noticed—by Google and by the clients you actually want.

Not on Showit yet? Get 1 month free on Showit and see for yourself why it’s the ultimate choice for SEO-friendly design! If you want a template to play around and get the full experience, you can get a free one here.

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