SEO Basics for Creatives: What You Need to Know

💡 Because your content is too good to stay hidden.

Let’s play a little game.You’ve just created something amazing — a blog post, a product, a printable, or a Canva template you’re super proud of.You hit “publish,” sit back with your coffee……and wait.

But… where are the clicks? The views? The people who need what you just made?

If this feels familiar, it might be time to sprinkle a little SEO magic into your process. 💫

Now before you run for the hills, hear me out:

SEO doesn’t have to be scary.It’s not just for tech bros or giant marketing agencies.It’s for YOU — the creative entrepreneur, the blogger with heart, the small biz owner with big dreams.

In this post, I’m breaking down the actual basics of SEO (search engine optimization) — what it is, why it matters, and how to start using it to get your work in front of the right people.

Grab a notebook (or open Notion!) and let’s make this simple, doable, and yes — even a little bit fun.

🧠 What is SEO (and Why Should Creatives Care)?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization — aka the behind-the-scenes tweaks that help Google (and Pinterest, and Etsy!) understand what your content is about.

So when someone searches:

• “Printable journaling pages for August”

• “Canva brand kit template”

• “Digital scrapbook paper pastel floral”

✨ YOUR content can show up. ✨

That means:

• More eyeballs on your Etsy products

• More clicks on your blog

• More subscribers on your email list

• More sales without running ads or dancing on social media (unless you want to)

Think of SEO as a map. It helps people find your amazing stuff.

🛠️ The 5 SEO Basics Every Creative Should Know

1. Keywords Are the Key 🔑

A keyword is what someone types into the search bar when they’re looking for something.

Your job? Figure out what your ideal customer or reader would search — and include that in:

• Blog post titles

• Product titles/descriptions

• Etsy tags

• Pinterest descriptions

• Even Canva file names (yes, really!)

💡 Tip: Use tools like Ubersuggest, Pinterest search, Etsy search, or just Google autocomplete to find phrases your audience is already searching.

2. Title Matters More Than You Think

Whether it’s a blog post or an Etsy listing, your title tells search engines what your content is about.

Make sure your main keyword is near the front of your title — and keep it clear, not clever.

Examples:

• Instead of “The Prettiest Planners I Ever Made” → try “Printable Weekly Planner Templates for Canva”

• Instead of “Look What’s New!” → try “Digital Fall Scrapbook Paper – Cozy Autumn Colors”

Let your creativity shine after you make sure it’s searchable. 😉

3. Alt Text Isn’t Just for Accessibility — It’s for SEO, Too!

Whenever you upload an image (to your blog or website), take a second to add alt text.

That little description:

• Helps visually impaired users

• AND helps Google understand what your image shows

Example:Alt text for a product mockup = “Editable Canva journaling template with floral design and gratitude prompts”

🎨 Bonus: If you’re using Pinterest, that alt text often becomes the pin description!

4. Internal Links Help You Build Traffic

Once someone finds your blog or product, keep them around!Link to:

• Other blog posts

• Related Etsy listings

• Freebies or opt-in offers

• Your email list sign-up page

Example:

Loved this post? You might also enjoy [How to Create an Email Series for a Product Launch] or [My Blogging Routine: Tools, Time, and Tips].

This keeps your site sticky (in the best way) and boosts SEO while you’re at it.

5. Consistency is Queen 👑

You don’t have to master SEO overnight. Just get in the habit of:

• Choosing keywords for your posts/products

• Writing helpful, clear descriptions

• Updating old content with better titles and tags

• Blogging regularly (even 2x/month is great!)

• Pinning, sharing, and repurposing your content to get more traffic over time

SEO works over time — it’s the long game.But if you stick with it? It can grow your audience and sales while you sleep.

💌 Join My Mailing List for Freebies + Creative Prompts

Want a free character profile template to get started?Join my email list and get:

• A printable + digital character sheet

• Monthly creative freebies and Canva tips

• First access to new Etsy launches

• Encouraging emails for your writing + storytelling journey

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your freebie!

Let’s make writing feel like a cozy adventure again. ✍️✨

🛍 Want SEO-Ready Products to List?

In my Etsy shop, you’ll find:

• Canva templates with keyword-rich descriptions

• Printable journaling kits with built-in SEO tags

• Pinterest-friendly product graphics

• Digital scrapbook paper that’s made to be found

🛒 Browse all the goodies here:

👉 Visit A Rea of Treasures on Etsy

Each one is crafted with love and searchability in mind — because your beautiful work deserves to be seen.

💛 Final Thoughts

SEO doesn’t have to be scary, techy, or boring.It’s just the quiet magic that helps your people find you — even when you’re not online.

Start small.Pick one blog post, product listing, or Pinterest pin.Tweak the title. Add a keyword. Link to another post.

And then do it again next week.

You’ve got the creativity — SEO is just the strategy that helps it shine.

You’ve got this,

💛 Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures