In this episode of Beyond the Systems podcast, I chat with Jess Freeman, award-winning founder of Jess Creatives who has spent over 14 years transforming websites into high-impact business assets. We dive into the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and why it might be the most underrated form of business self-care you've been overlooking!

Jess shares her journey from small-town Kansas with limited exposure to entrepreneurship to building a thriving web design business. We explore why SEO often feels overwhelming to beginners, and Jess breaks down simple, practical ways to improve your website's searchability without getting lost in technical details.

One of my favorite takeaways? Jess's perspective that "SEO is self-care" because it allows you to continue attracting clients even when you need to step away from social media. Unlike Instagram posts that disappear into the void within days, SEO-optimized content can bring you clients years later with minimal maintenance. Jess shares a real example of how a blog post she wrote 5-6 years ago recently brought in a new client through Google's AI summary!

We also discuss the "full circle" trend in online marketing—how many business owners who abandoned websites for Instagram are now returning to blogging and SEO as social algorithms become increasingly unreliable. Plus, get Jess's take on when you really need a website and why SubStack might not be your best blogging option if you care about SEO.

Whether you're feeling burnt out by social media or just want more sustainable ways to attract clients, this episode offers practical tips to get started with SEO without overwhelming yourself. Listen in for Jess's simple homework assignment that could dramatically improve your website's visibility!

Resources from this episode:

• Keyword research tool: Ahrefs Keyword Generator (free version available)
• Check out Jessica’s podcast, BrandWhys!

Jess Freeman is the award-winning founder of Jess Creatives, and has spent over a decade transforming websites into high-impact business assets. Her no-nonsense approach to web design and digital marketing has helped hundreds of health and fitness businesses boost their online presence without chaining themselves to their screens.

Connect with Jessica Freeman:

• Website: JessCreatives.com
• Instagram: @JessCreatives

• Website: https://www.systemswithsam.com/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemswithsam/ ​​
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwhiz/