Written by Ian Hopkinson, Founder and digital strategist at Mad Scientist Digital
You’ve got skills. Maybe even a portfolio. You’re somewhere between just getting started and wondering what comes next.
But things are quiet. You’re putting yourself out there, and not much is coming back.
We might as well be honest. If no one can find you, you’re invisible.
You could be great at what you do and still miss out. Not because you’re not ready, but because online, you’re hard to find.
A simple website can change that. SEO helps people discover you.
SEO 101: A Simple Start
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) helps people find you online. You don’t need to be technical. Just clear, consistent, and visible.
Here’s how to begin:
1. Register your name, or a name that suits you
Buy yourname.com if you can. Or choose a name that fits your personality or work. Years ago, I chose Mad Scientist because that’s what my mates called me. It stuck. That’s what you want. Something memorable and easy to find.
2. Build one simple page
All you need is one clear page. Say who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Add a few examples of your work if you have them. Keep it honest and easy to read.
3. Use clear words
If you’re a web designer in Sydney or a photographer in Melbourne, say exactly that. Use words that people might type into Google. Put them in your page title and heading.
4. Tell Google your site exists
Use Google Search Console to submit your site. It’s free, takes five minutes, and helps your page show up in search results.
5. Get other websites to link to you
If someone links to your site from theirs, it helps Google trust you more. These are called backlinks. Ask friends, past clients, or collaborators to include a mention or link.
6. Make sure it works on phones
Most people will find you using their phone. Your site needs to load quickly and be easy to use. You can check this with PageSpeed Insights.
Search is changing. Google now gives answers before people even click. AI tools are summarising websites and skipping the small stuff.
But people still search. They still want to see your work. They still look you up before they reach out.
That’s why your own website matters. It doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to exist. Something real. Something that shows you’re open for business.
SEO is just one part of getting noticed. It won’t replace doing great work, showing up, or having good conversations, but it helps. It gives people a place to find you.
And the best time to start is now. Even a simple setup is better than waiting for perfect.
Here’s a checklist:
- Buy a domain
- Create one simple page
- Say who you are, what you do, and how to contact you
- Use clear words that people search for
- Submit your site to Google
- Make sure it works on a phone
- Share it
- Ask others to link to it
- Keep it up to date when you can
That’s already more than most people do.
You don’t need to be famous. You just need to be findable.
You don’t need a big site. You just need a clear one.
One honest page that says “I’m here” is better than a perfect site you never finish.
Get it live. Then get on with the work you actually want to do.
