Let’s be honest: SEO can feel like a monster. Between confusing tech jargon, constant algorithm changes, and people shouting about “must-have tools,” it’s no wonder so many women-led business owners feel frozen.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever opened a YouTube tutorial, stared at the screen, and thought, “I just want people to find me online. Why does this have to be so complicated?”
That’s exactly why I recorded this podcast episode with Kim Kimball, a somatic leadership coach who works with highly sensitive and neurodivergent entrepreneurs. We talked about how to get started in SEO without burning out, using tools that don’t require a website, social media grind, or a 10-hour learning curve.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through two of those tools Google Business Profile and Google Merchant Center and show you how to get started in SEO even if you’re overwhelmed.
Spoiler: You don’t need fancy software. You don’t even need a website. Just a few simple steps and a calm plan.
Why SEO Feels So Overwhelming (And Why It Doesn’t Have to Be)
If you’re a service provider juggling client work, emails, content, and your own nervous system, “learn SEO” probably feels like adding a new job title. The way most people teach SEO is heavy. It’s techy, jargon-filled, and assumes you have hours of free time to figure it out.
But that’s not how it has to work.
We approach SEO with the nervous system in mind. Especially for women who are neurodivergent or highly sensitive, the usual “hustle harder” energy just doesn’t fit.
That’s why we focus on low-tech, high-impact tools like Google Business Profile and we prioritize what I call keyword opportunity: choosing targets that are easy to rank for and actually worth your time.
You can listen to our full conversation on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
The Gentle Starting Point: Google Business Profile
If you run a local or service-based business, Google Business Profile (GBP) is your best-kept secret. It’s free. It’s powerful. And it’s made for people who don’t have a website (yet).
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
- Go to google.com/business
- Click “Manage Now”
- Enter your business name and category
- Set your service area or physical location
- Add contact info and business hours
- Upload photos that feel like you (your face, your space, your work)
- Verify your listing (usually via postcard or phone)
That’s it. You’re now findable on Google Maps and local search.
How to Use GBP for Visibility and SEO Wins
- Post once a week with a tip, offer, or story
- Use keywords your clients might search for (like “coaching for sensitive women”)
- Ask your best clients for reviews and respond warmly
- Fill out the Q&A section with helpful, honest info
This is a calm, consistent way to build trust and visibility no blog required.
When You Sell Products: Meet Google Merchant Center
If you sell physical products, digital courses, or even service packages that can be booked online, Google Merchant Center (GMC) helps those show up in Google Shopping.
What It Is and Who Should Use It
GMC is a dashboard where you upload your products, descriptions, and pricing so they appear when people Google things like “online trauma-informed coaching workbook” or “burnout recovery kit.”
The Basics to Get Set Up Without the Stress
- Go to Google Merchant Center
- Sign in with your Google account
- Enter your business and website (or product feed URL)
- Upload your products via spreadsheet, app, or integration
- Follow their step-by-step checklist (it’s easier than it sounds)
This is ideal for folks ready to gently scale visibility on product offers or digital downloads.
Keyword Opportunity: The Secret to Starting Small but Smart
My signature approach is called keyword opportunity and it’s all about choosing search terms with low difficulty but real search volume. That means:
- You don’t need to fight for the #1 slot against huge sites
- You focus on what your people are actually typing into Google
- You save time and build momentum where it matters
If you want to try this for yourself, grab my free keyword mini-course.
Real Example: Ranking Without a Website
A service provider I worked with had no website, no Instagram, and no blog. But she set up her Google Business Profile, used keyword-rich content, and asked two clients for reviews. Within 3 weeks, she was showing up when people searched for “postpartum doula in Denver.”
That’s the power of aligned SEO. No fluff. No pressure.
What to Do If You’re Still Frozen (And That’s Okay)
Overwhelm can feel like molasses. It’s not just mental, it’s nervous-system deep. So here are three truly low-lift steps you can take this week:
- Claim your Google Business Profile. Just set it up. Don’t worry about perfection.
- Pick five keywords using my mini-course. Don’t try to do them all. Pick one to write with.
- Write a GBP post that says hi. Share who you are, how you help, and what you want people to know. Keep it simple.
You don’t have to “launch” your SEO. You just need to show up gently, in your way.
Build Visibility on Your Terms
You don’t need to do it all. You don’t need to blog twice a week or chase trends. You just need a place to start.
SEO can be quiet. Steady. Sustainable. Especially when it starts with tools like GBP and GMC that meet you where you are.
If you’re ready for more support, check out my full-service SEO & ads packages. Or if you’re not ready for that, start with the free keyword course.
This blog was inspired by Episode 32 of Kim Kimball’s podcast, where we explore gentle marketing strategies for real business growth. Listen now or send it to a friend who needs a calm, clear start.
