The Kate Show – Episode 288

Easier SEO for Interior Designers & Related Industries
Host: Kate (Socialite Agency)
Date: August 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kate breaks down her agency's step-by-step process for making SEO more accessible—though not easy—for interior designers, home stagers, professional organizers, and window treatment specialists. Demystifying the process, she offers actionable tips for DIYers and explains what differentiates effective, ethical SEO support from overpriced, under-delivering services in the home industries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why “Easier” SEO Matters for the Home Industry

• SEO Isn’t Actually That Complicated:

  • Kate pushes back on the idea that SEO must be expensive and mysterious, stating,

    "SEO has been vastly, needlessly overcomplicated and therefore also quite expensive. And there's no reason for that." (01:32)

  • She focuses on making it “easier,” not “easy,” noting that she always tests strategies on her own business first.

• SEO Drives Lead Quality:

  • “Is your website bringing you the right leads, or any leads at all? ... It could very well be that a lack of search engine optimization is to blame. Now, that is a good thing because it's actually pretty straightforward to fix.” (02:17)

2. Common SEO Problems in Design Industry Websites

• Thin Content (Under 300 Words):

  "Most websites have, quote, unquote, thin content issues. ... There is a trend to have a very minimal website... But that is so harmful for SEO. I wish that people would stop promoting that like it's a good idea, because it's really not." (04:04)

• Oversized Images:
  • Even professional web-sized photos are often not compressed enough for optimal loading speed.

• Missing SEO Titles/Descriptions:
  • Many sites lack these basics, causing Google to pull random, possibly unflattering snippets.
• Technical SEO Stops Short:
  • Site owners often only address basics (like speed, tap targets), without optimizing “money pages” for specific keywords.

3. Ethical Concerns & Agency Transparency

• Price Gouging & Empty Promises:
  • Kate compares some SEO agencies to unscrupulous mechanics, charging for unnecessary services.

    "Kind of like how the car mechanic, if he knows you don't know much about cars, he might tell you that you need to pay for things that you don't need. Unfortunately, that happens in the marketing industry too. ... I am very much allergic to that nonsense. I am not here for it. I am here because I have your back." (08:20)

• Negative Client Stories:
  • Many clients felt taken advantage of, paying for SEO with little to no results.

4. Kate’s Step-by-Step SEO Transformation Process

A. Initial Audit

• Access Required: Admin login and purchase of a one-time SEO audit service.
• Comprehensive Interview:
  • Goals, ideal client, and project details are discussed for targeted results.
• In-Depth Site Analysis:
  • Performance tools check for loading speed, backlinks, domain authority, and existing keyword rankings.
• Traffic Source Review:
  • Google Analytics and Search Console access is recommended, but not required.

B. Copywriting Audit (StoryBrand Approach)

• Ideal Client Alignment:
  • Checks if current copywriting speaks directly to the target audience and solves their problems.
• StoryBrand Framework:
  • “Number one, a character, your client. Number two, a problem, their pain point and their negative emotion. Number three, a guide that's you...” (21:19)
  • The copywriting is structured to guide the client through a seven-step journey: character, problem, guide, plan, call to action, avoid failure, and success.
• Comprehensive Report:
  • Identifies issues, recommended fixes, and associated fees.

C. Implementation and Optimization

• Keyword Research:
  • Essential before optimization; each “money page” (home, about, services) gets a single primary keyword.
• Copywriting/Keyword Integration:
  • Pages are rewritten for both SEO and conversion, following the StoryBrand framework.

  • "Optimizing for keywords while also following the tried and true and quite profitable story brand framework is no light task. Like disclaimer: I got a headache yesterday and a kink in my neck after working on this for a client. But it was so worth it." (23:30)

• Image Compression & Alt Text:
  • Images are compressed for speed and optimized with keywords, without sacrificing visual quality.
• User Experience (UX):
  • Layouts are improved, navigation is streamlined, and calls to action are inserted strategically.

5. Tracking Results and Maintaining SEO

• Monitor with Google Analytics/Search Console:

  • "Set a monthly reminder for yourself to check your Google Analytics and your search console... what good is all the data if you don't understand it?" (36:40)

• Practical Contact Form Changes:
  • Add a question: “How did you find us?”

• Keyword Monitoring:
  • Useful but not “worth paying us or any other SEO company to accomplish.” DIY tools are recommended.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I'm excited because I know the home industry needs this and I'm excited to offer it in such a way that is practical, that doesn't result in ongoing monthly fees aside from any sort of payment plan... This is practicality in action. This is you taking responsibility for your website SEO without being taken advantage of. And that's pretty darn cool.” (43:32)

• “There are no two businesses, no two design businesses, that are exactly the same.” (13:00)

• “People kept asking me over and over again, do you know an SEO company that I can work with? And I unfortunately have nothing but bad stories to share from clients who hired an SEO company, felt taken advantage of, didn't get any results from it, but spent a lot of money. ... I've had enough of this. I am going to officially make SEO part of my service offerings.” (11:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:32] – Breaking down the myth of “difficult” SEO
• [04:04] – Thin content and image sizing pitfalls
• [08:20] – Agency ethics: price gouging and client horror stories
• [13:00] – Interviewing clients for personalized SEO
• [21:19] – StoryBrand framework explained
• [23:30] – The hard work (and payoff!) of SEO copywriting
• [36:40] – How to monitor your SEO results
• [43:32] – Encouragement on “practicality in action” and taking back SEO control

Final Thoughts

Kate’s approach to SEO is transparent, rooted in understanding unique business goals, and driven by a desire to protect clients from the pitfalls and predatory pricing common in the digital marketing space. The episode is packed with actionable advice for both DIYers and those seeking trustworthy support, all delivered in Kate’s approachable, no-nonsense style. Her message: SEO for designers—and similar industries—can be straightforward, ethical, and empowering.

For more resources or to get in touch, visit: katethesocialite.com