SEO for Coaches and Consultants: A Simple Guide to Getting Found Online
If you’re a coach or consultant trying to grow your business, you’ve probably heard of SEO—but what does it actually mean? More importantly, how do you make it work for you, without getting lost in jargon and tech-speak?
This guide is here to break it down. Plain English. Actionable tips. No fluff.
Let’s get your website working smarter, so your dream clients can find you with ease.
What Is SEO, Really?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the practice of making your website more visible in search engines like Google. The better your SEO, the higher you appear in search results when someone types in something like:
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“Confidence coach in Manchester”
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“Small business consultant UK”
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“Online mindset coach for women”
If your site doesn’t appear on page one, you’re missing out on potential clients—many of whom are already searching for exactly what you offer.
Why SEO Matters for Coaches and Consultants
As a service-based business, your reputation and online presence are everything. SEO helps:
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Attract your ideal clients organically (without ads)
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Build authority and trust
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Create a steady stream of enquiries
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Show up locally if you offer in-person sessions
It’s especially powerful if you’re targeting a UK audience, because you can tailor your content to include relevant locations, phrases, and services that people here are searching for.
The 3 Main Pillars of SEO
To keep it simple, think of SEO as three key areas:
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Technical SEO – Is your site fast, mobile-friendly and easy to crawl?
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On-page SEO – Do your pages use the right keywords in the right places?
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Off-page SEO – Are other trustworthy sites linking to yours?
For most coaches and consultants, on-page SEO is where you’ll get the best results with the least overwhelm. Let’s start there.
How to Optimise Your Website Content
You don’t need to be an SEO expert to get great results—you just need to be strategic.
Step 1: Know What Your Clients Are Searching For
Think like your client. What would they type into Google when looking for someone like you?
Use free tools like:
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Google’s autocomplete suggestions
Look for phrases like:
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“Life coach for anxiety UK”
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“How to grow a small business”
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“Career change coaching London”
These are your keywords—and they should naturally appear in your page titles, headings, body text, and image descriptions.
Step 2: Write for Humans First, Search Engines Second
Yes, keywords matter. But don’t stuff them in awkwardly. Your website should feel like a conversation with your ideal client.
For example:
❌ “I am a UK coach offering coaching services for clients in the UK.”
✅ “I help ambitious women in the UK build confidence and clarity through 1:1 coaching.”
Same message, better delivery.
Step 3: Optimise Your Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
This is the text that shows up in search results—so make it compelling.
Good example:
“Career Coaching for Midlife Professionals | Confidence & Clarity UK”
Meta: Practical career coaching for women in the UK. Discover clarity, direction and confidence in your next chapter.
Each page should have a unique title and meta description that reflects what it’s about and includes your location if relevant.
Step 4: Use Headings to Structure Your Content
Break up your pages with clear headings (H1, H2, H3). Search engines use these to understand your content, and your readers will appreciate the clarity too.
Your homepage, about page, services page and blog should all use natural, keyword-rich headings like:
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“How Coaching Can Help You Gain Clarity”
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“Meet Your Confidence Coach in Bristol”
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“Small Business Consulting Services in the UK”
Local SEO: Get Found in Your Area
If you work with clients in person—or want to target a specific region in the UK—local SEO is a game changer.
Here’s how to boost your local visibility:
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Add your location throughout your site (e.g. “Leadership Coaching in Edinburgh”)
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Set up a Google Business Profile and keep it updated
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Add your business to local directories like Yell, Bark, and local Facebook groups
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Ask happy clients to leave reviews on your Google profile
This helps Google trust that you’re a legitimate business serving a real area—and it means your site will show up on maps and location-based searches.
Blogging for SEO: Yes, It’s Worth It
Blogging regularly is one of the best ways to boost your SEO.
Why?
Because every blog post is a new opportunity to rank for different search terms. Plus, it shows Google that your site is active and trustworthy.
Some blog ideas:
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“How to Know if You’re Ready for a Life Coach”
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“5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)”
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“What to Expect from Your First Coaching Session”
Aim for 500–1000 words per post. Write with a helpful, genuine tone. Use keywords naturally. And always include a call-to-action at the end.
Don’t Forget the Tech Basics
Even the best content won’t perform if your site is slow or clunky.
Make sure your website is:
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Mobile responsive (works well on all screen sizes)
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Quick to load (compress images and choose good hosting)
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Secure (use HTTPS/SSL certificate)
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Well structured (use clear menus and internal links)
If you’re using WordPress, install an SEO plugin like RankMath or Yoast SEO to help guide your setup.
The Long Game: Be Patient and Consistent
SEO isn’t instant—it’s a slow-burn strategy. But it’s also sustainable and powerful.
If you keep showing up, creating useful content, and improving your site, you’ll build momentum. And before long, you’ll start attracting leads who say things like:
“I found you on Google and just knew you were the right person to help me.”
And isn’t that the dream?
Final Thoughts: Keep It Human
At the end of the day, SEO is about helping real people find your work. It’s not about tricking search engines—it’s about making your website easier to find, easier to trust, and easier to love.
Start with small, doable steps. Update your homepage. Write one blog post. Set up your Google profile. Bit by bit, you’ll build a digital presence that does justice to the amazing work you offer.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed? Just remember: Google loves clarity, and so do your clients.
© David R. Durham, All rights reserved, 2025.