Why your website design and SEO need to work together
Published July 2, 2025
Hey there! I’m Emily Ruven, a brand and web designer who helps personal brands and small businesses show up online with a brand and website that not only looks good, but actually works.
I’m so excited to be guest posting here on Claire’s blog! We decided to do a little blog swap to show you how website design and SEO need to work together when you're building a website, because let’s be honest, having a pretty site is great… but it’s not enough on its own.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Do I need SEO for my website if it already looks good?”, this blog is your answer.
If you’re a small business owner planning a new website or thinking about updating your current one, this is for you. You might have heard of SEO (search engine optimization), but maybe you’re not totally sure what it really means or how it’s connected with design. SEO is way more than just sprinkling keywords everywhere. It is used strategically to make your site easy to find, fast to load, and simple to use, and that all ties deeply into your website design strategy.
Jump to:
So, what is SEO exactly?
SEO is all the behind-the-scenes work that helps Google (and other search engines) understand what your website is about, how valuable it is, how easy it is for visitors to use, and ultimately helps rank your website higher in search results. That includes things like:
Choosing the right keywords that your potential customers are searching for
Writing clear, helpful content (that’s where good copywriting comes in)
Optimizing images with alt text so Google knows what’s on your site
Making sure your site loads quickly and works smoothly on any device (also on mobile and tablet)
Structuring your website in a logical way that’s easy to navigate
All of this = a more SEO-friendly website.
These SEO elements work best when they’re built into your website design from the start**,** not added in as an afterthought.
Why I think website design and SEO should happen together
I’ve noticed a lot of people think SEO just means using keywords, but it’s really a lot more, and it includes things you don’t even see. For example, as a web designer and developer, I make sure your site loads fast, images are optimized, and the layout is mobile-friendly with clean spacing and easy-to-click buttons. But design doesn’t only include how fast your site loads, but also how it feels.
Here are a few design-focused things that also impact SEO:
Clear hierarchy: Fonts, colors, and spacing guide your visitor’s eye, and Google notices when your site is well-structured.
Consistent visuals: A strong visual brand builds trust and creates a connection. And trust = people staying longer on your site.
Engaging layout: Design can actually lead people through the content in a way that makes them more likely to take action, like clicking that “Book Now” or “Contact” button.
Just recently, I designed a brand-new website for a home decor company. When I looked at their competitors, I was shocked at how many had websites that looked like they hadn’t been touched since 2012. Slow, confusing, filled with illegible text, bad-quality design and photos, and definitely not optimized for mobile.
Plus, inconsistent brand visuals made the whole thing look all over the place. And you know what? This not only makes them look less professional, but it also hurts their visibility online. Google literally won’t show their sites as much when people search for their products. So if you’re wondering how to improve SEO on your website, design is a HUGE piece of the puzzle.
The power trio: Copywriting + SEO + design
Here’s how I like to explain it:
Design makes your site look good and function well
Copywriting helps people understand your message and connect with your ideal clients
SEO makes sure people can actually find you on Google (or on another search engines)
It’s a dream team. And when these three things work together, your website isn’t just beautiful, it becomes a lead-converting and business-growing machine.
That’s why I always suggest hiring not just a web designer (hello 👋), but also a website copywriter and SEO strategist (like Claire!). When we work together, we create a full brand and web experience that looks good, reads well, and gets found by the people who are truly interested in your services/products.
Simple tips for building your website with SEO in mind
If you’re thinking, “Okay but… where do I even start using both website design and SEO?”, here are a few essentials:
Make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Most of your visitors are probably browsing on their phones.
Speed matters. A slow site = people leave quickly = Google might not even show your site in search results. Ouch. Want to check how your site is doing? Test your speed here — it’s free and super insightful.
Use clear headings, natural keywords, and helpful copy.
Optimize images with descriptive alt text. It helps with SEO and accessibility.
Keep your structure simple. Think of it like a map which is easy for people (and Google) to navigate.
Expert SEO copywriting tips that actually drive traffic (from Claire)
Now for the copywriting! You probably know that content is a huge part of SEO, but other than choosing keywords and writing great content, what type of copy makes for great SEO? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Answer your audience’s questions
Especially with all of the AI tools delivering instant results these days, it’s more important than ever to cut straight to the point. It can be fun to start a blog with a personal anecdote, but if people are searching for an answer, they want it right away. That means starting with the most important information whenever you’re writing.
Don’t be afraid to mention your brand
When people think SEO, they tend to gravitate toward informational blog posts. Don’t get me wrong, I still think these can be super helpful (this is one, after all!). But these days, it’s more and important to focus on a mix of content. Don’t neglect your branded content, especially because AI tools will use your copy if people ever search for you directly.
Content about your background and experience, process, and testimonials are all just as good for SEO as more keyword-specific copywriting.
Know when you need to write for SEO vs. when you can incorporate more creativity
Another good tip in mind is to balance your SEO copywriting with your more creative copywriting. Your meta titles and descriptions definitely need to be search-optimized, but you can get more creative with things like your CTA buttons and site navigation. You still want to write for people, after all, so don’t get stuck in the trap of over-optimizing for SEO.
Here’s how to make your website and SEO work smarter for you
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts of website design and SEO, and copywriting, no worries. The best approach is to work with professionals who get how these things connect, like me (brand and web designer) teaming up with a great copywriter and SEO strategist (like Claire).
This way, you get a website that not only looks amazing but also actually works for your business. Think of this as a strategic investment in your company’s future. The money you invest in professional web design, copy, and SEO optimization doesn’t just disappear; it comes back to you through increased visibility, better conversions, and ultimately, higher profits. It’s not an expense, it’s a growth tool.
Thanks so much to Claire for letting me share these tips with you today! If you want to see how I help personal brands and small businesses scale their business and make their dreams come true, feel free to check out my work here: emilyruven.com
