Local SEO Tips for Service Providers: How to Book More Clients in Your Area

Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast. on Marketing Duo Podcast with Cinthia Pacheco and Jen Vazquez

34 | Local SEO Tips for Service Providers: How to Book More Clients in Your Area

Hey there! Welcome back to the Marketing Duo Podcast—the place where ambitious female founders learn smart, simple strategies to grow their businesses without burning out. Today, we’re talking about something that every local service provider must pay attention to: local SEO.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get more clients in your city (without spending all day posting on social media), this episode is for you. Whether you’re a photographer, therapist, or service provider with in-person clients, local SEO can help you get found right where you are.

Why Local SEO Matters

When someone searches “photographer near me” or “therapist in Albany,” Google is pulling from local results. That’s why having a Google Business Profile is so important—it’s free, powerful, and takes less than 20 minutes to set up. Even if you’re not fully local, Google still rewards you for using their tools.

I’ve personally booked clients like a competitive volleyball league and even Kaiser Permanente—just because they found me on Google Business. That’s the power of showing up where people are already searching.

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Setting up your profile is simple:

  • Register your business and verify your location. (Sometimes it’s a text, other times a live video walk-through.)
  • Upload photos—your logo, your workspace, even your parking lot (yes, people care about parking!).
  • Add your services and starting rates. This saves time for you and your clients.

Don’t worry if you work from home—you can hide your address and just list your service area.

The Power of Reviews

Once your profile is live, reviews are the magic sauce. Ask your clients to leave a review right after working with you, and make it easy by giving them prompts like:

  1. How did you feel before working with me?
  2. How did you feel during the process?
  3. How do you feel now?

Always respond to reviews—good or bad. A thoughtful response to a negative review can actually build more trust than ignoring it.

Use Location-Specific Keywords

On your website and even on Pinterest, include keywords tied to your area. For example, if you’re a Bay Area photographer, use variations like “Bay Area photographer,” “San Jose photographer,” and “Silicon Valley photographer.” This makes it easier for clients in those locations to find you.

You can also create location-specific service pages on your site. Example: “Acupuncture in Albany, New York.” These pages show Google exactly where you serve clients and boost your chances of showing up in local searches.

Final Thoughts

Local SEO isn’t complicated—it’s about meeting your dream clients where they already are. Start with a Google Business Profile, gather reviews, and add location-specific keywords to your content. The best part? These steps keep working for you long after you set them up.

Sign up for Cinthia’s help here:

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast on Marketing Duo Podcast
Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast on Marketing Duo Podcast
Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast on Marketing Duo Podcast
Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast on Marketing Duo Podcast
Simple local SEO tips to help service providers book more clients in their area. Learn how to use Google Business and keywords to get found fast on Marketing Duo Podcast

Would You Rather: Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!)

Would You Rather: Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!)

In this lighthearted—but super insightful—episode of The Marketing Duo Podcast, we (Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media and Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ) challenged each other to a playful game of “Would You Rather?” focused entirely on our zones of genius: Pinterest and SEO.

It was honest, funny, and filled with real takeaways that female founders and service providers will love—especially if you’re trying to work smarter, not harder. Below, we’re recapping the juiciest moments, including our answers and what they reveal about how we actually approach marketing in 2025.

Would You Rather Create Only Static Pins or Only Video Pins for a Year?

Jen’s answer: Static pins—100%. Not only do they drive more engagement on Pinterest overall, but because she’s set up her Instagram to auto-post to Pinterest, her Reels are covered. That’s a huge time-saver. Plus, standard pins are the foundational workhorses of Pinterest—they live longer, rank higher, and click through better than most video pins.

Takeaway: If you haven’t claimed your Instagram on Pinterest yet, do it now. And never underestimate the power of static content that converts for years.

Would You Rather Have One Viral Pin With No Clicks or a Quiet Pin That Gets 1,000 Subscribers?

Jen’s answer: Easy. The quiet pin wins. Viral pins may look sexy on the outside, but if they don’t drive clicks or bring in leads, they’re not helping your business. In fact, they can skew your analytics and mess up your strategy.

Cinthia agreed, adding that this is where understanding platform intent really matters. Pinterest is a search engine—not a social platform—so engagement metrics look different and shouldn’t be your #1 goal.

Would You Rather Repin Old Content or Create a New Pin Style Every Week?

Jen’s answer: New pin styles, all the way. Repinning isn’t what it used to be. Instead, create five fresh pins linking to the same piece of content, using different angles and keywords to test what performs best.

Takeaway: Pinterest prioritizes new, fresh content. If you’ve got a high-performing pin, don’t repin it—replicate it in smarter, more strategic ways.

Would You Rather Give Up Tailwind or Give Up Canva?

Jen’s answer: As painful as it sounds… Canva would go. Tailwind saves Jen 5+ hours per client every week, especially with scheduling and Tailwind Create. While she adores Canva, she could always fall back on Adobe tools if needed.

Takeaway: Automation wins. If a tool saves you hours every week, it’s probably worth keeping, even over something as beloved as Canva.

Would You Rather Talk Only About Pinterest Aesthetics or Pinterest Analytics?

Jen’s answer: Analytics. Always. Knowing what’s actually working helps her and her clients take action and achieve better results. Aesthetics might be fun, but data drives strategy, and strategy brings leads.

Takeaway: Pretty pins are great, but if they don’t perform, they’re just decoration. Prioritize insights over image.

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Would You Rather Write 10 SEO Blog Posts in a Week or Audit 10 Websites Back-to-Back?

Cinthia’s answer: Website audits. They’re dynamic, surprising, and incredibly valuable. Blog writing is great, but sometimes it’s not the highest-ROI task for the moment. Audits reveal what’s closest to the dollar and provide clients with clear steps to take.

Takeaway: Audits aren’t just about fixing issues—they’re about revealing opportunities. Don’t sleep on them.

Would You Rather Give Up Google Analytics or Search Console?

Cinthia’s answer: Google Analytics. It’s helpful, but Search Console tells you what people are searching for, which drives SEO strategy. Plus, you can hook up Search Console inside Google Analytics, so she’d still get some of that data.

Jen added: For most service providers, Search Console is more understandable and directly helpful for content planning.

Would You Rather Work on a Niche with Low Competition and No Passion, or High Competition and Lots of Passion?

Cinthia’s answer: Passion all day. Competition just means you need a better strategy—and she teaches a diversified approach anyway. Passion fuels long-term consistency, which is more important than chasing easy keywords you don’t care about.

Takeaway: SEO isn’t just numbers. Your motivation matters. Choose what lights you up, then get strategic.

Would You Rather Speak at a Beginner SEO Workshop or an Advanced SEO Panel?

Cinthia’s answer: Advanced SEO panel. It’s out of her comfort zone, but that’s where growth happens. Speaking on trending topics like AIO (AI Optimization) forces her to stay sharp and push herself.

Takeaway: Stretching your skills creates confidence and thought leadership—even if it’s scary.

Would You Rather Fix 5,000 Broken Links or 500 Pages with Duplicate Metadata?

Cinthia’s answer: Duplicate metadata—barely. Both are tedious, but easier to batch and fix with tools. Bonus? AI tools like ChatGPT can help you write meta descriptions when used strategically.

Takeaway: Modern tools make “boring SEO” tasks more manageable. Don’t do it all by hand—work smart.

We wrapped the episode with a few bonus questions and some great client stories about ethical marketing, knowing when to pivot strategies, and why trust leads to client loyalty.

This wasn’t just a fun game. It was a masterclass in how real service providers like you can use SEO and Pinterest in smart, sustainable ways. No fluff, no hype—just strategy you can trust.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

Would You Rather Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!) on Marketing Duo Podcast
Would You Rather Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!) on Marketing Duo Podcast
Would You Rather Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!) on Marketing Duo Podcast
Would You Rather Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!) on Marketing Duo Podcast
Would You Rather Pinterest vs. SEO Edition (You’ll Be Surprised What We’d Choose!) on Marketing Duo Podcast

Is It Time to Invest in SEO or Pinterest? How to Know What Comes First

SEO and Pinterest photo for the blog Is It Time to Invest in SEO or Pinterest? How to Know What Comes First from Marketing Duo Podcast with Cinthia and Jen.

If you’ve ever thought “Should I hire help for SEO or Pinterest?” or “When should I invest in marketing?”—you’re not alone. We’ve both been asked this question hundreds of times. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key things to think through before you make the leap.

In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, we’re unpacking the timing, mindset, and money questions behind outsourcing your SEO or Pinterest marketing. So if you’re stuck wondering when to go all-in—or if you should wait—this is your permission slip to get clarity and take action.

Do You Need a Blog Before You Outsource Pinterest?

Let’s clear this up first: If you don’t have a blog, it might not be time to outsource Pinterest just yet.

Yes, you can pin freebies, services, and YouTube videos. But the real magic of Pinterest happens when you have blog content that leads your audience to your site. That’s where they get to know you, sign up for your email list, and (eventually) buy from you.

“The magic with Pinterest is having a blog.” — Jen Vazquez

We’ve both had clients hire us without blogs—but only when they had plans to start one right away. So if you’re serious about Pinterest, make sure a blog is part of the plan. No shame if it’s not—just know you’ll get better ROI when it is.

When Are You Financially Ready to Outsource?

Outsourcing is an investment. Whether you’re hiring a Pinterest manager, an SEO strategist, or both—you need to know it fits into your budget. Here’s our simple filter:

✅ Can you afford it from your business revenue?
✅ Are you willing to invest because you value your time?

We’ve had clients invest upfront when they were just starting out, and others who waited until they had steady income. Both are valid—but either way, you need to plan for a 6-month commitment if you want real results.

“You either have time or money. If you have money, you save time. If you don’t, you need to spend the time learning.” — Cinthia Pacheco

And whatever you do—don’t go into debt to outsource Pinterest. It takes time to see results, and we want you to feel good about your investment, not stressed.

Are You Ready to Let Go?

This one’s huge. Are you ready to trust someone with your marketing?

Many business owners say they’re ready to outsource, but when the time comes, they struggle to hand things off. That’s totally normal. This is your business, and letting go is vulnerable.

But here’s the thing—if you’re spending hours every week trying to figure out SEO or Pinterest, that’s time you’re not spending on your genius zone.

“You can live with your garbage in the house if you want to—but at some point, someone’s gotta take it out.” — Jen Vazquez

Whether you’re looking to reclaim time with your family, focus on higher-level tasks, or just stop Googling every five minutes… outsourcing is your shortcut.

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SEO vs. Pinterest: Which Should Come First?

It depends on your industry:

  • E-commerce? SEO is non-negotiable. You need traffic and conversion-ready pages.
  • Service-based? Pinterest is amazing for lead generation and list-building—especially when paired with great content.

Think of it this way: SEO helps people find you on Google. Pinterest drives traffic to your freebies and blogs. Together, they grow your list, audience, and bookings.

“If you’re selling from your website, SEO is your bread and butter.” — Cinthia Pacheco

But if you’re asking which to outsource first—it comes down to what your goals are. Want more site traffic or email signups? Pinterest is a great driver. Want more Google visibility and conversions? SEO is your starting line.

Outsourcing Isn’t Just a Time Saver—It’s a Strategy Upgrade

Let’s be honest: experts do this stuff all day. We don’t just “set it and forget it.” We test. We pivot. We look at what’s working and what needs tweaking.

That’s the difference between DIY and done-for-you.

When you hire a pro, you’re not just paying for tasks—you’re paying for strategy, efficiency, and deep platform knowledge. We spot problems before they happen. We know when Pinterest or Google changes their algorithm. We pivot in real-time—so you don’t have to.

“If you don’t know what you don’t know… that’s where outsourcing shines.” — Jen Vazquez

The Mindset Shift That Makes All the Difference

This one’s sneaky.

A lot of business owners want to outsource but freeze at the moment of decision. Suddenly, they’re unsure. They push the decision six months down the line.

And you know what that does? It delays their results by six months.

“You have to be all in—mentally, financially, and time-wise—before you outsource.” — Cinthia Pacheco

We’re not saying jump in without thinking. But if your gut is telling you that it’s time—it probably is. The people who succeed are the ones who take action—even when it feels scary.

So… Should You Outsource?

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

  • You have a blog (or plan to start one soon)
  • You can afford the investment for 4–6 months
  • You’re willing to collaborate and hand off the work
  • You know your goals and how this helps you reach them
  • You want to get found (and stop relying only on Instagram)

If you’re not ready to outsource yet, no stress. Start learning. Pick a platform. Watch videos. Join a course. Just start somewhere.

“Even if you’re not ready to outsource, you still need to be doing it.” — Jen Vazquez

Because waiting doesn’t get you results—action does.

Final Thought

Whether you’re team SEO, team Pinterest, or both—just know this: you deserve to be found.

Your business is worth being seen. And whether you hire help or go DIY, getting visible is part of building something real.

You’ve got this.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

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AI vs SEO: Why Your Website Still Matters in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

 AI vs SEO: Why Your Website Still Matters in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Cynthia and Jen always bring their energetic, giggly charm to the Marketing Duo podcast—and in this episode, they tackle a hot-button topic: will AI replace SEO?

Spoiler: No, it won’t.

Instead, this conversation unpacks how AI is reshaping search, why foundational SEO still matters, and how to use tools like ChatGPT without sabotaging your marketing strategy. They even pull back the curtain on how they’re building custom AI systems for their clients. If you’re a business owner wondering whether to invest in your website or let AI do all the work, keep reading.

Why Should I Invest in SEO If AI Is Just Going to Do It All?

This is the question—or more accurately, the assumption—that Cynthia hears constantly. Some folks believe websites will be obsolete soon. Others are convinced no one will use Google anymore, instead turning entirely to AI.

But here’s the reality: people are still searching on Google. And more importantly, Google itself is powered by AI.

AI isn’t replacing SEO. It’s changing how search works—and your SEO strategy needs to evolve along with it.

AI vs Google: Competitors or Coexistors?

It’s easy to think of AI and Google as competing forces. But Google has its own AI—baked right into its search engine. When you Google something like “160 Fahrenheit to Celsius,” you’ll often get an AI-generated answer directly in search results.

Google has years of experience understanding what users want and is integrating AI to stay relevant. If you want your business to show up in AI-powered results—whether in Google or tools like ChatGPT—you still need foundational SEO in place. That includes:

  • A functional, optimized website

  • Consistent blog content

  • Clear keyword strategy

No blog? No website? Then how do you expect to show up in search results—AI or otherwise?

Yes, You Still Need a Website

AI can’t replace the credibility, security, and authority your own website gives you.

Cynthia shares how not having a website can cost you real sales. She’s seen it herself—people find you on social media, love your content, and go to your site for confirmation. If there’s nothing there? Confidence drops. You may lose the sale. Jen echoes this too, adding how her own leads often convert because her site reassures them they’re in good hands.

A website is also a safety net. Social media platforms can change overnight. But your website? That’s digital real estate you own. It’s where SEO lives and where your authority grows over time.

But I Use ChatGPT for My Keywords…

Jen shares that she’s heard many business owners say they use AI tools to pull keywords instead of Google Analytics or proper SEO tools. That’s a red flag.

Why? Because ChatGPT doesn’t access real-time search data. It can’t tell you what people are Googling today. Google Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, and tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush are still essential for gathering current SEO data.

Cynthia explains how they use ChatGPT as a polishing tool—to help reword content or test a hypothesis, but never as the sole source of truth.

What Happens If You Rely on AI Alone for SEO?

Using AI without verification can hurt you. Literally. Google may penalize your site if your content is unhelpful or misleading. Remember: Google knows when something is AI-generated.

And most AI content isn’t naturally helpful. It’s generic. Overwritten. Filled with fluff or inaccurate info.

AI is great at creating a draft. But it’s up to you to:

  • Verify facts

  • Customize to your voice

  • Include accurate SEO practices

  • Ensure it’s genuinely helpful to your audience

Jen offers a golden tip: aim to write using the top 500 most-used English words. This improves clarity, keeps your tone natural, and ensures your content is accessible.

The Real Value of AI: Support, Not Replacement

Both Cynthia and Jen agree—AI is a brilliant support tool. Cynthia uses it to generate custom AI assistants for clients, trained specifically on their brand voice and needs. That’s way beyond using basic ChatGPT.

They’re building out proprietary tools that go deeper than generic AI outputs, making the process faster and smarter, not automated in a lazy way.

Cynthia also recently gave a talk on this very topic inside Jen’s Facebook Group (which she highly recommends you join). She dives even deeper into how AI is shifting marketing and how to prepare your content strategy.

Foundations Still Matter—Maybe More Than Ever

This episode is a wake-up call: stop trying to skip steps. Quick hacks won’t sustain a business. Even if AI creates 50 blog posts for you overnight, if they’re not strategic, helpful, and accurate, they’re not going to perform.

Want to make money while taking time off? Want evergreen leads? Want sales without being online 24/7?

Then you need SEO. You need a site. And yes, you can use AI—but only with systems and standards that ensure quality.

Final Takeaway

AI is evolving fast, but it hasn’t replaced search. And it hasn’t replaced trust. SEO and websites are still critical to building a brand that lasts.

Use AI wisely, strategically, and never skip the basics.

If you want to dive deeper into these strategies, check out Jen’s Facebook Group, where Cynthia is offering exclusive training on how to start showing up inside AI-powered search tools. 

You can also sign up for Cinthia’s masterclass on the AIO.

Or DM the Marketing Duo on Instagram if you’d love to see AI-customized services in the future!

Don’t Forget To Pin It!!