In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I interview Erika Varangouli about SEO and its intersection with brand building. 

• We discuss key insights into conversion rate optimization, the historic division between SEO and paid landing pages, and the holistic approach required to build trust and relevance for small businesses. 
• Erika shares her journey from working at Semrush to heading SEO and branded content at Riverside FM, emphasizing the importance of user experience and community engagement in SEO strategies. 
• We also touch on the impact of genuine, useful content over traditional ranking strategies, and highlight the need for small businesses to evaluate their SEO efforts periodically while focusing on delivering value to their audience.
• Erika also shares insights on evaluating and adjusting SEO strategies, the value of answering customer questions, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit for organic growth. 
• Our conversation discussed the need for relevant traffic over mere rankings and underscores the critical role of customer connection in successful SEO campaigns.

Connect with Erika Varangouli
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00:00 Introduction and Early Questions
00:40 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show
01:02 Meet Erika Varangouli
01:37 Erika's Journey in SEO and Branding
02:31 The Intersection of SEO and Branding
03:40 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing
07:06 Personal Stories and Business Insights
16:09 Creating Effective SEO Strategies
18:17 Building Trust and Gathering Reviews
18:28 Understanding Your Audience's Search Intent
18:59 Leveraging Competitor Insights
19:26 Engaging Your Commun

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Hey creative entrepreneur—does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by CrystalGPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.

Crystal GPT walks you through what matters most for your website. Head to SEOin7days.com (with a 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.

Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.

Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.

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