Want to identify and create relevant content for businesses? Today's guest, B2B content strategist Christine McLean Lewis shares her tip for leveraging diverse content marketing techniques to get in front of clients when they are in the market for your product!

Connect with Christine:
Website
LinkedIn

Christine's Content Strategy Process:

• Target high intent customers. 
• Analyze keywords related to customer problems.
• Aligning content creation with the business goals.
• Focus on bottom and middle funnel content (product-led content/case studies.)

How to determine effectiveness:

• Consider the effectiveness of the content after an initial three-month period.
• Christine prefers to stay with the brands for a minimum of 18 months.

Breaking down the customer journey:

• The customer journey is like a kids' playground. 
• Different customers might interact with the brand across different touch points, just as children choose a variety of paths to enjoy the playground.

Top advice for listeners: 

•  Avoid following the crowd.
• Focus on showcasing your brand's expertise.

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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Crystal Waddell, the host of the Simple and Smart SEO show podcast, shared some insights she had from implementing new strategies on her senior night gift store website.

Based on information from Matt Diamante and Andrew Holland, she optimized her website's keywords and started a paid e-book as her first digital product.

We've got a new format! Follow Through Fridays!

• Crystal introduced a new format where she covers lessons, implementations, and inspirations from her weekly experiences.
• Something I learned, something that I implemented and something that inspired me.

Let's talk search optimization:

• Crystal updated her collections page with relevant keywords targeted towards sports.
• She'll keep checking on the changes made to see how effective they are and provide updates later.

"Traffic is vanity, profit is sanity." - Andrew Holland

• My discussion with Andrew Holland made Crystal realize a lot of traffic with no conversion isn't as useful as targeted site traffic.
• This realization inspired her to create a senior night planning guide ebook priced at about $7
• Her first digital product at collageandwood.com!

Don't miss the FREE Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

• January 23, 24 and 25, 2024
• Sign up at CrystalWaddell.com/supercharge.

Share your progress and victories in your SEO journey!

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FB
Linkedin

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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Join Andrew Holland from JBH and me as we talk about the future of SEO in 2024 and its role in building and promoting businesses.

1. Defining and redefining search engine optimization:

• Andrew Holland prefers the term "behavioral science" over UX and CRO. 
• SEO is evolving to consume UX and CRO.
• Andrew shared his vision that SEO needs to link to marketing effectiveness. This puts an emphasis on making sales rather than just increasing traffic.

2. SEO designed to get results = Performance SEO:

• Andrew believes not all traffic is relevant, and it's important to focus on valuable traffic with a business case.
• Andrew described the purchase journey of a buyer, stating that SEO's goal is to create online "nudges" for people to buy. 
• Share of search is a way to measure the impact of marketing efforts.

3. Make The online buying process seamless and efficient:

• Think "frictionless" website to capitalize on SEO efforts. 
• Easy navigation, clear descriptions, and ease of ordering or booking.

4. Brand visibility and publicity are the future of SEO.

• Don't get distracted by misleading data (traffic data) vs. profit generation.
• Businesses need a robust presence across multiple digital channels.
• Trends are shifting towards consultancy, omni-channel growth, and publicity.

TL/DR: SEO is evolving to become more intertwined with user experience (UX), conversion rate optimization (CRO), behavioral science, and overall marketing effectiveness.

Align SEO to increase sales and not just generate traffic.

SEO apocalypse? No. Changes may initially appear as a threat, it could actually lead to business growth.

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

In this final episode of 2023, Simple and Smart SEO Show host, Crystal Waddell, sums up the year by revisiting the top three most listened to episodes from season two.

The first recap is from Episode 55 with Angie Colee where they discuss optimizing a business by focusing on people, profits, and processes. 

The second recap is from Episode 60 featuring Nicole Lewis, an Etsy expert who shares practical SEO strategies for online sellers. 

The final recap is from Episode 69 with Matt Diamante, who shares his insights on local SEO and emphasizes building your online presence as if you were building a physical storefront. 

Crystal ends the episode wishing listeners Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:27 Recap of the Most Listened Episodes
00:37 Episode 55: Angie Colee on SEO
01:00 Insights on Business Problems and Solutions
02:36 Discussion on SEO Interpretation
05:00 SEO as a Game
07:36 Episode 60: Nicole Lewis on Etsy SEO
09:05 Importance of Effective SEO and Branding
10:07 Understanding Etsy as a Search Engine
13:50 Episode 69: Matt Diamante on Local SEO
14:11 Understanding SEO and Website Traffic
18:22 Managing Client Expectations in SEO
20:00 Conclusion and Farewell

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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

How important is SEO for small businesses? Today we talk content, role of social media in SEO and the necessity of a business strategy in SEO.

Additionally we discuss the elephant in the room: can entrepreneurs afford SEO?

1. The SEO cost for new Shopify stores trying to establish their brand. 

•  SEO and advertising present financial challenges for small businesses.
• Businesses need SEO to capitalize on online search traffic. 
• Optimizing the company’s website and online presence increases visibility.

2. Your customer's journey tells you where to optimize your digital footprint.

• Customers can discover a business through various platforms. 
• Consistency is crucial:  an unknown brand must show up as the same business wherever people are looking it up.

3. Businesses need strategy and workflows in their SEO approach. 

• Both result in a more efficient and effective SEO implementation.
• Designate a budget for marketing initiatives. 

4. Alternatives to hiring a traditional SEO agency or a freelancer. 

• Understand how to optimize your website for the business you want to win.
• Optimize social media sites for visibility.
• Learn how to gain STRONG backlinks.

BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE SEO SQUAD!

Unlock Secrets to SEO Success: For Small Business Owners! © 2023 by Crystal Waddell is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 

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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Do you want to understand the functionality and potential of Etsy?

Monica Little shares her journey from starting an organic skincare business on Etsy to becoming an Etsy coach.

1. Monica's story: building a handmade business from ground zero!

• Monica started selling handmade skincare on Etsy.
• She grew her business to multiple six figures selling on Etsy and boutiques across the US.

2. Monica's strategy to success on Etsy:

• Understand Etsy's market.
• Package and present products in a unique and sophisticated way to stand out among thousands of similar products.
• Leverage Etsy marketing levers like star seller badges, free shipping, and discount options. 

3. Selling high-end products on Etsy:

• Etsy is a platform for unique products, no matter the price. 
• She mentioned a successful example of a member selling beaded gemstone necklaces priced between 350 to 550 each on Etsy.

4. Avoid competing on Price; advice for competing against mass-produced items:

• Feel aligned and confident with pricing.
• People buy more through emotion rather than logic.
• Focus on attracting the right customers.
• Use quality photos, evoke emotion, and display social proof. 
• Display reviews in photos, and write persuasive descriptions.

5. How to find keywords on Etsy and tips for Etsy SEO:

• Use the Etsy search bar for ideal keywords. Observing auto-populates, and competitor’s successful products for SEO advantage. 
• Verify the relevance of keywords for products. 
• Use Everbee.io for product statistics, coupled with actual interactions with potential customers. 

00:58 Monica's Journey to Success on Etsy
01:28 The Birth of Monica's Organic Skincare Business
03:34 The Challenges and Successes of Selling on Etsy
06:44 The Potential of Etsy for Digital Products
10:08 How to Stand Out on Etsy
16:19 Selling High-End Products on Etsy
18:13 Dealing with Mass Production on Etsy
18:40 Competing on Price vs. Value
19:38 The Importance of Product Presentation and Branding
19:57 The Role of Emotion in Product Marketing
21:39 The Intersection of Etsy and SEO
21:50 Keyword Research and SEO Strategies for Etsy
24:20 Balancing SEO and User Experience
26:58 Researching and Verifying Product Ideas
30:07 Understanding Your Audience and Their Needs
31:39 The Future of Etsy and Opportunities for Sellers

Connect with Monica:
Website
Free Etsy Training

Send me a text!

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Dimitrii Kustov, the founder of Regex SEO, joins me to discuss SEO strategy, the importance of data-driven decision-making, the role of keywords, and the shift in SEO trends focusing on profitability and scalability, rather than traffic volume.

1. Proper data tracking is important (Dimitrii's #1 tip!)

• Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor business performance.
• Data should override feelings in business decision-making.
• Key metrics: number of qualified leads, calls, website visits, and keyword rankings.

2. Tips for building the best backlinks:

• Provide valuable, unique, and potentially surprising content. 
• Make them go "What?"
• Brand search and public relations can boost a company's online presence.
• Employ a "multiple stone method": videos, images, infographics, and text.

3. Traffic does not equal profits.

• It's important not just to rank for certain keywords.
• You want to make sure your keywords produce traffic and qualified leads.
• Use the data to understand your profitable traffic channels.

Crystal talks about an upcoming three-day launch focusing on the profitability of products and the need for systems to increase sales.

Send me a text!

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

In this special episode of Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast, hosts Crystal and B discuss the evolution and future of their show.

SPOILER ALERT: They talk about B's decision to move away from being a co-host and venture into a new direction with her YouTube channel, focusing on SEO, social proof, and storytelling.

They also share some of their personal struggles and experiences, shedding light on subtle nuances that their journey has entailed.

Today's show is primarily about the importance and structure of case studies for E-commerce businesses, emphasizing the beginning, middle and end strategy.

Crystal and B highlight how case studies help humanize businesses and provide valuable insights to potential customers.

Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Episode
00:06 Catching Up with the Hosts
00:22 Discussing Health and Lifestyle Changes
01:14 Announcement of Changes in the Podcast
01:23 B's Future Plans and Departure from the Podcast
02:32 B's New YouTube Channel
03:29 Future Collaborations and Changes
04:50 Sharing Personal Stories and Connections
05:56 Introduction to Case Studies for E-commerce
06:35 Discussing the Importance of Case Studies
06:54 Benefits of Case Studies for E-commerce
08:35 Types of Case Studies
08:51 Using Case Studies to Highlight Customer Experiences
09:03 Using Case Studies to Highlight Business Origins
11:48 Using Case Studies to Highlight Product Uses
12:23 Discussion on Updating Case Studies
12:41 The Importance of Storytelling in Case Studies
16:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Case Studies
17:24 Starting with the Client's Story
17:37 The Journey of the Client
17:48 Moving into the Experience
18:09 B's "PET" Case Study Framework
18:48 Reflecting on Past Projects
19:17 Learning from Mistakes
19:48 The Power of Customer Feedback
20:28 The Importance of Continuous Improvement
20:36 The Value of Failure Stories
21:06 The Impact of Customer Feedback
21:42 The Importance of Being Open to Criticism
22:04 The Power of Customer Ideas
22:09 The Role of Case Studies in Attracting Customers
22:55 The Power of Featuring Customers
25:55 The Role of Statistics in Case Studies
28:38 The Importance of Sharing Your Process
28:52 The Power of Authenticity
30:53 The Importance of Knowing Your Audience
31:46 The Power of Appreciation

Thanks for listening! Don't forget to leave an honest (and maybe thoughtf

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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Want to know how to use email marketing with SEO strategies?

Today we talk about the importance of a strong welcome email sequence and nurturance of subscribers, the value of consistent branding, and the potential of unpacking complex SEO for less technologically adept clientele.

Allie highlights the importance of transparency and authenticity in building brand loyalty, emphasizing the need for businesses to share who they are and how they can help their customers. She also shares the benefits of rewarding subscribers with quality content and the role of crafting engaging and interactive content in driving traffic back to a website.

06:03 Discussing SEO for Different Businesses
11:07 How to Get People on Your Email List
14:05 The Power of Repurposing Content
14:31 The Journey of Content Creation
15:11 Setting Goals for Your Emails
15:47 The Art of Ignoring Unsubscribes
15:57 The Role of Data in Email Marketing
16:38 Strategies for Growing Your Email List
17:00 The Importance of Consistent Content
17:45 The Power of Repetition in Email Marketing
18:04 The Art of Pivoting in Email Marketing
19:05 The Role of Segmentation in Email Marketing
20:04 The Power of Personalization in Email Marketing
20:13 The Importance of Updating Your Welcome Sequence
21:31 The Power of Welcome Pages in Email Marketing
23:01 The Role of Branding in Email Marketing
23:46 The Impact of Unsubscribes on E-commerce
25:29 The Art of Building Relationships Post-Purchase
27:20 The Importance of Consistent Messaging in Email Marketing

Connect with Allea:
Website
X
IG
Welcome Sequence Freebie

Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

Dave Herzberg, Brittany’s dad, joined us as part of our Father’s Day series earlier this year on The Simple & Smart SEO Show.

In that episode we largely covered Local SEO, sales, & marketing strategies.

(Don’t miss it! Jeff, Crystal’s dad, was our first papa interview!)

In this SEO Shorts episode, Dave walks us through several stories from his life as a salesman.

And the really big takeaway?

Understanding & interacting with your customer/client is a delicate lil dance.

Treating your customer/client as a part of your team—bringing them in on the process in a little bit of a different way—positively impacts the sales conversation (as well as marketing & all things *ahem* copywriting), and impacts your SEO strategy.

Keep this in mind as you listen:

• What is keeping my customer/client up at night?
• Where is my customer/client stuck?
• How can I best help my customer/client?
• How can you bring empathy into the equation?

After you finish the episode, share with us your aha moment!

Oh, and don’t forget!
If you know someone looking for replacement windows in the Raleigh, North Carolina area—check out the Window Xperts (Dave’s company). 😉

Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

Send me a text!

Support the show

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

Join the SEO Squad

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
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Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!