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
Linkedin

00:00 Introduction and Early Questions
00:40 Welcome to the Sim

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

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 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at aise

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

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

Grid and Pixel

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 Follow Through Friday episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm discussing the concept of owned asset optimization, inspired by a conversation with Jonas Sickler from Terakeet.

This episode highlights practical SEO strategies and the importance of creating and distributing owned assets that align with business objectives, particularly:

• The importance of aligning social media strategies with business goals, rather than merely following platform guidelines. 
• The Mach-6 framework of owned, managed, and leveraged assets, focusing on how brands can optimize their digital properties for better marketing outcomes. 
• I also reflects on the benefits of controlling one's website content and the limitations of relying on third-party platforms like Amazon. 

00:00 Introduction to Follow Through Fridays
00:24 Understanding Owned Asset Optimization
00:46 Social Media Strategies for Business Goals
02:40 Pinterest Best Practices and Business Perspective
04:23 The Importance of Owned Assets
05:46 Implementing the Terakeet Mach-6 Framework
08:16 Leveraging Amazon for Product Distribution
09:49 Exploring the Managed and Leveraged Levels
11:19 Analyzing Search Engine Results for Your Brand
14:49 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the SEO Squad

Check out the Mach-6 Framework on Terakeet's website!

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

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

Grid and Pixel

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 episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I spoke with Jonas Sickler, a digital marketing analyst from Terakeet. We explored the importance of SEO evolving with AI advancements, emphasizing Owned Asset Optimization (OAO) as a strategy.

1. Businesses should control their narrative across all digital platforms to improve the accuracy of AI tools.

2. Meet the MACH-6 model: An upgrade to a traditional marketing model.

• Contrasts with the PESO model, emphasizing the importance of building equity in owned assets.
• Integrate SEO with other channels like social media and email for a cohesive strategy.

3. AI and SEO are evolving. How your business can keep up:

• Businesses must tell accurate and updated stories across all digital platforms for more accurate AI-generated content. 
• Optimize for both search engines and user experience. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Building a Positive Work Culture
02:57 The Importance of Passion in Work
02:57 Coaching and Leadership Insights
06:17 SEO and Business Integration
07:41 The Value of Owned Assets
10:03 Leveraging Multiple Channels
12:26 The Mach-6 Framework
14:24 Collaboration Across Departments

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at aise

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Follow Through Fridays, I share how I integrated tips from Katlyn Paskorz to improve product descriptions and resolve long-standing issues with my Google Ads account. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating Customer Feedback:
   • I realized the importance of using customer language in my website content. By incorporating feedback, such as a client’s comment about getting a "mom win" from a photo collage, I improved my product descriptions using Chat GPT and client reviews.
2. Google Business Profile Optimization:
   • I took the time to review and update my Google Business Profile, removing outdated posts and focusing on what I want my business to be known for: senior night photo collages and giant senior photo props. 
3. Leveraging Google Ads and Tools:
   • One of the most significant actions I took was resolving an issue with my Google Ads account that had prevented me from running ads. 
4. Community Feedback:
   • I share a success story from a member of the SEO Squad who applied advice from our guest speakers to improve her website. This reinforces the value of taking actionable steps based on expert insights.

Connect with Me:

• Website: Simple and Smart SEO Show
• Email: [email protected]

Closing Thoughts: I encourage you to focus on one actionable tip at a time and keep moving forward. Whether it's updating your website or fixing a technical issue, small steps can lead to significant growth.

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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 episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast, I interview Katlyn Paskorz, the owner of KatydidPGH. 

We discuss her journey from an unfulfilling career in banking to becoming a WordPress designer and SEO expert for small business owners. 

Key points include Katlyn's transition to SEO, the importance of talking to customers for creating effective strategies, and leveraging tools like Google Business Profile and Google Ads for optimizing web presence. 

Katlyn also shares practical tips like using Google Tag Manager with Google Analytics and creating local-customized content for better traffic conversion. 

We finish by highlighting the importance of gradually implementing SEO principles into everyday business processes and making SEO accessible and straightforward for everyone.

Connect with Katlyn:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Free Website Guide
Free Meta Description Guide

0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:17 Katlyn's Pittsburgh Connec

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at aise

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!

Today I'll share insights from my interview with Josh Peacock from SEO for Hire and my personal experiences in the SEO job search.

Key Takeaways:

1. Job Search Process

• Define what you want in a role and understand top performers' traits. This helps target positions that align with your strengths.
• Be honest on your resume and be prepared for practical tests to demonstrate your skills.
• Continuously learn and adapt. Embrace opportunities to update your skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Clearly communicate SEO's impact on business goals. Avoid jargon and focus on business outcomes.
• Leverage AI tools and focus on strategy to stay in demand as the SEO landscape evolves.

Personal Experience

•  I applied for an in-house SEO job and received valuable feedback from SEO for Hire and the hiring manager. 
• This helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement.

SPECIAL OFFER FROM SEO FOR HIRE:
- Use code CRYSTAL50 for 50% off SEO for Hire's leadership playbook to enhance your management skills.

THE SEO SQUAD IS OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME TO NEW MEMBERS!

Join my SEO Squad for Small Business Owners for $48/month. 

• We meet every Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST to discuss and optimize your website. 
• Access past challenge videos and audios inside the group.

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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 episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I interview Josh Peacock, CEO of SEO for Hire. 

I get to ask him all sorts of questions about SEO recruitment, so you get an inside look at what the recruiting process looks like!

Want to know the expectations of different SEO jobs and how much they make? (ME TOO!)

We also talk about how the changes in technology and search may impact availability of SEO roles in the future. 

SEO Recruitment Tips For Businesses:

• Map out the recruitment process for SEO roles. 
• Identify the traits of top performers. 
• Utilize DISC assessments (if legal in your country) to determine compatibility with existing team members. 
• Develop a thorough vetting process to sniff out SEO experience bluffs.
• Avoid rushing recruitment; this results in bad hires at a high cost.

SEO Recruitment Tips For Job Searchers:

• A growth mindset is essential for success in the industry.
• There's no fixed hierarchy in SEO roles. 
• Titles and responsibilities varying widely between companies. 
• SEO for travel is one in-demand industry.
• Salary ranges for SEO roles is all over the place.

More Insights For SEO Job Searchers:

• A senior SEO director role is highly

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at aise

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!

Breaking news in SEO: The Google Algo leak!

Join my FREE  three-day SEO challenge for small business owners with websites.

Breaking News: Leaked Google Document

• Great articles from Michael King from iPullRank and Rand Fishkin
• Highlights from the leak:
    - Google uses a "site authority index," contradicting their stance on DA
    - Google uses click data (nav boost) for ranking content, despite previous denials
    - Existence of a "sandbox" for new or sensitive sites
    - Use of Chrome visit data for ranking purposes

SEO Insights from the Leaked Document

• Twiddlers: Reorganize search results before presenting them
• Authors can improve content scores
• Local pages rank better due to relevance
• Small Publishers: Devalued compared to larger sites

Search The Podcast!

Inside the SEO Squad

• Weekly small group for business owners with websites
• Get real support with Google Search Console and SEO
• Importance of reviews and trust signals
• Recommended using reviews apps
• User Experience Interviews
• Keywords and Blogging
• Google Search Console Insights
  - Discussed indexing issues and seasonal business trends
  - Provided tips on resubmitting pages for indexing
• Re

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!

Today I'm sharing an overview of recent changes in search technology and what they could mean for SEO.

1.  SEO Industry Updates:

•  Chat GPT releasing a search engine? Not yet...
• Google's latest update with the "AI Overviews" (formerly known as "Search Generative Experience").

2. Strategies for Adapting to The "New SEO":
   - Importance of engaging with customers and understanding their needs.
   - Aligning SEO efforts with technical requirements of modern search engines.

4. SEO Squad and How to Join:
   - Weekly meetings discussing SEO, branding, and online visibility.
   - Invitation to the "Supercharge Your SEO" 3-day challenge starting June 4, 2024, with live daily support in a private Facebook group.

5. Key Takeaways:

• Google's shift from a lexical to a semantic model in search
• "Vector Space Model" analogy with crayons.
• Word embeddings, both sparse and dense.
• Reflection on the evolution of SEO from simplistic keyword strategies to complex semantic understanding.
  
  

Join the "Supercharge Your SEO" challenge to future-proof your SEO strategy.
Article Referenced by Michael King

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!

Today we are Unlocking the Power of Brand Stories with Chat GPT

In this episode of the Simple, Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell (me!) shares insights from my SEO squad membership, focusing on creating compelling brand stories using Chat GPT.

In this meeting, I'm guiding the group through a step-by-step process of leveraging customer reviews to extract brand language, setting up Chat GPT to craft a cohesive brand story.

Bring your SEO efforts alive with a brand story guide, personal stories, and client stories to create a comprehensive understanding of a brand's uniqueness.

Through engaging with Chat GPT, I'll show you how to REQUEST tailored questions can enhance messaging and marketing plans.

Don't forget about my Supercharge Your SEO 3-Day Challenge!

Sign up now, it's June 3, 4, and 5.
And did I mention that it's free!?

0:00 Brand Story Podcast
00:52 Kicking Off with Chat GPT: A Brand Messaging Workshop
00:59 Gathering Customer Reviews for Brand Language
01:40 Priming Chat GPT for Brand Storytelling
01:55 Crafting the Brand Story Guide
02:41 Interactive Q&A: Understanding the Process
03:10 Analyzing Review Sentiments with Chat GPT
03:53 Translating Reviews into Brand Messaging
04:09 Personalizing the Brand Story
04:59 Finalizing the Brand Story with Chat GPT
06:45 Expanding the Brand Narrative: Personal and Client Stories
08:14 Crafting a Cohesive Client Story
10:51 Reflecting on Authority and Expertise
11:16 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Book a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!

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

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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

Grid and Pixel

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!