The Simple and Smart SEO Show

🌞 Summer Replay Series — A Simple & Smart SEO Show Throwback

Originally aired Season 3 • Host: Crystal Waddell • Guest: Julie Berninger, Gold City Ventures

We're pulling this one back out of the archives for the summer replay series, and for good reason. If you've ever wondered whether digital products could give you back some of your time (and your sanity), this conversation is the one to revisit.

Host Crystal Waddell sits down with Julie Berninger, co-founder of Gold City Ventures, who has helped over 15,000 students launch Etsy printable side hustles. Julie traces her path from climbing the corporate tech ladder (including nearly five years at Amazon) to building a business she actually loves — one built on printables, partnerships, and a whole lot of smart, empathy-driven SEO.

What makes this episode worth a second listen isn't just the tactics — though there are plenty. It's the mindset shift underneath them: stop treating competitors like threats, start using keyword research to find what nobody's selling yet, and always, always design for the human on the other side of the screen. As Crystal puts it, SEO and user experience aren't separate — they're two halves of the same customer journey.

Whether you sell physical products and want to dip into digital, or you're staring at a brand-new shop wondering how to land that first sale, press play. This one holds up.

🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode

The seasonal product strategy that helps new sellers get their first sale fast — and why you should build for a holiday two months out
When to niche down vs. diversify your Etsy shop (Julie breaks it into three clear seller scenarios)
Why group-gift buyers are gold — the bachelorette-party insight that changed how Julie thinks about target customers
The copycat truth nobody tells you: why Julie's most-copied product is still her bestseller
Etsy SEO for Google, including descriptions, alt tags, and the backlink strategy Etsy quietly rewards
How to design for empathy — and why some "high-earning" products may not actually fit your life
The video tip that beats fancy production every time

⏱️ Episode Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to the world of digital products and Etsy
(01:00) Julie's journey: from the corporate ladder to Etsy success
(03:30) The power of partnerships — how Julie and her business partner Cody found their groove
(06:00) Niche down or diversify? A framework for digital product sellers
(08:00) The magic of seasonal products and targeting group gifts
(12:00) The backlink strategy Etsy rewards (and how it helps you rank on Google)
(14:00) Copycats, imitation, and protecting your work
(20:00) How competition can actually create demand for what you sell
(23:00) Keyword research: the secret to finding products nobody's selling yet
(25:00) Why Julie invests in courses instead of Googling for 100 hours
(26:00) Delivering digital products: Canva vs. Google Docs vs. flat PDFs
(29:00) The legal side of Canva templates — and why "your brain" makes a better product
(30:00) Etsy SEO insights: descriptions, alt tags, titles, and tags
(31:00) Designing with empathy — the funeral keepsake that made Crystal pause
(36:00) Does video really boost conversions? Julie's real experiments
(38:00) Balancing SEO and the human experience
(40:00) Where to find Julie and Gold City Ventures

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Start with seasonal products. Etsy shoppers are hunting for special occasions and specific people. Pick a holiday about two months out and make printables for it — the sales, views, and favorites signal to Etsy that your shop is worth showing.

2. Group gifts beat solo buyers. Julie's lightbulb moment: a feminist-tattoo shopper buys one. A bachelorette shopper buys 15–20. Look for customers who purchase in bulk for a group.

3. Diversify based on where you are. Making $50k+ a year in one niche? Open a second shop for printables instead of experimenting in your main one. Casual seller under $1k/month? You've got nothing to lose — diversify directly.

4. Copycats are less scary than they feel. Julie's most-exposed, most-copied product — a bachelorette scavenger hunt she's linked on a hundred podcasts — still sells best. Your real asset is the skill you build creating it. No one can copy your brain.

5. Competition can expand your market. More sellers googling "fun bachelorette party ideas" means more demand for the exact products you make. Sometimes imitation grows the whole pie.

6. Use keyword research to find gaps. Julie's best seller in recent years wasn't in her usual niche — it was something she found through keyword research and was the first to sell on Etsy. (Her one desert-island tool: eRank.)

7. Optimize for Google, not just Etsy. Etsy is essentially fronting the ad money to put your products in front of Google's massive audience — so make it easy for Google. Write full, detailed descriptions (materials, techniques, size) and use accurate alt tags that genuinely describe the item.

8. Match your product to your life. A tender, personalized funeral keepsake can sell beautifully — but it comes with urgent, emotionally heavy customer service. Before you chase a high-earning product, ask whether you can truly show up for that customer right now.

9. Design for humans, then optimize for search. A great product that can't be found won't sell — but a findable product that doesn't help people understand it won't either. Do both.

10. The right video beats a fancy one. A simple clip of a hand picking up a tag so buyers can see scale and detail will out-convert slick production every time. There's no secret hack — just show the product clearly.

🗣️ Standout Quotes

"You miss a hundred percent of the shots you don't take. So you've got to go for it." — Julie Berninger

"My most exposed product, the most copied product, still sells. So if you have the right strategy and your product is the best product, then you don't need to worry about copycats." — Julie Berninger

"It's almost like getting paid to be trained. What you learned while creating those listings — no one can take that from you. That's your brain." — Julie Berninger

"SEO and user experience — they're not separate. We can try to silo them, but at the end of the day they're all part of that customer experience and that journey." — Crystal Waddell

👋 About the Guest

Julie Berninger is the co-founder of Gold City Ventures, wh

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

PodMatch
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Support the show

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

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Think Etsy is just for crafters and hobbyists? Think again. In this rerun, Crystal sits down with Etsy coach Monica Little, who grew her handmade skincare brand to multiple six figures and 5,000+ orders on Etsy before pivoting to help other small business owners do the same.

If you've ever listed a product on Etsy and waited for sales that never came, this episode is for you. Monica breaks down why simply being on Etsy isn't enough — and what "sophisticated selling" actually looks like when thousands of similar listings are competing for the same eyeballs.

Crystal and Monica also dig into something close to Crystal's heart right now: launching digital products. Etsy has quietly become the go-to marketplace for templates, guides, worksheets, and planners — the exact kind of SEO resources Crystal is preparing to sell — and Monica explains why the timing is so good.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why listing your products on Etsy doesn't automatically lead to sales — and what actually moves the needle
Why Etsy is becoming the go-to marketplace for digital products (and why Amazon isn't)
What "sophisticated selling" means: photos that stop the scroll, social proof, and evoking emotion over logic
How to use every lever Etsy gives you — free shipping, discounts, Star Seller, and video — and when video is (and isn't) essential
How to sell high-end products on Etsy (yes, even $350–$550 items) without competing on price
Why racing to be the cheapest is a trap — and how to price with confidence instead
Etsy SEO tips: using the search bar for keyword ideas, snooping on best-seller listings, and verifying keywords before you use them
How many products you really need to gain traction (hint: it's far fewer than you've been told)
Research tools like Everbee.io and eRank — and why Monica still swears by plain old Etsy searches

Whether you're an established seller who's been avoiding Etsy, a total beginner, or — like Crystal — getting ready to launch digital products, this conversation is packed with practical, do-the-work-and-stand-out strategy. As Monica puts it, this is the rise of "the dedicated business owner era."

Connect with Monica Little:

Instagram: @monicalittlecoaching
Free Etsy training — 3 marketing secrets to stand out:
Podcast: The Product Biz Podcast (catch Crystal's guest episode!)

Connect with Crystal & the show:

Host: Crystal Waddell, Simple and Smart SEO Show
Loved this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow maker or shop owner.

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

PodMatch
PodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews
Support the show

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

This episode was too good to leave in the archive!

As part of our Summer Replay Series, we're revisiting my conversation with consultant, SaaS founder, and self-described AI fanatic Andrew Ansley — and honestly, his advice is even more relevant today.

Andrew breaks down exactly how he uses ChatGPT and Claude to run multiple businesses, why "clouding up the context window" is killing your AI outputs, and how to train an AI assistant on your business in 30 minutes or less.

Then we go deep on SEO: what actually changed after 2022, how Google understands content through entities and embeddings, and what it really takes to build topical authority today.

Whether you're an SEO, a small business owner, or just AI-curious, this replay is packed with practical workflows you can put to work this week.

What You'll Learn

Why you should delete the messy middle of your AI conversations (and keep only the first prompt + final output)
How to set up AI "projects" for each client or task — with business info, SOPs, examples, and your unique perspective
The 4 pieces Andrew uploads to train an AI on any workflow in about 30 minutes
Why you must define abstract concepts (like "write an email" or "SEO strategy") instead of letting AI decide what they mean
Definition + example + template: the simple prompt formula that upgrades your outputs
Claude vs. ChatGPT: where each tool shines (projects, styles, voice transcription, and more)
How SEO changed after 2022: entities, semantics, and user metrics
What topical authority actually means — going deeper, faster, or wider with your content clusters
Why the real ranking signal is whether searchers end their journey on YOUR site
The "Could ChatGPT give them this?" test for creating content that still wins

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome + meet Andrew Ansley
(01:00) Consultant, SaaS founder, community leader: how Andrew wears all the hats
(02:00) Why Andrew (and Crystal!) are learning Python
(03:30) Inside Andrew's Skool community: automate marketing with AI + n8n
(05:30) The one-person, AI-powered business (could you scale to $10M solo?)
(07:30) Don't cloud the context window: Andrew's clean-conversation trick
(09:45) Building SOPs with AI in an hour instead of a week
(10:30) ChatGPT Pro vs. Claude: Andrew's honest comparison
(11:00) How to set up an AI project: business info, ICP, SOPs, examples & styles
(16:00) The power of templates (stop reinventing the wheel!)
(21:30) Screen share: how Andrew organizes projects, prompts & custom styles
(28:00) From aspiring pastor to bartender to SEO: Andrew's origin story
(36:00) AI as the ultimate learning tool for curious kids (and adults)
(45:00) How SEO changed: keyword matching → RankBrain, BERT & semantic search
(48:30) User metrics, mobile-first indexing, and ending the search journey
(51:30) Topical authority explained: embeddings, content clusters & internal links
(54:00) Why sites dip after agencies leave (core algorithm updates + historical metrics)
(56:00) The "Could ChatGPT give them this?" content test
(56:45) Where to connect with Andrew

Quotable Moment

"You cannot let the AI decide what abstract concepts mean. You have to define it — and if you give it an example, that's even better." — Andrew Ansley

Connect with Andrew Ansley

Skool Community (AI Marketeers)
YouTube
Andrew's article on Search Engine Land

Mentioned in This Episode

Content Sprout (Andrew's SaaS)
n8n (open-source automation alternative to Zapier)
GoHighLevel
Koray Tuğberk Gübür (topical authority & entity SEO)
Bill Slawski (SEO research pioneer)
Alex Hormozi & Sam Ovens (Skool)

Connect with Crystal

Website
LinkedIn

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

Ever felt like you’re being priced out of your own business growth?

In this special summer replay, host Crystal Waddell tackles one of the biggest, most frustrating myths in the online business world: “If you’re not paying $5,000 a month for an SEO agency, you’re not getting anything worth paying for.”

Spoiler alert: Crystal respectfully (and fiercely) disagrees.

Drawing from a hilariously humiliating experience with a Charleston wedding planner, Crystal breaks down exactly how small business owners, solopreneurs, and bootstrappers can build a powerhouse brand online without draining their bank accounts.

Whether you're running a Shopify store, a local service, or a side hustle, this episode is your permission slip to take control of your own digital footprint.

Inside This Episode, You’ll Discover:

The Big Question: Does your small business actually need SEO? (The math behind what a 1% to 20% conversion rate bump means for your wallet).
The Dog Trainer Dilemma: A real-world example of how mixing up industry jargon and messy metadata can accidentally hide your website from Google.
Omnipresence over Originality: Why being consistently recognizable across Google, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube beats trying to reinvent the creative wheel every single week.
The 3 Things Searchers Need to See: The exact trust signals that turn a cold Google click into a paying customer.
SEO on 2 Hours a Week: How to empower yourself (or a virtual assistant) to handle high-impact SEO tasks using simple strategies and workflows.

🎙️ Join the Simple & Smart SEO Squad!

Ready to stop guessing and start ranking? Don't build your strategy alone. Join our community for structured activities, weekly Q&A sessions, and accountability co-working hours.

👉 Sign up for the AI SEO Skool

Connect with Crystal:

Website: SimpleandSmartSEO.com
Social Media: Find Crystal across all platforms @simpleandsmartseo

Loved this replay? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow business owner who is ready to optimize with confidence!

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

What if SEO isn’t just about keywords, rankings, or “free traffic” from Google?In this rerun episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell talks with Ray Grieselhuber, founder of DemandSphere, about why good SEO is really good product management — and why small business owners need to think beyond traditional rank tracking.Ray shares why SEO, user experience, content strategy, product positioning, and customer behavior all work together to shape how your website performs in search. He also explains how Google’s search results have changed, why showing up in rich results matters, and how AI-powered search experiences like SGE may impact the future of website visibility.If you’ve ever wondered how to make your website more useful, more visible, and more aligned with what your customers actually need, this conversation is packed with practical insight.In this episode, we talk about:Why SEO and product management are deeply connectedWhat “product-led SEO” means for small businesses and e-commerce brandsWhy traditional rank tracking no longer tells the whole storyHow SERP features, shopping results, images, and People Also Ask affect visibilityWhat Google’s Search Generative Experience may mean for businessesWhy E-E-A-T matters more as AI-generated content increasesHow small businesses can use Google Search Console as a starting pointWhy localization is more than simple translationHow to think about mobile vs. desktop behaviorWhy understanding your audience is still the foundation of SEOGuestRay GrieselhuberFounder of DemandSphereWebsite: demandsphere.comConnect with Ray on LinkedInMentioned in This EpisodeProduct-Led SEO by Eli SchwartzGoogle Search ConsoleGoogle’s Search Generative Experience / AI searchE-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, TrustworthinessDigital PRLocalization and hreflangShopify SEOE-commerce SEOGoogle Maps visibilityKey TakeawayGood SEO is not just about ranking higher. It’s about building a better website, creating a better experience, understanding how your customers search, and showing up in the places that matter before they ever click through to your site.Favorite Quote“We always say good SEO is good product management. And good product management is good SEO.” — Ray GrieselhuberChapters / Timestamps00:00 — Why good SEO is good product management00:51 — Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show01:00 — Meet Ray Grieselhuber01:25 — Ray’s background and journey02:00 — What DemandSphere does02:35 — E-commerce beyond Shopify and retail03:20 — Why Ray recommends Product-Led SEO04:30 — SEO as a core part of business strategy05:00 — The connection between SEO, UX, and customer experience07:20 — Why traditional rank tracking is no longer enough08:45 — Understanding the shape of the SERP09:40 — SERP features, rich results, and shopping results11:00 — Crystal’s real-world e-commerce visibility example13:00 — What is Google’s Search Generative Experience?15:30 — How SGE may impact businesses16:20 — Digital PR, brand mentions, and semantic search17:30 — What E-E-A-T means18:15 — Why real experience matters in content20:45 — SEO as a long-term digital asset22:30 — NIL, college athletics, and content opportunities25:00 — How small businesses can monitor search visibility25:20 — Why Google Search Console is a great place to start26:30 — Mobile vs. desktop shopping behavior28:00 — What localization means in SEO29:00 — Translation vs. true localization30:00 — Shopify, duplicate pages, and hreflang31:00 — Spanish-language search opportunities32:30 — One thing small business owners can do to increase visibility34:00 — Where to connect with RayText 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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

This Summer SEO Rewind episode is one you may have missed, but it is worth coming back to in 2026 ...

especially if you’re trying to create content that actually helps your audience instead of just adding more noise to the internet.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Christine McLean Lewis to talk about how content and expertise work together, why your content should be built around the customer experience, and how different types of content assets:

blog posts,
videos,
case studies,
podcasts,
social content, and more ...

can support your audience at different points in their journey.

Christine explains that a content asset is anything you create to solve a specific problem or answer a customer’s question, which is such a helpful way to think beyond “just write another blog post.”

This episode also digs into linkable assets, original research, social proof, user-generated content, and why case studies matter so much when you want your content to build trust.

Not just traffic.

And honestly? In 2026, this message matters even more.

With AI-generated content everywhere, the brands that stand out are the ones willing to bring real expertise, real examples, real customer insight, and real proof into their content.

Christine’s best advice still hits: don’t follow the crowd. Instead, showcase your expertise.

So if you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, ecommerce seller, or content creator wondering how to make your content more useful, more strategic, and more connected to your actual customers, this rewind episode is a perfect listen.

Think of it as a reminder that better SEO starts with better service to the person on the other side of the screen.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

We’re continuing the Summer SEO Replays Series with a throwback to one of our most popular episodes from The Simple and Smart SEO Show.

This listener-favorite recap originally highlighted the top three most-listened-to episodes from season two, featuring conversations with Angie Colee, Nicole Lewis, and Matt Diamante. And honestly? The advice still holds up.

In this replay, you’ll hear simple, practical SEO wisdom for business owners who want to get found online without feeling overwhelmed.

We revisit how SEO is really about helping the right people find you, why platforms like Etsy function as search engines, and how local SEO builds the “roads” that lead customers to your business.

Whether you’re catching this episode for the first time or listening again with fresh ears, this summer replay is packed with reminders that SEO does not have to be scary, overly technical, or reserved for big businesses.

You can understand it, improve it, and use it to grow your visibility with confidence.

Why We’re Bringing This Episode Back

This episode earned its place in our summer replay series because it brought together three of the most-loved SEO conversations from season two.

It’s a perfect refresher for summer because it covers the foundations so many business owners need to hear again:

👉🏽 You already have content working for you.
👉🏽 You probably already have some kind of SEO happening.

When you become intentional with your keywords, your content, your listings, and your website structure, you make it much easier for the right people to find you.

Key Takeaways

SEO is not just for “techy” people.

Angie Colee’s conversation reminds us that a lot of business owners avoid SEO because it feels complicated, technical, or intimidating. But SEO can be understood in much simpler terms: it helps people find you when they are already searching for what you offer.

You can be your own SEO superhero.

You do not need a massive budget, a giant team, or secret insider knowledge to get started. The first step is understanding what keywords you want to be found for and making sure your website clearly communicates who you help and how.

SEO and content strategy are connected.

Your content is already sending signals about your business. When you become more intentional with your words, links, and pages, you can guide both people and search engines toward your most important offers.

Etsy is a search engine, too.

Nicole Lewis’ episode is a great reminder that Etsy sellers need to think beyond simply uploading products. Etsy SEO includes query matching, ranking, listing titles, tags, categories, attributes, photos, and customer experience.

Good product photography and branding matter for SEO.

Getting found is only part of the equation. Once your listing shows up in search results, your photo, branding, and listing quality help shoppers decide whether to click.

Your website needs roads leading to it.

Matt Diamante’s local SEO analogy is one of the standout moments from this replay. A website without SEO is like a storefront in the middle of a field. SEO builds the roads that help people find it.

SEO work should be visible and understandable.

Business owners deserve to know what goes into SEO, from title tags and meta descriptions to headings, content, backlinks, and technical improvements. Even if you hire help, understanding the basics helps you make better decisions.

Episode Highlights

“SEO just functions as that yellow page listing. And if you’re not listed, if you don’t have a strategy to make yourself available to people, they’re not going to be able to find you.”

“You can be your own SEO superhero.”

“You have SEO on your site already. You just probably don’t have a strategy.”

“SEO really is like a game. Once you start playing, you realize there are different ways that you can win.”

“Etsy is a search engine.”

“You want to make sure that your product is not only matching the query that someone’s typing in, but you also want to make sure that your items are ranking.”

“Your website is like a storefront in the middle of a field. SEO builds the roads so people can actually find it.”

Listener Action Items

Choose one keyword you want to be found for.
Start simple. What would your ideal customer type into Google, Etsy, Pinterest, or another search platform to find what you offer?
Review one important page or listing.
Look at your title, headings, product name, description, tags, or categories. Make sure they clearly match what your audience is searching for.
Add one internal link.
If you have a blog post or page getting traffic, link it to a relevant offer, product, or service page.
Audit your product or website visuals.
For Etsy sellers and ecommerce businesses, ask: would someone click your photo first in a sea of similar results?
Think of SEO as infrastructure.
Your website is not automatically discoverable just because it exists. What roads are you building to help people get there?

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell revisits part one of her conversation with Andy Holland about performance SEO...

the kind of SEO that focuses on sales, revenue, and meaningful business growth instead of vanity traffic.

Andy breaks down why chasing massive traffic numbers can be misleading, especially when that traffic does not convert into revenue. He shares how bottom-of-funnel, buyer-intent pages can create real business impact, even when they do not bring huge traffic spikes. The big takeaway? SEO should help brands capture people who are ready to buy — not just attract people who are casually browsing.

If you have ever wondered why your traffic is growing but your sales are not, this episode will help you rethink what SEO success should actually look like.

Key Takeaways

1. Performance SEO is about sales, not traffic

Andy explains that performance SEO is focused on helping brands increase turnover and capture sales. Traffic graphs are interesting, but they do not tell the whole story if revenue is not growing.

2. Not all traffic is valuable

A website can attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and still fail to create meaningful business results. Andy gives the example of content that brings in massive traffic but attracts people who are nowhere near buying the actual product or service.

3. Bottom-of-funnel content can be more profitable

Instead of focusing only on top-of-funnel informational content, Andy shares how commercially focused pages with high purchase intent can dramatically increase revenue, even with very small traffic gains.

4. Organic search helps capture today’s buyers

SEO works best when it helps your brand show up when people are already in buying mode. Andy compares search to a supermarket aisle: people are browsing, comparing, and deciding what to put in their basket.

5. SEO creates small but powerful nudges

Andy describes SEO as a way to create online nudges that influence buyers at the moment they are deciding. Ranking organically gives your brand a chance to be part of that decision without paying for every click.

Episode Highlights

“Performance SEO is ultimately about turnover.”
“Traffic has to be meaningful, not meaningless.”
“Go do me a strategy that makes me money, not traffic.”

Listener Action Items

Audit your traffic: Look at your highest-traffic pages and ask: are these visitors likely to buy?
Identify buyer-intent pages: Find the pages, products, or services that people visit when they are closer to making a decision.
Stop chasing vanity metrics: Measure SEO by revenue, leads, conversions, and business impact — not just clicks.
Create better nudges: Improve your product pages, service pages, comparison content, and purchase-intent content so buyers have a reason to choose you.
Build SEO around profit: Focus your strategy on pages that support sales, not just pages that look good in a traffic report.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

Your Shopify taxonomy is not just your navigation menu — it’s the way your store teaches Shopify, Google, Pinterest, TikTok, Meta, and AI tools like ChatGPT what your products are, who they’re for, and why they matter.

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I’m breaking down why taxonomy is really your store’s semantic strategy. We’ll talk about the difference between Shopify’s built-in structure and the deeper semantic taxonomy your e-commerce store actually needs for modern SEO, GEO, and AI search.

If your products, collections, tags, metafields, variants, and SKU prefixes feel a little chaotic, this episode will help you see how they can all work together to create a clearer, smarter product universe.

You’ll learn:

Why Shopify taxonomy is your store’s ontology
The difference between Shopify’s structural taxonomy and your semantic taxonomy
Why collections and tags alone are not enough for modern search
How AI and LLMs interpret your product categories
Why persona or solution hubs matter for buyer intent
How SKU prefixes can act as semantic signals
The three-tier taxonomy framework for e-commerce brands
Why clear information architecture can improve visibility, conversions, and AI recommendations

The big idea: your taxonomy is not just a set of collections. It’s a semantic model of your business.

When your product categories, attributes, titles, metafields, and internal links all work together, you reduce confusion for buyers and ambiguity for AI — which can lead to better search visibility, stronger buyer journeys, and a store that is easier to understand, recommend, and buy from.

Resources Mentioned

Join AI SEO Skool (Join FREE for 7 days!): https://AISEOskool.com

Visit the website: https://simpleandsmartseo.com

Podcast hub: https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcast

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell continues her conversation with Angela Skane about creating SEO content that goes beyond keywords and actually connects with your audience. ✨

Angela explains why businesses should stop obsessing over every possible long-tail query — especially in the age of AI search — and instead focus on deeply understanding their target audience.

Because when you understand your audience’s pain points, motivations, emotional triggers, and environment, you can create content that feels more human, more helpful, and more persuasive. 🧠

Crystal and Angela also discuss psychology levers, emotional data points, customer feedback, jobs theory, and how to create stronger hooks for blog posts, product pages, and landing pages.

Angela shares why data and statistics can be powerful tools for helping readers see themselves in your content.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur, Shopify seller, Etsy seller, or small business owner trying to make your content more effective, this episode will help you think differently about SEO, AI search, and content strategy.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✨ Why audience understanding matters more than chasing endless keyword variations
🧠 How psychology levers help you connect with your ideal customer
📊 Why data points and statistics can make your content more compelling
💬 How to write hooks that make people feel seen
🛍️ What this means for product pages, Shopify SEO, and ecommerce content
🤖 Why writing only for robots creates boring content humans won’t act on

Resources Mentioned:

🛠️ Get help with AI SEO, Shopify SEO, and moving your Etsy shop to Shopify

🎙️ Podcast Hub

🌐 Crystal’s Website

📸 Crystal on Instagram

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

Connect With Angela:

🌐 Network Solutions

Listener Action Step:

Take one blog post, product page, or landing page and ask yourself:

Does this make my audience feel seen?

Then look for one emotional hook, customer insight, or data point you can add to make the content more compelling.

And if you’re an Etsy seller who is ready to build a more searchable, scalable Shopify store, join us at AiSEOskool.com for help moving from Etsy to Shopify and building your AI-ready SEO strategy.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes Angela Skane from Network Solutions for a conversation about why SEO needs to move beyond rankings, impressions, and visibility.

Angela shares how her background in link building, viral content, and content strategy shaped the way she thinks about SEO today. Her big message? Impressions don’t pay the bills. SEO content has to do more than show up — it has to connect with real people and help them take action.

Crystal and Angela also dig into what TikTok can teach SEOs about psychology, audience targeting, emotional triggers, and conversion. From TikTok Shop affiliate content to AI-powered personalized search, Angela explains why the future of SEO belongs to marketers who understand both algorithms and human behavior.

If you’re a creative entrepreneur, Shopify seller, content marketer, or SEO professional trying to understand where search is headed, this conversation will help you rethink how you create content for the people behind the keywords.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why SEO visibility is not the same as business results
How TikTok reveals what makes people stop, click, share, and buy
Why SEOs need to take more responsibility for conversion
How personalized search and LLMs are changing content strategy
Why writing to rank is not enough in the future of search
How to speak more directly to your audience through your content

Resources mentioned:

Network Solutions: https://www.networksolutions.com
Podcast Hub: https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcast

Connect with Crystal:

Instagram

Book a Call with Crystal

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

Crystal sits down with SEO expert Aimee Jurenka to unpack what visibility really looks like in the age of AI search. As traditional funnels break down and LLM-driven discovery rises, Crystal shares a practical, no-fluff framework for staying competitive: Get Found. Earn Trust. Be Chosen.

They explore why foundational SEO still drives the majority of traffic, how AI bots interpret your content differently than search engines, and what small business owners can do—without massive budgets—to stay visible. From semantic content and structured HTML to brand signals and “grounding queries,” this conversation bridges the gap between classic SEO and emerging AI search strategies.

If you're wondering how to adapt your marketing in a world where AI summarizes the internet, this episode gives you a clear starting point.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Foundational SEO Still Matters
Traditional SEO (titles, meta descriptions, product feeds, crawlability) remains the backbone of traffic—even as AI evolves.
AI Search Requires Semantic Clarity
LLMs interpret content through meaning, not just keywords. Structuring content semantically is critical for visibility.
Your Brand Is Now a Ranking Signal
AI systems rely on “grounding queries”—external validation of your brand across the web.
Publish What You Used to Hide
Customer service info, pricing, and sales materials should now be public to feed AI understanding.
Structured Content Is Back (H1–H3)
Proper HTML hierarchy helps AI and bots understand your content organization.
Visibility > Rankings
Traditional KPIs like sessions and rankings are fading—AI-era success is about presence across ecosystems.

💡 Bonus Insight

Aimee suggests a powerful mindset shift:
Instead of asking “How do I rank?” → ask “How do I become the source AI chooses?”

Connect with Aimee:

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

Is the old inbound marketing playbook officially broken? According to AI Visibility Strategist Aimee Jurenka, it’s time to "throw a funeral" for the traditional traffic metrics we’ve relied on for a decade.

In this episode, Crystal and Aimee dive into the "panic state" many marketers feel as AI search begins to "swallow" organic traffic. They move beyond the fear to provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs and SEOs who need to adapt to a world where visibility matters more than rankings.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Inbound Funeral: Why traditional silos are failing and why we need to look at what actually converts rather than just what brings traffic.
Visibility vs. Traffic: How to shift your mindset (and your C-suite’s expectations) from SEO rankings to AI search visibility.
The "Search Everywhere" Strategy: Why e-commerce is moving to TikTok and how platforms like Reddit and Quora are becoming the new discovery engines.
Proving Your Worth Without Data: How to use correlation, "grounding queries," and branded search metrics when traditional tracking goes dark.
The Rise of the Specialist: Why the future of marketing belongs to the "AI Visibility Strategist" and niche specialists in Reddit or Citations.

Key Resources Mentioned:

Google Analytics & Tracking Experts: Dana DiTomaso and Brie Anderson.
Tools: Bing AI Reports, Google Search Console, and Agentic SEO strategies.

Top Quotes:

"I feel like we just need to throw a funeral for all that inbound traffic we used to get... Let's look at what actually converted." — Aimee Jurenka

"SEO is about rankings and traffic; AI search is going to be about visibility." — Aimee Jurenka

Are you ready to stop chasing sessions and start chasing visibility? Tune in to learn how to future-proof your career and your business in the age of AI. 🚀

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I sit down with SEO expert Aimee Jurenka to unpack a major shift happening in the industry right now:

👉 The death of inbound marketing as we know it.

For over a decade, SEO success was measured by one thing: traffic. But with the rise of AI search and disappearing clicks, that model is breaking fast.

We’re talking about:

Why inbound marketing worked for so long
The real reason traffic became the main KPI
What AI search is changing about visibility
Why traffic without conversion is no longer enough
And what SEO professionals and business owners need to focus on next

If you’ve ever felt like “more traffic” didn’t equal more sales… this episode will connect the dots.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Traffic was the product SEO sold
For years, success = clicks, rankings, and traffic growth—not revenue.
Inbound marketing created a handoff problem
SEO brought visitors… but conversions were someone else’s responsibility.
AI search is breaking the traffic model
With fewer clicks from search results, the old system can’t deliver the same results anymore.
Visibility + conversion are the new priorities
SEO is shifting from “get traffic” to “drive outcomes.”
This is a scary… but powerful opportunity
The industry is being forced to align with what actually matters: sales.

✨ Memorable Moments

“Success was clicks and traffic… that’s what we sold.”
“Inbound marketing was about traffic. AI search is about visibility and conversion.”
“We got you the traffic… and then passed it off.”

🎯 Listener Action Items

Take a look at your current metrics:
👉🏽 Are you tracking traffic… or revenue?
Identify your biggest drop-off point:
👉🏽 Is it clicks → visits, visits → cart, or cart → checkout?
Start shifting your strategy:
👉🏽 Focus on content and pages that help people buy, not just browse.

Connect With Crystal:

SimpleandSmartSEO.com

Join My AI SEO Skool Community!

Connect With Aimee:

AimeeJurenka.com

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with SEO expert Matt Diamante in part 2 of their conversation to break down what actually moves the needle in your business visibility.

Matt shares why most business owners are stuck doing the wrong kind of work...

and how shifting from “doing” to “promoting” can unlock real growth.

From building trust through consistent content to turning one idea into multiple marketing assets, this episode simplifies SEO and content strategy into actionable steps anyone can follow.

You’ll also learn how to overcome fear of idea theft, why email marketing still dominates conversions, and how accountability, not information! Is the missing piece for most entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways: Work on your business, not just in it: If you’re not serving customers, you should be creating content that attracts them. * Consistency builds trust: Showing up regularly online signals credibility and keeps your business top of mind. * One idea = multiple pieces of content:* Repurpose a single concept across blogs, videos, and emails.

Episode Highlights:* “People don’t need more information. They need more action.” * “99% of people haven’t seen your content—so say it again.”

Listener Action Items: Audit your time: Identify where you’re stuck “doing” instead of promoting your business. * Start or use your email list: Send one value-driven email to your audience this week. * Take action immediately:* Don’t just consume—implement one strategy from this episode today.

Connect With Us!Matt Diamante

HeyTony.ca
Buy Matt's Book "Get Found" on Amazon

Crystal Waddell:

SimpleandSmartSEO.com
Join My AI SEO Skool
Join My 3-Day Visibility Challenge

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal welcomes back SEO educator and entrepreneur Matt Diamante to unpack what’s really driving his explosive growth.

Plus, why most SEO advice is overcomplicated or outdated.

Matt breaks down SEO into its simplest form: solving problems for your audience.

He shares why consistency beats complexity, how topical authority actually works, and why chasing trends or “gaming the algorithm” is a losing strategy.

The conversation also dives into content creation, programmatic SEO debates, AI’s impact on search behavior, and how small business owners can win without massive budgets.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by SEO, this episode will reset your mindset and give you a practical, sustainable approach to growing your visibility online.

Key Takeaways

SEO is just problem-solving: If you answer real questions your audience has, you’re already doing SEO right.
AI is changing search behavior: People are asking more direct questions—so clarity and usefulness matter more than ever.
Repurpose content across platforms: One piece of content can (and should) work everywhere.

Episode Highlights

“SEO is just providing solutions to problems.”
“If you can outlast your competition, you can beat them.”
“You don’t need to do a lot of SEO—you just need to do it consistently.”
“Help people. That’s it. That’s SEO.”

Listener Action Items

Identify 10 customer questions: Use tools like AnswerThePublic or your own client conversations to find real problems to solve.
Repurpose your content: Post the same short-form video across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
Add conversion pathways: Include clear calls-to-action in your content to turn traffic into leads or customers.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In Part 2 of my conversation with Brooke Gramer, we shift from voice and branding into something even bigger — the future of search and AI-driven commerce.

What happens when AI starts shopping for your customers?

We explore agentic commerce, GPT updates, model selection, and where AI should never replace human judgment. We also talk about the guardrails business owners need as AI becomes more embedded in workflows.

If you sell online — especially on Shopify — this episode will stretch your thinking.

Because the future of SEO isn’t just rankings. It’s recommendations.

✨ Key Takeaways:

Use AI After You’ve Learned the Skill — Not Instead of It
AI should accelerate mastery, not replace it.
Always Keep a Human in the Loop
From legal citations to ecommerce workflows, oversight matters.
Agentic Commerce Is Emerging — Not Fully Autonomous
AI agents still require permission checkpoints and clarification.
Model Settings Matter
Deep research mode, updated models, and custom GPT guardrails change output quality dramatically.
Voice Search Is Coming Faster Than You Think
The future of search may be conversational and voice-first.

💬 Memorable Moments:

“AI is your intern — not your CEO.”
“Check your work.”
“Friction doesn’t mean failure — sometimes it means personalization.”
“In five years, search will be completely voice-generated.”

🛠 Practical Action Steps:

Review your AI tool settings — are you using deep research and updated models?
Add explicit guardrails to any public-facing custom GPTs.
Identify where AI supports your workflow — and where human judgment must stay central.
Prepare your ecommerce product data for AI-driven recommendations (clear descriptions, structured data, strong positioning.

Connect With Crystal

(Website)

Connect With Brooke

(Website)

Podcast

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I’m joined by Brooke Grammer, host of the How I AI podcast, for a powerful conversation about what’s really happening to content in the age of AI.

If you’ve noticed that websites are starting to feel polished… but completely forgettable… you’re not imagining it.

This episode is a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, Shopify sellers, service providers, and marketers who want to stay visible, (without sounding generic.)

✨ Key Takeaways:

Customer Language Beats Industry Jargon
The words your customers use matter more than the technical terms you’re trained in.
SEO Is About Clarity, Not Cleverness
Search engines (and AI models) reward content that clearly answers real questions in natural language.
Voice Is Your Competitive Advantage
In a world of AI-generated sameness, distinct brand voice becomes your strongest visibility asset.

💬 Memorable Moments:

“If you sound like everyone else, you’ll be forgotten like everyone else.”
“People don’t search in professional jargon ... they search in frustration.”
“Train your AI on your voice. Don’t let AI replace it.”

🛠 Practical Action Steps:

Pull 5 real phrases your customers have actually used in emails, DMs, or discovery calls.
Compare your website copy to that language: does it match?
Create voice rules for your AI tools (words to use, words to avoid, tone guidelines).

Connect with Us!

Brooke Gramer:
Website Podcast

Crystal Waddell:

Website AI SEO Skool

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

Is SEO dead? Not even close.

In part 3 of this Crystal Squared episode of The Simple & Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with Crystal Ortiz to unpack what’s really happening in the world of AI-powered search.

AND SPOILER: SEO is actually in a strong position right now.

They dive into how to define success beyond traffic metrics, how to use AI without wasting hours going down a rabbit hole, and why business goals [not shiny tools] should drive your SEO strategy.

From product page optimization to redefining KPIs in an AI-heavy world, this episode is a practical and refreshing take on what modern SEO really looks like.

Key Takeaways1. SEO Is Not Dead — It’s Shifting

The myth that “SEO is dead” needs to go.
Search is becoming more AI-heavy, but the need to understand user intent, answer questions, and drive revenue hasn’t changed.

2. Stop Defining Success by Traffic Alone

Traffic is no longer the main KPI.
Revenue impact, conversion shifts, and overall business growth are better indicators of SEO success.

3. Start With Business Goals, Not AI Tools

Before using AI, clarify your objective.
Are you increasing product page conversions?
Growing SEO-attributed revenue by 20%?
Your inputs should roll up to that goal.

4. Use AI With Restraint

AI can save five minutes — or waste three hours. Create a clear plan, stay in your lane, and use AI tactically instead of chasing every suggested output.

5. Human Ideas First, AI Second

If you want AI-assisted content to feel human, start in your own brain. Develop the idea first — then use AI to expand, refine, or structure it.

Episode Highlights* Why traffic drops don’t automatically equal SEO failure * How to avoid the “AI rabbit hole” trap * Why Google Docs might be the most underrated marketing tool

Who This Episode Is For* Founders and startup brands who need revenue now * Health, wellness, beauty, and eCommerce businesses * SEO professionals navigating AI search changes * Marketers rethinking KPIs in 2026

Connect With Crystal Ortiz (guest)

Website

Connect with Crystal Waddell (host)

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell and Crystal Ortiz dive deep into the psychology behind consumer decision-making and how that translates into smarter, more effective SEO strategies.

They explore the importance of relationship-building over time, understanding customer buying cycles, and using AI as a strategic assistant, not a shortcut.

Whether you're an e-commerce owner, SaaS marketer, or small business strategist, this episode is packed with insights on creating meaningful customer connections and leveraging AI without losing your voice.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

SEO is About Trust, Not Just Traffic: Success comes from building long-term relationships, not chasing instant conversions.
Buying Cycles Vary—Be Patient: Whether it's sunscreen or a Tesla, decision-making takes time. Good SEO supports this journey.
Little Details = Big Impact: Understand what truly matters to your customer (e.g. car doors opening 90°) and use that in messaging.
Price Isn’t Always the Problem: Barriers to purchase may be logistical or emotional, not financial.
AI Works Best With Clear Prompts: Use AI to assist, not replace. Be specific, and let your creativity bring it to life.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

"Lots of people give up before the rhythm starts to kick in." – Crystal Ortiz
"AI is more like an assistant than it is a creator." – Crystal Ortiz

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Buying Cycle: Reflect on your own purchases and compare them to how you expect customers to behave. Are your expectations realistic?
Listen for the Right Signals: Use social media and platforms like Reddit for customer voice insights—and apply them to your content and SEO.
Refine Your Prompts: Get better at telling AI what you need. Use it to organize thoughts and outline content, not replace your voice.
Train Your Team: Ensure anyone selling your product understands its unique value. A well-informed team member can be the tipping point for a customer.
Create for the Journey, Not the Click: Think about where your customer is in their search journey—and build content that supports them at each step.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this thoughtful episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal chats with fellow SEO expert Crystal Ortiz, founder of Socialhart.

With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and a background in education, Crystal O. shares her journey from retail to SEO consulting and why connecting with customers is more powerful than any ranking algorithm.

They explore the intersection of SEO, AI, customer experience, and basic business fundamentals, revealing why treating SEO like a tool—not a strategy—is key to sustainable online success.

💡 Key Takeaways:

SEO is a tool, not the goal: Use it to support real human connection, not replace it.
Customer experience is SEO: Every part of the customer journey—from checkout flow to customer service—impacts your rankings.
AI shouldn't replace authenticity: AI can support content creation, but genuine insight and audience relevance must come first.
Creative SEO wins: SEO isn’t robotic; it's an opportunity to solve real problems creatively.
Basic business practices matter: A broken checkout page can undo all your SEO efforts.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

"If your business isn’t making customers happy, then it doesn’t matter how much SEO you do." - Crystal Ortiz
"SEO isn’t the value. Customer connection is." - Crystal Ortiz

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Website Experience: Go through your checkout and browsing process like a real customer. Where's the friction?
Review Your Content Strategy: Ask yourself—does this content truly serve my ideal audience?
Balance AI with Authenticity: Use tools to support your voice, not replace it.
Emphasize Customer Connection: Rethink SEO through the lens of helping people, not pleasing bots.
Fix the Fundamentals: Before your next content sprint, fix slow load times, broken pages, or confusing UI.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down how AI search systems can lock businesses into outdated messaging, even after they've evolved.

Using a real-world case study of a lawn service company transitioning from residential to large-scale commercial work, Crystal explains how semantic misalignment—not visibility—is often the root problem.

She introduces the concept of semantic alignment and shows how refining website language and structure can guide AI to recommend businesses for the right type of work.

From homepage rewrites to contact form tweaks, you'll learn how to future-proof your business's online presence.

Key Takeaways:

Semantic Clarity Over SEO Volume: The problem isn’t always lack of keywords—it’s misaligned meaning that AI misinterprets.
AI Sees Language, Not Intent: Your evolving business needs evolving semantics to match.
Refine Category Language: AI already knows how to group services—your site just needs to claim that space.
Emphasize Equipment and Scale: Specifics like tractor sizes or acreage capacity build trust and align expectations.
Update Contact Forms Thoughtfully: Even small changes like renaming service frequency options can better match buyer psychology and train AI.
Your Website Trains AI Too: Every word on your site tells AI what kind of work to send your way.

Episode Highlights:

"AI doesn't see your intentions. It sees your language."
"The site stopped pulling him backward—and started supporting where he's going."
"Semantic alignment isn't about traffic. It's about getting the right work."

Listener Action Items:

Run a Semantic Audit: Use Crystal’s Semantic Alignment Analyzer to see if your website says what you intend.
Clarify Your Core Services: Choose two main services that reflect your desired direction and build content around them.
Refine Emotional Tone: Shift from pride/vanity messaging to reliability/compliance language if targeting commercial clients.
Test the "Lite" Tool: Join the AI SEO Skool for access to a free version of the analyzer and start optimizing today.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell unpacks the concept of semantic triples and how understanding them can solve one of the most frustrating SEO issues ... getting impressions but no clicks.

Drawing from her experience at a technical SEO conference and a real-world case study from her own business, Crystal reveals how aligning your page’s content with user intent (not just keywords) can lead to higher conversions.

Whether you're an SEO novice or pro, this episode offers actionable insights into fixing semantic misalignment and crafting on age content metadata that actually converts.

Key Takeaways:

Semantic Triples Explained: Learn how the "who," "what," and "why" of user intent can clarify your SEO strategy.
Real-World Example: Crystal shares how her page for “volleyball gifts for girls” got 1,700+ impressions with zero clicks—and how she fixed it.
Diagnosing Intent Mismatch: Uncover how tools can reveal pricing shock, vague copy, and semantic misalignment.
Actionable Fixes: Get practical changes you can make to metadata, product descriptions, and page flow to convert better.

Memorable Quotes:

“It’s not a traffic problem. It’s not a keyword problem. It’s a meaning problem.”
“The fact is, if there’s no click, there’s no conversion—and that means there’s no SEO value.”
“Being understood is the real work.”

Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Own Pages: Use semantic triples (who, what, why) to evaluate whether your content truly aligns with search intent.
Rewrite Metadata: Make your titles and meta descriptions more specific and emotionally engaging.
Clarify Your Offer: Lead with emotional hooks and value before asking the user to take action.
Book a Consult: If you're stuck, schedule a semantic alignment audit via Simple and Smart SEO
.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this special workshop-style episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell guides you through creating a one-page vision board for 2026 that blends your business goals, SEO priorities, and personal life — without overwhelm.

Whether you’re a Shopify seller, creative entrepreneur, or service-based business owner, this episode gives you space to reflect, reset, and move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.

✨ Grab a pen, some paper, and about 45 minutes — and let’s map out where your energy is going next.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:37 – Blending SEO goals with personal and business goals
1:27 – You don’t have to choose between being a boss and having peace
2:06 – Meet Crystal + her teacher-era vision board story
3:36 – Why multiple vision boards didn’t work
4:20 – How to prepare for the workshop (and protect your focus)
4:56 – Choosing your Word of the Year
5:52 – Turning your word into emotions + actions
6:51 – Guided reflection: how you want to feel at the end of 2026
7:31 – What habit or mindset you’re releasing
8:14 – Skills and experiences you’re saying yes to
9:24 – Creating your vision board in Canva (one-slide rule!)
11:16 – Section 1: Casting your vision
12:24 – Section 2: Business visibility & SEO strategy
15:04 – Sections 3 & 4: Personal goals + business goal tracking
18:00 – Using your vision board as daily guidance
18:45 – How to share your vision board + what’s coming next

🧠 Key Takeaways

One clear vision board is more powerful than multiple scattered ones
Your Word of the Year should act as a filter for decisions
SEO and visibility goals work best when aligned with how you want to feel
Peace and ambition are not opposites — they can coexist

🙌🏽 Listener Action Items

Create a one-slide vision board in Canva using emotions + imagery
Set 1–2 visibility or SEO goals that actually support your life
Make your vision board your desktop or phone background

📚 Resources & Mentions

🎓 Join the free Shopify SEO & Traffic Challenge → https://aiseoskool.com
📸 Share your vision board on Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo
Connect with Crystal on Linkedin.com

👩🏽‍💻 About the Host

Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and creator of The Simple and Smart SEO Show. I help entrepreneurs simplify SEO, build sustainable visibility, and grow businesses that support real life — not consume it.

Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

I'm sharing a throwback video that I made to help you think about creating a vision board for your business in 2026!

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a hands-on workshop using Canva to create strategic vision boards for your business. Discover how to design quarterly, monthly, and weekly boards that align with your marketing goals, blog content, and brand messaging. Whether you're new to Canva or just need a creative boost, this episode provides step-by-step guidance and ideas to help you stay focused, organized, and inspired.

Key Takeaways:

Quarterly Vision Boards: Learn how to structure vision boards for each quarter using blog topics, marketing focus areas, and personal/business reminders. And a FREE template!
Monthly Messaging: Discover the power of one core message per month and how visuals can support your brand identity.
Using Canva Effectively: See how to drag and drop images into Canva grids—even if you're a beginner.
Visual Branding: Use representative photos to convey your values, target audience, and offers.
Progressive Planning: Templates are available for weekly, monthly, and quarterly planning to fit your workflow.

"If you make a vision board, tag me on Instagram—I'd love to see what you create!"

Listener Action Items:

Create Your Own Vision Board: Use Canva to design a quarterly or monthly vision board tailored to your business goals.
Set Your Monthly Message: Define one clear message each month to guide your content and marketing.
Choose Visuals Intentionally: Select images that resonate with your brand, goals, and target audience.
Share and Connect: Snap a pic of your vision board and tag the host on Instagram to join the community conversation.

Join my SEO Skool to get access to a full vision board planning workshop!

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this “Best of 2025” highlight from the Simple and Smart SEO Show, we revisit one of our top-performing episodes featuring local SEO expert Darren Shaw.

Darren breaks down the critical mistake many local businesses make with their websites—and how to fix it using individual service pages.

If you're relying on a single "Services" page or even worse—a one-page website—this episode is a must-listen. Learn how your website becomes the database that powers your Google Business Profile, and how to fully optimize it for maximum local search visibility.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

One page isn’t enough: A single “Services” page with bullet points won't cut it for local SEO.
Each service deserves a page: Every primary service your business offers should have its own dedicated, optimized page.
Your website feeds Google: Google uses your website as the main data source for your Google Business Profile.
Avoid one-page websites: They limit SEO potential with a single title tag and minimal schema markup.
Add rich content: Include videos, FAQs, and context to enhance each service page's value.

💬 Episode Highlights from Darren Shaw:

"People haven't made that mental connection... your website is the database for your Google Business Profile."
"A one-page website? You only get one title tag... Can I please have multiple pages to optimize?"
"The more information you have on your website, the better your local SEO visibility."

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit your website: Check if each of your services has its own page. If not, plan to build them out.
Optimize content: Add title tags, schema markup, FAQs, and videos to each service page.
Rethink your site structure: If you're using a one-page website, consider upgrading to a multi-page format.
Link strategically: Ensure each service page links appropriately from your main services navigation.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this solo “Follow Through Friday” episode, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) reflects on the powerful branding and SEO insights shared by Mordy Oberstein (Former Head of Brand at Wix and Unified Brand Marketing.)

I'm sharing how I've implemented them in my own business. From niching down my e-commerce offerings to optimizing emotional storytelling in my SEO strategy, I share actionable takeaways and honest lessons that led to smart growth.

Key Takeaways:

Own Your Niche: Trying to serve everyone leads to confusion; doubling down on “senior night gifts” turned Crystal’s brand into the go-to source.
Brand Identity Matters: When you’re for someone, you’re not for everyone — and that’s a strength, not a weakness.
Price with Purpose: Raising prices to reflect value may turn away some customers — but it attracts the right ones.
SEO + Branding = Power Couple: Traffic without conversion is a dead end; emotional storytelling transforms page views into purchases.
Product Bundling for Growth: Offering customizable, repeatable product experiences increases cart size and customer retention.

Memorable Quotes:

“SEO isn’t just about being found, it’s about being remembered.” – Crystal Waddell
“Does your page just rank — or does it resonate?” – Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Brand Message: Who are you for? Who are you not for? Rework your messaging to reflect that clarity.
Raise Prices Confidently: Evaluate if you’re undercharging for your work — and raise prices to align with your value.
SEO with Soul: Look at your top pages. Do they tell a story? Do they speak to one specific customer’s emotional journey?
Revisit Your Product Line: Can you bundle or personalize existing products for better sales and repeat customers?
Check Conversion, Not Just Traffic: Review if your SEO strategy leads to sales — not just visits.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) welcomes back Ashley from Deviation to dive deep into the evolving world of search.

We break down digital silos across marketing teams, explore the power of unified metrics, and discuss why brand search and intent-rich content are key to dominating the search-everywhere era.

From creating demand via social media to optimizing for long-tail keywords and leveraging data-driven strategy visuals, this conversation is packed with tactical and strategic gold for business owners, content creators, and SEOs alike.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Monthly Search Volume Isn’t King: Start with intent research, then validate with search volume—don't let metrics dictate strategy prematurely.
Break Digital Silos: Align KPIs across search, brand, and social teams to create unified, impactful digital strategies.
Brand + Awareness Terms Are the Future: Think "Your Brand + Topic You Want to Own" to drive searches and become synonymous with your niche.
Organic and Paid Should Work Together: Use organic performance data to inform paid ad strategy and amplify proven content.
Optimize for Intent, Not Volume: Long-tail, niche-specific PLPs and PDPs outperform high-volume generic terms in the age of AI search.
Spider Graph Strategy Visualization: A revolutionary tool for mapping brand presence across platforms and identifying strategic content gaps.
AI Agents in SEO: Breakthrough potential when backed by trusted tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs—be cautious of generic wrappers.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

"You might be better creating long-tail, intent-focused PLPs with 30 searches a month—because 15 might convert." - Ashley Liddell
"Brand plus awareness terms is how you become synonymous with your niche—and maybe even create your own category."

🎯 Listener Action Items:

Create Intent-Rich Pages: Build PLPs and PDPs around specific customer intents, not just keywords.
Use Social to Drive Demand: Craft social content around the awareness terms you want to be known for, then track "brand + keyword" searches.
Don’t Obsess Over Volume: Focus on solution-based, conversion-optimized content—especially for long-tail, conversational search terms.

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

Free checklist: Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the 5-minute self-check →

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!

View Details

In this Black Friday-themed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes John Hogan, co-founder of Grid and Pixel.

We dive deep into how e-commerce businesses, especially those on Shopify, can use personalized and fully automated email flows to drive more revenue.

Learn the secrets to converting visitors with targeted popups, the importance of various email flows (including abandoned cart, product browse, and post-purchase), and how Grid and Pixel streamlines everything with AI.

Whether you're a seasoned email marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips for boosting Black Friday and year-round sales.

Key Takeaways:

Automated Email Wins: Grid and Pixel helps brands automate both email campaigns and flows for increased sales and reduced workload.
Email Flows Matter: Key flows like welcome series, abandoned cart, and post-purchase emails can significantly boost revenue.
Personalization Drives Conversions: Tailored product recommendations and content outperform generic blasts.
Shopify Email vs Klaviyo: Shopify email works for automations but struggles with high bounce rates in campaigns—Klaviyo or Omnisend are stronger choices.
Time-Saving AI: Grid and Pixel acts like an AI-powered marketing assistant, reducing the need for costly agencies.

Episode Highlights:

"We realized quickly that store owners didn’t want to implement email marketing themselves. They either didn’t have time or didn’t want to learn." – John Hogan
"A product browse email can drive as much revenue as abandoned checkout emails over time." – John Hogan
"Shopify email has a bounce problem—it’s great for automations, but campaigns can get shut down due to high bounce rates." – John Hogan

Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Email Flows: Review whether you’ve set up all the essential flows—welcome series, abandonments, post-purchase, win-backs, etc.
Test New Opt-in Offers: Swap out tired 10% disco

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm stitting down with Ashley Liddell, co-founder of Deviation, to explore the concept of “Search Everywhere® .”

From Sephora’s “Black Beauty Is Beauty” campaign to understanding the evolution of search across platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Reddit, Ashley shares his journey to building a unique SEO agency.

We discuss the fragmentation of the customer journey, optimizing across platforms, and why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough.

Key Takeaways:

Search Everywhere® Philosophy: SEO now means being discoverable on every platform where your audience is already spending time—not just Google.
Brand Discovery vs. Intent Search: Ashley explains the difference between interruptive discovery (social platforms) vs. intentional problem-solving (search engines).
Customer Journey Mapping: Understanding platform intent and audience behavior is essential to building omnichannel search strategies.
Sephora’s Case Study: A missed opportunity to capitalize on a 7,000% search lift after a viral campaign highlights the need for integrated internal comms between marketing and SEO teams.
Platform-Specific Optimization: Brands must tailor content (video, visual, text) based on platform expectations and user intent.

Memorable Quotes:

“Search Everywhere® is about engineering brand discovery where your audience actually hangs out.” – Ashley Liddell
“We’ve always conformed to Google’s expectations—but what if your audience doesn’t?” – Ashley Liddell
“That 7,000% spike in brand search was completely missed because of internal silos.” – Ashley Liddell

Listener Action Items:

Reevaluate Your Search Strategy: Consider where your audience spends time—beyond Google—and start optimizing there.
Audit Internal Communication: Ensure your marketing, social, and SEO teams are aligned and sharing data.
Review Campaign Metrics Holistically: Don’t just track social performance—look at how it influences branded search and on-site behavior.

Connect with Ash

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!

View Details

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode, Crystal continues her conversation with Deonnah Carolus, the founder of E-Commerce Savvy, diving deeper into launching and scaling Shopify stores with the help of AI tools.

Deonnah shares practical insights on using Shopify’s built-in features versus third-party themes, optimizing SEO for long-term visibility, setting realistic timelines for launching a store, and the mindset shifts needed to succeed in e-commerce.

Whether you’re transitioning from Etsy or building your first digital storefront, this episode provides actionable advice to help you go from idea to income—without the overwhelm.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Launch Imperfectly, Learn Quickly: Start with one product and iterate. Perfectionism delays progress.
AI Can Accelerate Design, But Requires Human Input: Shopify's AI tools can speed up store creation but need customization to avoid generic results.
Free Shopify Themes Are Powerful: Themes like Horizon and Dawn are flexible, optimized for speed, and ideal for beginners.
Mindset Over Comparison: Focusing on your own vision helps avoid “comparisonitis” and analysis paralysis.
Know When to Upgrade Plans: Shopify Plus is best for stores doing $1M+ annually and needing advanced customization.
SEO is Non-Negotiable: Foundational SEO is critical to long-term growth and lower ad costs.
Schema is the Future: As Google evolves, structured data will be key to visibility—Yoast can help.

🧠 Listener Action Items:

Launch Now: Choose one product and go live—don’t wait for perfection.
Use Free Themes: Start with Shopify’s Horizon to keep costs low and performance high.
Prioritize SEO: Set meta tags and use schema tools to improve discoverability.
Invest in Learning: Consider Deonnah’s Idea to Income course to build your Shopify store in 30 days.
Follow for More: Stay inspired and educated by following @ecommercesavvy on Instagram and TikTok.

Connect with Deonnah Carolus: Website

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (That's me!) is joined by Shopify expert and founder of e-Commerce Savvy, Deonnah Carolus.

They dive into the recent changes at Shopify, talk AI integration, theme changes like Horizon, and practical insights for e-commerce sellers.

Whether you're new to Shopify or an experienced seller looking to stay ahead, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and future-focused predictions.

Key Takeaways:

Shopify Evolution: Deonnah outlines how Shopify has transitioned from Debut to Dawn, and now to the new Horizon theme, offering more flexibility and AI-powered tools.
AI Integration: Both the theme builder and theme generator now feature AI capabilities—but success still depends on the quality of your prompts.
Theme Migration Tips: Migrating from Dawn to Horizon requires rebuilding custom templates. Early adoption helps avoid rushed transitions later.
SEO in Social Media: SEO isn’t just for websites—Deonnah explains how it intersects with social media marketing.
Pricing Services: Deonnah shares her method of pricing services based on the client’s business scale and goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Memorable Quotes:

“Google’s confused for the first time since 1996.” – Deonnah Carolus
“Everyone’s trying to figure out how to get AI integrated into everything.” – Deonnah Carolus

Listener Action Items:

Evaluate Your Shopify Theme: If you’re still using Dawn or Debut, start testing Horizon now to prepare for the future.
Play with AI Tools: Begin experimenting with Shopify’s AI builder and theme generator to familiarize yourself with their capabilities.
Document Your Custom Pages: Before migrating, inventory your custom product and collection pages to simplify rebuilding them in Horizon.
Audit Your Pricing Strategy: If you’re a service provider, consider revisiting your pricing model to reflect client diversity like Deonnah suggests.
Follow the Trend: Stay informed on Shopify’s updates and the role of AI in e-commerce to future-proof

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!

View Details

In this must-listen follow-up episode, Crystal Waddell is joined again by Marketing Director Garrett Sussman to unpack the fast-evolving world of SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and the iPull Rank conception of "Relevance Engineering."

From the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to how AI is rewriting what it means to be "searchable," this episode dives deep into the shifts that matter most for small businesses and marketers.

Discover how to test AI’s understanding of your brand, stay competitive in fractured discovery environments, and leverage “happy accidents” for product innovation.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

GEO vs SEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization may not replace SEO—but instead become a specialized subset.
Relevance Engineering: A new framework to ensure brand visibility across all platforms, from TikTok to Google.
The Rise of RAG: How Retrieval-Augmented Generation changes how AI answers questions and includes your content.
AI's Hallucinations: Why small businesses must audit AI outputs and the potential hidden product ideas they reveal.
Testing for Visibility: How to explore how AI models “see” your brand—despite increasing personalization.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

"GEO is kind of a subset of SEO... but it’s also a different discipline because LLMs don't behave like traditional search engines." — Garrett Sussman

"Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Know your ideal customer. Make content for them." — Garrett Sussman

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit AI Search Results: Ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude what they know about your business.
Review Your Visibility: Explore how your content performs across platforms, not just on Google.
Track Referrals from AI: Start noting AI tools in your referral sources or “How did you hear about us?” forms.
Experiment with Product Ideas: Pay attention to fictional features AI suggests—they might be your next big seller!
Check Out the AI Search Manual: Linked by Garrett for deeper insights into the future of search.

Connect With Garrett Sussman:

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell is joined by Garrett Sussman, Director of Marketing at iPullRank, to unpack how AI is transforming SEO, e-commerce, and online visibility.

From the recently announced Shopify + OpenAI partnership to the rise of product recommendations in ChatGPT, this conversation explores what business owners need to know to stay competitive online.

Learn why traditional keyword-focused strategies are losing relevance and how to adapt using topical content, brand authority, and omnichannel visibility.

Key Takeaways:

AI is Reshaping E-commerce Search: ChatGPT and Shopify's partnership hints at future product recommendation features, and small businesses can already submit merchant feeds to get listed.
Keyword Optimization is Changing: Focus on topics and customer intent over traditional keyword volume.
Visibility Requires Omnichannel Strategy: Your brand needs to show up across platforms like Google, Reddit, Amazon, and listicles to be included in AI-generated outputs.
Google is Still King: Optimizing for Google often benefits visibility in other AI platforms too.

Listener Action Items:

Submit Your Merchant Feed: If you’re on Shopify, fill out the early access form for LLM/AI product recommendations.
Diversify Content Presence: Create short, specific articles around key topics instead of just long-form content.
Build a Brand Resume: Ensure your business is represented accurately across Reddit, social media, Amazon, and more.

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!)

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!

View Details

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show with Crystal Waddell for a deep dive into the human side of AI.

Ana unpacks how experimenting with chatbots taught her the inner workings of LLMs, what semantic triples really mean for SEO, and how the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai helps her balance learning, creativity, and life.

Crystal connects it all back to entrepreneurship — discussing the “never-ending to-do list,” living an optimized life, and how technology can make us more human when we use it with intention.

You’ll learn:

What SEOs can learn from experimenting with AI and coding
Why understanding semantic triples and language structure matters
How to use Ikigai to prioritize time and energy
How to optimize life, not just website

Helpful Links:

🎧 Podcast Hub → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/best-seo-podcast

📘 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Steps.com

💼 Guest: Ana de la Cruz → LinkedIn Profile

Connect With Crystal → Linkedin Profile

Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 – Experimenting with AI and LLMs
01:00 – Presenting a Chatbot Project at Work
02:00 – What Are Semantic Triples?
03:20 – Why Meaning and Context Matter in SEO
04:24 – The Good, Bad, and Ugly of AI
05:00 – Embracing the Learning Process
06:10 – How to Balance Learning and Earning
07:09 – The Ikigai Framework Explained
10:00 – The “Never-Ending To-Do List” GPT Idea
12:05 – Energy, Emotions, and Productivity
13:34 – Optimizing Life with Technology
15:59 – Rapid-Fire Q&A: SEO, AI, and the Future
17:30 – Where to Connect with Ana

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, to explore her journey from Univision Radio to leading SEO strategy at a global media agency.

Ana shares how curiosity, reinvention, and kindness shaped her path — and introduces us to the emerging concept of “Vibe Coding,” where AI and human creativity meet.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Ana transitioned from traditional media to SEO strategy
Why kindness and collaboration are underrated superpowers in the agency world
What “vibe coding” really means — and how SEOs can use it to automate and innovate
Why AI expands opportunity instead of replacing humans

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro
0:31 – Ana’s journey from media to marketing
2:00 – Landing at Publicis and Omnicom
4:00 – What Chartis does (and why she loves it)
5:20 – How AI opens new opportunities for SEOs
8:35 – What is “vibe coding”?
12:19 – Ana’s first experiments with ChatGPT and code
18:45 – Curiosity, courage, and building new skills

📚 Resources & Mentions:

🎧 Podcast Hub: https://simpleandsmartseo.com/best-seo-podcast
💼 Connect with Ana: LinkedIn – Ana de la Cruz

🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:

Reflect on one skill you could “vibe code” or automate this month.
Follow Ana on LinkedIn to keep learning about AI + SEO.
Subscribe to the show for weekly SEO clarity and creative inspiration!

👩🏽‍💻 About Me:
Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. I help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, and build a business that works for you.

📲 Connect With Me:

Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2
Website → https://simpleandsmartseo.com
Spotify → Listen on Spotify
Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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!)

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!

View Details

In Part 2 of this engaging conversation with content marketing expert Andy Crestodina, we dive deeper into the evolving world of SEO, AI's growing role in content creation, and the power of collaboration.

Andy shares insights on balancing human judgment with AI tools like Surfer SEO, creating successful local events, and leveraging original research to differentiate your brand.

Whether you're a solo marketer, business owner, or content strategist, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and fresh perspectives.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

SEO as a Strategy, Not a Rulebook: SEO Tools offer suggestions, but human content strategy still rules.
Original Research Wins: Brands should publish new, unique data yearly to stand out and build authority.
AI in Moderation: Over-reliance on AI for full article generation often leads to lower performance; balance is key.
Full Funnel Focus: SEO brings traffic, but converting that traffic requires UX, strategy, and storytelling.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

"SEO is like a sailboat—AI and tools are the wind, but you decide where to go." – Andy Crestodina

🎯 Listener Action Items:

Incorporate Original Research: Publish one unique study or stat annually to elevate your brand authority.
Use AI as a Collaborator, Not a Crutch: Let SEO tools inform—not dictate—your strategy.
Host Micro-Events or Meetups: Start small, specific, and curated events to build your professional community.
Audit Your Content for Novelty: Avoid duplicating mainstream ideas; create content that adds something new.
Focus on UX & Funnel Completion: Don't just optimize for clicks—optimize for conversion and memorability.

Connect With Andy:

Orbit Media Blog

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media, to explore SEO, AI, and content marketing.

Andy shares his insights on how search behavior is shifting, the importance of training AI to recognize and recommend your brand.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

AI Search vs. Traditional Search: Traditional search finds options, while AI delivers recommendations—understanding this is key to visibility and conversions.
Prompt Reverse Engineering: Tailor your content to include job titles, outcomes, and proof points to train AI systems like ChatGPT to recommend your brand.
The Right Use of Video: Avoid using YouTube on money pages; instead, use native or pro players to reduce distractions and increase conversions.
Influencer Collaboration: Use content creation as a networking tool—quotes, features, and joint content can build relationships and grow visibility.

🎯 Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Content for AI Readiness: Check if your service or product pages include context-rich keywords like job titles, outcomes, and proof points.
Compare Yourself in ChatGPT: Ask GPT how your brand stacks up against competitors and use the gaps it reveals to refine your messaging.
Capture UGC: Identify and reuse TikTok or Instagram content from real users of your product—this is gold for conversions.

Connect with Andy:

Orbit Media Blog

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Jamie Trull for part 2 of our interview to dive deep into the concept of Hidden Profit.

Jamie shares her journey of shifting focus from revenue to freedom, explaining how small optimizations can lead to big financial wins.

They discuss the importance of aligning business goals with life priorities, overcoming perfectionism, and how data-driven decisions can create sustainable growth—without the hustle.

If you're a business owner looking to work smarter, not harder, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Hidden Profit Exists: Your business likely has untapped financial potential—Jamie explains how to find and use it.
Optimize for Life, Not Just Revenue: Align your business with your personal goals and desired lifestyle.
Small Tweaks, Big Impact: A few 2% improvements can lead to 100%+ increases in profit.
Use Data Like a Hack: SEO and financial data are tools to make informed decisions, not guesswork.
Break Free from the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Letting go of what no longer serves your business is a sign of strength, not failure.
Iterate and Adapt: Don’t wait for perfection—launch, learn, and improve.

Memorable Quotes from Jamie:

“What life do I want to create? That’s the bigger thing that has driven a lot of the decisions now.”
“You can tweak things by 2% and see over 100% increase in profit—that’s the power of math.”
“The only mistake is not using your data to refine the vision.”

Listener Action Items:

Pre-Order Hidden Profit – Get over $300 in bonuses, including a companion guide and access to a live business planning event.
Join Jamie’s Facebook Group – Connect with other women entrepreneurs in the Financial Literacy for Women Business Owners Facebook group.
Watch Jamie on YouTube – Dive into free resources on tax tips, S-Corp elections, hiring your kids, and more.
Audit Your Business Equation – Review your own revenue and cost structures—what can

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

Today I welcome financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull.

We talk about the transformative power of understanding business finances, pricing strategies, and how SEO can drive real results.

From doubling prices overnight to lowering ad spend through smarter targeting, Jamie shares tangible strategies and inspirational insights.

Plus, a sneak peek into her brand new book, "Hidden Profit" designed to empower small business owners.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Pricing Can Be a Game Changer: Doubling your prices can lead to increased profit with fewer sales—and less burnout.
Your Labor Counts: Entrepreneurs often forget to factor in their own time and effort when pricing products.
The SEO Advantage: SEO isn’t just for visibility—it drives qualified traffic, reduces ad costs, and improves conversions.
Digital Footprint Matters: A strong online presence across platforms improves trust with both users and AI search engines.
Finances Are Foundational: Whether you're earning your first dollar or scaling toward 7 figures, understanding profit levers is essential.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

"It is possible to make more by doing less." – Jamie Trull

"SEO helped us lower ad costs and increase conversions by bringing in the right people." – Jamie Trull

"Money may not buy happiness, but it can buy opportunity." – Jamie Trull

✅ Listener Action Items:

Evaluate Your Pricing: Are you undervaluing your products or services? Consider testing a price increase.
Audit Your Time: Compare your revenue per product or service to the time it takes you to deliver it.
Invest in SEO: Leverage blogs, images, and videos to build a cohesive and authoritative digital presence.

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this powerful continuation of the conversation with Heather Physioc, we explore how AI is reshaping the SEO landscape and why human-centered strategy still matters.

Heather shares her framework for applying "Jobs to Be Done" thinking in SEO, especially for small businesses and creators.

From empathy maps to AI content sourcing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating modern discoverability.

We also dive into how platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are sourcing content—and what it means for brands big and small.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Jobs to Be Done Is the SEO Framework You’re Missing: Learn how understanding your audience's "job" is the key to creating meaningful content.
AI Is Changing the Web’s Economy: Heather argues that platforms like Google and ChatGPT are “stealing content” without offering equivalent value back.
Empathy Mapping for Better Content: Mapping customer emotions, actions, and pain points can guide your SEO strategy more effectively than keywords alone.
AI Search Results Are Not Created Equal: Different LLMs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) source and synthesize information very differently.
Discoverability Is the New SEO: Heather introduces a broader lens for search—beyond rankings and into audience engagement and real-world results.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Discoverability all day, every day. It is encompassing of all of those things.”
“AI can synthesize information, but it can’t synthesize a room full of humans creatively brainstorming.”
“Clicks and eyeballs might not be the transaction of the future.”

🎯 Listener Action Items:

Map the Jobs to Be Done: Think beyond demographics—what problem is your customer trying to solve?
Create an Empathy Map: Define what your audience is thinking, feeling, and searching for.
Diversify Your AI Testing: Try different platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) to see how they interpret your niche.

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode of TheSimple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell welcomes Heather Physioc, Chief Discoverability Officer at VML, for a deep dive into the evolving world of search and digital strategy.

Heather shares her insights on why Google isn't the only search engine that matters, how AI is reshaping the search journey, and why content needs to serve users at every stage—from discovery to post-purchase.

From structured data to customer retention via social media, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for marketers, SEOs, and business owners.

Key Takeaways:

SEO Isn’t Just About Google Anymore: Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, and in-platform AI search tools are becoming vital in the discoverability ecosystem.
AI Should Enhance, Not Replace Creativity: Use AI to eliminate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows—not to substitute authentic human communication.
Brand Experience Matters Across the Entire Journey: From awareness to post-purchase content, every touchpoint contributes to discoverability and trust.
Structured Data Is Critical for E-commerce SEO: Schema and well-organized product feeds prepare brands for AI-powered commerce search.
Jobs to Be Done Framework is More Relevant Than Ever: SEO should be rooted in solving real user problems, especially in the age of contextual, compound queries.

Episode Highlights:

"Google is not the only platform out there where people are engaging in search activities." – Heather Physioc
"Jobs to be done isn't just a theory—it's a way to make your brand truly useful across all channels."

Listener Action Items:

Reevaluate Your SEO Strategy Beyond Google: Identify where your audience is searching and tailor your content accordingly.
Use AI Thoughtfully: Let AI handle grunt work so you can focus on creativity and strategy.
Audit Your Customer Journey Touchpoints: Create or improve content that supports awareness, comparison, and retention.
Implement Structured Data Markup: Prioritize schema to support AI discoverability in commerce platforms.
Map Jobs to Be Done: Understand the real problems your customers are solving—and how your brand fits in.

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

Ross Simmonds breaks down how AI overviews and LLMs are changing search—and what small businesses can do to keep winning.

We dig into why brand and owned channels matter more than ever, how to diversify beyond Google, which third-party domains LLMs love to cite, and a simple focus formula for content distribution.

Key Takeaways* The SERP is shifting to answers and transactions; fewer clicks to your site means brand + owned channels are mission-critical. * Now is the time to publish unique, story-driven content that LLMs can cite later. Create assets your “future you” will be grateful for. * Diversify discovery: show up where buyers research (TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy), not just on Google. * Search behavior has shifted—people use Instagram/YouTube/TikTok for ideas and how-tos; optimize for those journeys. * To influence LLM answers, seed multiple authoritative domains (LinkedIn, Reddit, Medium, Quora) with your message. * “Be excellent on one channel” first; syndicate elsewhere even if it’s not perfect—then expand. * Optimize your life too: sleep and calendars drive better marketing than nonstop grind.

Listener Action Items1. Pick your “home” channel and get excellent at it for 90 days; syndicate the same posts to 2 other platforms with light edits. 2. Publish 3–5 unique, story-rich assets this month that your future self wants LLMs to cite. 3. Seed third-party domains (LinkedIn article, Reddit thread, Medium post, Quora answer) with your core message to boost LLM citation odds. 4. Audit discovery: can buyers find you on Pinterest/Instagram/TikTok/Etsy for your “money” searches? If not, claim and optimize profiles. 5. Protect your energy: schedule sleep, workouts, and weekly calendar reviews before adding new marketing experiments.

Connect With Ross: Linkedin * Get Ross’s book: Create Once, Distribute Forever*

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Ross Simmonds — founder of Foundation Marketing and distribution.ai, keynote speaker at Brighton SEO, and passionate content strategist.

Ross shares how he started out online running a fantasy football blog and now advises global brands.

His message: most creators need to stop obsessing over new content and start amplifying what they’ve already made.

Learn his “garden analogy” for content promotion, the Four Es framework for creating engaging posts, and how to balance content marketing with SEO.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, SEO or creator, this episode will shift your mindset from constant creation to strategic distribution.

Key Takeaways:

Why most brands underinvest in content distribution — and how to fix it.
The “garden analogy” for nurturing content long after it’s created.
How to overcome the fear of over-promoting your content.
The Four Es framework for engaging, educational, entertaining, and empowering content.
Why SEO lives under the broader umbrella of content marketing.
How to treat different content types like investment asset classes.

Episode Highlights:

"If you’ve given up your time to create something, that thing is now an asset — and assets deserve distribution." – Ross Simmonds
"I’ve never seen someone share too much good content." – Ross Simmonds

Listener Action Items:

Audit your existing content and identify pieces worth re-promoting.
Shift your time ratio from 90% creation / 10% promotion to a healthier balance.
Apply the Four Es to your content strategy this month.
Experiment with DM-based calls-to-action instead of “link in bio” prompts.

Connect With Ross:

Buy His Book: Create Once. Distribute Forever.

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this final installment of the Shopify Series: From Strategy to Action, Crystal Waddell takes you inside one of her favorite tools—Surfer SEO—and shows you exactly how to use it to optimize your Shopify store pages for maximum visibility.

From product descriptions to collection pages, homepage copy, and blog posts, you’ll learn step-by-step strategies to integrate Surfer SEO into your workflow.

Crystal also shares pro tips, keyword research insights, and how to make your content Google-loved without guessing what works.

Key Takeaways:

Surfer SEO works beyond blog posts — it’s powerful for product pages, collection pages, and even your homepage or about page.
Collection pages can benefit from short but keyword-rich descriptions — as little as 50–100 words can make a difference.
Surfer’s real-time content score acts like a coach, showing you exactly how to optimize as you write.
Keyword research is essential before diving into content optimization.
Small businesses can compete with big brands using Surfer SEO’s structured guidance.

Episode Highlights:

"Surfer SEO is like having a coach in your corner while you write."
"Even a short paragraph using three to four suggested keywords can boost your visibility."
"Visibility is a skill—keep growing."

Listener Action Items:

Identify a Shopify page you want to optimize—product, collection, homepage, or about page.
Use Surfer SEO’s content editor to enter your target keyword and review competitor insights.
Follow the keyword suggestions and structure prompts to raise your content score.
Download Crystal’s $7 Surfer SEO Workbook for Shopify for templates, prompts, and tracking tools!
Consider joining the SEO Squad for ongoing weekly support.

This episode includes my affiliate link for Surfer, so if you sign up using it, I ma

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

(Shopify From Strategy to Action Series, Episode 4!)

In this episode, we're getting real about Shopify page templates — and why they might be quietly holding your SEO back. 😬

From homepage headers to collection and product page tweaks, Crystal shares how to update your templates to help your content rank and convert.

👀 If you’ve ever wondered:

“Do I really need to mess with my templates?”
The short answer is: YES — but it’s simpler than you think.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

Why templates are the foundation of Shopify SEO success
How to add keyword-rich headers and content to your homepage
Simple, fast updates to boost your collection and product pages
How to apply the “Jobs to Be Done” framework for search intent
A peek inside the $7 Shopify SEO Templates Toolkit

🧰 Resources & Mentions:

Shopify SEO Templates Toolkit → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/templates (coming shortly!)
$7 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Steps.com (limited time only)
Sustainable Visibility System → coming soon!
Podcast Hub → https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcast

🎯 Your Action Step:
Update one section of your homepage using a keyword-rich H1 or intro paragraph, and tag @simpleandsmartseo2 so Crystal can cheer you on! 🧡

📌 Connect with Crystal:

Website → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/
Instagram → https://instagram.com/simpleandsmartseo2
Podcast on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5q7TnaTJAgXty6K8bHY62j
Podcast on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-simple-and-smart-seo-show/id1623005671

Would you like a version adapted for blog or email as well?

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

Want more organic traffic and faster conversions on your Shopify store?

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down the visual side of SEO with a focus on image optimization.

From renaming image files and writing strategic alt text to compressing files and picking the best formats, Crystal walks you through four essential steps to get your images SEO-ready.

You’ll also learn how to use ChatGPT to quickly generate descriptive alt text and how to leverage Pinterest to amplify your visual content strategy.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

Why image SEO drives traffic from Google and Pinterest
How to rename image files using SEO-friendly keywords
The dos and don'ts of writing alt text (and how ChatGPT helps)
Image compression tools that boost load speed (TinyPNG & WebP)
Best image formats for product photos, logos, and backgrounds
Bonus: Pinterest optimization tips and helpful Shopify apps

🎯 Action Steps:

Rename one product image with keywords before uploading
Use alt text that’s clear, accurate, and avoids keyword stuffing
Compress images under 300KB (or even 100KB with WebP)
Download Crystal’s $7 Image SEO Checklist for a full walkthrough
Try the free Pinterest Save Button Shopify app

🛠️ Helpful Links:

Image SEO Checklist: simpleandsmartseo.com/images
Free Alt Text Generator
TinyPNG: https://tinypng.com

📌 Next Episode Tease:
Coming up in Episode 4: Templates that elevate your Shopify SEO—homepage, product pages, and collection pages.

📲 Let’s Connect:
Update one image today and tag @simpleandsmartseo2.

You’ve got this!

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this episode, Crystal breaks down the must-have SEO tech stack for Shopify sellers who want to show up in search results, build authority, and grow sustainably without feeling overwhelmed.

You’ll learn about the core apps that make SEO easier, free tools to track and audit your progress, and optional power tools if you’re ready to take things to the next level.

Whether you’re just getting started with Shopify or looking to improve your existing SEO strategy, this episode will help you focus on the right tools so you can stop guessing and start growing.

Key Takeaways

You don’t need 50 tools — just a few key apps and resources to support your SEO efforts.
Start with free tools like Google Search Console and Microsoft Clarity to understand your current performance.
Add must-have apps that create fresh content and improve site speed, like a review app and TinyPNG.
Explore advanced tools like Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and Surfer SEO as you grow.

Resources & Mentions

Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist (only $7!)
7-Step SEO Starter Course
Google Search Console
Microsoft Clarity
InstaIndex
TinyPNG
Surfer SEO (My Affiliate Link!)

Action Steps for Listeners

Install at least one new SEO tool today (Google Search Console is a great place to start).
Download the Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist to make setup easy and track what you’ve implemented.
Tag Crystal on Instagram @simpleandsmartseo2 to share your progress.

Connect with Crystal

Website: simpleandsmartseo.com
Instagram: @simpleandsmartseo2
Podcast on Apple: Listen here
Podcast on Spotify: Listen here

Next Episode:
Don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll talk about optimizing your images so they bring in traffic — not just likes!

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

Support the show

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!)

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!

View Details

In this kickoff episode of my Shopify SEO from Strategy to Action summer series, we start with the most important piece: your mindset.

If you've ever thought:

"SEO is just for techies!"
"Shopify isn't good for SEO."
"I don't even know where to start."

This episode is for you!

🎯 What you'll learn:

Why your mindset is the #1 SEO success factor
The top myths keeping shop owners stuck (and how to bust them)
A fun visibility readiness quiz to check if you're truly ready to be found

💡 Key takeaway:
SEO is like your most loyal employee — working for you even when you're on vacation.

👉 Grab the $7 SEO Mindset for Shop Owners Guide:
https://simpleandsmartseo.com/mindset

🎧 Listen on your favorite app:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

🙌 Ready to take action?
1️⃣ Download the mindset guide.
2️⃣ Take the quiz and shift your beliefs.
3️⃣ DM me your biggest SEO mindset block on Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2.

💬 About Crystal:
I'm an SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist helping creative entrepreneurs grow sustainably and show up confidently — without resenting the work!

Learn about my SEO Squad!

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

Join PPC Pro Austin Becker and me in this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show.

We’re diving into strategic blogging, PPC attribution, and the underrated power of Pinterest — a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, Shopify sellers, and busy business owners who want to grow without burnout.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to use Google's "People Also Ask" to create blog content that drives traffic
When and how Pinterest ads actually work for e-commerce
Why attribution is murky — and how to trust your gut when running ads

0:00 – Intro
0:02 – How to use Google to find blog ideas that convert
1:10 – Linking blog posts back to products and monetizing content
2:00 – Pinterest: A goldmine for visual and evergreen traffic
3:20 – Are Pinterest ads worth it? Austin shares results
4:45 – Organic vs paid Pinterest: What drives more ROI
6:00 – Planning and buyer intent on Pinterest
7:00 – How to measure PPC success (or not)
8:00 – Realistic evaluation windows for ad performance
9:00 – Common PPC/SEO mistakes to avoid
10:15 – Who’s a good fit for Becker Marketing’s services
11:30 – Final thoughts

📚 Resources & Mentions:

🛠️ My $27 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Days.com
🎙️ Podcast on Apple → Apple Podcasts
🎧 Podcast on Spotify → Spotify
💬 Austin Becker Marketing → https://abeckermarketing.com
📺 YouTube Channel → PPC for Everyone

🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:

Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
Comment below with your biggest takeaway from Austin's Pinterest or blogging strategy.
Start Your SEO journey with my 7 step starter course at SEOin7Days.com

👩🏽‍💻 About Me:
Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, an

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, we’re diving into real-world e-commerce strategies to compete with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy — without relying solely on Google.

If you’re a Shopify seller or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen for understanding ad budgets, search impression share, and seasonal sales cycles that actually scale your business sustainably.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to drive traffic without depending on Google (hint: email + social!)
Why knowing your ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sale) is more useful than ROAS
The smartest way to scale: sell more when people are already buying

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: The Google traffic trap
1:16 – Competing with Amazon (without losing your mind or margins)
3:20 – What is Search Impression Share & where to find it
4:33 – Profit-first ad budgeting: ACOS vs ROAS explained
10:31 – The truth about your prices (and why doubling them may save your business)
13:06 – 2025+ trends: Multi-channel selling & YouTube SEO tips
17:37 – Video SEO strategy for higher CTR
18:31 – Collection page tips from Bonobos

📚 Resources & Mentions:

🛠️ $27 AI SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Days.com
🎙️ Podcast on Apple/Spotify → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/best-seo-podcast
💬 Guest: Learn more about Austin Becker → abeckermarketing.com

🙌 Listener Action Steps:

Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
Start your way to SEO Success for only $27, delivered on your schedule by ChatGPT → https://SEOin7Days.com

👩🏽‍💻 About Me:
Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, and build a business that works for you.

Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com

📲 Connect With Me, Crystal Waddell:

Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2
Podcast Hub → https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcast
Webs

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with e-commerce marketing expert Austin Becker (Part 1 of 3).

We talk about the evolution of Austin’s career, from selling quirky side-hustle products to founding a thriving e-commerce digital marketing agency.

You’ll learn actionable insights on Google Shopping, product feed optimization, Amazon's advertising dominance, the power of Schema for Shopify SEO, and how AI is poised to reshape search and advertising.

If you're an online seller or digital marketer, this episode is packed with tips and tools to upgrade your strategies for 2025 and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

🎯 Google Shopping success begins with strong product feeds and Merchant Center accuracy.
🔍 Winning in SEO means building product pages that rival Amazon—photos, videos, dimensions, reviews, and more.
🛍️ Schema apps can safeguard your Shopify SEO when themes change and enhance your metadata clarity.
🧠 AI and generative search platforms like Perplexity are beginning to offer new e-commerce ad opportunities.
💡 Freelancers and agencies can still thrive in PPC and e-commerce if they offer specialized value.

Episode Highlights:

"If you're running retail, you don’t have time to learn Google feeds—so make it your job to know it."
"Your product page has to be better than Amazon’s if you want to win that click."
"AI-driven shopping will soon let you buy inside a chatbot. That's the future."

Listener Action Items:

✅ Audit your Shopify product pages: Do they match or beat Amazon’s detail and quality?
✅ Use tools like validator.schema.org to evaluate and improve your site’s structured data.
✅ Explore the Schema App for Shopify to protect and future-proof your SEO.
✅ Apply for early access to AI shopping platforms like Perplexity’s product feed program.
✅ Re-evaluate your marketing strategy yearly—Austin’s DIY summit method is a perfect starting point.

Connect with Austin:

👉🏽 Website

👉🏽 Linkedin

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In part 3 of my interview with Andrew Ansley, we unpack the evolution of SEO from pre-2022 tactics to today's entity-driven, user-focused strategies.

Learn why stuffing keywords is dead, how RankBrain and BERT changed the game, and why helpful, structured content (plus user metrics) is the new key to ranking.

Andrew also demystifies topical authority, shares how to recover if your site’s in the “loser’s bracket,” and offers actionable tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to win with SEO—without burnout.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Google’s approach to content and ranking has changed since 2018 (and again after 2022)
What “entity SEO” and “topical authority” mean for your website
Why user satisfaction and mobile-first indexing matter more than ever
How to structure content for both users and bots (headers, visuals, and more)
What it takes to move your site from the “loser’s bracket” to the winner’s bracket

📚 Resources & Mentions:

🛠️ Simple and Smart SEO + AI Starter Guide → [coming soon!]
📦 The Sustainable Visibility System → [waitlist]

Connect with Andrew Ansley:

💬 AI Marketeers Skool
📝 Andrew’s article on Entity SEO
🎥 YouTube

🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:

Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!

✨ Episode Highlights (Memorable Quotes):

“Before 2018, Google had not even a pretend understanding of content. What they had was keyword matching... Now, it’s about understanding context and entities.”
“It’s not about getting someone to stay on your webpage. It’s about satisfying their query so they don’t go back to Google.”

👩🏽‍💻 About Me:

Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, and build a business that works for you.

Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com

📲 Connect With Crystal:

Linked

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with AI and SEO expert Andrew Ansley to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, SEO strategies, entrepreneurship, and modern parenting.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT and Claude) to organize your business and creative projects.
The critical skills kids need for the future—and how parents and educators can support them using AI.
Why traditional education is broken and how AI can help every child learn in a personalized way.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

🛠️ Crystal's SEO Starter Guide → [coming soon!]
📦 The Sustainable Visibility System → [coming soon]
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify
💬 Connect with Andrew Ansley → Linkedin

🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:

Subscribe to the show for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
Try organizing one of your business or creative projects using a new AI tool (like Claude, ChatGPT, or Jasper)—see if folders, projects, or custom prompts help streamline your workflow.
Reflect on your own learning style or your child’s learning style. How can you use AI to make education or skill-building more personalized and engaging in your home or business?

✨ Episode Highlights & Quotes:

“If you’re a parent and you have an inquisitive kid, learning how to get your kid to use AI to answer their questions in a safe way is going to be amazing.” — Andrew Ansley
“We are still teaching our kids the same way we did 50 years ago.

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this conversation on AI-powered SEO workflows, Andrew Ansley joins The Simple and Smart SEO Show to share how smart marketers are using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and automation platforms to save time and scale without hiring.

From building SOPs in under an hour to organizing AI projects for sharper output, Andrew reveals how today’s marketers can combine soft skills with machine intelligence to stay competitive—without burning out.

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, solo founder, or agency owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you systemize your business and let AI do the heavy lifting.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

Claude vs. ChatGPT: Why Andrew canceled ChatGPT Pro and switched to Claude—and what you should know before choosing your AI tool.
AI-Powered SOPs: How to create effective SEO workflows and train your AI assistant in under 30 minutes.
Organized Output = Better Results: Why focusing on one task per project leads to cleaner, more reliable AI performance.
Smart Automation Tools: How Andrew uses GoHighLevel and N8N to reclaim 10+ hours of work each week.
Solo Scaling Strategy: Why the future of marketing favors technical solopreneurs—and how to hit $10M with minimal overhead.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“You don’t need to master hard skills—you need to master how to operate the machine.” — Andrew Ansley

“Abstract prompts like ‘write an SEO strategy’ won’t work unless you define what that means.” — Andrew Ansley

✅ Listener Action Items:

Start a separate project in your AI tool for each key business function—especially for SEO.
Define your own templates and examples to guide your AI outputs more effectively.
Test Claude vs. ChatGPT with the same prompt and compare the results—what works best for your workflow?
Create or update your keyword research SOP using AI—then outsource or automate it to reclaim your time.

🎧 Listen now for no-fluff advice on using AI to simplify, scale, and sharpen your SEO systems!

Subscribe for weekly insights at SimpleAndSmartSEO.com

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In Part 2 of our conversation about Local SEO, Darren Shaw of Whitespark returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show to break down advanced Google Business Profile (GBP) strategies that actually move the needle.

From the controversial truth about citation consistency to actionable tactics for leveraging Google reviews and optimizing your GBP for maximum visibility, Darren shares insider tips you won’t find in a typical SEO blog post.

Whether you're a service provider, e-commerce seller, or local business, this episode is packed with high-impact, no-fluff advice to help you dominate local search results—ethically and effectively.

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

Citation Consistency Debunked: It's not as critical as you think, but your core info should generally align across platforms.
High-Impact GBP Optimization: Business name and primary category are the top levers for ranking—Darren explains why (and how to use them without risking suspension).
The Real Deal on Reviews: Recency and consistency matter more than ever; learn how to keep that review flywheel spinning.
Photo and Post Strategies: How regular uploads and Google Posts increase engagement signals and boost rankings.
Virtual Locations & Google Profiles: The gray areas of using virtual offices and how to avoid Google suspensions.
The One-Hour Local SEO Plan: Darren’s foolproof weekly plan to improve your rankings in just one focused hour.

📌 Memorable Quotes:

"Your business name on Google is the most ridiculous yet powerful ranking factor. It’s absurd, but it works." — Darren Shaw
"Don’t just fill out your Google Business Profile—optimize it strategically. That’s where the magic happens." — Darren Shaw

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit your Google Business Profile for high-impact changes: Business Name, Categories, and Service Pages.
Start a consistent Google review acquisition plan—focus on recency!
Schedule one Google Post per week—this is your sales pitch to new prospects.
Engage with your local community through sponsorships and build real, high-quality backlinks.

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this value-packed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host 💁‍♀️ Crystal Waddell sits down with local SEO legend Darren Shaw of 🏢 Whitespark.

Discover why your website is the #1 data source for your Google Business Profile, how to optimize for the local 3-pack 📍, and what SEO myths to stop believing 🚫.

Whether you’re a home-based biz, a service provider, or an online shop, these actionable insights will help your brand show up and stand out in local search! 🔍

💡 Key Takeaways:

🌐 Your Website = Your GMB Database: Google pulls profile data straight from your site!
🧾 Citations Still Matter… but not as much as they used to 📉.
⭐ Reviews + Proximity = Ranking Gold in local search 📍🔝.
🛠️ Service Pages Are a Must: One page per service = better SEO results 💪.
🕒 Business Hours Impact Visibility — especially between 4–7 PM! 🕓📉🕖
🔑 Keyword Research Made Simple: Just ask a few people what they’d search 🤔📲.
⚖️ Citation Consistency ≠ Life or Death: Google’s smarter than that now 🤖😉.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ "Your website is the database for your Google Business Profile."
🚖 "You don’t need fancy tools—just ask five taxi drivers what they’d search."
🟢 "Google likes to rank businesses that are currently open."

Darren Shaw

✅ Listener Action Items:

🔍 Audit Your Google Business Profile – Fill in every field, especially your services!
🧩 Create Separate Service Pages – Give each service its own optimized landing page.
🕰️ Adjust Business Hours – Consider extending hours to stay visible longer.
📇 Check Your Citations – But skip the pricey ongoing directory services 💸.
🤝 Ask Around – Real-world keyword research starts with real people!

Connect With Darren:

Whitespark.ca

Connect With Crystal:

SimpleandSmartSEO.com

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this week's episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with Shreya LaCock from SEO for Hire to pull back the curtain on SEO careers, personal branding, and the future of hiring in a world powered by AI! 🚀

Together, they explore the different roles inside an SEO agency 🏢, the green flags to look for when hiring SEO help ✅, and why personal branding is no longer optional if you want to thrive.

They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO jobs — and why adaptability is your ultimate superpower. 💪🏼

Grab your coffee ☕ or tea 🍵 and let's dive in!

Key Takeaways: Master your personal brand 🧠: It's the new resume! Be visible, searchable, and active online. * Understand agency structures 🏢: Know who you're actually working with when you hire an agency. * Communication is king 👑: Great SEOs don’t just optimize websites—they know how to talk and connect. * AI won't steal your job (yet!) 🤖: But adapting and learning AI tools will set you apart. * Side projects = secret weapons 🔥*: Showing passion through personal projects makes candidates shine.

Episode Highlights:

💬 "There is nothing more important than mastering your personal brand." — Shreya LaCock

💬 "The way we were doing SEO six months ago is completely different than today—and it’ll change again in two months." — Shreya LaCock

💬 "If you want to build a strong company, it really starts with strong leadership." — Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:🔎 Audit your personal brand online

🤖 experiment with an AI tool for SEO, and

🗣️ strengthen your communication skills to build trust and authority.

Connect With Crystal:

✅ Follow Crystal on LinkedIn: Follow Crystal

✅ If you're an entrepreneur or side hustler, join Crystal’s SEO Squad for weekly support! 🎯 Learn More Here

Connect With Shreya:

LinkedIn: Follow Shreya ✨

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

Shreya LaCock, marketing specialist at SEO For Hire, shares the inside world of SEO recruitment and agency hiring.

From spotting green flags in potential SEO agencies to navigating gender gaps in job applications, Shreya brings both personal experience and professional wisdom. Y

ou’ll also hear what makes an onboarding process successful, the overlooked “honeymoon phase” of hiring, and how to make sure you’re building the right team for long-term growth.

Whether you’re an SEO agency, a business owner looking to hire, or a curious marketer wondering what it takes to break into the SEO world—this episode is packed with gems you don’t want to miss. 💎

🧠 Key Takeaways:

Green Flags in SEO Agencies: Look for long employee tenure, clear career progression, and a culture of mentorship—not just ping pong tables and Friday yacht parties.
Effective Onboarding Matters: SOPs and transparent communication prevent role confusion and reduce the chances of early turnover.
The Hiring “Honeymoon Phase”: Expect the first 2–3 months to reveal how new hires handle stress—and stick with them through the dip.
The Gender Gap in Applications: Women tend to apply only when they meet 100% of the job description, while men often apply when they meet far less.
Hiring an SEO Agency? Ask for a 3-month plan, check their personal branding online, and look for consistent communication and employee stability.

📌 Episode Highlights:

“Don’t grow a team for the sake of growing a team. Grow it to scale your business.” – Shreya LaCock

“Even recruiters know what it’s like to lose a job. We’re people too.” – Shreya LaCock

🎯 Listener Action Items:

🔍 Review your own hiring process: Do you have clear SOPs and onboarding plans for new team members?
📋 Vet your future SEO agency: Check Glassdoor reviews, ask for case studies, and look at employee tenure.
💼 Applying for a job? Go for it—even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. You bring more to the table than you think.
🧰 Download SEO For Hire’s “Hiring OS” or create your own version of job ad templates, onboarding docs, and salary guides.

Connect With Shreya LaCock:

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this can't-miss episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell reconnects with digital strategist and SEO pro Favour Obasi-ike.

Whether you're podcasting on Wix, exploring RSS feeds, or wondering how to rank better using voice search, this episode is full of insights you can apply today to stay ahead tomorrow.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Own Your Platform: Hosting your podcast on a separate domain boosts domain authority and builds a long-term digital asset.
Podcast SEO: Turn each episode into its own optimized URL with keyword-rich titles for better indexing and searchability.
RSS Feeds & Site Maps: These are the backbone of your content strategy—essential for pushing updates and syncing across platforms like Pinterest.
AI Tools: Tools like Harpa AI can streamline SEO research, transcription, and content creation across platforms.
Voice Search Readiness: As voice search rises, your brand needs to show up in verbal queries, not just typed ones.
From SEO to Thought Leadership: The future of SEO is about positioning yourself as a thought leader—focus on delivering value, not just ranking.

✨ Memorable Quotes:

“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” — Favour Obasi-ike
“Your website is like a book. Each page is a chapter that Google can rank.” — Favour Obasi-ike
“You don’t want to be a seller. You want to tell stories people can remember.” — Favour Obasi-ike

📌 Listener Action Items:

🛠️ Audit Your Podcast URLs: Are they keyword-friendly? Custom? Indexable?
📥 Connect Your RSS Feed: Sync your blog and podcast content to Pinterest and Google Search Console.
🌐 Secure Your Domain: Make sure your podcast has a dedicated domain or subdomain to boost long-term visibility.
🔍 Explore Harpa.AI: Try this Chrome extension to level up your content creation and SEO game.
🎙️ Rethink Content: Are you presenting yourself as a thought leader? Use SEO to show, not just tell.

Connect With Favour:

We Don't Play Podcast

Website

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

This episode is a full-circle moment!

Crystal reconnects with the person who first planted the seed that SEO could actually drive traffic—without the middleman of social media.

Meet Favour Obasi-ike: a podcasting pioneer, SEO strategist, and founder of We Don’t Play Podcast.

Together, Crystal and Favour take a nostalgic ride through their Clubhouse days, unpack the magic of Pinterest SEO, explore the future of RSS feeds, and share why your website needs a sitemap.

Like, yesterday!

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just now dipping your toe into SEO, this episode is packed with heart, tech, and next-level brand-building tips.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✋🏽 SEO isn’t just for tech bros—it’s for creatives, connectors, and community builders.
✋🏽 Pinterest + SEO = a secret traffic goldmine (especially when you tap into RSS feeds).
✋🏽 Your sitemap is basically your website’s brain—don’t leave it blank!
✋🏽 Clubhouse may have changed, but the relationships (and strategy seeds) planted there still matter.
✋🏽 Repurposing content—like using podcast convos for blogs—is a powerful SEO move.

📌 Episode Highlights:

“Hey, there’s this thing off social media called SEO…”
“If you're not getting traffic, it's probably because you don’t have a sitemap.”
“Pinterest is SEO in disguise—and it’s growing fast.”
“Clubhouse was our digital coffee shop in 2020. And the friendships stuck.”

🎧 Listen Now If You:

Miss those early Clubhouse convos and want to feel seen.
Need SEO and Pinterest demystified in a kind, relatable way.
Love stories about how business friendships shape your journey.

📝 Listener Action Items:

✅ Check if your site has an XML sitemap (and fix it if not!).
✅ Connect your blog’s RSS feed to Pinterest to automate pinning - or call Favour for help!
✅ Send this episode to an old friend who inspired your entrepreneurial path.

Connect With Favour:

We Don't Play Podcast

Website

Courses

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this insightful and refreshingly practical episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Alyssa Corso—SEO strategist and healthcare content pro—to talk all things content refresh.

Alyssa breaks down her favorite ways to optimize existing content without burning it all down.

Whether you're running a blog in a Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) niche or just wondering if updating the year in your title is enough (spoiler alert: it's not 😅), this episode is packed with real-world tips to make your SEO strategy work smarter, not harder.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Not All Updates Are Equal: A content refresh doesn’t have to mean a full rewrite. Small additions like FAQs or new sources can move the needle.
YMYL Content = Higher Standards: If your content impacts someone’s health, money, or safety, Google expects top-notch trust and quality signals.
Check the SERP Features: See what’s ranking (video packs, AI overviews, People Also Ask), then optimize accordingly.
Don’t Be That Brand: Simply changing the publish date isn’t an update—it’s shady and ineffective.
Internal & External Links Matter: Link to your own valuable content and trustworthy external sources like .gov or .edu sites to build EEAT.
AI Isn’t Replacing You (Yet): Use ChatGPT for brainstorming, but don’t let it do all the thinking for you.

🔥 Memorable Quotes:

“A content update doesn’t have to be an overhaul... It can be an FAQ insert or updating your sources and links.” - Alyssa Corso
“If you’re ranking #1 but not in the featured snippet—why not try and go for it?” - Alyssa Corso

✅ Listener Action Items:

📝 Audit your older posts—can you add a helpful FAQ or new source?
🔍 Search your target keyword and note what SERP features appear.
🔗 Add new internal and external links to boost EEAT.

📬 Connect with Alyssa at alyssacorso.com or drop her a line at alyssa@alyssacorso.com.

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell chats with SEO consultant and BrightonSEO speaker Alyssa Corso about a topic every content creator should understand—SEO content decay.

Alyssa shares how content naturally loses visibility over time and outlines a strategic process for updating content to improve performance and generate real business results.

From identifying "money keywords" to understanding the phases of content decay, this episode is packed with insights on how to make your existing content work harder for your business.

Whether you're a startup with limited resources or a seasoned marketer, Alyssa’s practical strategies will help you tie your content efforts to revenue—and avoid wasting valuable time.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

SEO Content Decay Defined: Alyssa breaks down the lifecycle of content—from initial spike to inevitable decline—and why regular updates matter.
Revenue-Driven Content Strategy: Learn how to identify "money keywords" and optimize content that leads to conversions.
Update with Purpose: Alyssa explains how to use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEOGets to prioritize what to update and when.
Content Clusters for Niche SEO: Especially in industries like healthcare, Alyssa shows how to build supporting content around core topics.
Avoid Reactionary SEO: Don’t overreact to algorithm changes—strategic, user-first updates are key.

🔦 Episode Highlights:

"Does this piece of content bring revenue to the business—or does it have another type of value to reach your goals?"
– Alyssa Corso"

There’s more opportunity on the other side of trying than not trying at all."
– Crystal Waddell

✅ Listener Action Items:

Audit your existing blog content using Google Analytics and Search Console.
Identify your top revenue-driving keywords—aka "money keywords."
Create a spreadsheet or use a tool like Monday.com to monitor content age and performance.
Update content that aligns with your business goals, not just based on rankings.
Track conversions through GA4, UTM links, or email capture to understand content impact.

Connect wi

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this jam-packed Part 2 episode, I continue my insightful chat with David Green, founder of Devslove.com.

We dive deep into Google Ads, strategic ad spend, and the realities of running paid campaigns for small businesses.

David shares expert insights on choosing the right platform, retargeting strategies, and why SEO and AI-driven search are shaping the future of digital marketing.

Plus, we discuss pricing, profitability, and setting the right goals to make digital marketing actually work for your business.

If you're an entrepreneur looking for a clear strategy to maximize your online presence, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🔥 Key Takeaways:

✅ Choosing the Right Platform – Should you start with Google Ads, Facebook, or LinkedIn?
✅ Retargeting 101 – The power of keeping your brand top of mind for potential customers.
✅ Ad Spend Strategy – The 90-day rule for testing ad profitability.
✅ Pricing and Profitability – Why underpricing can ruin your ability to run ads effectively.
✅ SEO vs. Paid Search – How they work together for long-term growth.
✅ AI & Search Trends – What’s changing in 2025 and why SEO is still critical.

✨ Memorable Quotes:

💡 “Google Search is one of the best proxies for demand that you can find.” – David Green
💡 “If you're not converting high-intent visitors, something is wrong with your website—not your ads.” – David Green
💡 “Ads don’t work if your pricing isn’t built for profitability.” – Crystal Waddell
💡 “SEO is about more than just traffic—it’s about making that traffic meaningful for your business.” – Crystal Waddell

🎯 Listener Action Items:

✔️ Do a quick Google keyword check before diving

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm sitting down with David Green, founder of Devs Love, to talk about the major shifts happening in digital marketing!

Fresh after BrightonSEO, David shared insights from his strategic planning retreat, where AI disruption was front and center.

We discuss how AI levels the playing field for small agencies, the shift in Google Search, and why omni-channel marketing is no longer optional.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

💡 AI’s Role in Leveling the Playing Field – How small businesses can leverage AI to compete with big agencies.
🔍 Google Search vs. Perplexity AI – Why experts say Google Search is in trouble.
📈 YouTube Ads & Brand Growth – How tracking search impressions can prove ad impact.
🧠 Strategic Planning for 2025 – What small businesses need to focus on in the age of AI.
🙌 The Human Factor in Marketing – Why staying close to your customers is more critical than ever.

Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ "AI is disrupting marketing at the same level as when smartphones changed how people buy." – David Green
🗣️ "ChatGPT writes really good code—just tell it what you want!" – David Green
🗣️ "Omni-channel marketing isn’t the future—it’s the now." – Crystal Waddell
🗣️ "Tech companies that ignore their core users? That’s how they lose them." – Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:

✅ Experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT to automate and optimize marketing.
✅ Diversify your traffic sources—don’t rely solely on Google.
✅ Re-evaluate your ad strategies with a long-term view.
✅ Stay engaged with your customers to understand their needs in real-time.
✅ Tune in for Part 2, where David dives deep into Google Ads for small businesses!

📌 Stay Connected:
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe: podcast.simpleandsmartseo.com
💬 Follow Crystal: SimpleandSmartSEO.com
👥 Connect with David Green: DevsLove.com LinkedIn

Don’t miss Part 2, where we unlock the secrets of Google Ads for small businesses! 🎧

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

Welcome back to another Follow Through Friday on the Simple and Smart SEO Show! 🚀

If you caught my conversation with Katie Stone, SEO lead at Lead Hub, you know we went deep on local SEO, Google Search Console Insights, and keyword strategy.

(Missed it? No worries! Listen Here!)

Ready to make your SEO work for you?

👇🏽 Let’s dive in. 👇🏽

💎 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Google Search Console = Your SEO Goldmine

🔍 Google Search Console (GSC) isn’t just a data hub—it’s your secret weapon for seeing exactly how people find your website. But did you know you can unlock even deeper insights with the Enhanced Analytics Chrome Extension? 😱

🚀 Pro Tip: Install the GSC Enhanced Analytics extension (Chrome-only!) to unlock advanced data views

💥 Action Step: Check your top-performing pages and compare their performance over time. Do any need a content update? 🤔

2️⃣ Keyword Research: Smarter, Not Harder

Instead of chasing broad, generic keywords (water heater 🔥😴), think action-based—like water heater installation (boom! 💥).

Why? These show intent to purchase. 🛍️

💥 Action Step: Use GSC filters to find high-intent keywords.

3️⃣ Competitor Research = Your Shortcut to SEO Wins

💡 Ever wonder what keywords your competitors are ranking for that you’re not? That’s where Keyword Gap Analysis comes in.

🔥 Crystal’s Favorite Tool: Dragon Metrics (but Semrush & Ahrefs work too!)

📊 How it works:
1️⃣ Run a Keyword Gap Analysis to see what your competitors rank for that you don’t.
2️⃣ Identify "easy win" topics
3️⃣ Create new blog posts, landing pages, or optimize existing pages

🎯 Your Follow-Through Challenge 🚀

Pick just one of these action steps and implement it this week:
✅ Install the GSC Enhanced Analytics Extension & analyze your top pages
✅ Use intent-based keyword filte

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this special solo episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell reflects on her conversation with branding expert Mordy Oberstein.

She shares key insights on defining your brand identity, optimizing SEO for conversions, and making smart business decisions that foster growth.

Crystal also provides real-world examples of how she applied these lessons to her e-commerce business, proving that when branding and SEO work together, magic happens.

If you’ve ever struggled with niching down, pricing your products right, or making your website more engaging, this episode is packed with actionable tips!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Know Your Brand Identity – If you're not something, you're nothing. Be clear about who you serve and who you don’t.
✅ Focus on Niche Markets – Trying to sell to everyone leads to confusion. Pick a market and dominate it.
✅ Pricing for Profit – Charging too little means working for free. Stand firm on prices that sustain your business.
✅ SEO + Branding = Conversions – Ranking high isn't enough; you must connect emotionally to turn visitors into buyers.
✅ Smart Business Growth – Expanding isn't about offering more—it’s about offering better and creating repeat customers.

Memorable Quotes:

💡 “SEO isn’t just about being found; it’s about being remembered.” – Crystal Waddell
💡 “No risk it, no biscuit!” – Mordy Oberstein

Listener Action Items:

🚀 Reflect on your brand identity. Who are you truly serving?
🚀 Review your website. Does it resonate with your audience, or is it just optimized for traffic?
🚀 Re-evaluate your pricing strategy. Are you charging what you're worth?
🚀 Consider business expansion wisely—does it align with your core audience?
🚀 Take a step toward improving your branding and SEO integration today!

Resources & Links:

📌 Listen to the original episode with Mordy Oberstein –
📌 Visit Crystal’s business, Collage and Wood
📌 Get in touch with Crystal – SimpleAndSmartSEO.com

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this guest-hosted episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Celeste Gonzalez (Director of Roo Labs at Rickety Roo) and Melissa Popp (Content Strategy Director at Rickety Roo) dive deep into local SEO strategies.

They explore the power of problem-solving content for small businesses and how local companies can stand out against larger competitors. The discussion covers how to identify local pain points, create community-driven content, and balance SEO with engagement-focused strategies.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Problem-solving content builds trust: Addressing real-life local issues makes your brand more credible and relevant to your community.
✅ Go beyond keyword research: Your own team, customer inquiries, and community forums are valuable content sources.
✅ Multi-location businesses must localize content: Even national brands need to engage with community-specific challenges.
✅ Community engagement fosters long-term brand awareness: Covering local issues—even those indirectly related to your business—helps position you as a trusted resource.
✅ Diversify beyond SEO: Businesses that rely solely on organic traffic risk losing visibility. Multi-channel marketing is essential.

Episode Highlights & Memorable Quotes:

📊 On balancing SEO and branding:
"Too many businesses focus only on SEO content. But content should build trust first and rank second."

💡 On social media’s role in local SEO:
"Why are SEOs suddenly ‘discovering’ branding? Multi-channel marketing has always been vital—businesses need to go where their customers are."

Listener Action Items:

✅ Audit your content strategy:

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Katie Stone, SEO Lead at LeadHub, to discuss local SEO strategies, keyword research, and essential SEO tools.

Katie shares her insights from Brighton SEO, her journey in the industry, and practical tips for leveraging Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and keyword gap analysis to gain a competitive edge.

Key Takeaways:

Google Search Console can be a free and powerful tool for uncovering content ideas and improving topical authority.
Hyperlocal SEO is critical for small businesses, focusing on local pain points and industry-specific challenges.
Keyword gap analysis helps identify content opportunities and outrank competitors.
Competitor research is key—using tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and DragonMetrics to analyze backlinks and search visibility.
SEO tools with AI integrations need improvement, but Screaming Frog’s AI and Lighthouse integrations offer actionable insights.
Zero-click searches are reshaping SEO metrics—impressions and visibility will play a bigger role in future rankings.

Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “Your website should answer the questions your users are asking. Google Search Console can show you exactly what those questions are.” – Katie Stone
🔍 “Hyperlocal content helps you dominate local search—understand your community’s unique challenges and address them in your content.” – Katie Stone
📊 “SEO isn’t just about reacting to Google updates. You can go on the offensive and overtake competitors with the right strategy.” – Katie Stone
🚀 “The future of SEO tools lies in tracking brand vis

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of Simple and Smart SEO, Crystal Waddell sits down with the one and only Mordy Oberstein—Head of Brand at Wix, founder of Unify Brand Marketing, and self-proclaimed SEO contrarian (with a soft spot for brutal honesty).

If you think SEO is just about keywords and backlinks, Mordy is here to obliterate that notion faster than an algorithm update can tank your rankings.

They dive into how businesses should stop trying to be everything (because newsflash: that means you’re nothing), and why SEOs should stop acting like lone wolves and start sitting with the comms team.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Branding is a Mindset: If your brand is just ‘meh,’ then congrats—you’ve successfully made yourself forgettable.
Empathy & Nuance in Marketing: Understanding your audience is not just a trendy phrase—it’s literally the difference between a brand that connects and one that screams into the void.
SEO & Branding Are Now Besties: Gone are the days of SEO being just about technical hacks. If you don’t integrate branding, you’re just playing whack-a-mole with rankings.
Positioning > Messaging: If you skip positioning and jump straight to messaging, you’re basically a minivan company trying to sell “coolness” (spoiler: it’s not working).
Vulnerability in Branding: Yes, making a bold brand choice means some people won’t like you. No, you cannot please everyone. Yes, that is actually a good thing.
Welcome to the Digital Winter: There’s too much noise, too much content, and too many companies trying to be everything. The winners? Brands that actually resonate.

🔥 Memorable Quotes:

“If you aren’t something, then you’re nothing. And if you’re something, then you’re fo

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this Follow Through Friday episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell reflects on her marketing strategies and shares three key action items to optimize marketing efforts without extra workload.

She dives into integrating marketing channels, dedicating time for learning, and repurposing content efficiently.

If you're looking for smart ways to strengthen your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips!

Key Takeaways:

Integrate Your Marketing Channels – Ensure social media, blog posts, and email marketing work together to guide potential customers toward conversions.
Dedicate Weekly Learning Time – Stay updated with SEO and marketing trends by setting aside time to learn new strategies.
Repurpose Content Effectively – Transform high-performing content into new formats for different platforms to maximize reach and save time.

Episode Highlights:

🔹 "Are your marketing channels actually working together? If not, it's time for a strategy tweak."
🔹 "One of the biggest mistakes I made was always creating new content instead of leveraging what I already had."
🔹 "If you’re not learning something new, you’re falling behind. SEO and marketing are always evolving!"

Listener Action Items:

✅ Audit your marketing channels – Are they effectively driving traffic to your email list and products?
✅ Block 30 minutes this week to learn something new about SEO or marketing.
✅ Repurpose one high-performing piece of content into a different format.

Resources & Links:

📌 Download the Content Repurposing Spreadsheet
📌 Follow Crystal on Instagram: @simpleandsmartseo
📌 Need personalized SEO coaching? Visit: simpleandsmartseo.com

Support & Connect:

📩 Email: hello@simpleandsmartseo.com
⭐ If you loved this episode, leave a review & subscribe—it helps more entrepreneurs find these SEO insights!

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

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In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I sit down with marketing strategist and agency owner Raycheal Proctor from Unlimited Mixed Marketing.

We chat the transformative power of omni-channel marketing, discussing how different channels can work cohesively to elevate visibility and results.

Raycheal shares her journey from classical musician to marketing maven and offers invaluable advice on leveraging SEO, paid media, and account-based marketing to create efficient, holistic strategies.

Packed with real-life case studies and actionable tips, this episode is perfect for entrepreneurs and marketers looking to optimize their brand’s presence across platforms.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Omni-Channel Marketing: Combining SEO with paid media and other channels leads to better results and long-term efficiency.
Targeted Approach Over Silos: A hyper-targeted, account-based strategy can eliminate digital noise and deliver measurable success.
Repurposing Content: Maximize content value by breaking it into smaller formats for blogs, emails, and more.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay updated with marketing trends and maintain flexibility to pivot strategies as needed.
Personalized Branding: Passive branding, like wearing branded apparel during webinars, can be a natural and effective marketing tool.

Memorable Quotes:

Send me a text!

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.

Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In part two of these special guest-hosted episodes of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Sara Jensen and Shea Karssing explore how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of human creativity in marketing, and the long-term value of offline brand-building.

Dive into practical tips for 2025, such as creating quality content, embracing conversational tones, and leveraging AI as a tool, not a replacement.

Learn how brand awareness impacts SEO and why genuine human connection still reigns supreme in the digital world.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

AI’s Role in SEO and Marketing:
- AI tools are powerful but lack human creativity and intuition.
- Combine human insight with AI-generated content for quality marketing.
Google's E-E-A-T Principles:
- Expertise, Experience, Authority, and Trust are central to SEO success.
- Prioritize human-led, high-quality content over low-effort hacks.
Offline Activities Boost SEO:
- Brand awareness through local events and networking enhances online authority.
- Multiple touchpoints, both online and offline, strengthen customer trust.
2025 Content Strategy Priorities:
- Focus on quality over quantity in content creation.
- Build your email list—it remains a critical asset.
- Conversational writing aligns with voice search trends.
Conversion-Driven Metrics:
- Traffic isn’t everything; analyze how it converts into leads and sales.

✨ Memorable Quotes:

Sara Jensen: "I don't want AI to write and create so I can do chores. I want AI to handle chores so I can write and create."
Shea Karssing: "SEO might sound like it’s built for machines, but at its core, it’s all about humans."
Sara Jensen: "Focus

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell dives into breaking news about the TikTok ban in the U.S. and its implications for businesses reliant on the platform.

Crystal emphasizes the importance of diversifying business strategies, leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, and staying authentic in branding efforts. Along the way, she shares personal insights on overcoming technical challenges, adapting visibility plans, and balancing family life with professional goals.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies for thriving amidst change and controversy.

Key Takeaways:

Adapt and Diversify Your Strategy: Relying solely on one platform, like TikTok, can leave businesses vulnerable. Spread risk across multiple online and offline channels to build resilience.
AI as a Creative Partner: Tools like ChatGPT and Surfer can help structure and amplify your content while allowing space for your unique voice and expertise.
Authenticity Matters: Sharing your challenges and failures authentically—especially on platforms like LinkedIn—can foster trust and boost visibility.
Plan for the Future: Use current disruptions as an opportunity to reassess your strategies and align them with long-term goals.
Stay Grounded: Prioritize what matters most, whether it's family or personal values, while maintaining momentum in your business.

Episode Highlights:

Breaking News: Crystal shares her experience with the TikTok ban and invites listeners to weigh in on its global perception.
Business Lessons: Insights into diversifying your business beyond social media and building a consistent, omnichannel presence.
AI Integration: Practical tips on using AI for blogging, social media strategy, and expanding creative potential.
Overcoming Challenges: Crystal recounts resolving technical SEO issues and embracing growth through problem-solving.
Personal Reflection: A heartwarming story about balancing business success with caring for her son during a challenging week.

Memorable Quotes:

“You cannot build your business on someone else’s land.”
“Sometimes, you don’t have to be in go mode to be in grow mode.”
“Focus on authenticity to differentiate

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this exciting first-ever guest-hosted episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Sara Jensen and Shea Karssing from Brighter Messaging step in to share their expertise.

They discuss two pressing topics in the world of SEO and digital marketing: why relying solely on AI for content creation is risky and what their predictions are for visibility in 2025.

Sara and Shea explore the nuances of maintaining a human touch in marketing, the limitations of AI tools, and strategies for creating meaningful, effective content.

Tune in to discover actionable tips and the latest insights for SEO and digital marketing in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

AI as a Tool, Not a Creator: AI can assist with brainstorming and summarization but cannot replace the creativity and personal touch required for content creation.
The Risks of AI Dependence: Over-relying on AI for marketing can lead to generic, duplicated, and sometimes inaccurate content, harming your brand's trust and SEO rankings.
The Value of Human Connection: Authentic human interaction and unique perspectives build trust and differentiate your brand in an increasingly AI-dominated space.
Future of Visibility in 2025: Personalization, authenticity, and professional expertise will remain critical for standing out in a competitive digital environment.

Memorable Quotes:

"Trust is built human to human. You can’t replace that with AI." – Shea Karssing
"If your graphics look like everybody else's, they’re not going to stop the scroll." – Sara Jensen
"AI helps with the grunt work but can't replace your creative process." – Sara Jensen

Listener Action Items:

Evaluate Your AI Use: Assess how you're using AI in your marketing. Focus on tools

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell walks listeners through practical steps for optimizing their business.

Drawing inspiration from RJ Licata's insights on marketing strategy and ruthless prioritization, Crystal shares actionable advice on evaluating your marketing plan, focusing on impactful priorities, building strong networks, and auditing your digital footprint.

Tune in to learn how small, intentional actions today can lead to big results tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

Evaluate Your Marketing Strategy: Align your efforts with your business goals instead of being distracted by trendy tactics.
Ruthless Prioritization: Focus on what truly moves the needle and organize your projects effectively.
Expand Your Network: Strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities by joining local groups or reconnecting with old contacts.
Audit Your Digital Footprint: Ensure your business presence is optimized across key platforms with an omni-channel approach.

Memorable Quotes:

"Set the goals and parameters of your business before you get started. Don’t let your business happen to you—happen to your business!"
"Small actions today lead to big results tomorrow."

Listener Action Items:

Focus on ruthless prioritization by outlining your most impactful goals.
Reach out to someone in your network this week to strengthen your connections.
Join the SEO Squad!

Call-to-Action:

Ready to take your strategy to the next level? DM Crystal on Instagram @SimpleandSmartSEO or connect on LinkedIn.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for more tips to optimize your business!

Send me a text!

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.

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell chats with marketing consultant RJ Licata, founder of Me First Marketing.

RJ shares his journey from corporate marketing roles to entrepreneurship, diving deep into the importance of prioritization, strategy, and betting on yourself in today's fast-paced business environment.

Whether you're navigating the world of SEO, building a brand, or just trying to focus your resources as a small business owner, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your marketing game.

Key Takeaways:

Strategy Over Tactics: Understand the "why" behind your marketing campaigns to ensure all efforts align with business objectives.
Ruthless Prioritization: Focus on the most impactful projects and eliminate distractions, even if it means "killing your darlings."
Betting on Yourself: Building confidence and leveraging personal strengths is essential for long-term success.
Building Owned Assets: Ensure your business has a strong foundation of owned channels like websites and email lists to withstand platform changes.
Offline Presence Matters: Tailor in-person engagement to your business goals, from networking to local events.

Memorable Quotes:

RJ Licata: "The real challenge for small business owners is not in executing a campaign; it's knowing which campaigns not to execu

Send me a text!

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.

Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this Follow Through Friday episode, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) revisits her discussion with Holly Homer and walks listeners through her process of improving a dedicated page on her e-commerce website for senior athlete posters.

She shares practical tips on reusing content, internal linking, and leveraging quick SEO wins to create a user-friendly page while managing time constraints. Crystal demonstrates how small, actionable steps can bring big results for your website's SEO strategy.

Key Takeaways:

Content Optimization Matters: You can elevate existing content by repurposing images, videos, and text into structured assets.
Quick SEO Wins: Highlighting existing customer examples, creating collages, and adding clear CTAs can enhance pages quickly without heavy lifting.
The Power of Internal Linking: Linking to specific pages (like “softball posters”) improves navigation and boosts SEO.
Reuse and Repurpose: Use tools like Canva for creating visual collages and videos to showcase your product offerings.
Give Your Pages a Job: Define the role of every page, button, and piece of content to guide user journeys effectively.

Episode Highlights:

“Give every page a job: What's the customer's job? What's the page's job? What's the button's job?”
“I love playing around with ChatGPT—it helps me optimize content with a simple checklist and actionable ideas.”
“Low effort, high impact content ideas are ideal when you’re time-poor.”

Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Website Pages: Identify content that can be optimized or repurposed for better SEO results.
Create Quick SEO Wins: Highlight existing examples, add strong CTAs, and make small internal link updates to drive traffic.
Brainstorm with AI Tools: Use ChatGPT or similar tools to generate actionable ideas when you're short on time.
Repurpose Content: Combine existing visuals and videos into new assets using tools like Canva.
Contact Crystal for SEO Help: Visit simpleandsmartseo.com for a strategy that aligns with your budget.

If you’re a small business looking to improve your SEO strategy on a budget, Crystal would love to help! Visit simpleandsmartseo.com to connect.

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

I'm chatting chat with Stephanie Long, AKA "Mrs. SEO," about her groundbreaking new venture, Junction Jack, a vetted SEO marketplace.

Stephanie shares her journey of creating a trusted space for businesses to connect with top-notch SEO experts.

From addressing the frustrations of businesses burned by unqualified "experts" to her emotional story behind the name Junction Jack, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration.

If you're curious about the future of SEO, voice search, and how empathy-driven practices can reshape the digital landscape, tune in!

Key Takeaways:

The Problem with Existing SEO Options:
- Many SEO "experts" on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork lack the vetting needed for consistent, quality results.
- Stephanie’s marketplace ensures only experienced, honest, and reliable professionals make the cut.
Voice Search is the Future:
- With AI and machine learning on the rise, optimizing for voice search (and natural language processing) is more critical than ever.
- Businesses should adapt content to match conversational, voice-driven queries.
Community is Key:
- Building Junction Jack took resilience, networking, and leaning on supportive groups—proving that no entrepreneur succeeds alone.
Trust the Process:
- The road to building something worthwhile is never easy, but authenticity and persistence pay off.

Memorable Quotes:

“Junction Jack is like Nobu to McDonald’s. If you want high-end SEO service, you come to me!” – Stephanie Long
“There’s no silver bullet in business. You have to go through it, fail, and learn to succeed.” – Crystal Waddell
“Voice search is the new frontier—your Alexa or Siri is about to be your website’s best friend.” – Stephanie Long

Listener Action Items:

Check Out Junction Jack: Visit junctionjack.co to learn more and sign up for updates.
Prep for Voice Search: Start optimizing your website’s content for natural, conversational queries.
Follow Stephanie: Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at stephanie@mrsseo.co to stay updated.

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode, I reflect on my incredible experience at BrightonSEO 2024 in San Diego. From a first-class upgrade to exciting networking events, unique industry insights, and fun-filled conference highlights, this trip was unforgettable.

I share tips for making the most of events like BrightonSEO, why networking can redefine your perspective, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether you're an SEO pro or just curious about what makes conferences like this so special, I hope this episode will leave you inspired and ready for your next big opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

Networking Pays Off: Events like BrightonSEO offer opportunities to meet industry leaders, forge new connections, and gain valuable insights.
Conference Hacks: Joining hotel rewards programs can save time and elevate your travel experience—literally!
Be Inspired: The optimism and future-focused ideas from BrightonSEO’s speakers are a reminder to embrace change in SEO and digital marketing.
Prepare Strategically: Taking time to plan ahead—whether it’s creating a strategy day or exploring conference apps—can help you maximize value.
First-Class Experiences: Sometimes, a little luxury (like an upgraded flight) makes the journey as memorable as the destination.

Memorable Quotes:

“If it’s valuable to you to be inspired and be around like-minded individuals who are excited about what excites you, BrightonSEO is absolutely worth it.”
“I got clarity for 2025. I was already excited, but now I’m excited on purpose!”

Listener Action Items:

Explore Conferences: Consider attending BrightonSEO or a similar event to level up your knowledge and networking game.
Strategize Your Takeaways: After attending a conference, spend a day reflecting and creating actionable strategies for the future.
Connect on LinkedIn: Reach out to me to chat about your BrightonSEO experience or ask questions about attending next year.
Plan Smart: Join rewards programs and look for auxiliary events like netwalking tours to enhance your next conference experience.

p.s. I am not affiliated with BrightonSEO in any way, just a big fan of their conference!

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

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In this episode, I (Crystal Waddell) reveal the must-have tools that fuel my entrepreneurial journey and business success.

Add these to your Black Friday 2024 deals list!This episode contains affiliate links, which means I could receive payment if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links. Not all links are affiliate links and these are all products I use and fully recommend!

From client management tools like HoneyBook to SEO powerhouses such as Surfer SEO and Dragon Metrics, I walk you through the essential software that streamlines my workflow and fuels my business growth.

With insights on AI, website platforms, social media scheduling, and more, this episode is packed with practical tips and exclusive Black Friday deals to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Don't miss my candid recommendations and reflections as I preps for a fresh focus in 2025!

Also - can't believe I left Buzzsprout out of my tech stack but they are great for podcast hosting!

Key Takeaways:

Streamline Business Management: Tools like HoneyBook ensure your client communications and contracts stay organized and professional.
Boost SEO Performance: Leverage SurferSEO and Dragon Metrics (Use code WADDELL for 5% off!) for advanced content optimization.
Enhance Creativity with AI: ChatGPT supports brainstorming and content creation for efficiency and inspiration.
Build Impactful Websites: Platforms like Shopify and Wix cater to eCommerce and customized designs for any business need.
Optimize Communication & Podcasting: Tools like Google Meet and Squadcast.fm ensure smooth virtual collaboration and high-quality recordings.
Simplify Editing & Marketing: Descript, Metricool, TubeBuddy, and Tailwind streamline content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement.
Automate Email Marketing: Klaviyo helps segment your audience and create tailored campaigns with robust analytics.

Memorable Quotes:

"The right tools aren’t just a convenience—they’re the backbone of a successful business."
"Automation and efficiency give you the time and space to focus on what truly matters—growth and creativity."

Listener Action Items:

Explore the tools mentioned in this episode and consider which ones fit your business needs.
Take advantage of exclusive offers, like SurferSEO’s Black Friday deal or Tailwind’s Ghostwriter credits, to save while leveling up your strategy

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

Lydia Bagarozza and Bridget Sicsko, co-founders of Visibility on Purpose join me to explore the synergy between PR and SEO, sharing actionable tips for small business owners to enhance visibility and credibility.

From pitching to publications to leveraging backlinks, learn how these strategies can drive traffic, build authority, and create lasting impact. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to step into the spotlight!

Key Takeaways:

PR & SEO Synergy: PR features not only enhance credibility but also boost SEO through high-quality backlinks from reputable publications.
Pitching Best Practices: Craft tailored, mindful pitches to grab the attention of writers and editors. Trending topics and unique angles can increase your chances of being featured.
Affiliate Marketing Insights: Many online gift guides and articles are affiliate-driven. Understand how to leverage this model to get featured.
The Long Game of Visibility: Both PR and SEO are long-term strategies that compound over time, building authority and trust for your brand.
PR Tools & Ecosystem: Writers need sources for their articles—position yourself as a go-to expert or brand to support their work.

Memorable Quotes:

“Your work is the answer to someone’s prayer.” – Briget Sicsko
“PR is about borrowing someone else’s audience.” – Lydia Bagarozza
“Helpful content builds trust and drives decisions.” – Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:

Dedicate 1-2 hours a week to work on your PR strategy, such as pitching to publications or podcasts.
Research affiliate models and consider platforms like ShareASale or Skimlinks to support your product visibility.
Use tools like Ahrefs to track backlinks and understand the impact of your media features.
Identify your business goals and align your PR and SEO strategies to support them.
Join PR-focused communities or challenges to refine your pitching skills and gain accountability.

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I (Crystal Waddell) sit down with personal brand strategist Dianne Wilson to talk about all things branding, storytelling, and SEO.

Key Takeaways:

Authenticity Sells: Embracing your quirks, imperfections, and real stories resonates with audiences and helps create lasting connections.
SEO Loves Stories: Integrating stories into your brand increases discoverability while naturally incorporating SEO-friendly keywords.
Target Audience Awareness: Identifying and speaking directly to your ideal audience ensures you attract people who genuinely resonate with your message.
Visibility Beyond the Screen: In-person experiences, like events or workshops, can deepen brand loyalty and expand visibility beyond digital platforms.
Content Optimization 101: From headers to keywords, learn how to craft technically optimized content that feels true to you.

Episode Highlights:

"Authenticity isn't just showing your best self—it's sharing your vulnerabilities. That's what builds real connections."
"You don't need to serve everyone; define who you want to reach and speak directly to them."
"SEO and storytelling are like peanut butter and jelly—they’re best together!"

Listener Action Items:

Take Stock of Your Story: Identify personal stories that shaped your perspective and find ways to integrate them into your brand.
Embrace Vulnerability: Share something personal in your next post or email. Authenticity builds trust and fosters connection.
Target Your Ideal Audience: Write down key traits of your ideal audience and use them to shape your content.
Optimize Your Content: Use headers, keywords, and descriptive phrases to improve SEO while keeping it true to your voice.
Explore Beehive for Newsletters: Consider Beehive’s SEO-friendly platform to expand your newsletter’s reach and visibility.

Connect with Dianne:
Instagram
Crown to Empire Masterclass: Dianne’s free live masterclass designed to help entrepreneurs build standout personal brands. Join to learn her framework for overcoming comparison and posting paralysis, and to create content that aligns with your values.

Send me a text!

Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I sit down with e-commerce SEO expert Freddie Chatt. Freddie shares valuable insights from his journey into SEO, emphasizing key strategies for e-commerce success, including optimizing collection pages, managing conversion rates, and strategic link building.

Key Takeaways

Collection Pages Drive Commercial Traffic: Freddie explains that optimizing collection pages is crucial for e-commerce sites.
Navigating Seasonality in E-Commerce: Freddie discusses how planning inventory and budgeting based on seasonality allows businesses to capitalize on peak sales periods effectively.
Product-Led Link Building: Using gift guides and product-specific outreach as link-building strategies can secure high-quality backlinks from reputable publications.
Optimizing Conversion Rates by Page Type: Freddie suggests tracking conversion rates for specific page types.
Leveraging Keyword Clustering Tools for SEO: Freddie recommends tools like Keyword Insights to streamline keyword clustering.

Listener Action Items

Evaluate Collection Page SEO: If you run an e-commerce site, assess the SEO on your collection pages, making sure they include targeted keywords for your products.
Use Keyword Clustering Tools: Try a keyword clustering tool like Keyword Insights to organize your keywords by intent, minimizing risk of keyword cannibalization.
Plan Seasonally: For seasonal businesses, consider Freddie’s approach of adjusting budgets, running sales, and optimizing site performance during off-peak times.
Focus on Link Building Opportunities: Seek out niche-specific gift guides and reach out to the authors to feature your products, potentially boosting your site's domain authority.

Guest and Resource Links

Freddie Chatt on LinkedIn: Freddie Chatt LinkedIn
Freddie’s E-commerce SEO Boot Camp: Freddie’s E-commerce Course
Ahrefs
Keyword Insights

Send me a text!

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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!
Get SurferSEO!

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!

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In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell (that's me!) sits down with PPC strategist Charley Brennand to explore the role of storytelling and empathy in digital marketing.

Charley shares her journey of overcoming underestimation and the valuable lessons she’s learned about making paid advertising accessible, especially for those considered “underdogs.”

Listen as Charley dives into how she approaches PPC with a balance of technical acumen and creativity, why storytelling can be a game-changer in client communication, and essential steps to ensure a website is ready for PPC investment.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Storytelling in PPC: Charley emphasizes that storytelling in marketing, especially in technical fields like PPC, can make a significant difference in client communication and results.
Recognizing and Overcoming Personal Limiting Beliefs: Charley discusses her own experiences of being underestimated and how she uses those lessons to inspire others to shoot for more in their careers and businesses.
Fundamentals of PPC Success: A good website is essential for PPC success. Charley advises fixing issues like slow loading times and poor user experiences before investing in paid ads.
Understanding Platform Audiences: Each social platform has unique user behaviors and buyer intent. Charley advises knowing these distinctions to maximize ad spend.
Budgeting for Ads with Realistic Expectations: She shares a simple approach to calculating PPC budgets, factoring in search demand, cost-per-click, and average click-through rates.

Episode Highlights:

“Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s pursuing things despite being scared.”
“If your website’s not user-friendly, don’t waste your money on paid ads—it’s setting yourself up for failure.”

Listener Action Items:

Evaluate Your Website for PPC Readiness: Before launching a paid campaign, ensure your website offers a seamless user experience.
Identify Your “Why” for Marketing: Clarify the purpose behind your campaigns—whether it’s brand visibility, lead generation, or another goal.
Explore Your Customer Journey: Map out the steps your customer typically takes before converting. Use this knowledge to create targeted content and ads across platforms.

Connect with Charley Brennand
LinkedIn
Instagram

Send me a text!

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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!

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In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell is joined by Simon Lesser, co-founder and CEO of Dragon Metrics, a powerful all-in-one SEO software platform.

Simon shares the journey behind Dragon Metrics, and explains how DM competes with larger tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush.

Key Takeaways:

Founding Story of Dragon Metrics: Simon Lesser "quit his way to the top" by pivoting from an SEO agency to creating a top-tier SEO tool.
SEO Tool Competitiveness: Dragon Metrics competes with major players like SEMrush and Ahrefs by offering a product-focused, cost-effective solution with unparalleled customer support.
Changes in SEO Industry: The past 18-24 months have been the most turbulent in SEO history, with shifts in algorithms, AI advancements, and economic factors impacting the industry.
The Future of Search: AI is dramatically shaping the future of search and content creation, with new challenges and opportunities for SEO professionals.
Actionable Advice for Small Businesses: Play to your strengths by doing what others can't. Focus on offering unique, non-scalable services to build your brand.

Memorable Quotes:

"I quit my way to the top. Every time I quit, the job kept getting better and better." - Simon Lesser
"SEO tools are fully complementary to Google Search Console. They fill in the gaps, offering insights Google can't provide." - Simon Lesser
"You can create the best product in the world, but if you don't tell people about it, you'll fail as a business." - Simon Lesser

Listener Action Items:

Explore Dragon Metrics: Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Dragon Metrics to see how it can help improve your SEO strategy.
Take a Product Tour: Schedule a demo session to understand how Dragon Metrics can specifically cater to your business needs.
Focus on What You Do Best: Identify services or features you can offer that larger competitors can't, and capitalize on those unique strengths.

Connect with Simon Lesser:
Linkedin
Dragon Metrics

Send me a text!

Support the show

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Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this episode, I (Crystal Waddell) get a chance to talk with analytics expert Dana DiTomaso to discuss Google Analytics 4 (GA4), its use cases and importance for small business owners.

Key Takeaways:

Set up GA4 immediately: The best time to set up analytics was yesterday, but it's not too late. Prioritize implementation and start gathering valuable data.
Execution over analysis paralysis: Don't get bogged down by overthinking your analytics strategy. Focus on taking action and refining it over time.
UTM Parameters are essential: Use UTM parameters in your URLs to track traffic sources accurately, especially for channels like Google Business Profiles.
SEO is more accessible now: SEO has evolved from a niche technical field to a more content-driven, accessible discipline.

Memorable Quotes:

"The best time to set up [GA4] was at the beginning, but the next best time is right now." — Dana DiTomaso.
"SEO has become more grown-up and professional, and that's why it's drawing more women into the field." — Dana DiTomaso.

Listener Action Items:

Set up GA4: If you haven't yet, get started with GA4 to track valuable user data and engagement.
Add UTM Parameters: Make sure you're using UTM codes to track where your website visitors are coming from, especially from Google Business Profiles and social media.
Embrace execution: Don’t overanalyze — make incremental improvements and learn from the results.

Connect with Dana:

Linkedin
Get the Kickpoint Playbook

Use code "simpleandsmart" for 20% any courses!

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Support the show

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

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
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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!

View Details

I'm sharing a personal update, the importance of balancing life and work, and learning when to step back.

Key Takeaways:

Recognize your limits: It's important to identify when to step back and take time for personal matters.
Future-proofing the podcast: To ensure the podcast continues, guest hosts may be invited to share their insights in future episodes.
Resilience in challenges: Even with setbacks, it’s essential to learn and grow from them, focusing on failing differently next time.

Memorable Quotes:

"As much as we want to come across like we have everything together, there are times we just can't show up as our best selves, and that's okay."
"I’ve realized it’s not about intentions, but actions that matter."

Listener Action Items:

Reflect on your own work-life balance and consider whether you need to step back in certain areas.
If you're interested in being a guest host on the show, pitch your idea to me via LinkedIn or email at hello@simpleandsmartseo.com.
Stay tuned for upcoming guest-hosted episodes for fresh insights on SEO and marketing strategies.

Send me a text!

Support the show

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Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Get SurferSEO!

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!

View Details

In this Follow Through Friday episode, I revisit episode 136 with SEO expert Edwin Romero. I explore key insights from his approach to strategic SEO and his "guided selling" method, emphasizing the importance of breaking down business categories to improve customer experience.

I also share personal updates, including optimizing collections, blogs, and affiliate links. Additionally, I introduce the brand resume visibility audit, a tool to enhance omnichannel presence and ensure smooth transitions during website migrations.

Key Takeaways:

Guided Selling Approach: Actively guide customers through the buying journey by presenting curated options to simplify decisions.
Optimizing Categories and Collections: Break down categories into digestible, smaller sections to make the customer experience more focused.
Visibility Audit: The brand resume audit helps establish omnichannel optimization, critical for SEO in today's GPT-driven search environments.
Updating Blogs and Links: Regularly reviewing and optimizing content, including affiliate links and image sizes, can greatly improve website performance.
Omnichannel Optimization: Be present across platforms, consistently reinforcing your brand identity for improved visibility.

Listener Action Items:

Implement Guided Selling: Begin using the guided selling approach by presenting curated, clear choices to customers.
Optimize Your Collections: Break down business offers into more specific, targeted categories.
Visibility Audit: Conduct an omnichannel audit of your brand to ensure consistency across platforms.
Test Website Redirects: Ensure smooth URL transitions using tools like Screaming Frog and optimize redirects for seamless user experiences.

Send me a text!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!

Join the SEO Squad

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell is joined by Amanda Jordan, Director of Digital Strategy at Rickety Roo, to dive deep into the world of local SEO.

Whether you're a local business owner or part of a franchise, Amanda's insights will help you refine your SEO tactics and strategies for better visibility and results.

Key Takeaways:

Local SEO Is All-Encompassing: Local SEO isn't limited to Google Business Profiles or maps. It involves your entire website and how you rank in a specific geography.
The Power of Internal Linking: Proper internal linking between service and location pages is one of the most effective ways to improve local rankings and increase traffic.
Content Clustering for Local Search: Tailoring content to reflect local search behaviors is crucial for SEO success. Understand how people search in your city and focus on that.
Combatting Duplicate Content in Local SEO: Customize location-specific pages by including unique aspects like user-generated content, reviews, and local awards to avoid content duplication.
Non-Branded Traffic is Essential: Relying on branded traffic limits your reach. Developing non-branded content will help you attract more diverse visitors.

Listener Action Items:

Audit your current internal linking strategy to ensure your key service and location pages are well-connected.
Develop location-specific service pages that speak directly to the needs and search habits of your audience.
Explore content opportunities that reflect local search terms and behaviors in your market.
Utilize tools like Google Trends to understand keyword trends in your region, helping you make data-driven SEO decisions.

Send me a text!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

I interview Nathan Hirsch, founder of ECom Balance to discuss the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), effective hiring practices, and leveraging SEO for business growth.

Key Takeaways:

SOPs are essential for scalability: Nathan emphasizes the importance of creating detailed SOPs for every part of the business and regularly updating them to maintain efficiency.
Hiring the right people is critical: Nathan shares his strategy for hiring A-players and the importance of setting clear expectations and processes during onboarding.
Market validation before investment: Before fully launching a business, ensure there is a market for it by testing ideas with potential clients and proving your ability to retain them.
Balancing automation and human touch: Nathan explains how automation can help, but emphasizes the importance of keeping a personal touch in customer interactions, especially in SEO and customer service.

Episode Highlights:

“Prove that there’s an actual market for it. Prove that you can get clients for it and prove that you can keep clients for it.”
"We always want clients to feel like they’re one step away from talking to me."

Listener Action Items:

Create or refine your SOPs: Start documenting your key business processes, and schedule quarterly reviews to ensure they stay updated.
Review your hiring process: Focus on communication, attitude, and red flags during interviews to ensure you hire the right people for your team.
Test your business ideas: Before investing significant time or money, run tests to ensure your product or service has a viable market.
Optimize customer service: Balance automation with personal touches to ensure clients feel valued and heard.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Free SOPs for SEO: TrioSEO.com/SOP
EcomBalance (E-commerce bookkeeping): EcomBalance.com
Nathan Hirsch: Linked In

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Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

⚠️ SMART, advanced episode! 🤓

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes back Crystal Carter, Head of SEO Communications at Wix, to dive deep into the concept of entities and their impact on SEO.

Takeways:

Consistency is Key: Your digital presence and how you describe your business should remain consistent across all platforms. Inconsistent messaging can confuse search engines and users.
Entities are Everywhere: Anything from people to concepts can be an entity. Understanding how entities like Beyoncé or Barbie are connected can help improve your content and digital presence.
Tools for Entity Management: Tools like TextRazor and SEMrush can help extract and optimize entities in your content.
Schema Markup Matters: Using schema markup to describe your organization, services, and products improves your site’s connection to the knowledge graph.
Leverage Knowledge Panels: Strengthen your brand's online identity by ensuring you are represented on platforms like LinkedIn and Google My Business to feed accurate data into Google's knowledge graph.

Memorable Quotes:

“Entities are essentially nouns—people, places, things, and even concepts that search engines recognize.” – Crystal Carter
You have to be consistent. Even if you're doing a hundred things, you need to summarize it in a way that’s clear to both users and search engines.” – Crystal Carter

Listener Action Items:

Audit Your Digital Presence: Ensure your website, social profiles, and Google Business Profile present a consistent message about your brand.
Implement Schema Markup: Use tools like ChatGPT or schema.org to generate JSON-LD schema for your site to enhance its connection with search engines.
Leverage Free Tools: Use TextRazor, SEMrush, or other NLP tools to identify and optimize entities.

Carl’s tool: https://audits.com/tools/knowledge-graph-search/

Gus article: https://www.wix.com/seo/learn/resource/get-a-google-knowledge-panel

InLinks: https://inlinks.com/knowledge-graph-explained/

Connect with Crystal:
Linkedin
TikTok
X

Send me a text!

Support the show

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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!

View Details

In this episode, I sit down with Nicholas Garfinkel to explore the future of SEO through the lens of predictive models and machine learning.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Data in SEO: Nicholas emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches in SEO, highlighting how relying on intuition alone isn't enough in today's rapidly changing environment.
Predictive SEO Models: Nicholas introduces Kixley, the first predictive SEO tool that uses machine learning to forecast the impact of SEO strategies on rankings and traffic.
SEO Strategy for Different Scales: The episode discusses how SEO strategies differ for small businesses compared to large enterprises, particularly in leveraging data and statistical models for decision-making.
Local SEO Optimization: Practical tips on optimizing local SEO, including the importance of Google Business profiles, customer reviews, and addressing schema markup.
Future of SEO: Insights into the future of SEO, where machine learning and predictive models will play a crucial role in optimizing and prioritizing SEO tasks.

Listener Action Items:

Optimize Local SEO: Update your Google Business profile, encourage customer reviews, and ensure your website includes your physical address to boost local SEO efforts.
Incorporate Data-Driven SEO: Begin integrating more data and analytics into your SEO strategies to prioritize efforts that will have the most significant impact.

Connect with Nicholas Garfinkel:

Kixely
Linkedin

Send me a text!

I’ve got thirty seconds to tell you about Wix Studio, the web platform for agencies and enterprises.

Work in sync with your team on one canvas
Reuse templates, widgets and sections across sites
Create a client kit for seamless handovers
And leverage best-in-class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites

Time’s up but the list keeps going. Step into Wix Studio to see more!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Episode Summary: In this episode, I sit down with Keshia Taylor to uncover how local SEO can drive business success without relying on social media.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction to Kechia Taylor:
- Kechia is a permanent makeup artist, educator, and franchisor with over 20 years in the beauty industry.
- She discusses her journey from being a brow expert to becoming a successful business owner and franchisor.
Thriving Without Social Media:
- Kechia explains why she stepped away from social media and how local SEO has become her primary strategy for attracting clients.
- She emphasizes that local SEO can be more effective than social media for reaching targeted audiences.
Local SEO Strategies:
- Kechia shares her tips for optimizing Google Business Profile, including the importance of consistent information and using geotagged photos.
- She highlights the power of platforms like Apple Maps and Yelp for local businesses.
Leveraging Pinterest for Local Businesses:
- Kechia reveals how she uses Pinterest as a powerful tool for local SEO, creating boards that showcase her work and connect with local audiences.
- She explains how Pinterest’s search ranking can outperform other social media platforms like Instagram, making it a valuable asset for brick-and-mortar businesses.
Handling Negative Reviews and Building a Positive Online Presence:
- Kechia provides insights on responding to negative reviews.
- She advises on how to maintain a positive online reputation by actively managing and responding to reviews on platforms like Google.

Connect with Kechia Taylor:

Website: SEO For The Beauty Pro
LinkedIn
Brows and Co. Podcast

Send me a text!

The Feminine Advantage: An Empowering Series for Women Consultants
Six must-listen episodes that tackle key challenges for women entrepreneurs.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Join me as I sit down with the brilliant Jamar Ramos, a seasoned expert in SEO and multi-channel marketing.

Key Insights:

The Role of SEO:
- Jamar emphasizes the importance of SEO but clarifies that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. "SEO is just what you do on the technical side of the website. It has to be about multi-channel marketing," he states.
Customer Satisfaction Over Domain Authority:
- One of the standout points Jamar makes is how customer happiness can drive success even if domain authority fluctuates. "The reason why you can see your revenue and traffic go up as your domain authority goes down is because customers are happy with you."
Understanding Your Audience:
- Jamar urges marketers to always consider their audience. "Think about the people. Who is at the end of the telephone line of our marketing services? What do they need?"
Iterative Product Development:
- Speed and adaptability are crucial in today’s market. Jamar advises, "The biggest piece of advice I can say is: be ready to iterate on your product as quickly as possible. Get your product out there as soon as possible. Even if it's not perfect."
Effective Communication, Transparency, and Honesty:
- Authenticity is key when reporting metrics. "We have to be careful how we talk about the numbers. And we have to be careful about how we report on the numbers and always tell the truth."
Simplifying Complex Concepts:
- Jamar shares his expertise on making complicated ideas accessible. "The best way to be an expert at something is to be able to take a gigantic concept and boil it down to something that anyone, a non-practitioner even, could understand." This approach not only builds trust but also broadens the reach of your message.

Call to Action: Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to elevate your digital marketing game! Listen now and start applying these strategies to see real, measurable results in your business.

Connect with Jamar Ramos
X
Linkedin

Send me a text!

I’ve got thirty seconds to tell you about Wix Studio, the web platform for agencies and enterprises.

Work in sync with your team on one canvas
Reuse templates, widgets and sections across sites
Create a client kit for seamless handovers
And leverage best-in-class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites

Time’s up but the list keeps going. Step into Wix Studio to see more!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Dolly DeLong joins me to explore the real-world application of SEO for entrepreneurs and talk about the upcoming SEO Audio Summit.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction to Dolly DeLong:
- Dolly DeLong introduces her dual roles as a Middle Tennessee family photographer and a systems and workflow educator.
- She shares her experience of separating her photography and education businesses to better serve her audience and improve website clarity.
The Importance of SEO:
- Dolly emphasizes the critical role of SEO in building a sustainable business, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of social media trends.
- Crystal and Dolly discuss the challenges and rewards of focusing on long-term SEO strategies versus short-term social media tactics.
Real-World SEO Challenges:
- Dolly shares her ongoing project of optimizing two separate business websites and the importance of clear messaging for different target audiences.
- Crystal highlights the common misconception that simply having a website equates to good SEO, emphasizing the need for continuous optimization.
Introduction to the SEO Audio Summit:
- Dolly introduces the free SEO Audio Summit, which features short, actionable tips from over 23 SEO experts.
- The summit is designed to provide entrepreneurs with easy-to-implement strategies that can significantly impact their online presence.
SEO Bundle Details:
- Dolly shares details about the upcoming SEO bundle, which includes over $2,500 worth of resources for just $97 during the initial launch period.
- The bundle is designed for business owners who are ready to take their SEO to the next level, offering tools and strategies that can be implemented over time.

Listener Action Items:

Sign up for the free SEO Audio Summit, starting on August 13th.
Explore the SEO bundle, available for purchase starting August 19th, with early access for those on the waitlist.
Join the

Send me a text!

The Growth Gear
Explore business growth and success strategies with Tim Jordan on 'The Growth Gear.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Join me as I recap an eventful summer, blending personal adventures and business breakthroughs.

Over the last decade, I've struggled with taking time off - this year, I took more time off and made more money than last year.

Let's go SEO!

Key Takeaways:

Business Achievements:
- Launched 2025 photo props, doubling sales from last June.
- Website traffic nearly doubled, showing successful SEO efforts.
New Website Launch:
- Introduced a dedicated site for the Simple and Smart SEO Show.
- Joined an SEO bundle and audio summit.
Wix Partnership:
- Became a Wix partner, aligning with new client projects.
- Launched a new members area for the SEO squad.
SEO Bundle and Audio Summit:
- Contributed to an upcoming FREE SEO Audio Summit starting August 13th.
- Get my SEO first aid kit in the bundle - or in the SQUAD!
Amazon Strategy:
- Embraced Amazon as a distribution channel, enhancing fulfillment.
- Plans to update on Amazon's business impact.

Listener Action Items:

Visit the new Simple and Smart SEO Show website.
Join the SEO Squad for a free 20-minute brand interview.
Stay updated on the SEO Audio Summit and SEO Bundle.

Connect with Crystal:

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Subscribe, rate, and review the Simple and Smart SEO Show on your favorite podcast platform!

Send me a text!

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I'm talking with veteran SEO expert Erin Sparks, host of the "Edge of the Web" podcast.

Erin shares insider knowledge on building trust with Google and mastering SEO foundations.

Key Topics:

The Evolution of SEO: Discover how SEO has transformed since 2004, emphasizing accountability and digital strategy. Erin explains the shift from traditional marketing to a data-driven approach, highlighting the importance of staying current in the fast-paced digital landscape.
Google's Knowledge Graph: Learn how to leverage Google's Knowledge Graph to enhance your online visibility. Erin discusses how businesses can curate detailed information about their services and products to establish authority and trust with Google.
Effective Content Strategy: Erin delves into the importance of content clustering and internal linking. He provides practical tips on organizing your content to improve user experience and increase your website's relevance in Google's eyes.
Maximizing Multimedia in SEO: Understand the role of podcasts, videos, and structured data in boosting your SEO. Erin highlights the benefits of hosting content on your website and using structured data to make your content more discoverable.
Practical SEO Tools and Techniques: Erin introduces tools like AlsoAsked.com for discovering user queries and content gaps. He also explains the use of structured data and schema to communicate effectively with search engines, enhancing your site's visibility.

What you can do:

Targeting Non-Branded Keywords: Learn why focusing on non-branded keywords can attract a broader audience and enhance your site's discoverability.
Optimizing Internal Links: Find out how to use internal linking to guide users and improve your site's navigability, helping Google understand your content structure.
Implementing Structured Data: Erin breaks down the process of using structured data to provide search engines with a clear understanding of your site's content, leading to better rankings.

Featured Highlights:

Erin

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The Growth Gear
Explore business growth and success strategies with Tim Jordan on 'The Growth Gear.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This Is Propaganda
Challenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

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This week I'm interviewing Holly Homer, co-founder of PageWheel and the creative force behind KidsActivities.com.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Holly Homer: Holly shares her remarkable journey from starting one of the first mom blogs to creating a sustainable business that supports her family.
Streamlining Digital Product Creation: Discover how PageWheel can generate sales pages, thank you pages, delivery emails, and social media content, reducing the time and effort needed for digital marketing.
SEO Strategies and Opt-in Benefits: Holly explains the critical role of structured content and opt-ins in building and controlling web traffic, enhancing user experience, and improving search engine rankings.
Editorial Calendar Best Practices: Get practical tips on creating and managing an editorial calendar to ensure your content remains timely, relevant, and engaging.
Maximizing Email Engagement: Learn Holly's effective strategies for maintaining a highly engaged email list, driving repeat traffic, and maximizing the value of your email subscribers.
Internal Linking and Content Optimization: Understand the importance of internal linking to improve user navigation and boost SEO performance, along with tips on updating and optimizing old content.

Resources Mentioned:

PageWheel: Visit PageWheel for a comprehensive tool that streamlines digital product creation.
KidsActivities.com: Explore Holly’s blog for a plethora of fun and educational activities for kids.

Subscribe & Leave a Review: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us deliver more valuable content to help you grow your business!

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The Growth Gear
Explore business growth and success strategies with Tim Jordan on 'The Growth Gear.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This Is Propaganda
Challenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

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In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I chat with Edwin Romero, an SEO expert I met at Brighton SEO in San Diego.

We explore several key aspects of SEO:

The importance of targeting high-intent, long-tail keywords over high-volume, short-tail ones to boost conversions.
The necessity of personalized SEO strategies and a deep understanding of customer needs.

Our discussion extends to the intricacies of website migrations, including:

meticulous planning,
effective redirects,
and their impact on SEO.

Edwin offers valuable insights on various e-commerce platforms like Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Shopify, and Magento, highlighting their unique features and the challenges associated with their migrations.

We also explore Edwin's dual role in managing his independent SEO consultancy alongside his family's import business. He shares how he balances these responsibilities with caring for his growing family and mental health.

Connect With Edwin
Website
Linkedin
Out of Office Chat Podcast

Notable Moments
0:00 Strategic SEO and Business Growth: Lessons and Tips w/ Edwin Romero
00:41 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 Edwin Romero's Background in SEO
01:16 Specialization in Salesforce Commerce Cloud
02:10 Balancing SEO Practice and Family Business
03:45 Understanding Salesforce Commerce Cloud
05:57 Exploring Magento and Website Migrations
08:24 Planning a Successful Website Migration
14:10 Pragmatic SEO Approach
15:56 SEO and Conversion Optimization
17:14 The Out of Office Podcast
17:22 Creative Outlets and Podcasting
17:38 Balancing Family and Hobbies
17:58 Books and Movies as Hobbies
18:26 Exploring Unique Reads
19:19 Multiverse and De-stressing
20:42 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
21:49 Challenges of Independent Consultancy
23:52 Building an SEO Strategy
24:48 Tailoring Strategies to Unique Brands
29:31 Learning and Growing as an Entrepreneur

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The Growth Gear
Explore business growth and success strategies with Tim Jordan on 'The Growth Gear.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

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Note:
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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!

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This episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show features Crystal Waddell and special guest Celeste Gonzalez of Rickety Roo discussing the importance of user experience in SEO and the benefits of using Microsoft Clarity.

takes breath

We talk about so many SEO-adjacent topics:

strategies for boosting conversions,
the significance of focusing on the user,
and the utilization of tools like heat maps and session recordings to analyze and improve website performance.

Key takeaways include:

understanding scroll depth,
identifying dead clicks and rage clicks,
and integrating user behavior data to optimize content and technical SEO.

The episode offers actionable insights for business owners, SEO enthusiasts, and solo entrepreneurs looking to enhance their website's performance effectively and efficiently.

00:00 Introduction to SEO and User Experience
00:39 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show
00:58 Meet Celeste Gonzalez
01:36 Celeste's Journey into SEO
02:14 The Story Behind Rickety Roo
03:01 Celeste's Role at Rickety Roo
05:29 Women in Tech SEO Community
07:42 Importance of Mobile Optimization
11:07 Microsoft Clarity and SEO Adjacency
18:10 Using Heat Maps and Session Recordings
18:32 Optimal Data Collection Periods
19:29 Seasonality and Data Relevance
20:16 Limitations and Features of Microsoft Clarity
22:43 Key Metrics for Solo Entrepreneurs
24:30 Understanding User Behavior with Heat Maps
26:04 Enhancing User Journeys with Content Insights
28:47 E-commerce Insights and Smart Events
35:29 Tracking Changes and User Experience

Connect With Celeste:
Linkedin
X
Read The Article That Inspired This Episode on The Wix Learning Hub

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School of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your Podcast
You’re don't know where to learn to podcast. Now You do. Click the link.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

This Is Propaganda
Challenging marketers' delusions about the cultural impact of our work. A WEBBY winner!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

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If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
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In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I chat with Steven Schneider from Trio SEO.

We discuss the importance of understanding the power of SEO and the transformation it can bring to a brand.

Steven shares his journey into SEO, starting from blogging in college to building a successful SEO agency.

Key points include:

The evolution of affiliate marketing and its current challenges.
The importance of high-quality, human-written content.
How AI tools can assist but not replace humans in SEO.
Practical strategies for small businesses to enhance their SEO.

We also explore the differences between top, middle, and bottom funnel content, and the significance of user experience and search intent.

Want to connect with Steven?
Find him on LinkedIn.

School of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your Podcast
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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete Guide
Learn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.
Support the Show.

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Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
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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 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 Community and Encouraging Word of Mouth
21:08 The Google and Reddit Relationship
24:48 SEO's Role Beyond Lead Generation
27:44 Conversion Rate Optimization and SEO
32:25 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Strategy

School of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your Podcast
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Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
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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!

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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.

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
19:05 Optimizing Your Digital Assets
19:37 The Importance of Social Profiles
19:45 Revisiting Neglected Accounts
20:07 Controlling Your Search Results
20:24 Understanding the PESO Model
21:48 Owned Asset Optimization Explained
23:46 Real-Life Examples of Brand Stories
27:32 Leveraging Technology for Customer Optimization
28:59 SEO vs. Owned Asset Optimization
31:55 Connecting with Your Audience

Connect With Jonas Sickler
Linkedin
Twitter

Explore Terakeet Resources
MACH-6 Matrix

School of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your Podcast
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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

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Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
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Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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 Connection

01:27 Katlyn's Journey to Starting Her Agency

03:05 The Creative Side of SEO

04:10 Client Strategies and Packages

04:54 Importance of Customer Interaction

06:57 Leveraging Google Business Profile and Ads

14:45 Using Google Tools for SEO

17:51 Understanding Google Analytics for Small Businesses

18:18 Setting Up and Tracking Key Metrics

18:50 The Importance of Quality Traffic

20:27 Optimizing Blog Content for Conversions

22:22 Creating Conversion-Focused Content

23:42 Leveraging LinkedIn for SEO

24:51 SEO Tips for Busy Entrepreneurs

27:33 Conclusion and Resources

School of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your Podcast
You’re don't know where to learn to podcast. Now You do. Click the link.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

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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.

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

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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 valued, with salaries up to 300K.
Josh suggested that the future of SEO roles lies in strategy and growth advising, rather than technical tasks.
Build your communication skills to talk with C-suite executives.

Connect with Josh Peacock
LinkedIn
Website

Use Code CRYSTAL50 to save 50% on SEO For Hire's SEO Leadership Playbook!

Register for my FREE 3-Day, Supercharge Your SEO Challenge! The challenge starts June 4 and ends on June 6, 2024!

See you there!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

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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

Text me or 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
Reading Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs)

Join my FREE three-day SEO challenge starting June 4, 2024

Expressed passion for helping entrepreneurs understand SEO

Interviews are back in June!

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes and SEO tips!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

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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.

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.
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

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

In this solo episode of the Simple and Smart SEO show podcast, I'm debunking several common myths about SEO.

I'm talking about:

Why SEO isn't a quick-fix for sales,
Why SEO can't sell a bad product,
How SEO extends beyond just website optimization,
Why SEO requires ongoing effort,
When SEO should be integrated with other marketing strategies, and more.

Additionally, I pose that SEO is dynamic, not guaranteed to keep you on top forever, can fit various budgets, and isn't solely a technical endeavor.

You know I love a good user-focused approach to SEO rather than just focusing on ranking higher or beating competitors.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

00:00 Introduction to the Solo SEO Myths Episode
00:29 Debunking SEO Myth #1: Quick Fix for Sales
01:23 Busting SEO Myth #2: Selling Bad Products
02:59 Clarifying SEO Myth #3: Limited to Website Optimization
03:49 Addressing SEO Myth #4: No Need for Ongoing Optimization
05:18 Exploring SEO Myth #5: Separate from Other Marketing Efforts
06:32 Unveiling SEO Myth #6: Guarantees Immediate Results
07:59 Demystifying SEO Myth #7: A Standalone Strategy
09:10 Correcting SEO Myth #8: All About Keywords
10:30 Revealing SEO Myth #9: Solely About Ranking Higher
11:39 Dispelling SEO Myth #10: Requires Complex Technical Knowledge
13:35 SEO Myth 11: Business Size and Competitiveness
14:32 SEO Myth 12: SEO is only about competition
15:21 SEO Myth 13: SEO Guarantees Top Rankings. Forever.
18:51 Myth 14: SEO Myths on Expense and Technicality
20:39 SEO Myth 15: SEO is too technical for the average business owner.
22:30 SEO Myth 16: SEO is mysterious.
24:39 SEO Myth 17: Every business needs SEO.
25:35 SEO Myth 18: Use as many keywords as possible, as often as possible.
26:49 SEO Myths 19: All Links Are Good Links
28:51 SEO Myth 20: SEO is one size fits all.
29:41 Concluding Thoughts and Invitation to the SEO Squad

Register for my FREE 3-Day, Supercharge Your SEO Challenge! The challenge starts June 4 and ends on June 6, 2024!

See you there!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

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Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
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Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

In this episode of Follow Through Fridays, Crystal Waddell shares insights and takeaways from Kate Ahl.

I recap user experience, SEO strategies, personal touches on Pinterest, and promoting pins.

I also want to invite you to the Supercharge Your SEO three-day challenge.

Welcome to Follow Through Friday
Key Takeaways from Kate Ahl's Insights
Enhancing User Experience and SEO Strategies
Personal Touches and Promotions on Pinterest
Join the Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Today I'm joined by Kate Ahl, the CEO of Simple Pin Media and KateAhl.com!

We talked about

leveraging Pinterest for business growth,
Pinterest's constant changes, and
Nuances of digital marketing
The Importance of sharing experience over advice.

Navigating a business in the AI era?

Kate shared that there are lots of uncertainty and challenges of running a digital business in the AI era
She stressed the need for honesty and vulnerability in sharing learning experiences.
Shifts in the creator economy (TikTok, AI) make it challenging to keep up.

How should businesses use Pinterest?

Kate encourages businesses to view social media platforms as levers - pull everything to the central part of your business.
Search intent on Pinterest is critical.
97 percent of searches on the platform are unbranded.
Pinterest users are more interested in products that serve them vs brands.
Local businesses: optimize your profiles with location details.

Promoted Pins vs. Pinterest Ads

Promoted pins are more about awareness.
Pinterest Ads are more about driving specific actions. Both
A Pinterest ad lets you build an ad from scratch targeting a specific group of people and keywords.

Insights For Building a Woman-Owned Business

Rely on data rather than just following what others say, especially in a rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
Women business owners must juggle family and work differently from men.
Share experience over advice

Connect with Kate Ahl
Simple Pin Podcast
The Empowered Agency Podcast

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Make More with Matt Heslin
Explore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

I spoke with Nicole Lewis, who shared advice on gaining press coverage without high costs.

Nicole emphasized the importance of networking, showcasing quality products, and strategic contacts for media exposure.

We discussed leveraging social media, providing valuable insights to publications, and timing pitches effectively.

Nicole's e-book 'Let's Get Press' offers valuable strategies for landing press features, enabling me to resonate with my audience and build writer relationships, ultimately promoting business growth.

Connect with Nicole
Website
Instagram
Let's Get Press E-Book
Pick My Brains, Etsy Trainings and Nicole's Info Hub

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Make More with Matt Heslin
Explore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Join me as I brainstorm potential podcast ideas and narrow down the focus to build a community for my brand.

Potential Podcast Ideas:

Senior Night Podcast: I'll interview parents who have senior sports athletes in high school or college.
Ordering a Senior Night Gift Guide: A private podcast guiding customers through the process of selecting the perfect senior night gift.
Conversations on Life, Faith, and Motherhood: A conversational podcast where friends share insights on life, faith, and the various phases of motherhood.
Family Memories Chronicle: Documenting family memories through a podcast, capturing tales of childhood and preserving them for generations to come.
Lawn Service Business Insights: Dive into the world of lawn service businesses with a podcast featuring expert advice from a seasoned professional (my dad!)

Purpose of the Senior Athlete Parent Podcast:

Target Audience: Parents of senior athletes, offering a platform for celebration and connection during this significant time.
Content Focus: Sharing stories of diverse senior night experiences, and providing insights into transitioning from active sports life to a new chapter.
Long-Term Goals: Building trust with the audience, establishing a reputation for senior night gifts, and creating a memorable brand presence for future referrals and business growth.

How can you use a podcast to grow your business?

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Meet Sarah K Heeter, a podcast expert and CEO of Podfox Media.

Sarah's on the show today to walk us through leveraging podcasts and audio effectively.

Connect with Sarah
Podfox Media
Big Brave Business Podcast
LaunchMyShow.com
Free Roadmap to Grow Your Podcast (Link coming soon!)

My apologies again for my audio - I was having mic issues and didn't realize it!

How do I get my podcast to show up on Spotify or Apple Podcasts?

Consider use of listeners' questions as titles.
Think about episode titles as clickbait.
Don't try to summarize the entire podcast with a title.

What's the benefit of audio content creation?

Audio content is intimate and creates connection like a phone call.
We are all multitasking consumers.
Build trust faster and demonstrate E-E-A-T.
Build a deeper level of trust with listeners.

How to start a podcast on Spotify for a business?

Podcasts can become a tool for gaining clients.
Know your target audience.
Define the podcast’s overall promise or goal.
Define the podcaster's personal goals.

General guidelines for starting a podcast

A podcast can focus on building relationships and community.
Provide a way for your listeners to become a part of a community.

Types of podcasts and audio formats to try:

Private podcasts for clients.
Seasonal podcasting, serial podcasting, and using a short podcast series as a funnel.
Sarah also does audio summits as an effective list builder.

Get Sarah's best tips for guesting on other podcasts in this awesome episode!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Crystal Waddell shares insights on changing her business model, prioritizing health, dealing with stress, and learning from Nick Rubright. She also discusses the PIE project for women's basketball, staying updated and engaged with women's basketball, and exploring data visualization ideas.

00:00 Welcome to Follow Through Fridays!

00:13 Turning Business Models Upside Down

00:23 The Hustle Habit: A Decade's Reflection

00:39 A Shift Towards Health and Well-being

01:49 The Wake-Up Call: A Personal Story

03:24 Finding Balance: Work, Health, and Stress

03:53 Learning from Nick Rubright: Linkable Assets

04:14 The Struggle with Public Relations and Organization

05:57 A Deep Dive into Women's Basketball and NIL

06:11 The PIE Project: Player Impact Estimate

10:37 Staying Updated and Engaged with Women's Basketball

12:46 Expanding the Project: Data Visualization Ideas

17:05 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Today's podcast features SEO link-building expert Nicholas Rubright, who shared insights on the importance of link building and PR strategies in SEO for business owners.

*Please excuse my sound quality, I had a mic issue!- Crystal*

Connect with Nick
Linkedin
Ranko Media

Unique SEO Insights From Nick:

SEO professionals who figured out SEO organically approach it differently than those who learned it within large companies.
Marketing efficiency is key.
Nick shared strategies of crafting content that targets specific keywords and creating data maps.

Nick on PR and SEO:

The faster indexing of news-worthy content leads to faster link indexing.
The process of getting the story right for PR can take time and resources.
Podcasts are the most cost-effective type of PR campaign: they don't require content creation.

Pitching and Posting As A Link Building Strategy:

Align your pitch with the recipient's content intent.
Make the initial outreach email short and personalized.
Understand the recipient's monetization strategy.
Cold emailing still works.

Data-Driven Content Attracts Journalists

Generate backlinks with no outreach: select keywords that include statistics, data, or averages.
Nick introduced "data maps", using the example of "top Valentine's Day gifts by state."
Leverage the popularity of data maps and allow for both national and local pitching opportunities.

Limited budget for link building?

Create trend reports based on deep Google trends research.
Invest in quality content and outreach processes vs. cheap links.
Understand the effectiveness of internal links.
Consider combining data content and guest blogging for external links.

Final thoughts to create an SEO Strategy:

Understand you customer's journey for better SEO.
Speak to customers to gain insights into their search behavior.
Creative thinking in digital marketing = great value.
Precise formulas for SEO success does not exist.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Today I'm implementing the advice of Sara Jensen (Episode 110) optimization of websites, specifically focusing on SEO strategies and tips like:

the importance of understanding your target audience
and unique selling proposition and the benefits of team collaboration.

I realized I needed to streamline my personal brand website and the simpleandsmartseo.com website to improve my messaging.

Join the 2ND ROUND of Founding Members for the SEO SQUAD.

Detailed Summary:

Crystal Waddell (ME!) hosts the simple and smart SEO show podcast and Follow Through Fridays.
I realized the need to redefine the goals for my websites: crystalwaddell.com and simpleandsmartseo.com.
I plan to split her brand into two websites with different goals: crystalwaddell.com for business presence as a public speaker and simpleandsmartseo.com for generating organic leads.
I actually created business plans for the next three to five years, which include growing the podcast, improving her speaking skills, expanding the SEO squad membership, and growing the agency services.
I shared the lead generation ideas I have: allowing podcast search, running an evergreen three-day challenge, and creating ads for agency services.
I plan to hire virtual assistants as necessary to implement her system.
I'm building a plan to grow my email list for the podcast.
My target audience is local business owners and e-commerce sellers.

Make sure to check out episode 110 for more resources!

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for FREE!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

In my conversation with Sara Jensen from Brighter Messaging, we explored so much that impacts women-owned businesses:

the dynamics of managing a digital marketing agency,
the evolution from solo entrepreneurship to leading a team,
and the essential role of SEO in website development.
the untapped "Mom" workforce and how to EmpowerMoms in Business

Connect with Sara
Website
Linkedin

0:00 Sara Jensen - Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast Recording (2024-01-16 10_04 GMT-5)

00:16 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast

00:39 Meet Sara Jensen: The Digital Marketing Expert and Female Champion

03:23 The Evolution of Brighter Messaging: From Solopreneur to Team Success

08:55 Empowering Moms in the Creative Industry

14:29 Diving Deep into SEO and Website Strategy

20:56 Unlocking SEO Success: Simple Strategies and Missteps

21:04 The Power of Metadata in Boosting Your Site's SEO

22:55 Maximizing Your Website's Potential Post-Launch

24:30 Content Strategy: The Key to Organic Traffic and Lead Generation

25:24 Leveraging Blogs and Email Lists for Enhanced Engagement

26:26 Internal Linking: A Secret Weapon for SEO

28:18 Crafting a Winning Strategy: Target Audience and Value Proposition

33:11 The Importance of Vision in Business and Marketing

38:49 Reflections on Strategy and the Path Forward

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

In this episode of Follow Through Fridays, I'm reflecting this week's episode with international SEO expert Sarah Presh.

My takeways on iSEO:

my current business model doesn't need to focus on international SEO.
I rarely ship internationally.
I COULD leverage Amazon fulfillment to explore international markets
Could I experiment with language-specific pages for products?
What about a blog to go with that one language-specific page?

Leveraging takeways from Google Search Console:

According to GSC, people were searching for marquee letters to rent and buy!
So I put up a product page and I've had two rentals so far - one for $900!

Join the 2nd round of SEOSQuad founders here for $29 - NINE spots left! (if link doesn't work, it means spots are filled!)

00:00 Welcome to Follow Through Fridays... on a Saturday!

00:08 Diving into International SEO with Sarah Presh

00:22 The iSEO Shopify Theme Dilemma and SEO Insights

01:41 Leveraging Amazon for International Sales

04:09 Launching New Products Based on SEO Data

05:57 Join the SEO Squad: A Special Invitation

06:39 Looking Ahead: Website Building with Sarah Jensen

06:56 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Navigating International SEO with Sarah Presch

Today I'm joined by Sarah Presh from Dragon Metrics to talk about the unfamiliar nuances of international SEO.

Sarah shares her journey from heading marketing and SEO at a company to starting her own agency and eventually preferring the employee path for its benefits and stability.

Her experience as an SEO and marketing manager, the transition to entrepreneurship, and the challenges of working for a small company mirror the challenges of solo entrepreneurs across the world.

Sarah now specializes in international SEO, and has specific advice to implement it successfully. In particular:

taking time to understand local search behaviors, (or find someone locally who does!),
How to properly manage multilingual websites,
A few examples of nuances of tailoring SEO strategies to different cultures and search engines used around the globe.

Sarah shares positive and negative experiences with geo-targeting, the potential pitfalls of translation services, and the significance of cultural sensitivity in digital marketing.

If you're looking to expand your marketplace online or enjoy learning how the internet works, this episode is packed with valuable tips!

Connect with Sarah Presch:
Linkedin
Dragon Metrics (Save 5% with my code: WADDELL)
Sarah's FREE iSEO Google Sheet

00:08 Meet Sarah Presh: A Journey Through SEO

00:53 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Its Lessons

04:30 Diving Into the World of International SEO

04:51 Understanding the Nuances of International SEO

06:21 The Practical Side of International SEO

11:41 Exploring Best Practices for International SEO

13:38 Navigating International Shopping and Shipping Challenges

16:04 Adapting Content for Global Markets

16:32 Global Search Engines Beyond Google

19:06 The Rise of Mobile-First Users in Emerging Markets

19:39 Leveraging Social Media for International SEO

21:16 Navigating E-commerce and Social Media Shopping

21:46 Understanding Geo-Targeting and Its Challenges

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

I discussed my experience with affiliate marketing through Awin for my Etsy shop, incorporating affiliate links into my blogs to boost sales. Additionally, I shared insights on indexing blog pages for better visibility on Google and highlighted my venture into creating unique physical products like battery-powered marquee letters for rent.

Maximizing Online Presence Through Affiliate Marketing and Digital Products

The episode concludes with an invitation to the SEO squad, a weekly SEO support group, and a reminder of the power of perseverance and creativity in digital entrepreneurship.

00:00 Welcome to Follow Through Fridays!
00:13 The Journey of Creating Digital Products
00:47 Diving Into Affiliate Marketing with Etsy
02:19 Boosting Blog Visibility and Indexing
03:28 Exploring Physical Products: Marquee Letters
04:44 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

This episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show focuses on the potential of digital products on Etsy and the strategic approaches of SEO to drive sales.

I'm speaking with features digital products and printables expert and co-founder of Gold City Ventures, Julie Berninger.

Connect With Julie:
Website
Free Workshop
Crickets to Cha-Chings Podcast

Julie shares a ton of digital product advice, including:

Exploring the value of targeting group gift buyers,
How to leverage personal finance insights,
Making the transformation from physical to digital products for effortless scalability.

We also talk about empathy-driven brand building, effective niche selection, and the crucial role of SEO in product visibility.

Julie gives actionable insights to understand customer needs,
Her strategy behind choosing product types,
And how to utilize video and optimized descriptions on Etsy listings.

I hope this episode gives you a resource to begin optimizing your digital product sales through targeted strategies and SEO best practices.

Chapters

0:00 Julie Berninger - Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast Recording (2024-01-09 09_37 GMT-5)

00:37 Welcome to the World of Digital Products and Etsy

01:04 Julie's Journey: From Corporate to Etsy Success

03:57 The Power of Partnerships in Business

06:06 Niche Down or Diversify? Strategies for Digital Product Sellers

08:17 The Magic of Seasonal Products and Targeting Group Gifts

14:29 Navigating Copycats and Protecting Your Digital Products

16:16 Embracing Imitation and Finding Your Unique Edge

21:15 Navigating the Challenges of Being a Newbie on Etsy

21:50 From Personal Projects to Etsy Success

22:10 The Importance of Community and Demand in Business

22:50 Leveraging Competition to Boost Your Business

23:15 Keyword Research: The Secret to Finding Unique Products

25:13 The Power of Seasonal Products for Quick Sales

26:01 The Value of Investing in Learning and Courses

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Maximizing Digital PR for Your Business with Follow Through Fridays

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast, I review Wednesday's discussion with public relations expert Jane Hunt.

Watch or listen as I create a media page for her website, collageandwood.com.

I explain my process and offers a guide on how to make such a page easy to find.

Additionally, I talk about my dream (ha!) to enhance her brand's online presence through networking with journalists and providing unique value propositions.

BAM: Did you know about the SEO squad, an SEO support group for website optimization.

Thanks for listening!!

00:00 Welcome to Follow Through Fridays!

00:44 Creating a Media Page: A Step-by-Step Guide

02:43 Managing Overwhelm as an Entrepreneur

03:28 Building Public Relations and Brand Positioning

04:24 Finding Unique Angles for Your Business

05:52 Introducing the SEO Squad: A Supportive Community

06:42 Encouragement to Implement and Move Forward

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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SEO In Flux: 2024 is the year of Google Updates and SEO changes.

Stop Buying Links!

Guest Jane Hunt, CEO and Co-founder of JBH, a digital PR and SEO agency, shares insights on the synergy between digital PR and SEO, the shift from content marketing to specialized digital PR, and the significant role of relevance and quality in backlinks.

Jane shares the misconception that backlink VOLUME is required for good SEO; emphasizing instead the impact of building a RELEVANT and QUALITY backlink profile.

Connect with Jane on Linkedin

Jane shares common mistakes businesses make in PR and SEO.

Overlooking content relevance
The pitfalls of link buying
And the threat of penalties from Google.

Instead, Jane advises businesses to consider strategic public relations to enhance visibility and brand credibility.

Tune in to learn more!

00:58 Introducing Jane Hunt from JBH

01:28 The Evolution of JBH: From Digital PR to SEO

02:01 Discovering the Synergy Between PR and SEO

02:44 Specializing in Digital PR: A Strategic Shift

03:38 The Comprehensive Approach to Digital PR

04:07 Exploring the Depths of PR Beyond Link Building

05:49 Press Releases vs. Digital PR: Understanding the Difference

07:09 Decoding PR, Marketing, and Advertising

08:56 The Multifaceted Role of Today's Marketers

09:24 Measuring the Impact of PR and SEO Efforts

11:16 The Power of Quality Over Quantity in Backlinks

12:49 A Success Story: The Impact of PR on Sales

14:55 The Added Value of Digital PR

15:40 Preparing for a Public Relations Campaign

17:18 Navigating the Intersection of SEO and Public Relations

20:17 Common Mistakes in Digital PR and How to Avoid Them

23:40 The Potential Impact of Controversial Campaigns

25:16 Practical Advice for Small Business Owners

26:51 Identifying the Ideal JBH Client

28:53 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

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Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
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In this Follow up Friday episode, hosted by Crystal Waddell, discussions revolved around recent developments in SEO, particularly Google's crackdown on Black Hat SEO techniques and the mass production of AI content for manipulating rankings.

Crystal highlighted the importance of due diligence in SEO practices and shared insights from guest Sophia Vega on managing bad backlinks and innovative strategies like being seen as alternatives to popular platforms for better search visibility.

The episode also emphasized the utility of podcasts for gaining backlinks and concluded with philosophical reflections on the value of the journey over outcomes.

Crystal also invited listeners to join the SEO squad for further support and guidance.

Link to Sophia Vega's episode

00:00 Welcome to Follow Up Fridays: A Week in SEO

00:13 The Impact of Google's Crackdown on Black Hat SEO (Latest Update)

00:42 Sophia Vega's Insights on SEO and Backlinks

01:47 Practical SEO Strategies and Personal Reflections

03:59 Join the SEO Squad: An Invitation

04:30 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Join SEO Squad

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Thinking about transitioning into an SEO career?

Today I'm talking with Sophia Vega, an experienced digital marketer specializing in SEO.

Teachers make great digital marketing assistants.
Sophia discusses her transition from a 15-year teaching career into digital marketing.
Sophia learned about SEO and went back to school briefly to learn more.
Sophia shares about her mental health.
We discuss the intertwined relationship of mental health and career choices.
You can always be replaced at your job; you can't be replaced as easily as a spouse or parent.
SEO is critical for effective marketing.
Part of this is understanding customer journeys.
Also important is implementing meaningful backlinks
Entrepreneurs can improve their website SEO.
Track certain metrics to to understand what works and what doesn't.
Develop a keyword strategy to enhance website visibility and performance.

Connect with Sophia Vega
Free Linkedin "Post Like a Pro" E-Booklet
Subscribe to Sophia's Newsletter
Connect on Linkedin
Website

02:47 Transition from Teaching to Digital Marketing

03:45 Understanding the Importance of SEO

04:18 The Role of Strategy in Digital Marketing

05:41 The Importance of Backlinks and SEO Strategy

07:22 Incorporating PR Strategies into Digital Businesses

10:51 Understanding the Value of Quality Backlinks

17:59 Understanding the Importance of Quality Backlinks

18:04 Introduction to Long Tail Keywords and Search Intent

19:50 Understanding the Buyer Funnel

20:22 Creating Content for Different Stages of the Funnel

21:01 Keyword Strategies for Transactional Searches

21:46 Leveraging Competitor Names in SEO

22:16 The Power of Alternative Keywords

30:45 The Importance of Google Search Console

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today I talk about the impact of writing a blog article that wins traffic for your website.

This is the senior night blog article I talk about in the episode.

Interested in joining the SEO squad?

Apply here!

00:00 Introduction and Recap of the Week

00:25 The Power of SEO and Content Creation

02:10 Success Stories: SEO in Action

03:20 Join the SEO Squad: Boost Your Business

03:30 Closing Thoughts and Preview of Next Episode

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Leveraging AI for Content Writing and SEO: A Chat with Tom Winter

Today I'm talking with Tom Winter.

Tom designed the content research and writing tool, SEOWind.

Tom's unique "Cyborg Method combines AI and human innovation, for content creation and SEO.

Great content can be ai or human generated BUT the key is researching and understanding search intent in SEO.
The number one thing you can do today: optimize old content
Tom's prediction is that humans and AI will collaborate effectively to create more impactful and valuable content.

Tom's BIG BRAIN POINT: AI is currently underutilized. While AI (LLMs) is a powerful tool, its real worth shines when guided by human judgment and employed to perform specific, repetitive tasks.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:41 Tom Winter's Journey into AI and SEO

00:54 The Birth of SEO Wind

01:22 Tom's Entrepreneurial Journey

02:12 The Challenges of Content Creation

03:08 Understanding Content Briefs and Search Intent

03:33 The Role of AI in Content Creation

04:51 The Importance of Research in Content Creation

05:37 How Google Evaluates Content

06:57 The Risk Google Takes with Search Results

07:43 The Role of AI in SEO

09:21 The Importance of Helpful and Valuable Content

10:52 The Power of AI in Content Research

12:29 The Future of AI in Content Marketing

14:30 The Role of AI in Business Operations

15:39 The Importance of Context in AI

16:35 The Role of AI in SEO Optimization

19:52 The Future of AI in Business

23:46 The Importance of Content in Business

30:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect With Tom:
LinkedIn
SEOWind

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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The SEO Controversy: Is TikTok a search engine?

YES! I vote Tik Tok IS a search engine! 🤣🤣🤣

I recap some of the ideas given in Zoe Ashbridge's episode to optimize content for money keywords.

Like what you heard about SurferSEO? Use my link to sign up!

Life's challenges make entrepreneurship hard

Entrepreneurs have challenges when life competes with family's health issues and busy schedules.
I shared the challenges I faced this week with consistency
That's why I love the advice from experts on this podcast.

Create on evergreen platforms like TikTok make content work harder FOR YOU.

TikTok is often used as a search engine.
Listen as I create a TikTok video targeting the keyword "buy wooden letters."

My favorite SEO tools: Google Search Console and Surfer SEO

Google Search Console is all you need to analyze keyword performance.
Surfer SEO is the BEST software to create optimized content.

Tracking SEO efforts

Based on Zoe's recommendations, I created a spreadsheet to track SEO performance.
KPIs include page impressions, clicks, traffic, and revenue.

Putting Content to work

I created content around the keyword "buy wooden letters"
I used Surfer's AI tool to write an article.
Join my SEO squad and keep moving forward.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Zoe Ashbridge, an expert in digital marketing, shares valuable insights and strategies for small business owners aiming to boost their SEO.

Zoe provides a step-by-step guide to building topical authority, stressing its importance for businesses wanting to improve visibility online.

Other topics discussed include the creation of brand advocates, qualifying leads through SEO, and the caution in using artificial intelligence for content creation.

If you are looking for practical and tactical ways to use Google search console data to formulate strategies, this episode is for you!

Zoe gives tips on how to use GSC for user journey mapping, goal setting, and key performance indicators monitoring.

Connect with Zoe:
Website
Linkedin

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:28 Zoe's Journey into SEO
01:38 Zoe's SEO Blast on LinkedIn
02:53 The Importance of Content in SEO
03:54 Using Google Search Console for SEO
05:05 Creating Content Around Keywords
06:21 Building Topical Authority
08:32 The Role of Video in SEO
10:37 Creating Content Based on Customer Journey
11:00 The Importance of Keywords in SEO
16:03 Creating Content for Future SEO Benefits
17:02 Balancing Immediate Revenue Needs with SEO
18:20 Setting Up Google Search Console and Analytics
18:45 The Impact of SEO on Other Marketing Channels
19:32 Transitioning to SEO Goals and KPIs
19:52 Understanding the Flow of SEO: Impressions, Clicks, Revenue
21:19 The Role of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) in SEO
21:43 Using Data to Improve Website Interactions
23:37 The Importance of Experimentation in SEO
24:44 Qualifying Leads with SEO
28:17 Nurturing Brand Advocates
31:22 SEO Strategies for 2024: Topical Authority and Cautious Use of AI
32:47 Connecting with Zoe Ashbridge
33:15 Identifying the Right Fit for Zoe's Services
34:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today I'm discussing e-commerce store success on Shopify platform with Google traffic.

Get creative with your return policy as you need to stay profitable!
Why I don't sell on Facebook or Instagram shops!
Amazon return policy conflicts and my workaround.
SEO plays a critical role for small businesses to compete online!
Leverage higher domain authority sites.
Focus and promote a single product: optimizing the website, creating topical authority, and improving conversion rates.

Join my upcoming Supercharge your SEO 3-day challenge!!!

Leave a review, share the podcast and join the challenge!
Thanks for listening!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Background of My E-commerce Store
00:45 Challenges with Amazon and Social Media Shops
01:56 Success with Shopify and Google
03:13 Importance of SEO and Organic Marketing
03:51 Why SEO is Critical for Handmade Sellers
05:29 Leveraging High Domain Authority Sites
06:47 The Power of Topical Authority
08:05 Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
09:22 Recap and Key Takeaways
10:08 Invitation to the SEO Challenge
10:54 Conclusion and Farewell

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

Optimizing SEO Strategies: Understanding Conversion Rate (Not just driving traffic!)

In the episode of the 'Simple and Smart SEO Show', host Crystal Waddell discusses with guest Nina Gibson about the misconception that driving traffic results in conversion.

We talk conversion rate optimization, sales funnel, and nurturing customers through an email list.

If you didn't know, it's important to separate the tasks of driving traffic and converting sales. Incorporating an SEO strategy can make this process way more cohesive than NOT incomporating SEO.

We also talk about setting up websites with a focus on user experience and SEO, how to develop internal linking, the importance of Google Search Console.

This is a great episode for beginners in SEO and those looking for 2024 optimization strategies for creating content with transactional / commercial intent.

I'd love to know what you think! Rate and review the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast today!

00:00 Introduction to Conversion Rate Optimization and SEO
00:31 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show
00:56 Interview with SEO Expert Nina Gibson
02:36 Discussion on SEO and its Evolution
03:59 The Convergence of SEO and User Experience
05:57 The Importance of Keyword Research in SEO
09:13 The Role of User Experience in Website Optimization
13:42 The Impact of SEO on E-commerce
16:59 The Importance of Interlinking in SEO
18:40 Workflow Suggestions for Tracking Changes
19:52 Expectations for Improvement After Changes
21:15 Identifying Low Hanging Fruit
22:30 Implementing SEO Strategy and Retargeting Campaign
22:44 Understanding Your KPIs Before Ad Spend
27:00 Driving Better Converting Traffic
31:56 Creating Content that Connects with Your Person
34:49 Contact Information and Ideal Client Identification

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Simple and Smart SEO for Podcasters in 2024

In this podcast, Crystal Waddell, host of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, explains the basics of SEO (search engine optimization) and its implications for podcasters in 2024. Crystal discusses major changes in SEO, with a particular focus on Search Generative Experience (SGE) and the issues it presents. Crystal also delves deeply into how podcasters can leverage SEO, from the inclusion of keyword research and understanding search intent, to transcript uploading for enhanced visibility. She highlights SEO mistakes that podcasters commonly make and even provides a checklist for podcasters to improve their SEO. Crystal wraps up by mentioning the resources she offers, including an SEO squad for continuous learning.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of SEO
00:56 Changes in SEO in 2024
02:23 How Podcasters Can Leverage SEO
05:19 Personal Experience with SEO for Podcasting
06:41 Common Mistakes Podcasters Make with SEO
07:31 Checklist for Improving Podcast SEO
08:45 Resources for Learning More About SEO
09:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Let's talk about how SEO = branding.

Join us for a conversation about the integration of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and branding.

Sign Up For Our three-day challenge.

The challenge is designed to help businesses optimize their websites and improve their branding efforts.

Join as a FOUNDING MEMBER of the SEO SQUAD.

Host Crystal Waddell discusses the profound link between SEO and branding, explaining that SEO is how the internet describes your business while offline.

Joined by her friend and business partner, Rachael Spiewak, they discuss their upcoming three-day challenge, which has helped lead to the launch of an SEO membership, the 'SEO Squad.'

This membership enables business owners to better optimize their websites and features different tiers to accommodate individuals at differing points in their entrepreneurial journey.

A key focus of this episode is the power of niche branding and the importance of being 'niche famous.' Shout out to Tom Earl for that phrase!

The three-day challenge discussed will take place again at the end of February, free for all who want to participate and supercharge their SEO.

00:00 Introduction to SEO as Branding

00:57 Discussion on Three Day Challenges

01:06 The Journey of Launching an SEO Membership

02:51 The Concept of Founder's Launch

06:06 The Upcoming Three Day Challenge

09:43 The Importance of SEO in Branding

14:10 The Power of Niche Fame in SEO

19:53 The SEO Squad: A Community for SEO Learning

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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How often do you reflect on the state of your business? I start every year with a SWOT to determine strategic priorities.

This episode walks through my monthly reflection, of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in my business.

Key Takeaways

Crystal discusses strengths of her business, including successful sessions with the founding members of her SEO squad, covering topics such as Google business profiles and other SEO-related aspects. She also mentions successful sales in January from her business, Collage and Wood.
Crystal identifies weaknesses including experiencing overwhelm and considering hiring a designer due to the volume of work. She also mentions a mishap with the postal service.
Opportunities are identified in the form of launching a free SEO challenge at the end of February, returning to handwritten thank you notes, and considering a QR code to encourage customer reviews. Crystal also highlights the opportunity to improve customer communication about late deliveries.
Threats to her business include time constraints and health issues, with her husband having been sick. She also mentions the challenge of managing her son's screen time.
Crystal discusses the importance of evaluating business performance regularly, turning weaknesses into opportunities, and mitigating threats. She ends with a story highlighting the importance of recognizing what one already has instead of constantly pursuing more.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Copywriting AI hotter than a firecracker
Artificial intelligence makes it fast & easy to create content for a blog, social media, and more!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Join me for a deep conversation with Ola King, who shares his intriguing journey – from being a popular [and underage!] local DJ and music producer to making an impact in the SEO industry.

Below is a summary of the main topics discussed:

Ola talks about his experience of moving from Nigeria to Canada at a young age, including the challenges he faced adapting to a new environment.
Ola shares details about his early career in music production, his transition into SEO, and the reasons behind the launch of his own company.
As a user researcher at Moz, Ola highlights the significance of understanding customers and offers unique insights on how to future-proof SEO by focusing on providing unique information and customer insights.
The conversation pivots to the true meaning of design thinking, debunking common misconceptions. They underline that design thinking is not just about art or aesthetics, but how things work, how to empathize with users, and putting this empathy into the design process.
Ola explains his views on the misunderstanding of SEO - it's not about optimizing for search engines, but enhancing the user's experience by understanding their intent and context.
The importance of diversity in the tech industry is discussed, with Ola sharing his experiences and the benefits of finding common ground for a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

For more insights from Ola King, you can reach out to him through his website, LinkedIn, or X.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Simple and Smart SEO Show and share it with others interested in SEO and UX!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

We're celebrating like crazy because our Shopify CollageandWood.com sales have jumped up by 80% compared to last year - all thanks to our SEO strategy.

Now, onto the super exciting part - we had our third meeting for the SEO Squad. Imagine a group of go-getter entrepreneurs, just like us, all pumped up to master SEO. Sounds great, right?

We're officially launching next month and you can hop on board the challenge at threedaychallenge.com/seo. If you join now, you can lock in a cool $20/month rate.

We also took a look at where our traffic is coming from. Pinterest has been our star off page SEO driver, bringing in over 3,000 visitors this month alone.

And our blog? It's been on fire with organic search sending us 8.8 thousand visitors this month.

Oh, and get this, we had a $1000 sales day! Can you believe it?

Also Honeybook confirmed what Kris Daria told us on Wednesday about the email changes coming February 1, 2024: always use a branded domain email if possible.

So, that's the scoop from our end. Here's to another week of hustling, learning, and smashing goals!

Keep following through!

Join the Founding Members through February 15, 2024

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
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On Feb. 1, Google and Yahoo are changing email deliverability standards. Is your business ready?

In today's show, Klaviyo email marketing expert Kris Daria joins us.

Kris started with large ecommerce brands before branching out on her own to help small businesses.

We go wayyyy back to Clubhouse circa 2020.

Kris has an incredible knack for making email marketing approachable!

Here's the big takeaways:

Google and Yahoo are implementing stricter email spam prevention measures on February 1, 2024.
This is the first time in two decades that such significant changes will be made.
Kris gives a ton of tips that you can implement NOW to make sure your emails stay in the inbox vs. the junk folder.

2. Kris's tips for smaller brands when it comes to email marketing:

Personalize emails and utilize segmentation features.
Nurture stronger, more meaningful relationships with emails.
Send out a consistent weekly email newsletter to your audience.
Listen for Kris's FIRE tip for sending a second email in one week.

3. Definitions of email terms:

There's a difference between email campaigns (1-many) and email flows (1-1).
Leverage your ESPs automation capabilities to personalize the customer journey.
Use a professional domain for sending emails.
Capture explicit consent before emailing.
Clean and maintain a quality email list to ensure better deliverability.
Avoid spam words in email subject lines.
And many more tips you can implement right away!

Connect with Kris:
Website + Free Klaviyo Email Resources

Klaviyo Checklist

Cheryl Rerick’s deliverability webinar

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

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Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
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Let's talk SEO Leadership skills!

Many thanks for SEO For Hire for having me on their Linkedin Live and Youtube Show!

Empowering Leadership and Strategies for Onboarding Employees - A Reflection

Some key areas I (Crystal Waddell) addressed include the importance of having an effective onboarding system for employees, the significance of setting clear job expectations, and how discipline can be discrete yet constructive.

I discussed the need for trust, empathy, and consistency in leadership, noting these are vital for building team relationships and fostering a productive and cooperative culture.

I tried encourages leaders to take a hands-on approach in understanding their employees beyond their job roles.

Lastly I invited you to an upcoming SEO challenge and stresses the importance of commemorating wins and encouraging self-reflection among team members.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap
00:23 Reflections on LinkedIn Live with SEO for Hire
00:49 The Importance of Onboarding and Employee Expectations
03:00 The Role of Empathy and Trust in Leadership
05:03 Maintaining Consistency and Celebrating Wins
06:06 Conclusion and Invitation to SEO Challenge

Connect with Crystal Waddell
Website
Linkedin
IG / FB

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today I discuss the changing landscape of SEO, alongside Google's evolving algorithms, and the rise of AI generated content with Demandsphere founder Ray Grieselhuber.

Ray gives us his insights on Google's new experimental project known as SGE (Search Generative Experience) and how it may affect the visibility of businesses online.

Ray also eplains the importance of localization and digital assets in boosting a company's online presence.

This convo is full of practical advice for small businesses and provides a deep understanding of the constantly changing world of SEO.

Connect with Ray Grieselhuber
DemandSphere Website
Linkedin
Twitter

02:14 Understanding E-commerce Beyond Traditional Perception
03:08 The Importance of SEO in E-commerce
03:18 Discussion on 'Product Led SEO' by Eli Schwartz
04:51 The Importance of User Experience in SEO
06:44 The Interconnection of SEO and UX Design
07:20 The Evolution of Rank Tracking
12:49 Understanding Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE)
15:22 The Impact of SGE on Businesses
16:24 The Shift from Keyword-based to Semantic-based Search
17:20 Understanding E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in SEO
18:09 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
22:00 The Concept of Digital Assets
25:12 Benefits of Google Search Console
25:31 Exploring Other SEO Tools
25:47 Understanding the Importance of Data and Analytics
25:55 The Future of SEO Industry
26:15 Mobile vs Desktop: Where to Focus?
28:20 The Difference Between Translation and Localization
29:32 Discussing Shopify and SEO
30:13 The Importance of Keywords in SEO
30:28 The Potential of Spanish Speaking Market in the US
30:47 The Importance of Understanding Your Audience
32:23 The Final Question: One Thing to Increase Website Visibility

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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It's all about creating linkable assets on this follow through Fridays!

You can see Crystal's examples here: Top College Athletes: Earnings & Valuations for Men and Women

In this video and podcast we take a look at the top earning college athletes in 2023-2024, focusing both on male and female athletes. For the female category, Olivia Dunne, a gymnast, and Angel Reese, a basketball player, take the top spots. While in the male category, Bronnie James, the son of LeBron James, Shadeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, and Arch Manning, relative of the famous Manning football family, earn the highest. The rankings are based on their corresponding valuations from the website On3, which assesses each athlete's name image likeness potential money.

00:00 Introduction
00:00 Top Female Earners in College Sports
01:19 Transition to Male Athletes
01:35 Top Male Earners in College Sports
03:00 Interesting Facts about Top Earners in College Sports
03:14 Conclusion and Future Updates

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
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Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
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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.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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!

Connect with Crystal
IG
FB
Linkedin

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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.*

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

View Details

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 Balanc

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
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10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Want to grow your visibility through strategic websites and SEO strategy?

You'll love today's episode with guest Stephanie O'Keefe!

Key Takeaways:

Stephanie emphasized that understanding SEO requires an understanding of your target audience and their journey.

It's challenging to explain SEO, especially to those unfamiliar with technology.
Working in SEO changes one's perspective towards online shopping.

SEO is essential for online visibility and involves understanding who you help and how you help them.

The way you explain SEO can shift depending on who you're talking to and where they are in their brand journey.
Brand messaging and content creation is a key part of anSEO strategy.

Determine clear goals for each page on a website.

Start with a simplified design and then evolving by adding pages as needed.
Facilitate a smooth customer journey through user experience in web design.
Have up-to-date and relevant content on your website.

Heat map trackers can help you audit user behavior on your website.

Hotjar helps you review interactions on your website.
Visual cues play a vital role to create trust and impart personality to the brand.

Top tips for a great website:

Show your face!
Include your face on your website to build trust.
Clarify their goals and expectations while hiring a website designer.

Connect with Steph:Website
Instagram
Self-guided website audit
Darrell’s Case Study

OTHER EPISODES:Leah Bryant
Samantha Mabe
Susan Reoch

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Angie chatted with us on this episode of The Simple & Smart SEO Show.

It was such a fun conversation where she really embraced the role of the interviewer who knows nada about SEO.

But in this Shorts episode, she’s going to dive deep into her C3PO philosophy for business.

What is represented for:

People
Process
Profit

Angie explains that if one of these P’s of business “goes wonky” it impacts the other areas of your business.

Have a listen & then find us & tell us which “P” you feel like could use a lil help in your biz.

Connect with Angie:Podcast (Brittany has been a guest twice!)
Book
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

Other episodes to check out:
Hiring Help w/ Erika Macauley
Podcast Production w/ Leah Bryant

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today Rachael Spiewak discusses her approach to three-day challenges, emphasizing the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) for digital community building.

Rachael stressed the necessity of learning digital skills as an entrepreneur.
SEO is an integral part of any online strategy, whether done consciously or not.
Businesses must differentiate themselves.
You can utilize a variety of platforms to conduct customer research.
Video is the most powerful type of content on the internet.
Rachael suggested digital marketing formats to showcase personality and perform research.
Use of an “Ask Me Anything” format to deal with customer queries.
Three-day challenges can grow your list and gather data on her target market.
Leveraging customer language and social proof in SEO.

Want to connect with Rachael?

WebsiteLinkedInFacebook

Other episodes we mentioned:

Workflow Tips w/ DahliaSEO meets Video w/ AlexStrategic Stories w/ EmmaConnect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Latesha Lynch joined us a while ago on the “regular” segment of The Simple & Smart SEO Show.

She gave SO much in that episode!

And yet… we had one more question for her.

That question…

“How can collaborations help grow your business?”

Turns out—collaborations were very much a catalyst for Latesha’s own business growth.

She shares her own story & lists several ideas you could jump on today!

Podcast interviews
Facebook guest chats
Instagram lives

Grab your pen & pencil!

Let us know which collaboration you’re most excited for!

You might also like to listen to:Discover your Magic Message w/ Marisa CorcoranJordan Gill’s SEO Audit
Where SEO & Video Strategy Intersect w/ Alex Minor
Audio SEO w/ Kim Tradewell

Connect w/ Latesha Lynch:Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Podcast
Lead Overflow (free 3-day workshop)

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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On this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast, we welcome our special guest, Kerrie Fitzgerald.

Kerrie is a Shopify expert and has an extensive background in e-commerce and organic marketing. She shares her insights on the importance of branding and storytelling in business, drawing from her past interactions and collaborations.

We delve into the specifics of working with e-commerce product-based businesses, discussing how to influence hosts to join Shopify and how to humanize businesses through compelling brand stories.

Kerrie also gives us an overview of customer retention strategies, including the development of courses and membership programs. We get a sneak peek into her upcoming book on 'Customer Obsession', which promises to be an enlightening read for anyone looking to build brand loyalty and create engaged 'super fans'.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about mastering the art of e-commerce and organic marketing. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, there's sure to be something for you in this conversation!

Connect with Kerrie:
Get her book, Client Obsession
Make Money From Your Email List TODAYWebsiteInstagramPodcastYouTubePinterestFacebook

Subscribe now wherever you're listening to explore the latest trends and strategies in digital marketing and SEO.

And get future episodes of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast delivered straight to you!

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Pinterest is a fantastic place for both service-based and ecomm businesses to be. It is such the underdog of marketing.

And so many entrepreneurs are missing out—but not you!

Pinterest expert, Mackenzie Armstrong, joined us on The Simple & Smart SEO Show and we talked ALL things Pinterest & SEO.

So we just had to ask her for a mini masterclass on keyword research inside the Pinterest platform.

Listen in—this is a juicy & really actionable episode!

Ooh! And there’s a video to go along with it. 🎥

Try doing some keyword research on Pinterest & tell us what your “aha” moment was!

Then grab Mackenzie’s Ultimate Guide To Optimizing Your Pinterest Account.

——

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today we are chatting about video as part of an SEO strategy to improve a company's visibility and results.

Our guest today is Natasha Pierre of Shine With Natasha. Natasha assists entrepreneurs to simplify their video marketing strategy.

1. Natasha explains her focus on organic marketing:

There's value of creating sustainable content rather than relying on trends.
People can search for specific topics or keywords and find video content that aligns with those searches
We explored SEO strategies across various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and websites.

2. You can foster connection and engagement through video content.

The right mindset and confidence is necessary for overcoming the intimidation of video creation.
Think creatively about how existing content can be repurposed for video.
Leverage YouTube's podcast function to organize and promote podcast content.
Video helps to position yourself as an expert.

3. The main goal of content is conversion BUT their are other goals as well:

Attract partnerships or brand collaborations.
Video supports an SEO strategy by making content discoverable on various platforms and websites.
Build a community through digital marketing channels.
Establish yourself as an authority and help people who are looking for resources.

4. How to stand out with your content in the world of AI and SGE:

Build your own communities to stand out.
Real, unique experiences can be more valuable for viewers than simply information.
Allow potential customers to connect with your brand, thoughts, approach, and interests outside of your business.
Empathy is a crucial ethical consideration when creating content for sales.

5. Follow Natasha's three-part follower journey concept:

discovery,
nurturing and
conversion stages.
Offer a unique experience at each stage.

Want to connect with Natasha?
WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Kristin Lawton joined us earlier this year for an episode of The Simple & Smart SEO Show and we couldn’t miss the chance to ask her to go deeper on one specific task she shared.

How to have a 6-week business planning retreat with yourself!

This is a 2-hour task (maybe 4 hr total if you’ve never done this before).

Here’s how Kristin breaks it down:

Make it feel like a treat: get out to a coffee shop or take yourself to dinner
Plan for a quarter and treat the 6-week planning session like a check in—a little more work the first time you do this, but each future retreat will feel like a lighter lift!
2 categories: personal & professional
Write things on or add things to your calendar
Review your quarterly goals & check in on key metrics

Be sure to take Kristin’s quiz to discover your signature brand marketing style!

(Brittany is Shaken!)

Take the quiz & share your result with all of us on Instagram!Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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We talked about domain authority, internal linking for websites, and utilizing various platforms for visibility in part 2 of our conversation with business coach Celi Arias.

Celi flipped the format of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Podcast and began asking US SEO-related questions.
We emphasized the importance of domain authority.
A high domain authority score improves visibility in search engines.
Improve your DA through internal linking or high-value external links.
a high domain authority score improves visibility in search engines.
The role of internal linking.
Improve site navigation for users and search engines.
Internal links are an integral aspect of establishing a strong online presence.
Your unconventional approach is okay for your business!
Celi Arias shared her unconventional approach of posting reels on LinkedIn.
Knowing your starting point (i.e. a technical SEO audit) creates a roadmap to your goal.
Optimize your website visibility and enhance its profitability with SEO.
Keyword research for SEO is foundational.
Answer three questions: who are you helping, how are you helping them, and what you want to be known for
Brainstorm for an open-minded collection of ideas.
Target people who are unaware of their needs but could benefit from your services.
Get SurferSEO. (affiliate link)

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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So… you decide to launch an online business. Yay! 🎉

And you start hearing everyone and their nephew talking about how important it is to show up on this social platform and that one.

Create videos, write blogs, record audio! Maybe you decide to start a YouTube channel or cough a podcast.

Now what? What recording equipment do you need?

Well, friend—we got you! We asked our videographer friend, Alex Minor to dish the deets.

Check out these Camera, Microphone, & Lighting recommendations from a pro.

Camera:
- Logitech Brio
- Sony zv1
- Sony zve10
Mics:
- ⚠️ Important: get a dynamic mic!
- USB dynamic mic: Samson mic
- Microphone arm kit
Lighting:
- You need more than you think!
- Record near a window & use the sun

What videography equipment are you adding to your wishlist? Tell us!

You might also like to listen to:

Where SEO & Video Strategy Intersect w/ Alex Minor
Choosing Your Digital Marketing Channels w/ Latesha Lynch
Audio SEO w/ Kim Tradewell

Connect w/ Alex Minor:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn,

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables), silver

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling, Noise-Canceling mic, HD Auto Light Correction, Wide Field of View, Works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Voice, PC/Mac/Laptop/Macbook/Tablet

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera - Black

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in Microphone, 4K HDR Video, Touchscreen Display, Live Video Streaming, Webcam

InnoGear Microphone Stand for Blue Yeti Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand with 3/8"to 5/8" Screw Adapter Shock Mount Windscreen Pop Filter Mic Clip Holder Cable Ties, Medium

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Join us as we discuss the impact and importance of SEO for entrepreneurs, especially for growing podcast visibility and building businesses without over reliance on social media.

Our guest today: Robyn Graham: a business growth strategist and coach who prioritizes building business foundations before emphasizing social media, giving importance to brand marketing strategies, systems, tools, processes, and especially SEO.

1. How to use SEO strategies for boosting online visibility and growth of podcasts and businesses?

SEO as a simple way through which people find you online.
SEO is optimizing your website to improve visibility and accessibility.

2. There's not one path to entrepreneurship.

Robyn was a pharmacy professional with anxiety issues who became a professional photographer, a business growth strategist, a coach, and then a podcaster.
Transforming mindset, such as challenging negative thoughts helped Robyn overcome fears and anxieties in business.
Robyn attributes her initial business success to consistent networking.

3. What (and why) to focus on SEO when optimizing your website:

Increased visibility versus social media.
Ensure image sizes are not too large to affect site speed.
Use alt text for describing the image in detail; use your business main keyword.

4. How personal faith and personal branding intersect:

Graham describing its incorporation into her coaching approach.
Embrace your personal faith as part of your business identity.

Connect with Robyn!
WebsiteFree ResourcesPodcastLinkedInPinterest

Other episodes to check out!Leah’s (SEO for podcasts)

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Let’s say you’d like to bring on help, buuut you also want to figure out WHO you need to bring on and WHAT you need them to do. Feels like a pretty daunting task, eh?

Especially when you have to make sense of all these titles:

Executive Assistant
Virtual Assistant
Online Business Manager

Our recent guest and friend, Erika Macauley, is here and sharing a very special somethin’ somethin’ with us.

Grab her Hiring Task & Responsibility Worksheet. (And yes, you know we’ve both already downloaded it!)

Push PLAY to hear more about how to put her worksheet to use in your business with your first or next hire!

You might also like to listen to:
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring on Social Media w/ Erika Macauley
How to Outsource SEO Tasks to a VA w/ Emily Reagan
Get More Traffic to Your Site w/ Emily Reagan

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today we talk about the use of Strategic Stories and SEO for brand messaging with Emma Boshart, founder of Creative Uproar.

Connect w/ Emma:WebsiteInstagramThe Brand Story Audit 1. Emma emphasized understanding the target audience and planning narratives aimed at specific business goals.

There is value in having fresh, updated content, (shows care for the audience and raises engagement rates).
Emma explained that messages and stories serve different purposes; messages establish a brand's value proposition and mission while stories illustrate these in a relatable context.
Emma Boshart pointed out that while core brand messaging should be consistent, stories used for launches or selling services should change with the audience's needs, making them more timely.
Emma discusses the three-step process to write a strategic story:
choosing the topic,
identifying the audience's pain point, want or need, hesitation, benefit, false belief, or solution, and then
crafting a story linked to a business objective.
Multiple stories can be created, each serving a different business purpose.
Strategic stories should be fresh and reflective of changing consumers.
For launches, it's advisable to have about three major strategic stories, addressing major objections, hesitations, and pain points.

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Did you know there IS such a thing as using your keyword or key phrase too much?Yep. The rumors are true.

Here’s what you can do to stick to good keyword density practices:

Make the most of synonymous or similar keywords
Aim to use your target keyword one time for every 100-150 words (in your blog, on your web page, etc.) or in 2-3% of the total copy
Crystal likes using Surfer SEO & their keyword clusters
Be mindful of search intent

You might also like:

SEO Dictionary Episode 1

White Hat vs Black Hat SEO w/ Stephanie Long Pt 1

White Hat vs Black Hat SEO w/ Stephanie Long Pt 2

Google’s Helpful Content Update

PS:
This is Brittany’s Case Study Training Crystal mentioned in the show!
Doors periodically open for enrollment 🎉

Brittany also has this private pop up podcast allll about case studies available through October 1st—and only via this link. 😉

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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In this episode we spoke with public speaking expert Will Baggett about effective marketing strategies to engage audiences and increase brand visibility.

WebsiteInstagram @onebaggtalk on all social media

Will Baggett introduced himself and spoke about his professional journey,
Will has worked as a public speaker for over seven years.
He has published two books.
Will has partnered with Coach DKR for 'Monetize Your Message.'
Monetize Your Message Conference, scheduled for September 28th - 30th (2023) in Dallas, Texas.
It's important to understand SEO in the context of findability and visibility.
Public speaking makes you more "findable" and "visible."
Will focuses on making brands visible, clear, and easily contactable.
SEO should be as easy and accessible as purchasing something on Amazon.
Will gives techniques to overcome nervousness and an "introvert's nature."
Will debunked the idea that public speaking is not for the shy or introverted.
Preparing thoroughly, and understand some nervousness is normal.
Focus on a clear message you can deliver.
Empathize with listeners and stay humble and open to opportunities.
How feedback mechanisms and social proof work in the public speaking universe.
Will stressed the importance of giving gifts as part of brand awareness.
Your success as a speaker is directly impacted by your "referability."
Audience engagement plays a significant role for social proof and feedback.
Capture emails for follow up.
Start with small gigs to gain repetitions and experience, even for free!

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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What to do when that blinking cursor of death is staring at you?

Mocking you because you have nothing clever to write for a headline…

Let alone worry about weaving keywords into said headlines.

Listen to this!

No, really—listen to this episode.
You’re going to learn exactly how to write headlines like the pros. 🤓
Including:

What’s the deal with the different headlines—H1, H2, H3
What should a headline do for your reader
How to include keywords in your headlines
How to smartly weave social proof into headlines
The best numbers to include in blog or article headlines
Two simple prompts from Brittany to help you start ideating

PS:

Curious about the private podcast training we mentioned inside Brittany’s case study training program? ←click to check it out!

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

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the show

Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!

JOIN the 3-Day Supercharge Your SEO Challenge!

Apply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line!

AFFILIATE LINKS:
Start your Shopify Store!
Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!
10,000 Jasper words FREE!
Get Carry (formerly Ocho): the best retirement resources for entrepreneurs!

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!

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Today digital marketing specialist Matt Diamante shares his insights about SEO for small business owners.

We talked about crafting SEO-friendly content, handling client expectations, and incorporating keywords effectively.

Connect with Matt:
Understanding SEO (free course)WebsiteInstagramTikTok

Matt emphasized the importance of small business owners understanding and implementing their own SEO:
Knowing what goes into SEO like keyword placements,
Content strategies, and technical aspects of SEO.
For any business to thrive, they should be able to handle their own SEO.
Or at least have a basic grasp of its functioning.
Matt gave an analogy of a website being a physical store:
SEO is like building roads to that store making it easier for customers to find and access it.
There's value of giving clients an understanding of elements such as title tags, meta description, headings, content styling.
Matt mentioned the benefits of using platforms like Shopify for e-commerce:
Shopify can handle large traffic.
Shopify takes care of SEO aspects like SSL certificates.
Matt feels that Wix and Squarespace are limited for SEO (they restrict access to crucial backend features).

4. Tips beyond basic SEO:

Matt mentioned SEO tool Surfer SEO which aids in placing the right keywords at the right places in your content to ensure search engines find them.
A crucial piece of advice from Matt was to get user feedback on the site's user experience to identify site issues and improve it accordingly.
SEO Services need a balanced approach that involves both personality and technical SEO optimization.
Matt emphasized the importance of infusing personality into posts similar to E A T policy (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) of Google.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

JOIN THE FREE VIRTUAL SHOPIFY SUMMIT SEPTEMBER 26-29, 2023

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

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

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We hear it all the time… Get some social proof!

And with more than 80% of buyers trusting reviews & testimonials equal to that of a recommendation from a friend ⬇️

…social proof → sells! Social proof can include:

Testimonials
Case studies
Screenshots
Interviews
And more!

Today we’re chatting about getting GOOD testimonials from your clients & customers.

✨ hint: the magic lies in specificity ✨

And then… how you should use testimonials in your marketing.Grab the Testimonial Template if you want to collect testimonials TO-DAY! ✨

Do you feel like this episode helped you create a game plan to get better testimonials? Tell us! Follow, rate, & write a review for the podcast on your favorite player (Apple, Spotify, etc.)

PS:Already have lots of social proof, but want to put it to good use in a case study? ⬇️

Brittany writes case studies (rooted in SEO & story)!

Want to DIY a case study? ⬇️

Join Brittany’s 4-day email course starting 9/17/23 that’s all about “Who & How to Interview for a Case Study”

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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What's the significance of using audio tools such as private audio feeds, Loom, and Voxer for better client interactions?

Today we are talking to fellow podcaster Kim Tradewell to discuss all of that and more.

WebsiteServicesInstagramLinkedInOnline Creator Podcast

1. Audio feeds enhance the client experience.

You can use private audio feeds as an innovative way to engage with clients who desire high level, high touch interaction.
B uses Loom and Voxer for onboarding and client communication
Use audio in proposals, off-boarding, and course delivery.

2. Audio feeds can potentially replace a traditional funnel.

It involves sending an RSS link to a private audio feed.
Use a hosting platform that allows for a private feed.
Kim's favorite is Hello Audio.

3. Audio feeds can create connections with audiences.

Use audio not specific to your business. Incorporate CTAs for YOUR business.
Consider creating a private feed for paying members to share real-life experiences and behind-the-scenes.
Use audio in email lists and blogging to entertain.

4. Audio helps you keep up with rapidly changing platforms.

Business owners must adapt to a multitasking environment.
Using audio interfaces helps cater to needs of busy people.
Marketing through audio is another organic way to reach clients.
Record all episodes with video as part of a repurposing strategy.

Visit CrystalWaddell.com/content to learn how you can easily increase website traffic and bring more visitors to your site.
———
Get an SEO-ified sales page copywriting template & training from Brittany!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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You’ve heard our Live SEO Audits of Brittany’s site & Jordan Gill’s site.
But what are those pesky errors that show up on the SEO audit reports all about?
What do they mean? And can you even fix them?Today we’re covering 8 common SEO issues & how to fix them including:

Broken links
Meta description errors
Low word count
SEO non-friendly
Response code 4xx
Title tag errors

Most of the fixes we walk you through are simple & require you to do things like:

Only allow for one H1 headline on each page
Create a 404 error page (like Brittany’s 404 page or Crystal’s 404 page)
Create a 301 redirect (how to create a 301 redirect on Squarespace)
How to add more copy to any web page
When to update URL slugs
How to prevent duplicate title tags (SEO titles) and meta descriptions
Ideal character count for title tags, meta descriptions, and more!

Ready to fix some of your site’s technical issues? ⤵️

Book an SEO Technical Audit

» with Crystal

» with Brittany

**Note:

The Galas conversation thread is no longer active. But ⤵️

Have you had an SEO win since listening to SEO Shorts? Tell us!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Samantha Mabe owns a business called Lemon in the Sea, specializing in Squarespace and Kajabi website design for industry experts, health, and wellness professionals.

Connect with Samantha:
WebsiteInstagram

We discussed the importance of combining website strategy and SEO.

1. Critical steps of optimizing your website:

Messaging comes first.
Copywriting next.
Invest in high quality brand photos BEFORE website design.
Implement basic SEO setups to ensure visibility.

2. Basic SEO may or may not be included in web designing services.

Much of the SEO comes from the website content.
Often this is submitted by the clients themselves or written by a copywriter.
The main goal of websites Samantha creates: present a professional online space.

3. Professional, personalized brand photos can enhance the quality of a website.

Use brand photos when possible over generic stock photos.
Proper optimization of images can assist in quick loading of webpages.

4. Best practices to improve a website's functionality and visibility:

Set clear site goals (Set a fundamental goal for the site).
Integrating main goal into every page's design.
Track conversions toward goal(s).
Utilize SEO and keywords.
Create an accommodating user experience.
Incorporate a blog for content creation.
"Choose Your Own Adventure" section on home page.
Keep buttons and menus simple.

5. Common business goals for a website:

Building an email list.
Getting people on sales/consultation calls.
Three pillar blog posts.
Make sure site map is submitted to Google Search Console.

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Do you find LinkedIn intriguing? ...and at the same time have zero desire to learn how to play on another social media platform?

We had Salina Yeung on The Simple + Smart SEO Show. (← make sure you go listen to that episode if you want to use LinkedIn to the fullest!) Her energy about LinkedIn is contagious! You’re sure to be inspired after this bite-sized LI hack.

We couldn’t resist asking her a burning Q of ours: How do you even use hashtags on LinkedIn?

News flash ‼️ it’s completely different from how you’re used to using them on Instagram.

Salina shared:

If you should use a branded hashtag
If it’s wise to use the same hashtags on every post
And a couple more critical tips!

In the podcast we reference a video walkthrough companion for this episode.← That’s it!

If you like what you heard/learned, make sure you go connect w/ Salina on LinkedIn, her site, and on Instagram!

And grab the Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Checklist ASAP!

Be friends with us (Brittany & Crystal) on Linkedin too!

Help us spread the word about SEO Shorts? Leave a review on your favorite podcast player! (It takes less than 3 minutes & really helps us reach more business owners like you.)

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Today we focus our discussion on Google Search Console—its setup, functionality, and how its use can optimize website performance and understanding user behavior.

Join us, your hosts Crystal Waddell and Brittany Herzberg, as we discuss how to read and understand the data generated, and how to use such insights to strengthen your website's performance.

1. The Google Product Suite Products We Love To Use.

Google Search Console integrates with Google's other services.
Google Analytics and Google Looker Studio.

2. We created the acronym PIESES (Performance, Indexing, Experience, Shopping, Enhancements, Security) to facilitate data interpretation from the dashboard.

Waddell and Herzberg go in-depth with the 'performance' tool
These insights assist in content creation to drive more site traffic.
Index Coverage indicates which pages are visible on search engines.
Mobile usability is essential as most users access websites via mobile.
We discuss the importance of submitting a sitemap.
We identify the 'linking domains and internal links' feature.
Our favorite: a monthly email report from Google Search Console.
Today's discussion centers around leveraging Google Search Console for SEO.

3. Other Notable GSC Insights:

Proposed changes to Google Search Console such as INP (Interaction to Next Paint)
Google Merchant Center for e-commerce sellers.
The importance of Security certificate (SSL) for site audits.

Need help with your GSC? Send us a message on Instagram!
B's IG
Crystal's IG

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Work smarter—not harder, they say. Consistently crank out content, they say. Well what "they" haven't been telling you is exactly how to optimize your blogs to incorporate more SEO. In this quick hitting bonus episode of SEO Shorts, Crystal & Brittany are here to walk you through 5 key elements your blog needs in order to improve its ranking on Google & other search engines.

Don't overlook these key areas of your blog:

keywords
H1 headline
links: internal & external
images: titles and Alt text
button copy

Other episodes you might also like to listen to:
Website Accessibility w/ Erin Perkins
Share Blogs to Pinterest w/ Mackenzie Armstrong
Measure the SEO Success of Blogs w/ Holly Wiedman
Google's Helpful Content Update Explained
SEO Dictionary Part 1
SEO Dictionary Part 2

Want a pro to walk you through the exact steps to write a keyword-rich, findable piece of content for your website (aka: a blog)?You might be interested in Brittany's "How to Write a Blog w/ SEO" 10-day email course!

Note:
The Galas conversation thread is no longer active. But ⤵️
Have you had an SEO win since listening to SEO Shorts? Tell us!**

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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In this captivating episode, Kathleen Booker takes us on a transformative journey of breathwork and intentionality. Discover how the simple act of tuning into your breath can unlock a world of peace, clarity, and enhanced productivity in both your personal and professional life.

Connect with Kathleen:
Website
FBIGLinkedin

Episode Highlights:

The connection between breathwork, stress reduction, and improved health
Exploring the benefits of breathwork for business owners and their output
Embracing consistency and staying true to your own unique journey
Unveiling the parallels between intentionality in breathwork and strategic use of SEO keywords
Practical exercises to prioritize tasks and create a healthy work-life balance
Cultivating self-kindness and fostering awareness for personal and professional growth
Applying mindful breathing techniques to navigate stressful business situations

Join Kathleen, Crystal, and Brittany as they discuss insights and strategies for integrating breathwork and intentionality into your business routine.

BONUS:

A guided breathwork exercise led by Kathleen [00:23:57 to 00:24:18]

Elevate your mindset, optimize your decision-making, and discover how these strategic practices can propel you towards success.

Now is the time to supercharge your SEO efforts with a special offer from CrystalWaddell.com: a content audit!

Get insight into what pieces of content you need to create to dominate your nice!

Visit CrystalWaddell.com/content to learn how you can easily increase website traffic and bring more visitors to your site.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to accelerate your SEO performance! Start today. Get your content to the top of search results!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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What’s one of the easiest things you can do to boost your SEO strategy?

Internal linking!

This is where you link from one page on your site to another page on your site.

Examples include:

Linking from a blog post to your Services page
Linking from your Contact page to your Podcast
Linking from your Services page to a case study
Linking from your About Us page to your Shop

The great thing about this linking strategy is that it doesn’t require cold outreach, you have full control of the process, & it can take less than a minute to implement!

Listen in as we walk you through:

what internal links are
what internal linking does for your SEO strategy
the best way to create internal links

Let us know if this episode was helpful!

Now is the time to supercharge your SEO efforts with a special offer from CrystalWaddell.com: a content audit!

Get insight into what pieces of content you need to create to dominate your nice!

Visit CrystalWaddell.com/content to learn how you can easily increase website traffic and bring more visitors to your site.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to accelerate your SEO performance! Start today. Get your content to the top of search results!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Today our guest Celi Arias shares her approach to business coaching, which involves simplifying complex business strategies and encouraging self-reliance among clients.

Connect with Celi:
InstagramLinkedInWebsiteKey Takeaways from this episode:

1. Trust your instincts and have confidence in your business,

Believe in yourself and avoid feeling reliant on someone else for success.
B shared her experiences with seeking validation and confirmation from others, which stopped after going through Arias' program.
Crystal shared observations of people holding back out of fear of how they will appear professionally.

2. Arias emphasized on how in business no idea is completely new.

The art of business is a constant conversation and iteration.
Challenge existing consumer analysis frameworks and simplify them.
Traditional demographic-based targeting tells a fraction of a person's story.
Keeping things simple has proven to be more efficient in business.

3. Companies need to know how their customers are describing them.

SEO can serve as a confidence-building tool by reinforcing the business owner's intimate knowledge of their product and business.
Understand the value of asking clients for feedback.
Involve customers in the decision-making process.
Good business strategies empower clients to become their best selves vs. projecting the strategist's version of the client's business.

Join us for an inspiring conversation as we explore Celi Arias' approach to business coach

Blogging is NOT dead!But it might as well be if you don’t have a strategy.

When there’s no SEO strategy, your blogs:

don’t help you get found online
don’t pull in warm leads
…and just kind of waste your time

Who want’s that?!

Especially when you’re already busy with a family to take care of & a business to run.

**That’s e If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!**

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Fun fact for our ecommerce friends—Shopify is sneaky! They hide your Home page SEO title & meta description fields.

In this installment of SEO Shorts—Crystal helps you find it!

This is perfect for existing Shopify store owners, Etsy store owners considering opening a Shopify store, & anyone who’s just curious about… Shopify!

You’ll learn:

what a meta description is
what an SEO title is
why it’s critical to have an SEO title & meta description for your Shopify site
ideal character count for both
if you should add a social sharing image

You may also want to check out these episodes:
→ Etsy SEO w/ Nicole Lewis→ What is SEO Shorts? → AI to help your Shopify & Etsy SEO

Help us spread the word about SEO Shorts! Leave a review on your favorite podcast player! (It takes less than 3 minutes & really helps us reach more business owners like you.)

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Today we talk to conversion copywriter Haley Burns and explore how to implement creativity to improve website traffic and engagement.

Connect with Haley:
WebsiteLinkedInFacebook

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. It's important to embed keywords into creative, engaging language and content.

Surfer SEO and Jasper can serve as beneficial tools to generate new ideas.
Continually optimize website content from both an SEO and copywriting perspective.

2. Haley emphasized unique and refined writing for an authentic brand voice.

Draw inspiration from reading fiction.
Engage with diverse people and note their unique phrases.
Take breaks from social media.

3. Is there a specified formula or objective in copywriting for high-quality content?

Haley: Sharing something new that resonates with the target audience suffices.
B defined high-quality content as helpful.
Crystal believes sharing a fresh and genuine perspective = high quality.
For e-commerce, compelling content can contain word graphics and images.
Haley: intention and honesty as crucial elements to high-quality content.

4. Conversion copywriting addresses objections to sales success.

Mastering conversion copywriting can lead to more effective persuasion techniques and stronger arguments in content.
Addressing potential client objections in content reassureslients about the value of products or services.
The essential mindset for creativity:
Develop a curious mindset.
Practice self-care by distancing from work.
Nurture your creativity!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showApply to be our podcast guest! 🎙️

Brittany’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!
Start your Shopify Store!

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

Get Ocho: the best retirement info for entrepreneurs!

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

Get the Show merch!

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Ever wonder what SEO pros use for keyword research? We’re answering this burning question today!

We’re also introducing you to our new segment: SEO Shorts 🩳(Yes, like the summer version of pants. The intro episode is linked above ⬆️)

Originally our private podcast episodes, we’ve decided to roll these super short (~10 min or less) episodes into our regular show—giving you a double dose of SEO info. 🤓

These episodes are intended to be action-oriented bite-sized nuggets that help you build your SEO strategy & get found online—easily once and for all!

You'll see them drop each Friday. We can't wait to hear what you think!

Google Chrome extensions mentioned:

Ubersuggest
Keywords Everywhere
Keyword Surfer

^^ not affiliate links! Just links to make finding our favorite tools super easy.

We'd love it if you help us spread the word about SEO Shorts! Leave a review on your favorite podcast player! (It takes less than 3 minutes & really helps us reach more business owners like you.)

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Today Brittany (aka B) walks us through rewriting her website and updating her SEO strategy.

B shared her two-year process of refining her website.

This involved understanding her ideal client, their budget, and prevalent problems.
To find more information, she performed voice of customer (VOC) interviews.

B noted her increased visibility indicating her SEO expertise.

B updated her website messaging.
She overhauled her offer suite,
Performed keyword research, and
Created new SEO strategies for specific pages.

B has a step by step process for creating SEO strategies.

B outlines each page before writing the first draft.
Consider the overall flow and story for each page.
B weaves SEO, storytelling, and social proof into her work.

B and Crystal shared ways of using social proof on your website:

Testimonials and statistics, organized for easy reference during writing tasks.
B & Crystal both stressed the strategic use of customer reviews, testimonials, and statistics
Crystal suggested using customer reviews and testimonials in product descriptions to increase relatability and trust (social proof).
Crystal also emphasized using customer quotes to enhance customer experience.
Brittany shared that 92% of consumers read reviews and testimonials before buying a product.

SEO services provided by B and Crystal

B updated Crystal about her new services: which all fall under the big umbrella of SEO.
Crystal believes that an SEO technical audit should be the first step before implementing any further SEO strategies to ensure a strong foundation.

Couples Inc.
Couples Inc is where business-owning couples learn to work better, together. The show...
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Today we talk about the importance of effectively managing leads that come in through SEO, with an emphasis on using a system to manage these leads.

Colie James is a "Workflow & Automations Guru" and the host of the Business-First Creatives podcast.

Connect with Colie, aka "Dubsado Systems Fairy Godmother":
IG
Linkedin
"Love Your Leads" Free Training

Colie shared practical ways to set up a system for your business.
Automate client booking through Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Dubsado and HoneyBook.
You need for a system to handle leads generated from effective SEO practices.
Automating consultation calls and bookings ultimately saves time and money.
The importance of clarity and confidence selling services.
Use local SEO keywords.
Explain the uniqueness of your services
Google search your own business and see how well you rank for business name.
Align the front end (SEO and marketing) to the back end (client experience).
Use storytelling in blogs to attract potential clients.
Use blogs and strategic social posts to give insights into your sessions.
Focus on blogs, not pages on your website when you want to target Local SEO keywords.

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Today we discuss optimizing Etsy Shops for better Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Shop on Etsy (Nicole affiliate link).Schedule **to "Pick Nicole's Brain"

Connect w/Nicole:*PinterestTikTokYouTubeFacebookTwitter* 1. Nicole Lewis, an Etsy expert who founded a company, Art 2 the Extreme.**

Nicole was the first to create and sell handmade crayons online.
Her first custom crayons for children who couldn't grasp traditional crayons.

2. How Nicole defines SEO:
"Effectively using that magical combination of words that describe your service or product to get it in front of your ideal buyer or customer."

3. Critical elements of Etsy SEO:

Product listings, tags, category, and listing attributes impact SEO.
The first two sentences in any listing description are crucial.
Avoid copying title in the listing description.
"Keyword stuffing" in the Etsy title can result in better Etsy SEO.

5. Final takeaways: These tips improve search discoverability, and maximize sales.

A/B test your listings.
Update your listings for holiday and for press and branding.
Join Etsy's affiliate program!
Diversify and collect emails.

Socially Unacceptable
The marketing podcast that celebrates work mishaps and delivers lessons in your lunchbreak
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Today's guest is Erin Perkins, founder of Mabely Q and Successible.

We discuss Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and web accessibility for deaf-blind individuals.

Connect with Erin:
Social Media Accessibility ScorecardWebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInThe Successible Community

1. Erin Perkins shared her experiences as a deaf-blind person navigating the online world.

Importance of accessibility beyond just websites.
Current technology (and Ai) helps her stay connected.

2. Erin interpreted SEO as writing content in a way it can be easily found on search engines.

Benefits of alt text and image descriptions.
Avoid strung together keywords that make no sense.

3. Erin discussed her difficulties with platforms like Pinterest and Instagram due to their limited accessibility features.

Platforms often don't consider accessibility during its initial stages.
Accessibility can be costly to fix.

4. How to use SEO elements for better accessibility:

Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) correctly for proper website structuring and better accessibility.
Not doing so can make it difficult for screen reader users who skim headers for context.

5. Limitatio

School of Podcasting
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Join us for a conversation with business owner and dentist Jasmine Elmore.

Jasmine defines SEO: the process of making unfindable content findable.

Connect with Jasmine:
Soma IG
Jasmine Personal IG

Jasmine is transitioning from a mindset of serving everyone in a healthcare-related field to adopting a more business-oriented approach.We discuss:

Importance of social proof in building brand credibility and trust;
Powerful impact of storytelling in sales and case studies.
Benefits of testimonials, case studies, and positive customer experiences for a brand's reputation.

How to recognize the value of specialized skills and charging premium rates:

Identify target customers,
Stay upfront about the costs involved in solutions,
Focus on customer problems,
Develop confidence in the solution you offer.
Create case studies in addition to asking for reviews.

Storytelling is an effective tool for engaging audiences:

Important in context of sales pages and case studies.
Walk audiences through every stage of a story, making it relatable and engaging.
The idea is not to focus on the solution the business provides, but on the problem the potential clients face.

How to generate and use social proof effectively.

Use social proof in social media posts,
Feature testimonials throughout a website,
Incorporate into any form of communication with words (copy).
Stay vigilant and attentive towards customer experiences.

How to navigate the dilemma for "helper" mentality

Change your mindset: by charging adequate rates to clients who can afford it, they can subsidize free or lower-cost services for those who cannot.
Ask potential clients specific questions to assess their needs and

School of Podcasting
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

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Today we are talking Local SEO & sales w/ B's dad.

Our conversation ranged from the transition of marketing from older tactics (newspapers, radio, door knocking) to utilizing local SEO to target specific geographical areas.

The importance of obtaining customer reviews, follow-ups, and creating a smooth testimonial process for customers.
Honesty is so important in business and the psychology of sales and marketing.
Marketing should focus on the positives and have a ready answer for any negatives.
Self-awareness and humility can lead to a more rounded and successful business owner.
Dave Herzberg, a window replacement business owner in Raleigh, struggled with understanding and implementing SEO at the beginning.
The initial explanation of SEO felt like trying to corral smoke, but with Brittany's help, his understanding improved.
The process of working with Brittany for SEO copywriting involved using relevant keywords to funnel website traffic.
Local SEO is essential for businesses like Dave's that only cater to clients within a specific geographical range.
Creating a website that is simple and easy to navigate is crucial to capture and retain people's attention.

2. Dave emphasized the importance of providing clear information on websites without making it too complicated.

It's important to follow up with customers to get reviews.
Dave shared the importance of setting expectations and making the process easy.
Brittany suggested various ways customers can provide testimonials, such as email, voice memo, or video testimonial.
Crystal mentioned the value of the conversation for business owners who may not have a sales background.

3. Understanding the psychology of sales and marketing can lead to better results.

Business owners sometimes forget that people want to understand and forgive when mistakes are made.
Offering

School of Podcasting
You want to start a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start. You need advice on how...
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

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Today: SEO insights, the importance of valuing one's services, and encouraging entrepreneurship among listeners.Special guest on podcast: Jeff Clark, father of co-host Crystal Waddell
Crystal's dad joins us to share what he's learned about SEO from the podcast!

1. Jeff says: Make sure to value yourself and price your services appropriately.

Consider building clientele at different price points for services.
Find a balance between giving away information and charging for expertise.
Find your inspiration; Jeff was inspired by the freedom and desire to put family first in his life.

2. Jeff says: Learn from your mistakes.

Stressed the importance of owning the building for his second business
Had a goal of starting each day with $200 in his pocket.
Discussed the different services and opportunities in lawn care and landscaping industry.

3. Understand the importance of SEO for businesses to attract customers.

Jeff says: SEO is targeted advertising, attracting customers looking for specific help.
Jeff says: SEO would have helped his lawn-care business grow and maintain a customer base.
Go back and listen to the SEO Dictionary episodes!

School of Podcasting
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Our guest today, Angie Colee, is on a mission to destroy the idea that business means stress and struggle.

*Entrepreneurship may not be easy, but doesn't mean it should be hard!

Connect with Angie:Podcast
FacebookInstaLinkedin*

Today Angie interviews US! Listen to B and Crystal discuss SEO strategy, content strategy, tools for keyword research, and utilizing Google search results for improving online presence.

Have no fear that AI is here!
AI in marketing and copywriting is flawed in areas like giving feedback and prompting.
Instances of AI-generated copy without human editing or proofreading (Brittany Herzberg)

2. Steps for an SEO overhaul:

audit for technical details,
update SEO titles and meta descriptions
give every page a job, and
update image titles and alt text
create a content plan

3. Need a Quick SEO Win?

Run Ubersuggest technical SEO audit to fix broken links and other issues.
Aim for a domain authority score of 15 or higher for small businesses.
Use SurferSEO

4. Tips for doing keyword research:

Talk directly to customers to find out the non-jargony words they use.
Use paid tools like Keywords Everywhere or the free Keyword Surfer plug in.

School of Podcasting
You want to start a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start. You need advice on how...
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The Imposter Syndrome Network Podcast
The Imposter Syndrome Network (ISN) is a community of technology professionals who...
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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**Our conversation today with Latesha Lynch focuses on SEO, brand messaging strategies and promoting one's business or channel on various platforms.

Latesha Lynch is a marketing coach, consultant, and community builder.

Connect with Latesha!*InstagramTiktokYouTubePodcast*

Latesha's Lead Overflowis a free 3-day workshop to help people find their marketing style and create a marketing strategy that works well with that style. 1. Latesha defines SEO as the ability for people to find you anywhere on the internet.

Choose keywords based on your niche, content pillars, and what you want to be known for.
Choose marketing channels based on their personality and energy type.
Cohesive brand messaging across platforms starts with knowing one's brand voice, values, mission, and vision.

2. Focus on Simple ways to promote SEO channels.

Share YouTube videos to other platforms or pull quotes from blog posts.
Use email newsletters alongside SEO channels for better implementation.
Connect problem-aware content to different stages of awareness.
Building authority through content, and brand messaging.

3. It's important to collaborate and demonstrate clear messaging in marketing.

B's PET framework: Storytelling broken down into beginning, middle, and end.
Crystal shares the idea of her YouTube channel called "Knowledge Vomit."
Clarity in messaging and showcasing unique knowledge leads to collab opportunities.
Establish trust through collaborations.

School of Podcasting
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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

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Mackenzie Armstrong is a Pinterest strategist for bloggers and podcasters.

Connect with Mackenzie:
Ultimate Guide To Optimizing Your Pinterest AccountLinkedInFacebookInstagram **The discussion focused on leveraging Pinterest as an offsite SEO strategy and maximizing its potential to drive traffic to blogs, podcasts, and e-commerce websites.

Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.**
Conduct SEO research within Pinterest for better results.
Promote content on Pinterest ahead of the actual season and use clear, concise graphic designs.
Pinterest analytics help identify high-performing content and seasonal trends to inform future content strategies.
Focus on email list building as a primary call-to-action (CTA) when driving traffic from Pinterest to a website.
Embed YouTube videos in blog posts rather than directly linking to YouTube from Pinterest.
Make sure boards on a business account are relevant to the business and convert any irrelevant boards to secret boards.
Consider creating blog posts about products to help expand the content available for pins.

3. Viewing Pinterest as an offsite

School of Podcasting
You want to start a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start. You need advice on how...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

Virtual studios
Video + audio packages
Social media prompts
Guest management
Strategy + coaching to grow your audience

Get all the details you need

Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showBe our (podcast) guest! Apply here

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!

B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

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Kristin Lawton is the Chief Brand Mixologist at District Brand Bar.She has come on the show to demonstrate the importance of "know, like, trust" in a marketing strategy and how SEO plays a role in each stage.

Connect with Kristin!
Website
Instagram
Marketing Style Quiz

Kristin's High-level definition of SEO: making it easier for people to find you on various platforms (e.g. Google, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube).

1.Know, like, trust marketing strategy broken down into stages:

Know: Focus on three marketing channels to optimize discovery (e.g. website, Instagram, Facebook groups).
Like: Engage with the audience on specific platforms (e.g. Instagram stories/DMs, email, TikTok stitches).
Trust: Convert clients through established mechanics (e.g. launches, masterclasses, call to actions).

2. A well-defined client journey is important:

Build a good client experience, including referral systems and testimonials.
Relationship-oriented approach rather than metric/data-driven.
Establishing a client management system before starting SEO.

3. Storybrand framework for messaging & goal setting:

Utilize Storybrand framework in messaging.
Setting yearly goals and breaking them into smaller, manageable tasks.
Scheduling six-week

School of Podcasting
You want to start a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start. You need advice on how...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

Virtual studios
Video + audio packages
Social media prompts
Guest management
Strategy + coaching to grow your audience

Get all the details you need

Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showBe our (podcast) guest! Apply here

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!

B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

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Join us for a conversation w/ TaVona Denise, master certified life coach and trauma informed business coach.

Connect with TaVona Denise:
Website
Instagram

We talk about finding the balance between pricing, personal values, setting boundaries, and leveraging visibility opportunities such as SEO to grow a business without burning out.

TaVona talks pricing:

Change pricing in order to have a sustainable business.
Connection between value, worthiness, and pricing.
How personal beliefs and experiences can affect decisions regarding pricing.
The fear of pushing people away with pricing.
Identifying ideal clients: readiness, ability, and willingness to pay.
Consider personal capacity and lifestyle when setting prices.

TaVona on the nervous system + business:

The nervous system's impact on business activities; needs comfort and safety.
Calm the nervous system by breaking down the numbers.
Establish boundaries and identifying the "why" behind business decisions to maintain personal values and avoid burnout.
Create offers in order to maintain a balanced life and business.

TaVona on SEO + online visibility:

Leverage visibility opportunities such as SEO and networking to help reach more people and grow the business more efficiently.
Creating authentic and intentional branding and messaging to attract the

School of Podcasting
You want to start a podcast, but you’re not sure where to start. You need advice on how...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

Virtual studios
Video + audio packages
Social media prompts
Guest management
Strategy + coaching to grow your audience

Get all the details you need

Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showBe our (podcast) guest! Apply here

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!

B’s SEO Basics Checklist
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

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Whitney Surane is the Founder and SEO of MadlyWish.com**, an online boutique that specializes in children’s keepsakes like birthday crowns and tooth fairy pillows.

Whitney wants to start a podcast to create meaningful content for her audience and came on the show to find out how we got started.**

Connect w/ Whitney:
IG
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Whitney and Crystal met through Nicole of Art 2 the Extreme, who specializes in PR.

Whitney has learned the importance of user experience and SEO on Shopify, the value of meta-descriptions, targeted keywords, and customer testimonials.
She is now starting a podcast to provide customers further support while also supporting other small businesses and women.

Crystal & B started their podcast to share conversations with others and ease the loneliness of entrepreneurship. Here's our tips for your podcast:

Basic equipment such as a computer, and cheap microphone (e.g., Blue Snowball) and headphones.
We do not have a pre-set structure, but keep an idea list for topics.
We downloaded our music from Storyblocks.
We reco

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
Find out how the world's biggest brands use the secrets of Out-of-Home advertising.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

Virtual studios
Video + audio packages
Social media prompts
Guest management
Strategy + coaching to grow your audience

Get all the details you need

Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

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Crystal Carter is Head of SEO Communications at Wix and co-host of SERPS Up SEO podcast; she loves working with the product team and speaking to users.

Connect with Crystal Carter:

SERPs Up PodcastTwitterWebsite

Our takeaways from Crystal:

1. Crystal Carter discussed her definition of SEO: "bending the internet to your will".

Clarity is key when it comes to SEO, and communicating with bots.
Make sure your website does what it "says on the tin" – keep descriptions concise & clear!

2. With Wix, everyone has a baseline of "SEO starting points":

such as dynamic site maps &
structured data.
Customization is also available for more advanced users.

3. Fun SEO terms to understand:

Site maps are important tools that help web crawlers understand a website better.
Internal links can be used to help pages become indexed and increase visibility.

4. Double check your tagging.

Be aware of near duplicates in tagging; avoid tags with similar meanings.
Clean up tags to save Google’s ‘crawl budget’ for more meaningful content.

5. Use schema.org to search and study existing schema.

Humans and bots alike wil

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
Find out how the world's biggest brands use the secrets of Out-of-Home advertising.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

Virtual studios
Video + audio packages
Social media prompts
Guest management
Strategy + coaching to grow your audience

Get all the details you need

Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showBe our (podcast) guest! Apply here

Book your $99 SEO Audit with Crystal!

B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Erika Macauley is an Online Business Manager and Project Manager who works with 6- and 7- figure creative entrepreneurs.

Get in touch with Erika:

Instagram
Website
Hiring Cheat Sheets
See open roles

Erika's tips: Before hiring team members, identify what tasks can be outsourced and provide clear instructions (i.e. a "definition of done").

1. Research what words people are typing into Google when they are looking for a particular service or product.

Look at what competitors are using. Use those as an inspiration point.
Niche down! You won't get found on page 35 of Google.

2. Utilize Instagram bio descriptions for service providers—no vague descriptions.

The phrase “virtual assistant” is outdated. Replace with specific job titles.
Prioritize experience over hourly rate when hiring a team member.

4. Tips to improve your search visibility:

JOB SEARCHERS: Set up a link tree with their services guide and link that in your bio.
JOB PROVIDERS: Use TikTok, which is quickly becoming popular with Gen Z.
JOB PROVIDERS: Descriptions should be clear and include tech stack, responsibilities and the pay.

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Brittany McBean is a conversion copywriter, launch strategist, and mentor for copywriters wanting to build their business.

Website
YouTube
IG
Market Research FREEBIE

1. How Brittany helps people focus on creating unique messages that speak directly to where their audience is and reduce refund requests:

Rely less on gimmicks and focus more on connecting with customers.
Create content that brings people peace and makes them feel seen, heard, and relaxed rather than generating anxiety.

2. How the five stages of awareness which can be applied to SEO: Unaware, Problem Aware, Solution Aware, Product Aware, and Most Aware.

Remain objective (external research, quantitative data, one-on-one interviews).
Analyze cold audience data not associated with the client's list.
Research conversations occurring within the industry.
Use surveys sent to the client's list.

3. How to increase your conversions with your words (and SEO):

Use social media platforms with a purpose or strategy in mind.
Celebrate customers' critical thinking and discernment vs. using FOMO tactics.

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
Find out how the world's biggest brands use the secrets of Out-of-Home advertising.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Alex Minor is the Creative Director and Lead Strategist at Eye Am Media. In his former life, he was also a freestyle rapper. Now he uses the lessons learned from his adventures in the rap game to help create memorable experiences through branding and media.

Find Alex:WebsiteLinked InIG / FB **Listen in to understand why content creation should focus on multiple platforms and whether it's beneficial to "build in public"!

Super fans should be provided with differentiated content, while most followers will only follow one platform.**

1. Alex defines SEO as having two levels:

surface level organic SEO (content/keywords)
and technical SEO (deep dark hole for smarter nerds).

2. Best practices for repurposing content should involve getting the most use out of it while creating.

YouTube Shorts are the best way to grow an organic channel quickly; long form content also has high monetization and searchable library benefits.
Pinterest engagement is supported by 10% short form video content; 30% revenue comes from short form video content.

3. Regular practices of ideation and production should be followed, such as 9am studio time

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
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Susan Reoch straddles the worlds of user experience (UX) and conversion copywriting, provides resources for entrepreneurs and businesses through her weekly newsletter, UX Factor, and an Epic UX group coaching program.

Find Susan:WebsiteInstagramMicrocopy Micro Course

1. Susan advocates that websites be treated as digital products -iteratively making them better with design thinking processes.

Empathizing with users, defining problems, ideating solutions, prototyping and testing results.
Combining data into a user journey is possible with resources such as the 60 Minute Story Map and Content Home.

2. Susan emphasizes the importance of microcopy in user experience design, and the need for businesses to provide clear and relevant information.

E-commerce store owners need to consider their customers’ needs and provide reassurance when appropriate.
Businesses can often have too many features on their websites, and that it is important to narrow down the focus to address root problems.

3. Susan Reoch described UX as how something works rather than just how it looks, focusing on big wins first to create immediate results.

The steps of Design Thinking: Empathize with Client, Define The Problem

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Holly Weidman is an SEO Consultant for Female Business Owners and Bloggers!

Find Holly:WebsiteInstagramFREE SEO Checklist for Your Blog

1. Holly cautions against knee-jerk reactions to Google updates and recommends waiting it out before making changes.

To understand what content Google will display, study its results and understand the different presentations it offers (e.g. a YouTube video, a snippet, an organic link).
"Infinite scrolling" keeps people on Google longer, making them more likely to click on a result.

2. Holly suggests choosing five to seven topics for pillar posts to make Google see you as an authority on a topic.

For blog posts, interlinking (aka internal links) is important for Google and headings should be included that help readers skim through the content easily.
Tracking metrics is key to understanding if efforts are achieving desired goals.

3. Metrics to track in Google Analytics and Search Console:

Page Views, and SEO performance (organic traffic).
Audit past content is to evaluate reader experience (images, headings, etc.)

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
Find out how the world's biggest brands use the secrets of Out-of-Home advertising.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

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Laura Jawad is a personal trainer & birth doula and an SEO strategist for health & wellness pros!

Find Laura:WebsiteInstagramNewsletter

1. Laura discussed the advantages and disadvantages of online tools, including Chatbots (Chat GPT vs. Jasper), Surfer SEO and the Hemingway app.

She noted the importance of fact-checking and avoiding generating false or offensive content.
AI tools, like Jasper and Chat GPT, can save time and provide assistance for tasks, such as creating meta descriptions, headlines and alliterative content.
Careful consideration should be taken when using these tools, since they rely on the internet for their knowledge.

2. Laura's top four tips for using online tools for SEO copywriting:

Address the tone of content to ensure it was written by a human.
Verify that content is factually accurate.
Run content through a Ai detector such as Hugging Face OpenAI Detector.
Scan for plagiarism using Copyscape.

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Meg Yelaney is a business mentor, podcaster, & speaker whose passion lies in helping women build businesses that allows them to thrive in their marriages as much as their bank.

Find Meg:

InstagramPodcastCreate your signature framework w/ Meg on March 15th!Guide to signing your next high ticket client

1. According to Meg, In the beginning stages of an online business, many people feel like they don't know enough due to imposter syndrome.

When starting out, take advantage of having more intimacy you can have with each follower by welcoming them and asking how you can help or serve them.
Having knowledge but no confidence is common.

2. Meg's top tips for gaining confidence as an online business owner:

Write down the evidence of why you are great at what you do. Create a folder on your phone with screenshots as reminders.
Meg suggests getting strategic with time spent on social media platforms and not "friendzoning" yourself.

3. Meg's top tips to setting yourself apart:

Develop a unique method to stand out.
When coaching, it is important to understand that results may vary

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
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This transcript has been machine-generated and has not been edited for errors.In this episode, we interview Jordan Gill, the founder of Systems Saved Me and the questions surrounding her site as her team switches hosting providers.

1. Jordan talks about her business and its transition from offering VIP days to an even more expanded "life first" business approach.

Jordan defines SEO as the ability to be found on the internet.
Over the years, Jordan's team has built a strategy of ranking multiple domains for keywords they want to win.

2. Jordan, Crystal, and Brittany review an SEO audit of SystemsSavedMe.com: what's working well, opportunities for improvement and changes in the business.

Jordan revealed her website had been "dead" for 5 years before they started making progress in January 2022.
Jordan and her team focused on updating meta descriptions and alt text.
Incidentally, Jordan was also adding backlinks from other websites to hers through a directory page on her site as well as podcast appearances.
Jordan's team also "sprinted" a YouTube Shorts strategy which helped bring more traffic to her website.

More about Jordan!
Jordan Gill is a 7-Figure Business Strategist whose mission is for high-achieving busi

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
Find out how the world's biggest brands use the secrets of Out-of-Home advertising.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Coaches & course creators! Launch & manage your podcast seamlessly w/ Leah Bryant Co

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Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showBe our (podcast) guest! Apply here

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B’s SEO Basics Checklist
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Welcome to part 2 of our SEO dictionary episode where we cover 10 more common SEO terms!
Share us with a friend!

1. SEO terms discussed today include alt text, domain authority/rank, headings (H1s and H2s), 301 redirects, and more.

Alt text is used to describe images for accessibility purposes.
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locators
Domain Authority measures how trustworthy a website is.
Headings are where keywords should be strategically placed to optimize SEO.
Canonical URLs designate one page you want Google to index while similar pages won't be indexed.
A 301 Redirect allows an outdated page URL to go somewhere else instead of being broken

2. Fun facts about how the internet works:

Bots are behind the scenes, indexing and crawling to help gather and analyze information.
Amazon owns most of the online real estate due to its serves, making money through web services.
Anchor texts should relate specifically to the link they are connected to ... try to avoid generic phrases like "click here."

3. Organic search is becoming more popular as a result of new search engines such as you.com, which does not rely on ads for its results.

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We talk with SEO copywriter Erin Ollila about utilizing past content to create an off-site SEO strategy.

Welcome to the Simple & Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

1. Erin O discusses the [ease and] importance of utilizing SEO on and off platform, including social media platforms.

LinkedIn is especially important as it often appears second when searching someone's name on Google due to its high indexability.
Social media platforms are prioritizing SEO, so content creators should be aware of this when creating their material.
Search intent is more important than hashtags in terms of getting the right results on social media searches.

2. Offsite SEO benefits can still be achieved even without having one's own platform.

Be assertive and strategic with backlinks when appearing on other podcasts or shows.
Showing up online in multiple places is an authority building tool that helps dominate search engine results pages for topics related to one's business.
Offsite SEO efforts, such as those on podcast players and YouTube, can yield faster results than website SEO.

3. SEO is vital for businesses to remain competitive during a recession.

Offsite SEO has evolved from spammy backlinks to a pay-to-play system.
Small businesses can still compete without paying for links by pitching content and w

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
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Tell her Crystal & B sent you!

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Today we are talking the connection between MESSAGING and SEO with Marisa Corcoran.

Welcome to the Simple & Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

1. Marisa Corcoranencourages entrepreneurs to focus on creating a clear, specific message that will spark curiosity and get people following up out of interest.

Marisa's signature program, the Copy Confidence Society, helps people uncover what to say and how to say it so they can attract their dream clients with words used on websites, social media posts, emails etc.
B realized she was a copywriter while attending Marisa's Copy Chat Summit in 2020!
Marisa suggests using the Proton Pack Messaging Playbook which consists of four Ps (Person, Product, Purpose and Perspective) to help hone in on one's messaging. (She's giving it away FREE at her LIVE masterclass!)

2. Listen as Marisa workshops Crystal's SEO offers.

Marisa noted that people need multiple touchpoints in order to remember something or someone; this is why repetition is so important.
Marisa shared two of her motifs:
“The best copy cannot fix a muddied message” and
“People make purchasing decisions based on what you're selling (something they want) as well as if you are the person t

Ever Wondered Why Big Brands Like Apple And Google Love Real-World Marketing?
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Today we are talking common SEO audit issues we've seen!

Welcome to the Simple & Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

1. Common SEO Audit issues:

Broken Links
Meta Description errors
Low Word Count
404 pages
Multiple or missing H1

2. How they happen?

Broken Links: when a user clicks on an online link that doesn't go anywhere.
Meta Description: missing descriptions, duplicated ones or too long/short.
Not having enough words on the page (maybe page is image-heavy).

3. Make your URLs "SEO friendly" by:

Including keywords separated by dashes.
Avoiding characters like ampersands, at symbols or exclamation points.
Get insider Shopify Page Tips!

4. What about content?

Content should be scannable and helpful to the reader in order to rank favorably with Google.
For blogs, aim for a minimum of 300 words.
The length of content depends on what is already ranking for that keyword.

Let us know what you think of the episode!

Leave a text or voice note
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Today we are talking Google Business Profiles: How they work and why you should have one!

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1. Easy wins with Google Business Profile:

Embedding a Google Map on one's contact page is recommended to make it easier for customers to find their location.
Double check all information is up-to-date including prices and ratings/reviews as these can change over time.

2. Interesting things we learned related to Google Business Profile:

Searches for "where to buy" and "near me" have increased over 200% in recent years, leading to an increase of discovery searches.
It is important to ensure accurate information on all platforms such as Yelp so customers can easily contact businesses via iPhone apps.

3. Why Google Reviews are the most valuable reviews:

Reviews should also be taken with a grain of salt as they can easily be fabricated or edited by businesses themselves.
Google reviews typically tend to more accurate than other review sources since people have verified accounts through Google before leaving them.
It's important to respond politely to reviews, even if they are negative. This will help build trust with potential customers.
Final thoughts about the artist formerly known as GMB (Google My Business):
Ask customers to leave a review on your Google Business Profile (send them a lin

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The Rich Somers Report
Want to build wealth through real estate investing? Give this new podcast a listen!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Today we are talking SEO for blogging & SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for a smooth blog workflow w/ Dolly Delong, brand photographer & systems educator!

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Dolly DeLong is a branding photographer & systems and workflow educator based in Nashville, Tennessee who helps business owners create their own SOPs.

1. To optimize your website SEO, Dolly suggests:

Understanding what words your ideal clients use when searching on Google so you can show up with relevant content that answers their questions
Creating four different types of blog posts: future focused, evergreen, trending topics & client features.

2. Dolly's favorite SEO tools and workflow assistants:

Lightroom: for meta tags & descriptions to images with keywords about who it's for/serving plus where it was taken or business name.
Showit (website builder) for WordPress.
Yoast (SEO tool) for WordPress.
Facebook pixel code (for tracking and retargeting).
UberSuggest competitor keyword research tool.

3. Dolly has a free pop-up podcast that will be live at the end of January!

Sign up for the Foundational Funnel Trai

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
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The Rich Somers Report
Want to build wealth through real estate investing? Give this new podcast a listen!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

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Today we are talking content planning for 2023. Grab Crystal's free content planning and task template.

It's a marketing calendar template in excel (Google Sheets) that's yours free as a listener of the podcast.

Happy New Year! Make it your own and get productive!

Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note

1. How this conversation started:

Crystal recognized the need to make sales calls and set aside time for client work.
She created an organized list of tasks for each day of the week.
We both feel it's important to set profit and revenue goals based on our experience with self-employment.

2. Crystal uses quarterly audits to analyze the progress of businesses.

A SWOT audit should be done every year (and updated quarterly).
SEO Audit should be done quarterly.
Etsy/Ecommerce and social media performance should be audited as well.

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The Rich Somers Report
Want to build wealth through real estate investing? Give this new podcast a listen!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Passive Real Estate Strategies
We expose retail investors to truly passive REI opportunities & education
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

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Crystal & B shared their favorite 2022 episodes!
Remember to: Leave a text or voice note.

1.Ep 17: Optimize Your Website for Search Engines [Listen to a Live SEO Audit] (B's favorite)

B felt vulnerable but she's since learned the episode helped people understand SEO!
Ep13: Is SEO dying? Should you switch to paid ads? With ads expert Ashleigh Chanél (Crystal's fave)
Ashleigh Chanel talked about how ROI isn't always monetary—it's also return on effort (ROE).

3. Ep 4: Instagram Search: How to Rank Higher in 2023 (B's #2)

B walked through 7 elements of SEO within Instagram. (And now we're seeing other IG experts talk about this!)

4. Ep 30: Solving Customer Problems With SEO & Content w/ Marketing Fixer Sunny Logsdon (Crystal's #2)

Sunny helps marketing small businesses & women who need to or want to re-engage in the workplace, which really connected w/ Crystal.
Ep 28: Launch With Confidence: SEO & Successful Product Launches w/ Brenna McGowan (B's third)
We touched on pre-launch & SEO in a way that made connections. (Being intentional is a big value for B!)

6.Ep 12: (aka the "SEO Dictionary"

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

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B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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We are talking to Stephanie Long all about using the SEO tool ScreamingFrog to audit the image sizes on your site!This is a doozy! Catch the YouTube video here!

Stephanie Long has been doing SEO for 10 years. She began her own firm SMM SEO Agency, and specializes in helping tech companies.

Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note.

Watch the episode on Youtube so you can follow along with our screenshares!

1. Screaming Frog is a tool that helps you determine if your images are too large and slowing down your website speed.

Screaming Frog is a good tool for image compression suggestions.
Screaming Frog is free up to 500 website pages.

2. Stephanie uses Excel to export image data from Screaming Frog so that she can then upload it into Google Sheets for easier analysis.

Image sizes, smallest to largest: kb, b, mb, gb, b
Convert bytes to pixels by inputting your numbers into this converter tool.
You can also convert bytes to pixels manually by using this formula from pixelconverter.com:
- Pixels resolution = (8*bytes value)/(bit value) then:
- Width in pixels = pixels resolution*aspect ration
- Height in pixels = pixels resolution*(1/aspect ratio)

Stephanie can be found at:StephanieMarieMarketing.comInstagramLinkedIn

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

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B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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We are talking to Sunny Logsdon all about using prelaunch strategies aligned with an SEO strategy!

Sunny works with small business owners who don't have a background in marketing, but need help creating a strategic plan.

Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note.

1. SEO and Marketing should align with your customer's journey.

The customer journey is the process of understanding where your customers were before they found you.
The way that Sunny explains SEO to her clients is by having valuable content that your target customer needs.

2. Think about how you can help your clients before they even know they need you.

For customers who are in the pre-awareness stage, it's helpful to provide valuable content that answers questions they may have.
Consider what other struggles they might be dealing with in their life.
Provide next steps for people to take after consuming your content.

3. Listen

UnNoticed Entrepreneur - step into the spotlight.
Entrepreneurs share their secrets to getting noticed in 20 minutes.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The Rich Somers Report
Want to build wealth through real estate investing? Give this new podcast a listen!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Passive Real Estate Strategies
We expose retail investors to truly passive REI opportunities & education
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

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B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note.

We are talking to Salina Yeung all about using LinkedIn to complement your SEO Strategy. Salina is a current Linkedin business strategist and coach who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, helping them use LinkedIn for marketing and sales.

Find out more at theinacadamy.com.

1. Salina is a former LinkedIn employee with amazing insider tips!

Do you know your LinkedIn social selling score? Salina breaks the SSI down in this episode.
Find out how the Network SSI is different from the Industry SSI.
Learn the four pillars that contribute to a person's SSI score.

2. LinkedIn prioritizes keywords in various places - do you know where?

The low-hanging fruit? Filling out all of your profile fields completely.
Only 5.2% of Linkedin users post content regularly. Repurpose your best stuff on LinkedIn!
Use keywords in your title - rather than your title!

3. Wondering what to share on Linkedin?

Utilize your Linkedin profile as your sales page.
If graphics are your thing, share carousels, infographics, etc.
If you are a writer, use text posts like Linkedin articles and newsletters.

Connect with Salina:
LinkedIn (duh 😂)
Instagram

Get the Complete Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Checklist! (<< it's how B & Salina met!)
Don't forget about The InAcademy Waitlist!

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

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B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Grab your free ticket to Brenna's Behind the Launch event happening January 23-27!

We are talking to Brenna McGowan all about using prelaunch strategies aligned with an SEO strategy!

Brenna is a copywriter, launch strategist, and pre-launch expert who helps business owners communicate the value of their products and services.

Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note.

1. What is pre launch?

Pre-launch is the period before a sales promotion when businesses promote what they are selling to get people prepared for the main event.
Planning is key to successful pre-launches, as well as understanding how to use pre-launch tactics in an evergreen funnel.

2. Pre-launching can be helpful for anything from lead magnets to events, not just products or services.

The pre-launch journey is figuring out exactly where the person is at, exactly the right fit readiness.
A prelaunch is what comes before a sales promotion.
Many times in content: call to action is vague or missing completely.

3. Paying attention is key to understanding what interests people and informing an SEO strategy.

Credibility is important for authority and SEO.
Empathy is key to understanding your ideal client.
You can show empathy by giving people autonomy.

Connect with Brenna:
brennamcgowan.co/cheatsheet
Instagram
Facebook Group

If you're looking for a unique, handcrafted way to spruce up your home or office, then Collage and Wood is the perfect place for you!

We offer a range of beautiful wooden signs that are perfect for any occasion. Our talented team of artists will work with you to create a sign that perfectly suits your needs. So why wait? Visit Collage and Wood today!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

Be our (podcast) guest! Apply here

B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for a $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note.

What's in our 27th Episode? We are talking to Dahlia Orth all about creating systems in Honeybook to support your SEO strategy! 1. Dahlia is a System Strategist & Honeybook Pro who can help you streamline your business processes.

Dahlia offers a guide on her website to help you get started with HoneyBook.
Dahlia helped B put systems and processes in place for her copywriting business, including automations and templates.

2. Everyone should document their workflows, whether they are just starting out or are ready to hire a team.

Tools you can use :
1. ClickUp
2. Honey Book for post-production checklists.
3. Notion is a great tool for organizing info and color-coding things.
4. Monday.com
5. Whimsical is fun for diagrams and flowcharts

3. Be intentional when creating a workflow = quality leads.

You have to put in legwork on the front end to see results on the back end.
Repurposing content is a great way to make the most of your efforts.
Get in touch with Dahlia Orth, System Strategist & Honeybook Pro
www.dahliaorth.com
Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube

Chec

Dev Interrupted
What the smartest minds in engineering are thinking about, working on and investing in.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

After Hours Entrepreneur: Your Guide to Profitable, 6-Figure Years
Quit your job. Make more money.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Venture Europe
personal conversations with the entrepreneurs and investors reshaping our future
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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We've been teasing it, but here's an actual full length episode of our brand new, private podcast: SEO Shorts 🩳!

Ever wonder what the pros use for keyword research?

We’re answering this burning question today!

Chrome extensions we mentioned:

Ubersuggest

Keywords Everywhere

Keyword Surfer

^^ not affiliate links! Just links to make finding our favorite tools super easy.

Tell us about your favorite SEO tool or let us know which of the 3 we discussed you can’t wait to download! Drop your answer in this thread.

Like the show & want more? ⬇️
Become an SEO Shorts subscriber today for only $10/ month!

What you get as a paid private podcast member:
- action-oriented weekly episodes
- clear "how to" instructions
- unlisted YouTube video tutorials
- access to an exclusive Q+A thread for subscribers
- and everything is less than 10 minutes

Check out the FAQs here
(ask your own question about the private podcast in this thread)

Can't wait to see you on the inside!

Support the showJoin the private podcast—SEO Shorts

B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note here.

What's in our 26th Episode? We are sharing a Black Friday Promotion that you don't want to miss - from Crystal's favorite SEO tool, Surfer SEO! 1. Surfer SEO is a tool that helps you rank higher on Google

Surfer SEO helps you figure out which articles to write in order to show up as an authority on a particular topic.
You can use Surfer SEO to find keywords with high search volume and low difficulty, meaning they'll be easier for you to rank for.
Search intent should be taken into account when choosing keywords to optimize for.

2. You can use Surfer SEO to create blogs by following its suggestions for topics, keywords, and linking strategies.

Surfer SEO is a keyword research and blogging tool in one.
Surfer SEO helps you determine the keywords to use in order to rank.
Surfer SEO provides recommendations based on what you are already ranking for.
Grow Flow is an amazing product within Surfer that gives insights about your website's progress and performance - it's like having your own Content and SEO Director on staff!

5. GET SURFER SEO'S BEST DEAL FOR 2023!!

The more people who sign up for Surfer, the more free stuff everyone gets - so it's a win-win-win!
Get all of the Black Friday deets for Surfer by clicking here!

Support the showB’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note here.

What's in our 25th Episode? Alisa Meredith is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Semrush. Today she is sharing about one of their new SEO products, Surround Sound. 1. Surround Sound is an SEO tool that helps with outreach by finding opportunities to build relationships.

Surround Sound can help you identify opportunities and then it is up to you to go do the outreach.
Surround Sound SEO is different from traditional SEO because the goal is not to rank your website or content, but rather to get mentioned on high-ranking websites.
Brand visibility is how often your brand appears in search results, and share of search is what percentage of those results are yours.

2. It is important to understand where your business stands in comparison to others in the market.

It is important to know your keywords when trying to identify potential gaps in search coverage.
There are three types of keywords to consider: content marketing, commercial intent, and transactional intent.
Using high intent keywords (keywords with commercial intent) will help you get ranking for terms that people are actually searching for when they're looking to buy something.

3. Surround Sound SEO is a way to take advantage of other sites that already rank for your keywords, in order to get your own site mentioned.

If you want to get your company mentioned on a list, reach out to the site that created the list and offer them free samples of your product.
Try to build a relationship with the publication or blogger by offering something in return, like being featured on their podcast or writing an article for them.
Understanding a customer's unique buyer's journey is important for aligning marketing efforts with their needs.

5. Connect with Alisa:

Semrush Surround Sound video with Alex and Alisa
Instagram
Twitter

Dev Interrupted
What the smartest minds in engineering are thinking about, working on and investing in.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Managing Projects Doesn’t Have to Be a Mess
Basecamp helps teams organize projects in a way that makes sense for all. Try Basecamp.
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note here.

What's in our 24th Episode with Public Speaking Expert and Coach Laurie-Ann Murabito? 1. SEO is important for everyone, not just big companies.

Get permission to reuse content by getting testimonials from those you speak with or for, which also helps with SEO strategy.
Repurposing speaking content into blog posts or audio/visual content builds SEO on your website.

2. Public speaking is so much more than stages and Zoom calls.

Laurie described three types of speakers: motivating, professor, and marketer.
The opening of a presentation needs to grab people's attention and give them a reason to put their phones down.
The "meat of your presentation" should be three tips or ideas, supported by data and stories.

3. On-page SEO and off-page SEO are powerful way to build reputation management and saturate the search engine results page with your authority.

OFF-PAGE: Speaking engagements are a great way to get your name out there, and transcripts of those speeches can be repurposed into written content or videos.
ON PAGE: Having a blog or podcast on your website helps you show up in different formats on the search engine results page,
OFF-PAGE: Link back to images and videos of yourself from speaking engagements.
ON-PAGE: You can keep visitors on your website longer by embedding YouTube videos of your podcasts rather than sending them off-site.

5. Connect with Laurie-Ann:

"Be in Demand" podcast.
Grab Laurie-Ann's free gift on her website!
Instagram

Dev Interrupted
What the smartest minds in engineering are thinking about, working on and investing in.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Managing Projects Doesn’t Have to Be a Mess
Basecamp helps teams organize projects in a way that makes sense for all. Try Basecamp.
Support the showB’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

10,000 Jasper words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note here.

What's in our 23rd Episode with SEO expert & consultant Stephanie Long, part 2? **Our Takeaways:

Use Screaming Frog and Google's Page Speed Tool to optimize images and improve page speed.**
Use Screaming Frog to optimize images for alt text and size.
Site structure should be easy to navigate and make sense logically.
Contact Stephanie for a free consultation and audit.

2. Optimize your Wordpress pages and Shopify pages.

WordPress users: update your URL slug to something relevant and optimized.
Shopify users: remember to check the box for automatic redirection when you make changes to a page.
For URL slugs, try to keep them 3-4 terms long and relevant to the page topic.

3. What is White Hat SEO? What is Black Hat SEO?

White hat SEO is optimizing your blog appropriately, putting in the targeted keyword on each page, two to three times max.
Black hat SEO: keyword stuffing, buying links, shady stuff behind the scenes.
Competitive research falls under white hat seo.

4. How to choose the best keywords for your site:

Make sure that the keywords you're targeting are actually being Searched by potential customers.
Using UberSuggest and Answer the Public can help ensure that you're using white hat SEO techniques.

5. Find out the difference between a web developer's job and an SEO's job.Final Note: If you Google your business name and don't come up on the first page, check that you're optimizing your keywords for the right keywords and go on podcasts to increase your visibility!Need a sign for your business? Visit CollageandWood.com today!

Dev Interrupted
What the smartest minds in engineering are thinking about, working on and investing in.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the showB’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own SEO Site Audit For only $99!
Join in the conversation! Leave a text or voice note here.

**What's in our 22nd episode? We are celebrating 3,500+ downloads!!!

Part 1 With SEO Expert Stephanie Long

Stephanie Long has been working in SEO for 10 years and started her own SEO agency after being laid off due to Covid.**
One of Stephanie's top tips: Heat maps are a valuable tool for understanding where people are clicking on your website.
Stephanie suggests that, in order to increase your domain authority the fastest, you should start by blogging once a week.
She also recommends using HARO and writing for other companies as ways to get backlinks and improve your domain authority.

2. Stephanie notes that SEO is a slow process and emphasizes the importance of fresh content.

SEO is an ongoing process that is not a one and done project.
You can make money and/or grow an audience on Medium by signing up as a partner and uploading blogs.

3. White hat vs black hat: watch out for people who promise to get you ranking quickly, as this is likely keyword stuffing

Google knows what customers are looking for, so don't try to trick them with keyword stuffing or other spammy techniques.
If something seems too good to be true (like an SEO email promising results for $15), it probably is.

Check out episode 23 where we dive into Part 2 with Stephanie!

Mention this interview and get a FREE SEO Audit from Stephanie!

⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️

Brittany Herzberg
Crystal Waddell
Collage and Wood
Stephanie Long

After Hours Entrepreneur: An Entrepreneurs Guide to 6-Figures
Take action. Build a business and life you love!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Jaspe: 10,000 words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com & collageandwood.com

...

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
Leave a text or voice note here.

**What's in our 21st episode with podcast producer Leah Bryant? SO MUCH AWESOMENESS!

Our guest: Leah BryantLeah Bryant is the founder of Leah Bryant Co., an all-woman podcast production boutique agency that helps coaches and course creators launch and manage their podcasts. Our Takeaways:
Workflows are important in podcasting in order to make the process less stressful.**

Some key templates to use in podcasting include guest outreach, show notes, and graphics.
B is analytical and helps with the organization of the podcast, while Crystal finds handles the technology.
Leah is starting a podcast with a buddy, Marcy, about private podcasts which are underutilized assets for businesses.

You can host a private podcast on Hello Audio, Lipson, or Captivate:

Hello Audio was the first to spearhead private podcasting.
To make a private podcast, you pay a fee and set up your RSS feed like normal.

There are several creative ways that you can monetize a podcast:

The way to monetize a podcast is by sponsors, ads, Patreon, selling merchandise, etc.
Crystal has set up a Simple and Smart SEO Merchandise Shop and $99 SEO audits.

How podcasting helps your SEO and your business:

Building community is important for business growth and connection.
Galas.fm allows people to stay connected and continue the conversation.
Leah loves helping podcasters because she takes a holistic approach to find gaps and fill them in.

Fun to know about SEO and podcasting:

SEO is important for audio content since Google started indexing it in 2018 or 2019.
Utilize blog posts, optimize website pages, use keywords throughout the podcast player, and edit audio

The Brave Marketer
Many of the most memorable brand campaigns have been driven by cutting edge marketers
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

After Hours Entrepreneur: An Entrepreneurs Guide to 6-Figures
Take action. Build a business and life you love!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the showB’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
brittanyherzberg.com / Instagram

Use Crystal's Jasper link to get 10,000 words FREE!
crystalwaddell.com & collageandwood.com

...

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own SEO Site Audit For only $99!
Join in the conversation! Leave a text or voice note here.

**What's in our 20th episode? Our Part 2 Takeaways:

It would be helpful to have a virtual assistant who already has a head start and understands SEO so that they can just run with it and own that.**

Emily teaches her students to optimize existing content before creating new content.
Virtual Assistants should be able to access the backend of websites in order to make changes.
Assistants need to access the SEO data in order to see what's ranking and what's working.

SEO Virtual Assistants should track and show their SEO work to business owners monthly.

Having a spreadsheet where you can track progress over time is important in order to remember what words are being worked on.
Following up monthly (or whenever you invoice) is sufficient.

Business owners should have a basic understanding of SEO before hiring a VA.

Prepping for an SEO assistant should involve creating a list of things that need to be checked off.
Grab Crystal's Shopify SEO checklist for Shopify store owners!
Download Emily's resource for VA tasks.

The relationship between content and SEO:

Start with the SEO first so that the right keywords can be targeted.
Helps to focus writing and create quality content.
Content should be written with a purpose in mind.

⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:

Become a Media Maven
If you’re tired of seeing your competition in places you would love to be mentioned or...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Copywriting AI hotter than a firecracker
Artificial intelligence makes it fast & easy to create content for a blog, social media, and more!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the showB’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet
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Use Crystal's Jasper link
crystalwaddell.com & collageandwood.com

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own SEO Site Audit For only $99!

**What's in our 18th episode?

Today we're talking hiring a "Unicorn" SEO assistant (not your average VA!)

Our Part 1 Takeaways:

Business owners should give Virtual Assistants tasks that are measurable.**

Tasks that VAs can help with include scheduling social media posts, drafting emails, and creating content.
SEO-specific tasks include updating Google Search Console and writing SEO Meta Descriptions and Titles.
Communication is key when working with a VA, and business owners should be clear about their expectations.
Business owners should track their time to see where they can delegate tasks to a VA.

SEO is the starting place for all of your content.

The BFF of SEO is time. Optimize your site and give it time to work for you.
Google webmaster tools lets you build your own tracking links with a specific nomenclature*.
Shopify doesn't currently have a place to put in a GA-4 code but you can research how to do it yourself.

word of the year: nomenclature. Nomenclature means the choosing of names for things aka naming conventions or "what you call stuff." Check out the next episode for Part 2 with Emily Reagan!Join in the conversation! Leave a text or voice note here. ⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️*

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Start Your Shopify Store

EMILY REAGAN INFOemilyreaganpr.com

Follow Emily on Instagram:

Need to offload some tasks? Visit: hireaunicorn.com

Want to become a rad marketing unicorn (AKA: super talented VA)? Get on the waitlist!

Download Emily's resource for VA tasks
Discussed in the interview: Webmaster tools is now Google Search Central
Create a traffic driver using Emily's Gif & Sticker Training $17.99

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!
Want to be a guest? Apply here!

👉🏽 Share this with a friend! **Today we're talking about the Google Helpful Content Update and what it means for content.

Here's the top takeaways:**

Google released an update called the helpful content update which could impact your website's search engine ranking.
Helpful content is defined as content that satisfies the search intent of the user, is well written, and is informative.
You can make your content more helpful by writing for human beings instead of search engines.
Pay attention to what questions people are asking you and create content related to your niche.

A few things we've learned...

Creating content that is helpful to your audience will also help build trust with Google and other search engines, making it more likely that your website will be seen as a trusted authority.
Product reviews, images, videos, and links are all ways to create helpful content that demonstrates your expertise.
Structuring your content in an easily digestible format will also help search engines understand your website's purpose and improve its ranking.

Here's how to create helpful content in a simple and smart way:

Establishing yourself in the customer journey and providing helpful content builds trust with potential customers and gets them to your website.
Use Google Analytics (or your website host) to see what content is performing well and optimize it.
If you're ready to create new content, use a tool like Surfer SEO to get ideas for topics that will help you become an authority on a particular keyword.

⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️Share your thoughts in the episode text thread!

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Start Your Shopify Store

The Future Is Freelance
This show is for freelancers, sole traders, solopreneurs, digital nomads, consultants,...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

Want to be a guest? Apply here!

👉🏽 Share us with a friend!
**What's in our 17th episode?

Today we're talking website audits! Apply for your own SEO Site Audit For only $99****!

For fun and to show you what it's like, we talked through an audit of B's site! Here's are takeaways:**

SEO isn't just a pre-built machine on your website, it takes strategy and forethought.
It's important to think about what your readers or visitors need.
Tools like Ubersuggest can help you improve your website.

A few things we've learned about website SEO over the years:

Separate the URL slug (the part after the /) with dashes. /URL-slug
Name your courses and products and websites using keywords.

Here's how to avoid common SEO errors you may see during an SEO audit:

Make sure each page has an H1 and a unique title.
Create meta descriptions for all pages, especially those that are key revenue generators.
Check for and correct broken links and 404 errors.
Shorten title tags if they are too long (ideally 50-60 characters).

Here's how to get high authority sites pointing to your website and increase your domain authority:

Pitch yourself to podcasts and share your knowledge.
Sign up and respond to HARO media requests (helpareporter.com).
Establish a dedicated page on your website for your podcast.

⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Start Your Shopify Store

Support the show

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1Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!👉🏽 Share us with a friend!

🎧 Want to be a guest? Apply here!
Apply for your own SEO Site Audit For only $99 here!

**What's in our 16th episode?

Today we're talking SEO strategy for our podcast!

SEO plays a role in ALL of our online content:**

Utilize SEO for your podcast show name by including keywords in your name.
Use keywords in your show notes and description to help people find your podcast.
You can also use keywords in social media posts, Pinterest pins, and emails.

We utilize Jasper.ai and other specialized tools for podcast-related tasks:

Jasper.ai is a copywriting assistant tool that can be used to help generate show notes.
Searchie.io is a tool that can be used to create transcripts of audio or video files.
Show notes are important because they help people understand what the podcast is about - and a perfect place to add SEO related keywords.

⬇️ CONNECT WITH US HERE ⬇️

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Start Your Shopify Store

Support the show

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

Want to be a guest? Apply here!

👉🏽 Share us with a friend!
What's in our 15th episode? Today we are sharing one of our casual conversations about our favorite topics: SEO and website content strategies!

Identify comments within reviews that share a common theme to capitalize on what you do well.
Our angle, special sauce, x-factor, etc., comes from all of our past experience, knowledge, and what we see as gaps in the market or opportunities.

Let's talk about Pillar Content!

Pillar content posts can range but should start at 1500-2000 words each.
A funnel example goes freebie, pillar content post, paid offer.
Pro tip: Content can be placed on Shopify as a page post (not a blog).

What action do you want clients to take?

Consider working backwards from your end goal, in order to better understand the steps needed to get there.
Taking inspiration from outside of your niche can be helpful in sparking new and innovative ideas.
Using language from a "content bank" can help with this process.

***Listen in to learn about the three different persona types B created based on where someone is in their business journey.

Want to know how you can connect with us?***

Grab B’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Connect with B on Instagram

Use Crystal's Affiliate link to get started with Jasper.ai!

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Start Your Shopify Store

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

What's in our 14th episode?We are chatting PART TWO with social media ads expert Ashleigh Chanel about words that sell ... and of course, SEO! About Ashleigh Chanel:A world travelling lover of charcuterie boards, expert Digital Marketer & the CEO of Make Your Mark Digital Marketing Agency.

Ashleigh Chanel helps profit-driven business owners transform their businesses into revenue-generating and impact-creating machines without the extra time and stress.

I position my clients as authorities in their industries with tailored organic and paid marketing and advertising strategies.

Ashleigh on Marketing Mindset:

People are scared to spend money on ads because they don't want to waste it, but ROI is not always monetary.
You can validate your funnel by asking people in your ideal audience their thoughts on it before you put it out there publicly.
Ask your audience what they want and what they hate about your industry before you start marketing to them.
When selling something, it is important to be able to explain how it will benefit the buyer; if you can't do this, then it will be difficult to make the sale.

Ashleigh on Ads Mindset

Ads don't have to be hard, but you need a strategy behind them.
If people aren't clicking on your ad, there's an issue with the targeting, creative, or copy.
If people are clicking on the ad but not opting in, there may be a disconnect between what your customers are looking for and what you're offering.

Ashley on Overwhelm:

Focus on one thing, rather than feeling overwhelmed by trying to accomplish everything at once.
It's okay to take time off in the middle of the week to rejuvenate yourself - this will make you more productive overall.
When you're at your best, everyone else gets the best of you too. So do what makes YOU feel good.

Grab These Resources from Ashleigh

checklist and timeline to help people understand and implement a sales funnel correctly.
Quiz: "What's your personal path to passive income?"
Quiz: "Blow past 6 figures" (All about your best lead magnet & funnel)

Connect with Ashleigh Chanel:

Absolutely Ads Course: https://www.absolutelyads.com/
Instagram

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram
Brittany’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

What's in our 13th episode?We are chatting with social media ads expert Ashleigh Chanel about words that sell ... and of course, SEO! Ashleigh Chanel has two first names and two middle names. Also, one last name! 🤣🤣🤣 About Ashleigh Chanel:

Ashley Chanel is a world-traveling citizen of the world who specializes in ads.
Ashley's mission is to help women make more money so they can have more options and never be in a position of desperation.
Ashley has a digital marketing agency that helps women get more options through marketing and making them more money in their businesses.

About SEO:

SEO is important for every business.
It can take some time to see results from SEO.
SEO is a great way to get in front of people who know what they want or need.

About Ads:

Ads are a great way to market: they are easy to set up and don't require a lot of effort.
Ads can be used to target people who have visited your website before.
There are four main types of ads: personality, credibility, vulnerability, and feel-good.
Ads can work if you have a plan and know what your audience wants.
Ads are most effective when your messaging is on point.
Ads can be used to target people who have visited your website before.

About Connecting With Your Audience:

Voice notes are a great way to connect with your audience and build relationships.
You need to invest time or money into marketing tactics that will help you reach your goals.
Learn how copying other people's messaging can lead to business problems down the road.

About Marketing:

All marketing strategies work, so pick one and stick with it.
Ashleigh Chanel shares her favorite Rachel Rogers' suggestion.
Understand ROE (Return on Effort).

Connect with Ashleigh Chanel:

Absolutely Ads Course: https://www.absolutelyads.com/
Instagram

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram
Brittany’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission which we probably use to buy coffee. Thank you for your support!

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

What's in our 12th episode?

Google and other search engines use algorithms to determine where a given piece of content should rank in the search results.
One important factor is domain authority: a measure of how much "authority" or trustworthiness a website has.
Domain authority can be thought of as a vote from other websites; the more votes (or links) a website has from high-quality websites, the higher its domain authority will be.
There are four types of search intent: informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional.
Internal linking is when you link to other pages on your website, and external linking is when you link to pages on other websites.
Page depth is the number of clicks it takes to get from the homepage to a certain page on the website. The ideal number of clicks is three or less.
SEO title and meta-description are pieces that you see on the backend of your website for each page.
The SEO title should be no more than 67 characters (B) 55-60 characters (Crystal), and the meta-description should be no more than 155 characters.
On-page SEO is about making individual pages show up in search results. This can be done by focusing on things like the URL, slug, headlines, button copy and images.
Off-page SEO is about building relationships and getting links from other websites. This can help improve your website's ranking and visibility.
Technical SEO is about improving the technical aspects of your website to make it more visible and accessible to search engines. This includes things like site speed, sitemaps and mobile optimization.
Local SEO is about optimizing your website for local searches. This includes things like creating listings on directories and ensuring that your NAP (name, address, phone number) information is accurate across the web

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram
Brittany’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission which we probably use to buy coffee. Thank you for your support!

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What's in this SEO episode about Google Analytics 4? Aka GA-4?

Google is sunsetting universal analytics (UA)
If you don't have GA for turned on, you're not going to have any data next year.
In Crystal's opinion, GA-4 is more e-commerce friendly than the Universal Analytics.
GA4 focuses on engagement metrics vs. negative analytics.
Create audiences based on predictive behaviors, such as purchase and churn probability.
Make sure your Google ads account is connected to your GA4 account.
Brittany has a Squarespace website and wants to set up GA-4.
To do this, she needs to create a GA-4 Property.
Then she can follow the Squarespace tutorial to install the GA-4 code on her site.

Neil Patel article on Google Analytics 4.

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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What's in this SEO-focused episode?

Erin Olila is an SEO copywriter who helps business owners communicate the value of their products and services.
Erin started her career writing for an agency that worked with medium-sized businesses, before transitioning to working with larger brands.
Erin now writes website copy for small businesses, in addition to staying on with her big brands clients.
It depends on the business whether the URL slug for an about page should end in a focus keyword phrase. The decision should be based on long-term business growth.
If you need to make an adjustment, it is suggested to keep the old page as a hidden page on your website with decreased priority. Write a new page for your change and prioritize that in navigation so you won't lose all of the traffic from the old page gradually decreases.
Hidden pages can be used to target local SEO without overwhelming the navigation bar Creating creative navigation terms can be an effective SEO tactic, but it is important to make sure that the terms are clear and not confusing.

Connect with Erin O!

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What's in this SEO episode about on-page SEO mistakes?

• Mistakes include using generic headlines that don't help with ranking or conversions, and having buttons that say "learn more" without being specific about where the link goes.
• You can improve your website by being more intentional with your headlines and button text, and by using keyword-rich anchor text.
•It is important to have headlines, buttons, and texts on images for SEO purposes.

• Follow your instincts and be available in a way that people need you.
• Creating services and packages can be challenging, but it is worth it.

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s One-Stop SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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What's in this SEO episode, part 2?

•Brittany, Crystal and guest Laura Jawad chat about how SEO enabled Laura to fill her client roster (Part 2).
• They discussed the importance of using Google as a keyword exploration tool.
• Calls to action and internal linking are important in keeping people engaged with your website.
•Google recently released a core update which has caused some SEOs to see a decline in traffic or ranking.
• Google's goal is to serve up the best answers to questions that are Googled, so if content is expert, trustworthy, and relevant, rankings may shift but will not be taken away entirely.
• Google's algorithm prioritizes three things: expert content, trustworthiness, and relevance.
• Conversion is key - make sure you're clear about what services you offer and how to contact you.
• Instagram success may come down to whether or not someone has "it" - i.e., the ability to produce performative content that will engage an audience.
• SEO has been a business lifeline for Laura, allowing her to continue driving traffic to her website even when she was unable to post regularly due to health challenges.
• By sharing her personal story, Laura has been able to attract compassionate people into her universe and create deeper connections with them.

Contact with Laura:
https://www.laurajawad.com
IG: @laurajawadfitness

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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Laura Hmelo Jawas, Ph.d joins B and Crystal to talk Local SEO from the solopreneur perspective.

Laura is a pregnancy and postpartum personal trainer and birth doula who helps people stay strong and active during their pregnancy, have a powerful birthing experience, and recover afterwards.
Laura has a PhD in oceanography and was a research scientist for two decades before pivoting to her current line of work.
She shares her start with SEO when she couldn't find her business in a Google search.
Laura defines SEO as the art of getting Google to serve you up in search results.
To build domain authority, Laura writes long form content with keyword research.
Laura's SEO process includes Googling the seed keyword and then looking at the related queries, people also ask, and Google suggestions.

***Follow Laura on Instagram: instagram.com/laurajawadfitness
Visit her website and blog: https://laurajawad.com

B's links***

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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Show Highlights:

•Jasper is a great tool that can help you be more prolific online.

• You can use Jasper for things like creating meta descriptions, title tags, product descriptions, social media captions, or long-form content.

•Jasper is a great tool for e-commerce sellers because it helps with conversion copywriting, Facebook ad headlines, and Google ads.

• A business owner needs to understand their business, ideal client, products or services before using Jasper so that they can give the tool the information it needs to generate quality output.

• SEO tools like Uber suggest, keywords everywhere, and keyword surfer help with prerequisite keyword research while creating content. Surfer SEO is also helpful for optimizing content for search engines and ranking purposes.

• Social media applications for Jasper include engaging questions and polls templates which are great ways to increase engagement on platforms like Instagram.

• @pinmyshopify on Instagram is a great place to reach out if you have any questions about Jasper.

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Thanks for joining us for our fifth episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show! We hope you enjoy today's podcast.

Here's the skinny on what we're discussing today in SEO land:

•Brittany Herzberg and Crystal Waddell are the hosts of “The Simple and Smart SEO Show.”
• On today’s episode, they discuss their favorite SEO tools for Google.
• Brittany’s top pick is Uber Suggest, which she uses for keyword research and site audits.
• Crystal loves Surfer SEO, which can help you with things like adding missing keywords and internal links, as well as giving you ideas for new content.
• Brittany's second pick is the Keywords Everywhere extension to download keywords and export them.
• Crystal's second pick is Ahrefs, which has a free version that lets you utilize some of its features for one website.
• The health score on Ahrefs tells you how close to 100 your website will rank based on factors such as broken links, tags, and meta descriptions.
• Brittany also touches on how Google's "people also ask" and "related searches" sections can give you content ideas and different keyword phrasings to consider.
• Crystal's final pick is the Content king app. Content King provides SEO site health feedback in real time and gives you a list of tasks to improve your website's ranking.
• Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and Content King are great tools to help you improve your domain rating quickly.
• Remember that it takes time for changes to show results- keep at it!

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Podcast!

Here's some highlights from today's show:

•B is an expert on Instagram and SEO, and she has grown her following by focusing on one thing. Listen to find out what that is!

• Repetition is key when it comes to getting your message across on social media.

•Use keywords to figure out what phrases or words you need to have in your captions so that you can show up as the answer to whatever they're searching for.

•An example of this is using the key word "client testimonials" in a caption about gathering client testimonials.

•Adding keywords to your Instagram handle or profile name is a great way to optimize your social SEO strategy.

• If you already have an Instagram handle that you're happy with, there's no need to change it just for the sake of keywords.

• You can take your best performing Instagram content and repurpose it for your website

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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Join us as we discuss mindset and our own mindset shifts toward SEO in this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO podcast!

Here's a few points of discussion:

•Shopify store owners need to develop their own custom SEO strategy because there is no one size fits all for every business.
• Documentation is important for an effective SEO strategy.
• Product titles, collection titles, alt text, meta descriptions, blogs and on page copy are some of the elements that should be considered when developing an SEO strategy.
• Utilizing keyword research and internal linking are also important parts of an effective SEO strategy.

Listen now and give us a review!

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.

Thank you for your support!

View Details

Here's a quick overview:

•People should do keyword research to figure out what terms relate to their business that people are searching for on Pinterest, and then use those keywords in their profile name and description.
• The Pinterest profile name is the bold area underneath one's picture.
• It is important to have 10 boards at a minimum, with 20 pins per board.
• Delete is a naughty word on Pinterest- consider hiding or making secret any boards that are not related to business goals.

Make sure you listen until the end to pick up a genius tip for Pinterest if you use Instagram Reels!

Like and subscribe to the Simple and Smart SEO podcast!

B's links

Website: brittanyherzberg.com
Instagram:
Brittany’s SEO cheat sheet

Crystal's links

Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
Instagram
Jasper.ai
Start Your Shopify Store
SEO Writing Masterclass

If you make a purchase after visiting our links, we may receive a small commission.
Thank you for your support!

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Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!

In today's episode, we share a little bit about ourselves and our love of SEO.

•Brittany Herzberg is a copywriter and SEO strategist who helps healthcare business owners.
• Crystal Waddell is an e-commerce seller who uses Shopify to power her online store.
• The two met in 2018 and started talking about all of the different things they were learning in their businesses (bonding over their love of Dunkin coffee!)
• One of the things that attracted Brittany to SEO was how simple changes can make a big difference.
• For Crystal, meeting Brittany meant having someone to talk to about business growth – somebody she could learn from and bounce ideas off of.

Leave a review and let us know what you think of the episode!

The Simple and Smart SEO Show: Recent Episodes

Crystal Waddell