The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Crystal Waddell

The best SEO podcast for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to build better websites and businesses!

✨This SEO-focused podcast combines brand strategies mixed with fresh ideas  for websites, digital marketing, and customer experience.

✨WHY SEO?

✨SEO is important because it can help a business be found by people searching for what they sell. SEO is simple and can elevate your websites visibility with small changes over time.

✨Listen to this podcast every week to learn how you can make your website rank higher without spending thousands of dollars per month!

read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Never Stop Optimizing Your Website! [Follow Through Fridays]
3d ago
Never Stop Optimizing Your Website! [Follow Through Fridays]
In this Follow Through Friday episode, I revisit episode 136 with SEO expert Edwin Romero. I review his approach to strategic SEO and his "guided selling" method, and apply his advice to optimizing collections, blogs, and deleting affiliate links. Additionally, I introduce the Brand Resume Visibility Audit, a resource to enhance your omnichannel presence.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!Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
SEO For Local: Strategy to Execution Tips with Amanda Jordan
Sep 25 2024
SEO For Local: Strategy to Execution Tips with Amanda Jordan
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!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Optimizing Business: SOPs, Hiring and SEO with Nathan Hirsch
Sep 18 2024
Optimizing Business: SOPs, Hiring and SEO with Nathan Hirsch
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/SOPEcomBalance (E-commerce bookkeeping): EcomBalance.comNathan Hirsch: Linked InSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Managing Digital Entities: Tools + Tips with Crystal Carter
Sep 11 2024
Managing Digital Entities: Tools + Tips with Crystal Carter
⚠️ 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 CarterYou 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 CarterListener 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-panelInLinks: https://inlinks.com/knowledge-graph-explained/Connect with Crystal:Send me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Predicting SEO Success using AI with Nicolas Garfinkel
Sep 4 2024
Predicting SEO Success using AI with Nicolas Garfinkel
In this episode, I sit down with Nicolas Garfinkel to explore the future of SEO through the lens of predictive models and machine learning. Key Takeaways:The Importance of Data in SEO: Nicolas 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: Nicolas 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 Nicolas Garfinkel:KixelyLinkedinSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Leverage Local SEO to Thrive Off Social Media: Kechia Taylor
Aug 28 2024
Leverage Local SEO to Thrive Off Social Media: Kechia Taylor
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 ProLinkedInBrows and Co. PodcastSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
SEO, Domain Authority vs Customer Authority w/Jamar Ramos
Aug 21 2024
SEO, Domain Authority vs Customer Authority w/Jamar Ramos
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 RamosXLinkedinSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Real World SEO Strategy For Entrepreneurs With Dolly DeLong
Aug 14 2024
Real World SEO Strategy For Entrepreneurs With Dolly DeLong
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, avaiSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Sizzling Summer SEO: A Mid-Year Recap with Crystal Waddell
Aug 7 2024
Sizzling Summer SEO: A Mid-Year Recap with Crystal Waddell
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 InstagramLinkedInSubscribe, rate, and review the Simple and Smart SEO Show on your favorite podcast platform!Send me a text!Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
How To Build Trust With Search Engines With Erin Sparks
Jul 31 2024
How To Build Trust With Search Engines With Erin Sparks
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.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.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.Connect with Erin Sparks:Podcast: Edge of the WebCompany: Site StrategicsSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Spoiler: SEO Success Is Trial and Error with Holly Homer
Jul 24 2024
Spoiler: SEO Success Is Trial and Error with Holly Homer
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!Send me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Combining Strategic SEO & Growth Mindset with Edwin Romero
Jul 17 2024
Combining Strategic SEO & Growth Mindset with Edwin Romero
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 EdwinWebsiteLinkedinOut of Office Chat PodcastNotable Moments0:00 Strategic SEO and Business Growth: Lessons and Tips w/ Edwin Romero00:41 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:04 Edwin Romero's Background in SEO01:16 Specialization in Salesforce Commerce Cloud02:10 Balancing SEO Practice and Family Business03:45 Understanding Salesforce Commerce Cloud05:57 Exploring Magento and Website Migrations08:24 Planning a Successful Website Migration14:10 Pragmatic SEO Approach15:56 SEO and Conversion Optimization17:14 The Out of Office Podcast17:22 Creative Outlets and Podcasting17:38 Balancing Family and Hobbies17:58 Books and Movies as Hobbies18:26 Exploring Unique Reads19:19 Multiverse and De-stressing20:42 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship21:49 Challenges of Independent Consultancy23:52 Building an SEO Strategy24:48 Tailoring Strategies to Unique Brands29:31 Learning and Growing as an EntrepreneurSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Enhancing Website Performance with Microsoft Clarity (FTF)
Jul 12 2024
Enhancing Website Performance with Microsoft Clarity (FTF)
Crystal shares insights from installing Clarity on her own websites, using its user experience data to improve customer journeys and increase conversions. This is the Follow Through Friday Episode For Episode 134 with Celeste Gonzalez.Key Takeaways:Microsoft Clarity Setup: Crystal installed Microsoft Clarity on both her Wix and Shopify websites, noting differences in ease of integration.Behavioral Insights: Clarity's screen recordings and heatmaps revealed user interactions, helping to optimize links and reduce customer frustration.Pop-up Optimization: Observations from Clarity data prompted Crystal to revise her pop-ups, aiming for a more user-friendly experience to prevent high bounce rates.Rage Clicks & Dead Clicks: Addressing rage clicks and dead clicks helped improve site navigation, enhancing user satisfaction and potential affiliate conversions.Weekly Reports: Regular reports from Clarity allowed Crystal to monitor ongoing site performance and adjust based on user behavior patterns.Listener Action Items:Install Microsoft Clarity on your website and begin analyzing user behavior through heatmaps and session recordings.Adjust your pop-ups based on user interaction data to improve engagement and reduce bounce rates.Monitor rage clicks and dead clicks, ensuring that clickable elements lead to relevant pages or actions.Send me a text!Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Why Your Customers Don't Check Out with Celeste Gonzalez
Jul 10 2024
Why Your Customers Don't Check Out with Celeste Gonzalez
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 Experience00:39 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show00:58 Meet Celeste Gonzalez01:36 Celeste's Journey into SEO02:14 The Story Behind Rickety Roo03:01 Celeste's Role at Rickety Roo05:29 Women in Tech SEO Community07:42 Importance of Mobile Optimization11:07 Microsoft Clarity and SEO Adjacency18:10 Using Heat Maps and Session Recordings18:32 Optimal Data Collection Periods19:29 Seasonality and Data Relevance20:16 Limitations and Features of Microsoft Clarity22:43 Key Metrics for Solo Entrepreneurs24:30 Understanding User Behavior with Heat Maps26:04 Enhancing User Journeys with Content Insights28:47 E-commerce Insights and Smart Events35:29 Tracking Changes and User ExperienceConnect With Celeste:LinkedinXRead The Article That Inspired This Episode on The Wix Learning HubSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Blogging Isn't Dead: Advice from Trio SEO's Steven Schneider
Jul 3 2024
Blogging Isn't Dead: Advice from Trio SEO's Steven Schneider
In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I chat with Steven Schneider from TrioSEO, an agency that specializes in organic SEO services. 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:1. The evolution of affiliate marketing and its current challenges. 2. The importance of high-quality, human-written content. 3. How AI tools can assist but not replace humans in SEO. 4. 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.Send me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Keyword Gap Analysis and Branding: Follow Through Fridays
Jun 28 2024
Keyword Gap Analysis and Branding: Follow Through Fridays
Join me as I walk through the practical steps I took after my conversation with Erika Varangouli, an expert in content marketing, SEO, and branding at Riverside.fm.Key Takeaways:Integrating SEO with Branding:Erika emphasized the importance of aligning SEO with branding. Inspired by her advice, I started using customer reviews in ChatGPT to create better product descriptions.Customer-Centric Content:One new idea is to include a section in my thank-you emails that addresses potential issues, like delayed deliveries, to reassure customers and reduce their stress.SEO Strategy Evaluation:Erika’s suggestion to regularly evaluate and adjust SEO strategies led me to create a monthly data day for the SEO Squad. Keyword Gap Analysis:After Erika mentioned the importance of competitor analysis, I used Ubersuggest to identify keyword gaps between my website and competitors. Data-Driven Adjustments:I’m now more committed to making data-driven decisions, regularly searching for new keywords and staying open to refining my strategy.Listener Action Items:Use customer feedback to enhance your product descriptions and align them with your brand’s voice.Set aside time each month to review your SEO data and make strategic adjustments.Perform a keyword gap analysis to discover new opportunities to rank in search results.Connect with Me:Website: Simple and Smart SEO ShowEmail: hello@simpleandsmartseo.comSend me a text!Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
SEO and Brand Building w/ Riverside.fm's Erika Varangouli
Jun 26 2024
SEO and Brand Building w/ Riverside.fm's Erika Varangouli
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 VarangouliLinkedin00:00 Introduction and Early Questions00:40 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show01:02 Meet Erika Varangouli01:37 Erika's Journey in SEO and Branding02:31 The Intersection of SEO and Branding03:40 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing07:06 Personal Stories and Business Insights16:09 Creating Effective SEO Strategies18:17 Building Trust and Gathering Reviews18:28 Understanding Your Audience's Search Intent18:59 Leveraging Competitor Insights19:26 Engaging Your Community and Encouraging Word of Mouth21:08 The Google and Reddit Relationship24:48 SEO's Role Beyond Lead Generation27:44 Conversion Rate Optimization and SEO32:25 Evaluating and Adjusting Your StrategySend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
Why OAO should replace SEO: The Future Of Optimization
Jun 21 2024
Why OAO should replace SEO: The Future Of Optimization
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 Fridays00:24 Understanding Owned Asset Optimization00:46 Social Media Strategies for Business Goals02:40 Pinterest Best Practices and Business Perspective04:23 The Importance of Owned Assets05:46 Implementing the Terakeet Mach-6 Framework08:16 Leveraging Amazon for Product Distribution09:49 Exploring the Managed and Leveraged Levels11:19 Analyzing Search Engine Results for Your Brand14:49 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the SEO SquadCheck out the Mach-6 Framework on Terakeet's website!Send me a text!Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!
SEO Reimagined: Owned Asset Optimization With Jonas Sickler
Jun 19 2024
SEO Reimagined: Owned Asset Optimization With Jonas Sickler
In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I spoke with Jonas Sickler, a digital marketing analyst from Terakeet. We explored the importance of SEO evolving with AI advancements, emphasizing Owned Asset Optimization (OAO) as a strategy. 1. Businesses should control their narrative across all digital platforms to improve the accuracy of AI tools.2. Meet the MACH-6 model: An upgrade to a traditional marketing model.Contrasts with the PESO model, emphasizing the importance of building equity in owned assets.Integrate SEO with other channels like social media and email for a cohesive strategy.3. AI and SEO are evolving. How your business can keep up:Businesses must tell accurate and updated stories across all digital platforms for more accurate AI-generated content. Optimize for both search engines and user experience. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:09 Building a Positive Work Culture02:57 The Importance of Passion in Work02:57 Coaching and Leadership Insights06:17 SEO and Business Integration07:41 The Value of Owned Assets10:03 Leveraging Multiple Channels12:26 The Mach-6 Framework14:24 Collaboration Across Departments19:05 Optimizing Your Digital Assets19:37 The Importance of Social Profiles19:45 Revisiting Neglected Accounts20:07 Controlling Your Search Results20:24 Understanding the PESO Model21:48 Owned Asset Optimization Explained23:46 Real-Life Examples of Brand Stories27:32 Leveraging Technology for Customer Optimization28:59 SEO vs. Owned Asset Optimization31:55 Connecting with Your AudienceConnect With Jonas SicklerLinkedinTwitterExplore Terakeet ResourcesMACH-6 MatrixSend me a text!Hey, football fans! Score big this fall with Senior Night Gifts from LoveYourSenior.com. These treasures are just what you need to make your memories last a lifetime. But hurry, these limited edition pieces are as fleeting as those Friday night lights Visit loveyoursenior.com and grab yours before the final whistle blows.That's loveyoursenior.com.Support the showSearch the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast FREE for something you heard!Join the SEO SquadApply 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!