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

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!