The Simple and Smart SEO Show SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3
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:
🙌🏽 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:
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.
Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!
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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!