The Simple and Smart SEO Show

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 episode00:00 Welcome to Follow Up Fridays: A Week in SEO00:13 The Impact of Google's Crackdown on Black Hat SEO (Latest Update)00:42 Sophia Vega's Insights on SEO and Backlinks01:47 Practical SEO Strategies and Personal Reflections03:59 Join the SEO Squad: An Invitation04:30 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Join SEO SquadText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

Thinking about transitioning into an SEO career?Today I'm talking with Sophia Vega, an experienced digital marketer specializing in SEO. 1. 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.2. 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.3. SEO is critical for effective marketing.Part of this is understanding customer journeys.Also important is implementing meaningful backlinks4. 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 VegaFree Linkedin "Post Like a Pro" E-BookletSubscribe to Sophia's NewsletterConnect on LinkedinWebsite02:47 Transition from Teaching to Digital Marketing03:45 Understanding the Importance of SEO04:18 The Role of Strategy in Digital Marketing05:41 The Importance of Backlinks and SEO Strategy07:22 Incorporating PR Strategies into Digital Businesses10:51 Understanding the Value of Quality Backlinks17:59 Understanding the Importance of Quality Backlinks18:04 Introduction to Long Tail KeywordsText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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 Week00:25 The Power of SEO and Content Creation02:10 Success Stories: SEO in Action03:20 Join the SEO Squad: Boost Your Business03:30 Closing Thoughts and Preview of Next EpisodeText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

Leveraging AI for Content Writing and SEO: A Chat with Tom WinterToday 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 Introduction00:41 Tom Winter's Journey into AI and SEO00:54 The Birth of SEO Wind01:22 Tom's Entrepreneurial Journey02:12 The Challenges of Content Creation03:08 Understanding Content Briefs and Search Intent03:33 The Role of AI in Content Creation04:51 The Importance of Research in Content Creation05:37 How Google Evaluates Content06:57 The Risk Google Takes with Search Results07:43 The Role of AI in SEO09:21 The Importance of Helpful and Valuable Content10:52 The Power of AI in Content Research12:29 The Future of AI in Content Marketing14:30 The Role of AI in Business Operations15:39 The Importance of Context in AI16:35 The Role of AI in SEO Optimization19:52 The Future of AI in Business23:46 The Importance of Content in Business30:01 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect With Tom:LinkedInText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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 hardEntrepreneurs 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 SEOGoogle Search Console is all you need to analyze keyword performance.Surfer SEO is the BEST software to create optimized content.Tracking SEO effortsBased on Zoe's recommendations, I created a spreadsheet to track SEO performance.KPIs include page impressions, clicks, traffic, and revenue.Putting Content to workI 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.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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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:WebsiteLinkedin00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:28 Zoe's Journey into SEO01:38 Zoe's SEO Blast on LinkedIn02:53 The Importance of Content in SEO03:54 Using Google Search Console for SEO05:05 Creating Content Around Keywords06:21 Building Topical Authority08:32 The Role of Video in SEO10:37 Creating Content Based on Customer Journey11:00 The Importance of Keywords in SEO16:03 Creating Content for Future SEO Benefits17:02 Balancing Immediate Revenue Needs with SEO18:20 Setting Up Google Search Console and Analytics18:45 The Impact of SEO on Other Marketing Channels19:32 Transitioning to SEO Goals and KPIs19:52 Understanding the Flow of SEO: Impressions, Clicks, Revenue21:19 The Role of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) in SEO21:43 Using Data to Improve Website Interactions23:37 The Importance of Experimentation in SEO24:44 Qualifying Leads with SEO28:17 Nurturing Brand Advocates31:22 SEO StrategText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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 Welcome00:15 Background of My E-commerce Store00:45 Challenges with Amazon and Social Media Shops01:56 Success with Shopify and Google03:13 Importance of SEO and Organic Marketing03:51 Why SEO is Critical for Handmade Sellers05:29 Leveraging High Domain Authority Sites06:47 The Power of Topical Authority08:05 Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)09:22 Recap and Key Takeaways10:08 Invitation to the SEO Challenge10:54 Conclusion and FarewellText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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 SEO00:31 Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show00:56 Interview with SEO Expert Nina Gibson02:36 Discussion on SEO and its Evolution03:59 The Convergence of SEO and User Experience05:57 The Importance of Keyword Research in SEO09:13 The Role of User Experience in Website Optimization13:42 The Impact of SEO on E-commerce16:59 The Importance of Interlinking in SEO18:40 Workflow Suggestions for Tracking Changes19:52 Expectations for Improvement After Changes21:15 Identifying Low Hanging Fruit22:30 Implementing SEO Strategy and Retargeting Campaign22:44 Understanding Your KPIs Before Ad Spend27:00 Driving Better Converting Traffic31:56 Creating Content that Connects with Your Person34:49 Contact Information and Ideal Client IdentiText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

Simple and Smart SEO for Podcasters in 2024In 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 SEO00:56 Changes in SEO in 202402:23 How Podcasters Can Leverage SEO05:19 Personal Experience with SEO for Podcasting06:41 Common Mistakes Podcasters Make with SEO07:31 Checklist for Improving Podcast SEO08:45 Resources for Learning More About SEO09:23 Conclusion and Contact InformationText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!

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 Branding00:57 Discussion on Three Day Challenges01:06 The Journey of Launching an SEO Membership02:51 The Concept of Founder's Launch06:06 The Upcoming Three Day Challenge09:43 The Importance of SEO in Branding14:10 The Power of Niche Fame in SEO19:53 The SEO Squad: A Community for SEO LearningText 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 showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!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 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!