The Simple and Smart SEO Show - podcast cover

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Crystal Waddell www.simpleandsmartseo.com

The best SEO podcast for entrepreneurs and creative small business owners who want to build a better website to grow their business!

✨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. In 2025, SEO for LLMs and AI-powered search engines will grow in importance. But don't feel overwhelmed: SEO can be simple and 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!

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Episodes

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 own...

Jun 21, 202417 minSeason 3Ep. 129

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 equ...

Jun 19, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 128

Optimizing Google Ads and More: Follow Through Fridays

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show Follow Through Fridays, I share how I integrated tips from Katlyn Paskorz to improve product descriptions and resolve long-standing issues with my Google Ads account. Key Takeaways: Integrating Customer Feedback: I realized the importance of using customer language in my website content. By incorporating feedback, such as a client’s comment about getting a "mom win" from a photo collage, I improved my product descriptions using Ch...

Jun 14, 20246 minSeason 3Ep. 127

Build a Successful and Easy SEO Strategy w/Katlyn Paskorz

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 li...

Jun 12, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 126

SEO and Digital Marketing: Tips When You Don't Get the Job

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. ...

Jun 09, 20249 minSeason 3Ep. 125

How To Get Your SEO Dream Job W/ Recruiting Pro Josh Peacock

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 ...

Jun 05, 202438 minSeason 3Ep. 124

Google Said What? Google Algo Leak + SEO Squad Inside Look

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 ...

May 28, 202416 minSeason 3Ep. 123

More Changes In Search: 5 Top Takeaways For 2024 SEO

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. 4. SEO Squad and How to Join: - ...

May 22, 202413 minSeason 3Ep. 122

SEO For A Small Business: Inside My Small Group (SEO Squad)

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, ...

May 15, 202412 minSeason 3Ep. 121

Busting Outdated SEO Myths in 2024 with Crystal Waddell

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 endeav...

May 08, 202432 minSeason 3Ep. 120

Leveraging SEO, Pinterest Strategies & Kate Ahl's Insights

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! Send me a text! Does SEO ...

May 03, 20244 minSeason 3Ep. 119

The Truth About SEO and Pinterest Search in 2024 w/Kate Ahl

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 Nuances of digital marketing and 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 econo...

May 01, 202440 minSeason 3Ep. 118

Boosting Your Small Business with Smart SEO and Press Tips

It's Follow Through Fridays! I'm following up on a previous interview with Nicole Lewis! Check out my five key takeaways for getting press attention: enhancing product and service photography, leveraging collaborations, updating media pages, connecting with writers, and listing timely topics. I share a small success I experienced this week, too! I'd love to hear yours, please share them with me at hello@simpleandsmartseo.com! 00:00 Welcome to Follow Through Friday! 00:19 Celebrating SEO Success ...

Apr 26, 20249 minSeason 3Ep. 117

How Do I Get Press For My Small Business? With Nicole Lewis

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 p...

Apr 24, 202448 minSeason 3Ep. 116

How to Start a Podcast WIth No Money and No Audience

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 va...

Apr 20, 20247 minSeason 3Ep. 115

Why Doesn't My Podcast Show Up In Search? w/Sarah Heeter

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 title...

Apr 17, 202438 minSeason 3Ep. 114

Telling SEO Stories With Data: Crystal's Analytics Journey

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 S...

Apr 12, 202419 minSeason 3Ep. 113

Link Building SEO for Entrepreneurs w/ Nicholas Rubright

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 th...

Apr 10, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 112

SEO from Scratch: How To Optimize A Website From The Start

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 s...

Apr 05, 202413 minSeason 3Ep. 111

Mastering SEO & Balancing Motherhood & Work w/ Sara Jensen

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 ...

Apr 03, 202441 minSeason 3Ep. 110

Leveraging SEO Marketing To Improve & Increase Website Sales

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...

Mar 30, 20248 minSeason 3Ep. 109

International SEO to Cross Internet Borders w/Sarah Presch

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 entrep...

Mar 27, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 108

Using SEO, Blogging & Affiliate Links To Grow Your Business

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 gr...

Mar 25, 20247 minSeason 3Ep. 107

Digital Products and SEO for Etsy Success w/Julie Berninger

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, Mak...

Mar 20, 202444 minSeason 3Ep. 106

Building Your Brand: Practical Strategies from this SEO Show

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...

Mar 15, 20248 minSeason 3Ep. 105

2024 SEO & Link Building: Benefits of Digital PR w/Jane Hunt

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...

Mar 13, 202431 minSeason 3Ep. 104

SEO Changes & Practical Website Updates | Follow Up Friday

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...

Mar 08, 20245 minSeason 3Ep. 103

No Crappy Backlinks! Smart SEO Strategies with Sophia Vega

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 y...

Mar 06, 202435 minSeason 3Ep. 102

I like my SEO Easy: Encouragement for Small Business Success

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 Send me a text! Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impo...

Mar 03, 20244 minSeason 3Ep. 101

SEO, GPTs and Writing Content Briefs with Tom Winter

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 creat...

Feb 28, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 100
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