Send me a text!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 StrategySchool of Podcasting -Launch, Grow, Monetize Your PodcastYou’re don't know where to learn to podcast. Now You do. Click the link.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for something you heard! It's free!Apply to be my podcast guest! ?️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Quit guessing with your content! GET SURFER SEO!!!10,000 Jasper words FREE!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!