Best Ross Simmonds Podcasts (2025)

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RSS 23: 10 Real Ways to Get Ahead of Most People 21:52

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5d ago21:52

21:52

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross shares ten powerful, no-fluff strategies to separate yourself from the crowd. If you’re tired of being stuck in a cycle of dreaming and talking about success without making any progress, this episode is for you. Ross dives deep into the habits, mindsets, and decisions that differentiate top performers…

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🎧 Semantic Triples, Ikigai, and Optimizing Life with AI (Featuring Ana de la Cruz, Part 2) 18:51

17h ago18:51

18:51

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show with Crystal Waddell for a deep dive into the human side of AI. Ana unpacks how experimenting with chatbots taught her the inner workings of LLMs, what semantic triples really mean for SEO, and how the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai helps he…

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Vibe Coding Is The New SEO: Featuring Ana De La Cruz 18:29

8d ago18:29

18:29

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, to explore her journey from Univision Radio to leading SEO strategy at a global media agency. Ana shares how curiosity, reinvention, and kindness shaped her path — and introduces us to the emerging concept of “Vibe Coding,” where AI and hum…

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RSS 22: How to Harness AI Without Losing Your Creative Voice 16:45

12d ago16:45

16:45

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives into the practical, strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation. He addresses a common fear among creators: that AI-generated material lacks originality and authenticity. Ross argues that when used correctly, AI doesn’t replace the human voice—it amplifies it. He lays out a…

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Traffic to Trust: AI, SEO, and Content Strategy with Andy Crestodina 17:09

15d ago17:09

17:09

In Part 2 of this engaging conversation with content marketing expert Andy Crestodina, we dive deeper into the evolving world of SEO, AI's growing role in content creation, and the power of collaboration. Andy shares insights on balancing human judgment with AI tools like Surfer SEO, creating successful local events, and leveraging original researc…

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RSS 21: Lead with Purpose: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Dusty Holcomb 1:03:30

19d ago1:03:30

1:03:30

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross sits down with Dusty Holcomb, seasoned executive and founder of Arcqus Group, to talk about what it truly means to lead in today’s complex world. With over two decades of experience leading high-growth companies in logistics and eCommerce, Dusty shares powerful lessons on embracing vulnerability, buil…

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From SEO to AI: Training Chatbots to Recommend Your Brand with Andy Crestodina 24:50

22d ago24:50

24:50

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media, to explore SEO, AI, and content marketing. Andy shares his insights on how search behavior is shifting, the importance of training AI to recognize and recommend your brand. 🔑 Key Takeaways: AI Search vs. Traditional Sea…

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RSS 20: Why “Pressing Publish” Isn’t Enough 28:40

23d ago28:40

28:40

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross was interviewed by Rich Brooks to debunk the myth that content marketing ends when you press publish. Together, they explore the essential strategies behind effective content distribution, including Ross’s powerful framework: Repurpose, Remix, and Reshare. From leveraging AI tools like Distribution.ai…

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RSS 19: Reddit Marketing: How to Drive Traffic & Win LLM Search (2025–2026) 19:52

1M ago19:52

19:52

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into why Reddit has emerged as the most powerful organic marketing platform heading into 2025. From transforming million-dollar buying decisions to influencing AI language models like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews, Reddit isn't just a content site — it's a market-shaping force. Ross unp…

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Unlocking Hidden Profit: Jamie Trull on Optimizing Your Business for Life and Financial Freedom 17:24

1M ago17:24

17:24

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Jamie Trull for part 2 of our interview to dive deep into the concept of Hidden Profit. Jamie shares her journey of shifting focus from revenue to freedom, explaining how small optimizations can lead to big financial wins. They discuss the importance of aligning …

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RSS 18: How AI Is Changing Buyer Behavior (And How to Respond) 17:39

1M ago17:39

17:39

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross breaks down how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way consumers discover, evaluate, and choose products or services. Traditional SEO strategies and marketing funnels are no longer as effective in a world where AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and TikTok summaries serve as…

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Profit, Pricing & the Power of SEO: A Conversation with Jamie Trull (Part 1) 28:47

1M ago28:47

28:47

Today I welcome financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull. We talk about the transformative power of understanding business finances, pricing strategies, and how SEO can drive real results. From doubling prices overnight to lowering ad spend through smarter targeting, Jamie shares tangible strategies and inspirational insights. Plus, a s…

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RSS 17: Redefining Modern Leadership and HR with Craig Samson 44:22

2M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross talks with Craig Samson, founder of Gran Sasso HR Solutions, about modern leadership, people strategy, and rebuilding organizational culture. Craig shares practical frameworks for leading with vulnerability, building high-performing teams, and evolving HR from a support function into a strategic drive…

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AI Search Meets Jobs To Be Done: Discoverability > SEO with Heather Physioc (Part 2) 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

In this powerful continuation of the conversation with Heather Physioc, we explore how AI is reshaping the SEO landscape and why human-centered strategy still matters. Heather shares her framework for applying "Jobs to Be Done" thinking in SEO, especially for small businesses and creators. From empathy maps to AI content sourcing, this episode is a…

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RSS 16: The Death of Work-Life Balance: My Journey 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into the real cost of high performance and ambition. From managing two companies and global speaking engagements to parenting with intention, Ross offers a transparent look at his life and how he approaches productivity, sacrifice, and sustainability — not through the lens of balance, but t…

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Beyond Google: Redefining SEO in LLMs and an AI-First World with Heather Physioc of VML (Part 1) 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell welcomes Heather Physioc, Chief Discoverability Officer at VML, for a deep dive into the evolving world of search and digital strategy. Heather shares her insights on why Google isn't the only search engine that matters, how AI is reshaping the search journey, and why content ne…

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RSS 15: Scaling Influence: From Creator to Industry Leader 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross explores the journey from content creator to respected industry leader. He breaks down what it really takes to shift from getting attention online to earning recognition and influence in your niche. If you're focused on building long-term authority, leading important conversations, and creating real i…

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GEO vs. SEO: Ross Simmonds on Owning Channels, Diversifying Traffic, and Shaping LLM Results 18:17

2M ago18:17

18:17

Ross Simmonds breaks down how AI overviews and LLMs are changing search—and what small businesses can do to keep winning. We dig into why brand and owned channels matter more than ever, how to diversify beyond Google, which third-party domains LLMs love to cite, and a simple focus formula for content distribution. Key Takeaways The SERP is shifting…

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RSS 14: Building Brands, Building Balance: Brayden Young on Disrupting B2B with Real Conversations 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross sits down with Brayden Young, co-founder & CEO of Slash Experts and original co-founder of Sendoso, to break down what it takes to cut through the noise in B2B sales and marketing. Brayden reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of go-to-market strategies for 2025 and beyond, and how AI…

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Content Creation to Content Distribution: Ross Simmonds on Scaling Your Reach (Part 1) 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Ross Simmonds — founder of Foundation Marketing and distribution.ai, keynote speaker at Brighton SEO, and passionate content strategist. Ross shares how he started out online running a fantasy football blog and now advises global brands. His message: most creators…

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RSS 13: ChatGPT 5 Just Changed the Game -- NOT A NORMAL EPISODE 9:13

3M ago9:13

9:13

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives into the powerful implications of OpenAI's newly released ChatGPT-5. Far beyond a minor update, this version represents a paradigm shift in AI capabilities, from extended context retention to creating fully functional applications with a single prompt. The discussion centers around the disruptiv…

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Optimizing Shopify SEO: How to Use Surfer SEO to Boost Your Store’s Visibility (Part 5 of 5) 5:37

3M ago5:37

5:37

In this final installment of the Shopify Series: From Strategy to Action, Crystal Waddell takes you inside one of her favorite tools—Surfer SEO—and shows you exactly how to use it to optimize your Shopify store pages for maximum visibility. From product descriptions to collection pages, homepage copy, and blog posts, you’ll learn step-by-step strat…

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RSS 12: The Myth of Passive Income 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into the truth about passive income and reveals the five proven strategies that actually work. From selling digital products to affiliate monetization and licensing your intellectual property, Ross breaks down what separates profitable systems from scammy shortcuts. Whether you're a creator…

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Shopify SEO Tips: Page Template Tweaks for Better SEO (Part 4 of 5) 6:57

3M ago6:57

6:57

(Shopify From Strategy to Action Series, Episode 4!) In this episode, we're getting real about Shopify page templates — and why they might be quietly holding your SEO back. 😬 From homepage headers to collection and product page tweaks, Crystal shares how to update your templates to help your content rank and convert. 👀 If you’ve ever wondered: “Do …

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RSS 11: Be the First to Reach Out: How It Changed EVERYTHING For Me 30:26

3M ago30:26

30:26

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross shares one deceptively simple yet life-changing principle: be the first to reach out. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a personal relationship, seeking mentorship, building partnerships, or managing conflict, Ross demonstrates how initiating connection and communication can accelerate trust, …

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Shopify Image SEO: 4 Steps to Drive More Traffic and Conversions (Part 3 of 5) 6:47

3M ago6:47

6:47

Want more organic traffic and faster conversions on your Shopify store? In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down the visual side of SEO with a focus on image optimization. From renaming image files and writing strategic alt text to compressing files and picking the best formats, Crystal walks you through four es…

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RSS 10: How to Get Your Content Seen by the Right People 1:09:45

3M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross breaks down the keys to building an influential brand through content creation, distribution, and experimentation. This conversation covers everything from overcoming imposter syndrome and mastering content distribution to riding the AI wave and scaling your creative vision. Whether you're a content c…

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Shopify SEO Tech Stack: The Essential Apps and Tools You Actually Need (Part 2 of 5) 5:58

3M ago5:58

5:58

In this episode, Crystal breaks down the must-have SEO tech stack for Shopify sellers who want to show up in search results, build authority, and grow sustainably without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn about the core apps that make SEO easier, free tools to track and audit your progress, and optional power tools if you’re ready to take things to…

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RSS 9: How Marketers Can Thrive During Budget Cuts & Downturns 16:01

3M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross tackles a crucial and timely topic: how marketers can not only survive but thrive during economic downturns. When budgets are slashed and expectations remain sky-high, too many marketers retreat. But as Ross argues, downturns are hidden opportunities for bold, creative, and strategic professionals. Yo…

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The SEO Mindset Shift Every Shopify Owner Needs Before Diving In (Part 1 of 5) 7:46

4M ago7:46

7:46

In this kickoff episode of my Shopify SEO from Strategy to Action summer series, we start with the most important piece: your mindset. If you've ever thought: "SEO is just for techies!" "Shopify isn't good for SEO." "I don't even know where to start." This episode is for you! 🎯 What you'll learn: Why your mindset is the #1 SEO success factor The to…

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RSS 8: How To Get More Leverage & Do More With Less 22:27

4M ago22:27

22:27

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross breaks down the powerful concept of leverage, the secret behind how high-performers achieve 10x results without working 10x harder. Ross introduces the four core types of leverage (People, Capital, Code, and Content) and provides actionable insights, mindset shifts, and examples on how to use them to …

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RSS 7: Fix These B2B Bottlenecks to Unlock Hypergrowth 18:59

4M ago18:59

18:59

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross unpacks the silent bottlenecks that are stalling high-potential B2B companies, regardless of their size or success. Drawing from years of experience working with startups to publicly traded enterprises, Ross highlights the most overlooked internal barriers to growth and, more importantly, how to elimi…

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Is Blogging Dead? Not If You Sell Online in 2025! With Austin Becker (Part 3) 12:43

4M ago12:43

12:43

Join PPC Pro Austin Becker and me in this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show. We’re diving into strategic blogging, PPC attribution, and the underrated power of Pinterest — a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, Shopify sellers, and busy business owners who want to grow without burnout. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to use Google's "People…

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RSS 6: The Loneliness of Leadership: Founders, You're Not Alone 25:54

4M ago25:54

25:54

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into a topic that many leaders shy away from: the loneliness of leadership. He opens up about his experiences as a solo founder, the mental and emotional burden that comes with leading organizations, and how success can bring unexpected isolation. More importantly, Ross offers practical an…

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Profit-First Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers: How to Compete with Amazon (Without Google!) Part 2 With Austin Becker 20:52

4M ago20:52

20:52

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, we’re diving into real-world e-commerce strategies to compete with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy — without relying solely on Google. If you’re a Shopify seller or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen for understanding ad budgets, search impression share, and seasonal sales…

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RSS 5: Generative Engine Optimization & the Power of Memory 22:30

4M ago22:30

22:30

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into a major paradigm shift happening in search—Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and others increasingly influence how we discover information, traditional SEO practices rooted in rankings, backlinks, and page authority are rapid…

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Google Ads, Ecom Strategy & the Future of AI Advertising with Austin Becker (Part 1) 16:55

4M ago16:55

16:55

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with e-commerce marketing expert Austin Becker (Part 1 of 3). We talk about the evolution of Austin’s career, from selling quirky side-hustle products to founding a thriving e-commerce digital marketing agency. You’ll learn actionable insights on Google Shopping, product fe…

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RSS 4: Distribution Strategy 101 25:35

5M ago25:35

25:35

In this episode, Ross lays down the law on modern content distribution and why "hoping it goes viral" isn't a strategy. He breaks down the five most common mistakes marketers make with distribution, highlights the new reality of reaching audiences in the AI and multi-channel era, and walks you step-by-step through building a powerful, repeatable di…

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RSS 3: The AI Hype Cycle in Marketing 21:54

5M ago21:54

21:54

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross cuts through the overwhelming noise around AI in marketing to reveal what’s real, what’s useful, and what’s pure hype. From AI-fueled content creation and personalization to ads, analytics, and the dangers of AI deepfakes, Ross shares his honest take on how marketers can harness AI effectively—without…

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SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3 13:41

5M ago13:41

13:41

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 authori…

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AI, SEO, and Modern Learning: Building Smarter Businesses and Raising Future Innovators with Andrew Ansley (Part 2) 26:32

5M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with AI and SEO expert Andrew Ansley to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, SEO strategies, entrepreneurship, and modern parenting. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT and Claude) to organize your business and creative projects.…

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RSS 2: Google AI Mode 17:49

5M ago17:49

17:49

In this special episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross Simmonds explores the monumental changes coming to search, marketing, and SEO in light of Google’s latest announcement at I/O 2025: the launch of AI Mode. Ross delivers a deep dive on the implications of AI-driven, personalized search experiences, task automation, and the end of traditional SE…

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Booked, Busy & Letting AI Do the Boring Stuff 🤖✨ With Andrew Ansley (Part 1) 16:57

5M ago16:57

16:57

In this conversation on AI-powered SEO workflows, Andrew Ansley joins The Simple and Smart SEO Show to share how smart marketers are using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and automation platforms to save time and scale without hiring. From building SOPs in under an hour to organizing AI projects for sharper output, Andrew reveals how today’s marketers …

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#51 | Words in Progress with Natalie Marcotullio, Part 2 | Making Content Bigger Than What You Sell 41:59

5M ago41:59

41:59

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Marcotullio to talk about the thinking behind Navattic’s Buyer First report—and why content only started working when they made it bigger than the product. We get into: How to create content that people care about before they’re in a buying cycle The evolution of the Buyer First report (and why it’s still un…

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The GOAT Guide to Google Business Rankings (Part 2) with Darren Shaw 21:18

5M ago21:18

21:18

In Part 2 of our conversation about Local SEO, Darren Shaw of Whitespark returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show to break down advanced Google Business Profile (GBP) strategies that actually move the needle. From the controversial truth about citation consistency to actionable tactics for leveraging Google reviews and optimizing your GBP for maxim…

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RSS 1: Behind the Scenes with Ross: A Big New Chapter 10:47

6M ago10:47

10:47

In this episode of Create Like The Greats, Ross Simmonds shares a personal journal-style update on his business journey and a major new strategic partnership. Ross walks listeners through the evolution of his brand Foundation Marketing, a newly formed alliance with education-sector marketing leader Carnegie, and the power of delivering value in eve…

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Unlocking Local SEO: Expert Strategies with Darren Shaw of Whitespark (Part 1) 21:35

6M ago21:35

21:35

In this value-packed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host 💁‍♀️ Crystal Waddell sits down with local SEO legend Darren Shaw of 🏢 Whitespark. Discover why your website is the #1 data source for your Google Business Profile, how to optimize for the local 3-pack 📍, and what SEO myths to stop believing 🚫. Whether you’re a home-based biz, a ser…

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SEO, Reddit & the Future of Marketing 17:07

6M ago17:07

17:07

In this special episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross Simmonds sits down with SEO expert Garrett Sussman from iPullRank for a dynamic conversation recorded ahead of SEO Week. They unpack the current and future state of search, the increasing relevance of Reddit in SEO strategies, and how marketers must evolve with AI-driven search behaviors. Ross…

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🎙️ SEO, Personal Branding, and How to Stand Out in 2025 with Shreya LaCock (Part 2) 19:42

6M ago19:42

19:42

In this week's episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with Shreya LaCock from SEO for Hire to pull back the curtain on SEO careers, personal branding, and the future of hiring in a world powered by AI! 🚀 Together, they explore the different roles inside an SEO agency 🏢, the green flags to look for when hiring SEO help ✅…