Description:
In this engaging episode of “The Builders,” host Matt Levenhagen welcomes back AJ Saunders for a rich discussion diving deep into the nuances of SEO, content optimization, and strategic marketing. Their conversation is not just a theoretical overview but is filled with practical advice drawn from real-world experiences and case studies that make SEO a tangible and actionable practice for businesses.
AJ starts by emphasizing the common misconception that SEO is solely about traffic; instead, he asserts, it’s about conversions. This foundational idea sets the stage for discussing how different business models require tailored SEO strategies. Whether running an e-commerce site or selling high-ticket items like automated recycling plants, the content must drive targeted traffic that leads to conversions. They also delve into the importance of creating content that answers specific user questions, thereby addressing both keyword optimization and user intent.
Matt and AJ cover critical aspects of optimizing web pages, from the strategic placement of keywords in titles and meta descriptions to the significance of interlinking and external links. They discuss the art of balancing keyword density and the role of user experience in SEO. AJ introduces the concept of thinking in phrases rather than single keywords to better align with how people use search engines. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of having a structured internal linking strategy to signal to search engines which pages are the most valuable, thereby bolstering site authority.
The episode concludes with insights into leveraging content and email marketing for user engagement and retention. AJ and Matt agree that understanding the end purpose of content—whether it’s to book a demo, sell a product, or collect email sign-ups—is crucial. With these actionable insights, anyone from novice marketers to seasoned professionals can glean something valuable to apply to their business strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- SEO is About Conversions: Effective SEO strategies focus not just on driving traffic but on attracting quality traffic that leads to conversions.
- Content Optimization: Utilize keyword phrases and questions users are likely to search for to enhance relevance and improve search engine rankings.
- Technical SEO Elements: Optimize meta titles, descriptions, and implement structured interlinking to improve page authority and user experience.
- Resourceful Use of Content: Create content that not only educates but also integrates well into your sales funnel to move prospects through the buying process.
- Continual Adaptation: SEO is not a one-time activity. It requires continuous refinement and adaptation to stay aligned with evolving search engine algorithms and use
AJ Saunders
AJ Saunders is the founder of Audacious Commerce. He’s run an eBook publishing company, a global eCommerce shop, and has been in the trenches doing affiliate marketing. A couple of years ago, he realized he had never had a website content strategy or even KPIs. In fact, he had no plan to use SEO and content marketing to grow his website’s traffic.
But after spending many hours developing a unique SEO content framework and showing it to a few contacts, helping them use the system, he realized that his framework could help e-commerce businesses grow website traffic using blogging. That continues to be his focus today through his agency!
Episodes:
- Episode 82: AJ Saunders – Digital Marketing Story, How We Learn Our Craft, SEO & Content Strategies
- Episode 87: AJ Saunders – Writing Niche Content that Sells, Constructing Great Call to Actions
- Episode 118: AJ Saunders – His Pivotal Moment: ‘Learning by Doing’ Leads to a Focus on eCommerce Clients
- Episode 158: AJ Saunders – Easing Into It: How to Successfully Transition Your Business to Ecommerce
- Episode 190: AJ Saunders – Conversions Over Traffic: The True Goal of SEO & Optimization Insights
THE MEAT OF IT!
- Introduction and Catching Up
- Brief discussion about AJ's increased social media activity.
- The importance of storytelling in content creation.
- SEO is About Conversions, Not Just Traffic
- Different business models and how SEO plays a role.
- Why conversions are more important than just generating organic traffic.
- 2.1 Understanding Different Business Models
- Examples of models focused on traffic versus those focused on targeted leads.
- The impact of SEO strategies on various types of businesses.
- Content Creation Strategy
- The purpose of creating content to build trust and shorten sales cycles.
- AJ's approach to creating engaging content for various industries.
- 3.1 Purpose-Driven Content for Different Industries
- Examples of content strategies for lingerie companies and AI recycling plants.
- Educating customers through content to make informed decisions.
- Optimizing Content for SEO
- The evolving nature of SEO and the role of keywords.
- How to use meta titles, meta descriptions, and internal links effectively.
- 4.1 Keywords and Meta Tags
- The importance of using phrases and questions in titles and descriptions.
- Best practices for meta descriptions and their impact on search results.
- 4.2 Interlinking and External Links
- The significance of interlinking within a site.
- The value of external links for credibility and user experience.
- List Building and Long-term Engagement
- The strategy behind converting visitors into newsletter subscribers.
- Using email marketing to keep potential clients engaged.
- Goal Setting and Personal Achievements
- AJ’s personal goal of buying a Bentley and his journey towards achieving it.
- The importance of having tangible goals to stay motivated.
Click to See Episode Chapters and Timestamp
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 0:00 | SEO Strategies: Traffic Versus Conversions |
| 2:15 | Podcast Dynamics and Pre-Recorded Audience Reactions |
| 3:06 | AJ's Social Media Posting Strategy and Frequency |
| 3:59 | Turning Client Issues into Valuable Social Media Content |
| 7:23 | Creating Engaging Content Through Personal Experience and Storytelling |
| 9:02 | The Art of Storytelling in Preaching |
| 9:11 | Effective Storytelling and Content Strategy in SEO |
| 10:43 | Effective Content Strategies for E-Commerce and Blogs |
| 22:24 | Optimizing Website Content Through Purpose-Driven Keyword Strategies |
| 27:47 | Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Divorce and Media Trends |
| 28:59 | Optimizing Blog Content for SEO with Keywords and Meta Tags |
| 36:51 | Navigating Conflicts and Finding Quality Content in Marketing Strategy |
| 38:03 | The Importance of Interlinking and External Links for SEO |
| 44:51 | SEO Is About Conversions, Not Just Traffic |
| 46:51 | The Importance of Targeted Content for Selling Secondhand Cars |
| 50:20 | Understanding SEO: General Advice vs. Specific Business Needs |
| 54:06 | Ambitious Goals and the Journey to Achieve Them |
| 1:01:37 | Web Design Insights and Agency Services |
Check out these related Episodes:
- Episode 158: AJ Saunders – Easing Into It: How to Successfully Transition Your Business to Ecommerce
- Episode 118: AJ Saunders – His Pivotal Moment: ‘Learning by Doing’ Leads to a Focus on eCommerce Clients
- Episode 87: AJ Saunders – Writing Niche Content that Sells, Constructing Great Call to Actions
- Episode 82: AJ Saunders – Digital Marketing Story, How We Learn Our Craft, SEO & Content Strategies
