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 ✅, and why personal branding is no longer optional if you want to thrive. 

They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO jobs — and why adaptability is your ultimate superpower. 💪🏼

Grab your coffee ☕ or tea 🍵 and let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Master your personal brand 🧠: It's the new resume! Be visible, searchable, and active online.
• Understand agency structures 🏢: Know who you're actually working with when you hire an agency.
• Communication is king 👑: Great SEOs don’t just optimize websites—they know how to talk and connect.
• AI won't steal your job (yet!) 🤖: But adapting and learning AI tools will set you apart.
• Side projects = secret weapons 🔥: Showing passion through personal projects makes candidates shine.

Episode Highlights:

💬 "There is nothing more important than mastering your personal brand." — Shreya LaCock

💬 "The way we were doing SEO six months ago is completely different than today—and it’ll change again in two months." — Shreya LaCock

💬 "If you want to build a strong company, it really starts with strong leadership." — Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:

🔎 Audit your personal brand online

🤖 experiment with an AI tool for SEO, and 

🗣️ strengthen your communication skills to build trust and authority.

Connect With Crystal:

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Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

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AFFILIATE LINKS:
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