SEO ≠ Copy ≠ Messaging ≠ Positioning


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Hi, hi, hi, Reader,

Last week’s newsletter about AI search sparked a lot of great replies, specifically about one section in particular:

If your content only says “crafting digital magic” instead of “website design,” you’re gonna confuse EVERYONE (including me bc wtf r u saying....)
Save the cute stuff for your messaging/positioning, not for your SEO strategy.
Because they're not the same

I said it in a playful way, but I wasn’t kidding LOL

Because here’s the thing:
SEO ≠ copy ≠ messaging ≠ positioning.

They all work together — but they do different jobs.

Here's the quick breakdown:

👉 Positioning defines a product's place in the market.
👉 Messaging brings positioning to life through specific angles.
👉 Copy communicates messaging across different channels.
👉 SEO makes sure that content actually gets found by the right people, in search results, AI tools, and across the web.

NEWSLETTER SPONSOR -- This newsletter is sponsored by MemberVault

I just wrapped my first ever 5-figure launch for my new SEO membership (gonna make a breakdown on the launch soon to give you the BTS tea), but it went SO seamless because of MemberVault.

If you've been around here for a bit, you know I used to be on Kajabi. And I'm SO GLAD I switched to MemberVault bc I would have had to bandaid a bunch of tools together to do the launch how I wanted, and it would have cost me MORE money (even on Kajabi's smallest plan).

This is why I'm OBSESSED with MV. And why they're sponsoring this newsletter. Bc I naturally can't shut up about them LOL (even my VA was like "wow, MemberVault is SO intuitive") - I KNOW GIRL 🙌

If you’ve been curious about trying MV, their new Free Plan gives you 7 days of full-feature access (no credit card required), then 1 product and 25 members free forever.

Give it a shot. It's fun. It's free. It's customizable.

(If you ever DO decide to upgrade, you can also get 50% off any annual plan with code MARIAH)

Let's Look @ an Example, Shall We?

Note: I'm not a copywriter lmao so this example might suck, but hopefully it brings you some clarity...

Positioning = Your place in the market.

→ What makes you different from others in your space.
Example: "Website designer for WordPress websites”

This helps you stand out against other website designers that focus on Showit, Squarespace, Shopify, etc.

Messaging = The big idea or value behind your brand.

→ The vibe, promise, or transformation you’re known for.
Example: “I build you a conversion-focused website that drives results”

This helps you explain WHY YOU SPECIFICALLY THO?! Bc you make "conversion-focused" WordPress websites. You're not *just* about the pretty visuals.

Copy = The words that tell a story & weaves it all together.

→ The emotional connection and conversion language.
Example: “Your website should look good and book clients. I’ll help you do both.”

This takes your message (“conversion-focused websites”) and puts it into words that speak directly to what your audience wants; results, not just aesthetics.

SEO = The structure + keywords that make it findable.

→ The KEY words your audience actually types into Google or AI tools.

Example: “WordPress website designer buffalo ny”

This connects your expertise to the specific words your audience searches for so you show up when they’re looking to hire someone like you.

Let's bring it all together now....

H1 Heading: WordPress Website Design in Buffalo NY

Page content (could include headings/paragraphs, etc):
You don’t need another “pretty” website — you need one that looks good and books clients. I design conversion-focused WordPress websites that blend strategy, SEO, and personality so your brand stands out, shows up on Google, and actually drives results.

Whether you’re rebranding, leveling up your client experience, or just tired of guessing wtf is working, I’ll help you turn your website into your most effective sales tool (without the tech headache).

Located in Buffalo, NY & serving clients worldwide.

See how it alllll works together????

That's the JUICEEEEE BABYYYYYYY.

Attracting, connecting, and converting, all while showing up in search.

*chef's kiss*

Why SEO Works BETTER When Your Copy, Messaging & Positioning are Crystal Clear

Search engines (including AI tools) aren’t mind readers....yet lol

They depend on clarity.

They need context clues about who you help, what you do, and what you sell.

So when everything is CLEAR, your SEO becomes 10x easier because:

✅ You’re giving Google and AI bots specific, searchable language to connect your site with REAL queries.
✅ You’re helping potential clients self-qualify faster (“Yes, that’s what I need!”).
✅ You’re removing friction — no guessing, no confusion, no “wait, wtf do you actually DO?”

👇 Action step for this week:

I want you to do a one-sentence rewrite this week.

Pick ONE heading on your site that sounds vague, and rewrite it using plain, searchable language.

Clarity sells.
And it also gets you found.

Examples:

SEO Consultant:
❌ “Helping you elevate your online presence.”
✅ “Helping small business owners get more clients with SEO consulting services.”

Designer / Brand Specialist:
❌ “Creating visuals that inspire and connect.”
✅ “Brand identity design for wellness and lifestyle businesses.”

Therapist / Counselor:
❌ “Supporting you on your healing journey.”
✅ “Online EMDR therapy for women managing anxiety and burnout.”

Health or Fitness Coach:
❌ “Empowering you to live your healthiest life.”
✅ “Helping women in perimenopause feel better with an anti-inflammatory diet.”

Product-Based Business/eCommerce:
❌ “Products that make every day brighter.”
✅ “Hand-poured soy candles made in Buffalo, NY.”

Blogger/Educator:
❌ “Helping you create a life you love.”
✅ “Practical productivity tips for busy moms who run businesses.”

It’s a 2-minute tweak that can completely change how Google (and your audience) understands your business.

// NOTEWORTHY FINDS & UPDATES

🎥
What I'm excited about (It's a YouTube video LOL)

I always wanna share some extra personal/behind the scenes things in the newsletter but sometimes it feels forced? I'm so used to being the practical & actionable girl, that I forget I'm a WHOLE ASS HUMAN.

So what's exciting for me right now, in this moment, as I'm typing???

I just recorded a YouTube video where I'm breaking down why I think my previous client got INCREDIBLE results that are continuing to grow over a year later. (Her traffic went from *just* 11 people/per month to 5.8k/per month JUST from search).

This BTS case study feels SO fun, and it's the content a lot of ya'll requested during the survey a few months ago. It's currently being edited. I'll share when it's done & published!!!

🎃
Personal Update: I fuck with Halloween...

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday, and I finally got to dress up this year...

We've been moving a LOT over the past 4 years, and this is the first year I'm home & settled.

So I made Andrew do a couple's costume with me (for the first time) even tho he hates costumes, so he requested one with a mask so he could hide his face during the party lmao.

Say less, babe.

Check out the costume here on Threads (Bonus points if you know who I am LOL) →

👀
AI Overviews overlap with organic results by 54%

New data shows Google's AI Overviews are increasingly pulling from the same sources as traditional organic results.

(up from 32% overlap in 2024)

WTF does this mean? Foundational SEO is still increasingly important.

Getting found in AI tools = optimizing your website for SEO.

AI & Google/Bing = intertwined.

They're not separate search entities like the click-bait headlines want you to believe.
They're working together more & more.

So you focusing on SEO = YOU being ahead of the game.

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109 Tampa Dr., Buffalo, NY 14220

Mariah Magazine

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