SEO Without UX is Like Jollibee Without Gravy

Imagine walking into Jollibee, ordering your favorite Chickenjoy, and realizing there’s no gravy. The chicken might still be delicious, but without the gravy, the experience feels incomplete. That’s the same story when websites focus solely on SEO and ignore user experience. You may get traffic, but without seamless navigation and intuitive design, visitors leave unsatisfied.In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab sits down with UX designer and startup founder Genisis Buico to dive into why SEO without UX simply doesn’t work. They explore how the right balance of both can boost conversions, build trust, and keep users coming back. If you want your SEO efforts to truly pay off, this conversation will show you why UX is the secret ingredient you can’t afford to skip.Transcript Summary00:00 – 02:43The episode starts with Gab introducing the topic and welcoming guest Genesis Buico, a UX designer and founder of a startup agency in Surigao City. Genesis shares his career journey. He originally trained as a registered nurse but eventually shifted to UX because of his passion for design and problem-solving. He explains how UX is not just about visuals, it is about solving business problems through design.02:43 – 04:22Genesis explains that UX is the backbone of a website’s performance. A site may look good, but if users can’t find what they need, the bounce rate increases and SEO efforts are wasted. With good UX, websites become more intuitive, trustworthy, and effective in driving conversions. Gab recalls Genesis’ past conference presentation where Apple was used as an example, simple UX and branding that people instantly recognize and trust.04:23 – 06:11The conversation moves to what UX really means. Genesis explains that UX is about understanding the “why” behind user actions such as why they click, scroll, or leave. He contrasts SEO and UX: SEO drives traffic, but UX determines if that traffic converts into customers. He also ties UX to conversion rate optimization (CRO), making websites easier to use even for non-technical visitors.06:13 – 07:50Genesis shares that UX is a strong skill for freelancers. Clients prefer people who can connect creativity to actual results, not just create good-looking designs. UX ensures websites don’t just look nice but also deliver business outcomes like conversions and KPIs.07:51 – 09:10Most of Genesis’ clients are international, especially in the US, where businesses prioritize UX. Locally, only some companies invest in it, and those that do usually perform better. He also notes that many websites look alike, but businesses that focus on UX gain a real competitive advantage.09:10 – 11:41Genesis explains how to get started in UX. Formal certifications are available but can be expensive. For beginners, free resources like YouTube are enough. Key skills include user research, wireframing, and usability testing. He recommends using Figma, which is free and useful for both design and organizing user flows, personas, and research notes.11:41 – 12:43Genesis uses a mall analogy to explain UX to clients. Even if thousands of people enter a mall, they’ll leave if there are no signs to guide them. Similarly, traffic is wasted if users can’t navigate a website. UX provides direction and helps turn visitors into customers.12:44 – 14:19Both organic and paid traffic are wasted without good UX. Whether it’s from SEO or ads, if the site is confusing, users won’t convert. Genesis emphasizes first impressions. If a site looks professional and is easy to navigate, users are more likely to come back, even if they don’t buy on their first visit.14:24 – 15:39For small businesses or freelancers without a budget, Genesis says UX improvements can be done with common sense: clear call-to-actions, mobile responsiveness, and simplified navigation. Tutorials and free resources online can also help. UX doesn’t have to be overly complicated to be effective.15:41 – 18:05Genesis explains that SEO and UX professionals should work in collaboration, not competition. In his agency, they created a rule to collaborate, which made projects faster and more effective. He points out that ego clashes often slow down progress, but respecting each other’s roles leads to better outcomes and happier clients.18:11 – 19:57Genesis gives advice to those interested in UX. Even without a budget, people can start with free or short online courses. He also shares that his agency offers white-label UX services that freelancers can resell. He encourages suggesting UX improvements to clients, especially when websites have high traffic but low conversions.19:57 – 21:46The conversation shifts to AI. Genesis admits AI has affected his work, but in a positive way. It speeds up processes and helps them deliver more efficiently. He stresses the importance of adapting quickly, continuously upskilling, and networking to stay competitive.21:46 – 22:00The episode wraps up with Gab thanking Genesis for joining. Genesis shares where people can connect with him through Creatopia Digital Marketing and his social media accounts. Both host and guest encourage listeners to keep learning and adding new skills.Be sure to like and share our community. Let’s grow and succeed together!creatopia.techseoworkout.comtheseodad.orgseokwentuhan.com