The Simple and Smart SEO Show

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 essential steps to get your images SEO-ready. You’ll also learn how to use ChatGPT to quickly generate descriptive alt text and how to leverage Pinterest to amplify your visual content strategy.✅ What You’ll Learn:Why image SEO drives traffic from Google and PinterestHow to rename image files using SEO-friendly keywordsThe dos and don'ts of writing alt text (and how ChatGPT helps)Image compression tools that boost load speed (TinyPNG & WebP)Best image formats for product photos, logos, and backgroundsBonus: Pinterest optimization tips and helpful Shopify apps🎯 Action Steps:Rename one product image with keywords before uploadingUse alt text that’s clear, accurate, and avoids keyword stuffingCompress images under 300KB (or even 100KB with WebP)Download Crystal’s $7 Image SEO Checklist for a full walkthroughTry the free Pinterest Save Button Shopify app🛠️ Helpful Links:Image SEO Checklist: simpleandsmartseo.com/imagesFree Alt Text GeneratorTinyPNG: https://tinypng.com📌 Next Episode Tease: Coming up in Episode 4: Templates that elevate your Shopify SEO—homepage, product pages, and collection pages.📲 Let’s Connect: Update one image today and tag @simpleandsmartseo2. You’ve got this!Send me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 the next level.Whether you’re just getting started with Shopify or looking to improve your existing SEO strategy, this episode will help you focus on the right tools so you can stop guessing and start growing.Key TakeawaysYou don’t need 50 tools — just a few key apps and resources to support your SEO efforts.Start with free tools like Google Search Console and Microsoft Clarity to understand your current performance.Add must-have apps that create fresh content and improve site speed, like a review app and TinyPNG.Explore advanced tools like Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and Surfer SEO as you grow.Resources & MentionsShopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist (only $7!) COMING SOON!7-Step SEO Starter CourseGoogle Search ConsoleMicrosoft ClarityInstaIndexTinyPNGSurfer SEO (My Affiliate Link!)Action Steps for ListenersInstall at least one new SEO tool today (Google Search Console is a great place to start).Download the Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist to make setup easy and track what you’ve implemented.Tag Crystal on Instagram @simpleandsmartseo2 to share your progress.Connect with CrystalWebsite: simpleandsmartseo.comInstagram: @simpleandsmartseo2Podcast on Apple: Listen herePodcast on Spotify: Listen hereNext Episode: Don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll talk about optimizing your images so they bring in traffic — not just likes!Send me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 factorThe top myths keeping shop owners stuck (and how to bust them)A fun visibility readiness quiz to check if you're truly ready to be found💡 Key takeaway: SEO is like your most loyal employee — working for you even when you're on vacation.👉 Grab the $7 SEO Mindset for Shop Owners Guide: https://simpleandsmartseo.com/mindset🎧 Listen on your favorite app:Apple PodcastsSpotify🙌 Ready to take action? 1️⃣ Download the mindset guide. 2️⃣ Take the quiz and shift your beliefs. 3️⃣ DM me your biggest SEO mindset block on Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2.💬 About Crystal: I'm an SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist helping creative entrepreneurs grow sustainably and show up confidently — without resenting the work!Learn about my SEO Squad!Send me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 Also Ask" to create blog content that drives trafficWhen and how Pinterest ads actually work for e-commerceWhy attribution is murky — and how to trust your gut when running ads 0:00 – Intro 0:02 – How to use Google to find blog ideas that convert 1:10 – Linking blog posts back to products and monetizing content 2:00 – Pinterest: A goldmine for visual and evergreen traffic 3:20 – Are Pinterest ads worth it? Austin shares results 4:45 – Organic vs paid Pinterest: What drives more ROI 6:00 – Planning and buyer intent on Pinterest 7:00 – How to measure PPC success (or not) 8:00 – Realistic evaluation windows for ad performance 9:00 – Common PPC/SEO mistakes to avoid 10:15 – Who’s a good fit for Becker Marketing’s services 11:30 – Final thoughts📚 Resources & Mentions:🛠️ My $27 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Days.com🎙️ Podcast on Apple → Apple Podcasts🎧 Podcast on Spotify → Spotify💬 Austin Becker Marketing → https://abeckermarketing.com📺 YouTube Channel → PPC for Everyone🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!Comment below with your biggest takeaway from Austin's Pinterest or blogging strategy.Start Your SEO journey with my 7 step starter course at SEOin7Days.com👩🏽‍💻 About Me: Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, anSend me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 cycles that actually scale your business sustainably.Here’s what you’ll learn:How to drive traffic without depending on Google (hint: email + social!)Why knowing your ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sale) is more useful than ROASThe smartest way to scale: sell more when people are already buying⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: The Google traffic trap 1:16 – Competing with Amazon (without losing your mind or margins) 3:20 – What is Search Impression Share & where to find it 4:33 – Profit-first ad budgeting: ACOS vs ROAS explained 10:31 – The truth about your prices (and why doubling them may save your business) 13:06 – 2025+ trends: Multi-channel selling & YouTube SEO tips 17:37 – Video SEO strategy for higher CTR 18:31 – Collection page tips from Bonobos📚 Resources & Mentions:🛠️ $27 AI SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Days.com🎙️ Podcast on Apple/Spotify → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/best-seo-podcast💬 Guest: Learn more about Austin Becker → abeckermarketing.com🙌 Listener Action Steps:Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!Start your way to SEO Success for only $27, delivered on your schedule by ChatGPT → https://SEOin7Days.com👩🏽‍💻 About Me: Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, and build a business that works for you. Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com📲 Connect With Me, Crystal Waddell:Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2Podcast Hub → https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcastWebsSend me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 feed optimization, Amazon's advertising dominance, the power of Schema for Shopify SEO, and how AI is poised to reshape search and advertising. If you're an online seller or digital marketer, this episode is packed with tips and tools to upgrade your strategies for 2025 and beyond.Key Takeaways:🎯 Google Shopping success begins with strong product feeds and Merchant Center accuracy.🔍 Winning in SEO means building product pages that rival Amazon—photos, videos, dimensions, reviews, and more.🛍️ Schema apps can safeguard your Shopify SEO when themes change and enhance your metadata clarity.🧠 AI and generative search platforms like Perplexity are beginning to offer new e-commerce ad opportunities.💡 Freelancers and agencies can still thrive in PPC and e-commerce if they offer specialized value.Episode Highlights:"If you're running retail, you don’t have time to learn Google feeds—so make it your job to know it.""Your product page has to be better than Amazon’s if you want to win that click.""AI-driven shopping will soon let you buy inside a chatbot. That's the future."Listener Action Items:✅ Audit your Shopify product pages: Do they match or beat Amazon’s detail and quality?✅ Use tools like validator.schema.org to evaluate and improve your site’s structured data.✅ Explore the Schema App for Shopify to protect and future-proof your SEO.✅ Apply for early access to AI shopping platforms like Perplexity’s product feed program.✅ Re-evaluate your marketing strategy yearly—Austin’s DIY summit method is a perfect starting point.Connect with Austin:👉🏽 Website👉🏽 Linkedin Send me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 authority, shares how to recover if your site’s in the “loser’s bracket,” and offers actionable tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to win with SEO—without burnout.Here’s what you’ll learn:How Google’s approach to content and ranking has changed since 2018 (and again after 2022)What “entity SEO” and “topical authority” mean for your websiteWhy user satisfaction and mobile-first indexing matter more than everHow to structure content for both users and bots (headers, visuals, and more)What it takes to move your site from the “loser’s bracket” to the winner’s bracket📚 Resources & Mentions:🛠️ Simple and Smart SEO + AI Starter Guide → [coming soon!]📦 The Sustainable Visibility System → [waitlist]Connect with Andrew Ansley:💬  AI Marketeers Skool 📝  Andrew’s article on Entity SEO 🎥  YouTube🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!✨ Episode Highlights (Memorable Quotes):“Before 2018, Google had not even a pretend understanding of content. What they had was keyword matching... Now, it’s about understanding context and entities.”“It’s not about getting someone to stay on your webpage. It’s about satisfying their query so they don’t go back to Google.”👩🏽‍💻 About Me:Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist for creative entrepreneurs. On this channel and podcast, I share practical, empowering tools to help you grow sustainably, show up confidently, and build a business that works for you.Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com📲 Connect With Crystal:LinkedSend me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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.The critical skills kids need for the future—and how parents and educators can support them using AI.Why traditional education is broken and how AI can help every child learn in a personalized way.📚 Resources & Mentions:🛠️ Crystal's SEO Starter Guide → [coming soon!]📦 The Sustainable Visibility System → [coming soon]🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify 💬 Connect with Andrew Ansley → Linkedin🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:Subscribe to the show for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!Try organizing one of your business or creative projects using a new AI tool (like Claude, ChatGPT, or Jasper)—see if folders, projects, or custom prompts help streamline your workflow.Reflect on your own learning style or your child’s learning style. How can you use AI to make education or skill-building more personalized and engaging in your home or business?✨ Episode Highlights & Quotes:“If you’re a parent and you have an inquisitive kid, learning how to get your kid to use AI to answer their questions in a safe way is going to be amazing.” — Andrew Ansley“We are still teaching our kids the same way we did 50 years ago. Send me a text!Hey creative entrepreneur—does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by CrystalGPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Crystal GPT walks you through what matters most for your website. Head to SEOin7days.com (with a 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore. Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 can combine soft skills with machine intelligence to stay competitive—without burning out.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, solo founder, or agency owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you systemize your business and let AI do the heavy lifting.🧠 Key Takeaways:Claude vs. ChatGPT: Why Andrew canceled ChatGPT Pro and switched to Claude—and what you should know before choosing your AI tool.AI-Powered SOPs: How to create effective SEO workflows and train your AI assistant in under 30 minutes.Organized Output = Better Results: Why focusing on one task per project leads to cleaner, more reliable AI performance.Smart Automation Tools: How Andrew uses GoHighLevel and N8N to reclaim 10+ hours of work each week.Solo Scaling Strategy: Why the future of marketing favors technical solopreneurs—and how to hit $10M with minimal overhead.💬 Memorable Quotes:“You don’t need to master hard skills—you need to master how to operate the machine.” — Andrew Ansley “Abstract prompts like ‘write an SEO strategy’ won’t work unless you define what that means.” — Andrew Ansley✅ Listener Action Items:Start a separate project in your AI tool for each key business function—especially for SEO.Define your own templates and examples to guide your AI outputs more effectively.Test Claude vs. ChatGPT with the same prompt and compare the results—what works best for your workflow?Create or update your keyword research SOP using AI—then outsource or automate it to reclaim your time.🎧 Listen now for no-fluff advice on using AI to simplify, scale, and sharpen your SEO systems! Subscribe for weekly insights at SimpleAndSmartSEO.comSend me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

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 maximum visibility, Darren shares insider tips you won’t find in a typical SEO blog post. Whether you're a service provider, e-commerce seller, or local business, this episode is packed with high-impact, no-fluff advice to help you dominate local search results—ethically and effectively.🗝️ Key Takeaways:Citation Consistency Debunked: It's not as critical as you think, but your core info should generally align across platforms.High-Impact GBP Optimization: Business name and primary category are the top levers for ranking—Darren explains why (and how to use them without risking suspension).The Real Deal on Reviews: Recency and consistency matter more than ever; learn how to keep that review flywheel spinning.Photo and Post Strategies: How regular uploads and Google Posts increase engagement signals and boost rankings.Virtual Locations & Google Profiles: The gray areas of using virtual offices and how to avoid Google suspensions.The One-Hour Local SEO Plan: Darren’s foolproof weekly plan to improve your rankings in just one focused hour.📌 Memorable Quotes:"Your business name on Google is the most ridiculous yet powerful ranking factor. It’s absurd, but it works." — Darren Shaw"Don’t just fill out your Google Business Profile—optimize it strategically. That’s where the magic happens." — Darren Shaw✅ Listener Action Items:Audit your Google Business Profile for high-impact changes: Business Name, Categories, and Service Pages.Start a consistent Google review acquisition plan—focus on recency!Schedule one Google Post per week—this is your sales pitch to new prospects.Engage with your local community through sponsorships and build real, high-quality backlinks.Send me a text!Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.Support the showWant to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!Join the SEO SquadApply to be my podcast guest! 🎙️ Don't forget to Put your pitch topic in the subject line! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Note: If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money. But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!