The Simple and Smart SEO Show

In this “Best of 2025” highlight from the Simple and Smart SEO Show, we revisit one of our top-performing episodes featuring local SEO expert Darren Shaw. Darren breaks down the critical mistake many local businesses make with their websites—and how to fix it using individual service pages. If you're relying on a single "Services" page or even worse—a one-page website—this episode is a must-listen. Learn how your website becomes the database that powers your Google Business Profile, and how to fully optimize it for maximum local search visibility.🔑 Key Takeaways:One page isn’t enough: A single “Services” page with bullet points won't cut it for local SEO.Each service deserves a page: Every primary service your business offers should have its own dedicated, optimized page.Your website feeds Google: Google uses your website as the main data source for your Google Business Profile.Avoid one-page websites: They limit SEO potential with a single title tag and minimal schema markup.Add rich content: Include videos, FAQs, and context to enhance each service page's value.💬 Episode Highlights from Darren Shaw:"People haven't made that mental connection... your website is the database for your Google Business Profile." "A one-page website? You only get one title tag... Can I please have multiple pages to optimize?""The more information you have on your website, the better your local SEO visibility."✅ Listener Action Items:Audit your website: Check if each of your services has its own page. If not, plan to build them out.Optimize content: Add title tags, schema markup, FAQs, and videos to each seText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 solo “Follow Through Friday” episode, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) reflects on the powerful branding and SEO insights shared by Mordy Oberstein (Former Head of Brand at Wix and Unified Brand Marketing.) I'm sharing how I've implemented them in my own business. From niching down my e-commerce offerings to optimizing emotional storytelling in my SEO strategy, I share actionable takeaways and honest lessons that led to smart growth.Key Takeaways:Own Your Niche: Trying to serve everyone leads to confusion; doubling down on “senior night gifts” turned Crystal’s brand into the go-to source.Brand Identity Matters: When you’re for someone, you’re not for everyone — and that’s a strength, not a weakness.Price with Purpose: Raising prices to reflect value may turn away some customers — but it attracts the right ones.SEO + Branding = Power Couple: Traffic without conversion is a dead end; emotional storytelling transforms page views into purchases.Product Bundling for Growth: Offering customizable, repeatable product experiences increases cart size and customer retention.Memorable Quotes:“SEO isn’t just about being found, it’s about being remembered.” – Crystal Waddell“Does your page just rank — or does it resonate?” – Crystal WaddellListener Action Items:Audit Your Brand Message: Who are you for? Who are you not for? Rework your messaging to reflect that clarity.Raise Prices Confidently: Evaluate if you’re undercharging for your work — and raise prices to align with your value.SEO with Soul: Look at your top pages. Do they tell a story? Do they speak to one specific cusText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 (that's me!) welcomes back Ashley from Deviation to dive deep into the evolving world of search. We break down digital silos across marketing teams, explore the power of unified metrics, and discuss why brand search and intent-rich content are key to dominating the search-everywhere era. From creating demand via social media to optimizing for long-tail keywords and leveraging data-driven strategy visuals, this conversation is packed with tactical and strategic gold for business owners, content creators, and SEOs alike.🔑 Key Takeaways:Monthly Search Volume Isn’t King: Start with intent research, then validate with search volume—don't let metrics dictate strategy prematurely.Break Digital Silos: Align KPIs across search, brand, and social teams to create unified, impactful digital strategies.Brand + Awareness Terms Are the Future: Think "Your Brand + Topic You Want to Own" to drive searches and become synonymous with your niche.Organic and Paid Should Work Together: Use organic performance data to inform paid ad strategy and amplify proven content.Optimize for Intent, Not Volume: Long-tail, niche-specific PLPs and PDPs outperform high-volumeText 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 aise  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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 Black Friday-themed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes John Hogan, co-founder of Grid and Pixel. We dive deep into how e-commerce businesses, especially those on Shopify, can use personalized and fully automated email flows to drive more revenue. Learn the secrets to converting visitors with targeted popups, the importance of various email flows (including abandoned cart, product browse, and post-purchase), and how Grid and Pixel streamlines everything with AI. Whether you're a seasoned email marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips for boosting Black Friday and year-round sales.Key Takeaways:Automated Email Wins: Grid and Pixel helps brands automate both email campaigns and flows for increased sales and reduced workload.Email Flows Matter: Key flows like welcome series, abandoned cart, and post-purchase emails can significantly boost revenue.Personalization Drives Conversions: Tailored product recommendations and content outperform generic blasts.Shopify Email vs Klaviyo: Shopify email works for automations but struggles with high bounce rates in campaigns—Klaviyo or Omnisend are stronger choices.Time-Saving AI: Grid and Pixel acts like an AI-powered marketing assistant, reducing the need for costly agencies.Episode Highlights:"We realized quickly that store owners didn’t want to implement email marketing themselves. They either didn’t have time or didn’t want to learn." – John Hogan"A product browse email can drive as much revenue as abanText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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, I'm stitting down with Ashley Liddell, co-founder of Deviation, to explore the concept of “Search Everywhere® .” From Sephora’s “Black Beauty Is Beauty” campaign to understanding the evolution of search across platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Reddit, Ashley shares his journey to building a unique SEO agency. We discuss the fragmentation of the customer journey, optimizing across platforms, and why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough.Key Takeaways:Search Everywhere®  Philosophy: SEO now means being discoverable on every platform where your audience is already spending time—not just Google.Brand Discovery vs. Intent Search: Ashley explains the difference between interruptive discovery (social platforms) vs. intentional problem-solving (search engines).Customer Journey Mapping: Understanding platform intent and audience behavior is essential to building omnichannel search strategies.Sephora’s Case Study: A missed opportunity to capitalize on a 7,000% search lift after a viral campaign highlights the need for integrated internal comms between marketing and SEO teams.Platform-Specific Optimization: Brands must tailor content (video, visual, text) based on platform expectations and user intent.Memorable Quotes:“Search Everywhere®  is about engineering brand discovery where your audience actually hangs out.” – Ashley Liddell“We’ve always conformed to Google’s expectations—but what if your audience doesn’t?” – Ashley Liddell“That 7,000% spike in brand search was completely missed because of internal silos.” – Ashley LiddellText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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!

📌 Episode Summary: In this episode, Crystal continues her conversation with Deonnah Carolus, the founder of E-Commerce Savvy, diving deeper into launching and scaling Shopify stores with the help of AI tools. Deonnah shares practical insights on using Shopify’s built-in features versus third-party themes, optimizing SEO for long-term visibility, setting realistic timelines for launching a store, and the mindset shifts needed to succeed in e-commerce. Whether you’re transitioning from Etsy or building your first digital storefront, this episode provides actionable advice to help you go from idea to income—without the overwhelm.🔑 Key Takeaways:Launch Imperfectly, Learn Quickly: Start with one product and iterate. Perfectionism delays progress.AI Can Accelerate Design, But Requires Human Input: Shopify's AI tools can speed up store creation but need customization to avoid generic results.Free Shopify Themes Are Powerful: Themes like Horizon and Dawn are flexible, optimized for speed, and ideal for beginners.Mindset Over Comparison: Focusing on your own vision helps avoid “comparisonitis” and analysis paralysis.Know When to Upgrade Plans: Shopify Plus is best for stores doing $1M+ annually and needing advanced customization.SEO is Non-Negotiable: Foundational SEO is critical to long-term growth and lower ad costs.Schema is the Future: As Google evolves, structured data will be key to visibility—Yoast can help.🧠 Listener Action Items:Launch Now: Choose one product and go live—don’t wait for perfection.Use Free Themes: Start with Shopify’s Horizon to keep costs low and performance high.PrioritiText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 (That's me!) is joined by Shopify expert and founder of e-Commerce Savvy, Deonnah Carolus. They dive into the recent changes at Shopify, talk AI integration, theme changes like Horizon, and practical insights for e-commerce sellers. Whether you're new to Shopify or an experienced seller looking to stay ahead, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and future-focused predictions.Key Takeaways:Shopify Evolution: Deonnah outlines how Shopify has transitioned from Debut to Dawn, and now to the new Horizon theme, offering more flexibility and AI-powered tools.AI Integration: Both the theme builder and theme generator now feature AI capabilities—but success still depends on the quality of your prompts.Theme Migration Tips: Migrating from Dawn to Horizon requires rebuilding custom templates. Early adoption helps avoid rushed transitions later.SEO in Social Media: SEO isn’t just for websites—Deonnah explains how it intersects with social media marketing.Pricing Services: Deonnah shares her method of pricing services based on the client’s business scale and goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.Memorable Quotes:“Google’s confused for the first time since 1996.” – Deonnah Carolus“Everyone’s trying to figure out how to get AI integrated into everything.” – Deonnah CarolusListener Action Items:Evaluate Your Shopify Theme: If you’re still using Dawn or Debut, start testing Horizon now to prepare for the future.Play with AI Tools: Begin experimenting with Shopify’s AI builder and theme generator to familiarize yoText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 must-listen follow-up episode, Crystal Waddell is joined again by Marketing Director Garrett Sussman to unpack the fast-evolving world of SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and the iPull Rank conception of "Relevance Engineering." From the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to how AI is rewriting what it means to be "searchable," this episode dives deep into the shifts that matter most for small businesses and marketers. Discover how to test AI’s understanding of your brand, stay competitive in fractured discovery environments, and leverage “happy accidents” for product innovation.🔑 Key Takeaways:GEO vs SEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization may not replace SEO—but instead become a specialized subset.Relevance Engineering: A new framework to ensure brand visibility across all platforms, from TikTok to Google.The Rise of RAG: How Retrieval-Augmented Generation changes how AI answers questions and includes your content.AI's Hallucinations: Why small businesses must audit AI outputs and the potential hidden product ideas they reveal.Testing for Visibility: How to explore how AI models “see” your brand—despite increasing personalization.🔥 Episode Highlights:"GEO is kind of a subset of SEO... but it’s also a different discipline because LLMs don't behave like traditional search engines." — Garrett Sussman"Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Know your ideal customer. Make content for them." — Garrett Sussman✅ Listener Action Items:Audit AI Search Results: Ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude what they know about your business.Review Your Visibility: Explore how your content perforText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 is joined by Garrett Sussman, Director of Marketing at iPullRank, to unpack how AI is transforming SEO, e-commerce, and online visibility. From the recently announced Shopify + OpenAI partnership to the rise of product recommendations in ChatGPT, this conversation explores what business owners need to know to stay competitive online. Learn why traditional keyword-focused strategies are losing relevance and how to adapt using topical content, brand authority, and omnichannel visibility. Key Takeaways:AI is Reshaping E-commerce Search: ChatGPT and Shopify's partnership hints at future product recommendation features, and small businesses can already submit merchant feeds to get listed.Keyword Optimization is Changing: Focus on topics and customer intent over traditional keyword volume.Visibility Requires Omnichannel Strategy: Your brand needs to show up across platforms like Google, Reddit, Amazon, and listicles to be included in AI-generated outputsText 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 aise  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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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 this conversation, Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show with Crystal Waddell for a deep dive into the human side of AI.Ana unpacks how experimenting with chatbots taught her the inner workings of LLMs, what semantic triples really mean for SEO, and how the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai helps her balance learning, creativity, and life.Crystal connects it all back to entrepreneurship — discussing the “never-ending to-do list,” living an optimized life, and how technology can make us more human when we use it with intention.You’ll learn:What SEOs can learn from experimenting with AI and codingWhy understanding semantic triples and language structure mattersHow to use Ikigai to prioritize time and energyHow to optimize life, not just websiteHelpful Links:🎧 Podcast Hub → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/best-seo-podcast📘 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Steps.com💼 Guest: Ana de la Cruz → LinkedIn ProfileConnect With Crystal → Linkedin ProfileChapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Experimenting with AI and LLMs 01:00 – Presenting a Chatbot Project at Work 02:00 – What Are Semantic Triples? 03:20 – Why Meaning and Context Matter in SEO 04:24 – The Good, Bad, and Ugly of AI 05:00 – Embracing the Learning Process 06:10 – How to Balance Learning and Earning 07:09 – The Ikigai Framework Explained 10:00 – The “Never-Ending To-Do List” GPT Idea 12:05 – Energy, Emotions, and Productivity 13:34 – OptimText 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 atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal! Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO! Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!) Grid and Pixel 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!