Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Etsy sellers who want to expand to Shopify!

Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Etsy sellers who want to expand to Shopify!

Ready to turn your Etsy shop into a powerhouse brand on Shopify? The Simple and Smart SEO Show is the go-to podcast for Etsy sellers ready to bridge the gap between a marketplace shop and a powerhouse Shopify brand. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all roadmaps. Instead, I provide the high-level SEO insights and strategic shifts you need to interpret for your unique business. Join me to learn how to master the Shopify ecosystem, own your traffic, and build a brand that thrives on your own terms through smart, data-driven insights. Whether you’re just opening your Shopify store or looking to optimize an existing one, join us each week to simplify your marketing and grow your business on your own terms.

Episodes

January 21, 2026 13 mins

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down how AI search systems can lock businesses into outdated messaging, even after they've evolved. 

Using a real-world case study of a lawn service company transitioning from residential to large-scale commercial work, Crystal explains how semantic misalignment—not visibility—is often the root problem. 

She introduces the concept of semantic alignment and ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell unpacks the concept of semantic triples and how understanding them can solve one of the most frustrating SEO issues ... getting impressions but no clicks. 

Drawing from her experience at a technical SEO conference and a real-world case study from her own business, Crystal reveals how aligning your page’s content with user intent (not just keywords) can lead to hi...

Mark as Played

In this special workshop-style episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell guides you through creating a one-page vision board for 2026 that blends your business goals, SEO priorities, and personal life — without overwhelm.

Whether you’re a Shopify seller, creative entrepreneur, or service-based business owner, this episode gives you space to reflect, reset, and move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.

✨ Grab a pen, ...

Mark as Played

I'm sharing a throwback video that I made to help you think about creating a vision board for your business in 2026!

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a hands-on workshop using Canva to create strategic vision boards for your business. Discover how to design quarterly, monthly, and weekly boards that align with your marketing goals, blog content, and brand messaging. Whether you're new to Canva or just need a cre...

Mark as Played

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 web...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

📌 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 ...

Mark as Played

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 strategie...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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-foc...

Mark as Played

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 entrepreneurs...

Mark as Played

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, to explore her journey from Univision Radio to leading SEO strategy at a global media agency. 

Ana shares how curiosity, reinvention, and kindness shaped her path — and introduces us to the emerging concept of “Vibe Coding,” where AI and human creativity meet.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How Ana transitioned from traditional...
Mark as Played

In Part 2 of this engaging conversation with content marketing expert Andy Crestodina, we dive deeper into the evolving world of SEO, AI's growing role in content creation, and the power of collaboration. 

Andy shares insights on balancing human judgment with AI tools like Surfer SEO, creating successful local events, and leveraging original research to differentiate your brand. 

Whether you're a solo marketer, business own...

Mark as Played

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media, to explore SEO, AI, and content marketing. 

Andy shares his insights on how search behavior is shifting, the importance of training AI to recognize and recommend your brand.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • AI Search vs. Traditional Search: Traditional search finds options, while AI delivers recommendations—understan...
Mark as Played

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Jamie Trull for part 2 of our interview to dive deep into the concept of Hidden Profit. 

Jamie shares her journey of shifting focus from revenue to freedom, explaining how small optimizations can lead to big financial wins. 

They discuss the importance of aligning business goals with life priorities, overcoming perfectionism, and how data-driven de...

Mark as Played

Today I welcome financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull

We talk about the transformative power of understanding business finances, pricing strategies, and how SEO can drive real results. 

From doubling prices overnight to lowering ad spend through smarter targeting, Jamie shares tangible strategies and inspirational insights.

Plus, a sneak peek into her brand new book, "Hidden Profit" designed to empower small...

Mark as Played

In this powerful continuation of the conversation with Heather Physioc, we explore how AI is reshaping the SEO landscape and why human-centered strategy still matters. 

Heather shares her framework for applying "Jobs to Be Done" thinking in SEO, especially for small businesses and creators. 

From empathy maps to AI content sourcing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating modern discoverability. 

We also dive int...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.