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November 12, 2025 16 mins

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 Carolus

Listener Action Items:

  1. Evaluate Your Shopify Theme: If you’re still using Dawn or Debut, start testing Horizon now to prepare for the future.
  2. Play with AI Tools: Begin experimenting with Shopify’s AI builder and theme generator to familiarize yourself with their capabilities.
  3. Document Your Custom Pages: Before migrating, inventory your custom product and collection pages to simplify rebuilding them in Horizon.
  4. Audit Your Pricing Strategy: If you’re a service provider, consider revisiting your pricing model to reflect client diversity like Deonnah suggests.
  5. Follow the Trend: Stay informed on Shopify’s updates and the role of AI in e-commerce to future-proof your store.

Connect with Deonnah:

Text me your questions or comments!

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.

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