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The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Crystal Waddell

227 episodes

1 week ago

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 creative boost, this episode provides step-by-step guidance and ideas to h...

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Entrepreneurship

All content for The Simple and Smart SEO Show is the property of Crystal Waddell and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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 creative boost, this episode provides step-by-step guidance and ideas to h...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

Episodes (20/227)

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Vision Board for Your Business: Creating Clarity and Focus with Canva

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 creative boost, this episode provides step-by-step guidance and ideas to h...

1 week ago

5 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

The Power of Service Pages: Local SEO Gold with Darren Shaw (Best of 2025 Highlight)

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 Profil...

1 week ago

4 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Best of 2025: SEO, Branding, and Smart Business Growth

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 ev...

3 weeks ago

13 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Bye, Bye Digital Silos! Hello, Intent-Driven SEO with Ashley Liddell from Deviation (Part 2)

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 conve...

1 month ago

25 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

How to Maximize Black Friday Sales with Automated Email Marketing – Featuring John Hogan from Grid and Pixel

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...

1 month ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Search Everywhere®: Reimagining SEO Across All Platforms with Ashley Liddell (Part 1)

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 l...

1 month ago

19 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Using Shopify with AI and Smart E-Commerce Strategies (Part 2 with Deonnah Carolus)

📌 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 ...

1 month ago

20 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Mastering Shopify for 2025: AI, SEO & Design Trends with Deonnah Carolus (Part 1)

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 Evo...

1 month ago

16 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

GEO to Relevance Engineering: Redefining the Future of Search with Garrett Sussman (Part 2)

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 underst...

2 months ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

AI Search, Shopify & the New Rules of SEO with Garrett Sussman (Part 1)

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 ad...

2 months ago

28 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

🎧 Semantic Triples, Ikigai, and Optimizing Life with AI (Featuring Ana de la Cruz, Part 2)

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 op...

2 months ago

18 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Vibe Coding Is The New SEO: Featuring Ana De La Cruz

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 media to SEO strategyWhy kindness and collaboration are u...

2 months ago

18 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Traffic to Trust: AI, SEO, and Content Strategy with Andy Crestodina

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 owner, or content strategist, this episode is packed with actio...

3 months ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

From SEO to AI: Training Chatbots to Recommend Your Brand with Andy Crestodina

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—understanding this is key to visibility and conversions.Prompt Rever...

3 months ago

24 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Unlocking Hidden Profit: Jamie Trull on Optimizing Your Business for Life and Financial Freedom

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 decisions can create sustainable growth—without the ...

3 months ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Profit, Pricing & the Power of SEO: A Conversation with Jamie Trull (Part 1)

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 business owners. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Pricing Can Be a Game Ch...

4 months ago

28 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

AI Search Meets Jobs To Be Done: Discoverability > SEO with Heather Physioc (Part 2)

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 into how platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity a...

4 months ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Beyond Google: Redefining SEO in LLMs and an AI-First World with Heather Physioc of VML (Part 1)

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell welcomes Heather Physioc, Chief Discoverability Officer at VML, for a deep dive into the evolving world of search and digital strategy. Heather shares her insights on why Google isn't the only search engine that matters, how AI is reshaping the search journey, and why content needs to serve users at every stage—from discovery to post-purchase. From structured data to customer retention via social media, this ep...

4 months ago

17 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

GEO vs. SEO: Ross Simmonds on Owning Channels, Diversifying Traffic, and Shaping LLM Results

Ross Simmonds breaks down how AI overviews and LLMs are changing search—and what small businesses can do to keep winning. We dig into why brand and owned channels matter more than ever, how to diversify beyond Google, which third-party domains LLMs love to cite, and a simple focus formula for content distribution. Key TakeawaysThe SERP is shifting to answers and transactions; fewer clicks to your site means brand + owned channels are mission-critical. Now is the time to publi...

4 months ago

18 minutes

The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Content Creation to Content Distribution: Ross Simmonds on Scaling Your Reach (Part 1)

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Ross Simmonds — founder of Foundation Marketing and distribution.ai, keynote speaker at Brighton SEO, and passionate content strategist. Ross shares how he started out online running a fantasy football blog and now advises global brands. His message: most creators need to stop obsessing over new content and start amplifying what they’ve already made. Learn his “garden analogy” for content p...

4 months ago

20 minutes