The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Crystal Waddell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Simple and Smart SEO Show

The best SEO podcast for entrepreneurs and creative small business owners who want to build a better website to grow their business!✨This SEO-focused podcast combines brand strategies mixed with fresh ideas  for websites, digital marketing, and customer experience.✨WHY SEO?✨SEO is important because it can help a business be found by people searching for what they sell. In 2025, SEO for LLMs and AI-powered search engines will grow in importance. But don't feel overwhelmed: SEO can be simple and elevate your websites visibility with small changes over time.✨Listen to this podcast every week to learn how you can make your website rank higher without spending thousands of dollars per month!

  1. Profit-First Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers: How to Compete with Amazon (Without Google!) Part 2 With Austin Becker

    7 HR AGO

    Profit-First Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers: How to Compete with Amazon (Without Google!) Part 2 With Austin Becker

    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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    21 min
  2. Google Ads, Ecom Strategy & the Future of AI Advertising with Austin Becker

    11 JUN

    Google Ads, Ecom Strategy & the Future of AI Advertising with Austin Becker

    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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    17 min
  3. SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3

    4 JUN

    SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3

    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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    14 min
  4. AI, SEO, and Modern Learning: Building Smarter Businesses and Raising Future Innovators with Andrew Ansley (Part 2)

    28 MAY

    AI, SEO, and Modern Learning: Building Smarter Businesses and Raising Future Innovators with Andrew Ansley (Part 2)

    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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    27 min
  5. Booked, Busy & Letting AI Do the Boring Stuff 🤖✨ With Andrew Ansley (Part 1)

    21 MAY

    Booked, Busy & Letting AI Do the Boring Stuff 🤖✨ With Andrew Ansley (Part 1)

    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.com 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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    17 min
  6. The GOAT Guide to Google Business Rankings (Part 2) with Darren Shaw

    14 MAY

    The GOAT Guide to Google Business Rankings (Part 2) with Darren Shaw

    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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    21 min
  7. Unlocking Local SEO: Expert Strategies with Darren Shaw of Whitespark (Part 1)

    7 MAY

    Unlocking Local SEO: Expert Strategies with Darren Shaw of Whitespark (Part 1)

    In this value-packed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host 💁‍♀️ Crystal Waddell sits down with local SEO legend Darren Shaw of 🏢 Whitespark.  Discover why your website is the #1 data source for your Google Business Profile, how to optimize for the local 3-pack 📍, and what SEO myths to stop believing 🚫.  Whether you’re a home-based biz, a service provider, or an online shop, these actionable insights will help your brand show up and stand out in local search! 🔍 💡 Key Takeaways: 🌐 Your Website = Your GMB Database: Google pulls profile data straight from your site!🧾 Citations Still Matter… but not as much as they used to 📉.⭐ Reviews + Proximity = Ranking Gold in local search 📍🔝.🛠️ Service Pages Are a Must: One page per service = better SEO results 💪.🕒 Business Hours Impact Visibility — especially between 4–7 PM! 🕓📉🕖🔑 Keyword Research Made Simple: Just ask a few people what they’d search 🤔📲.⚖️ Citation Consistency ≠ Life or Death: Google’s smarter than that now 🤖😉.💬 Memorable Quotes: 🗣️ "Your website is the database for your Google Business Profile."  🚖 "You don’t need fancy tools—just ask five taxi drivers what they’d search."  🟢 "Google likes to rank businesses that are currently open."- Darren Shaw ✅ Listener Action Items: 🔍 Audit Your Google Business Profile – Fill in every field, especially your services!🧩 Create Separate Service Pages – Give each service its own optimized landing page.🕰️ Adjust Business Hours – Consider extending hours to stay visible longer.📇 Check Your Citations – But skip the pricey ongoing directory services 💸.🤝 Ask Around – Real-world keyword research starts with real people!Connect With Darren: Whitespark.ca Linkedin Connect With Crystal: SimpleandSmartSEO.com 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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    22 min
  8. 🎙️ SEO, Personal Branding, and How to Stand Out in 2025 with Shreya LaCock (Part 2)

    30 APR

    🎙️ SEO, Personal Branding, and How to Stand Out in 2025 with Shreya LaCock (Part 2)

    In this week's episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with Shreya LaCock from SEO for Hire to pull back the curtain on SEO careers, personal branding, and the future of hiring in a world powered by AI! 🚀 Together, they explore the different roles inside an SEO agency 🏢, the green flags to look for when hiring SEO help ✅, and why personal branding is no longer optional if you want to thrive.  They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO jobs — and why adaptability is your ultimate superpower. 💪🏼 Grab your coffee ☕ or tea 🍵 and let's dive in! Key Takeaways:Master your personal brand 🧠: It's the new resume! Be visible, searchable, and active online.Understand agency structures 🏢: Know who you're actually working with when you hire an agency.Communication is king 👑: Great SEOs don’t just optimize websites—they know how to talk and connect.AI won't steal your job (yet!) 🤖: But adapting and learning AI tools will set you apart.Side projects = secret weapons 🔥: Showing passion through personal projects makes candidates shine. Episode Highlights: 💬 "There is nothing more important than mastering your personal brand." — Shreya LaCock 💬 "The way we were doing SEO six months ago is completely different than today—and it’ll change again in two months." — Shreya LaCock 💬 "If you want to build a strong company, it really starts with strong leadership." — Crystal Waddell Listener Action Items: 🔎 Audit your personal brand online 🤖 experiment with an AI tool for SEO, and  🗣️ strengthen your communication skills to build trust and authority. Connect With Crystal: ✅ Follow Crystal on LinkedIn: Follow Crystal ✅ If you're an entrepreneur or side hustler, join Crystal’s SEO Squad for weekly support! 🎯 Learn More Here Connect With Shreya: LinkedIn: Follow Shreya ✨ 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 show Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast! Join the SEO Squad Apply 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!

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The best SEO podcast for entrepreneurs and creative small business owners who want to build a better website to grow their business!✨This SEO-focused podcast combines brand strategies mixed with fresh ideas  for websites, digital marketing, and customer experience.✨WHY SEO?✨SEO is important because it can help a business be found by people searching for what they sell. In 2025, SEO for LLMs and AI-powered search engines will grow in importance. But don't feel overwhelmed: SEO can be simple and elevate your websites visibility with small changes over time.✨Listen to this podcast every week to learn how you can make your website rank higher without spending thousands of dollars per month!

Information

  • Creator
    Crystal Waddell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Simple and Smart SEO Show
  • Show Website
    The Simple and Smart SEO Show

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