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

Crystal Waddell
  • 4.9 (49)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. JAN 28

    From SEO to CX: Crystal Ortiz on Why Customer Connection Is the Ultimate Ranking Factor

    In this thoughtful episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal chats with fellow SEO expert Crystal Ortiz, founder of Socialhart.  With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and a background in education, Crystal O. shares her journey from retail to SEO consulting and why connecting with customers is more powerful than any ranking algorithm.  They explore the intersection of SEO, AI, customer experience, and basic business fundamentals, revealing why treating SEO like a tool—not a strategy—is key to sustainable online success. 💡 Key Takeaways: SEO is a tool, not the goal: Use it to support real human connection, not replace it.Customer experience is SEO: Every part of the customer journey—from checkout flow to customer service—impacts your rankings.AI shouldn't replace authenticity: AI can support content creation, but genuine insight and audience relevance must come first.Creative SEO wins: SEO isn’t robotic; it's an opportunity to solve real problems creatively.Basic business practices matter: A broken checkout page can undo all your SEO efforts.🔥 Episode Highlights: "If your business isn’t making customers happy, then it doesn’t matter how much SEO you do." - Crystal Ortiz"SEO isn’t the value. Customer connection is." - Crystal Ortiz✅ Listener Action Items: Audit Your Website Experience: Go through your checkout and browsing process like a real customer. Where's the friction?Review Your Content Strategy: Ask yourself—does this content truly serve my ideal audience?Balance AI with Authenticity: Use tools to support your voice, not replace it.Emphasize CuText 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 Support the show Book 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!

    19 min

  2. JAN 21

    How AI Search Traps Businesses in Their Old Positioning (And How to Fix It)

    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 shows how refining website language and structure can guide AI to recommend businesses for the right type of work.  From homepage rewrites to contact form tweaks, you'll learn how to future-proof your business's online presence. Key Takeaways: Semantic Clarity Over SEO Volume: The problem isn’t always lack of keywords—it’s misaligned meaning that AI misinterprets.AI Sees Language, Not Intent: Your evolving business needs evolving semantics to match.Refine Category Language: AI already knows how to group services—your site just needs to claim that space.Emphasize Equipment and Scale: Specifics like tractor sizes or acreage capacity build trust and align expectations.Update Contact Forms Thoughtfully: Even small changes like renaming service frequency options can better match buyer psychology and train AI.Your Website Trains AI Too: Every word on your site tells AI what kind of work to send your way.Episode Highlights: "AI doesn't see your intentions. It sees your language.""The site stopped pulling him backward—and started supporting where he's going.""Semantic alignment isn't about traffic. It's about getting the right work."Listener Action Items: Run a SemText 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 Support the show Book 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!

    13 min
  3. Why Your Page Isn’t Converting: How Semantic Triples Unlock Smarter SEO

    JAN 14

    Why Your Page Isn’t Converting: How Semantic Triples Unlock Smarter SEO

    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 higher conversions.  Whether you're an SEO novice or pro, this episode offers actionable insights into fixing semantic misalignment and crafting on age content metadata that actually converts. Key Takeaways: Semantic Triples Explained: Learn how the "who," "what," and "why" of user intent can clarify your SEO strategy.Real-World Example: Crystal shares how her page for “volleyball gifts for girls” got 1,700+ impressions with zero clicks—and how she fixed it.Diagnosing Intent Mismatch: Uncover how tools can reveal pricing shock, vague copy, and semantic misalignment.Actionable Fixes: Get practical changes you can make to metadata, product descriptions, and page flow to convert better.Memorable Quotes: “It’s not a traffic problem. It’s not a keyword problem. It’s a meaning problem.”“The fact is, if there’s no click, there’s no conversion—and that means there’s no SEO value.”“Being understood is the real work.”Listener Action Items: Audit Your Own Pages: Use semantic triples (who, what, why) to evaluate whether your content truly aligns with search intent.Rewrite Metadata: Make your titles and meta descriptions more specific and emotionally engaging.Text 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 Support the show Book 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!

    18 min
  4. Vision Board Workshop for 2026: Align Your SEO, Business & Life Goals (Without Burnout)

    JAN 8

    Vision Board Workshop for 2026: Align Your SEO, Business & Life Goals (Without Burnout)

    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, some paper, and about 45 minutes — and let’s map out where your energy is going next. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:37 – Blending SEO goals with personal and business goals 1:27 – You don’t have to choose between being a boss and having peace 2:06 – Meet Crystal + her teacher-era vision board story 3:36 – Why multiple vision boards didn’t work 4:20 – How to prepare for the workshop (and protect your focus) 4:56 – Choosing your Word of the Year 5:52 – Turning your word into emotions + actions 6:51 – Guided reflection: how you want to feel at the end of 2026 7:31 – What habit or mindset you’re releasing 8:14 – Skills and experiences you’re saying yes to 9:24 – Creating your vision board in Canva (one-slide rule!) 11:16 – Section 1: Casting your vision 12:24 – Section 2: Business visibility & SEO strategy 15:04 – Sections 3 & 4: Personal goals + business goal tracking 18:00 – Using your vision board as daily guidance 18:45 – How to share your vision board + what’s coming next 🧠 Key Takeaways One clear vision board is more powerful than multiple scattered onesYour Word of the Year should act as a filter for decisionsSEO and visibility goals work best when aligned with how you want to feelPeace and ambition are not opposites Text 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 Support the show Book 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!

    22 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    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 help you stay focused, organized, and inspired. Key Takeaways: Quarterly Vision Boards: Learn how to structure vision boards for each quarter using blog topics, marketing focus areas, and personal/business reminders. And a FREE template!Monthly Messaging: Discover the power of one core message per month and how visuals can support your brand identity.Using Canva Effectively: See how to drag and drop images into Canva grids—even if you're a beginner.Visual Branding: Use representative photos to convey your values, target audience, and offers.Progressive Planning: Templates are available for weekly, monthly, and quarterly planning to fit your workflow."If you make a vision board, tag me on Instagram—I'd love to see what you create!" Listener Action Items: Create Your Own VisiText 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 Support the show Book 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!

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

    12/26/2025 · BONUS

    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 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 at Support the show Book 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!

    4 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    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 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 at Support the show Book 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!

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

    12/03/2025

    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 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 at Support the show Book 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!

    26 min
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4.9
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

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.

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