The Simple and Smart SEO Show

Crystal Waddell
  • 4.9 (47)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    3D AGO

    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 are sourcing content—and what it means for brands big and small. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Jobs to Be Done Is the SEO Framework You’re Missing: Learn how understanding your audience's "job" is the key to creating meaningful content.AI Is Changing the Web’s Economy: Heather argues that platforms like Google and ChatGPT are “stealing content” without offering equivalent value back.Empathy Mapping for Better Content: Mapping customer emotions, actions, and pain points can guide your SEO strategy more effectively than keywords alone.AI Search Results Are Not Created Equal: Different LLMs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) source and synthesize information very differently.Discoverability Is the New SEO: Heather introduces a broader lens for search—beyond rankings and into audience engagement and real-world results.💬 Memorable Quotes: “Discoverability all day, every day. It is encompassing of all of those things.”“AI can synthesize information, but it can’t synthesize a room full of humans creatively brainstorming.”“Clicks and eyeballs might not be the transaction of the future.”🎯 Listener Action Items: Map the Jobs to Be Done: Think beyond demographics—what problem is your customer trying to solve?Create an Empathy Map: Define what your audience is thinking, feeling, and searching for.Diversify Your AI Testing: Try different platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) to see how they interpret your niche.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. 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
  2. Beyond Google: Redefining SEO in LLMs and an AI-First World with Heather Physioc of VML (Part 1)

    AUG 28

    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 episode is packed with practical takeaways for marketers, SEOs, and business owners. Key Takeaways: SEO Isn’t Just About Google Anymore: Platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, and in-platform AI search tools are becoming vital in the discoverability ecosystem.AI Should Enhance, Not Replace Creativity: Use AI to eliminate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows—not to substitute authentic human communication.Brand Experience Matters Across the Entire Journey: From awareness to post-purchase content, every touchpoint contributes to discoverability and trust.Structured Data Is Critical for E-commerce SEO: Schema and well-organized product feeds prepare brands for AI-powered commerce search.Jobs to Be Done Framework is More Relevant Than Ever: SEO should be rooted in solving real user problems, especially in the age of contextual, compound queries.Episode Highlights: "Google is not the only platform out there where people are engaging in search activities." – Heather Physioc"Jobs to be done isn't just a theory—it's a way to make your brand truly useful across all channels."Listener Action Items: Reevaluate Your SEO Strategy Beyond Google: Identify where your audience is searching and tailor your content accordingly.Use AI Thoughtfully: Let AI handle grunt work so you can focus on creativity and strategy.Audit Your Customer Journey Touchpoints: Create or improve content that supports awareness, comparison, and retention.Implement Structured Data Markup: Prioritize schema to support AI discoverability in commerce platforms.Map Jobs to Be Done: Understand the real problems your 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. 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!

    18 min

  3. AUG 20

    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 publish unique, story-driven content that LLMs can cite later. Create assets your “future you” will be grateful for. Diversify discovery: show up where buyers research (TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy), not just on Google. Search behavior has shifted—people use Instagram/YouTube/TikTok for ideas and how-tos; optimize for those journeys. To influence LLM answers, seed multiple authoritative domains (LinkedIn, Reddit, Medium, Quora) with your message. “Be excellent on one channel” first; syndicate elsewhere even if it’s not perfect—then expand. Optimize your life too: sleep and calendars drive better marketing than nonstop grind. Listener Action ItemsPick your “home” channel and get excellent at it for 90 days; syndicate the same posts to 2 other platforms with light edits. Publish 3–5 unique, story-rich assets this month that your future self wants LLMs to cite. Seed third-party domains (LinkedIn article, Reddit thread, Medium post, Quora answer) with your core message to boost LLM citation odds. Audit discovery: can buyers find you on Pinterest/Instagram/TikTok/Etsy for your “money” searches? If not, claim and optimize profiles. Protect your energy: schedule sleep, workouts, and weekly calendar reviews before adding new marketing experiments. Connect With Ross:LinkedinGet Ross’s book: Create Once, Distribute Forever 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. 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!

    18 min
  4. Content Creation to Content Distribution: Ross Simmonds on Scaling Your Reach (Part 1)

    AUG 13

    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 promotion, the Four Es framework for creating engaging posts, and how to balance content marketing with SEO.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, SEO or creator, this episode will shift your mindset from constant creation to strategic distribution. Key Takeaways: Why most brands underinvest in content distribution — and how to fix it.The “garden analogy” for nurturing content long after it’s created.How to overcome the fear of over-promoting your content.The Four Es framework for engaging, educational, entertaining, and empowering content.Why SEO lives under the broader umbrella of content marketing.How to treat different content types like investment asset classes.Episode Highlights: "If you’ve given up your time to create something, that thing is now an asset — and assets deserve distribution." – Ross Simmonds"I’ve never seen someone share too much good content." – Ross SimmondsListener Action Items: Audit your existing content and identify pieces worth re-promoting.Shift your time ratio from 90% creation / 10% promotion to a healthier balance.Apply the Four Es to your content strategy this month.Experiment with DM-based calls-to-action instead of “link in bio” prompts.Connect With Ross: Linkedin Buy His Book: Create Once. Distribute Forever. 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. 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
  5. Optimizing Shopify SEO: How to Use Surfer SEO to Boost Your Store’s Visibility (Part 5 of 5)

    AUG 7

    Optimizing Shopify SEO: How to Use Surfer SEO to Boost Your Store’s Visibility (Part 5 of 5)

    In this final installment of the Shopify Series: From Strategy to Action, Crystal Waddell takes you inside one of her favorite tools—Surfer SEO—and shows you exactly how to use it to optimize your Shopify store pages for maximum visibility.  From product descriptions to collection pages, homepage copy, and blog posts, you’ll learn step-by-step strategies to integrate Surfer SEO into your workflow.  Crystal also shares pro tips, keyword research insights, and how to make your content Google-loved without guessing what works. Key Takeaways: Surfer SEO works beyond blog posts — it’s powerful for product pages, collection pages, and even your homepage or about page.Collection pages can benefit from short but keyword-rich descriptions — as little as 50–100 words can make a difference.Surfer’s real-time content score acts like a coach, showing you exactly how to optimize as you write.Keyword research is essential before diving into content optimization.Small businesses can compete with big brands using Surfer SEO’s structured guidance.Episode Highlights: "Surfer SEO is like having a coach in your corner while you write.""Even a short paragraph using three to four suggested keywords can boost your visibility.""Visibility is a skill—keep growing."Listener Action Items: Identify a Shopify page you want to optimize—product, collection, homepage, or about page.Use Surfer SEO’s content editor to enter your target keyword and review competitor insights.Follow the keyword suggestions and structure prompts to raise your content score.Download Crystal’s $7  Surfer SEO Workbook for Shopify for templates, prompts, and tracking tools!Consider joining the 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. 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!

    6 min
  6. Shopify SEO Tips: Page Template Tweaks for Better SEO (Part 4 of 5)

    JUL 30

    Shopify SEO Tips: Page Template Tweaks for Better SEO (Part 4 of 5)

    (Shopify From Strategy to Action Series, Episode 4!) In this episode, we're getting real about Shopify page templates — and why they might be quietly holding your SEO back. 😬 From homepage headers to collection and product page tweaks, Crystal shares how to update your templates to help your content rank and convert. 👀 If you’ve ever wondered:  “Do I really need to mess with my templates?”  The short answer is: YES — but it’s simpler than you think. ✨ What You’ll Learn: Why templates are the foundation of Shopify SEO successHow to add keyword-rich headers and content to your homepageSimple, fast updates to boost your collection and product pagesHow to apply the “Jobs to Be Done” framework for search intentA peek inside the $7 Shopify SEO Templates Toolkit🧰 Resources & Mentions: Shopify SEO Templates Toolkit → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/templates (coming shortly!)$7 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Steps.com (limited time only)Sustainable Visibility System → coming soon!Podcast Hub → https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcast🎯 Your Action Step: Update one section of your homepage using a keyword-rich H1 or intro paragraph, and tag @simpleandsmartseo2 so Crystal can cheer you on! 🧡 📌 Connect with Crystal: Website → https://simpleandsmartseo.com/Instagram → https://instagram.com/simpleandsmartseo2Podcast on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5q7TnaTJAgXty6K8bHY62jPodcast on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-simple-and-smart-seo-show/id1623005671Would you like a version adapted for blog or email as well? 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. 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!

    7 min
  7. Shopify Image SEO: 4 Steps to Drive More Traffic and Conversions (Part 3 of 5)

    JUL 23

    Shopify Image SEO: 4 Steps to Drive More Traffic and Conversions (Part 3 of 5)

    Want more organic traffic and faster conversions on your Shopify store?  In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down the visual side of SEO with a focus on image optimization. From renaming image files and writing strategic alt text to compressing files and picking the best formats, Crystal walks you through four essential steps to get your images SEO-ready.  You’ll also learn how to use ChatGPT to quickly generate descriptive alt text and how to leverage Pinterest to amplify your visual content strategy. ✅ What You’ll Learn: Why image SEO drives traffic from Google and PinterestHow to rename image files using SEO-friendly keywordsThe dos and don'ts of writing alt text (and how ChatGPT helps)Image compression tools that boost load speed (TinyPNG & WebP)Best image formats for product photos, logos, and backgroundsBonus: Pinterest optimization tips and helpful Shopify apps🎯 Action Steps: Rename one product image with keywords before uploadingUse alt text that’s clear, accurate, and avoids keyword stuffingCompress images under 300KB (or even 100KB with WebP)Download Crystal’s $7 Image SEO Checklist for a full walkthroughTry the free Pinterest Save Button Shopify app🛠️ Helpful Links: Image SEO Checklist: simpleandsmartseo.com/imagesFree Alt Text GeneratorTinyPNG: https://tinypng.com📌 Next Episode Tease:  Coming up in Episode 4: Templates that elevate your Shopify SEO—homepage, product pages, and collection pages. 📲 Let’s Connect:  Update one image today and tag @simpleandsmartseo2.  You’ve got this! 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. 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!

    7 min
  8. Shopify SEO Tech Stack: The Essential Apps and Tools You Actually Need (Part 2 of 5)

    JUL 16

    Shopify SEO Tech Stack: The Essential Apps and Tools You Actually Need (Part 2 of 5)

    In this episode, Crystal breaks down the must-have SEO tech stack for Shopify sellers who want to show up in search results, build authority, and grow sustainably without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn about the core apps that make SEO easier, free tools to track and audit your progress, and optional power tools if you’re ready to take things to the next level. Whether you’re just getting started with Shopify or looking to improve your existing SEO strategy, this episode will help you focus on the right tools so you can stop guessing and start growing. Key Takeaways You don’t need 50 tools — just a few key apps and resources to support your SEO efforts.Start with free tools like Google Search Console and Microsoft Clarity to understand your current performance.Add must-have apps that create fresh content and improve site speed, like a review app and TinyPNG.Explore advanced tools like Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and Surfer SEO as you grow.Resources & Mentions Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist (only $7!)7-Step SEO Starter CourseGoogle Search ConsoleMicrosoft ClarityInstaIndexTinyPNGSurfer SEO (My Affiliate Link!)Action Steps for Listeners Install at least one new SEO tool today (Google Search Console is a great place to start).Download the Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist to make setup easy and track what you’ve implemented.Tag Crystal on Instagram @simpleandsmartseo2 to share your progress.Connect with Crystal Website: simpleandsmartseo.comInstagram: @simpleandsmartseo2Podcast on Apple: Listen herePodcast on Spotify: Listen hereNext Episode: Don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll talk about optimizing your images so they bring in traffic 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. 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!

    6 min
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4.9
out of 5
47 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
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Simple and Smart SEO Show
  • Show Website
    The Simple and Smart SEO Show

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