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 Changer: Doubling your prices can lead to increased profit with fewer sales—and less burnout.
• Your Labor Counts: Entrepreneurs often forget to factor in their own time and effort when pricing products.
• The SEO Advantage: SEO isn’t just for visibility—it drives qualified traffic, reduces ad costs, and improves conversions.
• Digital Footprint Matters: A strong online presence across platforms improves trust with both users and AI search engines.
• Finances Are Foundational: Whether you're earning your first dollar or scaling toward 7 figures, understanding profit levers is essential.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

"It is possible to make more by doing less." – Jamie Trull

"SEO helped us lower ad costs and increase conversions by bringing in the right people." – Jamie Trull

"Money may not buy happiness, but it can buy opportunity." – Jamie Trull

✅ Listener Action Items:

• Evaluate Your Pricing: Are you undervaluing your products or services? Consider testing a price increase.
• Audit Your Time: Compare your revenue per

Text me your questions or comments!

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!

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:

1. Map the Jobs to Be Done: Think beyond demographics—what problem is your customer trying to solve?
2. Create an Empathy Map: Define what your audience is thinking, feeling, and searching for.
3. 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!

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:

1. Reevaluate Your SEO Strategy Beyond Google: Identify where your audience is searching and tailor your content accordingly.
2. Use AI Thoughtfully: Let AI handle grunt work so you can focus on creativity and strategy.
3. Audit Your Customer Journey Touchpoints: Create or improve content that supports awareness, comparison, and retention.
4. Implement Structured Data Markup: Prioritize schema to support AI discoverability in commerce platforms.
5. 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!

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 Takeaways

• The 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 Items

1. Pick your “home” channel and get excellent at it for 90 days; syndicate the same posts to 2 other platforms with light edits. 
2. Publish 3–5 unique, story-rich assets this month that your future self wants LLMs to cite. 
3. Seed third-party domains (LinkedIn article, Reddit thread, Medium post, Quora answer) with your core message to boost LLM citation odds. 
4. Audit discovery: can buyers find you on Pinterest/Instagram/TikTok/Etsy for your “money” searches? If not, claim and optimize profiles. 
5. Protect your energy: schedule sleep, workouts, and weekly calendar reviews before adding new marketing experiments. 

Connect With Ross:

• Linkedin
• Get 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!

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 Simmonds

Listener 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!

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:

1. Identify a Shopify page you want to optimize—product, collection, homepage, or about page.
2. Use Surfer SEO’s content editor to enter your target keyword and review competitor insights.
3. Follow the keyword suggestions and structure prompts to raise your content score.
4. Download Crystal’s $7  Surfer SEO Workbook for Shopify for templates, prompts, and tracking tools!
5. 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!

(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 success
• How to add keyword-rich headers and content to your homepage
• Simple, fast updates to boost your collection and product pages
• How to apply the “Jobs to Be Done” framework for search intent
• A 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/simpleandsmartseo2
• Podcast on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/5q7TnaTJAgXty6K8bHY62j
• Podcast on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-simple-and-smart-seo-show/id1623005671

Would 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!

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 Pinterest
• How to rename image files using SEO-friendly keywords
• The 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 backgrounds
• Bonus: Pinterest optimization tips and helpful Shopify apps

🎯 Action Steps:

• Rename one product image with keywords before uploading
• Use alt text that’s clear, accurate, and avoids keyword stuffing
• Compress images under 300KB (or even 100KB with WebP)
• Download Crystal’s $7 Image SEO Checklist for a full walkthrough
• Try the free Pinterest Save Button Shopify app

🛠️ Helpful Links:

• Image SEO Checklist: simpleandsmartseo.com/images
• Free Alt Text Generator
• TinyPNG: 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!

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 Course
• Google Search Console
• Microsoft Clarity
• InstaIndex
• TinyPNG
• Surfer SEO (My Affiliate Link!)

Action Steps for Listeners

1. Install at least one new SEO tool today (Google Search Console is a great place to start).
2. Download the Shopify SEO Tech Stack Checklist to make setup easy and track what you’ve implemented.
3. Tag Crystal on Instagram @simpleandsmartseo2 to share your progress.

Connect with Crystal

• Website: simpleandsmartseo.com
• Instagram: @simpleandsmartseo2
• Podcast on Apple: Listen here
• Podcast on Spotify: Listen here

Next 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!

In this kickoff episode of my Shopify SEO from Strategy to Action summer series, we start with the most important piece: your mindset.

If you've ever thought:

• "SEO is just for techies!"
• "Shopify isn't good for SEO."
• "I don't even know where to start."

This episode is for you!

🎯 What you'll learn:

• Why your mindset is the #1 SEO success factor
• The top myths keeping shop owners stuck (and how to bust them)
• A fun visibility readiness quiz to check if you're truly ready to be found

💡 Key takeaway:
SEO is like your most loyal employee — working for you even when you're on vacation.

👉 Grab the $7 SEO Mindset for Shop Owners Guide:
https://simpleandsmartseo.com/mindset

🎧 Listen on your favorite app:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

🙌 Ready to take action?
1️⃣ Download the mindset guide.
2️⃣ Take the quiz and shift your beliefs.
3️⃣ DM me your biggest SEO mindset block on Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo2.

💬 About Crystal:
I'm an SEO educator, Shopify seller, and visibility strategist helping creative entrepreneurs grow sustainably and show up confidently — without resenting the work!

Learn about my SEO Squad!

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!

Join PPC Pro Austin Becker and me in this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show.

We’re diving into strategic blogging, PPC attribution, and the underrated power of Pinterest — a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, Shopify sellers, and busy business owners who want to grow without burnout.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to use Google's "People Also Ask" to create blog content that drives traffic
• When and how Pinterest ads actually work for e-commerce
• Why attribution is murky — and how to trust your gut when running ads

 0:00 – Intro
 0:02 – How to use Google to find blog ideas that convert
 1:10 – Linking blog posts back to products and monetizing content
 2:00 – Pinterest: A goldmine for visual and evergreen traffic
 3:20 – Are Pinterest ads worth it? Austin shares results
 4:45 – Organic vs paid Pinterest: What drives more ROI
 6:00 – Planning and buyer intent on Pinterest
 7:00 – How to measure PPC success (or not)
 8:00 – Realistic evaluation windows for ad performance
 9:00 – Common PPC/SEO mistakes to avoid
 10:15 – Who’s a good fit for Becker Marketing’s services
 11:30 – Final thoughts

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• 🛠️ My $27 SEO Starter Course → https://SEOin7Days.com
• 🎙️ Podcast on Apple → Apple Podcasts
• 🎧 Podcast on Spotify → Spotify
• 💬 Austin Becker Marketing → https://abeckermarketing.com
• 📺 YouTube Channel → PPC for Everyone

🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:

1. Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
2. Comment below with your biggest takeaway from Austin's Pinterest or blogging strategy.
3. Start Your SEO journey with my 7 step starter course at 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, sho

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!

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 ROAS
• The 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:

1. Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
2. 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 → @simpleandsmartseo2
• Podcast Hub → https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-

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!

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 

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!

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 website
• Why user satisfaction and mobile-first indexing matter more than ever
• How 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:

1. 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:

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!

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:

1. Subscribe to the show for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
2. 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.
3. 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 w

Text me your questions or comments!

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

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:

1. 🔍 Audit Your Google Business Profile – Fill in every field, especially your services!
2. 🧩 Create Separate Service Pages – Give each service its own optimized landing page.
3. 🕰️ Adjust Business Hours – Consider extending hours to stay visible longer.
4. 📇 Check Your Citations – But skip the pricey ongoing directory services 💸.
5. 🤝 Ask Around – Real-world keyword research starts with real people!

Connect With Darren:

Whitespark.ca

Linkedin

Connect With Crystal:

SimpleandSmartSEO.com

Linkedin

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!

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:

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!

Shreya LaCock, marketing specialist at SEO For Hire, shares the inside world of SEO recruitment and agency hiring. 

From spotting green flags in potential SEO agencies to navigating gender gaps in job applications, Shreya brings both personal experience and professional wisdom. Y

ou’ll also hear what makes an onboarding process successful, the overlooked “honeymoon phase” of hiring, and how to make sure you’re building the right team for long-term growth.

Whether you’re an SEO agency, a business owner looking to hire, or a curious marketer wondering what it takes to break into the SEO world—this episode is packed with gems you don’t want to miss. 💎

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Green Flags in SEO Agencies: Look for long employee tenure, clear career progression, and a culture of mentorship—not just ping pong tables and Friday yacht parties.
• Effective Onboarding Matters: SOPs and transparent communication prevent role confusion and reduce the chances of early turnover.
• The Hiring “Honeymoon Phase”: Expect the first 2–3 months to reveal how new hires handle stress—and stick with them through the dip.
• The Gender Gap in Applications: Women tend to apply only when they meet 100% of the job description, while men often apply when they meet far less.
• Hiring an SEO Agency? Ask for a 3-month plan, check their personal branding online, and look for consistent communication and employee stability.

📌 Episode Highlights:

“Don’t grow a team for the sake of growing a team. Grow it to scale your business.” – Shreya LaCock

“Even recruiters know what it’s like to lose a job. We’re people too.” – Shreya LaCock

🎯 Listener Action Items:

• 🔍 Review your own hiring process: Do you have clear SOPs and onboarding plans for new team members?
• 📋 Vet your future SEO agency: Check Glassdoor reviews, ask for case studies, and look at employee tenure.
• 💼 Applying for a job? Go for it—even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. You bring more to the table than you think.
• 🧰 Download SEO For Hire’s “Hiring OS” or create your own version of job ad templates, onboarding docs, and salary guides.

Connect With Shreya LaCock:

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!

In this can't-miss episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell reconnects with digital strategist and SEO pro Favour Obasi-ike. 

Whether you're podcasting on Wix, exploring RSS feeds, or wondering how to rank better using voice search, this episode is full of insights you can apply today to stay ahead tomorrow.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Own Your Platform: Hosting your podcast on a separate domain boosts domain authority and builds a long-term digital asset.
• Podcast SEO: Turn each episode into its own optimized URL with keyword-rich titles for better indexing and searchability.
• RSS Feeds & Site Maps: These are the backbone of your content strategy—essential for pushing updates and syncing across platforms like Pinterest.
• AI Tools: Tools like Harpa AI can streamline SEO research, transcription, and content creation across platforms.
• Voice Search Readiness: As voice search rises, your brand needs to show up in verbal queries, not just typed ones.
• From SEO to Thought Leadership: The future of SEO is about positioning yourself as a thought leader—focus on delivering value, not just ranking.

✨ Memorable Quotes:

• “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” — Favour Obasi-ike
• “Your website is like a book. Each page is a chapter that Google can rank.” — Favour Obasi-ike
• “You don’t want to be a seller. You want to tell stories people can remember.” — Favour Obasi-ike

📌 Listener Action Items:

• 🛠️ Audit Your Podcast URLs: Are they keyword-friendly? Custom? Indexable?
• 📥 Connect Your RSS Feed: Sync your blog and podcast content to Pinterest and Google Search Console.
• 🌐 Secure Your Domain: Make sure your podcast has a dedicated domain or subdomain to boost long-term visibility.
• 🔍 Explore Harpa.AI: Try this Chrome extension to level up your content creation and SEO game.
• 🎙️ Rethink Content: Are you presenting yourself as a thought leader? Use SEO to show, not just tell.

Connect With Favour:

Linkedin

We Don't Play Podcast

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!

This episode is a full-circle moment! 

Crystal reconnects with the person who first planted the seed that SEO could actually drive traffic—without the middleman of social media. 

Meet Favour Obasi-ike: a podcasting pioneer, SEO strategist, and founder of We Don’t Play Podcast. 

Together, Crystal and Favour take a nostalgic ride through their Clubhouse days, unpack the magic of Pinterest SEO, explore the future of RSS feeds, and share why your website needs a sitemap. 

Like, yesterday!

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just now dipping your toe into SEO, this episode is packed with heart, tech, and next-level brand-building tips.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✋🏽 SEO isn’t just for tech bros—it’s for creatives, connectors, and community builders.
✋🏽 Pinterest + SEO = a secret traffic goldmine (especially when you tap into RSS feeds).
✋🏽 Your sitemap is basically your website’s brain—don’t leave it blank!
✋🏽 Clubhouse may have changed, but the relationships (and strategy seeds) planted there still matter.
✋🏽 Repurposing content—like using podcast convos for blogs—is a powerful SEO move.

📌 Episode Highlights:

“Hey, there’s this thing off social media called SEO…”
“If you're not getting traffic, it's probably because you don’t have a sitemap.”
“Pinterest is SEO in disguise—and it’s growing fast.”
“Clubhouse was our digital coffee shop in 2020. And the friendships stuck.”

🎧 Listen Now If You:

• Miss those early Clubhouse convos and want to feel seen.
• Need SEO and Pinterest demystified in a kind, relatable way.
• Love stories about how business friendships shape your journey.

📝 Listener Action Items:
 

✅ Check if your site has an XML sitemap (and fix it if not!).
✅ Connect your blog’s RSS feed to Pinterest to automate pinning - or call Favour for help!
✅ Send this episode to an old friend who inspired your entrepreneurial path.

Connect With Favour:

Linkedin

We Don't Play Podcast

Website

Cou

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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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:
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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!

In this insightful and refreshingly practical episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Alyssa Corso—SEO strategist and healthcare content pro—to talk all things content refresh. 

Alyssa breaks down her favorite ways to optimize existing content without burning it all down.

Whether you're running a blog in a Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) niche or just wondering if updating the year in your title is enough (spoiler alert: it's not 😅), this episode is packed with real-world tips to make your SEO strategy work smarter, not harder.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Not All Updates Are Equal: A content refresh doesn’t have to mean a full rewrite. Small additions like FAQs or new sources can move the needle.
• YMYL Content = Higher Standards: If your content impacts someone’s health, money, or safety, Google expects top-notch trust and quality signals.
• Check the SERP Features: See what’s ranking (video packs, AI overviews, People Also Ask), then optimize accordingly.
• Don’t Be That Brand: Simply changing the publish date isn’t an update—it’s shady and ineffective.
• Internal & External Links Matter: Link to your own valuable content and trustworthy external sources like .gov or .edu sites to build EEAT.
• AI Isn’t Replacing You (Yet): Use ChatGPT for brainstorming, but don’t let it do all the thinking for you.

🔥 Memorable Quotes:

• “A content update doesn’t have to be an overhaul... It can be an FAQ insert or updating your sources and links.” - Alyssa Corso
• “If you’re ranking #1 but not in the featured snippet—why not try and go for it?” - Alyssa Corso

✅ Listener Action Items:

• 📝 Audit your older posts—can you add a helpful FAQ or new source?
• 🔍 Search your target keyword and note what SERP features appear.
• 🔗 Add new internal and external links to boost EEAT.

📬 Connect with Alyssa at alyssacorso.com or drop her a line at alyssa@alyssacorso.com.

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!

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell chats with SEO consultant and BrightonSEO speaker Alyssa Corso about a topic every content creator should understand—SEO content decay. 

Alyssa shares how content naturally loses visibility over time and outlines a strategic process for updating content to improve performance and generate real business results.

From identifying "money keywords" to understanding the phases of content decay, this episode is packed with insights on how to make your existing content work harder for your business. 

Whether you're a startup with limited resources or a seasoned marketer, Alyssa’s practical strategies will help you tie your content efforts to revenue—and avoid wasting valuable time.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• SEO Content Decay Defined: Alyssa breaks down the lifecycle of content—from initial spike to inevitable decline—and why regular updates matter.
• Revenue-Driven Content Strategy: Learn how to identify "money keywords" and optimize content that leads to conversions.
• Update with Purpose: Alyssa explains how to use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEOGets to prioritize what to update and when.
• Content Clusters for Niche SEO: Especially in industries like healthcare, Alyssa shows how to build supporting content around core topics.
• Avoid Reactionary SEO: Don’t overreact to algorithm changes—strategic, user-first updates are key.

🔦 Episode Highlights:

"Does this piece of content bring revenue to the business—or does it have another type of value to reach your goals?"
– Alyssa Corso"

There’s more opportunity on the other side of trying than not trying at all."
– Crystal Waddell

✅ Listener Action Items:

• Audit your existing blog content using Google Analytics and Search Console.
• Identify your top revenue-driving keywords—aka "money keywords."
• Create a spreadsheet or use a tool like Monday.com to monitor content age and performance.
• Update content that aligns with your business goals, not just based on rankings.
• Track conversions through GA4, UTM links, or email capture to understand content impact.

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!

In this jam-packed Part 2 episode, I continue my insightful chat with David Green, founder of Devslove.com. 

We dive deep into Google Ads, strategic ad spend, and the realities of running paid campaigns for small businesses. 

David shares expert insights on choosing the right platform, retargeting strategies, and why SEO and AI-driven search are shaping the future of digital marketing. 

Plus, we discuss pricing, profitability, and setting the right goals to make digital marketing actually work for your business. 

If you're an entrepreneur looking for a clear strategy to maximize your online presence, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🔥 Key Takeaways:

 ✅ Choosing the Right Platform – Should you start with Google Ads, Facebook, or LinkedIn?
✅ Retargeting 101 – The power of keeping your brand top of mind for potential customers.
✅ Ad Spend Strategy – The 90-day rule for testing ad profitability.
✅ Pricing and Profitability – Why underpricing can ruin your ability to run ads effectively.
✅ SEO vs. Paid Search – How they work together for long-term growth.
✅ AI & Search Trends – What’s changing in 2025 and why SEO is still critical.

✨ Memorable Quotes:

💡 “Google Search is one of the best proxies for demand that you can find.” – David Green
💡 “If you're not converting high-intent visitors, something is wrong with your website—not your ads.” – David Green
💡 “Ads don’t work if your pricing isn’t built for profitability.” – Crystal Waddell
💡 “SEO is about more than just traffic—it’s about making that traffic meaningful for your business.” – Crystal Waddell

🎯 Listener Action Items:

✔️ Do a quick Google keyword

Text me your questions or comments!

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!