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

Hosted by Crystal Waddell

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246

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Ready to turn your Etsy shop into a powerhouse brand on Shopify? The Simple and Smart SEO Show is the go-to podcast for Etsy sellers ready to bridge the gap between a marketplace shop and a powerhouse Shopify brand. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all roadmaps. Instead, I provide the high-level SEO insights and strategic shifts you need to interpret for your unique business. Join me to learn how to master the Shopify ecosystem, own your traffic, and build a brand that thrives on your own terms through smart, data-driven insights. Whether you’re just opening your Shopify store or looking to optimize an existing one, join us each week to simplify your marketing and grow your business on your own terms.

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June 10, 202633 min

Bottom of Funnel Marketing: The Power of Diverse SEO Content

This Summer SEO Rewind episode is one you may have missed, but it is worth coming back to in 2026 ...especially if you’re trying to create content that actually helps your audience instead of just adding more noise to the internet.In this conversation, I’m joined by Christine McLean Lewis to talk about how content and expertise work together, why your content should be built around the customer experience, and how different types of content assets:blog posts, videos, case studies, podcasts, social content, and more ...can support your audience at different points in their journey. Christine explains that a content asset is anything you create to solve a specific problem or answer a customer’s question, which is such a helpful way to think beyond “just write another blog post.”This episode also digs into linkable assets, original research, social proof, user-generated content, and why case studies matter so much when you want your content to build trust. Not just traffic.And honestly? In 2026, this message matters even more. With AI-generated content everywhere, the brands that stand out are the ones willing to bring real expertise, real examples, real customer insight, and real proof into their content. Christine’s best advice still hits: don’t follow the crowd. Instead, showcase your expertise.So if you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, ecommerce seller, or content creator wondering how to make your content more useful, more strategic, and more connected to your actual customers, this rewind episode is a perfect listen. Think of it as a reminder that better SEO starts with better service to the person on the other side of the screen.Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at aise Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

June 3, 202622 min

Best of Season 2: Tips and Strategies for Effective SEO

We’re continuing the Summer SEO Replays Series with a throwback to one of our most popular episodes from The Simple and Smart SEO Show.This listener-favorite recap originally highlighted the top three most-listened-to episodes from season two, featuring conversations with Angie Colee, Nicole Lewis, and Matt Diamante. And honestly? The advice still holds up.In this replay, you’ll hear simple, practical SEO wisdom for business owners who want to get found online without feeling overwhelmed. We revisit how SEO is really about helping the right people find you, why platforms like Etsy function as search engines, and how local SEO builds the “roads” that lead customers to your business.Whether you’re catching this episode for the first time or listening again with fresh ears, this summer replay is packed with reminders that SEO does not have to be scary, overly technical, or reserved for big businesses. You can understand it, improve it, and use it to grow your visibility with confidence. Why We’re Bringing This Episode BackThis episode earned its place in our summer replay series because it brought together three of the most-loved SEO conversations from season two.It’s a perfect refresher for summer because it covers the foundations so many business owners need to hear again:👉🏽 You already have content working for you.👉🏽 You probably already have some kind of SEO happening.When you become intentional with your keywords, your content, your listings, and your website structure, you make it much easier for the right people to find you.Key Takeaways1. SEO is not just for “techy” people.Angie Colee’s conversation reminds us that a lot of business owners avoid SEO because it feels complicated, technical, or intimidating. But SEO can be understood in much simpler terms: it helps people find you when they are already searching for what you offer.2. You can be your own SEO superhero.You do not need a massive budget, a giant team, or secret insider knowledge to get started. The first step is understanding what keywords you want to be found for and making sure your website clearly communicates who you help and how.3. SEO and content strategy are connected.Your content is already sending signals about your business. When you become more intentional with your words, links, and pages, you can guide both people and search engines toward your most important offers.4. Etsy is a search engine, too.Nicole Lewis’ episode is a great reminder that Etsy sellers need to think beyond simply uploading products. Etsy SEO includes query matching, ranking, listing titles, tags, categories, attributes, photos, and customer experience.5. Good product photography and branding matter for SEO.Getting found is only part of the equation. Once your listing shows up in search results, your photo, branding, and listing quality help shoppers decide whether to click.6. Your website needs roads leading to it.Matt Diamante’s local SEO analogy is one of the standout moments from this replay. A website without SEO is like a storefront in the middle of a field. SEO builds the roads that help people find it.7. SEO work should be visible and understandable.Business owners deserve to know what goes into SEO, from title tags and meta descriptions to headings, content, backlinks, and technical improvements. Even if you hire help, understanding the basics helps you make better decisions.Episode Highlights“SEO just functions as that yellow page listing. And if you’re not listed, if you don’t have a strategy to make yourself available to people, they’re not going to be able to find you.”“You can be your own SEO superhero.”“You have SEO on your site already. You just probably don’t have a strategy.”“SEO really is like a game. Once you start playing, you realize there are different ways that you can win.”“Etsy is a search engine.”“You want to make sure that your product is not only matching the query that someone’s typing in, but you also want to make sure that your items are ranking.”“Your website is like a storefront in the middle of a field. SEO builds the roads so people can actually find it.”Listener Action ItemsChoose one keyword you want to be found for. Start simple. What would your ideal customer type into Google, Etsy, Pinterest, or another search platform to find what you offer? Review one important page or listing. Look at your title, headings, product name, description, tags, or categories. Make sure they clearly match what your audience is searching for. Add one internal link. If you have a blog post or page getting traffic, link it to a relevant offer, product, or service page. Audit your product or website visuals. For Etsy sellers and ecommerce businesses, ask: would someone click your photo first in a sea of similar results? Think of SEO as infrastructure. Your website is not automatically discoverable just because it exists. What roads are you building to help people get there?Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

May 27, 202610 min

Why More Traffic Isn’t Always Better: Performance SEO with Andrew Holland

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell revisits part one of her conversation with Andy Holland about performance SEO...the kind of SEO that focuses on sales, revenue, and meaningful business growth instead of vanity traffic.Andy breaks down why chasing massive traffic numbers can be misleading, especially when that traffic does not convert into revenue. He shares how bottom-of-funnel, buyer-intent pages can create real business impact, even when they do not bring huge traffic spikes. The big takeaway? SEO should help brands capture people who are ready to buy — not just attract people who are casually browsing.If you have ever wondered why your traffic is growing but your sales are not, this episode will help you rethink what SEO success should actually look like.Key Takeaways1. Performance SEO is about sales, not trafficAndy explains that performance SEO is focused on helping brands increase turnover and capture sales. Traffic graphs are interesting, but they do not tell the whole story if revenue is not growing.2. Not all traffic is valuableA website can attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and still fail to create meaningful business results. Andy gives the example of content that brings in massive traffic but attracts people who are nowhere near buying the actual product or service.3. Bottom-of-funnel content can be more profitableInstead of focusing only on top-of-funnel informational content, Andy shares how commercially focused pages with high purchase intent can dramatically increase revenue, even with very small traffic gains.4. Organic search helps capture today’s buyersSEO works best when it helps your brand show up when people are already in buying mode. Andy compares search to a supermarket aisle: people are browsing, comparing, and deciding what to put in their basket.5. SEO creates small but powerful nudgesAndy describes SEO as a way to create online nudges that influence buyers at the moment they are deciding. Ranking organically gives your brand a chance to be part of that decision without paying for every click.Episode Highlights“Performance SEO is ultimately about turnover.”“Traffic has to be meaningful, not meaningless.”“Go do me a strategy that makes me money, not traffic.”Listener Action ItemsAudit your traffic: Look at your highest-traffic pages and ask: are these visitors likely to buy?Identify buyer-intent pages: Find the pages, products, or services that people visit when they are closer to making a decision.Stop chasing vanity metrics: Measure SEO by revenue, leads, conversions, and business impact — not just clicks.Create better nudges: Improve your product pages, service pages, comparison content, and purchase-intent content so buyers have a reason to choose you.Build SEO around profit: Focus your strategy on pages that support sales, not just pages that look good in a traffic report.Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

May 20, 2026Episode 2086 min

Why Your Shopify Taxonomy Matters for SEO, GEO, and AI Search: A Podcast with C-Dub, My Digital Avatar

Your Shopify taxonomy is not just your navigation menu — it’s the way your store teaches Shopify, Google, Pinterest, TikTok, Meta, and AI tools like ChatGPT what your products are, who they’re for, and why they matter.In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I’m breaking down why taxonomy is really your store’s semantic strategy. We’ll talk about the difference between Shopify’s built-in structure and the deeper semantic taxonomy your e-commerce store actually needs for modern SEO, GEO, and AI search.If your products, collections, tags, metafields, variants, and SKU prefixes feel a little chaotic, this episode will help you see how they can all work together to create a clearer, smarter product universe.You’ll learn: Why Shopify taxonomy is your store’s ontology The difference between Shopify’s structural taxonomy and your semantic taxonomy Why collections and tags alone are not enough for modern search How AI and LLMs interpret your product categories Why persona or solution hubs matter for buyer intent How SKU prefixes can act as semantic signals The three-tier taxonomy framework for e-commerce brands Why clear information architecture can improve visibility, conversions, and AI recommendations The big idea: your taxonomy is not just a set of collections. It’s a semantic model of your business.When your product categories, attributes, titles, metafields, and internal links all work together, you reduce confusion for buyers and ambiguity for AI — which can lead to better search visibility, stronger buyer journeys, and a store that is easier to understand, recommend, and buy from.Resources MentionedJoin AI SEO Skool (Join FREE for 7 days!): https://AISEOskool.comVisit the website: https://simpleandsmartseo.comPodcast hub: https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcastText me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

May 13, 2026Episode 20719 min

Audience-First SEO, Emotional Hooks & Content That Connects with Angela Skane (Part 2)

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell continues her conversation with Angela Skane about creating SEO content that goes beyond keywords and actually connects with your audience. ✨Angela explains why businesses should stop obsessing over every possible long-tail query — especially in the age of AI search — and instead focus on deeply understanding their target audience.Because when you understand your audience’s pain points, motivations, emotional triggers, and environment, you can create content that feels more human, more helpful, and more persuasive. 🧠Crystal and Angela also discuss psychology levers, emotional data points, customer feedback, jobs theory, and how to create stronger hooks for blog posts, product pages, and landing pages.Angela shares why data and statistics can be powerful tools for helping readers see themselves in your content.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, Shopify seller, Etsy seller, or small business owner trying to make your content more effective, this episode will help you think differently about SEO, AI search, and content strategy.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✨ Why audience understanding matters more than chasing endless keyword variations 🧠 How psychology levers help you connect with your ideal customer 📊 Why data points and statistics can make your content more compelling 💬 How to write hooks that make people feel seen 🛍️ What this means for product pages, Shopify SEO, and ecommerce content 🤖 Why writing only for robots creates boring content humans won’t act onResources Mentioned:🛠️ Get help with AI SEO, Shopify SEO, and moving your Etsy shop to Shopify🎙️ Podcast Hub🌐 Crystal’s Website📸 Crystal on Instagram🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 SpotifyConnect With Angela: 🌐 Network SolutionsListener Action Step:Take one blog post, product page, or landing page and ask yourself:Does this make my audience feel seen?Then look for one emotional hook, customer insight, or data point you can add to make the content more compelling.And if you’re an Etsy seller who is ready to build a more searchable, scalable Shopify store, join us at AiSEOskool.com for help moving from Etsy to Shopify and building your AI-ready SEO strategy.Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

May 6, 2026Episode 20621 min

Why SEO Needs Psychology: Angela Skane on TikTok, Conversions, and the Future of Search

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes Angela Skane from Network Solutions for a conversation about why SEO needs to move beyond rankings, impressions, and visibility.Angela shares how her background in link building, viral content, and content strategy shaped the way she thinks about SEO today. Her big message? Impressions don’t pay the bills. SEO content has to do more than show up — it has to connect with real people and help them take action.Crystal and Angela also dig into what TikTok can teach SEOs about psychology, audience targeting, emotional triggers, and conversion. From TikTok Shop affiliate content to AI-powered personalized search, Angela explains why the future of SEO belongs to marketers who understand both algorithms and human behavior.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, Shopify seller, content marketer, or SEO professional trying to understand where search is headed, this conversation will help you rethink how you create content for the people behind the keywords.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why SEO visibility is not the same as business resultsHow TikTok reveals what makes people stop, click, share, and buyWhy SEOs need to take more responsibility for conversionHow personalized search and LLMs are changing content strategyWhy writing to rank is not enough in the future of searchHow to speak more directly to your audience through your contentResources mentioned:Network Solutions: https://www.networksolutions.comPodcast Hub: https://SimpleandSmartSEO.com/best-seo-podcastConnect with Crystal: InstagramBook a Call with CrystalLinkedinText me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

April 22, 2026Episode 20522 min

From SEO to AI Search: Building a Modern Visibility Ecosystem That Actually Works (Part 3 with Aimee Jurenka)

Crystal sits down with SEO expert Aimee Jurenka to unpack what visibility really looks like in the age of AI search. As traditional funnels break down and LLM-driven discovery rises, Crystal shares a practical, no-fluff framework for staying competitive: Get Found. Earn Trust. Be Chosen.They explore why foundational SEO still drives the majority of traffic, how AI bots interpret your content differently than search engines, and what small business owners can do—without massive budgets—to stay visible. From semantic content and structured HTML to brand signals and “grounding queries,” this conversation bridges the gap between classic SEO and emerging AI search strategies.If you're wondering how to adapt your marketing in a world where AI summarizes the internet, this episode gives you a clear starting point.🔑 Key TakeawaysFoundational SEO Still Matters Traditional SEO (titles, meta descriptions, product feeds, crawlability) remains the backbone of traffic—even as AI evolves. AI Search Requires Semantic Clarity LLMs interpret content through meaning, not just keywords. Structuring content semantically is critical for visibility. Your Brand Is Now a Ranking Signal AI systems rely on “grounding queries”—external validation of your brand across the web. Publish What You Used to Hide Customer service info, pricing, and sales materials should now be public to feed AI understanding. Structured Content Is Back (H1–H3) Proper HTML hierarchy helps AI and bots understand your content organization. Visibility > Rankings Traditional KPIs like sessions and rankings are fading—AI-era success is about presence across ecosystems.💡 Bonus InsightAimee suggests a powerful mindset shift: Instead of asking “How do I rank?” → ask “How do I become the source AI chooses?”Connect with Aimee: Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

April 15, 2026Episode 20416 min

SEO, But Make It Honest: Traffic, AI, and the Truth No One Wants to Say (Part 2 with Aimee Jurenka)

Is the old inbound marketing playbook officially broken? According to AI Visibility Strategist Aimee Jurenka, it’s time to "throw a funeral" for the traditional traffic metrics we’ve relied on for a decade.In this episode, Crystal and Aimee dive into the "panic state" many marketers feel as AI search begins to "swallow" organic traffic. They move beyond the fear to provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs and SEOs who need to adapt to a world where visibility matters more than rankings.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Inbound Funeral: Why traditional silos are failing and why we need to look at what actually converts rather than just what brings traffic.Visibility vs. Traffic: How to shift your mindset (and your C-suite’s expectations) from SEO rankings to AI search visibility.The "Search Everywhere" Strategy: Why e-commerce is moving to TikTok and how platforms like Reddit and Quora are becoming the new discovery engines.Proving Your Worth Without Data: How to use correlation, "grounding queries," and branded search metrics when traditional tracking goes dark.The Rise of the Specialist: Why the future of marketing belongs to the "AI Visibility Strategist" and niche specialists in Reddit or Citations.Key Resources Mentioned:Google Analytics & Tracking Experts: Dana DiTomaso and Brie Anderson.Tools: Bing AI Reports, Google Search Console, and Agentic SEO strategies.Top Quotes:"I feel like we just need to throw a funeral for all that inbound traffic we used to get... Let's look at what actually converted." — Aimee Jurenka "SEO is about rankings and traffic; AI search is going to be about visibility." — Aimee Jurenka Are you ready to stop chasing sessions and start chasing visibility? Tune in to learn how to future-proof your career and your business in the age of AI. 🚀Text me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

April 8, 2026Episode 2036 min

SEO Got Us Traffic… But Not Sales (Here’s the Problem) Part 1 With Aimee Jurenka

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I sit down with SEO expert Aimee Jurenka to unpack a major shift happening in the industry right now:👉 The death of inbound marketing as we know it.For over a decade, SEO success was measured by one thing: traffic. But with the rise of AI search and disappearing clicks, that model is breaking fast.We’re talking about: Why inbound marketing worked for so long The real reason traffic became the main KPI What AI search is changing about visibility Why traffic without conversion is no longer enough And what SEO professionals and business owners need to focus on next If you’ve ever felt like “more traffic” didn’t equal more sales… this episode will connect the dots.🔑 Key TakeawaysTraffic was the product SEO sold For years, success = clicks, rankings, and traffic growth—not revenue. Inbound marketing created a handoff problem SEO brought visitors… but conversions were someone else’s responsibility. AI search is breaking the traffic model With fewer clicks from search results, the old system can’t deliver the same results anymore. Visibility + conversion are the new priorities SEO is shifting from “get traffic” to “drive outcomes.” This is a scary… but powerful opportunity The industry is being forced to align with what actually matters: sales. ✨ Memorable Moments “Success was clicks and traffic… that’s what we sold.” “Inbound marketing was about traffic. AI search is about visibility and conversion.” “We got you the traffic… and then passed it off.” 🎯 Listener Action Items Take a look at your current metrics: 👉🏽 Are you tracking traffic… or revenue? Identify your biggest drop-off point: 👉🏽 Is it clicks → visits, visits → cart, or cart → checkout? Start shifting your strategy: 👉🏽 Focus on content and pages that help people buy, not just browse.Connect With Crystal:SimpleandSmartSEO.comJoin My AI SEO Skool Community!Connect With Aimee:AimeeJurenka.comLinkedinText me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!

March 25, 2026Episode 20218 min

The SEO & Content Strategy That Actually Drives Growth (Part 2 With Matt Diamante)

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with SEO expert Matt Diamante in part 2 of their conversation to break down what actually moves the needle in your business visibility.Matt shares why most business owners are stuck doing the wrong kind of work...and how shifting from “doing” to “promoting” can unlock real growth. From building trust through consistent content to turning one idea into multiple marketing assets, this episode simplifies SEO and content strategy into actionable steps anyone can follow.You’ll also learn how to overcome fear of idea theft, why email marketing still dominates conversions, and how accountability, not information! Is the missing piece for most entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways:Work on your business, not just in it: If you’re not serving customers, you should be creating content that attracts them.Consistency builds trust: Showing up regularly online signals credibility and keeps your business top of mind.One idea = multiple pieces of content: Repurpose a single concept across blogs, videos, and emails.Episode Highlights:“People don’t need more information. They need more action.”“99% of people haven’t seen your content—so say it again.”Listener Action Items:Audit your time: Identify where you’re stuck “doing” instead of promoting your business.Start or use your email list: Send one value-driven email to your audience this week.Take action immediately: Don’t just consume—implement one strategy from this episode today.Connect With Us!Matt DiamanteHeyTony.caBuy Matt's Book "Get Found" on Amazon Crystal Waddell: SimpleandSmartSEO.comJoin My AI SEO SkoolJoin My 3-Day Visibility ChallengeText me your questions or comments!Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us atSupport the showBook a Shopify Store Strategy Call With Crystal!Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!AFFILIATE LINKS:Start your Shopify Store!Get SurferSEO!Metricool (to be everywhere online, you NEED a social media scheduler!)Grid and PixelNote: 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!