Simple and Smart SEO: GEO for Shopify and Etsy sellers

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down how AI search systems can lock businesses into outdated messaging, even after they've evolved. 

Using a real-world case study of a lawn service company transitioning from residential to large-scale commercial work, Crystal explains how semantic misalignment—not visibility—is often the root problem. 

She introduces the concept of semantic alignment and shows how refining website language and structure can guide AI to recommend businesses for the right type of work. 

From homepage rewrites to contact form tweaks, you'll learn how to future-proof your business's online presence.

Key Takeaways:

• Semantic Clarity Over SEO Volume: The problem isn’t always lack of keywords—it’s misaligned meaning that AI misinterprets.
• AI Sees Language, Not Intent: Your evolving business needs evolving semantics to match.
• Refine Category Language: AI already knows how to group services—your site just needs to claim that space.
• Emphasize Equipment and Scale: Specifics like tractor sizes or acreage capacity build trust and align expectations.
• Update Contact Forms Thoughtfully: Even small changes like renaming service frequency options can better match buyer psychology and train AI.
• Your Website Trains AI Too: Every word on your site tells AI what kind of work to send your way.

Episode Highlights:

• "AI doesn't see your intentions. It sees your language."
• "The site stopped pulling him backward—and started supporting where he's going."
• "Semantic alignment isn't about traffic. It's about getting the right work."

Listener Action Items:

1. Run a Semantic Audit: Use Crystal’s Semantic Alignment Analyzer to see if your website says what you intend.
2. Clarify Your Core Services: Choose two main services that reflect your desired direction and build content around them.
3. Refine Emotional Tone: Shift from pride/vanity messaging to reliability/compliance language if targeting commercial clients.
4. Test the "Lite" Tool: Join the AI SEO Skool for access to a free version of the analyzer and start optimizing today.

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell unpacks the concept of semantic triples and how understanding them can solve one of the most frustrating SEO issues ... getting impressions but no clicks. 

Drawing from her experience at a technical SEO conference and a real-world case study from her own business, Crystal reveals how aligning your page’s content with user intent (not just keywords) can lead to higher conversions. 

Whether you're an SEO novice or pro, this episode offers actionable insights into fixing semantic misalignment and crafting on age content metadata that actually converts.

Key Takeaways:

• Semantic Triples Explained: Learn how the "who," "what," and "why" of user intent can clarify your SEO strategy.
• Real-World Example: Crystal shares how her page for “volleyball gifts for girls” got 1,700+ impressions with zero clicks—and how she fixed it.
• Diagnosing Intent Mismatch: Uncover how tools can reveal pricing shock, vague copy, and semantic misalignment.
• Actionable Fixes: Get practical changes you can make to metadata, product descriptions, and page flow to convert better.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s not a traffic problem. It’s not a keyword problem. It’s a meaning problem.”
• “The fact is, if there’s no click, there’s no conversion—and that means there’s no SEO value.”
• “Being understood is the real work.”

Listener Action Items:

1. Audit Your Own Pages: Use semantic triples (who, what, why) to evaluate whether your content truly aligns with search intent.
2. Rewrite Metadata: Make your titles and meta descriptions more specific and emotionally engaging.
3. Clarify Your Offer: Lead with emotional hooks and value before asking the user to take action.
4. Book a Consult: If you're stuck, schedule a semantic alignment audit via Simple and Smart SEO
   .

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this special workshop-style episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell guides you through creating a one-page vision board for 2026 that blends your business goals, SEO priorities, and personal life — without overwhelm.

Whether you’re a Shopify seller, creative entrepreneur, or service-based business owner, this episode gives you space to reflect, reset, and move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.

✨ Grab a pen, some paper, and about 45 minutes — and let’s map out where your energy is going next.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:37 – Blending SEO goals with personal and business goals
1:27 – You don’t have to choose between being a boss and having peace
2:06 – Meet Crystal + her teacher-era vision board story
3:36 – Why multiple vision boards didn’t work
4:20 – How to prepare for the workshop (and protect your focus)
4:56 – Choosing your Word of the Year
5:52 – Turning your word into emotions + actions
6:51 – Guided reflection: how you want to feel at the end of 2026
7:31 – What habit or mindset you’re releasing
8:14 – Skills and experiences you’re saying yes to
9:24 – Creating your vision board in Canva (one-slide rule!)
11:16 – Section 1: Casting your vision
12:24 – Section 2: Business visibility & SEO strategy
15:04 – Sections 3 & 4: Personal goals + business goal tracking
18:00 – Using your vision board as daily guidance
18:45 – How to share your vision board + what’s coming next

🧠 Key Takeaways

• One clear vision board is more powerful than multiple scattered ones
• Your Word of the Year should act as a filter for decisions
• SEO and visibility goals work best when aligned with how you want to feel
• Peace and ambition are not opposites — they can coexist

🙌🏽 Listener Action Items

1. Create a one-slide vision board in Canva using emotions + imagery
2. Set 1–2 visibility or SEO goals that actually support your life
3. Make your vision board your desktop or phone background

📚 Resources & Mentions

• 🎓 Join the free Shopify SEO & Traffic Challenge → https://aiseoskool.com
• 📸 Share your vision board on Instagram → @simpleandsmartseo
• Connect with Crystal on Linkedin.com

👩🏽‍💻 About the Host

Hi, I’m Crystal Waddell — SEO educator, Shopify seller, and creator of The Simple and Smart SEO Show. I help entrepreneurs simplify SEO, build sustainable visibility, and grow businesses that support real life — not consume it.

Learn more at https://simpleandsmartseo.com

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

I'm sharing a throwback video that I made to help you think about creating a vision board for your business in 2026!

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a hands-on workshop using Canva to create strategic vision boards for your business. Discover how to design quarterly, monthly, and weekly boards that align with your marketing goals, blog content, and brand messaging. Whether you're new to Canva or just need a creative boost, this episode provides step-by-step guidance and ideas to help you stay focused, organized, and inspired.

Key Takeaways:

• Quarterly Vision Boards: Learn how to structure vision boards for each quarter using blog topics, marketing focus areas, and personal/business reminders. And a FREE template!
• Monthly Messaging: Discover the power of one core message per month and how visuals can support your brand identity.
• Using Canva Effectively: See how to drag and drop images into Canva grids—even if you're a beginner.
• Visual Branding: Use representative photos to convey your values, target audience, and offers.
• Progressive Planning: Templates are available for weekly, monthly, and quarterly planning to fit your workflow.

"If you make a vision board, tag me on Instagram—I'd love to see what you create!"

Listener Action Items:

1. Create Your Own Vision Board: Use Canva to design a quarterly or monthly vision board tailored to your business goals.
2. Set Your Monthly Message: Define one clear message each month to guide your content and marketing.
3. Choose Visuals Intentionally: Select images that resonate with your brand, goals, and target audience.
4. Share and Connect: Snap a pic of your vision board and tag the host on Instagram to join the community conversation.

Join my SEO Skool to get access to a full vision board planning workshop!

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this “Best of 2025” highlight from the Simple and Smart SEO Show, we revisit one of our top-performing episodes featuring local SEO expert Darren Shaw. 

Darren breaks down the critical mistake many local businesses make with their websites—and how to fix it using individual service pages. 

If you're relying on a single "Services" page or even worse—a one-page website—this episode is a must-listen. Learn how your website becomes the database that powers your Google Business Profile, and how to fully optimize it for maximum local search visibility.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• One page isn’t enough: A single “Services” page with bullet points won't cut it for local SEO.
• Each service deserves a page: Every primary service your business offers should have its own dedicated, optimized page.
• Your website feeds Google: Google uses your website as the main data source for your Google Business Profile.
• Avoid one-page websites: They limit SEO potential with a single title tag and minimal schema markup.
• Add rich content: Include videos, FAQs, and context to enhance each service page's value.

💬 Episode Highlights from Darren Shaw:

• "People haven't made that mental connection... your website is the database for your Google Business Profile." 
• "A one-page website? You only get one title tag... Can I please have multiple pages to optimize?"
• "The more information you have on your website, the better your local SEO visibility."

✅ Listener Action Items:

1. Audit your website: Check if each of your services has its own page. If not, plan to build them out.
2. Optimize content: Add title tags, schema markup, FAQs, and videos to each service page.
3. Rethink your site structure: If you're using a one-page website, consider upgrading to a multi-page format.
4. Link strategically: Ensure each service page links appropriately from your main services navigation.

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this solo “Follow Through Friday” episode, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) reflects on the powerful branding and SEO insights shared by Mordy Oberstein (Former Head of Brand at Wix and Unified Brand Marketing.) 

I'm sharing how I've implemented them in my own business. From niching down my e-commerce offerings to optimizing emotional storytelling in my SEO strategy, I share actionable takeaways and honest lessons that led to smart growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Own Your Niche: Trying to serve everyone leads to confusion; doubling down on “senior night gifts” turned Crystal’s brand into the go-to source.
• Brand Identity Matters: When you’re for someone, you’re not for everyone — and that’s a strength, not a weakness.
• Price with Purpose: Raising prices to reflect value may turn away some customers — but it attracts the right ones.
• SEO + Branding = Power Couple: Traffic without conversion is a dead end; emotional storytelling transforms page views into purchases.
• Product Bundling for Growth: Offering customizable, repeatable product experiences increases cart size and customer retention.

Memorable Quotes:

• “SEO isn’t just about being found, it’s about being remembered.” – Crystal Waddell
• “Does your page just rank — or does it resonate?” – Crystal Waddell

Listener Action Items:

1. Audit Your Brand Message: Who are you for? Who are you not for? Rework your messaging to reflect that clarity.
2. Raise Prices Confidently: Evaluate if you’re undercharging for your work — and raise prices to align with your value.
3. SEO with Soul: Look at your top pages. Do they tell a story? Do they speak to one specific customer’s emotional journey?
4. Revisit Your Product Line: Can you bundle or personalize existing products for better sales and repeat customers?
5. Check Conversion, Not Just Traffic: Review if your SEO strategy leads to sales — not just visits.

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) welcomes back Ashley from Deviation to dive deep into the evolving world of search. 

We break down digital silos across marketing teams, explore the power of unified metrics, and discuss why brand search and intent-rich content are key to dominating the search-everywhere era. 

From creating demand via social media to optimizing for long-tail keywords and leveraging data-driven strategy visuals, this conversation is packed with tactical and strategic gold for business owners, content creators, and SEOs alike.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Monthly Search Volume Isn’t King: Start with intent research, then validate with search volume—don't let metrics dictate strategy prematurely.
• Break Digital Silos: Align KPIs across search, brand, and social teams to create unified, impactful digital strategies.
• Brand + Awareness Terms Are the Future: Think "Your Brand + Topic You Want to Own" to drive searches and become synonymous with your niche.
• Organic and Paid Should Work Together: Use organic performance data to inform paid ad strategy and amplify proven content.
• Optimize for Intent, Not Volume: Long-tail, niche-specific PLPs and PDPs outperform high-volume generic terms in the age of AI search.
• Spider Graph Strategy Visualization: A revolutionary tool for mapping brand presence across platforms and identifying strategic content gaps.
• AI Agents in SEO: Breakthrough potential when backed by trusted tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs—be cautious of generic wrappers.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• "You might be better creating long-tail, intent-focused PLPs with 30 searches a month—because 15 might convert." - Ashley Liddell
• "Brand plus awareness terms is how you become synonymous with your niche—and maybe even create your own category."

🎯 Listener Action Items:

1. Create Intent-Rich Pages: Build PLPs and PDPs around specific customer intents, not just keywords.
2. Use Social to Drive Demand: Craft social content around the awareness terms you want to be known for, then track "brand + keyword" searches.
3. Don’t Obsess Over Volume: Focus on solution-based, conversion-optimized content—especially for long-tail, conversational search terms.

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 at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this Black Friday-themed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes John Hogan, co-founder of Grid and Pixel. 

We dive deep into how e-commerce businesses, especially those on Shopify, can use personalized and fully automated email flows to drive more revenue. 

Learn the secrets to converting visitors with targeted popups, the importance of various email flows (including abandoned cart, product browse, and post-purchase), and how Grid and Pixel streamlines everything with AI. 

Whether you're a seasoned email marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips for boosting Black Friday and year-round sales.

Key Takeaways:

• Automated Email Wins: Grid and Pixel helps brands automate both email campaigns and flows for increased sales and reduced workload.
• Email Flows Matter: Key flows like welcome series, abandoned cart, and post-purchase emails can significantly boost revenue.
• Personalization Drives Conversions: Tailored product recommendations and content outperform generic blasts.
• Shopify Email vs Klaviyo: Shopify email works for automations but struggles with high bounce rates in campaigns—Klaviyo or Omnisend are stronger choices.
• Time-Saving AI: Grid and Pixel acts like an AI-powered marketing assistant, reducing the need for costly agencies.

Episode Highlights:

• "We realized quickly that store owners didn’t want to implement email marketing themselves. They either didn’t have time or didn’t want to learn." – John Hogan
• "A product browse email can drive as much revenue as abandoned checkout emails over time." – John Hogan
• "Shopify email has a bounce problem—it’s great for automations, but campaigns can get shut down due to high bounce rates." – John Hogan

Listener Action Items:

1. Audit Your Email Flows: Review whether you’ve set up all the essential flows—welcome series, abandonments, post-purchase, win-backs, etc.
2. Test New Opt-in Offers: Swap out tired 10% discounts with more compelling hooks like mystery discounts or giveaways.
3. Explore Grid and Pixel: Take advantage of their Black Friday deal ($100 off your first month) to automate your email marketing and increase conversions.

Use my link so they know I sent you!

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm stitting down with Ashley Liddell, co-founder of Deviation, to explore the concept of “Search Everywhere® .” 

From Sephora’s “Black Beauty Is Beauty” campaign to understanding the evolution of search across platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Reddit, Ashley shares his journey to building a unique SEO agency. 

We discuss the fragmentation of the customer journey, optimizing across platforms, and why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough.

Key Takeaways:

• Search Everywhere®  Philosophy: SEO now means being discoverable on every platform where your audience is already spending time—not just Google.
• Brand Discovery vs. Intent Search: Ashley explains the difference between interruptive discovery (social platforms) vs. intentional problem-solving (search engines).
• Customer Journey Mapping: Understanding platform intent and audience behavior is essential to building omnichannel search strategies.
• Sephora’s Case Study: A missed opportunity to capitalize on a 7,000% search lift after a viral campaign highlights the need for integrated internal comms between marketing and SEO teams.
• Platform-Specific Optimization: Brands must tailor content (video, visual, text) based on platform expectations and user intent.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Search Everywhere®  is about engineering brand discovery where your audience actually hangs out.” – Ashley Liddell
• “We’ve always conformed to Google’s expectations—but what if your audience doesn’t?” – Ashley Liddell
• “That 7,000% spike in brand search was completely missed because of internal silos.” – Ashley Liddell

Listener Action Items:

1. Reevaluate Your Search Strategy: Consider where your audience spends time—beyond Google—and start optimizing there.
2. Audit Internal Communication: Ensure your marketing, social, and SEO teams are aligned and sharing data.
3. Review Campaign Metrics Holistically: Don’t just track social performance—look at how it influences branded search and on-site behavior.

Connect with Ashley:

Linkedin

Deviation Agency

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode, Crystal continues her conversation with Deonnah Carolus, the founder of E-Commerce Savvy, diving deeper into launching and scaling Shopify stores with the help of AI tools. 

Deonnah shares practical insights on using Shopify’s built-in features versus third-party themes, optimizing SEO for long-term visibility, setting realistic timelines for launching a store, and the mindset shifts needed to succeed in e-commerce. 

Whether you’re transitioning from Etsy or building your first digital storefront, this episode provides actionable advice to help you go from idea to income—without the overwhelm.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Launch Imperfectly, Learn Quickly: Start with one product and iterate. Perfectionism delays progress.
• AI Can Accelerate Design, But Requires Human Input: Shopify's AI tools can speed up store creation but need customization to avoid generic results.
• Free Shopify Themes Are Powerful: Themes like Horizon and Dawn are flexible, optimized for speed, and ideal for beginners.
• Mindset Over Comparison: Focusing on your own vision helps avoid “comparisonitis” and analysis paralysis.
• Know When to Upgrade Plans: Shopify Plus is best for stores doing $1M+ annually and needing advanced customization.
• SEO is Non-Negotiable: Foundational SEO is critical to long-term growth and lower ad costs.
• Schema is the Future: As Google evolves, structured data will be key to visibility—Yoast can help.

🧠 Listener Action Items:

1. Launch Now: Choose one product and go live—don’t wait for perfection.
2. Use Free Themes: Start with Shopify’s Horizon to keep costs low and performance high.
3. Prioritize SEO: Set meta tags and use schema tools to improve discoverability.
4. Invest in Learning: Consider Deonnah’s Idea to Income course to build your Shopify store in 30 days.
5. Follow for More: Stay inspired and educated by following @ecommercesavvy on Instagram and TikTok.

Connect with Deonnah Carolus: Website

Text me your questions or comments!

Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

 Hey, Shopify store owners! (Especially if you're selling on Etsy, too!)

Here's a quick question: Are people actually finding your products on Google?

If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you'll "get to later", this is for you.

I'm hosting a free, seven day Shopify SEO challenge that breaks it down into simple, doable steps.

No tech headaches, no fluff. Join us at

Support the show

Is your Shopify store quietly losing sales? Run the free, 5-minute self-check →

Book a Strategy Call With Crystal!

Want to follow up on what you've heard? Search the podcast!

AFFILIATE LINKS:

SEO TOOLS :

Keywords Everywhere: My favorite keyword research tool!

Get SurferSEO! The ultimate content creation tool!

E-COMMERCE TOOLS:

Start your Shopify Store! (use my link)

Klaviyo: The leader in Ecommerce Email

Grid and Pixel: Get John and his team's help in setting up your flows and campaigns!

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS:

Metricool (Awesome and easy to use social media scheduler!)

Note:
If you mak...