The Simple and Smart SEO Show
Crystal Waddell
The best SEO podcast for entrepreneurs and creative small business owners who want to build a better website to grow their business!
✨This SEO-focused podcast combines brand strategies mixed with fresh ideas for websites, digital marketing, and customer experience.
✨WHY SEO?
✨SEO is important because it can help a business be found by people searching for what they sell. In 2025, SEO for LLMs and AI-powered search engines will grow in importance. But don't feel overwhelmed: SEO can be simple and elevate your websites visibility with small changes over time.
✨Listen to this podcast every week to learn how you can make your website rank higher without spending thousands of dollars per month!
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Top 10 The Simple and Smart SEO Show Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Simple and Smart SEO Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Simple and Smart SEO Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Simple and Smart SEO Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Data-Driven SEO: Profitability & Scalability w/Dimitrii Kustov
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
11/29/23 • 33 min
Dimitrii Kustov, the founder of Regex SEO, joins me to discuss SEO strategy, the importance of data-driven decision-making, the role of keywords, and the shift in SEO trends focusing on profitability and scalability, rather than traffic volume.
1. Proper data tracking is important (Dimitrii's #1 tip!)
- Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor business performance.
- Data should override feelings in business decision-making.
- Key metrics: number of qualified leads, calls, website visits, and keyword rankings.
2. Tips for building the best backlinks:
- Provide valuable, unique, and potentially surprising content.
- Make them go "What?"
- Brand search and public relations can boost a company's online presence.
- Employ a "multiple stone method": videos, images, infographics, and text.
3. Traffic does not equal profits.
- It's important not just to rank for certain keywords.
- You want to make sure your keywords produce traffic and qualified leads.
- Use the data to understand your profitable traffic channels.
Crystal talks about an upcoming three-day launch focusing on the profitability of products and the need for systems to increase sales.
Digital Disruption with Geoff NielsonDiscover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
1 Listener
Mastering Etsy with Monica Little: SEO Success Strategies
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
12/06/23 • 36 min
Do you want to understand the functionality and potential of Etsy?
Monica Little shares her journey from starting an organic skincare business on Etsy to becoming an Etsy coach.
1. Monica's story: building a handmade business from ground zero!
- Monica started selling handmade skincare on Etsy.
- She grew her business to multiple six figures selling on Etsy and boutiques across the US.
2. Monica's strategy to success on Etsy:
- Understand Etsy's market.
- Package and present products in a unique and sophisticated way to stand out among thousands of similar products.
- Leverage Etsy marketing levers like star seller badges, free shipping, and discount options.
3. Selling high-end products on Etsy:
- Etsy is a platform for unique products, no matter the price.
- She mentioned a successful example of a member selling beaded gemstone necklaces priced between 350 to 550 each on Etsy.
4. Avoid competing on Price; advice for competing against mass-produced items:
- Feel aligned and confident with pricing.
- People buy more through emotion rather than logic.
- Focus on attracting the right customers.
- Use quality photos, evoke emotion, and display social proof.
- Display reviews in photos, and write persuasive descriptions.
5. How to find keywords on Etsy and tips for Etsy SEO:
- Use the Etsy search bar for ideal keywords. Observing auto-populates, and competitor’s successful products for SEO advantage.
- Verify the relevance of keywords for products.
- Use Everbee.io for product statistics, coupled with actual interactions with potential customers.
00:58 Monica's Journey to Success on Etsy
01:28 The Birth of Monica's Organic Skincare Business
03:34 The Challenges and Successes of Selling on Etsy
06:44 The Potential of Etsy for Digital Products
10:08 How to Stand Out on Etsy
16:19 Selling High-End Products on Etsy
18:13 Dealing with Mass Production on Etsy
18:40 Competing on Price vs. Value
19:38 The Importance of Product Presentation and Branding
19:57 The Role of Emotion in Product Marketing
21:39 The Intersection of Etsy and SEO
21:50 Keyword Research and SEO Strategies for Etsy
24:20 Balancing SEO and User Experience
26:58 Researching and Verifyin
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
1 Listener
Making an SEO Plan For Your Business with Zoe Ashbridge
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
02/21/24 • 35 min
Zoe Ashbridge, an expert in digital marketing, shares valuable insights and strategies for small business owners aiming to boost their SEO.
Zoe provides a step-by-step guide to building topical authority, stressing its importance for businesses wanting to improve visibility online.
Other topics discussed include the creation of brand advocates, qualifying leads through SEO, and the caution in using artificial intelligence for content creation.
If you are looking for practical and tactical ways to use Google search console data to formulate strategies, this episode is for you!
Zoe gives tips on how to use GSC for user journey mapping, goal setting, and key performance indicators monitoring.
Connect with Zoe:
Website
Linkedin
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:28 Zoe's Journey into SEO
01:38 Zoe's SEO Blast on LinkedIn
02:53 The Importance of Content in SEO
03:54 Using Google Search Console for SEO
05:05 Creating Content Around Keywords
06:21 Building Topical Authority
08:32 The Role of Video in SEO
10:37 Creating Content Based on Customer Journey
11:00 The Importance of Keywords in SEO
16:03 Creating Content for Future SEO Benefits
17:02 Balancing Immediate Revenue Needs with SEO
18:20 Setting Up Google Search Console and Analytics
18:45 The Impact of SEO on Other Marketing Channels
19:32 Transitioning to SEO Goals and KPIs
19:52 Understanding the Flow of SEO: Impressions, Clicks, Revenue
21:19 The Role of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) in SEO
21:43 Using Data to Improve Website Interactions
23:37 The Importance of Experimentation in SEO
24:44 Qualifying Leads with SEO
28:17 Nurturing Brand Advocates
31:22 SEO Strategies for 2024: Topical Authority and Cautious Use of AI
32:47 Connecting with Zoe Ashbridge
33:15 Identifying the Right Fit for Zoe's Services
34:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
1 Listener
SEO from Scratch: How To Optimize A Website From The Start
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
04/05/24 • 12 min
Today I'm implementing the advice of Sara Jensen (Episode 110) optimization of websites, specifically focusing on SEO strategies and tips like:
- the importance of understanding your target audience
- and unique selling proposition and the benefits of team collaboration.
I realized I needed to streamline my personal brand website and the simpleandsmartseo.com website to improve my messaging.
Join the 2ND ROUND of Founding Members for the SEO SQUAD.
Detailed Summary:
- Crystal Waddell (ME!) hosts the simple and smart SEO show podcast and Follow Through Fridays.
- I realized the need to redefine the goals for my websites: crystalwaddell.com and simpleandsmartseo.com.
- I plan to split her brand into two websites with different goals: crystalwaddell.com for business presence as a public speaker and simpleandsmartseo.com for generating organic leads.
- I actually created business plans for the next three to five years, which include growing the podcast, improving her speaking skills, expanding the SEO squad membership, and growing the agency services.
- I shared the lead generation ideas I have: allowing podcast search, running an evergreen three-day challenge, and creating ads for agency services.
- I plan to hire virtual assistants as necessary to implement her system.
- I'm building a plan to grow my email list for the podcast.
- My target audience is local business owners and e-commerce sellers.
Make sure to check out episode 110 for more resources!
Search the Simple and Smart SEO Show podcast for FREE!
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!
1 Listener
SEO Simplified: Strategy and Websites w/Stephanie O'Keefe
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
11/08/23 • 45 min
Want to grow your visibility through strategic websites and SEO strategy?
You'll love today's episode with guest Stephanie O'Keefe!
Key Takeaways:
Stephanie emphasized that understanding SEO requires an understanding of your target audience and their journey.
- It's challenging to explain SEO, especially to those unfamiliar with technology.
- Working in SEO changes one's perspective towards online shopping.
SEO is essential for online visibility and involves understanding who you help and how you help them.
- The way you explain SEO can shift depending on who you're talking to and where they are in their brand journey.
- Brand messaging and content creation is a key part of anSEO strategy.
Determine clear goals for each page on a website.
- Start with a simplified design and then evolving by adding pages as needed.
- Facilitate a smooth customer journey through user experience in web design.
- Have up-to-date and relevant content on your website.
Heat map trackers can help you audit user behavior on your website.
- Hotjar helps you review interactions on your website.
- Visual cues play a vital role to create trust and impart personality to the brand.
Top tips for a great website:
- Show your face!
- Include your face on your website to build trust.
- Clarify their goals and expectations while hiring a website designer.
Connect with Steph:
Website
Instagram
Self-guided website audit
Darrell’s Case Study
OTHER EPISODES:
Leah Bryant
Samantha Mabe
Susan Reoch
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
1 Listener
SEO & Messaging: The Best Non-Icky Tips w/ Brittany McBean
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
04/12/23 • 49 min
Brittany McBean is a conversion copywriter, launch strategist, and mentor for copywriters wanting to build their business.
Website
YouTube
Instagram
Market Research FREEBIE
5-Figure Leap
1. How Brittany helps people focus on creating unique messages that speak directly to where their audience is and reduce refund requests:
- Rely less on gimmicks and focus more on connecting with customers.
- Create content that brings people peace and makes them feel seen, heard, and relaxed rather than generating anxiety.
2. How the five stages of awareness which can be applied to SEO: Unaware, Problem Aware, Solution Aware, Product Aware, and Most Aware.
- Remain objective (external research, quantitative data, one-on-one interviews).
- Analyze cold audience data not associated with the client's list.
- Research conversations occurring within the industry.
- Use surveys sent to the client's list.
3. How to increase your conversions with your words (and SEO):
- Use social media platforms with a purpose or strategy in mind.
- Celebrate customers' critical thinking and discernment vs. using FOMO tactics.
Like this episode? Sign up for Marisa's messaging masterclassConnect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
SEO Hiring Secrets: Green Flags, Gender Gaps & Growth Tips with Shreya LaCock (Part 1)
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
04/23/25 • 16 min
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:
Get the "Hiring OS" Resource
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!
Linkable Assets & SEO Value: Welcome To Follow Thru Fridays!
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
01/12/24 • 7 min
It's all about creating linkable assets on this follow through Fridays!
You can see Crystal's examples here: Top College Athletes: Earnings & Valuations for Men and Women
In this video and podcast we take a look at the top earning college athletes in 2023-2024, focusing both on male and female athletes. For the female category, Olivia Dunne, a gymnast, and Angel Reese, a basketball player, take the top spots. While in the male category, Bronnie James, the son of LeBron James, Shadeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, and Arch Manning, relative of the famous Manning football family, earn the highest. The rankings are based on their corresponding valuations from the website On3, which assesses each athlete's name image likeness potential money.
00:00 Introduction
00:00 Top Female Earners in College Sports
01:19 Transition to Male Athletes
01:35 Top Male Earners in College Sports
03:00 Interesting Facts about Top Earners in College Sports
03:14 Conclusion and Future Updates
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!
Optimize your Pinterest account for SEO
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
06/01/22 • 32 min
Welcome to the Simple and Smart SEO Show!
- Apply for your own $99 SEO Site Audit!
- Leave a text or voice note here.
What's in our 2nd episode?
Here's a quick overview:
•People should do keyword research to figure out what terms relate to their business that people are searching for on Pinterest, and then use those keywords in their profile name and description.
• The Pinterest profile name is the bold area underneath one's picture.
• It is important to have 10 boards at a minimum, with 20 pins per board.
• Delete is a naughty word on Pinterest- consider hiding or making secret any boards that are not related to business goals.
Make sure you listen until the end to pick up a genius tip for Pinterest if you use Instagram Reels!
Like and subscribe to the Simple and Smart SEO podcast!
Crystal's links
- Websites:crystalwaddell.com and collageandwood.com
- Jasper.ai
- Start Your Shopify Store
- SEO Writing Masterclass
Connect w/ B: YouTube, Website, LinkedIn, Instagram
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
SEO Reimagined: Owned Asset Optimization With Jonas Sickler
The Simple and Smart SEO Show
06/19/24 • 34 min
In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I spoke with Jonas Sickler, a digital marketing analyst from Terakeet. We explored the importance of SEO evolving with AI advancements, emphasizing Owned Asset Optimization (OAO) as a strategy.
1. Businesses should control their narrative across all digital platforms to improve the accuracy of AI tools.
2. Meet the MACH-6 model: An upgrade to a traditional marketing model.
- Contrasts with the PESO model, emphasizing the importance of building equity in owned assets.
- Integrate SEO with other channels like social media and email for a cohesive strategy.
3. AI and SEO are evolving. How your business can keep up:
- Businesses must tell accurate and updated stories across all digital platforms for more accurate AI-generated content.
- Optimize for both search engines and user experience.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Building a Positive Work Culture
02:57 The Importance of Passion in Work
02:57 Coaching and Leadership Insights
06:17 SEO and Business Integration
07:41 The Value of Owned Assets
10:03 Leveraging Multiple Channels
12:26 The Mach-6 Framework
14:24 Collaboration Across Departments
19:05 Optimizing Your Digital Assets
19:37 The Importance of Social Profiles
19:45 Revisiting Neglected Accounts
20:07 Controlling Your Search Results
20:24 Understanding the PESO Model
21:48 Owned Asset Optimization Explained
23:46 Real-Life Examples of Brand Stories
27:32 Leveraging Technology for Customer Optimization
28:59 SEO vs. Owned Asset Optimization
31:55 Connecting with Your Audience
Connect With Jonas Sickler
Linkedin
Twitter
Explore Terakeet Resources
MACH-6 Matrix
Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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!
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Simple and Smart SEO Show have?
The Simple and Smart SEO Show currently has 197 episodes available.
What topics does The Simple and Smart SEO Show cover?
The podcast is about Seo, Brand Building, Marketing, Content Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Online Marketing and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Simple and Smart SEO Show?
The episode title 'Making an SEO Plan For Your Business with Zoe Ashbridge' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Simple and Smart SEO Show?
The average episode length on The Simple and Smart SEO Show is 30 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Simple and Smart SEO Show released?
Episodes of The Simple and Smart SEO Show are typically released every 6 days, 22 hours.
When was the first episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show?
The first episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show was released on Apr 26, 2022.
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