In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell and Crystal Ortiz dive deep into the psychology behind consumer decision-making and how that translates into smarter, more effective SEO strategies.

They explore the importance of relationship-building over time, understanding customer buying cycles, and using AI as a strategic assistant, not a shortcut.

Whether you're an e-commerce owner, SaaS marketer, or small business strategist, this episode is packed with insights on creating meaningful customer connections and leveraging AI without losing your voice.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• SEO is About Trust, Not Just Traffic: Success comes from building long-term relationships, not chasing instant conversions.
• Buying Cycles Vary—Be Patient: Whether it's sunscreen or a Tesla, decision-making takes time. Good SEO supports this journey.
• Little Details = Big Impact: Understand what truly matters to your customer (e.g. car doors opening 90°) and use that in messaging.
• Price Isn’t Always the Problem: Barriers to purchase may be logistical or emotional, not financial.
• AI Works Best With Clear Prompts: Use AI to assist, not replace. Be specific, and let your creativity bring it to life.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

✅ Listener Action Items:

1. Audit Your Buying Cycle: Reflect on your own purchases and compare them to how you expect customers to behave. Are your expectations realistic?
2. Listen for the Right Signals: Use social media and platforms like Reddit for customer voice insights

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

Book 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 Pixel

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

In this thoughtful episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal chats with fellow SEO expert Crystal Ortiz, founder of Socialhart.

With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and a background in education, Crystal O. shares her journey from retail to SEO consulting and why connecting with customers is more powerful than any ranking algorithm.

They explore the intersection of SEO, AI, customer experience, and basic business fundamentals, revealing why treating SEO like a tool—not a strategy—is key to sustainable online success.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• SEO is a tool, not the goal: Use it to support real human connection, not replace it.
• Customer experience is SEO: Every part of the customer journey—from checkout flow to customer service—impacts your rankings.
• AI shouldn't replace authenticity: AI can support content creation, but genuine insight and audience relevance must come first.
• Creative SEO wins: SEO isn’t robotic; it's an opportunity to solve real problems creatively.
• Basic business practices matter: A broken checkout page can undo all your SEO efforts.

🔥 Episode Highlights:

• "If your business isn’t making customers happy, then it doesn’t matter how much SEO you do." - Crystal Ortiz
• "SEO isn’t the value. Customer connection is." - Crystal Ortiz

✅ Listener Action Items:

1. Audit Your Website Experience: Go through your checkout and browsing process like a real customer. Where's the friction?
2. Review Your Content Strategy: Ask yourself—does this content truly serve my ideal audience?
3. Balance AI with Authenticity: Use tools to support your voice, not replace it.
4. Emphasize Cu

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

Book 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 Pixel

Note:
If you make a purchase using some of my links, I make a little money.
But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell 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 Sem

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

Book 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 Pixel

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!