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 Visi

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 “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 se

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 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!

Does SEO feel confusing, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to figure out? You’re not alone. That’s why I created the AI SEO Foundations course, powered by Crystal GPT: your personal AI SEO coach designed for busy, creative business owners like you.

Ditch the overwhelm and discover what SEO can do for your business! Head to SEOin7days.com (with the number 7!) and get started today—let’s make your brand easy to find and impossible to ignore.

Support the show

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!