Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Shopify sellers who want to expand beyond Etsy! GEO to Relevance Engineering: Redefining the Future of Search with Garrett Sussman (Part 2)
In this must-listen follow-up episode, Crystal Waddell is joined again by Marketing Director Garrett Sussman to unpack the fast-evolving world of SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and the iPull Rank conception of "Relevance Engineering."
From the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to how AI is rewriting what it means to be "searchable," this episode dives deep into the shifts that matter most for small businesses and marketers.
Discover how to test AI’s understanding of your brand, stay competitive in fractured discovery environments, and leverage “happy accidents” for product innovation.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- GEO vs SEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization may not replace SEO—but instead become a specialized subset.
- Relevance Engineering: A new framework to ensure brand visibility across all platforms, from TikTok to Google.
- The Rise of RAG: How Retrieval-Augmented Generation changes how AI answers questions and includes your content.
- AI's Hallucinations: Why small businesses must audit AI outputs and the potential hidden product ideas they reveal.
- Testing for Visibility: How to explore how AI models “see” your brand—despite increasing personalization.
🔥 Episode Highlights:
"GEO is kind of a subset of SEO... but it’s also a different discipline because LLMs don't behave like traditional search engines." — Garrett Sussman
"Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Know your ideal customer. Make content for them." — Garrett Sussman
✅ Listener Action Items:
- Audit AI Search Results: Ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Claude what they know about your business.
- Review Your Visibility: Explore how your content performs across platforms, not just on Google.
- Track Referrals from AI: Start noting AI tools in your referral sources or “How did you hear about us?” forms.
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
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!)
Note:
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But I only ever share products, people, & offers I trust & use myself!