Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Shopify sellers who want to expand beyond Etsy! SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3
In part 3 of my interview with Andrew Ansley, we unpack the evolution of SEO from pre-2022 tactics to today's entity-driven, user-focused strategies.
Learn why stuffing keywords is dead, how RankBrain and BERT changed the game, and why helpful, structured content (plus user metrics) is the new key to ranking.
Andrew also demystifies topical authority, shares how to recover if your site’s in the “loser’s bracket,” and offers actionable tips for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to win with SEO—without burnout.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How Google’s approach to content and ranking has changed since 2018 (and again after 2022)
- What “entity SEO” and “topical authority” mean for your website
- Why user satisfaction and mobile-first indexing matter more than ever
- How to structure content for both users and bots (headers, visuals, and more)
- What it takes to move your site from the “loser’s bracket” to the winner’s bracket
📚 Resources & Mentions:
- 🛠️ Simple and Smart SEO + AI Starter Guide → [coming soon!]
- 📦 The Sustainable Visibility System → [waitlist]
Connect with Andrew Ansley:
🙌🏽 Listener Action Steps:
- Subscribe for weekly SEO strategy & visibility tips!
✨ Episode Highlights (Memorable Quotes):
- “Before 2018, Google had not even a pretend understanding of content. What they had was keyword matching... Now, it’s about understanding context and entities.”
- “It’s not about getting someone to stay on your webpage. It’s about satisfying their query so they don’t go back to Google.”
👩🏽💻 About Me:
Hi, I’m Crystal Wad
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:
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!