In this special episode of Search With Candour, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook sit down with guests Arnout Hellemans, Yagmur Simsek, and Begum Kaya.

Recorded in a brand new studio to celebrate the finale of Season 3, the panel discusses SEO industry highlights from 2024, and makes some SEO predictions for 2025.

Topics include the rise of AI, shifts in search engine market shares, and the ever-evolving landscape of SEO. The conversation extends to personal branding, the importance of community in SEO, and how the integration of AI could reshape the search experience in the coming years.

Follow our guests

Follow Arnout Hellemans on LinkedIn and Bluesky
Follow Yagmur Simsek on LinkedIn and Search 'n' Stuff
Follow Begum Kaya on LinkedIn

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:17 Introducing Our Special Guests

02:38 Highlights of 2024 in SEO

11:53 The Impact of AI on SEO

27:06 Building Trust and Brand in SEO

43:09 The Long-Term Impact of SEO Tips

43:31 The Challenge of Measuring Long-Term SEO Success

44:08 The Human Element in SEO

44:51 The Evolution of SEO Communities

45:51 Conversational Search and AI

47:00 The Future of Search Engines

49:19 The Role of AI in Everyday Tasks

01:03:41 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

01:13:01 Predictions for the Future of Search

01:25:58 Closing Thoughts

2024 SEO Highlights and 2025 SEO Predictions