EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital Marketer

The EDGE untangles the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) with SEO veterans Mike Blumenthal, Greg Sterling, and David Mihm. This episode reveals how Google’s strategic maneuvers in Europe are reshaping the SERP landscape and challenging the status quo in local search. With a strong research effort of the last two years, our guests dissect Google's attempts to comply with the DMA, such as the introduction of the Places Sites Tab, Carousel and the decoupling of the Local Pack from Google Maps. Despite these efforts, user behavior tells a different story—one where Google's new features are largely ignored. It seems the Local Pack is still the go-to destination for users, regardless of these new additions. Meanwhile, the episode exposes an intriguing juxtaposition in the hotels vertical, where booking.com emerges as a formidable player through ad dominance, highlighting a complex dance between market giants. This scenario sparks a discussion on whether Google's self-preferencing tendencies are truly being curtailed or simply rebranded. Join us as we explore how Google's “play nice” strategies may just be a façade amidst ongoing DOJ antitrust pressure. Could this pave a path for diversified regional strategies and fresh opportunities in the digital marketing sphere? Let us know your thoughts of the show at https://ratethispodcast.com/EDGE  Key Segments: [00:02:01] SEO News from the EDGE Highlig [00:04:40] Introducing NearMedia: Mike Bluementhal, Greg Sterling, and David Mihm [00:08:03]  What is the Digital Marketing Act? [00:08:59] Article 65 of the DMA Applies to the Regulation of Search [00:11:37] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:34]  What has Google Done to Comply with the DMA? [00:16:21]  Google Rewriting History with Multiple Local Packs [00:18:13]  Was This Done to Address American Antitrust Concerns? [00:20:06]  Will the Election Change the Antitrust Enforcement? [00:24:23]  EDGE of The Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:26:31]  The DMA is not Prescriptive, But Setting Operational Parameters [00:28:10]  Major Research Since 2023 on User Behavior [00:30:23]   Google has a Self-Interest to Show You the Last Click [00:32:42]  EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:35:14]  What was the Most Surprising Findings? Guess....  [00:38:15]  In Summary: A Bad Faith Argument on Google's Part   Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site InLinks: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks  Wix: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio  Follow Our Guests: Mike Bluementhal:  X: @mblumenthal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/ BlueSky: @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social Greg Sterling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsterling/  David Mihm:  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmihm  Resources https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-preliminary-non-compliance-6-5/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-dma-compliance-2025-03/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/eu-home-services-search-behavior/  https://www.nearmedia.co/googles-2nd-local-pack-in-the-eu/ https://www.nearmedia.co/eu-home-services-search-behavior/

Creepy AI Advancements! Brace yourselves! Cindy Krum is back to dive into the latest twists in technology and SEO this week, highlighting Google's bold AI ventures and search ranking revelations.  Google’s recent news about Gemini's real-time video AI and its concerning pervasive presence has sparked widespread conversation, at least with us. Couple this with the perplexing offer to acquire TikTok by Perplexity, and you’ve got a whirlwind of AI-driven developments. Plus, there is a great research doc this month from SERanking on the comparison of AI platforms: Who tackles Your Money Your Life (YMYL) topics best, DeepSeek ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews? We're not mincing words—John Mueller's insights on the effect of core algorithm updates on AI overviews add an additional layer of excitement as AI and search collide. So we have to make some custom 404 pages for hallucinated URLs to your site from AI Overviews? That does sound right. Hit the play button to catch our spirited dive into these pressing matters with none other than Cindy Krum. Stay informed, entertained, and maybe a bit paranoid, all here on EDGE of the Web! [00:01:30] What’s going on with Cindy Krum, SEO Specialist News from the EDGE: [00:02:50] Google Unleashes Gemini’s Real-Time AI Video [00:08:28] Perplexity Eyes TikTok [00:14:11] DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT vs. AI Overviews: Which AI model handles YMYL topics best? [00:23:02] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics SEO News from the EDGE: [00:24:20] Google: If Searchers Don't Use Your Page In Search, It May Be Removed [00:26:31] Microsoft Confirms Schema Helps Its LLMs (Copilot) Understand Your Content [00:29:27] Microsoft Bing: SEOs Should Focus on Conversions & Click Value [00:32:39] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:33:44] Google’s Mueller Predicts Uptick Of Hallucinated Links: Redirect Or Not? [00:38:37] Google: Not all sites will fully recover with future core algorithm updates [00:42:45] Google Tests AI Search Options Beyond AI Mode Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @Suzzicks X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio

Step into the future of SEO with the EDGE, where Cyrus Shepard reveals how to harness the power of personal content and brand authority in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Learn why authenticity and unique perspectives are your new best friends in the digital arena. We unpack a treasure trove of insights with Cyrus, covering the key concepts of modern SEO: the importance of brand searches, building authority through expert imagery, and the critical need to integrate personal experience. Discover how Google's shifting algorithms and Quality Raters Guidelines are reshaping the landscape, requiring a pivot from traditional keyword-heavy strategies to a more holistic, value-driven approach. Cyrus shares firsthand experiences from his time as a Quality Rater, offering a rare glimpse into how Google evaluates experience and authenticity. Find out why now is the time to invest in unique, non-scalable content that showcases your expertise and passion, setting your brand apart from AI-generated noise. Brand is the play, folks.  Key Segments [00:06:59] Brand Building for AI Defense [00:10:21] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:12:48] "Images as Essential Content" [00:16:39] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:18:49] Challenging SEO Quality Rater Role [00:21:13] Evaluating Experience for Google Rankings [00:24:23]  People-Focused Content [00:29:41] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:33:04] Personalization: Your Company's Unique Edge [00:36:59] Evolving Strategies for Affiliate SEO [00:39:17]  Launching New SEO Marketing Directory: Zippy List Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks  Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest: X: @CyrusShepard X: @ZyppySEO LinkedIn: Cyrus Shepard Resources: Zippy SEO Company List

Join us as Cyrus Shepard shares the evolving relationship between brand and SEO, setting the stage for businesses to thrive in today's digital landscape.  Explore the profound shifts that are shaking up the old-school SEO world. From understanding Google's reliance on brand as a filter to discovering which digital strategies can enhance your site's authority without solely focusing on keywords, we've got the latest insights. Care to rethink your link strategy? Discover how anchor texts can shape your brand's perception and influence your rankings in this domain-driven age. Erin and Cyrus explore fresh approaches that every good SEO should consider adopting. Don't miss out on this Zippy discussion where we explore the starting point for building a brand that impacts SEO.  We would always love a review! Go to RateThisPodcast/EDGE and let us know what you think about this interview! Key Segments: [00:07:33] Measuring Brand Impact in SEO [00:15:54] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:53] Essential Brand Marketing Basics  [00:21:47] Off-Site Brand Engagement Strategies [00:24:47] Evolving SEO: Personal Experience Matters [00:27:23] Future-Proof Your Content Strategy [00:30:43] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:33:37] Mirror, Image, and SEO Authority Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest: X: @CyrusShepard X: @ZyppySEO LinkedIn: Cyrus Shepard Resources: Zippy SEO Company List

Greg Finn jumps into the Paid Ad news focus this week. Friend of the show; it’s always a good time when he is around! What do you think about Google's ambitious prediction that AI will craft mesmerizing customer journeys while the search giant navigates through over 5 trillion searches a year? And what is going on with Google Ads and their announcement that they will use well-performing Headlines in Sitelinks? That’s confusing for us, but it will also be confusing for consumers. What gives, Google? Greg, Erin, and Jacob dive deep into the world of paid ads, dissecting Google's latest move to serve triple ads on a single SERP and introducing the bewildering Mystery Shopping Rating. As Greg unleashes his fiery insights, they tackle the challenges of Google’s evolving auction dynamics and the perplexities of manipulating ad placements and bids for high-value prospects. Not to mention our newest discovery, the Grinning Indomitable Greg Finn Yeti! We’ve seen it in the wild, and he’s pissed! A must-listen-to podcast for the avid Paid Ad advertiser - today on the EDGE! Key Segments: [00:01:51]    The Grinning Indomitable Greg Finn Yeti! News from the EDGE: [00:03:37]  Reddit for SMBs [00:08:28] Google now sees more than 5 trillion searches per year [00:11:06]  EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:12:06] Google VP of Ads bets on AI to transform ads into tailored consumer journeys Paid Ad News: [00:15:35]  Google is Making Headlines (AKA sitelinks) once Again with Some New Developments. [00:22:07] Google Ads run different auctions for each ad location [00:26:46] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:27:43] Google Ads Triple Serving Ads On Same Search Results Page [00:33:59] Google Ads Mystery Shopping Rating - What? [00:41:22] Google Ads High Value New Customer Mode Live For Some Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Thanks to our Social News Expert: Greg Finn X: @gregfinn LinkedIn: Greg Finn Marketing O’Clock X: @MarketingOClock Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio

Everyone’s lit up with AI advancements, but what about our privacy? Erin Sparks and Michael Lewittes dive into the ethics and privacy concerns surrounding AI, shedding light on the rapid information exchange and the potential risks looming over our data. Explore how hedge funds are making daring AI moves, with new platforms demanding personal information in return for supposedly superior features. The question lingers: Are we too quick to exchange privacy for convenience?  Michael shares insights on discerning fact from fiction in AI-generated content and offers advice for content creators striving to stand out in a saturated market. His expert analysis offers a roadmap to uphold authenticity and authority in a sea of homogenized content. Alongside, the EDGE team muses about the consumer's role in safeguarding personal data against the intrusive AI gaze. Emphasizing the mantra "verify, then trust," they urge listeners to sharpen critical thinking in the flood of AI-generated content. [00:05:36] AI Ethics and Privacy Concerns [00:13:05] Simplified User Agreements Needed [00:15:36] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:17:43] Use Privacy Mode Online [00:18:51] AI Literacy and Consumer Responsibility [00:22:46] Trusting AI: Balancing Use and Skepticism [00:26:17] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:27:53] Improving AI Grounding and Differentiation [00:31:08] Balancing AI Efficiency and Authenticity [00:32:50] AI as a Brand Building Tool Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio Follow Our Guest X: https://x.com/MichaelLewittes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lewittes/

Duncan Alney of Firebelly joins the EDGE to give his take on Social Media news and trends. A long-time friend of the show, we got him on board to dig into what we should be paying attention to in Social Media right now. Google Business profiles took a hit but are on the mend, while LinkedIn's newest analytics features help professionals find their path to visibility. On this jaunt down the digital lane, Erin Sparks and Duncan Alney unravel the enigma of social media updates and the shenanigans behind Google’s latest moves. Did Facebook really decide our live videos were just taking up space? And what about TikTok's stealthy climb back up the app store mountain? We uncover the backstory of these head-scratching occurrences and pinpoint what it means for brands caught in the evolving digital landscape. Plus, a dash of Pinterest's audacious predictions for 2025, because who wouldn't want a sardine tattoo or chainmail chic in their sartorial repertoire? Duncan lends his expert eye to elucidate these potential trends with Erin’s ever-enthusiastic endorsement of authenticity and innovation. Key Segments: [00:01:12]  Introducing Duncan Alney of Firebelly News from the EDGE: [00:02:40]  OpenAI may pay Reddit $70M for licensing deal [00:06:27]  Facebook Now Deletes Live Videos After 30 Days [00:11:47] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:05] GBP Reviews Outage Is Over [00:13:32] Bug: Google Business Profiles Management Pages Currently Broken [00:14:02] Joy Hawkins X Post: Google is Demoting Search Rank if in Local Pack [00:15:48] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Social News: [00:17:11]  Social: LinkedIn Adds 'Where You Appeared' to Show Users Where Their Profile Is Showing Up Across the Platform [00:19:35]  Social: Supercharge your campaign performance with new Advantage+ AI features [00:21:50] Social:  TikTok Rises to the Top of the App Download Charts in January [00:24:24] Social: Meta is Launching a Video Editing App [00:26:28]  Social: Pinterest Predicts: 20 bold trends for 2025 Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Thanks to our Social News Expert: Duncan Alney X: @firebelly LinkedIn: Duncan Alney Firebelly Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio

Michael Lewittes swings back around to the EDGE to discuss a current and concerning topic, AI content and its effect on journalism. Michael brings his quarter-century of media experience to the table, sharing his journey from a seasoned journalist to spearheading cutting-edge SEO tools like Rankify. Discover how transparency, fact-checking, and expertise are more critical than ever in the era of AI-generated content and rampant misinformation. Explore the vital role of journalistic integrity in an age of deepfakes and echo chambers. With tales of newsroom dynamics and content homogenization, the conversation takes an intriguing turn toward how AI, if unchecked, could drastically alter the content landscape. Key Segments: [00:05:38] Early 2000s Fact-Checking Pioneer [00:06:28] Emphasizing Transparency in Journalism [00:12:10] Newsroom Lessons and Exclusive Stories [00:15:00] Deepfake Verification and Digital Responsibility [00:17:31] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:41] Journalism Integrity vs. AI Challenge [00:22:25] Overreliance on Generative Text Models [00:29:15] Legal Updates Require Human Expertise [00:30:56] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:33:36] AI's Imperfect Progress and Journalism Integrity [00:36:19] Client-Driven Adaptation Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix Studio: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio Follow Our Guest X: https://x.com/MichaelLewittes  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lewittes/

Sara Taher joins the EDGE team this week to have a focused discussion of AI and SEO in the news. From China's deep-sea AI shake-ups to Meta monetizing threads and Google's evolving search Quality Raters Guidelines, this week promises a feast of intriguing insights and digital dilemmas. We unpack the repercussions of Deepseek—a Chinese AI marvel shaking Silicon Valley with its low-cost, high-performance delivery, and what that means for the global tech landscape. OpenAI's new operator agent takes automation to a new level, independently performing tasks on the web as Google's latest SERP experiments blur the lines between genuine and generated content. Amid water-guzzling AI models and potential copyright conundrums, we question the future of internet search and ponder the implications of AI-altered reality. Can SEO maintain its footing in an AI-dominated world?  News from the EDGE: [00:02:57]  Meta Launches Ads on Threads [00:06:23]  Google Updates Search Quality Rater Guidelines: What To Know [00:12:27] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics AI/SEO News: [00:13:57] What Is China’s DeepSeek and Why Is It Freaking Out the AI World? [00:22:08]  OpenAI’s new Operator AI Agent [00:26:46]  Google Testing AI-Generated What People Are Saying [00:32:12] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:33:17]  Google Can Show Sites With Manual Actions In AI Overview [00:35:43]  ‘Thirsty’ ChatGP [00:41:57]  AI Means the End of Internet Search as We’ve Known It Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @SaraTaherSEO X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio

Busy doesn't always mean productive. How do you balance the need for continued content with the need for quality? Paula Mejia, VP of Enterprise Marketing from WIX Studio, shares her insights on maintaining engagement without compromising on content value. Erin Sparks and Paula dive into the core philosophy of enterprise marketing strategies, focusing on effective goal-setting, the fine balance between creativity and productivity, and the pivotal role of AI in modern marketing. They tackle the often tricky conversations about budget allocations and staying the course amidst tempting trends. Paula shares her perspective: "You as a marketer want to be in front of your customer as often as possible... but if we do that, we are burning our marketing team and using budget inefficiently." Exploring the nuances between brand efforts and tangible ROI, Paula provides invaluable advice for navigating the complex landscape of marketing attribution. Key Segments [00:05:42] Strategic Marketing Amid Digital Noise [00:08:44] Balancing Creativity and Business Needs [00:12:00] Align Goals with Measurable Metrics [00:15:36] "Improving Communication in Project Processes" [00:17:36] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:48] AI's Impact on Content Creation [00:23:10] AI Integration in Marketing Teams [00:24:38] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:26:43] Optimizing Tech Stack in Marketing [00:30:04] Beyond Last-Touch Attribution [00:34:47] Building Inbound Brand Awareness Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix Studio: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio Follow Our Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaxmejia