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

Erin was off fighting crime this week, but you need not worry because the great Mordy Oberstein and Jacob Mann took the stage for this segment. Plenty of Google this week. Study shows Google AI summaries do, in fact hurt search traffic. Google finds a new ally in Disney to expand real-time ad exchange, meaning that marketers will have broader access to ad inventory across Disney Plus and Hulu. Recent news shows that the U.S. is further behind China in AI research & development than you would have imagined. Plus, Google has an all-new filter tab. Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the SEO world this week, as always, right here on the EDGE of the Web! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:08:13] A new study finds that Google’s AI summaries may hurt searches for brands and products [00:13:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:10] Disney teams with Google to boost ad reach [00:19:53] Google Update Unleashes Ranking Rollercoaster: Prepare for Volatility AI Blitz: [00:25:51] Study finds that China produced almost 50% of the world's top AI researchers, compared to ~18% from the US, thanks to China's heavy investment in AI education [00:28:27] Justice Department Risks Picking the Wrong Fight With Apple AI Tools: [00:31:02] AI-powered History Teacher [00:32:49] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:34:10] Report: No Site Hit By The September Helpful Content Update Recovered Yet [00:37:46] Microsoft Buying Ads On Google Search To Drive More Searches On Bing [00:41:15] Google Tests Products & Product Sites Search Bar Filter Tabs Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio Resources:  Google SGE a top threat to brand and product terms Disney announces Google partnership as it expands ad platform Turbulence ahead: The wrath of the March 2024 core update is not linear  Study finds that China produced almost 50% of the world's top AI researchers, compared to ~18% from the US, thanks to China's heavy investment in AI education Justice Department Risks Picking the Wrong Fight With Apple AI-powered History Teacher ZeroTrusted AI Report: No Site Hit By The September Helpful Content Update Recovered Yet Microsoft Buying Ads On Google Search To Drive More Searches On Bing Google Tests Products & Product Sites Search Bar Filter Tabs #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Welcome back to seasoned marketing analyst, strategist, educator, and owner of BEAST Analytics, Brie Anderson, for her second interview segment. The last episode was all about setting the stage. This week, Erin and Brie will take you through the rehearsal process necessary to rock out a live GA4 performance! Learn to develop a rehearsal plan of analyzation tactics so that you can steer your content in the right direction come showtime. Now you’ve taken the stage! Get ready to execute an analytical symphony that springs the audience to their feet this week on the EDGE of the Web! [00:03:21] Introducing Brie Anderson [00:04:06] Brie’s GA4 Session at Brighton SEO  [00:06:05] Testing GA4 Before the ‘Show’  [00:11:22] Can You Set Up GA4 Tracking to Expand Behavioral Analysis? [00:16:12] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:17:14] What to Actually Do With All This Data [00:19:58] Is Multi-Touch Reporting in GA4? What About Assisted Conversion Reporting?  [00:23:18] Benchmarks of User Experience  [00:29:00] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:30:11] Mapping Out The User Journey [00:38:40] Brie’s Experience From Developing Educational Courses [00:41:11] Final Pro Tip From Brie Anderson Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/brie_e_anderson?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brieeanderson/ Resources:  BEAST Analytics GA4SEO - BEAST Analytics  UTM Generator Google Sheet

TikTok is potentially looking at a ban in the U.S if they don’t adhere to federal guidelines within 6 months… What drawbacks could this have for marketers? Interested in targeting the whole world on Google Ads? Not so fast! Aaaaaaaaand, it’s core update time! That’s right, the first 2024 core update is upon us with Google releasing major enhancements in search quality. Early reports saying the update targets manipulation at scale to reduce unhelpful content by a whopping 40%. We’ll keep you updated in the coming weeks but here’s everything we know now.  We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:50] Here we go again…Is TikTok about to get BANNED in the US? [00:09:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:10:02] Are Google Ads about to screw up your targeting at the country level? [00:13:06] You know what we’ve been needing around here… A COOOOOOORE UPDATE AI Blitz: [00:27:03] Google engineer stole AI tech for Chinese firms [00:28:26] Researchers create self-spreading AI malware AI Tools: [00:29:54] Suno - Make a song with a prompt [00:32:33] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:33:09] Google: We Still Try To Avoid Overlapping Algorithmic Updates [00:35:18] Google Maps Hides Views Counts On New Reviews [00:36:25] Does Google Search Know What Is Reliable Information Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources:  Here we go again…Is TikTok about to get BANNED in the US?  Are Google Ads about to screw up your targeting at the country level? Core Update Core Update Core Update Google engineer stole AI tech for Chinese firms Make a song with a prompt Content & SEO GPT Researchers create self-spreading AI malware Google: We Still Try To Avoid Overlapping Algorithmic Updates Google Maps Hides Views Counts On New Reviews Does Google Search Know What Is Reliable Information Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

This week's featured guest is the owner of BEAST Analytics, Brie Anderson. Brie began her career at the age of 16, evolving into the analytic solutions expert, educator, and entrepreneur she is today.  Join us on this full-blown rock concert of an episode as Erin and Brie are roadies rockin’ and rollin’ GA4 into the metaphor of a live concert! Discover how to execute the capabilities of GA4 that are worthy of a standing ovation from your clients. We walk you through the steps of the migration process while highlighting key features to help you find your melody. We’ve been rehearsing for years, folks, and it’s finally time to get GA4 up and running. Down goes UA! As we help you find your Google Analytics 4 rhythm this week on the EDGE! Key Segments: [00:03:28] Introducing Brie Anderson [00:05:19] How Brie Navigated Her Career [00:12:22] Transitioning Into GA4 [00:17:01] Setting Up GA4 [00:20:42] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:32:10] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:33:34] How to Collect Search Traffic Analytics? [00:35:26] Final Tips For Setting Up GA4 Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/brie_e_anderson?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brieeanderson/ Resources:  BEAST Analytics GA4SEO - BEAST Analytics

There’s a lot of movement to cover in the Google realm this week. The carnage continues as a U.S judge grants more class action antitrust lawsuits against Google. Despite the trial, Google continues to make improvements of its own - updating their Local Service Ads with a new verification process to reduce spam. Google is also testing a new feature called Popular Opinions Search Carousel intended to allow users to view opinions and reviews of various products right on the SERP. Finishing up on Google, the crew looks at a new survey that says SEO’s distaste in Google is at an all time high. Tensions have risen, where will Google turn next? Tune in this week to find out, here on the EDGE of the Web! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter! Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting! Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:34] LinkedIn Boosts Quality Posts: Your Best Content Could Shine for Months [00:09:28] Google Tests Tool that Refines Existing Quality Content [00:14:41] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:15:37] A Judge Rules: Google Must Address Some Antitrust Concerns from Advertisers AI News: [00:19:17] Elon Musk sues OpenAI over alleged breach of nonprofit agreement [00:20:51] Some users turn to AI chatbot therapists … but experts warn about the lack of a human connection  [00:26:33] Elon Musk: AI will run out of electricity and transformers in 2025 AI Tools: [00:28:29] Transform any picture into a sticker [00:29:55] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:31:07 ] Report: Google Local Service Ads To Gain New Verification Process [00:32:46] Google Popular Opinions Search Carousel [00:35:14] Survey Says Most SEOs Dislike Google Now More Than Before   Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources:  LinkedIn Algorithm Change Could Promote Your Best Posts For Months Google Testing AI Tool That Finds & Rewrites Quality Content Google must face some advertisers’ antitrust claims, says U.S. judge Elon Musk sues OpenAI over alleged breach of nonprofit agreement Some users turn to AI chatbot therapists … but experts warn about the lack of a human connection  Elon Musk: AI will run out of electricity and transformers in 2025 Brody Clark: Popular Opinions Search Carousel Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

Explore UX design optimization for SEO strategies with Ola King. Learn about holistic approaches, storytelling techniques, and the importance of empathizing with users. Discover the role of data in driving user journeys and resources for learning UX design. Dive into the evolution of SEO towards user experience and the significance of design books in digital marketing.

Google Local Services Ads in the Hot Seat Welcome back to the EDGE! No Mordy this week, but no need to worry because the great Cindy Krum of MobileMoxie steps in. A glitch has infiltrated Google’s Local Services Ads and small business owners are NOT happy. Google feels that the U.S government ‘hate us cause they ain't us’, as penalties pile up in post-trial brief. In AI news, Google strikes an AI content licensing deal with Reddit - who’s rankings have been off the charts… coincidence? Don’t miss the action this week, catch up on all the latest SEO news to help you excel each and every week right here on the EDGE! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:36] Google's latest quest: Investigating a glitch in Local Services Ads [00:09:08] Google also unveils its new AI Assistant called ‘Help Me Write’ for the Chrome Browser [00:17:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:17:50] And here’s a hot take, “DON’T BLAME US IF WE HAVE SUCCESSFUL SEARCH RESULTS!” AI Blitz: [00:22:04] Google explains Gemini’s ‘embarrassing’ AI pictures of diverse Nazis [00:28:02] Tyler Perry halts studio expansion over AI fears [00:32:20] Reddit signs AI content licensing deal with Google [00:40:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:41:11] Google Most-Read Articles Search Carousel AI Tools: [00:43:22] Alpaca: A Photoshop Plugin Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources:  Google investigating Local Services Ads bug Google Launches “Help Me Write” AI Assistant For Chrome Browser Google: Don’t punish us for our success in Search Google explains Gemini’s ‘embarrassing’ AI pictures of diverse Nazis Massive Volatility Reported - Google Search Ranking Algorithm Update? Google Most-Read Articles Search Carousel Greeting Cards GPT Talently Mock Interview Alpaca: A Photoshop Plugin Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @CindyKrum Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Ola King started his career as a music producer, learning SEO along the way to help promote his songs and score millions of views. In addition to hosting several MozCon events, Ola practiced as a UX Researcher at Moz before transitioning into independent consulting. Search experience optimization is more valuable than ever before. Discover what metrics to be most attentive to when prioritizing UX, and learn why user experience is key to achieving sustainable SEO this week on the EDGE!    Key Segments: [00:03:45] Introducing Ola King [00:05:27] Ola’s Rise into the Industry [00:17:34] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:20] AI’s Role in Search [00:21:38] Is SEO Dead?  [00:26:03] Prioritizing User Experience [00:32:345] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:33:46] What Role Does User Experience Play in Determining Content’s Helpfulness?  [00:34:46] What Metrics Should you Focus on to Grow Search Experience? Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/justolaking LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaking

The EDGE team covered a slew of news this week. Articles from Search Engine Land, Search Engine Round Table, and Search Engine Journal covered the landscape of digital marketing news, but we were able to get a couple of nice AI pieces in there. Watch Reddit folks, they just doubled down on their value by inking a $60m deal with an “unknown” AI company. Any guesses? You also want to check out Sora, the text-to-video feature from OpenAI (we will soon be in a world of video inception). Lastly, check your Meta Ads expenses this weekend. They spent your money like a teenager at the mall, and now they are sorry. We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter! Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show, but were really interesting! Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:03:33] Google Launches "How Search Works" Series To Demystify SEO [00:07:35] Meta Apologizes After Ad Error Causes Campaigns to Overspend by 'Thousands' [00:10:35] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:11:31] Reddit Dominates Google Search Discussions/Forums AI News: [00:17:57] Reddit Signs Content Licensing Deal with AI Company Ahead of IPO, Bloomberg Reports [00:21:14] OpenAI Introduces Sora [00:22:58] OpenAI's ChatGPT Is Testing a Memory Feature AI Tools: [00:24:20] FirstPic.ai Unveils New Image Recognition Technology [00:26:47] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:27:52] Google Introduces New Stories in Top Stories Section [00:28:42] Google Emphasizes the Importance of Recovery Timing and Helpful Content Update [00:30:21] Google Refines Search DMA Rich Results Aggregator Units and Refinement Chips Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

Gearing Up for SGE  Welcome back local SEO specialist and COO at Search Lab Greg Gifford. This week Greg joins host Erin Sparks to uncover the myths about local SEO and frequent challenges haunting business owners. Learn the common mistakes small business owners need to keep an eye on while setting up their Google Business Profile, and to wrap it all up Greg & Erin close with some highly necessary SGE talk. It’s time to master your SEO at a local level this week on the EDGE of the Web!     Key Segments: [00:03:13] Introducing Greg Gifford [00:06:08] Challenges and Myths of Local SEO  [00:14:25] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:59] Issues with the Google Appeal Process  [00:19:04] Flaws in Google Business Profile  [00:33:17] When are we going to see Google SGE?  [00:45:37] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix [00:46:47] What Does the Spike in Organic Traffic Loss Tell Us?  Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregGifford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggifford/