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

Google has taken a stand on fake reviews with a new reviews spam algorithm, claiming to have removed over 170 million policy-violating reviews in 2023 - a 45% spike from years past. But numbers are hard, right? How much did they actually increase?  AI is jumping the gun! As silly as it may sound, you might want to check the web for a premature AI-generated obituary of yours because if you find one… you’re not the first! Please, it’s time to let go of the disavow tool finally.  Catch up on all the greatest SEO news happening this week, as always, here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:03:52] New AI Algorithm Takes Down 45% More Fake Reviews In 2023! [00:09:18] Tracking Paid And Organic Traffic In GA 4 Just Got A Little Easier  [00:10:06] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:11:50] New Bulk Email Regulations from Google and Yahoo AI Blitz: [00:16:43] The UK is Outpacing the US for AI Hiring [00:18:01]  AI-generated Obituaries Litter Google Search [00:21:09] "AI native" Gen Zers are Comfortable with AI AI Tools: [00:24:28] Diet Helper: ChatGPT Prompt for Healthier Living [00:26:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:29:08] Google: You Won't Get Your Rankings Back By Disavowing Toxic Links [00:31:48] Google: EEAT Isn't A Ranking Factor Nor A Thing That Factors Into Other Factors 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 says it took down 45% more fake reviews in 2023 thanks to new algorithm Google Analytics 4 adds new dimensions for measuring paid and organic traffic New rules for bulk email senders from Google, Yahoo: What you need to know The UK is outpacing the US for AI hiring Websites with seemingly AI-generated obituaries litter Google search, sometimes listing living people as deceased and turning private individuals into clickbait  "AI native" Gen Zers are comfortable on the cutting edge Diet Helper: Your smart, personalized path to healthier eating. Google: You Won't Get Your Rankings Back By Disavowing Toxic Links Google: EEAT Isn't A Ranking Factor Nor A Thing That Factors Into Other Factors #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Greg Gifford travels the globe speaking to SEO audiences throughout the year, thankfully we were able to rein him in for this week's interview series. If you want to learn the ins and outs of local SEO, Greg Gifford is your guy. With over 20 years of experience in online marketing and web design, the COO at Search Lab joins Erin to discuss fundamental strategies in achieving premium local SEO. Understand the keys to cracking Google’s Ranking Factors at a local level, and take the next step in your local SEO strategy this week on the EDGE!  Key Segments: [00:03:27] Introducing Greg Gifford [00:06:04] Greg’s SEO Journey [00:13:06] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:31] Greg’s BrightonSEO Presentation [00:24:04] Google Business Profile Optimization Factors [00:26:11] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:27:33] Varying Verticals to Industries in the Google Algorithm  [00:33:49] Aligning Business Photos to Google’s Standards [00:39:12] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix [00:40:23] Are Certain Ranking Factors More Dynamic Than Others?  [00:45:25] Biggest Takeaways from Greg’s Study Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregGifford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggifford/

Hot off the dumping of Bard, Erin, Mordy, and Jacob jump into all the changes happening within Google this week. That’s right… Bard is no more, as Google announces relaunch of chat based AI tool adopting the moniker Gemeni.  The UK is increasing criticism of third party cookies, putting Google on the spot. Plus, Google is testing out a new form of Generative AI, developed to answer local questions on Maps.  Come join us on the EDGE for this week’s latest SEO news, and please remember to keep Bard in your thoughts as we honor the Chat bot’s mediocre legacy.  News from the EDGE: [00:04:36 ] Bard Out, Gemini In: Changelog Confirms the Upcoming Rebrand Effort from Google [00:10:14] Do You Have Some Invisible Pages? Google Addresses Indexing Glitch from Last Week [00:12:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:12:58 ] Tracking Trouble: Can Google Fix its Cookie Alternative in Time? AI Blitz: [00:17:58] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger  [00:19:21] Experts from 30 nations will contribute to global AI safety report AI Tools: [00:20:28] Books GPT- Your personal AI guide for discovering and recommending books [00:21:22] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:23:34] Google Search officially retires cache link [00:24:52] Google Maps Tests AI Generated Answers For Local Questions With Local Guides [00:29:32] Google Local Service Ads "Highly Rated" Label Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

Welcome founder of Content Hacker and president of Content at Scale, AI specialist Julia McCoy, who is back for her second segment this week to understand the evolving landscape of AI content. Julia explains the new roles and opportunities driven by AI optimization that are emerging for SEOs and content writers.  Discover how to set parameters for AI and train these learning models to follow brand guidelines for revolutionized content at scale. Understand how to Incorporate AI into your content while avoiding all of the negative stereotypes out there.  The future of AI is set to expedite the entirety of the content process as we know it. Join us as we dissect AI-assisted content at scale this week on the EDGE of the Web!  [00:03:28] Introducing Julia McCoy [00:04:54] Where Does the Role of SEOs and Content Writers Lay Within AI Optimization?  [00:08:43] How do you Maintain Brand Specifications When Using AI to Develop Content at Scale? [00:13:29] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:02] How do you Measure the Success of AI Driven Campaigns?  [00:22:34] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:23:56] Are There Any Studies Out There That Investigate The Effectiveness of AI Content?  [00:30:09] How to Ensure AI Content Avoids Negative Stereotypes [00:33:58] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:35:37] Guiding AI With Structured Parameters [00:41:39] Julia McCoy Pro Tip Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaEMcCoy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaemccoy Resources: Content Hacker Julia McCoy Books Content at Scale Content Transformation Podcast

SGE in Timeout When will SGE actually come to life on the SERP? It seems the answer is not any time soon, as Google is letting Microsoft and others take the lead in creating a generative experience while SGE remains in the workshop. Keep your eyes peeled; Google announces a plan to restart the official SEO starter guide in the near future. Meta continues its AI push. What’s next? Plus, the great Barry Schwartz hints at the next confirmed Google search ranking algorithm coming soon. Stay fresh with all the latest SEO awesomeness every week. Join us on this episode of News from the EDGE! News from the EDGE: [00:01:04] Free Ticket to BrightonSEO: us.brightonseo.com/freetickets [00:06:15] SGE is still stuck in Google Labs - will it escape? [00:12:37] WordPress security issue affecting over 1 million sites [00:16:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:18:04] A big update is coming for Google’s SEO Starter Guide AI Blitz: [00:23:46] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:25:07] Meta expands automated audience targeting options in latest AI push [00:26:58] ChatGPT vs. Google Bard vs. Bing Chat vs. Claude: Which generative AI solution is best? AI Tools: [00:28:45] Jellypod - Transform your inbox into a personalized daily podcast. [00:33:56] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:37:04] Some advertisers are unable to access Google Ads [00:36:12] Report: Custom Google Business Profile Services Impact Rankings Too [00:37:51] Storm Coming: Next Confirmed Google Search Ranking Algorithm Coming Soon? 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 #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Joining the EDGE this week is the founder of Content Hacker and president of Content at Scale, AI specialist Julia McCoy. Julia has been building her $5 million brand since the age of 19 while being named best-selling author eight times. Recently recognized as one of the top 30 content marketers worldwide, Julia shows no signs of slowing down! In this episode, discover how AI continues to reshape the way content is made and learn how writers can leverage artificial intelligence for rapid efficiency and growth. Understand how to expedite your content curation process while still maintaining a ‘human’ element in the eyes of Google. It’s time to turn this AI uprising into an opportunity for rapid optimization this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:10] Introducing Julia McCoy [00:04:49] Julia’s Career Journey [00:07:43] What Role Does AI Have in the Industry?  [00:11:37] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:14] How is AI Changing the Way Brands Interact with Their Audience?  [00:17:32] When will AI Reach its ‘Breakthrough’ Moment?  [00:22:35] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:23:39] What is AIO?  [00:28:10] Prioritizing Expertise in Content [00:30:53] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:32:15] Utilizing AI as a Content Writer [00:36:30] Could Human Error be Rewarded in the Future?  Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaEMcCoy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaemccoy

Welcome back to News from the EDGE!  Study shows that many top SEOs are concerned about the current state of Google in response to the poor quality, spam-dense SERP as of late. In no effort to solve the situation, Google announces huge Search Quality Rater job cuts moving forward.     In AI news, Zuckerberg sets new goal to create artificial general intelligence (AGI) capable of general cognitive reasoning and independent innovation upon itself… in other words - Skynet. Is AI getting out of control?  Don’t navigate this SERP-ocalypse alone. Join us as we take a look into the past week's SEO action right here on the EDGE of the Web!   News from the EDGE: [00:04:58] If you’re part of the mass eXodus, you can now sponsor an article on LinkedIn! [00:09:41] What’s going to happen to the Quality Raters program if no one is there?  Huge job cuts announced! [00:17:05] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:18:15] New research study asks if Google Search is getting worse…we all know the answer… AI Blitz: [00:26:58] Mark Zuckerberg’s new goal is creating artificial general intelligence [00:31:33] FDA Clearance Granted for First AI-Powered Medical Device to Detect All Three Common Skin Cancers [00:32:49] OpenAI suspends Dean.Bot AI taking on Biden AI Tools: [00:34:15] Reading Coach [00:38:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:39:02] Google Responds To Claims Of Google News Boosting Garbage AI Content Resources: LinkedIn Sponsored Articles Google Job Cuts Google Research Study Mark Zuckerberg AGI Google Boosting AI Garbage 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 #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Former Director of SEO and Digital Strategy at Salesforce and Head of Digital Experience and SEO at Vimeo, Todd Friesen, discusses building a successful SEO crew, navigating obstacles with Google Analytics 4, being proactive about potential traffic loss caused by Search Generative Experience, and the impact of AI on content writers. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency, effective communication, and adapting to changes in SEO. Overall, the podcast offers insights into overcoming challenges in the SEO industry.

A new transition king has been crowned this week as Erin takes the throne. Shh… don’t tell Mordy! After a quick week off the team is back in action with some compelling news this week.  Don’t be fooled, Google author bylines in fact DO NOT influence search rankings despite opposing claims. If you’re still confused, good luck reaching Google ad support as reports show they are at an all time low in efficiency.  Plus, Microsoft and Google are battling as they each make big moves in the Artificial Intelligence space.  We’ve got plenty of courses on the menu this week so grab your bib and get ready for another episode of news from the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:06:04] Is it rock-bottom for Google Ad support? [00:10:19] Breaking news: Author bylines are NOT a ranking factor [00:18:17] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:19:35] TikTok is worried that non-skippable videos might hurt their engagement AI Blitz: [00:22:23] Microsoft’s New AI Tools Let Anyone Create Retail Media Content [00:24:55] OpenAI Announces ChatGPT Team For The Workplace [00:25:46] Google unveils new set of AI-powered tools for retailers AI Tools: [00:27:50] Leak: Google launching premium Bard Advanced [00:28:48] Anthropic researchers find AI can learn to deceive [00:29:42] Monetize your audience with your AI companion [00:31:19] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:32:53] Mid-Week Google Search Algorithm Ranking Volatility January 9th & 10th [00:35:11] Large SEO Reddit Community Taken Over By New Moderators [00:36:31] Google Says Ignore Spammy Links From AI-Generated Blogs Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources: Anthropic Personage Microsoft AI Tools Google: New AI Tools Search Engine Journal Search Engine Roundtable Search Engine Land Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Former Director of SEO and Digital Strategy at Salesforce and Head of Digital Experience and SEO at Vimeo, Todd Friesen joins the EDGE this week to discuss his approach to building an SEO foundation. With over a decade of industry experience, Todd has become an accomplished SEO strategist and team management guru.  Take a look into typical setbacks that constrain an SEO team from curating long term success. Learn how to unite a marketing and SEO team to create a synergistic system of extended growth.  Todd shares actional practices for developing essential communication skills to propel your career further.  Journey the secrets to a thriving SEO foundation and career growth this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:14] Introducing Todd Friesen [00:09:02] The Rift Between SEO and Marketing [00:13:39] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:23] What Role Does SEO Really Have in the Marketplace?  [00:17:20] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger  [00:20:29] Where Should SEOs Be Focusing Their Career? [00:24:48] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix   [00:25:50] Building Fundamental Communication Skills Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/oilman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrfriesen/