
The SEO Mad Scientist
Welcome to The SEO Mad Scientist, where we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of SEO testing to bring you valuable and actionable insights. Join us as we uncover correlations between our latest experiments, algorithm updates, and industry shifts, providing you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead in the digital landscape.
Curious about what we're currently testing? Interested in how our SEO experiments align with recent algorithm updates? Wondering about the implications for your own strategies? Look no further – we've got you covered.
But that's not all. We don't just talk the talk; we walk the walk. Tune in as we candidly discuss our most recent testing results and the strategies that are making waves in the SERPs, helping you navigate the ever-changing SEO landscape with confidence.
Whether you're a seasoned SEO pro or just starting out, if you want to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry, subscribe to "The SEO Mad Scientist" today!
And hey, if you're an SEO aficionado or agency owner with insights to share, we'd love to have you as a guest on the show. Reach out to us – let's collaborate and elevate the conversation together!
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2024 • 33min
Push Rankings w/ YT Geo Tags, Driving Directions, & Maps Links: SEO Mad Scientist Podcast Episode 2
Highlights From Episode 2 - The SEO Mad Scientist:
In the episode, Mike, Sophie, and Alex dissected recent Google algorithm changes, highlighting their impact on website rankings and optimization strategies.They shared practical tips on optimizing meta descriptions and using location tags for improved local SEO performance.Also, they discussed ethical considerations in SEO, emphasizing the importance of integrity and outlining guidelines for sustainable success in digital marketing.
🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/
🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing:
Local Viking: https://localviking.com/
SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/
Products Discussed:
Brand Links: https://web20ranker.com/brand-authority-links/
Mini Networks: https://web20ranker.com/mini-networks/
SEO Discussion with Mike Milas + Sophie Allen + Alex C. Barr
00:00 Introduction
02:33 New testing library launching soon
03:57 Google changes metadata practices
10:22 Location tags, driving directions & links in YouTube videos
18:07 Geo-relevance and Google Earth links
20:43 Testing brand links and mini networks
21:16 Ranking impact of SAB vs physical address
26:27 Ethics of buying reviews and negative SEO
34:34 Conclusion and farewell

Feb 21, 2024 • 36min
Press Tests & YouTube Signals for Stronger Local Rankings: The SEO Mad Scientist Episode 1
Highlights From 1 Episode - The SEO Mad Scientist:
As Mike and Sophie discussed, the podcast is now SEO Mad Scientist, focusing on data-driven testing for real SEO results.They highlighted updates to the dashboard and tools, aiming for seamless integration for user convenience.They stressed the importance of strategic testing, sharing insights from press release and YouTube video ranking tests. Understanding interlinking and anchor text, they emphasized, is crucial for effective SEO.
🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/
🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing:
Local Viking: https://localviking.com/
SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/
Products Discussed:
Press Releases: https://web20ranker.com/web-2-0-press-release-service/
SEO Discussion with Mike Milas + Sophie Allen:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Updates on Dashboard and Tools
04:45 Press Test Review
14:45 Testing YouTube Videos for Local Rankings
19:18 Observations So Far
25:11 Interlinking and Anchor Text Test
31:15 Importance of Granular Testing
35:37 Conclusion

Feb 7, 2024 • 45min
Shifting to SEO Testing Focus + New Schema & Proximity Test: SEO Vault Episode 225
Highlights From The Episode:
Mike, Sophie, and Alex delve into various SEO tests we have conducted, including:Local proximity testYouTube strategy for local rankingsAnchor text of local for geographical relevanceThey also discuss advanced techniques such as:Domain authority stackingEntity stackingUse of terms like link wheels and broken link wheels.They show the importance of defining terms in SEO and the relevance of different contexts.
SEO Discussion:
0:00 Introduction
03:08 Cross linking and Google stacking tests in the Local Proximity Test
09:29 Testing the Anchor Text of Local for Geographical Relevance
13:14 Discussion on Correlation vs Causation
23:41 Schema Markup and Topical Relevance
31:59 Difference between white label and arbitrage
35:05 Importance of relevance and context in SEO
44:14 Upcoming tests and video recaps
45:06 Closing remarks

Jan 31, 2024 • 49min
AI’s Role in the Future + New Tools & Trainings for 2024: SEO Vault Episode 224
Highlights From The Episode:
Mark, Mike, and Sophie dive into the latest AP program and dashboard updates, unveiling tier discounts and signup notifications.Explore the impact of AI on search and Google's future moves, while tackling the smart home privacy debate.Question Google's tech trajectory and embrace the importance of taking shots and learning from failure.
SEO Discussion:
00:00 Introduction
02:08 Tiered discounts coming back to APP
06:15 Upcoming Valentine's Day Sale
09:32 Better campaign recommendations with our new tool
17:35 Training plan updates for 2024
21:04 Google’s AI-powered Chrome update
28:55 The Role of AI in Reviews and Local Search
32:18 Smart Home Automation with AI & Privacy
40:41 Google's successes and failures in recent years
45:47 Closing Remarks
Recent SEO News:
Why Google May Rank AI-Generated Content Over Original NewsGoogle Launches AI-Powered Chrome Update For More Personalized Experience

Jan 24, 2024 • 45min
How AI Integrations Impact You + SERP Changes & Content v Links SEO Test: SEO Vault Episode 223
Highlights From The Episode:
Mike and Sophie divulge invaluable insights into the evolution of the SEO mindset.Unravel the mysteries behind recent Google updates, including the introduction of the new phone number button in search results.Explore how technologies like ChatGPT and the Rabbit AI device are revolutionizing the SEO industry.
SEO Discussion:
0:00 Introduction
01:10 Mindset in SEO
04:14 Dashboard developments with the Algomatic & Free APP Level
10:01 Content and On-Page vs. Links SEO Test
14:02 Click to Call Button Redesign in Search Results
18:09 Google Testing Snippets for Product Listings and Local Images
19:50 How AI in Search Impacts You
33:31 Rabbit AI Device
40:07 Future Implications of AI Integration
Recent SEO News:
Google Showing New Phone Number Buttons For Some Search ResultsPoll: 60% Of SEOs Are Worried About The Impact Of Google SGEGoogle confirms a search ranking bug where sites disappear from search results over the weekend

Jan 17, 2024 • 39min
Better Understand SEO Campaigns w/ Algorithm Annotations & Robust Data Views: SEO Vault Episode 222
In episode 222, Mike and Sophie discuss real life uses for custom GPTs, the importance of data visualization and the benefits data views bring to SEO analysis.. Web 20 Ranker (Nate) is continuing to build out new features to the dashboard with a big update on the horizon - overlaying algo updates, product purchases, and custom annotations over Google Search Console data.
Mike then discusses his recent deep dive into our Custom Signals test, the impact of citations on local rankings, and interesting insights we plan to test in the future.
They also explore the new free APP level launching soon, which will be the centralized location for tools and resources. Finally, they touch on AI advancements and the exciting year of SEO tests ahead.

Jan 10, 2024 • 44min
Google Notes Testing Updates, Robust Data Integration & Major Volatility: SEO Vault Episode 221
Highlights From The Episode:
In this episode, Mike and Sophie discussed the evolving landscape of Google Notes, emphasizing its potential as a viable platform for content discovery and expressing Mike's interest in finding high-volume note sites for further exploration.They introduced AlgoMatic, our backlink analysis tool in testing, set to revolutionize SEO by simplifying the reverse engineering of competitors' linking strategies.They highlighted Google's shift to longer search snippets, urging marketers to adapt for increased visibility in search results.
SEO Discussion with Sophie:
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Annual SEO Testing Report
01:21 Launch of testing library
05:20 Data integration & campaign analytics dashboard
10:50 Q1 webby on February 26th
13:50 User-generated content with Google Notes
16:00 Content types in Google Notes
20:23 Google Notes test update
22:19 Longer SERP snippets being tested
24:32 Social links in GBP listings
26:25 SERP volatility over New Year’s Eve
34:52 Robust backlink analysis tool coming soon
42:49 Conclusion
Recent SEO News:
Google Notes Feature Sending Emails With StatisticsGoogle Tests Longer Search Result Snippets AgainGoogle New Year's Eve Search Algorithm UpdateGoogle Reiterates: We Have Changes Coming To Deal With Search SpamGoogle Local Ranking Algorithm Update On January 4th (Unconfirmed)

Dec 28, 2023 • 23min
Local Engagement Signals & Quick Holiday Updates: SEO Vault Episode 220
Highlights From The Episode:
In this episode, Mike and Sophie spill the beans on our exciting new service – Local Engagement Signals. Discover how this game-changing addition can enhance your campaigns and make a lasting impact on local search results.Mike Milas shares insights into the upcoming 2024 tests, including single variable on-page factors, advanced schema and markup experiments, and the power of premium citations.Mike and Sophie delve into recent SERP volatility, share observations on open and closing signals on Google My Business, and explore how these changes might impact your SEO efforts.
SEO Discussion with Sophie:
0:00 Introduction
04:31 Save up on SEO in the daily deals during our year-end sale
06:35 Introduction to our new service - local engagement signals
12:03 Learn about content optimization in Mark’s upcoming webinar
13:33 SEO testing on on-page factors, e.g meta descriptions, images, image metadata, schema on single variable levels
18:39 SERPs volatility in Google after spam attack
23:49 Closing remarks
Recent SEO News:
Google Search Overwhelmed By Massive Spam AttackConfirmed: Google Local Search Algorithm "Openness" Now Stronger SignalGoogle Search Having Indexing Issues - Confirmed

Dec 21, 2023 • 48min
New AI Trainings, Press SEO Tests & Other Updates: The SEO Vault Episode 219
Highlights From The Episode:
In this episode, the team introduces Mike's revolutionary AI training designed to boost productivity. They also unveil a handy social media tool for seamless content generation and scheduling.The discussion covers topics like the impact of press on rankings, the launch of an SEO testing library featuring mad scientist tests, and significant updates to Monthly GBP and Managed SEO campaigns.
SEO Discussion with Mark and Sophie:
0:00 Introduction
2:28 Year End SEO Sale
03:15 Increase Productivity & Efficiency with Mike’s new AI training
07:31 Social media tool for content generation and scheduling.
10:03 Google Analytics and Search Console dashboard integrations
16:15 Impact of press on rankings - brand recognition and authority.
21:13 SEO testing library launching with all mad scientist tests
25:04 Webinar on content optimization and the potential patent implications
34:34 Google Review update and Google algorithm changes
35:50 Major updates to our Monthly GBP and Managed SEO campaigns
Recent SEO News:
Google Local Notice When Review Posting Is Turned OffGoogle Things To Know Snippets & Results ExpansionGoogle November 2023 Reviews Update Completed After 29 Day Rollout

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 1min
Rank Higher Using Entities & Schema with Simon Cornelius: SEO Vault episode 218
Highlights From The Episode:
In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Simon Cornelius, who unravels the first key highlight – the power of entities and schema. Simon takes us on a journey, revealing how these tools can become your SEO secret sauce, helping Google truly understand the essence of your website.Dive deep with hosts Mark and Mike as they showcase the seamless integration of a cutting-edge dashboard with Google Analytics and Search Console.The adventure continues as Simon guides us through connecting entities in Google's vast Knowledge Graph. Pro tips on reinforcing relationships between entities ensure you're armed with the knowledge to dominate the SEO landscape.
SEO Discussion with Mark & Simon:
0:00 Introduction
01:44 Integration of our new dashboard w/ Google Analytics & Google Search Console
07:45 Entities and schema
12:39 Simplifying concepts to rank higher
23:27 Connecting Entities in Google's Knowledge Graph
29:09 How to connect entities in the Knowledge Graph with schema.zone
40:29 Reinforce the relationship of entities in the knowledge graph
57:50 Where to find Simon
Recent SEO News:
Google Search Algorithm Ranking Update Winter Blast ContinuesReport: Google Local Ranking Now Looks If A Business Is Open Or Closed (Business Hours)Google SGE Tests Export To Gmail & Google DocsBing Introduces Deep Search & Other AI Copilot Enhancements