Content and Conversation: Organic Growth Insights from Siege Media

In this episode, Ross and guest Wil Reynolds, VP Innovation, SEER, discuss the future of search, AI-driven automation, and why organic social is becoming more important than ever. Wil shares bold insights on how agencies must adapt, the power of thought leadership over traditional content marketing, and the evolving landscape of SEO. Plus, they cover why collaboration beats competition in today’s digital world.Show Notes:00:00 Welcome Wil Reynolds, VP Innovation, SEER01:36 Collaboration Over Competition04:04 The Rise of Organic Social vs. Traditional SEO10:53 Content Marketing vs. Journalism15:17 AI, Automation & the Future of Marketing28:22 The Changing Role of Link Building38:14 The Urgency to Adapt: AI’s Impact on Agencies46:36 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Wil Show Links:Wil at Seer: https://www.seerinteractive.com/wil-reynoldsWill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilreynolds/Wil on X: https://x.com/wilreynoldsWil on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wilreynolds Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Join Ross as he sits down with SEO expert Cyrus Shepard to explore why brand building has become essential in today’s search landscape. Cyrus shares what happened when he disavowed every inbound link on his site, why Google seems to reward authenticity over traditional SEO tactics, and how focusing on experience and trust can give you the edge in the ever‐changing SERPs.Show Notes:00:00 Welcome Cyrus and brand swag01:10 The Bold Move: Disavowing Every Inbound Link02:00 Aftermath: Results of the Disavow Experiment06:17 When the Disavow Tool Still Matters08:44 Contrarian Takes & Being ‘Right’ in SEO09:43 Why Google Wants Real People14:21 SERP History & Competitive Analysis20:00 Over‐Optimizing vs. Brand Building Show Links:Zyppy's Disavow Experiment  Tom Capper on Brand AuthorityAhref’s SERP history featureCyrus on Bluesky Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

In the latest episode of Content and Conversation, Sam Parr, founder of The Hustle and host of My First Million, joins Ross to discuss the art and science of great copywriting, building viral content, and scaling content-driven businesses. Sam shares actionable insights into hiring creative talent, writing headlines that convert, and why simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in copywriting.Show Notes:00:00 Sam Parr’s journey in copywriting and content creation01:03 Combining Silicon Valley innovation with internet marketing02:45 The Hustle’s Newsletter Success06:12 Hiring Creative Talent10:50 The Power of Copy Work16:00 Writing Headlines That Sell29:05 Simplicity in Writing35:00 AI for Copywriters44:10 Sam’s Favorite Copywriting ResourcesShow Links:Copy That copywork course by Sam ParrInside the Mind of a Newsletter MogulTry RosedaleTo be Great Be Good, ReaptablyHemingway AppWarren Buffet word count by Sam ParrJason Fried’s copywriting - https://www.hey.com/Headline example from The HustleAdweek Guide to Copywriting Scott Galloway Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

We speak with Dave Gerhardt, founder of Exit Five, who reveals how to build a standout B2B marketing community. He breaks down the impact of AI on SEO and content, his no-nonsense approach to LinkedIn content, podcasting as a content strategy, and why Exit Five moved from Facebook to Circle. It’s a sharp look at staying agile and authentic in modern marketing.Show Notes:0:00 Introduction to Dave Gerhardt and Marketing Insights2:35 The Role of SEO in Modern Marketing5:10 Content Creation and Personal Workflow11:14 Building a Community Around Marketing24:28 Authenticity in LinkedIn Posting29:00 Podcasting as a Content Strategy38:43 Building a Paid Community Experience43:05 The Impact of AI on SEO and Content47:11 Evolving SEO Roles and Future StrategiesShow Links:Dave Gerhardt Exit Five communityKnowatoa AI rank monitoringSubscribe today for weekly tipsFollow Ross on XEmail Ross: ross@siegemedia.com#seo | #contentmarketing Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Michael Buckbee, the brain behind Knowatoa, dives into the world of AI-driven SEO strategies. He reveals how to effectively rank on AI search engines by understanding user intent and optimizing content. The discussion highlights the importance of domain authority and social media presence in enhancing visibility. Buckbee emphasizes the need for marketers to adapt their approaches as search landscapes evolve. Expect insights on brand engagement and leveraging online communities for increased search traffic, all while navigating the future of SEO.

We’re joined by Brian Dean, co-founder of Exploding Topics, as he shares his journey of transitioning from SEO education to trend-spotting innovation. We dive into the creation of Exploding Topics, exploring its origins as a side project, the collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, and the strategic enhancements that shaped it into a successful SaaS platform. Brian discusses the importance of addressing customer needs, navigating the acquisition process with SEMrush, and reflects on the evolving landscape of SEO and search in the age of AI. He also candidly shares the psychological adjustments entrepreneurs face post-acquisition and offers insights into maintaining momentum in their careers.Chapters:0:00 Intro and Welcome to Brian1:17 The Origin of Exploding Topics9:12 Transitioning to SaaS Model11:13 The Journey to Selling16:29 Buyer Relationships Matter18:37 Reflections on SaaS Success22:36 Finding the Right Co-Founder27:18 Thoughts on the Future of Search30:55 Life After AcquisitionShow Links:Subscribe today for weekly tipsFollow Ross on XSend Us an EmailFollow Brian on LinkedinExploding TopicsThe SaaS consultant Brian recommended#seo | #contentmarketing Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

This week on Content & Conversation, Ross and Emily Campbell-Snidal, VP of Content Marketing at Siege Media, explore how brands can craft effective content strategies during election season. Show Notes:0:00 Election Strategies and Content Creation2:48 Rethinking Content Calendars4:37 Leveraging Current Events for Engagement7:21 Updating Existing Content for Relevance10:04 Navigating Political Topics with Neutrality12:57 Long-Term Strategy Amidst Short-Term EventsShow Links:Subscribe today for weekly tipsFollow Ross on XSend Us an Email  Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Show Notes:00:00 - Intro00:40 - Clearscope and the future of SEO13:08 - What are language models actually good for?29:10 - Using the data to guide strategy39:00 - Discussing Reddit and SERPs49:00 - Is there optimism for the future? Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Show Notes:00:09: Welcome, Jimmy Daly, Co-Founder and CEO of Superpath03:30: What does high-performance SaaS content look like?06:48: The importance of knowing your product (Fresh Paint)10:24: Outstanding content in SaaS11:16: The advantages of compiling your own data13:03: Jimmy’s Your Blog Is a Library Not a Publication21:31: The three best content marketing approaches24:33: The balance between publishing frequency and SEO30:19: Missed traits of high-performing freelance writers37:54: Final tips, tricks, and tactics Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Show Notes:00:05: Welcome, Matt Bowers, SEO Consultant (Zapier and Zillow Alum)11:01: Indexation is becoming more challenging. Should a new startup consider programmatic?01:12: Do you believe there’s a minimum threshold of unique content that a programmatic page should have to be successful?11:01: Indexation is becoming more challenging. Should a new startup consider programmatic?20:04: Certain SERPs may not display programmatic page types. Do you think this reflects on the potential success of programmatic approaches?22:44: What does an ideal programmatic deployment strategy look like?26:34: What are the common mistakes in implementing programmatic?34:04: How do you conduct keyword research for long-tail keywords, when keyword tools often show “no data” or “zero” for them?38:14: What are your thoughts on using AI for those pages versus having a human in the loop?44:30: Can you share any great examples of successful programmatic SEO?45:39: Final tips, tricks, and insights from Matt Bowers48:20: How to connect with Matt Bowers Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing