Search with Candour

The hosts dive into the significant SEO trends of 2025, highlighting a sharp rise in zero-click searches and their impact on click-through rates. They explore the surge in video and visual search, emphasizing the importance of community-focused marketing. The rollout of Google's AI mode is another hot topic, with predictions on its potential to reshape search functionalities. Challenges like automated advertising and scraping are discussed, along with exciting predictions for the future of SEO and personal AI tools in everyday use.

In the final episode of Search with Candour for 2025, Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Greg Heilers to delve into the evolving landscape of digital PR. They discuss the current state and future of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), the impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and PR, and the growing influence of brand mentions in the age of global SEO.Greg also shares insights about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly in the Chinese market. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of digital PR and SEO.Follow GregJollySEO: https://jollyseo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheilers/ Jolly SEO’s TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL3o9O1rRBcLKq-hSgerIS8i47HWdOAiiWebsite: https://gregheilers.com/Greg’s recommendationshttps://featured.com/https://www.airtable.com/ https://youtu.be/ETlOSBR92Fs?si=Syh4xBbQScA2UXYh 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:14 The Evolution of HARO and Digital PR04:09 The Role of AI and LLMs in SEO and PR07:15 Challenges and Strategies in Link Building12:38 Globalisation and Language Barriers in SEO18:18 Future Trends and Industry Insights37:36 SEO Relevancy and Authority38:52 Pitch Twisting and Reactive PR39:50 GEO Relevancy and Brand Mentions46:23 Client Communication and Expertise Sharing54:07 Weird and Wild Link Building Requests58:55 Actionable Recommendations and Tools01:02:55 Exploring Chinese Culture and Final Thoughts

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Abi Bennetts to discuss the evolution of digital PR, the importance of brand building, and the impact of AI and LLMs on the PR landscape.Together, they explore strategies for creating authentic, relevant content and the significance of measuring brand sentiment and awareness. Abi also shares insights on how startups can leverage digital PR effectively and predicts the integration of digital and traditional PR in the future.Follow AbiWebsite: https://www.launchpr.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abibennetts710/00:00 Why brand is the future of digital PR01:09 Introduction05:34 Welcome Abi Bennetts07:31 The Evolution of Digital PR and Brand Strategy10:05 The Role of AI and Authenticity in Digital PR12:36 Combining Traditional and Digital PR Tactics19:06 The Impact of Brand Sentiment and Trust33:04 Utilising Experts for Authentic Brand Building34:22 Balancing Virality and Planned Campaigns35:36 Holistic Approach to Digital PR36:18 SEO Integration in PR Strategies37:15 Defining Brand Identity and Messaging40:20 Advice for Digital PR Beginners47:25 Measuring Success in Digital PR53:16 Future of Digital PR and AI56:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Amanda King for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of SEO and the implications of AI-generated content.Amanda shares insights from her 15 years in the industry, discussing the challenges of maintaining relevant, high-quality content in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. The episode covers a range of topics, including content consolidation, Google's move away from lexical search, and Amanda’s new tool - Topic Compass.Jack and Amanda also touch on the importance of balancing traditional SEO practices with modern digital marketing strategies to stay ahead in 2026.00:00 Introduction01:39 Welcome to Search With Candour04:35 Interview with Amanda King07:16 The Evolution of SEO and Content Strategies17:40 Challenges and Future of SEO34:21 Exploring Topic Compass and Content Relevance51:49 The Evolution of Google's Search Technology55:00 The Impact of AI on SEO and PPC56:11 Exploring Paris: Beyond the Usual Attractions01:01:35 The Importance of Updating Existing Content01:03:38 Tools and Strategies for Modern SEO01:08:31 Fun Recommendations: Movies, Games, and More01:23:29 Upcoming Episodes and Future PlansFollow Amanda:⭐Website: https://floq.co/⭐Topic Compass: https://topiccompass.io⭐LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaecking/⭐Amanda's writing for SEL: https://searchengineland.com/author/amanda-king⭐Amanda's speakerdeck: https://speakerdeck.com/amandafloqLinks to resources/references:🎧Amanda’s previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3fWiAJwcO8🎧Discussing MUVERA with Egor Golovin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STcV-Y3KTAs📄Google’s MUVERA: https://research.google/blog/muvera-making-multi-vector-retrieval-as-fast-as-single-vector-search/

Join Jack Chambers-Ward in this episode of Search With Candour as he discusses the critical difference between strategy and tactics in SEO with special guest Derek Hobson from Brain Labs.Jack and Derek get super nerdy using everything from The Avengers to adult diapers to explore how to effectively structure your thinking around SEO strategies and tactics. They also discuss the importance of ongoing testing, adapting to industry changes like AI advancements, and building strong off-page SEO.Follow Derek:Brainlabs: https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereknhobson/SEO Humorist: https://seohumorist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seohumoristResources:https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/navigating-the-new-era-of-ai-search/Greenshot: https://getgreenshot.org/The Sellout by Paul Beatty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237161-the-selloutThis is Strategy by Seth Godin https://open.spotify.com/show/0UggtiAbVMtoXAR3nhg2fK?si=14f33156e5ce4df700:00 Introduction01:38 Welcome to Search With Candour03:10 Guest Introduction: Derek Hobson from Brain Labs04:14 Defining Strategy and Tactics in SEO08:05 The Avengers Analogy: Strategy vs. Tactics21:42 SEO Strategy Development Process24:46 Marvel vs. DC: A Lesson in Strategy34:31 Unexpected Marketing Wins: Grommet Mug Case Study37:52 Client Strategy and Adaptation38:52 Creative Marketing Ideas40:54 The Importance of Brand Visibility44:07 SEO and Content Strategy48:55 Adapting to Industry Changes59:16 Off-Page SEO and Influencer Marketing01:08:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode, Jack Chambers-Ward interviews Ade Holder, frontman of Phinius Gage and owner of 427 Marketing. They explore how punk values can influence business practices, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and the importance of constructive capitalism. Ade shares insights from his experience in marketing and as a musician, highlighting the intersection between creativity and analytical thinking. Tune in for discussions on music, SEO, client relations, and actionable tips for blending personal passions with professional life.Follow AdeWebsite: https://www.427marketing.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-holder-3a010914/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adeholder.bsky.socialPhinius Gage: https://phiniusgage.bandcamp.com/track/masquerade RecommendationsRank Caddy - https://rankcaddy.io/The Ritual by Adam Nevill - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10239382-the-ritualMalevolence - https://mlvltd.com/00:00 Balancing Punk Rock Ethics with Marketing00:55 Introduction01:25 Meet Ade Holder: Punk Rock Legend and Marketing Expert03:07 The Intersection of Punk Rock and Business Ethics03:28 Ade Holder's Journey: From Punk Rock to Marketing04:46 Authenticity and Business: A Personal Journey07:25 Navigating Client Choices and Ethical Dilemmas18:21 The Creative and Analytical Balance in SEO37:32 The Role of Ethics in Modern SEO43:00 Honouring SEO Pioneers43:20 The Importance of Testing Hypotheses44:10 Client Collaboration and Experimentation45:28 SEO Testing and Real-World Results47:01 Navigating SEO Challenges48:06 Understanding Client Issues50:59 Technical SEO Insights54:05 The Gap Between Cutting-Edge and Basic SEO57:43 The Importance of Authenticity in Networking01:01:12 Balancing Band Life and Business01:04:18 Recommendations

In this episode of Search with Candour, Ben Goodey, founder of Spicy Margarita, joins Jack to discuss how to create revenue-driven SEO strategies.The discussion explores how effective audience research impacts conversion rates, differentiating between top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel content, and the evolving role of SEO in the age of AI.Ben shares his insights on creating revenue-driving strategies and the importance of client communication in achieving long-term success.Follow Ben:Spicy Margarita: https://www.spicymargarita.co/How the f*ck: https://www.thefxck.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingoodey/Resources:https://marketingcyborg.com/p/the-lema-framework-how-anyone-canhttps://withcandour.co.uk/podcast/how-to-create-content-that-stands-out-with-lily-ugbajahttps://seo.thefxck.com/interviews/product-positioning-april-dunford/https://seotesting.com/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221251872-when-the-cranes-fly-south00:00 How to make money from SEO00:56 Introduction02:04 Welcome, Ben Goodey02:51 The Importance of Revenue-Driven SEO09:39 Understanding Audience and Customer Research13:10 The Role of Content in Building Trust17:06 Leveraging Customer Insights for Effective SEO29:39 Competitor Analysis and SEO Strategy35:48 SERP Insights and Competitor Awareness37:15 The Importance of Tracking Conversions41:29 Integrating SEO with Broader Marketing Strategies51:13 The Impact of AI on SEO Strategies58:33 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this week's episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Leah Hart to explore the future of sustainable marketing in 2025.They delve into the importance of both environmentally and personally sustainable practices. Topics include the pitfalls of greenwashing, the energy costs of AI tools like ChatGPT, and effective ways to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being in the industry. Follow Leah:Website: https://www.fourfront.us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartleahc/Recommendationshttps://www.thriftbooks.com/w/algorithms-to-live-by-what-computers-can-teach-us-about-solving-human-problems_brian-christian_tom--griffiths/10740830/item/25388624/ https://ground.news/https://www.fourfront.us/blog/sustainable-digital-marketing/00:00 Introduction04:43 Welcome Leah Hart07:08 Defining Sustainable Marketing08:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Marketing08:39 AI and Sustainability in Marketing12:24 Identifying Genuine Sustainable Practices22:06 Balancing Sustainability and Performance23:35 Hybrid Work Models and Sustainability27:12 Measuring Success in Sustainable Campaigns29:35 The Role of AI in Sustainable Marketing39:44 Personal Sustainability and Career Longevity42:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life44:00 Implementing Quitting Time and AI Tools45:24 Building Team Relationships and Communication49:52 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Types58:04 Advice for New Marketers01:05:50 Personal Habits for Reducing Stress01:10:17 Recommendations and Conclusion

Jacob Cass, an award-winning brand consultant and designer, shares his journey from losing 95% of site traffic to rebuilding his brand, Just Creative. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of the traffic crash and the strategies he employed to adapt, including content pruning and focusing on evergreen topics. Jacob emphasizes the importance of personal branding in 2025, providing actionable insights on diversifying channels and maintaining consistent messaging. He also introduces practical brand exercises, urging listeners to start building their personal brand now.

Egor Golovin, Chief Commercial Officer at Serpzilla and a link-building expert, dives into the transformative impact of Google's MUVERA on SEO. He discusses the shift from sheer link volume to the critical importance of contextual relevance and trust. Egor highlights how AI-generated content can still thrive if it offers value. He emphasizes the rising significance of brand mentions and nofollow links as trust signals. Finally, he offers insights on refining backlink strategies and advises running relevance audits to align with the evolving digital landscape.