Search with Candour

Irina Papuc, co-founder of Galactic Fed and former CERN employee, shares her expertise on crafting content for AI-driven search engines. She emphasizes the rise of authentic content and brand mentions, indicating a shift from traditional link-building practices. Irina discusses the evolving user expectations in AI search, the significance of trust and quality in SEO, and the implications of these changes for marketers. Tune in for actionable insights on navigating the future landscape of digital marketing!

Tom Winter, Chief Growth Officer and co-founder at SEO Wind, brings over a decade of SEO expertise to the table. He dives into how AI agents can transform SEO workflows, optimizing processes from keyword clustering to content creation. Tom discusses the balance between automation and human insight, tackling challenges in internal linking and reporting. He also shares exciting trends on the future of search and the role of AI in enhancing user experiences, making it clear there's a bright and innovative path ahead in digital marketing.

Matt Kohli, founder of Fortitude Marketing, shares his inspiring journey from freelancer to agency owner. He discusses the trials of transitioning roles, the need for a trustworthy team, and the intricacies of client management. Kohli emphasizes the value of niching down while offering multi-channel services. He also highlights the importance of continuous learning in the fast-paced world of SEO and how tools like SparkToro can enhance audience insights. Throughout, he advocates for collaboration over competition within the marketing community.

Join Sarah McDowell, co-host of The SEO Mindset podcast, and Tazmin Suleman, who shares invaluable tips on personal branding. They discuss the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in developing a unique personal brand. Dive into the essential elements of consistency, creativity, and clarity. Plus, they emphasize the significance of networking and embracing one's passions through self-discovery, all while entertaining the lively crowd in Brighton. This insightful conversation will help you harness your potential and craft a brand that truly represents you!

Grace Frohlich, SEO Senior Manager at Brainlabs, dives into the intricacies of user journey mapping. She discusses leveraging AI to create detailed user personas and understanding customer motivations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized, non-linear journeys in search marketing and the need for strategic tracking of user behavior. Grace also shares practical tips for organizing search data and the evolving nature of SEO, urging marketers to regularly reassess customer journeys to stay ahead in the digital landscape.

Mark Williams-Cook, an SEO expert, joins the conversation, sharing his excitement for BrightonSEO and previewing his talk. He and host Jack Chambers-Ward discuss standout sessions to attend and the intriguing concept of 'Google warming,' a playful nod to the volatility in Google's algorithms. They explore essential SEO strategies, including the significance of structured data markup and the evolution of search dynamics. The episode wraps with insights into adapting SEO approaches in a landscape transformed by AI and personalized search experiences.

Kaspar Szymanski, a former Google Search Quality Team member and co-founder of SearchBrothers.com, shares invaluable SEO insights for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of server logs in understanding Google’s behavior and the critical role of branding in SEO. Kaspar highlights the unique challenges small businesses face and warns against outdated practices like low-quality backlinks. The discussion also stresses a holistic approach to SEO, integrating user experience with technical strategies for lasting impact in a competitive digital landscape.

Erika Varangouli, the Head of Branding at Riverside, dives into the world of AI in content creation. She discusses the challenge of standing out in a crowded market and emphasizes the importance of brand consistency and a unique voice. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations surrounding AI and its impact on SEO strategies. Erika shares her love for heavy metal music and reflects on some of her favorite sequels, blending humor with industry insights in a lively chat.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Torres, Chief Digital Officer at Gray Dot Company, and Tory Gray, its CEO and founder, share their expertise on JavaScript and website migrations. They explore common pitfalls in SEO during migrations and emphasize the need for proper documentation and planning. The conversation delves into enhancing user experience with JavaScript, strategies for effective communication between SEO and development teams, and the implications of AI on the future of web development, making it a must-listen for digital marketers.

Mordy Oberstein, founder of Unify Brand Marketing and an SEO expert, dives into the future of branding and search. He highlights the importance of standing out in a crowded digital space and managing brand perception. The conversation touches on the balance of trust and skepticism in marketing, reflecting on the shifts caused by the pandemic. Humorously, they explore SEO challenges and brand identity in an AI-driven world, while also predicting how consumer behavior will evolve in the years to come.