
Search with Candour - SEO podcast
Every Monday, Jack Chambers-Ward has in-depth conversations with SEO experts from around the world.
Covering topics from attribution in GA4 to networking tips for introverts and everything in between.
Search With Candour the perfect way to kickstart your working week!
Latest episodes

31 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
Why SEO & PPC Teams Must Work Together | Anu Adegbola
Anu Adegbola, an international PPC consultant and editor at Search Engine Land, emphasizes the critical collaboration between SEO and PPC teams. They discuss strategies for sharing insights and aligning goals to navigate Google updates effectively. Anu highlights the role of data-driven testing and the need for fresh perspectives in campaigns. The conversation also covers the importance of brand consistency and bridging traditional with digital marketing. They advocate for open communication to optimize results and build trust among teams.

10 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Are backlinks still worth it in 2025? - Tamara Novitovic
Tamara Novitovic, Head of SEO at Bazoom Group and a specialist in AI's impact on SEO, joins the discussion on the future of backlinks. They delve into how link-building strategies must evolve by focusing on engagement and content relevancy. Tamara highlights the significance of balancing innovative content with data-driven approaches. The conversation also touches on AI's role in enhancing SEO practices and predicting shifting user metrics for link value, providing crucial insights for SEO enthusiasts.

18 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 53min
How SEO Changed in 2024: The web almanac with Jamie Indigo
Jamie Indigo, a Technical SEO expert and author of the Rich Snippets newsletter, shares insights from the 2024 Web Almanac. The conversation dives into the significant changes in SEO, including the rising impact of AI and the pivotal role of robots.txt. Jamie discusses the evolution of Core Web Vitals and how structured data is becoming essential for user experience. He highlights the need for clearer communication around SEO directives and reflects on the future of SEO in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 28min
2024 SEO Highlights and 2025 SEO Predictions
In this special episode of Search With Candour, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook sit down with guests Arnout Hellemans, Yagmur Simsek, and Begum Kaya.
Recorded in a brand new studio to celebrate the finale of Season 3, the panel discusses SEO industry highlights from 2024, and makes some SEO predictions for 2025.
Topics include the rise of AI, shifts in search engine market shares, and the ever-evolving landscape of SEO. The conversation extends to personal branding, the importance of community in SEO, and how the integration of AI could reshape the search experience in the coming years.
Follow our guests
Follow Arnout Hellemans on LinkedIn and Bluesky
Follow Yagmur Simsek on LinkedIn and Search 'n' Stuff
Follow Begum Kaya on LinkedIn
Chapters
00:00 Welcome
00:17 Introducing Our Special Guests
02:38 Highlights of 2024 in SEO
11:53 The Impact of AI on SEO
27:06 Building Trust and Brand in SEO
43:09 The Long-Term Impact of SEO Tips
43:31 The Challenge of Measuring Long-Term SEO Success
44:08 The Human Element in SEO
44:51 The Evolution of SEO Communities
45:51 Conversational Search and AI
47:00 The Future of Search Engines
49:19 The Role of AI in Everyday Tasks
01:03:41 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society
01:13:01 Predictions for the Future of Search
01:25:58 Closing Thoughts

11 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 51min
Google Exploit Data Discussion with Mark Williams-Cook
Mark Williams-Cook, an SEO expert celebrated for his insights at Search Norwich, dives into a captivating discussion on a recent Google exploit discovery. He and Jack Chambers-Ward explore the implications of this exploit for SEO practices and data management. They also introduce innovative frameworks for understanding SEO through video game analogies, revealing how search engine behavior parallels gaming principles. Tune in for a peek at the future of SEO, including how metrics and query classifications shape online visibility.

Dec 16, 2024 • 46min
The Top 10 Episodes of Search With Candour in 2024
Jack Chambers Ward reviews the most engaging episodes of the year, celebrating a 32% increase in listeners. He dives into memorable insights on SEO from guests recorded in a lively garden. The discussion covers the evolving role of AI in SEO and emphasizes the power of small tweaks in content like YouTube titles to boost engagement. Notable mentions highlight the impact of critical thinking and successful branding strategies that enrich the digital content landscape.

15 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 22min
Storytelling will improve your marketing with Will Slater
In this engaging discussion, Will Slater, a Creative Content Specialist at 43 Clicks North, shares insights on the power of storytelling in marketing. He emphasizes that even flawed ideas can lead to great concepts and highlights the importance of curiosity in creating emotional connections. Will explores how storytelling techniques from various mediums, such as music and comics, can enrich content. Listeners will gain valuable tips on structuring messages, engaging diverse audiences, and the art of concise copywriting to elevate their marketing strategies.

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
Unlocking AI Overviews with Tomek Rudzki
Tomek Rudzki, a Technical SEO researcher and co-founder of ZipTie.dev, dives into the burgeoning world of AI overviews and their impact on SEO. He discusses the differences between traditional search results and AI overviews, stressing the importance of source quality, especially in sensitive areas like health. Rudzki shares strategies for optimizing content for these AI-driven outputs and examines Google's approach to user-generated content. The conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of search and the challenges it poses for content creators.

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 5min
Improve your content by fixing your content hierarchy - Amanda King
Amanda King, Principal Consultant at Flock in Sydney, dives deep into content hierarchy and consolidation's crucial role in SEO. She shares insights on common mistakes to avoid and discusses the importance of aligning content structure with user experience. Amanda also addresses the evolving best practices amid technological changes, touching on how to maintain authenticity and manage content effectively. With a focus on conducting content audits and optimizing strategies, she emphasizes minimizing fragmentation to enhance visibility in search results.

Nov 22, 2024 • 14min
Google core update and site reputation abuse fallout
In this bonus episode Search With Candour, Jack is joined by Steve Paine, the English-language marketing manager at SISTRIX to discuss breaking news on site reputation abuse and recent data insights.
Steve & Jack explore the November core update from Google and its impact on website rankings with examples of affected websites such as Reddit, Forbes, The Guardian and more.
Steve and Jack also explore manual versus algorithmic enforcement of Google's policies and share their findings on recent shifts in SERPs and site visibility.
Follow Steve Paine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevechippy/
Follow SISTRIX: https://www.sistrix.com/blog/google-core-update-november-2024/
Follow Lily Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-ray-44755615/
Follow Glenn Gabe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenngabe/
Follow Barry Schwartz: https://www.seroundtable.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:44 Site Reputation Abuse
01:42 November Core Update Insights
04:01 Impact on Major Websites
08:32 Manual Actions and Algorithmic Changes
11:47 Future of Content Creation
13:34 Conclusion and Sign Off