Search with Candour - SEO podcast

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Marco Giordano, a freelance web data analyst and author, shares his expertise on optimizing web data for SEO success. He discusses the significance of combining technical SEO knowledge with business insights and the integration of crawl data and log files. Marco delves into common pitfalls in web data management, emphasizing the need for clear communication and structured workflows. Additionally, he highlights the evolving landscape of SEO, advocating for a skills mix that includes UX and analytics to enhance data-driven strategies.

Noah Lerner, an SEO veteran with over 20 years of experience and Director of Innovation at Sterling Sky, joins to delve into critical thinking in SEO. He emphasizes the importance of structured, evidence-based decision-making while navigating the GA4 transition. Noah shares real-life insights on data-driven strategies and aligning SEO metrics with business goals. The conversation also highlights the role of automation and AI in enhancing efficiency, alongside the vital need for community support in the ever-evolving SEO landscape.

Dive into the exciting world of AI's role in shaping search results! The hosts discuss Google's new AI-organised search and the personalized shopping experience. They also tackle the chaos caused by Redditors manipulating online reviews, raising questions about trust in digital content. Plus, discover the pitfalls of AI-generated financial advice and its implications for accuracy. Will AI enhance or hinder our search experiences? Tune in for insights into these pressing topics!