The In Search SEO Podcast

The great John Mueller joins the podcast to share his thoughts on interacting with the SEO industry: · How talking to search marketers of all levels impacts the SEO dialogue · Handling the problems of SEOs and the complications that come with it · On dealing with SEO controversy Plus, we take a look at Google’s ability to update entities in a flash! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy tells Sapir about an interesting Google search Mordy did a few weeks ago. Mordy did a Google search on the Toronto Blue Jays just when it was announced that they won't be able to play any games in Toronto and will need to find a new location for the season. As this was unfolding Mordy found a section in the Blue Jay’s Knowledge Panel that was asking users to verify the baseball team’s new location. This was incredible as this was information that only a few hours ago started appearing in the news carousel and it almost immediately impacted the team’s Knowledge Panel! In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Google’s own John Mueller to talk about John and his work at Google. They start by debunking the myth that John really likes cheese. Then they go into the difficulty of answering specific user questions without giving assumptions that this applies to all situations, the balance of trying to fix an issue using the algorithm and suggesting to the user to fix it themselves, why Google changed how they announce algorithms, and much more! Resources: Mordy’s Blue Jays tweet https://twitter.com/MordyOberstein/status/1286013678714793986 What Content Syndication Means for SEO: In Search SEO Podcast https://www.rankranger.com/blog/seo-for-content-syndication Timestamps: How Quickly Can Google Detect Changes to Entities [03:19 - 13:44] On Advancing the Great SEO Dialogue: A Conversation with John Mueller [13:55 - 48:40] SEO News [49:23 - 55:06] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: John Mueller of Google https://twitter.com/JohnMu Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

Mark Bealin joins the podcast to discuss how to set your local SEO apart by thinking strategically. · The upside of strategic local SEO over tactical local SEO · How to develop a strategic approach to local SEO · Where links and reviews fit into the strategic outlook Plus, we look at how the COVID-19 SERP has normalized! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir review the latest on COVID-related queries appearing on the Google SERP. It seems the volatility on the SERP has finally calmed down. What SERP change/adjustment did Google make to finally decide to calm the SERP? Mordy believes it’s related to Google boosting the rankings of government sites back in June. Google’s mostly happy with direct queries like ‘COVID cure’ as big sites like WebMD, the CDC, and the like are up there. But for queries like ‘getting a mortgage during COVID,’ Google was only satisfied with the results when government sites started to appear in the top results. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Mark Bealin, head of Search Lab, to discuss local SEO. They discuss how Mark’s previous coaching experience helped with his SEO strategy. Next, Mark goes over some client case studies that cover how to motivate your client to help with link building, as well as some good link building ideas like hosting events, getting in touch with the city’s Chamber of Commerce, and finding ways to get involved with your community. Resources: Google Algorithm Updates https://www.rankranger.com/google-algorithm-updates Suds and Search https://searchlabdigital.com/suds-and-search/ Timestamps: Why the COIVD-19 SERP Has Calmed [04:18 - 14:53] Thinking About Local SEO Strategically [15:36 - 49:47] SEO News [51:03 - 55:53] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Mark Bealin https://twitter.com/mbealin https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbealin/ https://searchlabdigital.com/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

Lily Ray joins the podcast to explore the effectiveness as well as the underpinnings of Google’s core updates: · Is Google rewarding the wrong sites with its core updates? · What is the relationship between the core updates & E-A-T? · What’s the best approach to the core updates? Plus, we talk about the mindset needed to create truly authoritative content! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir share some practical content marketing advice on how to create authoritative content. In short, write for the user! Throw all those SEO metrics out the window! Write because you want to help problem-solve a question. It seems simple, but having that mindset and really meaning it takes a lot of work. But we believe you can do it! In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Lily Ray, of Path Interactive, to discuss Google's core updates. They discuss the recent Google May 2020 Core Update and how effective or ineffective it was. Afterwards, they discuss in a broad sense, what to look for when researching core updates. This is the first episode where we specifically focus on Google's core updates in our interview segment! Can you believe it? Resources: The Wrath of the May 2020 Core Update and the Lessons Learned https://www.rankranger.com/blog/may-2020-core-update Google May 2020 Core Update Officially Over https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-may-2020-update-over/368962/ 550 Winners and Losers of Google’s May 2020 Core Algorithm Update https://www.pathinteractive.com/blog/seo/550-winners-and-losers-of-googles-may-2020-core-algorithm-update/ What Webmasters Should Know About Google’s Core Updates https://webmasters.googleblog.com/2019/08/core-updates.html Timestamps: How to Write Authoritative Content for SEO [04:37 - 21:06] Is Something Amiss with Google's Core Algorithm Updates?[21:06 - 53:01] SEO News [53:58 - 56:40] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Lily Ray https://twitter.com/lilyraynyc https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-ray-44755615/ https://www.pathinteractive.com/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

The great Dr. Pete joins the podcast to share what goes into tracking Google’s updates to its algorithm and SERP features: · Why chasing the Google algorithm is harder than many think · The upside to keeping tabs on Google’s SERP feature trends · How to understand Google Plus, we take a hard look at why Google’s Search as a Journey is failing to meet expectations! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir pick up from last week and discuss Google’s conflicting messaging. This week they focus on Google pushing for deeper content yet not offering access points to that content. Meaning, while Google is incentivizing deeper content, there’s very little access via the SERP to this content. It seems Google could do a much better job at sharing targeted content that would extend the user’s journey. It would appear that Search as Journey has a lot of room to grow. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Dr. Pete Meyers, a marketing scientist at Moz, to discuss tracking Google updates. They explore the thrill of chasing the algorithm, what tools they use, Google algorithm winners and losers lists, finding the common thread of an update, and more! Resources: In Search SEO [Episode 78] https://www.rankranger.com/blog/seo-metrics-that-matter What’s Google’s Goal? Why Google is All About Authority https://www.rankranger.com/blog/google-authority-focus Is top of the funnel content under attack? How the SERP is set to change https://searchengineland.com/is-top-of-the-funnel-content-under-attack-how-the-serp-is-set-to-change-336400 Google’s May 2020 Update: Winners, Winners, Winlosers, and Why It’s All Probably Crap https://moz.com/blog/googles-may-2020-core-update-winners How-to Handle Zero-Searches https://www.rankranger.com/blog/how-to-handle-zero-click-searches Timestamps: Is Search as Journey Effective? [00:03:53 - 00:19:54] Chasing and Tracking Google Updates and SERP Features: A Conversation with Dr. Pete Meyers [00:19:54 - 00:54:47] SEO News [00:55:22 - 00:59:21] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Dr. Pete Meyers https://moz.com/ https://twitter.com/dr_pete https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpete/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

Steven Long joins the podcast to share his wisdom on sharing SEO metrics that are meaningful to your clients (and a bit on content for SMBS as well): · The SEO metrics sites should be paying attention to (and a few they should not be) · How to handle a client who has been jaded by vanity metrics · Getting content right for extremely niche local businesses Plus, why free product listings are pushing Google into a corner! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir discuss Google’s plan on bringing free product listings to the main search results. Mordy explains how this plan puts Google between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, users expecting a more informational SERP are seeing instead a more commerce-centric SERP. On the other hand, if Google doesn’t add free listings to the main SERP, product owners will be less inclined to add product listings which detract from Google’s chances of competing with Amazon. Mordy ends with his solution so make sure to listen to the end! In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Steven Long, President of Precision Legal Marketing to discuss the intricacies of doing SEO for law firms and other SMBs. They get into top metrics for SMBs (and beyond), how to study conversions, how to build trust with your client, the differences between local and national law firms, a look into deeper nuances between the law industry and other industries, and more! Resources: Google Brings Free Product Listings to Its Main Google Search Results https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/29/google-brings-free-product-listings-to-its-main-google-search-results/ SERP News: May 2020 Edition https://www.rankranger.com/blog/serp-news-may2020 Timestamps: Why Google Is at an Even Greater Risk of Going Too Far with Products on the SERP [00:05:53 - 00:21:31] Keeping Your Clients by Sharing SEO Data That Means Something [00:21:31 - 00:58:23] SEO News [00:59:04 - 01:03:57] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Steven Long of Precision Legal Marketing https://precisionlegalmarketing.com/ twitter.com/legalmarketings https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-long-2860628/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

SEO mad hatter Ashely Segura dives deep into using FAQs for your SEO: · Why the FAQ is a powerful SEO ally (when done right) · A modern look at how to craft your FAQs so they don’t come off as being stale · How to track the effectiveness of your FAQs Plus, we look at the difference in CTR when ranking above the fold vs. ranking below the fold ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir discuss Mordy’s latest Google SERP study on the difference between the CTR of URLs above the fold (ATF) and below the fold (BTF). In short, the URLs appearing in positions 3-5 ATF had a 30% higher CTR in aggregate than when they appeared BTF. More than that, there’s a big drop in CTR between positions 3-4 both ATF and BTF while the drop isn’t as dramatic between positions 4-5. Meaning, users love the top 3 positions and find any positions below that far less relevant. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed content expert Ashley Segura to discuss FAQ pages and their relationship to SEO! They discuss how to write FAQs that are not boring, how to focus your FAQ to the user’s intent, why you should add images or videos to your FAQ, how to brainstorm what questions to add, and much more! Resources: The Difference Between Ranking Above & Below the Fold www.rankranger.com/blog/above-the-fold-ctr Nati Elimelech twitter.com/Netanel In Search SEO Podcast [Episode 45] www.rankranger.com/blog/in-search-seo-podcast-episode45 Rank Risk Index: www.rankranger.com/rank-risk-index Timestamps: The Impact of Ranking Above the Fold on CTR [06:37 - 18:57] A Modern Take on FAQs for SEO: A Conversation with Ashley Segura [18:57 - 45:50] SEO News [46:48 - 54:00] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Ashley Segura https://tophatrank.com/ https://tophatsocial.com/ https://tophatcontent.com/ twitter.com/ashleymadhatter www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyward90/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

SEO legend Bill Slawski joins the podcast as we explore his approach to using Google patents to better understand the world of SEO: • Why analyzing Google’s patents are such a vital part of doing SEO • How to approach Google’s patents for SEO insights • What trends and patterns have Google’s patents revealed? Plus, we take a look at a new feature that is putting top of the funnel content on the SERP into a corner! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir discuss Google’s topic filter SERP feature and its impact on online businesses. In short, while websites would prefer to initially grab a large audience on their landing pages and then have the user browse for specifics, Google wants to skip that step and have the users filter their decision before they click on any site! In other words, Google is leaning websites to create more targeted content as opposed to casting a larger net. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Google patent maven Bill Slawski. After starting off with why Bill’s websites have a fish and sea theme, the two dive into how to research Google patents. As the conversation evolves, Bill and Mordy go into specific patents from the past as well some interesting patent facts... like how not all patents are implemented as Google patents are often redundant approaches to a particular problem. Timestamps: How Google is Making It Tougher Than Ever to Reach Broad Audiences [00:05:30 - 00:17:53] How to Analyze Google Patents to Unlock SEO Gems [00:17:53 - 00:49:41] SEO News [00:51:12 - 00:56:58] Resources: Spam, Damn Spam, and Statistics www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/spam-damn-spam-and-statistics-using-statistical-analysis-to-locate-spam-web-pages/ In Search SEO Podcast [Episode 55] www.rankranger.com/blog/bert-seo When Google’s Intent Targeting Goes Too Far www.rankranger.com/blog/google-intent-targeting Dan Russel’s Site sites.google.com/site/dmrussell/ Google is Suggesting Searches Based on Users’ Recent Activity searchengineland.com/google-is-suggesting-searches-based-on-users-recent-activity-334309 Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Bill Slawski https://gofishdigital.com/ www.seobythesea.com/ twitter.com/bill_slawski www.linkedin.com/in/slawski/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

Content marketer & SEO extraordinaire Yosef Silver joins the podcast to offer his advice on creating content that ranks, reaches, and engages: • How to create content that both drives traffic from the SERP and pops off the page • What sort of content structure lends itself to user engagement? • How to give your content that balance we all look for Plus, why it might be time to abandon some of the old institutions of content marketing and SEO! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir discuss how content consumption is changing, specifically regarding technical content. Users prefer simple content in video format if possible. What’s most important is to research the SERP and see what types of content comes up that Google prefers. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Yosef Silver of Fusion Inbound to discuss some content marketing ideas. They go over creating content plans, knowing your audience, email marketing, and a few content creation ideas to try for your next marketing campaign! Timestamps: Content Expectations are Changing, Are You? [00:06:28 - 00:24:45] Building Balanced Content [00:24:49 - 00:50:01] SEO News [00:50:36 - 00:54:05] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Yosef Silver fusioninbound.com/ twitter.com/ysilver www.linkedin.com/in/ysilver/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

The Motley Fool’s own Alli Berry joins the podcast to talk about the issues facing SEOs who work with content syndication: · When to and not to syndicate content from an SEO perspective · How to handle syndicates who outrank the original content source · Google’s syndication shortcomings & how to handle them Plus, what scroll-to-text Featured Snippets really mean for sites! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EPISODE SUMMARY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In the first segment, Mordy and Sapir discuss Google’s latest update to Featured Snippets on desktop. Now when you click on the snippet's URL, you’re taken to the exact spot on the page where the content came from, plus it’s highlighted in yellow. Our hosts go over whether this functionality is helpful to the average user, how SEOs should approach building their on-site brand, and the morality of Google changing how users view your page. In the interview segment, Mordy interviewed Allie Berry of the Motley Fool. Alii shares her thoughts on content syndication. Alli and Mordy discuss how content syndication works, what to expect when in a partnership, the cost analysis of syndication, and the controversy of paywalled content on the SERP, etc. Resources: Google to Pay For News Content in Europe searchengineland.com/french-antitrust-decision-sets-the-stage-for-google-to-pay-for-news-content-in-europe-332744 Nino Knetemann Tweet twitter.com/KnetemannNino/status/1268431800566722560 Rich Tatum Tweet twitter.com/RichTatum/status/1268421112163184648 Timestamps: What Scroll-to-Text Featured Snippets Mean for SEO [00:06:47 - 00:19:43] Solving the Biggest Problems with SEO for Content Syndication [00:19:43 - 00:55:36] SEO News [00:56:31 - 00:59:18] Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Alli Berry www.fool.com/ twitter.com/AlliBerry3 linkedin.com/in/berryalli/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/

SEO superstar Kevin Indig joins the podcast to share SERP feature data and SERP feature wisdom: · What SERP features mean when you leave aside the rhetoric · Where is Google taking the SERP and its features? · What is the Topic Layer and why you should very much care about it?! Plus, why ranking signals are not what you think they are (these days)! <<<< EPISODE SUMMARY>>>> In the first segment, Mordy places his bet that ranking signals will become less and less relevant as time goes on. In short, while ranking signals were used in the past as a way to measure a page’s "rankability", Google does need indirect signals the way they used to. Google has come a long way with its Machine Learning which means it better understands the content it's looking at. In fact, it understands this content more "intrinsically." Once Google truly understands content and how it should be, it doesn’t need ranking signals to the same extent. In the interview segment, Kevin Indig shared his thoughts on SERP features. It starts with the question of whether certain SERP features are considered ‘organic.’ Then Kevin goes into a theory that Google is showing more video carousels because YouTube is important revenue for them. Next, they talk about SERP feature authority how in certain niches it can be nigh impossible to get a SERP feature due to Google’s love of authority websites. Finally, Kevin goes in-depth on his findings on current SERP feature data trends and how Google’s premonitions of what the future will hold came true. Timestamps: The Future of Ranking Signals [00:07:07 - 00:18:46] A Deep Dive Into SERP Features [00:18:46 - 01:04:39] SEO News [01:05:31 - 01:10:39] Resources: Google: That’s No Search Engine… That’s an Authority Engine rankranger.com/blog/google-authority-focus What is the Market Share of Featured Snippet URLs? rankranger.com/blog/featured-snippet-market-share Improving Search for the Next 20 Years www.blog.google/products/search/improving-search-next-20-years/ How Google Knows Good Content From Bad Content rankranger.com/blog/how-google-understands-content Google Figures Out What Users Want & Like Based On Comparing Your Content To Others? seroundtable.com/google-understands-user-experience-intent-27931.html Hosts: Mordy Oberstein twitter.com/MordyOberstein linkedin.com/in/mordy-oberstein-12551715/ Sapir Karabello linkedin.com/in/sapir-karabello-466865182/ Special Guest: Kevin Indig www.g2.com/ twitter.com/Kevin_Indig linkedin.com/in/kevinindig/ Follow the podcast on Twitter: twitter.com/InSearch_SEO Subscribe: ow.ly/sDkT50zjRPJ Presented by Rank Ranger: www.rankranger.com/