

The Edward Show
Edward Sturm
Founder and go-to-market stories from the lens of a world-class marketer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 8, 2025 • 13min
Gaming LLMs & Google Best Lists: Black Hat Tactics, SEO Loopholes, and What Actually Works
E734: I share how people are trying to manipulate both ChatGPT and Google by creating fake “best of” lists. I walk through a viral LinkedIn post exposing a black hat tactic that's purportedly currently working to influence AI-generated recommendations. You'll hear: - The exact tactic being used to game ChatGPT's rankings - Why LLMs are vulnerable to surface-level content signals - Real examples (and skepticism) from the SEO community - How some are manipulating Google’s knowledge graph using Parasite SEO and fake best-of lists - What actually works today if you want long-term SEO results Whether you're curious, skeptical, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve - this one's packed with insights. 🎩 The LinkedIn post shared - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dowdell_llmmarketing-seo-chatgpt-activity-7346161041803735044-USDC/ 🎩 The blog post shared - https://www.seolondonsurrey.co.uk/blog/quality-issues-in-some-google-knowledge-graph-results 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Gaming Best Lists 00:44 Black Hat Tactics for LLMs 02:22 Reactions and Replications 04:35 Gaming Best Lists in Google Search 07:04 Parasite SEO Techniques 11:50 Concluding Thoughts and SEO Tips The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #blackhatseo #parasiteseo #searchengineoptimization #seohacks

Jul 7, 2025 • 8min
Why Threads Could Be the Next Parasite SEO Goldmine
E733: I break down why Threads might be the next major platform for Parasite SEO - and how you can take advantage of it right now. Threads.com is spiking in Google traffic after a smart domain migration and is showing signs of becoming a powerful source for organic reach. I’ll walk you through how to repurpose your content into threads, why it’s (surprisingly) not that black hat, and what velocity to post at so you don’t trigger spam filters. What you’ll learn: - How Threads went from 0 to 11.7M monthly clicks from Google - Why their 301 redirect (vs. 𝕏’s 302 mistake) made all the difference - What Parasite SEO is, and why Threads might be the next big platform - How to repurpose your site content into threads - using AI - Why content velocity matters (and how to avoid spam filters) - The smart way to build long-term SEO wins using existing platforms Whether you're an SEO strategist, affiliate marketer, or content creator, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss. 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Threads' SEO Journey and Migration 02:18 Comparing Threads and 𝕏's SEO Performance 03:03 Parasite SEO 04:35 How to Use Threads for Parasite SEO 06:04 Practical Tips for Implementing Parasite SEO 07:36 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #parasiteseo #searchengineoptimization #seohacks #digitalmarketing

Jul 6, 2025 • 17min
The SEO Disaster at 𝕏: Billions of Clicks Left on the Table
E732: I break down one of the biggest SEO failures in internet history - how 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) lost billions of clicks by mishandling its URL migration and on-page SEO. I also show how Threads and Bluesky are making similar mistakes, and the ridiculously simple fixes that could bring them billions of free monthly clicks. We cover: - The shocking impact of Twitter’s switch to 𝕏 on Google search traffic - Why Threads is accidentally doing SEO better (but still failing) - How basic SEO elements like page titles, meta descriptions, and H1s are being ignored - Simple AI-powered fixes that could change everything overnight - A breakdown of what should be done - from alt text to advanced keyword optimization Whether you’re into digital marketing, SEO, or just want to understand how big tech continues to fumble easy wins - this one’s for you. 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to SEO Issues with X, Threads, and Bluesky 01:18 The SEO Catastrophe: Twitter to X Migration 03:30 SEO Basics: Page Titles, Meta Descriptions, and H1 Tags 12:00 Advanced SEO Strategies Using AI 15:42 Wrapping The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing

Jul 5, 2025 • 14min
The Biggest AI x SEO News Since ChatGPT - Cloudflare Declares War on AI
E731: Cloudflare just declared war on AI. In what might be the biggest AI x SEO development since the launch of ChatGPT, Cloudflare announced it will block AI crawlers by default and launched a bold new initiative: Pay Per Crawl. What does this mean for websites, content creators, publishers, and the future of AI training? Is this the beginning of a new economic model for the web - or just another speed bump for AI companies? I break down: - What Cloudflare's announcement really means - How Pay Per Crawl works (and who’s already on board) - Reactions from the SEO community and industry insiders - Why this could change visibility, search, and content forever Whether you're in SEO, content, media, or tech - this one’s a must-listen. ⭐️ Cloudflare to block AI crawlers by default with new Pay Per Crawl initiative - https://searchengineland.com/cloudflare-to-block-ai-crawlers-by-default-with-new-pay-per-crawl-initiative-457708 ⭐️ Cloudflare will now block AI crawlers by default - https://www.theverge.com/news/695501/cloudflare-block-ai-crawlers-default ⭐️ Content Independence Day: no AI crawl without compensation! - https://blog.cloudflare.com/content-independence-day-no-ai-crawl-without-compensation/ ⭐️ Announcing Cloudflare pay per crawl beta - https://www.cloudflare.com/paypercrawl-signup/ ⭐️ Reddit: Pay per crawl has been announced. - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1lpyknc/pay_per_crawl_has_been_announced/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Breaking News: Cloudflare's Major Announcement 00:43 Understanding Cloudflare's New Policies 01:32 Implications for AI and Web Content 02:27 Cloudflare's Pay Per Crawl Initiative 03:31 Industry Reactions and Support 06:21 The Verge's Take on Cloudflare's Move 09:56 SEO Community’s Response 12:45 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #ainews #artificialintelligence

Jul 4, 2025 • 12min
Google's June Update Could Explode Instagram - Here's How to Rank
E730: Google’s June core algorithm update is rolling out - and Instagram might be the next big SEO play. Why? Platforms like Reddit and Instagram offer real-time, high-engaging content that users trust. And Google seems to be rewarding that - Reddit just gained 162M clicks in 10 days, and Instagram content could be indexed far more widely in search with this update. You’ll learn: - How Reddit gained 162M clicks in 10 days from Google - The new Instagram notice about your photos and videos showing in search - Exactly how to write captions and use carousels to rank in Google - Why engagement + recency on Instagram might now be real SEO factors - How to build topical authority… without even using a website Whether you’re an SEO pro or just trying to get more visibility for your content, this is a game-changer. ⭐️ Learn more - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/instagram-official-seo-notice-to-creators/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Google's June Core Algorithm Update 00:23 Reddit's Traffic Surge: A Case Study 01:07 Instagram's New Search Engine Visibility 03:01 Maximizing Instagram for SEO 05:42 Practical Tips for Instagram SEO 10:42 Conclusion and Further Resources The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #instagrammarketing #searchengineoptimization

5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 56min
The Truth About AI Search vs. Google - What 20 Million Searchers Are Actually Doing
Eli Goodman, co-founder and CEO of Datos, delves into the evolving world of search behavior. He reveals insights gleaned from 20 million users, juxtaposing AI search with traditional Google searches. Eli discusses why zero-click searches are on the rise and the misconceptions surrounding SEO's future amid AI advancements. He highlights how data analytics can forecast trends, the nuanced nature of user intent in search, and the impact of clickstream data across various industries. Prepare for a mind-expanding look at the future of search!

Jul 2, 2025 • 8min
Google’s June 2025 Core Update Is Brutal - Here’s What’s Changing
E728: Google just rolled out its June 2025 core algorithm update - and it’s already shaking up the entire SEO landscape. I break down what’s actually changing, why traffic is dropping, and what we’re seeing so far. From Reddit surges to AI content penalties, thin pages getting deindexed, and trusted domains losing rankings - this update is hitting hard. I also explain how it compares to March’s update, what types of content are being targeted, and steps you can take right now to check if you’ve been impacted. Here’s what we cover: - How the June 2025 Google Core Algorithm update compares to the March update - Why some top-ranking pages are dropping in results - The removal of low-value, thin, or outdated pages from the index - New pressure on unedited, AI-generated content - Increases in visibility for platforms like Reddit and other user-generated content - How to check your traffic, rankings, and keyword data - What steps to take now to adapt to the changes Whether you're an SEO, site owner, or digital marketer, this one’s essential listening. 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Google's June Core Algorithm Update 00:36 Other Core Algorithm Updates 01:28 Impact on User-Generated Content Platforms 02:11 SEO Community Reactions and Observations 03:07 Differences Between March and June Updates 03:58 Targeting Low-Value and AI-Generated Content 05:49 Prioritizing Real Experience and User-First Writing 06:11 Steps to Check Impact on Your Website 06:35 Trends and Future Expectations 08:01 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #googlecoreupdate #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #digitalmarketing

Jul 1, 2025 • 55min
AI Workflows That Actually Work (And What Doesn’t) - Nik Hulewsky
E727: Nik shares his screen (watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wsllqj9wCE8) and walks us through the exact AI workflows he uses to run his podcast, streamline his business, and save dozens of hours every week - using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Zapier, Google Sheets, and the Limitless Pendant. We talk about: - What happened when AI was given full control of a real company store - Nik’s personal AI stack, including how he organizes 200+ podcast episodes with automation - Why Notebook LM is a game-changer for accuracy and research - How to use AI for intern onboarding, podcast production, SEO, and more - The 90/10 rule of AI automation - and where most people go wrong Whether you’re AI-curious or already building with it, this episode is packed with real demos, practical insights, and honest takes on what works - and what doesn’t. Tools Covered: - Claude (Anthropic) - ChatGPT (OpenAI) - Notebook LM (Google) - Zapier - Google App Script + OpenAI API - Google Sheets + AI Formulas (Workspace Labs) - Limitless Pendant (by Limitless, formerly Rewind AI) ⭐️ Nik Hulewsky’s podcast, Nikonomics - https://www.youtube.com/@NikonomicsPodcast ⭐️ Nik Hulewsky on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-hulewsky-617b132a/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Anthropic's AI Experiment 00:35 AI's Performance in the Store 01:26 General AI Hype and Realities 03:02 Historical Parallels with Tech Giants 05:15 Consistency and Luck 08:10 Practical AI Workflows and Tools 11:17 Setting Up AI Integrations in Claude 12:37 Podcast Management with AI 23:11 AI Formulas in Google Sheets 27:11 Exploring Different Marketing Channels 27:56 SEO Keyword Analysis 30:15 Using AI for Keyword Research 32:32 SEO Tools and Techniques 36:44 Podcasting Insights and Strategies 37:47 Leveraging AI for Podcast Content 42:50 Creating and Using Claude Artifacts 48:35 More AI Workflows and Practical Applications 50:59 Internship Management with AI 54:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #aiworkflows #claudeworkflows #limitlesspendant #digitalmarketing

Jun 30, 2025 • 16min
How to Explode Your Backlinks and Clients Using Social Proof (Even If Starting From Zero)
E726: How to consistently earn backlinks and attract new clients by building visible credibility - even if you're just getting started and have no existing reputation. The episode breaks down a real example from James Reynolds, the founder of SEO Sherpa, an SEO agency that grew from zero to eight figures in revenue. He used a structured, repeatable process to build perceived authority from the ground up. That credibility made it easier to get speaking opportunities, podcast invites, mentions in articles, and referrals - all of which led to more backlinks and client inquiries. You’ll learn: - Why social proof makes people more likely to link to you or hire you - How to start getting invited to speak at events, even if you're unknown - What to include in your speaker pitch to increase acceptance rates - How to use each small success (like a quote or event) to unlock the next one - A simple method to get included in articles and expert roundups - How podcast appearances can build trust and help with SEO - How to create assets (like research reports) that influencers want to share - How to position yourself as an expert, even if you feel like an imposter - Why “looking credible” matters more than being known in your industry - How to increase your success rate on HARO and similar platforms - What makes people more likely to include your link in their content - How to share your progress and where to do it This isn’t about shortcuts or hype - it’s about using simple steps to gradually build real trust, which leads to long-term growth in backlinks, visibility, and clients. This approach works whether you're a business owner, freelancer, agency owner, or in-house marketer - and whether you’re new to the field or looking to break into a more competitive space. If you enjoy practical, story-driven examples of marketing and SEO strategy, you’ll find a lot of value here. ⭐️ How to Grow an SEO Agency from $0 to 8 Figures (with Lessons from 21 SEO Experiments) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC5i2M6TYC0 ⭐️ Manufacturing Social Proof to Build an 8-Figure Business - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/manufacturing-social-proof-build-an-8-figure-business/ ⭐️ 21 SEO Experiments - https://seosherpa.com/seo-experiments/ ⭐️ How to Get On Podcasts as a Guest in 2025: The Easy Way - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/get-on-podcasts-as-guest-2025/ 💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/ 00:00 Why Social Proof Matters 02:04 Case Study 03:03 Step-by-Step Guide to Building Social Proof 05:40 Leveraging Speaking Engagements for Growth 08:02 The Power of Influencer Collaboration 11:52 Getting Started: Practical Tips and Tools 14:41 Conclusion and Additional Resources The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #linkbuilding #backlinks #socialengineering #searchengineoptimization

6 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 18min
Nofollow Links, Brand Mentions & $508 Backlinks - The 2025 Link Building Report
Discover the latest insights from a massive survey of SEO pros on link building trends for 2025. Find out why NoFollow links still hold value and explore the impact of unlinked brand mentions on rankings. Dive into the debate over the worth of a $508 backlink and learn effective, low-cost strategies for gaining quality links. The discussion reveals risky practices, the necessity of backlinks, and the potential consequences of using Google's disavow tool. Uncover fascinating statistics that could reshape your approach to SEO.