Edge Of The Web - An Seo Podcast For Today's Digital Marketer

Gearing Up for SGE  Welcome back local SEO specialist and COO at Search Lab Greg Gifford. This week Greg joins host Erin Sparks to uncover the myths about local SEO and frequent challenges haunting business owners. Learn the common mistakes small business owners need to keep an eye on while setting up their Google Business Profile, and to wrap it all up Greg & Erin close with some highly necessary SGE talk. It’s time to master your SEO at a local level this week on the EDGE of the Web!     Key Segments: [00:03:13] Introducing Greg Gifford [00:06:08] Challenges and Myths of Local SEO  [00:14:25] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:59] Issues with the Google Appeal Process  [00:19:04] Flaws in Google Business Profile  [00:33:17] When are we going to see Google SGE?  [00:45:37] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix [00:46:47] What Does the Spike in Organic Traffic Loss Tell Us?  Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow

Google has taken a stand on fake reviews with a new reviews spam algorithm, claiming to have removed over 170 million policy-violating reviews in 2023 - a 45% spike from years past. But numbers are hard, right? How much did they actually increase?  AI is jumping the gun! As silly as it may sound, you might want to check the web for a premature AI-generated obituary of yours because if you find one… you’re not the first! Please, it’s time to let go of the disavow tool finally.  Catch up on all the greatest SEO news happening this week, as always, here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:03:52] New AI Algorithm Takes Down 45% More Fake Reviews In 2023! [00:09:18] Tracking Paid And Organic Traffic In GA 4 Just Got A Little Easier  [00:10:06] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:11:50] New Bulk Email Regulations from Google and Yahoo AI Blitz: [00:16:43] The UK is Outpacing the US for AI Hiring [00:18:01]  AI-generated Obituaries Litter Google Search [00:21:09] "AI native" Gen Zers are Comfor

Greg Gifford travels the globe speaking to SEO audiences throughout the year, thankfully we were able to rein him in for this week's interview series. If you want to learn the ins and outs of local SEO, Greg Gifford is your guy. With over 20 years of experience in online marketing and web design, the COO at Search Lab joins Erin to discuss fundamental strategies in achieving premium local SEO. Understand the keys to cracking Google’s Ranking Factors at a local level, and take the next step in your local SEO strategy this week on the EDGE!  Key Segments: [00:03:27] Introducing Greg Gifford [00:06:04] Greg’s SEO Journey [00:13:06] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:31] Greg’s BrightonSEO Presentation [00:24:04] Google Business Profile Optimization Factors [00:26:11] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:27:33] Varying Verticals to Industries in the Google Algorithm  [00:33:49] Aligning Business Photos to Google’s Standards [00:39:12] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix [00:40:23] Are Certain Rankin

Hot off the dumping of Bard, Erin, Mordy, and Jacob jump into all the changes happening within Google this week. That’s right… Bard is no more, as Google announces relaunch of chat based AI tool adopting the moniker Gemeni.  The UK is increasing criticism of third party cookies, putting Google on the spot. Plus, Google is testing out a new form of Generative AI, developed to answer local questions on Maps.  Come join us on the EDGE for this week’s latest SEO news, and please remember to keep Bard in your thoughts as we honor the Chat bot’s mediocre legacy.  News from the EDGE: [00:04:36 ] Bard Out, Gemini In: Changelog Confirms the Upcoming Rebrand Effort from Google [00:10:14] Do You Have Some Invisible Pages? Google Addresses Indexing Glitch from Last Week [00:12:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:12:58 ] Tracking Trouble: Can Google Fix its Cookie Alternative in Time? AI Blitz: [00:17:58] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger  [00:19:21] Experts from 30 nations will contribute to global AI safe

Welcome founder of Content Hacker and president of Content at Scale, AI specialist Julia McCoy, who is back for her second segment this week to understand the evolving landscape of AI content. Julia explains the new roles and opportunities driven by AI optimization that are emerging for SEOs and content writers.  Discover how to set parameters for AI and train these learning models to follow brand guidelines for revolutionized content at scale. Understand how to Incorporate AI into your content while avoiding all of the negative stereotypes out there.  The future of AI is set to expedite the entirety of the content process as we know it. Join us as we dissect AI-assisted content at scale this week on the EDGE of the Web!  [00:03:28] Introducing Julia McCoy [00:04:54] Where Does the Role of SEOs and Content Writers Lay Within AI Optimization?  [00:08:43] How do you Maintain Brand Specifications When Using AI to Develop Content at Scale? [00:13:29] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:02] How d

SGE in Timeout When will SGE actually come to life on the SERP? It seems the answer is not any time soon, as Google is letting Microsoft and others take the lead in creating a generative experience while SGE remains in the workshop. Keep your eyes peeled; Google announces a plan to restart the official SEO starter guide in the near future. Meta continues its AI push. What’s next? Plus, the great Barry Schwartz hints at the next confirmed Google search ranking algorithm coming soon. Stay fresh with all the latest SEO awesomeness every week. Join us on this episode of News from the EDGE! News from the EDGE: [00:01:04] Free Ticket to BrightonSEO: us.brightonseo.com/freetickets [00:06:15] SGE is still stuck in Google Labs - will it escape? [00:12:37] WordPress security issue affecting over 1 million sites [00:16:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:18:04] A big update is coming for Google’s SEO Starter Guide AI Blitz: [00:23:46] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:25:07] Meta expands automated aud

Joining the EDGE this week is the founder of Content Hacker and president of Content at Scale, AI specialist Julia McCoy. Julia has been building her $5 million brand since the age of 19 while being named best-selling author eight times. Recently recognized as one of the top 30 content marketers worldwide, Julia shows no signs of slowing down! In this episode, discover how AI continues to reshape the way content is made and learn how writers can leverage artificial intelligence for rapid efficiency and growth. Understand how to expedite your content curation process while still maintaining a ‘human’ element in the eyes of Google. It’s time to turn this AI uprising into an opportunity for rapid optimization this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:10] Introducing Julia McCoy [00:04:49] Julia’s Career Journey [00:07:43] What Role Does AI Have in the Industry?  [00:11:37] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:14] How is AI Changing the Way Brands Interact with Their Audience?  [00:1

Welcome back to News from the EDGE!  Study shows that many top SEOs are concerned about the current state of Google in response to the poor quality, spam-dense SERP as of late. In no effort to solve the situation, Google announces huge Search Quality Rater job cuts moving forward.     In AI news, Zuckerberg sets new goal to create artificial general intelligence (AGI) capable of general cognitive reasoning and independent innovation upon itself… in other words - Skynet. Is AI getting out of control?  Don’t navigate this SERP-ocalypse alone. Join us as we take a look into the past week's SEO action right here on the EDGE of the Web!   News from the EDGE: [00:04:58] If you’re part of the mass eXodus, you can now sponsor an article on LinkedIn! [00:09:41] What’s going to happen to the Quality Raters program if no one is there?  Huge job cuts announced! [00:17:05] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:18:15] New research study asks if Google Search is getting worse…we all know the answer… AI Blitz: [00:26

Overcoming the SGE Title Wave Welcome back, Former Director of SEO and Digital Strategy at Salesforce and Head of Digital Experience and SEO at Vimeo, Todd Friesen, for his second segment of this interview series.  Todd shares his experience in building a successful SEO crew, explaining why you need more assets than just SEOs to form a well-structured team.  Discover strategies for navigating future obstacles that may arise during the rollout of Google Analytics 4 and Search Generative Experience. It is more important than ever to take proactive measures and debrief your clients on the anticipated traffic loss on the horizon. Brace yourselves for a new wave of SEO surging this week on the EDGE of the Web!  [00:03:26] Introducing Todd Friesen [00:05:03] Challenges Within SEO  [00:12:25] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:09] Has Leadership Development not ‘Caught Up’ to SEO Advancements?  [00:21:24] Reporting in Google Analytics 4 [00:25:24] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:26:30] How

A new transition king has been crowned this week as Erin takes the throne. Shh… don’t tell Mordy! After a quick week off the team is back in action with some compelling news this week.  Don’t be fooled, Google author bylines in fact DO NOT influence search rankings despite opposing claims. If you’re still confused, good luck reaching Google ad support as reports show they are at an all time low in efficiency.  Plus, Microsoft and Google are battling as they each make big moves in the Artificial Intelligence space.  We’ve got plenty of courses on the menu this week so grab your bib and get ready for another episode of news from the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:06:04] Is it rock-bottom for Google Ad support? [00:10:19] Breaking news: Author bylines are NOT a ranking factor [00:18:17] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:19:35] TikTok is worried that non-skippable videos might hurt their engagement AI Blitz: [00:22:23] Microsoft’s New AI Tools Let Anyone Create Retail Media Content [00:

Former Director of SEO and Digital Strategy at Salesforce and Head of Digital Experience and SEO at Vimeo, Todd Friesen joins the EDGE this week to discuss his approach to building an SEO foundation. With over a decade of industry experience, Todd has become an accomplished SEO strategist and team management guru.  Take a look into typical setbacks that constrain an SEO team from curating long term success. Learn how to unite a marketing and SEO team to create a synergistic system of extended growth.  Todd shares actional practices for developing essential communication skills to propel your career further.  Journey the secrets to a thriving SEO foundation and career growth this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:14] Introducing Todd Friesen [00:09:02] The Rift Between SEO and Marketing [00:13:39] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:23] What Role Does SEO Really Have in the Marketplace?  [00:17:20] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger  [00:20:29] Where Should SEOs Be Focusing Th

Cookie Monster Sorrows Happy New Year, folks! Kick-off 2024 the right way, and get up to date on all the latest SEO and marketing news you missed during the time off.  Kicking things off, Facebook is moving to a cookieless environment as they transition to an internal behavioral tracking system. The company recently announced the rollout of ‘link history’ for all accounts to promote specialized ad targeting of users - but there’s a catch…    Google says cookies are coming to an end. Access to third-party data will soon be unavailable to advertisers, leaving them no choice but to seek behavior-tracking alternatives for the future.  Be ready for a year of extreme volatility! Gear up for a thriving 2024 and stay ahead of the pack as always. Check out all the other early-bird news of the year right here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:04:26] Do you prefer opt-in or opt-out for new features? Facebook assumes you want opt out! [00:07:05] Google Ads assures users that support remains steadfast while

Buckle up, EDGE fans! Erin, Jacob, and Mordy crash onto the scene with the last EDGE of the Web episode of 2024, Episode 650. Mordy, please….can we keep Erin’s mother-in-law out of this already? On the docket: 2024 listicle apocalypse, AI drama with Chat GPT and The New York Times, Burger King's hangover-detecting robots, and SEO's 2024 crystal ball (think personalization and AI whispers). Plus, Google's ad experiments and WordPress' competitive platform exodus guides. Grab your existential dread and hit play. It's EDGE OF THE WEB time! Let's get weirder than a family reunion after too much eggnog. News from the EDGE: [00:04:21] Google Acknowledges Live Testing of Ad Copy Variations in Advertisements [00:09:15] Fresh Insights from Google SGE: Exploring Content Formats, YMYL, and Product Views [00:16:13] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:16:51] Keep an Eye on These Crucial Search Trends in 2024 AI Blitz: [00:22:51] Study: Most visited AI Tools in 2023 [00:24:40] New York Times sues Microsoft a

Welcome back to the EDGE! Retail Media expert, Elizabeth Marsten, is back for her second segment this time to talk about the impact data has on the retail marketing and e-commerce industry.  Elizabeth helps you navigate the high intent consumer funnel, explaining how retail media is leveraging data to form predictive purchasing models. We evaluate ways in which corporations are addressing significant privacy concerns surrounding big data, and third-party cookies to predict consumer behavior.  The third wave of marketing is imminent! Join us this week as Elizabeth Marsten showcases the strength of user data in a retail media network and e-commerce setting right here on The EDGE of The Web! [00:02:58] Introducing Elizabeth Marsten [00:04:12] Who are Key Influencers in Retail Media?  [00:06:38] Understanding the High Intent Consumer [00:11:22] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:19] How Can You Predict Consumer Purchasing?  [00:16:42] Demonstrating Products in Real Time With Livestream Shopping

A four-time guest of the EDGE and VP of commerce strategic services at Tinuiti, Elizabeth Marsten, joins the show this week to explore the profound landscape of retail media network marketing. Elizabeth stands out as a distinguished Digital Marketing expert with extensive experience in e-commerce and online marketplaces.  Discover the essence of Retail Media Networks and explore how the retail industry giants leverage strategies for optimized results. Elizabeth describes the extreme levels of personalization retail media generates, outlining how personalization is expected to skyrocket. Grasp the vast scale of Retail Media Networks, and learn how data-driven positioning has become a centerpiece of digital marketing this week on The EDGE of The Web! Key Segments: [00:03:34] Introducing Elizabeth Marsten [00:05:40 ] How Elizabeth Got Into Retail Marketing [00:08:16] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:09:03] How has the Digital Marketing Industry Evolved in Recent Years?  [00:11:29] What Are Reta

Rock, Paper, Scissors - Shoot! Listen in as we're joined by Crystal Carter, head of communications at Wix, to discuss the world of SEO and digital marketing, focusing on Google's latest AI model, Gemini. We cover the model's various versions, its potential to impact search and creative industries, and how Google may have pushed the envelope of reality a little bit with the tool's debut video.  Covering other AI and marketing news, including X's chatbot, Grok, the AWS and NVIDIA partnership for advanced generative AI, and the discussion about the SEC's probe into investment advisors' use of AI and the potential risks involved. News from the EDGE: [00:03:09] Unveiling Gemini: Google's Latest Innovation and Bard's Gemini Pro Upgrade [00:13:16] Meet Grok: The New ChatGPT Competitor Launched by X [00:18:45] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:19:18] Landmark Decision: Jury Rules Google Guilty of Unlawful Monopoly in App Store Battle [00:23:06] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger AI Blitz: [00:24:19]

Are you struggling to fully grasp Google Analytics 4? This week we welcome back founding partner at Kick Point, Dana DiTomaso, for her second interview segment to reveal how you can best optimize GA4 in the workplace.  Listen in, as Dana unveils her insider scoop into variances within the dynamic landscape of Google Analytics. Plus, learn about Looker Studio’s blending functions which allows you to seamlessly combine Universal Analytics and GA4 into one unified report. If you’re still unsure about GA4, be sure to check out Dana’s incredible training package, which fosters a motivating approach to optimizing client analytics. Fully discover how you can maximize your SEO capabilities through utilization of GA4 and other tools on this episode of The EDGE of the Web!  Discount for EDGE of the Web Listeners: Analytics For Agencies: https://kpplaybook.com/analytics-for-agencies/  *Use Code EDGE for 20% Off!* Key Segments: [00:03:30] Introducing Dana DiTomaso  [00:05:38] Dana’s GA4 Audit Tool [00:11:07] EDGE of the

Welcome back to News from the EDGE! Host Erin Sparks was out this week, so the pivot man Mordy Oberstein, and 3D-printer extraordinaire Jacob Mann took the reins. The northerners prevail as Google agrees to fork up a hefty sum to Canadian publishers in light of the Online News Act. Google complies to U.S antitrust lawsuit, revealing how many websites are actually indexed on the web. OpenAI is under notable changes, revealing an early 2024 release date of GPT Store shortly after the return of CEO Sam Altman. Plus, Google’s November core update is now complete, and the results may surprise you. Stay connected this week as we walk you through everything going on inside of SEO, right here on The EDGE!  News from the EDGE: [00:03:52] How Many Web Pages does Google Actually Index? [00:08:49] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:10:13] Spotify Slashes 1,500 Jobs, CEO Cites Economic Challenges [00:17:05] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:13] Google will pay $73 Million in a Deal with Canadian Pu

This week, we welcome Dana DiTomaso to the show for her long-awaited return to the EDGE. Dana is a marketing partner at Kick Point, working to help clients grow businesses by making digital marketing and traditional marketing work well together. In this episode, Dana and Erin discuss the role of the agency and its responsibility to help shepherd the Google assets of its clients.  Pay attention to how Big Query is set up for your clients: they must own the connection - it cannot be moved from an agency account to the client after set up! This discussion also hones in on topics ranging from data-channeling, restrictions, and interpretation methods that help you optimize your utilization of Google Analytics. Grasp the power of Google’s advanced user-centric analytics in GA4, right here on The EDGE of The Web! Key Segments: [00:03:29] Introducing Dana DiTomaso [00:05:07] How Dana got into SEO [00:08:17] New Responsibilities For Digital Marketers with the Birth of GA4 [00:13:26] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site

Welcome back to News from the EDGE! There’s plenty of chaos within OpenAI as CEO Sam Altman is ousted by the board who justifies the decision as ‘for the betterment of mankind’. Google adds ‘Notes’ feature to its artillery, allowing searchers the ability to write their own note on a specific search result listing… What could go wrong here! Plus, Google makes changes to ad policy to further protect children from dangers on the web. The landscape of the SERP is changing, so tune in for all the updates on digital marketing and AI from this past week right here on the EDGE  News from the EDGE: [00:11:48] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:05:04] Google Search tests Notes on search results [00:07:33] Google launches new personal search experience with follow button and personalized ranking [00:11:48] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:12:35] Google announces update to child and teen ad policy language AI Blitz: [00:18:12] Microsoft recruits former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Co-Founder Greg Brockman [0