Search with Candour

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward welcomes Nicole Lee to discuss the significance of long tail keywords in SEO and content marketing.Jack and Nicole delve into how these keywords become even more crucial in the age of AI, focusing on creating personalised, bottom-of-funnel content.The episode also covers Nicole's strategies for programmatic SEO, the challenges of setting client expectations, and the importance of high-intent content.Follow NicoleWebsite: https://nicoleleemf.com/ Daydream: https://www.withdaydream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelee-marketer/ RecommendationsCorner Maps: https://get.corner.inc/Opal: https://www.opal.so/ Graphite AEO tools: https://graphite.io/five-percent/aeo-toolsThinking in Bets: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35957157-thinking-in-bets Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Long Tail Keywords01:20 Welcome to Search with Candour01:36 Meet Nicole Lee08:16 The Importance of Long Tail Keywords in SEO15:55 Balancing Informational and Transactional Content29:42 Programmatic SEO Strategies36:11 Setting Client Expectations for Leads37:24 High-Value Conversions and Client Examples38:28 User Behaviour and Educated Consumers39:57 Specialised Content and High-Intent Articles43:50 The Art of SEO and Product Marketing49:08 Nicole’s Recommendations55:58 Staying Curious and Recommended Tools01:05:19 Upcoming Guests and Future Content

In the first episode of 2026, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook discuss the major SEO news stories of 2025 and make predictions for the upcoming year.They reflect on their predictions from last year, including the impact of zero-click searches on organic click-through rates, the rise of video and visual search elements, and the importance of community and real marketing.The episode also covers Google's AI mode rollout, the challenges posed by automated advertising and privacy laws, and potential advancements in agentic search and browser-based AI.00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:33 SEO Predictions for 202601:42 Zero Click Searches and AI Summarization07:40 Trends in Video and Visual Search12:30 The Return of Real Marketing20:39 Biggest News Stories of 202522:32 AI Mode Rollout Timeline23:30 Personal Use of AI Tools25:26 Global Expansion of AI Mode25:46 AI Mode and Search Functionality Predictions27:11 Impact of AI on Click-Through Rates31:12 Predictions for 202632:34 Automation and Data in SEO35:37 Challenges with Scraping and Indexing40:39 Agentic Search and Browser Integration44:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

In the final episode of Search with Candour for 2025, Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Greg Heilers to delve into the evolving landscape of digital PR. They discuss the current state and future of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), the impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and PR, and the growing influence of brand mentions in the age of global SEO.Greg also shares insights about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly in the Chinese market. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of digital PR and SEO.Follow GregJollySEO: https://jollyseo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheilers/ Jolly SEO’s TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL3o9O1rRBcLKq-hSgerIS8i47HWdOAiiWebsite: https://gregheilers.com/Greg’s recommendationshttps://featured.com/https://www.airtable.com/ https://youtu.be/ETlOSBR92Fs?si=Syh4xBbQScA2UXYh 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:14 The Evolution of HARO and Digital PR04:09 The Role of AI and LLMs in SEO and PR07:15 Challenges and Strategies in Link Building12:38 Globalisation and Language Barriers in SEO18:18 Future Trends and Industry Insights37:36 SEO Relevancy and Authority38:52 Pitch Twisting and Reactive PR39:50 GEO Relevancy and Brand Mentions46:23 Client Communication and Expertise Sharing54:07 Weird and Wild Link Building Requests58:55 Actionable Recommendations and Tools01:02:55 Exploring Chinese Culture and Final Thoughts

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Abi Bennetts to discuss the evolution of digital PR, the importance of brand building, and the impact of AI and LLMs on the PR landscape.Together, they explore strategies for creating authentic, relevant content and the significance of measuring brand sentiment and awareness. Abi also shares insights on how startups can leverage digital PR effectively and predicts the integration of digital and traditional PR in the future.Follow AbiWebsite: https://www.launchpr.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abibennetts710/00:00 Why brand is the future of digital PR01:09 Introduction05:34 Welcome Abi Bennetts07:31 The Evolution of Digital PR and Brand Strategy10:05 The Role of AI and Authenticity in Digital PR12:36 Combining Traditional and Digital PR Tactics19:06 The Impact of Brand Sentiment and Trust33:04 Utilising Experts for Authentic Brand Building34:22 Balancing Virality and Planned Campaigns35:36 Holistic Approach to Digital PR36:18 SEO Integration in PR Strategies37:15 Defining Brand Identity and Messaging40:20 Advice for Digital PR Beginners47:25 Measuring Success in Digital PR53:16 Future of Digital PR and AI56:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Amanda King for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of SEO and the implications of AI-generated content.Amanda shares insights from her 15 years in the industry, discussing the challenges of maintaining relevant, high-quality content in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. The episode covers a range of topics, including content consolidation, Google's move away from lexical search, and Amanda’s new tool - Topic Compass.Jack and Amanda also touch on the importance of balancing traditional SEO practices with modern digital marketing strategies to stay ahead in 2026.00:00 Introduction01:39 Welcome to Search With Candour04:35 Interview with Amanda King07:16 The Evolution of SEO and Content Strategies17:40 Challenges and Future of SEO34:21 Exploring Topic Compass and Content Relevance51:49 The Evolution of Google's Search Technology55:00 The Impact of AI on SEO and PPC56:11 Exploring Paris: Beyond the Usual Attractions01:01:35 The Importance of Updating Existing Content01:03:38 Tools and Strategies for Modern SEO01:08:31 Fun Recommendations: Movies, Games, and More01:23:29 Upcoming Episodes and Future PlansFollow Amanda:⭐Website: https://floq.co/⭐Topic Compass: https://topiccompass.io⭐LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaecking/⭐Amanda's writing for SEL: https://searchengineland.com/author/amanda-king⭐Amanda's speakerdeck: https://speakerdeck.com/amandafloqLinks to resources/references:🎧Amanda’s previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3fWiAJwcO8🎧Discussing MUVERA with Egor Golovin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STcV-Y3KTAs📄Google’s MUVERA: https://research.google/blog/muvera-making-multi-vector-retrieval-as-fast-as-single-vector-search/

Join Jack Chambers-Ward in this episode of Search With Candour as he discusses the critical difference between strategy and tactics in SEO with special guest Derek Hobson from Brain Labs.Jack and Derek get super nerdy using everything from The Avengers to adult diapers to explore how to effectively structure your thinking around SEO strategies and tactics. They also discuss the importance of ongoing testing, adapting to industry changes like AI advancements, and building strong off-page SEO.Follow Derek:Brainlabs: https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereknhobson/SEO Humorist: https://seohumorist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seohumoristResources:https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/navigating-the-new-era-of-ai-search/Greenshot: https://getgreenshot.org/The Sellout by Paul Beatty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237161-the-selloutThis is Strategy by Seth Godin https://open.spotify.com/show/0UggtiAbVMtoXAR3nhg2fK?si=14f33156e5ce4df700:00 Introduction01:38 Welcome to Search With Candour03:10 Guest Introduction: Derek Hobson from Brain Labs04:14 Defining Strategy and Tactics in SEO08:05 The Avengers Analogy: Strategy vs. Tactics21:42 SEO Strategy Development Process24:46 Marvel vs. DC: A Lesson in Strategy34:31 Unexpected Marketing Wins: Grommet Mug Case Study37:52 Client Strategy and Adaptation38:52 Creative Marketing Ideas40:54 The Importance of Brand Visibility44:07 SEO and Content Strategy48:55 Adapting to Industry Changes59:16 Off-Page SEO and Influencer Marketing01:08:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode, Jack Chambers-Ward interviews Ade Holder, frontman of Phinius Gage and owner of 427 Marketing. They explore how punk values can influence business practices, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and the importance of constructive capitalism. Ade shares insights from his experience in marketing and as a musician, highlighting the intersection between creativity and analytical thinking. Tune in for discussions on music, SEO, client relations, and actionable tips for blending personal passions with professional life.Follow AdeWebsite: https://www.427marketing.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-holder-3a010914/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adeholder.bsky.socialPhinius Gage: https://phiniusgage.bandcamp.com/track/masquerade RecommendationsRank Caddy - https://rankcaddy.io/The Ritual by Adam Nevill - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10239382-the-ritualMalevolence - https://mlvltd.com/00:00 Balancing Punk Rock Ethics with Marketing00:55 Introduction01:25 Meet Ade Holder: Punk Rock Legend and Marketing Expert03:07 The Intersection of Punk Rock and Business Ethics03:28 Ade Holder's Journey: From Punk Rock to Marketing04:46 Authenticity and Business: A Personal Journey07:25 Navigating Client Choices and Ethical Dilemmas18:21 The Creative and Analytical Balance in SEO37:32 The Role of Ethics in Modern SEO43:00 Honouring SEO Pioneers43:20 The Importance of Testing Hypotheses44:10 Client Collaboration and Experimentation45:28 SEO Testing and Real-World Results47:01 Navigating SEO Challenges48:06 Understanding Client Issues50:59 Technical SEO Insights54:05 The Gap Between Cutting-Edge and Basic SEO57:43 The Importance of Authenticity in Networking01:01:12 Balancing Band Life and Business01:04:18 Recommendations

In this episode of Search with Candour, Ben Goodey, founder of Spicy Margarita, joins Jack to discuss how to create revenue-driven SEO strategies.The discussion explores how effective audience research impacts conversion rates, differentiating between top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel content, and the evolving role of SEO in the age of AI.Ben shares his insights on creating revenue-driving strategies and the importance of client communication in achieving long-term success.Follow Ben:Spicy Margarita: https://www.spicymargarita.co/How the f*ck: https://www.thefxck.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingoodey/Resources:https://marketingcyborg.com/p/the-lema-framework-how-anyone-canhttps://withcandour.co.uk/podcast/how-to-create-content-that-stands-out-with-lily-ugbajahttps://seo.thefxck.com/interviews/product-positioning-april-dunford/https://seotesting.com/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221251872-when-the-cranes-fly-south00:00 How to make money from SEO00:56 Introduction02:04 Welcome, Ben Goodey02:51 The Importance of Revenue-Driven SEO09:39 Understanding Audience and Customer Research13:10 The Role of Content in Building Trust17:06 Leveraging Customer Insights for Effective SEO29:39 Competitor Analysis and SEO Strategy35:48 SERP Insights and Competitor Awareness37:15 The Importance of Tracking Conversions41:29 Integrating SEO with Broader Marketing Strategies51:13 The Impact of AI on SEO Strategies58:33 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this week's episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Leah Hart to explore the future of sustainable marketing in 2025.They delve into the importance of both environmentally and personally sustainable practices. Topics include the pitfalls of greenwashing, the energy costs of AI tools like ChatGPT, and effective ways to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being in the industry. Follow Leah:Website: https://www.fourfront.us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartleahc/Recommendationshttps://www.thriftbooks.com/w/algorithms-to-live-by-what-computers-can-teach-us-about-solving-human-problems_brian-christian_tom--griffiths/10740830/item/25388624/ https://ground.news/https://www.fourfront.us/blog/sustainable-digital-marketing/00:00 Introduction04:43 Welcome Leah Hart07:08 Defining Sustainable Marketing08:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Marketing08:39 AI and Sustainability in Marketing12:24 Identifying Genuine Sustainable Practices22:06 Balancing Sustainability and Performance23:35 Hybrid Work Models and Sustainability27:12 Measuring Success in Sustainable Campaigns29:35 The Role of AI in Sustainable Marketing39:44 Personal Sustainability and Career Longevity42:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life44:00 Implementing Quitting Time and AI Tools45:24 Building Team Relationships and Communication49:52 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Types58:04 Advice for New Marketers01:05:50 Personal Habits for Reducing Stress01:10:17 Recommendations and Conclusion

Join Jack Chambers-Ward as he sits down with the award-winning brand consultant and designer Jacob Cass.Jacob recounts the harrowing experience of losing 95% of his site traffic and the strategies he employed for recovery.Jacob and Jack discuss practical brand-building exercises, the relevance of maintaining consistency across different platforms, and the indispensable tools and techniques to thrive in the ever-evolving world of SEO and digital marketing in 2025.Whether you're a solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice that can help you manoeuvre through the complexities of digital branding and SEO.Follow JacobJUST Creative: https://justcreative.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcass/JUST Branding podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/JUSTCreativeBrand Builders Alliance: https://joinbba.com/Brand Builders Summit: https://brandbuilderssummit.com/Recommendationshttps://www.aiprm.com/en-gb/Poetry for Neandethals: https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/poetry-for-neanderthals00:00 The Rollercoaster of SEO and Personal Branding01:12 Introduction03:24 Jacob Cass's Journey and Career Highlights06:33 The Impact of SEO Changes on Just Creative12:11 Adapting to SEO Challenges and Shifting Strategies24:03 The Importance of Personal Branding in 202530:59 Building a Resilient Brand34:17 Client's SEO Struggles and Simple Solutions36:19 The Power of Word of Mouth in Business38:06 Consistency in Branding Across Platforms39:26 Balancing Multiple Roles and Audiences44:11 The Caveman Test and Simplifying Your Brand Message52:12 Experimentation and Creativity in Branding54:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward discusses the impact of Google's MUVERA (multi-vector retrieval system) on link building with guest Egor Golovin, Chief Commercial Officer at Serpzilla.Together, they explore how MUVERA recontextualises backlinks, emphasising the importance of context, relevance, and trust over raw volume.Egor shares his insights on current and future link building strategies, the role of AI-generated content, the significance of brand mentions, and the gradual shift towards more complex backlink strategies.Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or new to digital marketing, this conversation offers valuable insights for refining your link building approach in the evolving digital landscape.Follow EgorWebsite: https://serpzilla.com/Follow Egor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egor-golovin-949919204/Follow Serpzilla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serpzilla/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@serpzillaResources and recommendationshttps://research.google/blog/muvera-making-multi-vector-retrieval-as-fast-as-single-vector-search/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3228917-outliers00:00 Introduction01:10 Welcome to Search With Candour01:22 Introducing Egor Golovin01:52 The Impact of MUVERA on Link Building02:42 Podcast Updates and Viewer Engagement04:07 What is MUVERA?11:18 The Role of AI in Content and Link Building12:25 Guest Posting and Digital PR in the Era of MUVERA19:49 The Value of Brand Mentions and No-Follow Links27:23 Link Protection Strategies29:35 The Future of Backlink Strategies30:14 Parasite SEO and Its Decline33:13 Emerging Backlink Strategies39:31 The Role of AI in SEO42:58 Actionable SEO Tips45:57 Recommendations51:38 Conclusion

Join us LIVE from Brighton as the teams from ⁨@SEOMindsetPodcast⁩ and Search with Candour come together for an engaging and informative podcast.In this special episode, the trio of hosts explore the importance of intentional social connections for career progression, and practical tips on maintaining good social health.The episode also features insights from the audience, real-life stories, and a detailed analysis of Google's take on 'social health.’Don't miss out on expert advice, heartfelt stories, and actionable tips designed to enhance your personal and professional growth in the SEO world!Headline sponsor - SISTRIXSISTRIX is the all-in-one SEO toolbox for those who want to succeed on Google, Amazon and Facebook. With SISTRIX's market-leading tools, you can optimise your website according to the latest Google guidelines, track competitors on Amazon and easily generate and perform research across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.Food sponsor - MajesticMajestic maps the web to bring you the Link Intelligence data you need to dominate your market. Established in 2004, Majestic is dedicated to serving worldwide backlink data and analysis.Drinks sponsor - Good Signals and WhitworthGood Signals help brands that deserve to do better online – do just that. They use what makes your business unique and interesting to help you grow online in new and exciting ways – connecting your brand with the people who matter most to you.Whitworth SEO specialise in authentic SEO without the jargon. Just proper SEO consultancy, no fluff and purely focused on delivering return on investment from your organic channel.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:21 The SEO Mindset Podcast Origins02:33 Introducing Search with Candour03:45 SISTRIX: How does Google define social health?04:40 Sponsor Acknowledgements12:10 Exploring Social Health and Loneliness17:01 Maintaining Work-Life Synergy27:51 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome37:09 Choosing Your Influential Five37:36 Using the 5-3-1 Model39:27 Quality Time and Presence40:13 Balancing Social Health and Solitude42:44 Tips for Social Health42:58 Overcoming Fear and Trying New Things54:49 Navigating Social Interactions and Remote Work01:00:03 Q&A and Personal Stories01:04:51 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

Jack Chambers-Ward dives into the evolving world of SEO, AI, and branding with guest Yordan Dimitrov, SEO Manager at Reflect Digital. They discuss the importance of brand consistency, the role of LLMs (Large Language Models) like ChatGPT in shaping user experiences, and the pivotal strategies for maintaining visibility and relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape. If you're curious about how AI is impacting SEO or want tips on optimising your brand’s digital presence, this episode is packed with valuable insights and recommendations.Don't miss out on Yordan's upcoming talk at Brighton SEO and the exciting discussions around these crucial topics!Follow Yordan:Reflect Digital: https://www.reflectdigital.co.uk/ Website: https://yordandim.com/BioLink: https://yordan.bio.link/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrovy/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/yordan-dimitrov.com BrightonSEO talk: https://brightonseo.com/talks/forget-seo-vs-ai-build-a-brand-people-trust-or-get-left-behind 00:00 Embracing AI: The Younger Generation's Journey01:14 Introduction to the Podcast01:29 Interview with Yordan Dimitrov01:41 The Importance of Brand in SEO02:20 Upcoming Brighton SEO Event04:15 SEO Strategies and User Behaviour06:17 The Role of Brand and Visibility10:05 Impact of AI on SEO Metrics13:49 User-Generated Content and Reviews22:21 Personalisation and AI in Search25:14 The Future of Search and AI31:06 Meta's AI Integration and User Consent32:01 The Shift in Digital Marketing Metrics33:04 The Impact of LLMs on User Conversion34:32 E-commerce Strategies for Better User Experience37:44 The Importance of Consistent Branding38:39 Personalisation and Localisation in Marketing45:55 The Role of User-Generated Content51:31 Adapting SEO Strategies for AI and LLMs54:17 Tool and Content Recommendations59:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Search With Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward hosts Pablo Lopez to discuss the future of clickless SERPs and their impact on SEO.They delve into the widespread adoption of AI in search engines like ChatGPT and Google's AI Mode, the effects on user journeys, and the shift from traditional SEO tactics to strategies focused on direct traffic and brand loyalty.Pablo shares valuable insights on audience understanding, content strategy, and the importance of integrating SEO with other digital marketing channels.If you're looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of SEO, this conversation is a must-watch!Follow PabloDept Agency: https://www.deptagency.com/   Pablo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablolopezm/ Pablo’s Recommendationshttps://ahrefs.com/blog/zero-click-search/ https://ipullrank.com/how-ai-mode-works https://seofomo.co/ 00:00 Introduction01:26 Welcome to Search With Candour02:54 Introducing Pablo Lopez04:02 The Future of Clickless SERPs07:51 User Adaptation to AI Mode10:58 Impact on User Behaviour and Trust19:58 Shifting SEO Strategies26:52 Measuring Success in a Clickless World36:36 User-Focused Content and Brand Loyalty38:39 SEO Strategies and Customer Understanding40:27 Impact of AI on Publishing and Content Creation50:54 Direct Traffic and Brand Recognition57:54 Recommendations01:07:44 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward sits down with Manuel Madeddu to discuss the importance of a holistic approach to web performance.They delve into the significance of connecting various elements such as SEO, user experience, and sustainability for optimal web performance.Manuel shares his insights on adapting to the evolving search landscape, the critical metrics to monitor, and the significance of bridging the gap between different departments.Follow ManuelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-madeddu/Carpet Joe: www.carpetjoe.com00:00 Introduction to AI and SEO00:57 Welcome to Search With Candour02:30 Guest Introduction: Manuel Madeddu04:54 The Importance of a Holistic Approach07:23 Web Performance and Sustainability14:03 The Evolution of Search and SEO35:58 Balancing UX, Design, and SEO41:58 The Importance of Accessibility in Web Development44:15 Real-World Examples of Accessibility Challenges47:50 The Role of Legislation in Accessibility48:25 Colorblindness and User Experience51:06 Recommendations and Final Thoughts54:48 Tools and Software for Web Performance55:59 Entertainment Recommendations: Movies, Games, and Anime01:08:15 Upcoming Events and Personal Updates

Join hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook in this week's episode of Search with Candour as they discuss recent Google SERP changes and the impact of AI on keyword research.Discover why the SEO community is buzzing about Google changing the num100 parameter and how these modifications affect impressions and rank tracking.Additionally, the dynamic duo share conference experiences, and tease upcoming speaking engagements.Links:Search ‘n’ Stuff conference: https://searchnstuff.co.uk/conferences/search-n-stuff-antalya-conference-2025/International Search Summit: https://events.transperfectdigital.com/international-search-summit/Personas for AI search: https://searchengineland.com/seo-personas-ai-search-461343Google search drops num100 parameter: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-drops-100-results-parameter-40097.htmlJack’s brightonSEO talk: https://brightonseo.com/events/october-2025/talks/the-future-of-content-with-zero-clicksSponsor Jack’s charity MMA fight: https://justgiving.com/page/jack-chambers-wardTimestamps:00:00 Introduction00:44 Conference Highlights and AI Keyword Research01:58 Personalisation in AI Search07:30 Upcoming Conferences and Events12:56 Google's Search Parameter Changes21:55 Impact of Bot Traffic on Google Search Console Data24:13 Rise of New Crawlers and Tools25:34 Google's JavaScript Requirement Update27:33 AI Mode and the Future of Search35:10 Transparency and Data Limitations40:20 Upcoming Events and Conferences

In this episode of Search With Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward interviews Jojo Furnival, Marketing Manager at Sitebulb about the unique challenges of enterprise SEO.Jack & Jojo discuss issues such as the complexity and scale of large websites, resource allocation, and the importance of interdepartmental communication.Jojo shares insights on the value of automation and proactive management, as well as the essential human skills necessary for effective SEO at an enterprise level.They also chat about Sitebulb's new cloud services and the importance of aligning SEO strategies with broader business goals.Jojo’s recommendations:New free enterprise SEO courseRendering Difference Engine Chrome extensionMy Victorian Nightmare podcastFollow Jojo:⁠Check out Sitebulb⁠⁠Follow Jojo on LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow Jojo on Bluesky⁠Resources:Previous episode with Patrick about JavaScript SEOPrevious episode about enterprise SEO strategies from January 2024Sitebulb webinar about enterprise SEOTime stamps00:00 Introduction to Enterprise SEO Challenges01:14 Welcome to Search With Candour04:45 Welcome Jojo Furnival06:10 Understanding Enterprise SEO Challenges10:08 Navigating Technical and Human Challenges14:24 Prioritisation and Communication in SEO22:38 Aligning SEO with Other Departments26:10 Adapting to Outdated Technology30:12 Log File Analysis and Future Plans31:40 Automation in SEO: Balancing Technology and Human Touch33:19 Enterprise SEO: Tool Stack and Automation Strategies35:28 Effective Communication and Soft Skills in SEO39:44 Understanding Roles and Skills in SEO Teams45:38 Challenges and Metrics in Enterprise SEO51:03 Adapting to AI and LLMs in SEO55:46 Recommendations and Final Thoughts62:05 Outro

In this episode of Search with Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward sits down with freelance SEO consultant Ian Ferguson to discuss the delicate balance between user experience (UX) and search engine optimisation (SEO).They delve into the importance of integrating SEO at the start of web design processes, the impact of AI on SEO, and how to create valuable content that serves both users and search engines.The episode also touches on practical tips for improving UX, managing client expectations, and the future of SEO in an AI-driven landscape.Follow Ian:⭐Website: https://ferguseo.com/⭐Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianjferguson/⭐Ian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ferguseo.com⭐SEO TLDR Newsletter: https://seotldr.substack.com/Ian's recommendations:🛒How do grocery store layouts influence shopping? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skKu1CSrKsQ👓Microsoft Clarity - https://clarity.microsoft.com/🫙Hotjar - https://www.hotjar.com/🍻The User is Drunk - https://theuserisdrunk.com/📖Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity - https://aliabdaal.com/feel-good-productivity/Links:🎙️The live podcast in Brighton: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-health-is-the-key-to-career-success-free-food-and-drinks-tickets-1556336527449?aff=oddtdtcreator🥊Jack's MMA fight for charity: https://justgiving.com/page/jack-chambers-wardTime stamps:00:00 Introduction05:00 Welcome Ian Ferguson05:12 Ian Ferguson's Background and Expertise06:19 The Intersection of UX and SEO10:01 Challenges and Strategies in SEO and UX18:00 The Future of SEO in the Age of AI39:16 The Importance of Keyword Research in Web Design39:43 Time Constraints and Departmental Silos in Marketing40:05 Leveraging AI for Product Data Management40:56 Enhancing User Experience with Interactive Guides42:34 The Challenges of Modern SEO and UX Integration43:43 The Shift from Content Quantity to Quality46:18 Adapting to AI and Changing Client Needs52:55 Optimizing Internal Search and User Navigation55:06 The Role of Data in E-commerce Strategy59:00 The Benefits of Content Curation and Site Clean up01:00:33 Psychological Insights from Supermarkets to E-commerce01:03:37 The Future of SEO and User Experience01:05:39 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Welcome to another episode of Search With Candour!This week, Jack Chambers-Ward sits down with Matt Cayless to discuss brand authority and digital PR.Whether you’re an SEO pro, a digital marketer, or a brand builder, this episode is packed with actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert advice on how to build lasting brand authority in 2025 and beyond.🔑 Key Talking Points:What is brand authority and why does it matter?The evolving role of digital PR in SEOMeasuring brand authority: what really moves the needle?The impact of AI, LLMs, and changing search behaviorsBuilding trust, credibility, and visibility in your nicheThe future of link building and branded mentionsAttribution challenges in the age of GA4 and zero-click searchesActionable tips for getting started with digital PR and audience researchRecommended tools, resources, and where to find Matt online⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why brand authority matters01:14 – What is brand authority?05:45 – The evolution of SEO and digital PR13:15 – How to measure brand authority18:45 – The power of branded mentions and quality signals25:00 – Digital PR vs. traditional link building32:00 – The impact of AI, LLMs, and changing search habits40:00 – Attribution, analytics, and the “zero-click” world48:00 – Building authority in your niche: practical steps55:00 – Audience research and the importance of showing up58:00 – Recommendations1:03:00 – Where to find Matt Hali and Bubblegum Search👇 Enjoyed the episode?Follow us/subscribe on for more expert interviews and actionable SEO insights!Drop your questions and thoughts in the comments – we love hearing from you.

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward discusses the dynamic relationship between branding and SEO with Krešimir Ćorluka, co-founder of Canonical Agency and one of the organisers of Zagreb SEO Summit.Discover the potential pitfalls of bad branding, learn how to ensure your brand strategy supports your SEO efforts, and understand why knowing your customer base is crucial. Plus, get insights into the future challenges and opportunities brought by AI and LLMs in the digital marketing landscapeFollow Krešimir:Zagreb SEO Summit: https://zagrebseosummit.com/Canonical Agency: https://canonical.hr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kresimir-corluka/00:00 Highlight reel01:08 Introduction03:34 Zagreb SEO Summit Recap12:21 Challenges in Branding and Rebranding35:38 The Importance of Team Collaboration36:22 Challenges with Brand Managers36:52 Misguided Corporate Decisions41:10 The AI Hype and Its Pitfalls45:51 The Future of Google and AI52:52 Monetisation and Content Quality Concerns59:15 Final Thoughts and Recommendations