The Edward Show

E866: A simple but overlooked SEO tactic: using modifiers to turn low-volume keywords into very, veryyyy high-value buyers. By adding targeted modifiers like "for schools," "for government employees," or "for enterprise teams," you move deeper down the funnel and reach groups that represent larger purchase orders and higher-quality leads. You'll learn: - Why zero-volume keywords can be incredibly lucrative - How to create modified landing pages that rank with minimal competition - How to pair SEO pages with user-generated content across YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more - The key modifiers that consistently unlock high-leverage traffic ⭐️ Easy SEO to Get Big Purchase Orders - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/easy-seo-big-purchase-orders/ 💎 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 Modifiers 00:14 Examples of Effective Modifiers 00:22 Targeting Lucrative Groups 01:12 Creating Niche Landing Pages 03:35 Leveraging Social Media for SEO 04:34 Top Clicked Sites and Content Strategy 06:00 Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seotips #inboundmarketing #marketingstrategy

E865: A new and growing issue in digital marketing is emerging: black hat AI SEO and the use of fake, AI-generated negative review articles to manipulate how large language models describe a brand. A Reddit post describes a case where a competitor allegedly purchased a black hat AI SEO service that published false review content across multiple low-quality websites. As a result, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other LLMs began repeating incorrect, damaging information about the company. I explain how this happens, why LLMs pick up misleading sources, how query modification and query fanouts work, and what you can do to protect a brand when this type of AI manipulation occurs. Topics covered in detail: - How black hat AI SEO services generate and distribute fabricated negative reviews - How LLMs source information and why they may cite low-quality or false articles - Why the queries an LLM uses are often different from the user's original question - How to view ChatGPT's real search queries through inspection tools - What a query fanout is and how multiple related searches affect AI outputs - How to identify the exact keywords and queries an LLM is using around your brand - How to publish content that ranks for those modified queries - When burying negative content is more realistic than removal - How to dispute reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Clutch, and Google Business Profile - How Google's "Report Negative Review Extortion Scams" tool works - Long-term strategies for protecting brand reputation in AI search environments - Legal considerations surrounding defamation and online attacks ⭐️ The Reddit Thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/AISEOforBeginners/comments/1ok5j0w/black_hat_ai_seo_is_here_how_do_you_fight_back/ ⭐️ SEO Pub's Query Fanout Extractor - https://theseopub.com/updated-chatgpt-search-query-reasoning-extractor-bookmarklet/ ⭐️ Report negative Google Business Profile Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en ⭐️ Report negative Trustpilot Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en ⭐️ Report negative Clutch Reviews - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en 💎 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 Black Hat AI SEO Attack 02:11 Expert Insights: WebLinkrs Take 03:37 Understanding Query Fanouts 05:26 Practical Solutions and Tools 06:41 Dealing with Negative Reviews 09:48 Long-Term Strategies The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #answerengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #reputationmanagement #searchengineoptimization

E864: I break down the European Commission's new antitrust investigation into Google's enforcement of its site reputation abuse and anti-parasite SEO policies. The investigation focuses on whether Google is demoting news publishers and media companies that host third-party commercial content. I walk through what parasite SEO is, why publishers like Forbes were hit by Google's policy changes, how Google is justifying its anti-spam actions, and why many SEOs believe the EU's investigation is misguided. I also look at organic traffic data, examples of parasite SEO still getting through, and the difference between obvious and less obvious parasite SEO tactics. I explain how "accidental" parasite SEO happens when brands improve their product, earn word of mouth, and build a strong presence across social platforms and communities. I also outline the fundamentals of long-term SEO strategy and how intent-driven keywords reliably bring in customers who are already looking for exactly what a business offers. This episode covers the perspectives shared by Lars Lofgren, Jacky Chou, and Charles Floate, Google's official response from Pandu Nayak, and what this conflict means for publishers, SEOs, and search quality going forward. This episode covers: - What parasite SEO is and why it became widespread - How publishers like Forbes were affected by Google's enforcement - Why Google says its anti-spam actions are necessary - Why many SEOs believe the EU's investigation is misguided - Examples of parasite SEO that still get through - The difference between obvious and less obvious parasite SEO tactics - How "accidental" parasite SEO happens through genuine brand growth - The fundamentals of long-term SEO strategy - How intent-driven keywords bring in high-intent customers - Traffic data and trends showing how enforcement impacted major publishers - Reactions and perspectives from Lars Lofgren, Jacky Chou, and Charles Floate - What this conflict means for publishers, SEOs, and the future of search quality ⭐️ Lars Lofgren's post - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7394851152628137984/ ⭐️ Jacky Chou post - https://x.com/indexsy/status/1989140769161248880 ⭐️ Charles Floate post - https://x.com/Charles_SEO/status/1989188855459922202 ⭐️ Google's post from Pandu Nayak - https://blog.google/inside-google/company-announcements/defending-search-users-from-parasite-seo-spam/ ⭐️ "Forbes, CNN, and More Lose Millions as New Google Policy Tanks Affiliate Businesseses" - https://www.adweek.com/media/cnn-forbes-lose-millions-google-seo-policy/ ⭐️ Pareto SEO: The 20% of SEO That Matters - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/pareto-seo 💎 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 and Context 00:47 Understanding Parasite SEO 01:28 Google's Stance and EU Investigation 02:47 Examples and Evidence of Parasite SEO 06:45 Discussion on SEO Practices 09:02 Takeaways 14:56 Conclusion and Sign Off The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #parasiteseo #googleupdate #digitalmarketingnews

E683: LinkedIn is exploding - and few people are talking about it. I break down why LinkedIn is quietly becoming the biggest growth opportunity on the internet, how creators with "dead" accounts are getting tens of thousands of impressions in days, and the posting strategy that took my own LinkedIn reach from 250K to 300K impressions in a day. We get into: - Why daily posting on LinkedIn is being massively rewarded - How to repurpose content from 𝕏, TikTok, and Instagram for fast results - The power of top-of-mind awareness (and why LinkedIn is perfect for it) - How LinkedIn boosts linkable assets, studies, and announcements - How automation kills your reach - and what to do instead - The easiest way to stand out: stop writing like a corporate robot - How LinkedIn gets a massive amount of clicks from Google search If you're in SEO, marketing, or you run any kind of business, you cannot ignore what's happening on LinkedIn right now. This breaks down exactly how to take advantage of organic LinkedIn before the window closes. ⭐️ My LinkedIn posts - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-sturm/recent-activity/all/ ⭐️ My exact social media posting strategy -  https://edwardsturm.com/articles/my-exact-social-media-posting-strategy/ ⭐️ State of Search Q3 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe - https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q3-2025/ 💎 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 The Biggest Opportunity on the Internet Right Now 00:26 Tomek's LinkedIn Experiment 01:04 My LinkedIn Posting Strategy 04:16 Achieving Top of Mind Awareness Like a Friggin Champion 05:39 Launching Linkable Assets on LinkedIn 07:35 Manual Posting vs. Automation 10:12 Why LinkedIn is Popping Right Now 10:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily digital marketing podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #linkedinmarketing #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #searchengineoptimization

E862: Mordy Oberstein - former Head of Communications at Semrush and Former SEO Brand Advisor at Wix - joins Edward to talk about why brand is becoming the most important SEO signal heading into 2026 and why AI won't replace great marketing anytime soon. Mordy and Edward go deep on: - Why branded searches, authority, and trust influence keywords, backlinks, and AI visibility - How AI overviews and LLMs are changing the search landscape - What Google's AI Mode really means for businesses and if it will stick - The future of affiliate and top-of-funnel SEO - The biggest SEO wins and losses of 2025 - How to build a brand that compounds over time - A trick for getting into sought-after SEO conferences Whether you're an SEO, marketer, or founder, this episode will help you understand what really matters for ranking, visibility, and brand growth in the AI era. ⭐️ Mordy Oberstein on X - https://x.com/MordyOberstein ⭐️ Mordy Oberstein on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mordyoberstein/ 💎 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 and Guest Introduction 00:37 Mordy's Career 03:30 Branding and Marketing Tactics 07:09 AI and SEO Predictions 12:51 Debate on AI Mode and Trustworthiness 17:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections 32:15 The Reality of Generative AI 32:55 Blockchain and AI: A Comparison 33:52 The AI Bubble and Investor Behavior 35:18 The Future of SEO in an AI-Driven World 39:00 Brand Building and Marketing Strategies 42:19 The Impact of AI on Affiliate Marketing 55:00 SEO Tools and Industry Changes 01:04:36 Identifying the Problem in SEO 01:04:48 Crazy Opportunities in SEO 01:05:30 The Importance of Brand Visibility 01:09:18 Starting a New Brand: Key Considerations 01:15:37 Building Links and Partnerships 01:19:09 Content Strategy and Social Media Presence 01:30:19 SEO Wins and AI in Finance 01:34:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E861: Google just expanded Opal, its no-code automation tool, to 160+ countries, and the SEO world is not happy. Opal is being promoted as a tool to generate scalable content… despite Google having a highly-cited Scaled Content Abuse policy. We break down the contradiction, the backlash, and how real creators are being impacted. We also talk about Chrisy | Homemade Hooplah's story - a blogger who lost her traffic and livelihood to AI-generated copycat content - and why this moment feels like a turning point for the web. Topics in this episode: - What Google's Opal is and how Google recommends using it - Google's Scaled Content Abuse policy - Why the SEO community is frustrated - The real harm happening to human creators - How to approach SEO from first principles (and avoid getting penalized) If you create content, run a blog, or care about the future of the Internet, this one matters. ⭐️ Nate's post - https://x.com/natejhake/status/1986607211766833636 ⭐️ Nate's 2nd post - https://x.com/natejhake/status/1986840216166896032 ⭐️ Chrisy's story - https://x.com/homemadehooplah/status/1986180290944114878 ⭐️ Opal is now available in more than 160 countries - https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/opal-expansion-160/ ⭐️ Google response - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7393744599950917632/ ⭐️ Google's Scaled Content Abuse Policy - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies 💎 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 AI Spam Machine 00:31 Overview of Google's Opal 00:46 Examples of Opal's Applications 01:29 Scaled Content Abuse Policy 03:19 Community Reactions and Concerns 05:13 Google's Response and Speculations 06:58 SEO Best Practices 10:39 Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #scaledcontentabuse #searchengineoptimization #helpfulcontentupdate #digitalmarketing

E860: Julian Goldie joins the pod! This episode is the rise, setback, and rebound of one of the most talked-about SEO operators in the space. From rapid AI content experiments to the Google penalty that hit an entire group of creators on the same day, to rebuilding and growing bigger than before, this is a full breakdown of what happens when scale meets search engines. We get into practical strategy, experimentation, and mindset. If you're building websites, doing SEO, or growing a personal brand, this conversation will help you understand what matters and what doesn't. We cover: - How Julian scaled content using AI before most people noticed the opportunity - The exact moment Google penalized his sites and why multiple creators got hit at once - Why separating sites in Search Console matters - How to handle setbacks without losing momentum - Keyword research frameworks that are simple and repeatable - How to find low competition, high intent keywords that convert - A clear approach to backlinks, outreach, and negotiation - The role of volume in content growth across YouTube, X, and blogs - Why documenting experiments builds trust faster than teaching theory - How to build resilience when growth slows or stagnates If you want to grow in SEO, consider this discussion a field report. ⭐️ Julian's Free SEO Strategy Session - https://go.juliangoldie.com/strategy-session?utm=edwardshow ⭐️ Julian's AI Profit Boardroom - https://www.skool.com/ai-profit-lab-7462/about ⭐️ Julian Goldie on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JulianGoldieSEO ⭐️ Julian Goldie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliangoldieseo/?skipRedirect=true ⭐️ Julian Goldie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jules_goldie/ ⭐️ Julian Goldie on X - https://x.com/JulianGoldieSEO 💎 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 and Guest Welcome 00:08 The Google Penalty Story 04:23 Rebounding from Setbacks 07:24 SEO Strategies and Insights 13:33 Keyword Research Techniques 23:27 Link Building Methods 29:02 Agency Growth and Personal Journey 31:56 Reflecting on the Journey 32:29 Moving to Bangkok 32:38 Starting a Business in Asia 33:51 Early SEO Strategies 33:56 Creative Link Building Techniques 35:56 AI in Content Creation 37:57 Documenting SEO Experiments 46:48 The Importance of Hooks in Marketing 52:12 Repurposing Content with AI 56:02 Rapid Fire Questions 58:53 Conclusion and Farewell The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #blackhatseo #automateseo #growthhacking

E859: David Quaid returns to explain how large language models surface webpages and how you can measure and influence your visibility in tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini. We walk through query fan-outs, drift, search console interpretation, Looker Studio reporting, and practical steps for testing what LLMs return and why. Topics covered: - How LLMs retrieve information in real time rather than storing the web - How PageRank still influences what LLMs cite - Query Fan-Outs: what it is, how to observe it, and why it matters - Drift: how and why LLMs alter your prompt before searching the web - How ranking in Google impacts whether you appear in LLM answers - Why schema is frequently overstated as a ranking factor - How to detect LLM-driven impressions in Google Search Console - How to identify high-volume keywords using low-position impressions - When to expand an existing page vs. creating a new one - How to measure referral traffic from ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity in GA4 - Building or requesting a Looker Studio report to track LLM referrals - Practical ways to test visibility in LLMs using search replication Demonstrations and walk-throughs in this episode: - Identifying Query Fan-Out patterns - Detecting prompt drift in Perplexity and ChatGPT - Inspecting ChatGPT search queries using browser dev tools - Reading Search Console impression patterns to locate high-volume queries - GA4 filtering for referral-based LLM traffic - Using Looker Studio to consolidate source reporting ⭐️ David Quaid on 𝕏 - https://x.com/DavidGQuaid ⭐️ David Quaid on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidquaid/ ⭐️ David Quaid's agency - https://primaryposition.com/ 💎 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 Ranking in LLMs 00:11 Debunking LLM Myths and Misconceptions 00:59 Understanding Query Fan Outs 02:02 Real-Time Ranking Examples 02:45 The Role of EEAT in SEO 04:54 Query Fan Outs in Different LLMs 14:53 Analyzing Traffic with Looker Studio 16:12 Using Google Analytics for Traffic Insights 23:26 Leveraging Reddit for SEO Insights 26:24 General Overview 27:24 Starting with SEO Rankings 27:40 Understanding Search Console and Content Testing 28:07 Exploring Perplexity and Brave Search 28:43 Popular Episodes and Guest Highlights 29:13 Finding Query Fan Outs in ChatGPT 32:10 The Dead Web and Bot Conversations 34:06 The AMI Paradox and Generative AI 39:30 SEO Practices and Misconceptions 42:05 Schema Implementation and Its Necessity 47:50 Topical Authority and Keyword Research 51:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #generativeengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #searchengineoptimization #pagerank

E858: Google has officially removed support for several structured data types, confirming a trend that has been developing over the last several years. We look at what this means for SEO professionals, agencies, and business owners who have invested time and resources into schema markup. I explain why niche or specialty schema implementations often don't deliver meaningful results, how Google decides when to use structured data, and which markup types are being deprecated. We'll also cover where you should shift your focus instead - including on-page optimization and keyword strategy that consistently drive traffic and conversions. Topics covered: - Google's announcement on structured data and which schema types are being removed - Why Google often ignores or overrides custom schema markup - The real value (and limitations) of structured data for modern SEO - How to choose keywords that lead to sales, not just clicks - Key on-page and site-wide SEO practices that outperform complex schema setups - How to evaluate whether your site builder already includes the essential markup If you have been told you need expensive niche schema packages, this episode will help you understand why that advice may be outdated. Learn what Google actually prioritizes today and how to focus your SEO efforts on areas that make a measurable impact. ⭐️ Google Drops Support For More Structured Data Types & Search Features - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-drops-support-structured-data-types-40386.html ⭐️ Google's Schema Markup Testing Tool - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data 💎 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 The Niche Schema Scam 00:26 Google's Structured Data Changes 01:59 Google Drops Support For More Structured Data Types & Search Features 03:02 Implications of Schema Deprecation 05:10 Effective SEO Strategies 07:19 On-Page SEO Tips 08:47 Wrapping The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #technicalseo #seoschema #digitalmarketing

E857: How to prepare your website for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 using search engine optimization. Even though the holiday shopping season is close, there are still several high-impact SEO actions you can take to improve visibility, attract qualified traffic, and capture conversions before the sales period starts. Topics covered: - How to create brand and product "Black Friday 2025" pages that rank quickly - Why targeting branded keywords with "Black Friday" or "Cyber Monday" can outperform non-branded terms late in the season - How to get new pages indexed fast through internal linking, navigation placement, and Google Search Console - The pros and cons of static URLs versus date-specific URLs for seasonal SEO pages - Why republishing content or creating a new URL can help Google re-evaluate it with your updated topical authority - How to maintain SEO performance year over year through 301 redirects and content updates - Why user signals, link equity, and content freshness matter during competitive shopping periods - Simple on-page optimizations, internal links, and indexing tactics that make a measurable difference - How to use urgency, conversion rate optimization, and lead capture during Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions For listeners managing e-commerce sites, SaaS products, or service-based businesses, these methods show how to use SEO strategically during Black Friday and Cyber Monday to drive both immediate and long-term results. ⭐️ The Reddit Thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1onizoj/what_are_some_black_friday_cyber_monday_seo/ ⭐️ The Magic Pill in SEO: Topical Authority - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/magic-pill-seo-topical-authority/ ⭐️ The SEO Playbook That Actually Works: PageRank, Topical Authority & Real Results - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eK5-TpaiPw 💎 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 Black Friday and Cyber Monday 01:09 SEO Tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 02:26 Creating Effective Black Friday Pages 04:20 URL Strategies for Black Friday Pages 05:23 Topical Authority and SEO 08:15 General Tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 09:15 Wrapping The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #ecommerce #marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing

E856: Klass Foppen of Promptwatch and Gagan Ghotra join the show! We discuss the analysis that triggered headlines across the tech industry - a report suggesting a sharp decline in Reddit's visibility in AI-powered search engines, which was followed by a 10% drop in Reddit's stock price. We examine what actually happened: how Promptwatch tracked Reddit's exposure across AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews, and how those findings were interpreted by media, investors, and the broader search community. This discussion goes beyond the surface story to explore how AI search visibility is emerging as a new layer of competitive intelligence - one that could influence everything from SEO strategy to public market valuation. Topics covered: - How Promptwatch collects and analyzes visibility data across large language model–driven search interfaces - A breakdown of the Reddit report: data sources, methodology, and how the findings spread online - The timeline of events from publication to market reaction - Why AI search platforms are starting to redirect traditional web traffic - If there's a gap between organic SEO visibility and AI-generated visibility - How AI Overviews, Perplexity, and ChatGPT's Search feature affect publisher exposure - The implications for companies whose content is heavily indexed or referenced by AI models - Analysis of how AI search is redefining SEO metrics and strategies - What new performance indicators will matter to content platforms and investors - Long-term questions about attribution, transparency, and economic incentives in AI-driven discovery ⭐️ Klaas Foppen on 𝕏 - https://x.com/forgebitz ⭐️ Klaas Foppen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/klaas-foppen/ ⭐️ Promptwatch - https://promptwatch.com/ ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra on 𝕏 - https://x.com/gaganghotra_ ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagan-ghotra/ ⭐️ Gagan Ghotra's website - https://gaganghotra.com/ 💎 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 and Guest Welcome 01:03 Introduction to Promptwatch 04:44 SEO and AI Search Optimization 12:39 The Reddit Stock Incident 19:39 Challenges and Strategies in SEO 31:55 SEO Everywhere: The Future of Search 32:21 The Evolution of Analytics and AI Integration 33:12 Optimizing for AI: Strategies and Insights 34:37 Reddit's Role in SEO and Traffic 36:05 Long-Term Data and Subscription Strategies 37:46 The Shift from Traditional SEO to Personalized Data 41:33 Tracking AI Visibility: Challenges and Opportunities 43:56 The Future of AI in Marketing and SEO 53:48 Google's AI Mode and Its Impact on SEO 01:14:34 SEO Traffic Insights 01:15:53 Email Subscription Strategies 01:17:13 Influencing AI Visibility 01:18:38 Brand and Entity Scoring 01:23:55 Content Importance in SEO 01:25:28 Programmatic SEO vs. AI Content 01:28:53 Generative AI Use Cases 01:30:33 The Future of AI in E-commerce 01:33:30 The Role of Content in AI Discovery 01:43:45 Challenges in AI Content Creation 01:50:31 The Human Touch in Viral Content 01:53:57 The Importance of Browsing Experience 01:55:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #answerengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E855: New data reveals that 57% of all Google searches are zero-click. SVP of Marketing at Datos, Belinda Conde, joins the show to reveal that more than half of users now get the information they need directly from Google - whether through AI Overviews, featured snippets, or other Google-owned properties - instead of clicking through to a website. We explore what this means for SEO, AI search, and the future of user behavior. Using large-scale clickstream data from the State of Search Q3 2025 Report, we break down how AI results, zero-click behavior, and platforms like Reddit are reshaping the search landscape. Despite the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, the data shows that Google still dominates 95% of all search traffic. Traditional search and SEO remain critical - but how people interact with search results is changing fast. In this episode: - Why 57% of Google searches result in zero external clicks - How AI Overviews are changing search behavior - Why Google still controls 95% of global search traffic - The slowdown in AI tool growth and usage trends - Reddit as a top traffic source from Google - What zero-click behavior means for SEO strategy - How marketers can adapt to AI-driven search results - Why solving problems beats feature selling in modern marketing ⭐️ Belinda Conde on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-conde/ ⭐️ State of Search Q3 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe - https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q3-2025/ ⭐️ Receive Datos reports 24 hours before public releases - https://datos.live/newsletter/ 💎 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 Search Behavior 01:01 Guest Introduction: Belinda Conde 08:22 Understanding Clickstream Data 12:35 Regional Differences in Search Behavior 17:31 Zero-Click Search Strategy 19:11 Feature Selling vs. Problem Solving 28:44 Reddit's Rise in Search Traffic 31:43 Navigating Reddit for Marketers 32:23 The Importance of Customer Experience 34:15 Social Listening and Brand Mentions 36:39 Google's Dominance in Search 38:43 The Future of AI in Search 45:05 Adapting to Changing Traffic Sources 49:46 The Power of Optimism in Marketing 53:51 Upcoming Reports and Insights 56:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #chiefmarketingofficer #digitalmarketing #marketingstrategy

E854: The God of SEO himself - Charles Floate - joins the show to reveal how AI, automation, and black hat SEO tactics are reshaping Google and the entire search industry. Charles breaks down how he uses AI agents, vector databases, and custom LLMs to scale SEO operations, automate outreach, and even build a $10M+ link marketplace. This episode goes deep into AI SEO, parasite SEO, PBNs, site reputation abuse, and what the future of search looks like when Google's AI overviews take over. In This Episode: - How Charles Floate built an AI-powered SEO business generating $600K/month - Why black hat SEO is evolving - and how to do it safely - The truth about AI SEO vs traditional SEO (and how to win at both) - What Google's site reputation abuse policy really means for marketers - How to use parasite SEO, press releases, and expired domains to dominate SERPs - Why non-English SEO is a goldmine right now - How AI models are changing ranking factors and visibility in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity - The debate: Will AI Overviews replace the 10 blue links? - How Charles uses AI to build links, manage clients, and even rewrite Slack messages - The future of SEO jobs - and why most will be replaced by automation Takeaways - Stop chasing "passive income." Build active, long-term assets that scale. - Use AI to summarize, structure, and vectorize your knowledge - create your own personal LLM. - Non-English SEO = lower competition, faster results, and higher ROI. - Black Hat SEO isn't dead - it's automated. - Google's updates are often PR plays, not algorithmic changes. - The key to future SEO? Control more sources = control the AI consensus. ⭐️ Charles Floate on 𝕏 - https://x.com/Charles_SEO ⭐️ Charles Floate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesfloate/ ⭐️ Charles Floate on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CharlesFloate ⭐️ Charles Floate on Facebook - https://facebook.com/thecharlesfloate/ ⭐️ Charles Floate's PressWhizz - https://presswhizz.com/ 💎 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 and Viral Tweets 01:11 SEO Tips and Best Practices 02:06 Building a Knowledge Base with AI 04:35 Challenges and Innovations in AI 11:05 Black Hat SEO Techniques 13:38 PBNs and Expired Domains 20:53 Building Long-Term Assets 23:06 AI Link Building Marketplace 27:30 Ranking in AI Tools 41:20 Google's Site Reputation Abuse Policy 43:03 Manual Interventions in Google's Algorithm 43:58 Impact on Non-English Websites 45:10 Google's Propaganda and PR Moves 45:46 Misleading Update Names 46:59 Forbes' Manual Actions and Recovery 48:51 Challenges with AI and SEO 50:12 Non-English SEO Advantages 52:36 Black Hat SEO Strategies 57:06 Affiliate Marketing for Black Friday Cyber Monday 01:01:23 Trust Signals in Link Building 01:04:09 Parasite SEO Platforms 01:06:03 Common Mistakes in Black Hat SEO 01:07:40 Future of SEO with AI 01:22:53 E-commerce and SaaS SEO Mistakes 01:28:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #blackhatseo #linkbuilding #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E853: We break down one of the most important factors in SEO - pogo sticking. You'll learn what it is, why it matters, how Google measures it, and the exact steps to prevent it from destroying your rankings. What you'll learn: - What pogo sticking means in SEO and why it's so dangerous - How Google uses "short clicks" and "long clicks" to evaluate user satisfaction - Insights from Google's leaked documentation and In the Plex by Steven Levy - Why pogo sticking is one of the strongest behavioral signals in SEO - The four biggest reasons users pogo stick back to search results - Practical methods to reduce pogo sticking and increase dwell time - How to design content that satisfies search intent immediately - Why user trust and credibility signals affect engagement - The relationship between pogo sticking, UX, and content depth Key takeaways: - Always give users what they're looking for above the fold - Avoid incomplete or shallow answers - Make answers easy to find and navigate to - Build credibility through design, clarity, and transparency If your pages get clicks but don't stay ranked, pogo sticking is likely the reason. Understanding this behavior and optimizing for it will improve both your rankings and your user satisfaction metrics. 💎 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 Pogo Sticking in SEO 00:37 What is Pogo Sticking? 01:00 Google's Perspective on User Satisfaction 03:12 Top Four Ways to Prevent Pogo Sticking 06:35 Common Misconceptions About Pogo Sticking 08:12 Conclusion The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #searchengineoptimization #seotips #pogostickingseo #digitalmarketing

E852: He built an AI SEO startup, and then shut it down after realizing the brutal truth about what actually builds visibility in LLMs. We break down that realization, why "Generative Engine Optimization" doesn't exist as a separate strategy, AND how one local business used traditional brand-building principles to hit $3.4 million in monthly sales. This episode connects two stories: one about shutting down a company built on hype, and another about a business scaling through fundamentals. If you care about SEO, brand strategy, or digital marketing heading into 2026, this is a must-listen. What you'll learn: - The realization that made one founder close his AI SEO startup. - Why "Generative Engine Optimization" is just good SEO repackaged. - What actually drives AI and search visibility today. - How a plumbing company reached $3.4M in a single month by focusing on local SEO and brand awareness. - The method behind dominating specific neighborhoods and zip codes. - Why branded searches are the most powerful (and overlooked) SEO signal. - The review strategy that fuels Google visibility and conversions. - How real photos, videos, and customer stories outperform stock visuals. - Why the strongest brands feel human, relatable, and consistent. ⭐️ The LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjaminhouy_im-shutting-down-lorelight-here-is-why-activity-7386312534091341824-4l-t/ ⭐️ Aizik Zimerman - https://x.com/AizikZimerman ⭐️ Glen Allsopp's share - https://x.com/ViperChill/status/1983533551212519435 💎 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 Episode Overview 00:58 SEO Realization That Closed a Business 04:24 Aizik Zimerman's Record-Breaking Sales Month 05:04 Effective Local Marketing Strategies 07:17 Google Reviews 09:51 Rebranding for Success 12:19 Wrapping up This Episode of the Best Digital Marketing Podcast of All Time The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/ #generativeengineoptimization #localseo #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing