In this episode, Sophie sits down with Lucy -Jane Love, Marketing Director at Banyan Risk Group and Rowan Security, to talk about what it takes to successfully market in highly regulated, “not-so-sexy” industries—from risk management and security to finance and investment. Lucy discusses how to make content engaging, the types of LinkedIn posts that consistently perform best, and why she uses AI more for research and talking points than for writing. They also dig into platform strategy (why LinkedIn is the current home base, and why Lucy’s eyeing TikTok next), how her team manages quality control and fact-checking, and her best advice for anyone creating content for industries where customers aren’t exactly “excited” to buy. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to create engaging content inside strict compliance boundariesWhat types of posts perform best on LinkedIn for niche industriesWhere AI fits (and doesn’t fit) in regulated content workflowsHow to plan quarterly themes while staying reactive to real-world eventsA practical framework for finding angles when your niche feels “boring” Connect with Lucy: www.banyanriskgroup.com www.rowan-security.com www.lucylove.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-jayne-love-a1a68aa8/ 00:01 – Learn Niche & Restricted Content Marketing 00:29 – Explore Lucy’s Path in Risk Management Marketing 01:34 – Overcome Challenges in Regulated Industries 02:52 – Craft Compliant, Engaging Content 03:56 – Apply AI to Research & Insights 05:21 – Streamline Marketing Research with AI Tools 06:10 – Execute Strategy & Ensure Quality Control 07:05 – Plan Ahead While Reacting to Trends 08:26 – Manage Social vs Long-Form Content Efficiently 09:06 – Verify Accuracy with In-House Reviews 09:59 – Turn Client Insights into Safe Case Studies 11:10 – Reach High Net Worth Audiences on LinkedIn 12:25 – Start Video Content in Niche Markets 13:33 – Boost Engagement with LinkedIn Posts 15:04 – Maximize Reach with Cross-Platform Publishing 16:07 – Build Marketing from Scratch Successfully 16:58 – Discover Angles for “Unsexy” Niches 18:52 – Optimize Team Structure & Outsourcing 19:51 – Connect with Lucy & Learn from Her Work 20:30 – Apply Key Takeaways for Marketing Growth
In this episode, we dive into our latest SEO experiment testing the power of Google Stacks and Cloud Stacks to enhance local SEO rankings. For a month, we optimized a series of interlinked Google and cloud-hosted properties, all designed to boost visibility for a towing company in Tallahassee. From Google Drive, Docs, and Maps to cloud platforms like AWS and Firebase, we crafted a web of connections aimed at reinforcing location and service-specific keywords. We’ll unpack the strategy, the setup, and the results—especially how these stacks impacted long-tail keywords and local search visibility. Tune in to discover how stacking can level up local rankings and help dominate niche markets!
🔬 Read the Full Test: https://web20ranker.com/seo-test/how-strong-is-the-impact-of-citations-and-signals-in-map-rankings/ 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed... Custom Signals: https://web20ranker.com/custom-link-building/ Welcome to the SEO Mad Scientist podcast, where we dive deep into testing SEO theories so you don't have to! In this episode, Mike dives into our latest test to uncover "How effective is landing page optimization for your GBP listings?" Discover how we set up our test website, analyze GeoGrid data, and see the impact of on-page optimization on local SEO rankings. Mike also explores the role of AI-generated content, the correlation between brand terms and rankings, and the influence of small business-related keywords. 00:00 Introduction and Lack of Major Updates 01:28 The Importance of Single Variable Tests 03:18 The Impact of On-Page and Listing Optimization 06:03 The Value of Proper Optimization and Branding for Listings 08:21 The Effectiveness of Custom Signals 11:06 The Changing Landscape of SEO
Highlights From Episode 10 - The SEO Mad Scientist: The episode explores the impact of AI-generated content on Google Business Profile (GBP) rankings, highlighting a test where AI-created landing page content significantly influenced local SEO performance.A detailed analysis reveals the role of competitor parity and domain changes in SEO strategies, showing how these factors affect rankings and the importance of content structure and headings.The findings emphasize actionable insights and tips, including optimizing content beyond competitor metrics, understanding the importance of organic and local SEO alignment, and the impact of on-page updates on search engine visibility. Read the full GBP Landing Page Onsite Test here: https://web20ranker.com/seo-test/google-business-profile-website-url-impacts/ 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: On-page SEO: https://web20ranker.com/perfect-on-page-seo/ SEO Discussion: Mike Milas 0:00 Test introduction 01:00 Impact of AI-generated content tests 02:20 Effects of keyword-targeted content 03:40 Increasing competitor parity metrics 04:42 Heading changes on SEO rankings 06:58 Ranking impact of changing the domain 10:45 Organic rankings impact on local rankings 14:07 Considerations for Competitor Parity
Highlights From Episode 9 - The SEO Mad Scientist: Mike explained how the team structured the test website and GBP listings to measure the impact of landing page optimization.He discussed the crucial role of AI-generated content and semantic optimization in enhancing content relevance and search results.Mike emphasized the unexpected yet substantial impact of small business-related keywords and brand terms on website rankings and local SEO performance. Read the full GBP Landing Page Onsite Test here: https://web20ranker.com/seo-test/google-business-profile-website-url-impacts/ 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: On-page SEO: https://web20ranker.com/perfect-on-page-seo/ SEO Discussion: Mike Milas 0:00 Introduction 02:25 Initial test site setup 03:37 Local impact of on-page optimization 05:36 Performance after 1st major content update 09:28 Integration of semantic triples to enhance content relevance 11:35 Correlation with brand terms 15:31 Ranking effects of H2 and H3 usage 17:10 Keyword performance over time
Highlights From Episode 8 - The SEO Mad Scientist: The team delves into the significant impact of custom signals on search engine rankings, shedding light on the key factors driving their effectiveness in boosting website visibility. They explore the crucial correlation between on-page content and off-page signals, emphasizing the importance of aligning these elements for improved SEO performance. The discussion on soundproofing services within the context of insulation provides valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between keywords, services offered, and search engine rankings. 🔬 Read the Full Custom Signals Test: https://web20ranker.com/seo-test/how-strong-is-the-impact-of-citations-and-signals-in-map-rankings/ 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: Custom signals: https://web20ranker.com/custom-link-building/ SEO Discussion: Mike Milas + Alex C. Barr + Danielle Windsor 0:00 Mike Introduction 01:52 Custom Signals results recap 04:49 Optimization & keyword rankings analysis 05:38 Correlation between on-page & off-page 09:48 How citations are impacting rankings 12:31 How website kw references push rankings 16:39 Nuanced difference of keywords 23:06 Impact of Onsite and Offsite SEO
Highlights From Episode 7 - The SEO Mad Scientist: The hosts Mike and Lasha discussed the intriguing results of their recent on-page SEO test.They revealed the significant impact of keyword-rich headings on local rankings and map rankings.Additionally, they explored actionable strategies for optimizing website content and maximizing SEO effectiveness. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: On-Page SEO Service: https://web20ranker.com/perfect-on-page-seo/ SEO Discussion: Mike Milas + Lasha Letiia 0:00 Lasha Introduction (SEO Manager) 01:00 On-Page SEO Test 03:00 Initial Test Results 05:20 Headings Impact Rankings? 09:26 On-Page Changes & Ranking Correlation 14:19 Adjustments to Content 18:15 Exploration of PPC Keywords 20:19 Client Accessibility & On-Site Optimization 22:22 What’s Next in Testing
Highlights From Episode 6 - The SEO Mad Scientist: As Mike, Alex, and Danielle discussed, the custom signals test on Danielle's insulation business revealed a significant impact on rankings, with competitor links and optimized listings playing crucial roles.They also highlighted the importance of building a strong brand presence in conjunction with SEO efforts, citing the cumulative effect of various brand properties and references.Additionally, they explored the synergy between SEO strategies and other digital marketing channels like Facebook ads and PPC campaigns, emphasizing the potential for integration to enhance overall online performance. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: Custom signals: https://web20ranker.com/custom-link-building/ PBN Map Embeds: https://web20ranker.com/product/order-pbn-map-embeds/ Niche Citations: https://web20ranker.com/niche-directory-citations/ SEO Discussion: Mike Milas + Alex C. Barr + Danielle Windsor 0:00 Introduction 00:48 Signals Test Update 07:33 Testing Signals Locally 14:17 Branding and Ranking Correlation 11:06 Tracking keywords & call sources 17:45 Inner Pages and Rankings Correlation 22:13 What’s in our SEO testing library 26:13 PBN and Map Embed Updates 32:33 Impact of Google Updates 37:40 Citation Impact on Local Rankings 42:27 Ranking Organically v in Maps 44:00 Conclusion
Highlights From Episode 5 - The SEO Mad Scientist: Mike and Alex delved into cutting-edge techniques for maximizing on-page SEO, emphasizing the importance of structured lists, headings, and long-tail keywords in boosting website visibility.They shared insights regarding the significant impact of multimedia content, particularly YouTube videos and Google Earth, on search engine rankings.They discussed exclusive findings from various SEO tests, including a GMB map embed test, providing listeners with valuable insights into the effectiveness of different strategies and techniques. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products discussed: PBN Map Embeds: https://web20ranker.com/product/order-pbn-map-embeds/ PBN Links: https://web20ranker.com/product/order-budget-network-links/ On-page SEO Service: https://web20ranker.com/perfect-on-page-seo/ SEO Discussion Mike Milas + Alex C. Barr 0:00 Introduction 04:16 Exploration of on-page optimization strategies 08:56 Influence of YouTube Videos and Google Earth on ranking 12:06 Impact of Structured Lists and Headings on SEO 16:03 The Role of Long-Tail Keywords and Citations on rankings 22:04 GMB Map Embed Test 27:30 Impact of PBN Links and Map Embeds 30:43 Testing the Influence of Anchor Text Links 36:14 Testing Backlink Impact on Local Rankings 40:00 The Value of SEO Compared to Paid Advertising 45:00 The Importance of Testing and Taking Data
Highlights From Episode 4 - The SEO Mad Scientist: In this episode, Mike and the team revealed the launch of our new testing library, housing all the SEO tests we've been running.They emphasized the significance of relevant website content for improving SEO rankings, offering insights into crafting compelling content tailored to target audiences.They uncovered intriguing parallels between Click-Through Rate (CTR) and link building impacts, offering insights into optimizing online presence to drive higher CTRs and improve SEO performance. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: Custom Signals: https://web20ranker.com/custom-link-building/ Geo Networks: https://web20ranker.com/product/order-geo-networks/ SEO Discussion Mike Milas + Sophie Allen + Alex C. Barr + Lasha Letiia: 0:00 Introduction 01:14 Launch of our testing library 01:50 Recap of the YouTube test and initial observations of ranking movements 06:07 Service Area Business vs. Non-Service Area Business 07:29 Impact of link building strategies on local rankings 11:51 Recap of recent GBP map embed test results 14:09 Similarities between CTR and link building impacts 16:03 GBP suspension due to engagement manipulation. 18:33 Getting instant verification using Google Guide accounts 22:06 Custom signals test results 24:01 Importance of Relevant Content in your website 27:02 Updates on the tests we did on Geo, Niche, and Brand Networks 31:35 Testing On-Page Optimization 42:34 Conclusion
Highlights From Episode 3 - The SEO Mad Scientist: In this episode, Mike and Alex delve into the concept of mini networks and their role in revolutionizing SEO strategies.They offer a detailed comparison between mini networks and traditional web 2.0 networks, shedding light on the unique advantages and benefits that mini networks offer.Tune in to discover actionable strategies for leveraging mini networks to achieve significant improvements in keyword rankings and overall search engine visibility. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products discussed: Mini Networks: https://web20ranker.com/mini-networks/ PBN Map Embeds: https://web20ranker.com/product/order-pbn-map-embeds/ SEO Discussion Mike Milas + Alex C. Barr: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 What are Mini Networks? 04:02 Benefits of Mini Networks 06:03 Testing Mini Networks 08:13 Results of the Test 10:32 Effectiveness of Brand Networks 12:54 Building and Leveraging Mini Networks 13:13 Mini Networks vs. PBN Map Embeds 19:04 How to Get Mini Networks 20:39 Conclusion
Highlights From Episode 2 - The SEO Mad Scientist: In the episode, Mike, Sophie, and Alex dissected recent Google algorithm changes, highlighting their impact on website rankings and optimization strategies.They shared practical tips on optimizing meta descriptions and using location tags for improved local SEO performance.Also, they discussed ethical considerations in SEO, emphasizing the importance of integrity and outlining guidelines for sustainable success in digital marketing. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: Brand Links: https://web20ranker.com/brand-authority-links/ Mini Networks: https://web20ranker.com/mini-networks/ SEO Discussion with Mike Milas + Sophie Allen + Alex C. Barr 00:00 Introduction 02:33 New testing library launching soon 03:57 Google changes metadata practices 10:22 Location tags, driving directions & links in YouTube videos 18:07 Geo-relevance and Google Earth links 20:43 Testing brand links and mini networks 21:16 Ranking impact of SAB vs physical address 26:27 Ethics of buying reviews and negative SEO 34:34 Conclusion and farewell
Highlights From 1 Episode - The SEO Mad Scientist: As Mike and Sophie discussed, the podcast is now SEO Mad Scientist, focusing on data-driven testing for real SEO results.They highlighted updates to the dashboard and tools, aiming for seamless integration for user convenience.They stressed the importance of strategic testing, sharing insights from press release and YouTube video ranking tests. Understanding interlinking and anchor text, they emphasized, is crucial for effective SEO. 🔍 Explore more SEO tests & submit your own test ideas: https://web20ranker.com/seo-mad-scientist/ 🛠️ Tools We Used in Testing: Local Viking: https://localviking.com/ SERPResults: https://serpresults.com/ Products Discussed: Press Releases: https://web20ranker.com/web-2-0-press-release-service/ SEO Discussion with Mike Milas + Sophie Allen: 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Updates on Dashboard and Tools 04:45 Press Test Review 14:45 Testing YouTube Videos for Local Rankings 19:18 Observations So Far 25:11 Interlinking and Anchor Text Test 31:15 Importance of Granular Testing 35:37 Conclusion
Highlights From The Episode: Mike, Sophie, and Alex delve into various SEO tests we have conducted, including:Local proximity testYouTube strategy for local rankingsAnchor text of local for geographical relevanceThey also discuss advanced techniques such as:Domain authority stackingEntity stackingUse of terms like link wheels and broken link wheels.They show the importance of defining terms in SEO and the relevance of different contexts. SEO Discussion: 0:00 Introduction 03:08 Cross linking and Google stacking tests in the Local Proximity Test 09:29 Testing the Anchor Text of Local for Geographical Relevance 13:14 Discussion on Correlation vs Causation 23:41 Schema Markup and Topical Relevance 31:59 Difference between white label and arbitrage 35:05 Importance of relevance and context in SEO 44:14 Upcoming tests and video recaps 45:06 Closing remarks
Highlights From The Episode: Mark, Mike, and Sophie dive into the latest AP program and dashboard updates, unveiling tier discounts and signup notifications.Explore the impact of AI on search and Google's future moves, while tackling the smart home privacy debate.Question Google's tech trajectory and embrace the importance of taking shots and learning from failure. SEO Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Tiered discounts coming back to APP 06:15 Upcoming Valentine's Day Sale 09:32 Better campaign recommendations with our new tool 17:35 Training plan updates for 2024 21:04 Google’s AI-powered Chrome update 28:55 The Role of AI in Reviews and Local Search 32:18 Smart Home Automation with AI & Privacy 40:41 Google's successes and failures in recent years 45:47 Closing Remarks Recent SEO News: Why Google May Rank AI-Generated Content Over Original NewsGoogle Launches AI-Powered Chrome Update For More Personalized Experience
Highlights From The Episode: Mike and Sophie divulge invaluable insights into the evolution of the SEO mindset.Unravel the mysteries behind recent Google updates, including the introduction of the new phone number button in search results.Explore how technologies like ChatGPT and the Rabbit AI device are revolutionizing the SEO industry. SEO Discussion: 0:00 Introduction 01:10 Mindset in SEO 04:14 Dashboard developments with the Algomatic & Free APP Level 10:01 Content and On-Page vs. Links SEO Test 14:02 Click to Call Button Redesign in Search Results 18:09 Google Testing Snippets for Product Listings and Local Images 19:50 How AI in Search Impacts You 33:31 Rabbit AI Device 40:07 Future Implications of AI Integration Recent SEO News: Google Showing New Phone Number Buttons For Some Search ResultsPoll: 60% Of SEOs Are Worried About The Impact Of Google SGEGoogle confirms a search ranking bug where sites disappear from search results over the weekend
In episode 222, Mike and Sophie discuss real life uses for custom GPTs, the importance of data visualization and the benefits data views bring to SEO analysis.. Web 20 Ranker (Nate) is continuing to build out new features to the dashboard with a big update on the horizon - overlaying algo updates, product purchases, and custom annotations over Google Search Console data. Mike then discusses his recent deep dive into our Custom Signals test, the impact of citations on local rankings, and interesting insights we plan to test in the future. They also explore the new free APP level launching soon, which will be the centralized location for tools and resources. Finally, they touch on AI advancements and the exciting year of SEO tests ahead.
Highlights From The Episode: In this episode, Mike and Sophie discussed the evolving landscape of Google Notes, emphasizing its potential as a viable platform for content discovery and expressing Mike's interest in finding high-volume note sites for further exploration.They introduced AlgoMatic, our backlink analysis tool in testing, set to revolutionize SEO by simplifying the reverse engineering of competitors' linking strategies.They highlighted Google's shift to longer search snippets, urging marketers to adapt for increased visibility in search results. SEO Discussion with Sophie: 0:00 Introduction 0:44 Annual SEO Testing Report 01:21 Launch of testing library 05:20 Data integration & campaign analytics dashboard 10:50 Q1 webby on February 26th 13:50 User-generated content with Google Notes 16:00 Content types in Google Notes 20:23 Google Notes test update 22:19 Longer SERP snippets being tested 24:32 Social links in GBP listings 26:25 SERP volatility over New Year’s Eve 34:52 Robust backlink analysis tool coming soon 42:49 Conclusion Recent SEO News: Google Notes Feature Sending Emails With StatisticsGoogle Tests Longer Search Result Snippets AgainGoogle New Year's Eve Search Algorithm UpdateGoogle Reiterates: We Have Changes Coming To Deal With Search SpamGoogle Local Ranking Algorithm Update On January 4th (Unconfirmed)
Highlights From The Episode: In this episode, Mike and Sophie spill the beans on our exciting new service – Local Engagement Signals. Discover how this game-changing addition can enhance your campaigns and make a lasting impact on local search results.Mike Milas shares insights into the upcoming 2024 tests, including single variable on-page factors, advanced schema and markup experiments, and the power of premium citations.Mike and Sophie delve into recent SERP volatility, share observations on open and closing signals on Google My Business, and explore how these changes might impact your SEO efforts. SEO Discussion with Sophie: 0:00 Introduction 04:31 Save up on SEO in the daily deals during our year-end sale 06:35 Introduction to our new service - local engagement signals 12:03 Learn about content optimization in Mark’s upcoming webinar 13:33 SEO testing on on-page factors, e.g meta descriptions, images, image metadata, schema on single variable levels 18:39 SERPs volatility in Google after spam attack 23:49 Closing remarks Recent SEO News: Google Search Overwhelmed By Massive Spam AttackConfirmed: Google Local Search Algorithm "Openness" Now Stronger SignalGoogle Search Having Indexing Issues - Confirmed
Highlights From The Episode: In this episode, the team introduces Mike's revolutionary AI training designed to boost productivity. They also unveil a handy social media tool for seamless content generation and scheduling.The discussion covers topics like the impact of press on rankings, the launch of an SEO testing library featuring mad scientist tests, and significant updates to Monthly GBP and Managed SEO campaigns. SEO Discussion with Mark and Sophie: 0:00 Introduction 2:28 Year End SEO Sale 03:15 Increase Productivity & Efficiency with Mike’s new AI training 07:31 Social media tool for content generation and scheduling. 10:03 Google Analytics and Search Console dashboard integrations 16:15 Impact of press on rankings - brand recognition and authority. 21:13 SEO testing library launching with all mad scientist tests 25:04 Webinar on content optimization and the potential patent implications 34:34 Google Review update and Google algorithm changes 35:50 Major updates to our Monthly GBP and Managed SEO campaigns Recent SEO News: Google Local Notice When Review Posting Is Turned OffGoogle Things To Know Snippets & Results ExpansionGoogle November 2023 Reviews Update Completed After 29 Day Rollout
Michal
I survived the first 18 minutes of the podcast and no mention of what's in the title. Breaking bad? Really?