JR Oakes is a distinguished strategist and digital marketing expert, serving as the Vice President of Strategy at LOCOMOTIVE Agency. With an impressive track record in the industry, JR has emerged as a key figure in shaping effective digital marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes.
As the VP of Strategy at LOCOMOTIVE Agency, JR plays a pivotal role in guiding clients towards success by formulating data-driven and innovative marketing plans. His keen understanding of consumer behavior, coupled with his expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) and other digital marketing channels, has propelled LOCOMOTIVE Agency and its clients to new heights.
With a passion for staying ahead of the curve, JR remains at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies. His insightful contributions to industry publications and his engaging presentations at conferences have solidified his reputation as an influential thought leader.
JR’s exceptional ability to translate complex data into actionable insights has earned him the respect and admiration of clients and colleagues alike. His strategic thinking, combined with a strong focus on measurable results, has helped numerous businesses achieve sustainable growth and outperform their competition.
Recent Shows with JR Oakes
720 | Meta AI Advertising w/ Akvile DefazioInterview / podcastErin Sparks interviews Akvile DeFazio, founder and president of Akvertize Inc., an award-winning agency specializing in paid social media advertising. Akvile shares her rich experience managing social media adverts across various sectors, including e-commerce, events, and apps, leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok.
Key discussion points include:
Ad Strategies and Targeting
Changes in Consumer Behavior
Importance of Conversion Tracking
AI and Advertising
User Experience
Meta Ads for E-commerce
Advertising Landscape Changes
Akvile also shares the importance of mentorship, ongoing learning, and adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Listen about her own journey, the role mentors played in her success, and her commitment to paying it forward by mentoring college students.
We sure to check her presentation out at BrightonSEO US in November!
BrightonSEO! We’re Back! We’re happy to be able to giveaway 5 free tickets a week with our partners at BrightonSEO! Click here to get into the weekly entry!
Be sure to RateThePodcast/EDGE! We would love to hear from you about this episode!
Key Segments:
Social Media Targeting Changed Due to Privacy Regulations
Paid Social: Effective with AI-driven Features Evolving
Expand Ad User Experience; Ensure Seamless Journey
Facebook Excels in Advertising, Discovery, and Shopping
Use Facebook’s Data for Optimal Audience Targeting
Consumers Buying Earlier, Reducing Bottom-funnel Ad Spend
Trusting in the Black Box
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
Twitter: https://x.com/AkvileDeFazio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akdefazio/ [...]
October 9, 2024- 719 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.30.2024News / podcastWordPress vs WP Engine
Yes, sometimes it happens. We don’t get through all of the news prepped. $mordy, Erin and Jacob take on the WordPress vs WP Engine scenario with a bit of fervor that really tanked the rest of the news, honestly. Which side do you fall on, the WordPress argument is that WP Engine hasn’t been “contributing” their fair share, so they banned all customers of WP Engine from updating or adding plugins from the WordPress library. WP Engine, however, seems to have to pay to play as a WordPress hosting environment. Customers, unaware of the WordPress requirements, are caught up in the mix. Seems like an unfair and very heavy-handed approached to an internal licensing issue.
Forbes was also subject of the news this week – did ONE article affect the visibility of Forbes? Seems that the timing was a bit ‘sus’. Check out the show to get a deeper dive than regular on three articles.
The third? Governor Gavin Newsom just vetoed some major AI safety legislation. Not playing to big tech business in the state, right?
We’re happy to be able to giveaway 5 free tickets a week with our partners at BrightonSEO! Click on the banner to get into the weekly entry!
News from the EDGE:
WordPress Gives WP Engine Users A Reprieve
Did Google Hit Forbes Advisor With A Search Penalty?
AI News:
Newsom vetoes pioneering AI safety legislation
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio [...]
October 4, 2024
- 718 | LLMs and “Summarization Engines” w/ Kristine SchachingerInterview / podcastWhat is the future of Large Language Models and Search?
Kristine Schachinger, SEO consultant at Sites Without Walls, joins us for another episode to discuss the intricacies of Navboost and its ramifications for SEO. Drawing insights from the recent Google versus DOJ court documents, she unpacks this misunderstood “ranking signal.”
Continuing the conversation, Kristine shares the concept of “summarization engines” in replacement of AI Search – as she weighs into what the future of search may be and most likely won’t be. Large language models aren’t all what they are cracked up to be. What is the real scenario, with worsening quality, exploding costs, and unsustainable investments?
BrightonSEO! We’re Back!
We’re happy to be able to giveaway 5 free tickets a week with our partners at BrightonSEO! Click here to get into the weekly entry!
Key Segments:
Ensuring Factual Information To Protect Clients
Google’s Monopoly Deemed Illegal; Future Uncertain.
Could AI Become The Default Search Engine?
Language Models: Quality, Costs, Investment.
AI Models Decentralized
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
X/Twitter: https://x.com/schachin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kschachinger-seo [...]
October 4, 2024
- 717 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.23.2024News / podcastBarry-First Content
Is Generative AI causing seismic shifts in the search engine landscape? Surveys by The Information and Barry Schwartz reveal users are “turning away” from traditional search engines like Google, but how far are they actually turning?
A slew of news from the digital marketing space, including AI-powered video ads on Amazon, Google’s Merchant Center Next is pushing for optimized structured data, and a great Kevin Indig article studying over ½ million AI Overviews. Plus, hear about our media partnership with Brighton SEO USA and your chance to snag a ticket to the event in San Diego.
And Mordy crapped on our lawn…..again.
We’re happy to be able to giveaway 5 free tickets a week with our partners at BrightonSEO! Click on the banner to get into the weekly entry!
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
55% Are Using Traditional Search Like Google Less Since Gen AI Products
Google Search Ranking Volatility Continue With Big Movement Again 9/18
Google Search Ranking Increases During Core Update Wiped Out Post Update
News from the EDGE:
New Data Shows That X is Losing Users in the US and UK
Amazon Ads launches AI-powered video
Preparing For The Feedless Future With Google Merchant Center Next
Captain Obvious
Google Shows How To Use Alt Text For SEO
AI Blitz:
HubSpot Rolls Out AI-Powered Marketing Tools
AI On Innovation: Analysis Of +546,000 AI Overviews
AI Tools:
Dynamic Node Map from content
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
September 27, 2024
- 716 | Insights from SE Ranking’s AI Overview Study w/ Anastasia KotsiubynskaInterview / podcastAugust: AI Overview on 12% of Searches
Anastasia Kotsiubynska, Head of SEO at SE Ranking, joins the EDGE to discuss the latest SE Ranking AI Overview studies. This episode focuses on the impact of AI overviews in Google’s search results and what this means for SEO strategies.
Anastasia sheds light on how these AI overviews have changed over the last five months since their release in April 2024. While this technology offers impressive efficiency, it also poses significant challenges, such as a potential 25% drop in organic traffic by 2026 due to the “zero-click” trend.
With over 100,00 keywords analyzed, the findings are compelling: a 5% increase in AI overview usage from June to August, with 12% of searches now triggering these overviews. Additionally, approximately 56% of links in AI overviews match the top 100 organic links, while 73% match the top 10, raising concerns about content accuracy and reliability. The research also highlighted that 46% of relationship queries, 33% of food and beverage queries, and 23% of business queries trigger AI overview responses. Notably, high niche environments, such as healthcare and legal sectors, see AI overview and ads triggered simultaneously 65% of the time, spotlighting the growing complexity of search results.
Anastasia provides actionable strategies for adapting to these changes, emphasizing the need for continuous analysis and staying informed. This episode is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of modern SEO.
BrightonSEO! We’re Back!
We’re happy to be able to giveaway 5 free tickets a week with our partners at BrightonSEO! Click here to get into the weekly entry!
Key Segments:
Introducing Anastasia Kotsiubynska
The SE Ranking AI Overview Studies
AI Overviews Threaten Organic SEO Visibility Significantly
5% Growth of AIO For 100,000 Keywords Is Huge
Reddit And Quora Links Absent In AI Overviews
AI In Legal, Healthcare Risky, Needs Barriers
AI’s Role in Sensitive Inquiries Raises Concerns
Clients Want Metrics On AI Overview’s Traffic Impact
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-kotsiubynska/
Resources:
Mar 04, 2024: Inside Google’s SGE: Uncovering the Beta Version of AI-driven Search
Feb 26, 2024: SGE Snippet Research: We Analyzed 100K Keywords to See Google’s AI in Action
Jun 19, 2024: AI Overviews Research: Comparing pre and post-rollout results on 100K keywords
Aug 07, 2024: AI Overviews Research: Analyzing sources in Google’s AI-generated answers
Sep 16, 2024: AI Overviews Research: Google Ads in the AIO-inclusive SERPs [...]
September 25, 2024
- 715 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.16.2024News / podcastIt’s kind of like a vibe, man.
Dissecting Google’s latest moves in the advertising world, from expanding its ad opportunities to embracing dynamic pricing on YouTube. Also, Google’s all-new updates on its indexing API, which now comes with a big dose of spam-detection rigor. Who knew indexing could be this thrilling?
Have you ever wondered if AI could help rake in millions with fake music? Well, a certain North Carolinian named Michael Smith did just that and found himself $10 million richer—but now he’s about to face the music.
Plus: a debate on whether AI can truly capture the essence of human dialogue or if it’s just treating us like gullible toddlers.
Join us for some good vibes—or, as Mordy might say, forget the vibes and tune in for the tangible, substantial, and downright entertaining breakdown of the latest web trends. Stay safe, stay well, and avoid being a piece of vibing cyber driftwood.
News from the EDGE:
Google Expands Ad Opportunities with YouTube First Position Availability
Google Indexing API Now Enforces Rigorous Spam Detection for Submissions
How Google Managed to Charge Publishers Higher Fees Than Competitors
Captain Obvious:
Brands and their “Good Vibes”
AI Blitz:
AI and bots allegedly used to fraudulently boost music streams
AI Tools:
Google Illuminate
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google Reviews Restrictions For Business Profile Policy Violations
Google Asks On Social If You Will Use Gemini AI For SEO
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
September 20, 2024
- 714 | Navboost Ranking Signals w/ Kristine SchachingerInterview / podcastHow CAN you Optimize Toward NavBoost
In episode 714 of EDGE of the Web, Kristine Schachinger shares her thoughts about the recent leak of Google’s internal documents and its implications for SEO professionals. With 2500 pages of documentation now public, the SEO community is abuzz with speculation, curiosity, and anger. We cover the ground around the role of user engagement and click signals, addressing misconceptions and the importance of long-term data and context in Google’s ranking algorithms.
Key Segments:
Introducing Kristine Schachinger
Massive Google Search Algorithm Leak Shocks Community
Read Foundational Texts First, Not Document Fragments
DOJ Documents Differ From Community Claims about SEO
Rankbrain Uses User Engagement To Determine Relevance
How Do You Optimize Toward Navboost
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
X: https://x.com/schachin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kschachinger-seo [...]
September 18, 2024
- 713 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.9.2024News / podcastDOJ vs. Google… Round Two
In a recent announcement, Google stated that they will be phasing out bid strategy enhanced cost-per-click (eCPC) from Google Ads. The company says they will be replacing eCPC with manual CPC starting in October.
Meta is updating business tools, announcing they will be increasing data restrictions as ongoing attempts to prioritize privacy continue. Meta explains the restrictions are set to automatically restrict certain data, including URLs and custom parameters.
If one wasn’t enough, here’s another. The DOJ has filed yet ANOTHER lawsuit against Google. The Justice Department says Google has used anticompetitive strategies to unjustly achieve its staggering 91% market share in the digital advertising market.
As always, tune in to see what’s going on in the digital world so you can stay ahead of the SEO curve here on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Google Ads to phase out enhanced CPC for Search and Display
Meta reveals updates to business tools impacting advertisers
US vs. Google, round 2: Government takes aim at digital ads
Captain Obvious:
8 Out Of 10 TikTok Videos By Brands Fail To Capture Attention
AI Blitz:
Mediavine Bans Publisher For Overuse Of AI-Generated Content
UK signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy
Will ChatGPT be the new Google? The future of search and information retrieval
AI Tools:
How to use Google MusicFX to create AI-generated music
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Bing May Use ProductGroup Markup In The Future
Bing Product Search Results With See Details Button
Google Business Profile Appointment Link Broken Notifications
Thanks to our sponsors!
Resources:
Google Ads to phase out enhanced CPC for Search and Display
Meta reveals updates to business tools impacting advertisers
US vs. Google, round 2: Government takes aim at digital ads
8 Out Of 10 TikTok Videos By Brands Fail To Capture Attention
Mediavine Bans Publisher For Overuse Of AI-Generated Content
UK signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy
Will ChatGPT be the new Google? The future of search and information retrieval
How to use Google MusicFX to create AI-generated music
Bing May Use ProductGroup Markup In The Future
Bing Product Search Results With See Details Button
Google Business Profile Appointment Link Broken Notifications
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
September 11, 2024
- 712 | Brand Evolution of an SEO Platform w/ Bogdan BabiakInterview / podcastSE Rankings Rebrand
This week Erin is joined by the Chief Marketing Officer of SE Ranking, Bogdan Babiak, to discuss the SEO platform’s new brand evolution. Since its founding in 2013, SE Ranking has been a trusted tool for SEO professionals throughout the industry, and now they are bridging the gap between SEO and innovation with a whole new look. Bogdan shares the vision behind SE Rankings brand evolution, discussing integral pieces such as AI and ML solutions behind their growing mission. Bogdan and Erin discuss how this evolution will reshape SE Rankings relationship with consumers and how this transition affects SE Rankings position in the SEO tool market. We evaluate the ways that this rebrand distinguishes SE Ranking while maintaining a commitment to its vision of empowering businesses and SEOs to succeed in the digital landscape. Get a first-hand look into the history of the platform as we dig into SE Rankings brand evolution from a rank-tracking tool into a fully comprehensive SEO ecosystem this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
Introducing Bogdan Babiak
Bogdan’s Experience Taking Over Marketing for SE Ranking
How Did The Relationship With Consumers Change After Covid?
Integrating AI into SE Ranking
How Does SE Ranking Demonstrate ROI For Customers?
Bogdan’s Vision of SE Ranking Moving Forward
How Does a Brand Evolution Impact SE Rankings Position in the SEO Tool Market?
How Do You Communicate The Improvements Made in SE Ranking to Consumers?
Future Goals of SE Ranking
Is There a Responsibility to Give Feedback to Google in the SEO Space?
Final Thoughts From Bogdan
Follow Our Guests
Bogdan Babiak
Resources:
SE Ranking Brand Evolution Announcement [...]
September 11, 2024
- 711 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.2.2024News / podcastGoogle Needs More Lawyers
Google is trying out a new product categories tab in search results, intended to offer more tailored suggestions in product searches. The new tab is driven by performance insights, demand trends, and actionable recommendations.
Yelp is hitting Google with a lawsuit, claiming that the search leader is illegally dominating local search markets. Following the recent and impactful DOJ antitrust lawsuit, Google may have a target on their back as the lawsuits pile up.
You can now create specific remarketing audiences based on individual YouTube channel videos. Google and YouTube have released creator-based audience targeting that allows advertisers pick and choose remarketing lists based off of specific creators. This addition will presumably expand targeting opportunities for YouTube advertisers.
Be sure to join us as we cover everything that happened last week in SEO, tune in here on EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Product Categories Tab added for Google Ads
Yelp is suing Google, citing dominance with local search
YouTube is adding creator-based audience targeting
Captain Obvious:
Don’t Take Brand Identity Advice From AI
AI Blitz:
Google Gemini Now Accessible From Chrome Address Bar
California Assembly passes controversial AI safety bill
AI Tools:
Automate phone calls with AI
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
New Google Analytics 4 Benchmarking Data
Google Tests New Shopping Search Design
Google Trends Email Subscriptions Going Away Next Month
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio
Resources:
Product Categories Tab added for Google Ads
Yelp is suing Google, citing dominance with local search
YouTube is adding creator-based audience targeting
Google Gemini Now Accessible From Chrome Address Bar
California Assembly passes controversial AI safety bill
Automate phone calls with AI
New Google Analytics 4 Benchmarking Data
Google Tests New Shopping Search Design
Google Trends Email Subscriptions Going Away Next Month
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
September 5, 2024
- 710 | Tech SEO Connect w/ JR Oakes, Matthew Kay, & Patrick StoxInterview / podcastTHE Dedicated Technical SEO Conference!
The newest tech SEO conference is coming to Raleigh, North Carolina, this fall! Guests JR Oakes,Patrick Stox, and Matthew Kay have come together to create an all-new SEO experience, Tech SEO Connect, coming to Raleigh on October 17th & 18th. Don’t miss the heavy list of speakers covering core web vitals, Ahrefs Lang, data warehousing, BigQuery, machine learning, and more. In this show, we discuss the origin of Tech SEO Connect with the founders themselves. Learn what makes Tech SEO Connect different from the rest with a diverse content lineup made by technical SEOs for technical SEOs. Get your tickets and mark your calendar as we are all gearing up for the inaugural Tech SEO Connect conference coming this fall. See you there!
Key Segments:
Introducing Panelists
The All New TechSEOConnect Conference
Who is TechSEOConnect Designed For?
Speakers on the Ballot for Tech SEO Connect
Featured Sponsors to Expect at the Conference
What Challenges Arise While Planning an Industry Conference?
Unexpected Benefits to Planning Tech SEO Connect
Tech SEO Connect’s Venue
Follow Our Guests
JR Oakes
JR Oakes GitHub
Patrick Stox
Matthew Kay
TechSEOConnect
Resources:
Tech SEO Connect (Tickets Here) [...]
September 3, 2024
- 709 | News from the EDGE | Week of 8.26.2024News / podcastHypocrisy Abound
A recent survey launched by Aleyda Solis highlights key SEO threats, with Google’s updates, self-preferencing, and AI Overviews at the top of the list. The study reveals that AI advancements are reshaping search engine dynamics, and SEO is more difficult than ever.
Google declares that low-quality traffic will not impact search rankings. The company affirms that links and site traffic do not negatively influence a site’s trustworthiness but that ranking factors prioritize valuable, relevant content over traffic metrics.
Google’s Senior Search Analyst, John Mueller, confirmed that core algorithm updates do impact AI Overviews, giving us a better understanding of how AI is being incorporated into Google’s search results.
Be sure to hit that play button for our in-depth analysis of this week’s news and latest insights into the world of search here on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
According to a Survey: Top SEO threats include Google updates, self-preferencing, and AI overviews
Google Explains Why Site Traffic Doesn’t Impact Rankings
Google Confirms Core Updates Affect AI Overviews
Captain Obvious:
AI Empathy
AI Blitz:
Reports: Perplexity ads to launch in Q4
OpenAI warns California’s AI bill threatens US innovation
AI Tools:
Evaluating 7 AI video generators while waiting for OpenAI’s Sora
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google August Core Update Helpful Content Surge Charts
Hardbacon Announced Closure Day Before August Core Update, Then Sees Traffic Surge
Google Overhauls Video SEO Docs With More Details
Thanks to our sponsors!
Resources:
According to a Survey: Top SEO threats include Google updates, self-preferencing, and AI overviews
Google Explains Why Site Traffic Doesn’t Impact Rankings
Google Confirms Core Updates Affect AI Overviews
Reports: Perplexity ads to launch in Q4
OpenAI warns California’s AI bill threatens US innovation
Evaluating 7 AI video generators while waiting for OpenAI’s Sora
Google August Core Update Helpful Content Surge Charts
Hardbacon Announced Closure Day Before August Core Update, Then Sees Traffic Surge
Google Overhauls Video SEO Docs With More Details
Follow Us:
X: @ErinSparks
X: @MordyOberstein
X: @TheMann00
X: @EDGEWebRadio
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
August 29, 2024
- 708 | Fake DMCA claims from Fake AI Law Firms w/ Ori ZilbershteinInterview / podcastIs Google Taking A Stand To DMCA Negative SEO?
We have the CEO of Team Odeon, Ori Zilbershtein, back for his second interview this week. In this episode, we explore the growing threat of negative SEO and fraudulent DMCA case claims, which are growing at a staggering rate. Learn what’s causing the spike in SEO scams as we dive into the scammers’ minds in an attempt to understand their motives. Finally, we look at the steps Google has taken to mitigate negative SEO. Join us on episode 708 as we address the increasing number of SEO scams you must look out for here on the EDGE of the Web!
Reintroducing Ori Zilbershtein
Fake DMCA Case Claims
How AI Has Progressed the Scale of DMCA Scams
What Google is Doing to Combat Negative SEO
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
X: https://x.com/OriZilbershtein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orizilbershtein
Resources
Team Odeon
Ars Technica Article [...]
August 28, 2024
- 707 | News from the EDGE | Week of 8.19.2024News / podcastIs Doomsday Coming For Google?
The August 2024 core update has been rolled out! Primary intentions of the update are to reward high quality content and diminish low-value ranking based SEO content.
In light of the August 2024 core update, a ranking bug affecting search results has emerged. Google claims the bug is unrelated to the update and confirms the issue is resolved and search performance should be stabilizing back to normal.
Will the Google empire crumble? The DOJ and U.S government are considering a dismantling of the tech giant due to ongoing antitrust violations. Other penalties Google could potentially face are fines, privacy restrictions, and other financial constraints. Although a complete breakup is unlikely, the potential risk to SEO is monumental.
It’s a roller coaster this week folks so strap in and get ready for everything that happened this past week in SEO here on EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
The Google Search Bug has been resolved!
The Core-Update we all suspected- it’s confirmed.
Could the U.S. be looking to break up Google?
Captain Obvious:
Do you pay for Gemini Advanced?
AI Blitz:
Google Search Expands AI Overviews Globally
Google AI Overviews now show for signed-out users in the US
X agrees to halt use of certain EU data for AI chatbot training
AI Tools:
Luma Labs launches Dream Machine 1.5
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Thumbnails Back In Google Search Result Snippets For Many
Google Testing Search Snippet Hover Background Colors
FTC Banned Fake Reviews
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
Twitter: @ErinSparks
Twitter: @MordyOberstein
Twitter: @TheMann00
Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
August 23, 2024
- 706 | DMCA SEO Attacks w/ Ori ZilbershteinInterview / podcastHow Can Google Stop False DMCA Claims?
This week’s guest is the CEO of Team Odeon, Ori Zilbershtein. With a diverse background in business spending development, marketing technology, and SEO, Ori specializes in finding ways to elevate those around him. In this episode, we dive into Google’s Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Learn how the DMCA can be exploited by competitors to destroy your business rankings. We discuss the problem as a whole and evaluate potential solutions Google could put in place to stop this scam from hurting so many websites this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
Introducing Ori Zilbershtein
What is the DMCA?
Does DMCA manipulation hurt the reputation of Google?
Why in the world is Google letting outsiders move the pin on a Business Profile?
Final Pieces of Advice
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
Twitter: https://x.com/OriZilbershtein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orizilbershtein
Resources
Team Odeon
Whitespark
Google DMCA Report [...]
August 22, 2024
- 705 | News from the EDGE | Week of 8.12.2024News / podcastPantsonline dot com!
Google is upgrading its Local Service Ads, introducing an auto-select photos feature to display in businesses ads, with aims to enhance effectiveness and rankings. To fully take advantage, advertisers should start updating their LSA profile photos.
Google says URL parameters can create crawl and indexing inefficiencies. The issue is most common among e-commerce websites that use URL parameters to filter, sort, and specify items.
Last Monday, a federal judge ruled that Google is an illegal monopoly, but rivals say a slap on the wrist won’t cut it. Google competitors Yelp and DuckDuckGo push for the DOJ to enforce tougher action to break up the search monopoly.
As always, be sure to tune in for the latest in SEO here on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Google Upgrades Local Services Ads with Automated Photo Selection
Google Alerts: URL Parameters Causing Crawling Problems
What Competitors Seek After Google’s DOJ Antitrust Victory
AI Blitz:
The 6 Best AI Content Checkers To Use In 2024 via @sejournal
AI Tools:
Google Meet call will soon be able to take notes for you
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google Search Listing srsltid URL Parameters From Merchant Center
Google Featured Snippets With Emojis & Special Characters
Google: We Don’t Track How Expensive It Is To Crawl, Render, Index & Serve Pages
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Us:
Twitter: @ErinSparks
Twitter: @MordyOberstein
Twitter: @TheMann00
Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio
Resources:
Google Upgrades Local Services Ads with Automated Photo Selection
Google Alerts: URL Parameters Causing Crawling Problems
What Competitors Seek After Google’s DOJ Antitrust Victory
The 6 Best AI Content Checkers To Use In 2024 via @sejournal, @annabellenyst
Google Meet call will soon be able to take notes for you
Google Search Listing srsltid URL Parameters From Merchant Center
Google Featured Snippets With Emojis & Special Characters
Google: We Don’t Track How Expensive It Is To Crawl, Render, Index & Serve Pages
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
August 14, 2024
- 704 | Content Performance Factors w/ Maeva CifuentesInterview / podcastHow Will AI Impact Content Success?
Welcome back Founder of Flying Cat, Maeva Cifuentes. Maeva and Flying Cat recently published a report analyzing the extent to which different levels of AI-generated content impact content performance. The study takes metrics from 150 global content leaders, and today we dive into the aggregated results. AI content, SME processes, and confirmation bias… we take a look at the most significant factors when it comes to creating the best content. Tune in this week because, thanks to Maeva, we have tangible data to finally answer the question; Should you use AI to create SEO content?
Key Segments:
Reintroducing Maeva Cifuentes
AI Content Performance
SME Processes
The Importance of Using AI in Creating Content For SEO
Confirmation Bias in AI Content
Navigating The Industry as a Fully Remote Agency
Final Advice From Maeva
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Follow Our Guest
Twitter: https://x.com/maevaeverywhere
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maevaeverywhere
Resources
Flying Cat Marketing
Flying Cat AI Content Report [...]
August 13, 2024
- 703 | News from the EDGE | Week of 8.5.2024News / podcastGoogle Ads Data Breach!
Google announces they will be hitting advertisers with a 2.5% service fee for ads run in Canada starting in October. Advertisers, be sure to keep an eye on your geographic targets to avoid these fees in certain jurisdictions.
Advertisers beware! Google Ads hit with major outage on August 1st, leaving advertiser information exposed to competitors! The data breach left merchant center information openly visible, raising major privacy concerns.
Lastly, Google confirms that the Robots.txt file does not meet necessary security standards. The file, intended to guide search engine crawlers, fails to restrict unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information.
As always, tune in for all the latest news to know what’s happening in SEO, as we ease into the 7th century of the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Google Ads has new surcharges in certain regions
Major glitch in Google Ads exposes competitor data
Google says- Robots.txt can’t block unauthorized access
Captain Obvious:
Mordy’s bone to pick with LinkedIn
AI Blitz:
Reddit CEO to Microsoft and AI search engines: Pay for our content
Is Perplexity AI’s Revenue Share Plan Fair?
OpenAI has a watermarking tech to detect text written by ChatGPT with 99.9% reliability, but the project launch has been mired in internal debates
AI Tools:
AI Real-Time Speech Translation
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google Local Service Ads Automated Lead Dispute System
Google To Allow Pubic Hair Grooming Ads In September 2024
Google Search Ranking Volatility Bursting At The Seams
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Google Ads has new surcharges in certain regions
Major glitch in Google Ads exposes competitor data
Google says- Robots.txt can’t block unauthorized access
Reddit CEO to Microsoft and AI search engines: Pay for our content
Is Perplexity AI’s Revenue Share Plan Fair? via @sejournal, @martinibuster
OpenAI has a watermarking tech to detect text written by ChatGPT with 99.9% reliability, but the project launch has been mired in internal debates (Wall Street Journal)
AI Real Time Speech Translation
Google Local Service Ads Automated Lead Dispute System
Google To Allow Pubic Hair Grooming Ads In September 2024
Google Search Ranking Volatility Bursting At The Seams
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August 7, 2024
- 702 | 2024 JavaScript SEO Report w/ Patrick HathawayInterview / podcastOptimizing With JavaScript In Technical SEO
Patrick Hathaway is the Co-Founder of the revolutionary website crawler Sietbulb. The two-time winner of the best search software tool, Sitebulb makes technical SEO audits effortless and affordable. On August 5th, Sitebulb released a comprehensive JavaScript SEO report and we dive straight in to discuss everything covered. Discover what JavaScript SEO is and what it means to the modern website as Patrick shares key findings and hurdles discussed in the report, providing insights into optimizing JavaScript for SEO. We cover common issues websites face with indexing and rendering, revealing what the data shows about these challenges. Finally, we analyze the future of JavaScript SEO and how it will evolve the face of the web in the coming years. Join us as we fully break down the Sitebulb report and learn what JavaScript SEO means to the industry moving forward on this episode of EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
Introducing Patrick Hathaway
Patrick’s History in SEO
JavaScript Expanding Content Delivery
Sitebulb’s 2024 JavaScript SEO Report
Trouble Optimizing with JavaScript
Insights From Sitebulb’s Data
User Patterns Revealed in Patricks Report
The Evolving Landscape of JavaScript SEO
Final Advice for Digital Marketers Adapting to JavaScript SEO
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Twitter: https://x.com/hathawayp
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Sitebulb
Sitebulb JavaScript Report
Free Javascript Training Event by Sitebulb x WTS x GrayDot
JavaScript Rendering [...]
August 6, 2024
- 701 | How does AI SEO Content Perform w/ Maeva CifuentesInterview / podcastOptimizing For Multilingual Content
This week’s guest is Maeva Cifuentes, founder of the Barcelona-based agency, Flying Cat. Maeva’s expertise also goes beyond the agency, working as an SEO marketing strategist for many major brands. With a strong multilingual background, Maeva specializes in marketing at a multi-language level, and she will help you decide if taking a multilingual approach to marketing and optimization is right for your business. Finally, get a first-hand look into the secrets of AI-powered marketing as we dissect Maeva’s report that reveals how Flying Cat clients are using AI to benefit their business processes. Discover marketing beyond linguistic restraint today and understand how AI is being used by top companies at an international level on this episode of EDGE of the WEB!
Key Segments:
Introducing Maeva Cifuentes
Marketing At A Multi-Language Level
Should Organizations Take a Multilingual Approach Even If They Are Not International?
EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
Is AI a Viable Tool For Converting Content To Multilingual?
How Content Teams Use AI
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Twitter: https://x.com/maevaeverywhere
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Flying Cat Marketing [...]
August 2, 2024
- 700 | News from the EDGE | Week of 7.29.2024News / podcastEAT GLUE AI OVERVIEWS!
Join us for episode 700 of EDGE of the Web! We’re grateful for each and every listener who keeps us motivated to push out new content each and every week, so raise a glass as episode 700 gets underway!
Reddit has limited all but one search engine from accessing its content. Surprise, surprise… It’s Google. This move is sparked by an ongoing trend of publishers and websites aiming to protect their data from AI training models, although Google is an exception, likely due to their recent $60 million deal.
Cookie abolishment put on hold! That’s right, Google is switching up once again. Recent Google plans show they have gone back on their word and will keep cookies on Chrome; instead, they will incorporate updated user preference management.
What the heck is a GEO? Well, it may be your future. Speculation suggests that Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) may be the title of the future for SEOs as the digital landscape shifts from search to AI optimization.
This week, we cover major industry news and find out how truly intelligent AI Overviews really are, so tune in and enjoy episode 700 of the EDGE!
News from the EDGE:
Reddit is limiting all search engines except one: wonder which one…
So are we getting rid of cookies, or not?!
Are SEOs going to throw away their business cards to become GEOs?
Captain Obvious:
Nike Ad Campaign
AI Blitz:
OpenAI starts testing the SearchGPT prototype, here’s what it looks like
AI Tools:
Storyblocker – Visualized storyboard with real-time 3D and AI
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Report: How Often Google Mixes Ads Into Organic Search Results
Ongoing Google Search Ranking Volatility For 2 Weeks
Google: Core Update Isn’t Extremely Far Away As Publishers Grow Concerned
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
July 30, 2024
- 699 | Cognitive Bias in Marketing w/ Garrett SussmanInterview / podcastServing Consumer Bias
Coming back for his second segment of this interview series is Marketing Lead and Demand Generation Manager at iPullRank, Garrett Sussman. We explore the psychology behind consumer intent and assess how SEOs can implement a content strategy that addresses the various cognitive biases. Learn why the strength of a brand will contribute to user bias across the SERP and how even Google shows bias in brands. Communication is king in marketing, learn how to best connect to your audience past a wall of bias this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
Reintroducing Garrett Sussman
What are AI Overviews on the SERP?
Understanding Consumer Intent
Garrett’s Cognitive Bias Concepts
Serving Consumer Bias
Can You See Bias Through Analytics?
Final Thought From Garrett [...]
July 24, 2024
- 698 | News from the EDGE | Week of 7.15.2024News / podcastIs Rufus, Doofus?
Welcome back to another episode of news from the EDGE! Erin is out traveling the world, so Mordy and Jacob guide the ship this week!
Google AI Overviews take a big hit! Reports show that Overviews have taken a downward spiral in result frequency, as the AI feature now only shows up in 7% of all queries. Noticeable drops come from education, entertainment, and e-commerce queries, while Reddit and Quora citing rates near zero.
Google confirms there is no way to prevent specific content from appearing in your Discover feed, unlike Google News. A critique of this limitation by Lily Ray finds Google Search Liaison intrigued, stating that they see value and will ‘pass it on’.
Last up, Amazon has released their AI shopping assistant, Rufus, to the public. Rufus is intended to create a personally tailored e-commerce shopping experience for each and every customer, pushing Amazon further along in the AI race.
Be sure to tune in to this episode for all the latest SEO awesomeness and we will see you next week for the big 700!
News from the EDGE:
Google AI Overviews only show for 7% of queries, a new low
Google Says There’s No Way To Block Content From Discover Feed
Captain Obvious:
Podcasting ain’t easy!
AI Blitz:
Amazon’s AI shopping assistant Rufus is live for all U.S. customers
OpenAI is ‘going to build a search product’
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google To Host More Creator Meetings
Report: Google AI Overviews Barely Showing Reddit Or Quora Citations Anymore
Google: Core Update Expected In The Coming Weeks
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
July 18, 2024
- 697 | AI Overview Optimization w/ Garrett SussmanInterview / podcastAssessing The Risk Of AI In Search
Welcome back to the EDGE! This week’s guest is the Marketing Lead and Demand Generation Manager at iPullRank, Garrett Sussman. Garrett recently showcased his expertise in various SGE optimization frameworks, and today he joins us to explore the nuances behind optimizing for AI Overviews. Volatility is peaking on the SERP. We navigate the risks and opportunities associated with optimizing for AI Overviews while investigating what type of content this learning engine tends to pull from. Tune in for the latest in the AI search wave as we teach you what AI Overview optimization looks like this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
Introducing Garrett Sussman
Fundamental Changes in Search
Google’s Shift Into AI
How Are AI Overviews Changing The Way Users Consume Information?
Thinking Through Optimizing for AI Overviews [...]
July 16, 2024
- 696 | News from the EDGE | Week of 7.1.2024News / podcastBitter Barry Is Better Barry… NOT!
Welcome back to News from the EDGE! The crew is back together this week as we cover the breaking news in SEO as always.
To better combat misinformation, Google will now require that advertisers disclose election ads that contain digitally manipulated content. This policy will automatically apply in-ad disclosure to all ads that use digitally altered images, audio, or video of real people or events.
Advertisers beware! Apple has expanded their 30% fee on Facebook and Instagram ad purchases through the IOS systems to advertisers worldwide. Meta claims this gives Apple an unfair advantage as the long term rev-share battle between tech giants continues.
Lastly, Google needs to take a trip back to grammar school as a study unveils query components the search engine still regularly struggles with. It was revealed that Google’s system still has a difficult time analyzing queries containing prepositions and the word ‘not’.
Be sure to tune in for all the latest Google, Tech, and AI news this week and get ready for a new round of Lidia Infante interviews coming right up!
News from the EDGE:
Google to mandate disclosures of election ads with digitally altered content depicting real people or events
Apple includes a 30% fee for Facebook and Instagram ads
Google discusses two search types it can’t quite figure out
Captain Obvious:
Gen Alpha has more access to tech than older generations during their childhood?
Jealousy is NOT a marketing strategy!
AI Blitz:
Microsoft details ‘Skeleton Key’ AI jailbreak
Tech war escalates: OpenAI shuts door on China
YouTube now lets you request removal of AI-generated content that simulates your face or voice
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google dropping continuous scroll in search results
Some Sites Hit By Google Helpful Content Update Seeing Small Lifts
Bing People Also Ask Now May Include AI Generated Content
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
July 5, 2024
- 695 | News from the EDGE | Week of 6.24.2024News / podcastR.I.P Universal Analytics
Erin has traveled west this week for some much needed summer relaxation. Thankfully Andrew Cock-Starkey stepped in to help Mordy and Jacob deliver the news for this episode.
Universal Analytics takes its final ride into the sunset this month. Google announced that on July 1st, 2024 they will fully discontinue and shut down this web traffic metrics tool. We sure hope you have, but if you haven’t, don’t forget to migrate to GA4 ASAP!
A recent study has unveiled a rise in authority for E-Commerce and User-Generated Content indicating that these forms of content are being prioritized by Google on the SERP as affiliate marketers are losing visibility fast.
Google has released their June 2024 Spam Update. The update is intended to continue to penalize low-quality content by identifying and targeting sites with keyword stuffing and unnecessary backlinks.
Tune in as we say goodbye to our friend Universal Analytics and discuss all that’s new in the search realm this week here on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Universal Analytics Ends on July 1: Essential Information You Need
SEO Visibility in 2024: Review Sites Decline, eCommerce and User-Generated Content Rise
Google Releases June 2024 Spam Update
Lily Ray’s New Rabbit Hole: a post on LinkedIn
AI Blitz:
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas responds to plagiarism and infringement accusations
AIs are coming for social networks
Google using ML to review Local Service Ads (LSA) and “automatically review all leads”
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google Search Tests Black Sitelinks
Google AI Overviews FAQs Including Why You Can’t Disable AI Overviews
AI Overviews and Reddit
Local SEO – Google Maps exploit
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
June 27, 2024
- 694 | Trusting AI in the SERPs w/ Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-WardInterview / podcastOptimizing Content For SGE
Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-Ward are back for their second segment this week as we dive head first into SGE and AI in search. Changes are on the horizon with Search Generative Experience. We weigh out the looming pros and cons as we explore the potential repercussions of Google’s integration of Search Generative Experience. Discover how you can optimize for Search Generative Experience and what helpful content really means in today’s search landscape as we take a trip down the SGE rabbit hole this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Reintroducing Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-Ward
Changes On The SERP
A New SERP Challenge With SGE
Optimizing Content With SGE
Can You Track AI Overview Metrics?
Can We Put Trust In AI?
Mark’s LinkedIn Insights
Screaming Frog Version 20 [...]
June 26, 2024
- 693 | News from the EDGE | Week of 6.17.2024News / podcastO Captain! My Captain!
Welcome back to the EDGE! Google is accused of sending a $2.3 million check to successfully avoid a jury trial in their antitrust lawsuit. This payment has secured Google a Judges approval on a bench trial, causing a major setback to the Justice Department’s antitrust push against Big Tech.
Reddit is revamping its comment stream ad placement with hopes to increase reachability to users. The updated ads will be larger and appear inside of conversation threads to reach users at the highest engagement level.
Google Ads is phasing out credit and debit card payments for advertisers. By July 31st, advertisers must attach a bank account and follow a monthly invoice payment format. This move is supposed to only affect high-growth accounts, but the spend thresholds have not yet been released.
Plus, Mordy unleashes all of his frustrations in an all new segment ‘Captain Obvious’.
Keep riding the SEO wave with us as we give you all you should know about SEO and digital marketing this week on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
Google pays $2.3 million to secure bench trial in adtech antitrust case
Reddit Launches Updated Conversation Ads
Google Ads phasing out card payments
Captain Obvious:
You can’t have product or service differentiation unless you are actually different in some way.
AI News:
Spotify announces an in-house creative agency, tests generative AI voiceover ads
Color and OpenAI tackle AI cancer care
AI Tools:
Researchers teach AI to speak dogs?
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
Google Business Profiles Websites No Longer Load – 404
The Maddening Adventure Of Tracking AI Overviews In Google Search Console
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine [...]
June 20, 2024
- 692 | On the EDGE of Candour / an SEO Podcast Crossover w/ Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-WardInterview / podcastUnveiling the Journey of Podcasting in 2024
This week, we welcome Mark Williams-Cook and Jack Chambers-Ward of the UK-based digital agency Candour for a double interview showcase. Jack serves as the Marketing Partnerships Manager at Candour and hosts and produces the Search with Candour Podcast. Marks is the Co-Owner of Candour and has over 20 years of industry expertise in SEO and PPC under his belt. He is also a regular member of Search with Candour.
Discover what it means to be a podcaster in 2024 as we follow the evolution of the Search with Candour podcast from its origin until now. Mark & Jack discuss the fundamental stepping stones they climbed to get Search with Candour to its current status. Understand how to form a proper cadence and why tailoring content to different platforms will increase visibility and overall web optimization. Learn the ins and outs of podcasting and how this unique form of content can amplify your digital brand this week on the EDGE of the Web SEO Podcast!
Key Segments:
Introducing Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-Ward
The Origin Of Search with Candour
What Pivots Were Made Along The Way In The Production Of Search With Candour?
How Has Podcasting Impacted Search Engine Optimization of Candour?
What Has Been Surprising Along The Podcast Journey?
What Benefits Come From The Podcast?
Podcasts: Recommended By Podcasters
Resources
Candour
Search with Candour podcast
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
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June 19, 2024
- 691 | SEO Testing at Scale with AI w/ Will CritchlowInterview / podcastMoving Onward Through Core Updates
We welcome Will Critchlow back for his second segment this week to discuss SEO testing at scale for large enterprises and the potential for AI to make its way into the space. We assess the extreme search volatility in recent years and how it has dramatically increased the importance of conducting SEO tests for an organization. Discover the certain types of businesses for which large-scale testing is designed and why certain companies should take an alternate approach. Find out if AI can become the ultimate SEO tester and if large-scale SEO testing is right for your business on this episode of the EDGE of the Web!
Reintroducing Will Critchlow
How Does Search Pilot Work? What is the Duration of a Search Pilot Test?
How Has The Dramatic Search Volatility Affected SEO Testing Methodologies?
How Will AI Affect Scaled SEO Testing?
How Can Enterprise to Small-Level Businesses Run SEO Tests?
What Should Companies Be Doing After the Rollout of a Google Update?
Marketing Pro Tip From Will Critchlow [...]
June 11, 2024
