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

Welcome back for another week of news from the EDGE! Host Erin Sparks speaks with Mordy Oberstein and Jacob Mann about several key articles regarding Google's strategies and developments in SEO and AI. The "Content Decay Exposed" delved into a conversation between Google's John Mueller and Lizzi Sassman as they tackled the challenge of content decay in the online sphere. This sheds light on Google's ongoing efforts to address and navigate the evolving landscape of search engine optimization. Another noteworthy topic covered was Alphabet's interest in acquiring HubSpot, a leading marketing automation platform. The article "Alphabet Eyes HubSpot" provides insights into the ongoing acquisition talks between HubSpot and Google's parent company. This potential acquisition hints at Alphabet's strategic moves to bolster its presence in the digital marketing realm. Erin and Mordy also discussed Google's unveiling of AI Overviews in the US, which revealed promising insights into higher click-through rates but with a n

On top of being the founder and CEO of Ranktify, Michael Lewittes has had his hand in every jar of the SEO industry. As a media industry expert and journalism extraordinaire of over 25 years, Michael has achieved leadership positions for companies such as NBC, The New York Post, and New York Daily News. In this episode Michael walks you through his early career and how he came to realize the importance of SEO to succeed in digital journalism. Discover how he blossomed into an SEO specialist in order to optimize media success of his earliest website “Gossip Cop” all the way to Ranktify today, this week on the EDGE of the Web!   Key Segments: [00:04:13] Introducing Michael Lewittes [00:04:47] Michael Lewittes Career Journey [00:12:55] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics   [00:21:14] The Birth of Gossip Cop  [00:26:31] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix [00:35:15] Funding Methods For Michael’s Website Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.c

Welcome back to news from the EDGE! Mordy couldn’t make it this week so VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media AND featured guest of this week's interview series, Michel Fortin steps in to give newscasting a crack!  Google’s March 2024 Core Update has come to an end! The update consisted of sizable algorithm changes to reduce low quality and irrelevant content, resulting in 40% of websites being de-indexed or removed from search results. The Department of Justice is gearing up for their closing statements on their antitrust lawsuit against Google: major changes to search may be in store. Plus, An AI arms race is upon us as the U.S Air Force has announced plans of a fully AI controlled fighter jet fleet, with a planned rollout of the operation by 2028. Be sure to jump over to our newsletter for this week's AI Tools. We cover all the latest in SEO as always so be sure to tune in for this segment of the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:06:24] Unveiling the Google March 2024 Core Update: 3 Key Insights [0

Welcome back, VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media, Michel Fortin. This week, we discuss the capabilities of AI in digital marketing and assess the new high-touch contributory role that SEOs will be taking in the creation and curation of content. Michel lays out how brands can stand out in an AI-dense playing field through personalization and user experience optimization. We evaluate the complete history of Google’s ranking factors, pointing out which framework in E-E-A-T (or should we call it E-E-A-A-T-T) you should be centralizing your focus towards.  Learn how to leverage unique human traits that artificial intelligence cannot replicate, giving your brand an extra edge. Be sure to tune in as we look into how you can deepen the connectivity to your audience in today's evolving digital world this week on the EDGE of the Web! [00:03:48] Re-introducing Michel Fortin [00:05:55] How Can You Position Yourself Into a High Touch Mindset?  [00:09:54] What Must Brands Do to Stand Out In The Future?  [00:12:47] EDGE

Welcome back to News from The EDGE! TikTok has been ordered by the U.S. Government to sell the platform to a U.S. company within 9 months or face a ban in the states. TikTok plans to contest the U.S. ban, claiming the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden is unconstitutional. In Google news, the March 2024 Core Update is complete. This update dwindles the importance of links, prioritizing content quality, trustworthiness, and depth as primary ranking factors. Also, internal troubles are hitting Google hard as they continue to face increasing competitive pressure with declining resources in several divisions. We had to cut this week short, so be sure to find this week's AI Tools, AI News, and Barry Blasts in our newsletter! Join us this first week of May as we spring into what’s happening around the SEO world on episode 679 of the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:03:48] Bill requiring TikTok sale or ban becomes law in U.S. [00:13:29] Google March 2024 Core Update Officially Completed A Week Ago [

This week's guest is Michel Fortin, VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media.  In that role, Michel leads digital marketing and optimization strategies such as auditing and improving the marketing funnel performance, expanding visibility, and increasing traffic. Michel has over 30 years of experience constructing a revolutionary outlook on mass AI virtualization. Discover how Moore’s Law is shaping projections for the exponential growth of AI and how SEOs must transition to a high-tech, high-touch role to adapt to the future. Understand the possibilities of augmented virtuality and how it may carve the future of SEO. There’s plenty to oversee as AI continues to advance. Learn how to sculpt this new technology and nurture it into full maturity this week on The EDGE of the Web!   Key Segments: [00:03:33] Introducing Michel Fortin [00:04:58] What’s Michel Been Up To Since His Last Appearance?  [00:06:53] How Michel’s Background in Music Ties to SEO [00:09:12] The Application of Moore’s Law to Artificial Intelligen

Local SEO specialist, Joy Hawkins, returns for her second interview segment this week. Joy shares the recent landscape of local SEO, including some big shifts in the space that you need to know! Discover the possibilities of LSAs and videos, learning how they can shoot you up on the SERP. We discuss the rise of AI and where the user fits into this sea of content. To wrap things up, Joy shares what all SEOs should be keeping top of mind… crisis management! Get ready to score with your local SEO as we share the best local tactics and look into how AI is joining the scene this week on the EDGE of the Web!  Key Segments: [00:03:27] Reintroducing Joy Hawkins [00:08:38] Were There Any Major Changes in Local SEO in 2023?  [00:10:52] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:06] What Makes Local Service Ads Unique?  [00:16:10] Steer Clear of This LSA Scam! [00:20:20] Should Google Be Increasing Their Customer Support Network  Without AI?  [00:22:58] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix [00:24:40] Joy’s Thoughts On

Top Google contributor and owner of Sterling Sky, Joy Hawkins, joins the EDGE this week. Joy has been a renowned SEO speaker and influencer since 2006 and has been growing a top local SEO agency since 2017. How does local SEO differ from traditional SEO? Listen in as Joy shares her industry experience and delivers tactical strategies for executing premier-level local SEO. Google has been growing a much deeper focus on niche markets and authenticity factors. Learn how to leverage this shift to niche-level queries for your clients. Get ahead of the algorithm as we uncover the best local SEO strategies you should be following this week on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments: [00:03:57] Introducing Joy Hawkins [00:05:40] Joy’s Backstory in the Industry [00:06:53] Taking the Role of an Educator in the Space  [00:08:15] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:09:29] SEO vs. Local SEO  [00:13:24] Valuable Tactics in Local SEO [00:18:13] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Riverside.fm [00:20:18] Why User-Generated Cont

Welcome back for another week of news from the EDGE! Google is jumping into the CRM market as it plans to acquire HubSpot for $34 billion. Some experts speculate this will spark even more challenges for Google concerning antitrust regulations. New fake AI-generated law firms are accusing people of copyright infringement at a mass scale… and the true motive may surprise you. Should you be labeling your AI content? Tech giants Google, YouTube, Meta, and TikTok are urgently pushing for users to label their AI content! Plus, many fear the potential influence China may have on the 2024 election through widespread AI misinformation. Things are moving around in the SEO space; here’s everything you need to stay ahead here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:03:27] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:08:48] Is Google Eyeing HubSpot for Acquisition? [00:11:54] Data Reveals Shortcomings in Privacy Tools [00:15:15] Shady SEO: Fake Law Firms Use Fake DMCA Threats for Gains AI Blitz: [00:23:48 ] Labele

Welcome back to the OG webmaster, Simon Cox, for his second interview segment. Simon began his career in commercial graphic design. In this episode, Simon connects the dots between certain artistic frameworks and principles that can be applied to your SEO strategy. How does the emergence of AI imagery affect SEO as a whole? We investigate how users and engines alike perceive AI imagery compared to human-generated imagery and how you can leverage the ‘human touch’ to your advantage. Join us this week as we discover what AI design really means for SEO moving forward here on the EDGE of the Web! Key Segments [00:04:28 ] Reintroducing Simon Cox  [00:05:25] What Kind of Art Did Simon Work With Early on in His Career?  [00:08:58] Can Artistic Principles be Applied to SEO?  [00:12:22] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:09] Building a Visual Design That Compliments User Expectations [00:16:41] How is AI Imagery Perceived Differently Than Authentic Imagery?  [00:21:27] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: River

Erin Sparks is back behind the Digital News Desk this week to deliver a groundbreaking news flash - Google greenlights Microsoft's 53% acquisition, handing over a majority stake to Bill and the crew. Did we get ya? Happy April Fools from all of us at EDGE of the Web! This week we investigate a new lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram as allegations pile up claiming the social platforms are allegedly delivering ads to bot accounts and inflating ad viewership metrics to their advertisers. Google STILL has not announced a launch date for SGE; here’s the scoop. Plus, OpenAI released a new feature opening a whole new spectrum of possibilities. Kick-off this April right and tune in for what is and isn't happening in SEO right here on the EDGE! News from the EDGE: [00:07:16] Facebook and Instagram Accused of Bilking Advertisers in $7 Billion Lawsuit [00:09:24] YouTube Asks Creators: Hold Onto Your Videos! [00:15:40] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:23] Small Website Tweaks Might Not Move the Google

Joining the EDGE this week is web development Swiss Army Knife: Simon Cox. Simon is a pioneer in website development with almost 30 years of full-scale web construction, management, consulting, and optimization under his belt. Learn how to acclimate to industry advancements as Simon shares his experience adapting to rapid technology expansion. Listen to the wonderful insights and get to know one of the founding fathers of web design and technical SEO. We travel back in time to reminisce over what has shaped the industry and how it became what it is today here on the EDGE of the Web!  Key Segments: [00:02:43] Introducing Simon Cox [00:04:08] Simon’s Career Story [00:09:54] Changes in SEO Since The ‘Early Days’ [00:13:09] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:58] Keeping an Eye on Accessibility [00:15:17] How Did Simon Stay up to Date With Evolving  Technology During the Rapid Expansion Era of the Internet?  [00:23:08] Considerations Before Offering SEO Services to an Agency [00:28:41] Lessons L

Erin was off fighting crime this week, but you need not worry because the great Mordy Oberstein and Jacob Mann took the stage for this segment. Plenty of Google this week. Study shows Google AI summaries do, in fact hurt search traffic. Google finds a new ally in Disney to expand real-time ad exchange, meaning that marketers will have broader access to ad inventory across Disney Plus and Hulu. Recent news shows that the U.S. is further behind China in AI research & development than you would have imagined. Plus, Google has an all-new filter tab. Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the SEO world this week, as always, right here on the EDGE of the Web! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:08:13] A new study finds that Google’s AI summaries may hurt searches for brands and products [00:13:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: 

Welcome back to seasoned marketing analyst, strategist, educator, and owner of BEAST Analytics, Brie Anderson, for her second interview segment. The last episode was all about setting the stage. This week, Erin and Brie will take you through the rehearsal process necessary to rock out a live GA4 performance! Learn to develop a rehearsal plan of analyzation tactics so that you can steer your content in the right direction come showtime. Now you’ve taken the stage! Get ready to execute an analytical symphony that springs the audience to their feet this week on the EDGE of the Web! [00:03:21] Introducing Brie Anderson [00:04:06] Brie’s GA4 Session at Brighton SEO  [00:06:05] Testing GA4 Before the ‘Show’  [00:11:22] Can You Set Up GA4 Tracking to Expand Behavioral Analysis? [00:16:12] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:17:14] What to Actually Do With All This Data [00:19:58] Is Multi-Touch Reporting in GA4? What About Assisted Conversion Reporting?  [00:23:18] Benchmarks of User Experience  [00:2

TikTok is potentially looking at a ban in the U.S if they don’t adhere to federal guidelines within 6 months… What drawbacks could this have for marketers? Interested in targeting the whole world on Google Ads? Not so fast! Aaaaaaaaand, it’s core update time! That’s right, the first 2024 core update is upon us with Google releasing major enhancements in search quality. Early reports saying the update targets manipulation at scale to reduce unhelpful content by a whopping 40%. We’ll keep you updated in the coming weeks but here’s everything we know now.  We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:50] Here we go again…Is TikTok about to get BANNED in the US? [00:09:26] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:10:02] Are Google Ads about to screw up your targeting at the country level? [00:13:06] You know what we’ve been

This week's featured guest is the owner of BEAST Analytics, Brie Anderson. Brie began her career at the age of 16, evolving into the analytic solutions expert, educator, and entrepreneur she is today.  Join us on this full-blown rock concert of an episode as Erin and Brie are roadies rockin’ and rollin’ GA4 into the metaphor of a live concert! Discover how to execute the capabilities of GA4 that are worthy of a standing ovation from your clients. We walk you through the steps of the migration process while highlighting key features to help you find your melody. We’ve been rehearsing for years, folks, and it’s finally time to get GA4 up and running. Down goes UA! As we help you find your Google Analytics 4 rhythm this week on the EDGE! Key Segments: [00:03:28] Introducing Brie Anderson [00:05:19] How Brie Navigated Her Career [00:12:22] Transitioning Into GA4 [00:17:01] Setting Up GA4 [00:20:42] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:32:10] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:33:34] How to Collect Se

There’s a lot of movement to cover in the Google realm this week. The carnage continues as a U.S judge grants more class action antitrust lawsuits against Google. Despite the trial, Google continues to make improvements of its own - updating their Local Service Ads with a new verification process to reduce spam. Google is also testing a new feature called Popular Opinions Search Carousel intended to allow users to view opinions and reviews of various products right on the SERP. Finishing up on Google, the crew looks at a new survey that says SEO’s distaste in Google is at an all time high. Tensions have risen, where will Google turn next? Tune in this week to find out, here on the EDGE of the Web! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter! Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting! Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:34] LinkedIn Boosts Quality Posts: Your Best Content Could Shine for Months [00:09:28]

Ola King is back for his second segment this week to unpack the role of a Search Experience Designer, and how user experience design optimization plays as a lead factor in SEO. Learn tactics for incorporating UX designs into your strategy to bolster overall SEO and digital marketing strength. Finally, understand why empathizing with the user needs to be a prioritized step in your strategy. It’s time to step up your SEO and digital marketing with a holistic approach to optimized user experience this week on the EDGE of the Web!  [00:03:29] Introducing Ola King [00:05:23] What Does it Mean to be a Search Experience Designer [00:10:06] Taking a Holistic Approach to Your Strategy [00:14:17] Design and Storytelling Techniques  [00:15:41] Five Elements of User Experience Design [00:21:22] Embracing New Disciplines to Stay Competitive [00:23:27] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:24:13] Collecting Data to Drive User Journey [00:27:17] Learning to Empathize with the User [00:32:11] Building a UX Strat

Google Local Services Ads in the Hot Seat Welcome back to the EDGE! No Mordy this week, but no need to worry because the great Cindy Krum of MobileMoxie steps in. A glitch has infiltrated Google’s Local Services Ads and small business owners are NOT happy. Google feels that the U.S government ‘hate us cause they ain't us’, as penalties pile up in post-trial brief. In AI news, Google strikes an AI content licensing deal with Reddit - who’s rankings have been off the charts… coincidence? Don’t miss the action this week, catch up on all the latest SEO news to help you excel each and every week right here on the EDGE! We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter!  Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting!  Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here! News from the EDGE: [00:04:36] Google's latest quest: Investigating a glitch in Local Services Ads [00:09:08] Google also unveils its new AI Assistant called ‘Help Me Write’ for the Chrome Browser

Ola King started his career as a music producer, learning SEO along the way to help promote his songs and score millions of views. In addition to hosting several MozCon events, Ola practiced as a UX Researcher at Moz before transitioning into independent consulting. Search experience optimization is more valuable than ever before. Discover what metrics to be most attentive to when prioritizing UX, and learn why user experience is key to achieving sustainable SEO this week on the EDGE!    Key Segments: [00:03:45] Introducing Ola King [00:05:27] Ola’s Rise into the Industry [00:17:34] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:20] AI’s Role in Search [00:21:38] Is SEO Dead?  [00:26:03] Prioritizing User Experience [00:32:345] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:33:46] What Role Does User Experience Play in Determining Content’s Helpfulness?  [00:34:46] What Metrics Should you Focus on to Grow Search Experience? Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Hostinger: http