Search With Candour

Jack Chambers-Ward hosts a solo episode of Search With Candour recapping seven major SEO and digital marketing news stories from the first six weeks of 2026, previously covered in the Core Updates newsletter. He highlights Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for agentic commerce and checkout capabilities, Google’s Business Agent for brand-voice shopper conversations, and Google’s Personal Intelligence initiative that personalises experiences by connecting Gemini to apps like Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Search. He also covers Gemini-powered AI Insights in Google Trends, Chrome’s agentic “auto browse” features that can complete multi-step tasks, a SparkToro study showing AI/LLM recommendations are highly inconsistent, and the February 2026 Google Discover core update aimed at reducing sensational clickbait, improving local relevance, and addressing self-promotional “self-ranking” listicles. Jack notes plans for ongoing monthly news recap episodes and points viewers to links in the show notes for all sour

Join Jack Chambers-Ward as he sits down with Alex Dees, co-founder and CEO of Meridian, to discuss how to optimise your brand and sites for AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, AI Mode, and Perplexity.Discover strategies and insights on increasing visibility in the age of AI, if “chunking” your content works, and the future of e-commerce and agentic commerce.Follow Alex:Website: https://trymeridian.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dees00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:22 Guest Introduction: Alex Dees01:47 The Rise of AI in Search02:18 Optimising for AI Search03:58 The Future of SEO and AI11:55 Measuring Success in AI Search16:38 Strategies for Effective AI Marketing17:45 Content Structuring and Chunking27:20 Combining Data for Better Insights30:15 AI in E-commerce31:31 The Future of E-commerce and AI32:17 The Role of Structured Data in AI33:41 Agentic Commerce: Trends and Insights35:23 Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)36:04 Challenges and Opportunities in Agentic Commerce44:23 The

In this episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by SEO experts Chris Green and Amaka Chukwuma to discuss the SEO chapter of the Web Almanac 2025.Together, they delve into the process behind writing the chapter, trends in SEO, impacts of AI and LLM crawlers, structured data adoption, and the importance of resisting hype in the SEO industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:27 Discussing the Web Almanac 202501:38 Welcoming the Guests03:15 SEO Chapter Insights04:09 Data Analysis and Process11:37 SEO Trends and Surprises20:11 Robots.txt and Web Standards30:11 Bing Bot and AI Crawlers35:50 Legacy SEO Practices and Their Impact38:16 The Rise of AI Crawlers39:58 Adoption and Implementation of LLMs48:59 Structured Data and Schema Markup56:36 The Future of SEO and the Web01:03:12 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

Join Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook for a special episode of Search With Candour, where they recap the top SEO conferences of 2025 and share their most anticipated events for 2026.From Brighton SEO to the SEO Brein Meetup, they discuss the highlights, unique features, and what makes each conference a must-attend. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming SearchNorwich XL…Don't miss out on insights, networking tips, and the banter you’ve come to expect from Search with Candour!Best SEO conferences of 2025:https://brightonseo.com/https://croatiaseosummit.com/https://hub.seofomo.co/events/https://tech-seo-summit.com/https://searchnstuff.co.uk/search-n-stuff-antalya-conference-2026/SEO conferences to look forward to in 2026:https://www.womenintechseo.com/conference/london/https://www.seobrein.nl/meetuphttps://hive-mcr.co.uk/https://searchnstuff.co.uk/search-n-stuff-london-conference-2026/Coming soon... https://searchnorwich.org/00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Conference Highlights and

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Georgie Kemp, the SEO lead at Veed.Together, they delve into the limitless potential of video as a channel for marketers, discussing how video content can be repurposed and its SEO advantages.Georgie emphasises the importance of authenticity and the human element in creating engaging video content. Jack and Georgie also explore the evolution of search, integrating video into SEO strategies, and leveraging AI while maintaining a human touch.Follow Georgie:Website: https://www.veed.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-kemp/ Veed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/veedstudioVeed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veedstudio/Resourceshttps://sell.g2.com/resources/webinars/capturing-demand-in-the-llm-ecosystemhttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7388499289389572097/https://sparktoro.com/blog/its-still-seo-search-everywhere-optimization/Veed guides for video marketing:https://www.veed.io/learn/video-marketing-guide https://www.veed.io/learn/ai-tools-f

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward welcomes Nicole Lee to discuss the significance of long tail keywords in SEO and content marketing.Jack and Nicole delve into how these keywords become even more crucial in the age of AI, focusing on creating personalised, bottom-of-funnel content.The episode also covers Nicole's strategies for programmatic SEO, the challenges of setting client expectations, and the importance of high-intent content.Follow NicoleWebsite: https://nicoleleemf.com/ Daydream: https://www.withdaydream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelee-marketer/ RecommendationsCorner Maps: https://get.corner.inc/Opal: https://www.opal.so/ Graphite AEO tools: https://graphite.io/five-percent/aeo-toolsThinking in Bets: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35957157-thinking-in-bets Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Long Tail Keywords01:20 Welcome to Search with Candour01:36 Meet Nicole Lee08:16 The Importance of Long Tail Keywords in SEO15:55 Balancing Informatio

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

In the final episode of Search with Candour for 2025, Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Greg Heilers to delve into the evolving landscape of digital PR. They discuss the current state and future of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), the impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and PR, and the growing influence of brand mentions in the age of global SEO.Greg also shares insights about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly in the Chinese market. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of digital PR and SEO.Follow GregJollySEO: https://jollyseo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheilers/ Jolly SEO’s TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL3o9O1rRBcLKq-hSgerIS8i47HWdOAiiWebsite: https://gregheilers.com/Greg’s recommendationshttps://featured.com/https://www.airtable.com/ https://youtu.be/ETlOSBR92Fs?si=Syh4xBbQScA2UXYh 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:14 The Evolution of HARO and Digital PR04:09 The Role of AI and LLMs in SEO and PR07:15 Cha

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

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Amanda King for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of SEO and the implications of AI-generated content.Amanda shares insights from her 15 years in the industry, discussing the challenges of maintaining relevant, high-quality content in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. The episode covers a range of topics, including content consolidation, Google's move away from lexical search, and Amanda’s new tool - Topic Compass.Jack and Amanda also touch on the importance of balancing traditional SEO practices with modern digital marketing strategies to stay ahead in 2026.00:00 Introduction01:39 Welcome to Search With Candour04:35 Interview with Amanda King07:16 The Evolution of SEO and Content Strategies17:40 Challenges and Future of SEO34:21 Exploring Topic Compass and Content Relevance51:49 The Evolution of Google's Search Technology55:00 The Impact of AI on SEO and PPC56:11 Exploring Paris: Beyond the Usual Attractions01:01:35 The Importance of Updat

Join Jack Chambers-Ward in this episode of Search With Candour as he discusses the critical difference between strategy and tactics in SEO with special guest Derek Hobson from Brain Labs.Jack and Derek get super nerdy using everything from The Avengers to adult diapers to explore how to effectively structure your thinking around SEO strategies and tactics. They also discuss the importance of ongoing testing, adapting to industry changes like AI advancements, and building strong off-page SEO.Follow Derek:Brainlabs: https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereknhobson/SEO Humorist: https://seohumorist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seohumoristResources:https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/navigating-the-new-era-of-ai-search/Greenshot: https://getgreenshot.org/The Sellout by Paul Beatty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237161-the-selloutThis is Strategy by Seth Godin https://open.spotify.com/show/0UggtiAbVMtoXAR3nhg2fK?si=14f33156e5ce4df700:00 Introduction01:38 Welcome to S

In this episode, Jack Chambers-Ward interviews Ade Holder, frontman of Phinius Gage and owner of 427 Marketing. They explore how punk values can influence business practices, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and the importance of constructive capitalism. Ade shares insights from his experience in marketing and as a musician, highlighting the intersection between creativity and analytical thinking. Tune in for discussions on music, SEO, client relations, and actionable tips for blending personal passions with professional life.Follow AdeWebsite: https://www.427marketing.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-holder-3a010914/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adeholder.bsky.socialPhinius Gage: https://phiniusgage.bandcamp.com/track/masquerade RecommendationsRank Caddy - https://rankcaddy.io/The Ritual by Adam Nevill - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10239382-the-ritualMalevolence - https://mlvltd.com/00:00 Balancing Punk Rock Ethics with Marketing00:55 Introduction01:25 Meet Ade Holder: P

In this episode of Search with Candour, Ben Goodey, founder of Spicy Margarita, joins Jack to discuss how to create revenue-driven SEO strategies.The discussion explores how effective audience research impacts conversion rates, differentiating between top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel content, and the evolving role of SEO in the age of AI.Ben shares his insights on creating revenue-driving strategies and the importance of client communication in achieving long-term success.Follow Ben:Spicy Margarita: https://www.spicymargarita.co/How the f*ck: https://www.thefxck.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingoodey/Resources:https://marketingcyborg.com/p/the-lema-framework-how-anyone-canhttps://withcandour.co.uk/podcast/how-to-create-content-that-stands-out-with-lily-ugbajahttps://seo.thefxck.com/interviews/product-positioning-april-dunford/https://seotesting.com/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221251872-when-the-cranes-fly-south00:00 How to make money from SEO00:56 Introduction02:04 Welcome, Ben Goo

In this week's episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Leah Hart to explore the future of sustainable marketing in 2025.They delve into the importance of both environmentally and personally sustainable practices. Topics include the pitfalls of greenwashing, the energy costs of AI tools like ChatGPT, and effective ways to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being in the industry. Follow Leah:Website: https://www.fourfront.us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartleahc/Recommendationshttps://www.thriftbooks.com/w/algorithms-to-live-by-what-computers-can-teach-us-about-solving-human-problems_brian-christian_tom--griffiths/10740830/item/25388624/ https://ground.news/https://www.fourfront.us/blog/sustainable-digital-marketing/00:00 Introduction04:43 Welcome Leah Hart07:08 Defining Sustainable Marketing08:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Marketing08:39 AI and Sustainability in Marketing12:24 Identifying Genuine Sustainable Practices22:06 Balancing Sustainability

Join Jack Chambers-Ward as he sits down with the award-winning brand consultant and designer Jacob Cass.Jacob recounts the harrowing experience of losing 95% of his site traffic and the strategies he employed for recovery.Jacob and Jack discuss practical brand-building exercises, the relevance of maintaining consistency across different platforms, and the indispensable tools and techniques to thrive in the ever-evolving world of SEO and digital marketing in 2025.Whether you're a solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice that can help you manoeuvre through the complexities of digital branding and SEO.Follow JacobJUST Creative: https://justcreative.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcass/JUST Branding podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/JUSTCreativeBrand Builders Alliance: https://joinbba.com/Brand Builders Summit: https://brandbuilderssummit.com/Recommendationshttps://www.aiprm.com/en-gb/Poetry for Neandethals: https://www.exp

In this episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward discusses the impact of Google's MUVERA (multi-vector retrieval system) on link building with guest Egor Golovin, Chief Commercial Officer at Serpzilla.Together, they explore how MUVERA recontextualises backlinks, emphasising the importance of context, relevance, and trust over raw volume.Egor shares his insights on current and future link building strategies, the role of AI-generated content, the significance of brand mentions, and the gradual shift towards more complex backlink strategies.Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or new to digital marketing, this conversation offers valuable insights for refining your link building approach in the evolving digital landscape.Follow EgorWebsite: https://serpzilla.com/Follow Egor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egor-golovin-949919204/Follow Serpzilla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serpzilla/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@serpzillaResources and recommendationshtt

Join us LIVE from Brighton as the teams from ⁨@SEOMindsetPodcast⁩ and Search with Candour come together for an engaging and informative podcast.In this special episode, the trio of hosts explore the importance of intentional social connections for career progression, and practical tips on maintaining good social health.The episode also features insights from the audience, real-life stories, and a detailed analysis of Google's take on 'social health.’Don't miss out on expert advice, heartfelt stories, and actionable tips designed to enhance your personal and professional growth in the SEO world!Headline sponsor - SISTRIXSISTRIX is the all-in-one SEO toolbox for those who want to succeed on Google, Amazon and Facebook. With SISTRIX's market-leading tools, you can optimise your website according to the latest Google guidelines, track competitors on Amazon and easily generate and perform research across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.Food sponsor - MajesticMajestic maps the web to bring you the Li

Jack Chambers-Ward dives into the evolving world of SEO, AI, and branding with guest Yordan Dimitrov, SEO Manager at Reflect Digital. They discuss the importance of brand consistency, the role of LLMs (Large Language Models) like ChatGPT in shaping user experiences, and the pivotal strategies for maintaining visibility and relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape. If you're curious about how AI is impacting SEO or want tips on optimising your brand’s digital presence, this episode is packed with valuable insights and recommendations.Don't miss out on Yordan's upcoming talk at Brighton SEO and the exciting discussions around these crucial topics!Follow Yordan:Reflect Digital: https://www.reflectdigital.co.uk/ Website: https://yordandim.com/BioLink: https://yordan.bio.link/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrovy/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/yordan-dimitrov.com BrightonSEO talk: https://brightonseo.com/talks/forget-seo-vs-ai-build-a-brand-people-trust-or-get-left-behind 00:00 Emb

In this bonus episode of Search With Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook share their top recommendations for talks at the upcoming Brighton SEO conference.Candour’s dynamic duo discusses talks that cover the value of human connection in digital PR, and explore the intricacies of AI, machine learning, and attribution models in SEO.Whether you're attending Brighton SEO or simply interested in staying updated with the latest in the SEO world, this episode is packed with invaluable information and expert commentary.Jack’s recommendationsJohn Iwuozor - https://brightonseo.com/events/october-2025/talks/vector-embeddings-for-everyday-marketers Yordan Dimitrov - https://brightonseo.com/events/october-2025/talks/forget-seo-vs-ai-build-a-brand-people-trust-or-get-left-behind Tom Capper - https://brightonseo.com/events/october-2025/talks/measuring-aio-impact-was-anyone-clicking-anyway Myriam Jessier - https://brightonseo.com/events/october-2025/talks/making-all-content-machinereadable-geo-beyond-text-

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