EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital Marketer

What is Google's latest shake-up? The Page Experience Report's exit from Search Console. This week, we are joined by the insightful Lidia Infante from SurveyMonkey, as we explore the headlines in the SEO and Marketing world.

The DOJ has some audacious demands for Google to sell Chrome, and ads have finally hit the AI Overview pages: We even unpack the drama-filled lawsuit between WP Engine and Automattic, questioning the ethical boundaries of open-source communities. This is the stuff that only Andy Cohen can unravel at this point. 

Ever wondered about the environmental costs of AI? Lidia hits us with some eye-opening facts while we dissect Google's claim of reducing power consumption by 90%. Don’t miss our banter over volatile localization signals and ranking shifts during Google’s November Core Update!

News from the EDGE:

[00:04:28] Google Search Console Drops Page Experience Report

[00:09:59] Ads Now Being Seen on Google AI Overviews

[00:18:25] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:19:46] WP Engine Intensifies Legal Dispute With Automattic

[00:28:54] DOJ is Pushing for a Sell-Off of Google’s Chrome Browser

[00:37:11] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks 

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:38:28] Google Also Cautions On Using Google People Also Ask For Content Ideas

[00:39:54] Google November 2024 Core Update Movement - Slow But For Some Massive

Bonus Coverage:

[00:42:19] Freaky AI News: Human, Please die.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

X: @ErinSparks

X: @LidiaInfanteM

X: @TheMann00

X: @EDGEWebRadio

We’re in the second segment of our interview with the AI engineering powerhouse Britney Muller. We discuss the fascinating interplay of creativity and technical prowess in AI prompt engineering

Brittany sheds light on the SEO industry's common missteps, emphasizing that AI language models aren't search engines and thrive on randomness. She’s even crafting a user-friendly guide to demystify these tech marvels, urging us to experiment and learn from mistakes.

Brittany warns against using AI for data-driven research due to its inconsistent results, directing us to the right models for the right tasks.

Ready to bridge the gap between AI and digital marketing? This show is certainly a great dip in the AI pool!

[00:06:17] Safe Tech Fosters Creativity Without Fear Of Mistakes

[00:12:11] Operators Must Understand Platforms, Improve Prompts, Evolve Creatively

[00:13:37] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:15:53] ChatGPT: Task-Based, Efficient, Reliant On Input Quality

[00:20:23] Mindfulness, Learning Foundations Over Shortcuts With Systems

[00:24:51] Automation Creates Opportunities, ChatGPT Assists Coding Understanding

[00:28:55] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio

[00:31:55] Smaller, Focused Models Outperform Generalized Models

[00:38:22] Improve Content with Quotes, Opinions, Better Prompts

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://x.com/britneymuller 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneymuller/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britneymuller/

Literally, if you have to check your legalese, check the site you have on the package, Mattel!

Top news of the week in digital marketing and AI. Matt Mullenweg gets trolled by a mock website based on his own website, trying to show departures from WPEngine. There’s a core algorithm update happening right now - watch your stats! What is the potential scenario of a Google break up, as it applies to the Google Ad section of their business?

AI news and a really cool AI tool on this episode (can you visualize it?), along with a slew of posts from Barry Schwartz from Search Engine Roundtable.

Also, make sure you check out the last Interview Series episode with the top brass from Third Door Media, which talks about the recent acquisition of Search Engine Land by Semrush. Great interview with some great insights from these gentlemen!

News from the EDGE:

[00:02:01] Automattic Confronts Irony with New Protest Site: WPEngineTracker.com

[00:06:10] Google Launches November 2024 Core Algorithm Update

[00:08:35] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:09:52] How a Google Breakup Could Impact the PPC Industry

Captain Obvious

[00:15:52] Proofread Your Packaging, Mattel!

AI News:

[00:19:31] Latest Google AIO Updates May Impact SEO

AI Tools:

[00:22:22] Get Visuals From Your Text: napkin.ai

[00:23:39] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks 

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:25:26] Google Ads Allows US Elections Ads Again Starting Nov 11

[00:26:39] HARO / Connectively Platform Closing Down December 9

[00:28:26] Google AI Overviews Testing Anchor Text-Based Hyperlinks

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

X: @ErinSparks

X: @TheMann00

X: @EDGEWebRadio

This is the first for EDGE of the Web, which has the top brass from Search Engine Land! Erin welcomes the impressive panel featuring: 

• Marc Sirkin, CEO of Third Door Media, 
• Danny Goodwin, Editorial Director, Search Engine Land & SMX
• Barry Schwartz, contributor to SEL and owner of Search Engine Roundtable. 

They discuss the huge news of Semrush’s recent acquisition of Search Engine Land (a Third Door Media property). The discussion highlights the ongoing mission to maintain editorial integrity amidst the transition, and the group shares insights on brand visibility strategies and adaptation to the evolving SEO landscape.

The conversation addresses the challenges of maintaining Search Engine Land's core values while benefiting from Semrush’s expansive resources. Marc, Danny, and Barry contribute their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of transparency and maintaining a balanced approach to content and advertising.

Don’t miss the upcoming SMX Next free online event on November 13th and 14th. It will feature a great lineup of discussions on critical SEO and marketing topics. 

Key Segments:

• [00:06:38] The Big News: Semrush Acquisition of SEL
• [00:10:23] The Challenges | Impressions and Insights
• [00:13:15] The Main Goal: Editorial Independence & Integrity
• [00:16:23] What Social Media Said
• [00:20:58] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
• [00:22:10] Advertising Concerns in the Future
• [00:24:25] Semrush: Not Just an SEO Tool
• [00:27:01] What about the Events?
• [00:33:18] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio
• [00:34:32] Benefits of the Integration of Semrush Data
• [00:37:42] The Future of SEO?
• [00:43:26] We Love Barry! (had to do it)
• [00:43:47] SMX Next: Free, Live Event on November 13th and 14th

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

• Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
• Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix

Follow Our Guests:

Marc Sirkin

• X / Twitter: @msirkin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsirkin/

Danny Goodwin

• X / Twitter: @MrDannyGoodwin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannygoodwin/

Barry Schwartz

• X / Twitter: @rustybrick
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustybrick/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rustybrick

Resources:

https://searchengineland.com/semrush-acquires-search-engine-land-447555 

https://www.seroundtable.com/semrush-acquires-third-door-media-38255.html

Mordy’s back with the EDGE after his holiday and throws out hot takes and Captain Obvious moments on the show. We cover the news of the week: AI Overviews that are rolling out in 100+ countries (except for those in the EU, oddly), Google’s perspective on Core Web Vitals and ranking, and the communication from Google about content that starkly differs from the rest of the domain - it ain’t gonna fair well, folks!

Check out our jump into AI News and Tools with this episode—seriously concerning and seriously funny information—the polls of the AI space.

Also - last chance to get BrightonSEO US tickets! Go to https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo to enter into the weekly giveaway! 

News from the EDGE:

[00:02:15] Last Change for BrightonSEO Tickets

[00:06:37] Moryd’s Hot Take on the Semrush purchase of Search Engine Land

[00:09:30] Google Rolls Out AI Overviews in 100+ Countries

[00:13:34] What Does John Mueller Say About Core Web Vitals and Ranking?

[00:15:54] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:15] Google Also Says: Stay in Your Lane

AI News:

[00:27:28] Researchers say an AI-powered transcription tool used in hospitals invents things no one ever said

[00:31:17] Meta is reportedly working on its own AI-powered search engine, too

AI Tools:

[00:34:57] AI pricing generator for your product or SaaS.

[00:37:29] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:38:46] Google To Sunset Call Ads; Migrating To Responsive Search Ads

[00:40:51] Google Search Console Performance Report Showing Almost No Data Today

[00:42:27] Google: AI Is Not Going Away, So Don't Be Left Behind

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

X: @ErinSparks

X: @MordyOberstein

X: @TheMann00

X: @EDGEWebRadio

Britney Muller rejoins the EDGE to weigh in on the progress of AI and LLMs for use in marketing, the over-hyped announcements to Google's transformative papers, and the ethical dilemmas in AI development.

Discover how emergent properties of AI models are often misunderstood and why ethical integrity is paramount in technology communication. Plus, get an inside scoop on Google's AI controversies and the practical uses of AI technology in everyday tasks. 

Britney underscores the need for human oversight in AI projects to guarantee content quality. She mentions significant academic contributions and controversies in the AI field, including the firing of researchers like Margaret Mitchell and Dr. Timnit Gebru.

Always a wealth of info, Muller is seeing the confirmation of her commitment to machine learning that she started over 5 years ago. You can check out what she said back then in Episode 309 in 2019: How to Use Machine Learning for SEO w/Britney Muller

Key Segments:

[00:05:08] Introduction and Tribute to AI Pioneers

[00:10:00] AI Timeline from 2019 to 2024

[00:11:38] The Language of AI Releases

[00:14:31] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:16:00] Ethical Challenges and Controversies in AI

[00:21:16] The Importance of Human Oversight in AI

[00:30:36] The Human-Centered Approach to AI

[00:32:34] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio

[00:38:30] Guidance to SEO Professionals

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://x.com/britneymuller 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneymuller/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britneymuller/

We’re back from Tech SEO Connect!

And we brought Mark Williams-Cook to pinch-hit for Mordy while he was on holiday….and last minute, so there’s that.

We dialed into some things that we missed while we were away. For starters, the Semrush buyout of Search Engine Land is huge news, and we have even bigger news! Marc Sirkin, Danny Goodwin, and Barry Schwartz will be on the show soon to discuss the event.

Matt Mullenweg seems to be melting down about First Amendment claims against WP Engine. The WordPress community seems to be up in arms, at least in our “bubble.” Deep dive there!

Google's leadership shuffle and what Kevin Indig had to say about it. 

AI News and a really cool, we think, AI Tool for this episode. Check it out.

Plus, hear about our media partnership with Brighton SEO USA and your chance to snag a ticket to the event in San Diego. Go to https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo!

News from the EDGE:

[00:04:19] Mullenweg Criticized for 1st Amendment Claims

[00:12:36] Wrong Direction: Google’s Leadership Shakeup Long Time Coming

[00:23:27] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:24:40] Semrush Acquires Search Engine Land

AI Blitz:

[00:34:08] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks

[00:34:59] Google’s AI Fails At 43% Of Finance Queries, Study Finds 

[00:37:34] Penguin Random House Protects Its Books from AI Training Use

AI Tools:

[00:41:48] Lumona

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:43:32] Expandable Google Knowledge Panels On Desktop Search

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

X: @ErinSparks

X: @thetafferboy

X: @TheMann00

X: @EDGEWebRadio

In this episode of EDGE of the Web, Erin welcomes the talented Akvile DeFazio to discuss the exciting world of AI in marketing. Akvile shares advice for small businesses looking to harness the power of AI, emphasizing the importance of beginner AI courses and webinars. Akvile shares her thoughts about the dynamic nature of marketing, the intricate balance between AI tools and human creativity, and the necessity of human oversight in AI-generated content.

Akvile also announces her upcoming free webinar on Black Friday and Cyber Monday ad strategies, co-hosted with Mikhail Alfon on September 10. She provides an engaging look at AI's evolving role in advertising, discussing creative tools like Canva's plugin with ChatGPT, and emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and empathy in crafting impactful ads.

[00:10:37] AI Exploits Human-Like Errors For Authentic Advertising

[00:13:30] Creative Tools For Marketing

[00:14:17] Exploring AI Tools For Creative Design Solutions

[00:16:01] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:10] AI Prompts Transforming Artistic Creation And Education

[00:25:57] AI Emotion Synthesis Needs Stringent Governance Controls

[00:27:73] Ensure Cultural Accuracy With Inclusive, Checked Messaging

[00:31:53] Beginner AI Resources

[00:33:27] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio

[00:34:46] Upcoming Webinar Announcement

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://x.com/AkvileDeFazio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akdefazio/

Erin 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!

Hey! BrightonSEO US is THE event where the brightest minds in the industry share their insights, and we’re giving YOU a chance to be part of it—for FREE! Go to the link https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo to enter into the weekly raffle! 5, 2-day tickets are available each week! Join us in November!

Be sure to RateThePodcast/EDGE! We would love to hear from you about this episode!

Key Segments:

[00:12:59] Social Media Targeting Changed Due to Privacy Regulations

[00:16:40] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:41] Paid Social: Effective with AI-driven Features Evolving

[00:20:03] Expand Ad User Experience; Ensure Seamless Journey

[00:21:57] Facebook Excels in Advertising, Discovery, and Shopping

[00:27:16] Use Facebook's Data for Optimal Audience Targeting

[00:29:49] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio

[00:33:22] Consumers Buying Earlier, Reducing Bottom-funnel Ad Spend

[00:34:21] Trusting in the Black Box

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://x.com/AkvileDeFazio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akdefazio/

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?

News from the EDGE:

[00:07:36] WordPress Gives WP Engine Users A Reprieve

[00:18:09] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:19:42] Did Google Hit Forbes Advisor With A Search Penalty?

AI News:

[00:28:04] Newsom vetoes pioneering AI safety legislation

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

X: @ErinSparks

X: @MordyOberstein

X: @TheMann00

X: @EDGEWebRadio

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