In this episode of the Search With Candour podcast, host Jack Chambers-Ward and guest Stephen Schneider cover the importance of strong site structure, internal links, and conversion rate optimisation (CRO). They also discuss the role of user experience (UX) and how to leverage tools like Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and AI to enhance your content marketing efforts.

Additionally, Jack and Stephen explore the integration of SEO with other marketing channels and the power of authentic branding and personal connections in today's digital landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you drive high-intent organic traffic and boost conversions.

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👉 TrioSEO Website - https://trioseo.com/

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👉PPC Chat Round Up - https://linktr.ee/ppcchat_roundup

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:17 Sponsored by PPC Chat Roundup

07:00 Introducing Stephen Schneider and Trio SEO

08:05 Strategies for Creating High-Converting Content

10:02 The Importance of Internal Linking

18:40 Client Collaboration and Content Strategy

24:10 Handling Bad Content and Client Relationships

29:04 Leveraging AI for Data Consolidation

31:09 The Role of CTAs in SEO Content

36:14 Balancing User Experience with Ad Revenue

41:37 The Power of Influencer Marketing

51:52 Integrating CRO and SEO for Better Conversions

55:16 The Importance of Networking in Business

55:47 Conclusion

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook share insights and initiate debates surrounding critical SEO topics.

The dynamic duo discusses the role of consensus in SEO, particularly scrutinising how its interpretation affects how much users trust search engines.

They delve into the value of technical SEO, especially for small businesses, and question the efficacy of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Jack and Mark further explore the concept of traffic depreciation when SEO efforts stop.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Search with Candour

01:23 Sponsor: PPC Chat Roundup

06:05 Consensus in SEO: Clearing Misunderstandings

19:00 The Value of Tech SEO for Small Businesses

25:33 SEO Strategy: The Importance of Early Publishing

25:58 The Flaws of One-Size-Fits-All SEO Packages

26:32 Tailoring SEO to Client Needs

28:33 Technical SEO and Crawling Issues

31:49 The Impact of SEO on Long-Term Traffic

37:57 Maintaining SEO Success and Competitor Analysis

40:35 The Importance of Continuous SEO Efforts

43:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jack Chambers-Ward and Anu Adegbola, an international PPC consultant and paid media editor at Search Engine Land discuss the significance of SEO and PPC team communication and collaboration.

They explore strategies for sharing insights, tools, and data, as well as aligning goals to navigate Google updates and improve overall digital marketing results.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

Links to follow Anu:

Website: https://www.themarketinganu.com/

PPC Live: https://ppc.live/ / https://www.youtube.com/@ppclive

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

Bluesky: themarketinganu.bsky.social

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/themarketinganu

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Your grandma ever look confused when you tried to explain to her what you do. Just send her one of the PPCChat Roundup episodes instead.

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In this episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward discusses the evolving value of backlinks in 2025 with guest Tamara Novitovic from Bazoom Group.

They explore how link building strategies need to adapt, the impact of AI on SEO, and why backlinks remain crucial.

The conversation covers which metrics matter for link-building and future trends that will shape the SEO landscape.

Whether you're reconsidering your link-building strategy or curious about the future of SEO, this episode offers invaluable insights for you!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:52 Sponsor: AlsoAsked

03:17 The Value of Links in 2025

04:55 Holistic Approach to Link Building

09:30 Metrics and Relevancy in Link Building

18:48 Content Strategy and Link Building

22:57 Interactive Content and Future Trends

33:08 Balancing Freshness and Relevancy

37:45 The Power of Data in Client Convincing

38:14 Learning from Industry Peers

38:56 The Reality of Working with Clients

39:27 Becoming a Trendsetter in SEO

40:53 The Role of AI in SEO

43:56 Using AI for Data Analysis

48:05 Combining Data Sources for Better Insights

53:46 The Future of AI in SEO

01:05:34 Predictions for Link Building

01:09:11 Conclusion and Future Plans

In the first episode of 2025, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Jamie Indigo, an expert in technical SEO and an overall delightful human being.

Jamie guides Jack through the findings from the 2024 Web Almanac's SEO chapter including technical data changes over recent years, offering insights and predictions for the future.

Jamie also highlights AI's rising influence, the importance of robots.txt, Core Web Vitals updates, and structured data advancements.

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Resources

Chapters

In this special episode of Search With Candour, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook sit down with guests Arnout Hellemans, Yagmur Simsek, and Begum Kaya.

Recorded in a brand new studio to celebrate the finale of Season 3, the panel discusses SEO industry highlights from 2024, and makes some SEO predictions for 2025.

Topics include the rise of AI, shifts in search engine market shares, and the ever-evolving landscape of SEO. The conversation extends to personal branding, the importance of community in SEO, and how the integration of AI could reshape the search experience in the coming years.

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:17 Introducing Our Special Guests

02:38 Highlights of 2024 in SEO

11:53 The Impact of AI on SEO

27:06 Building Trust and Brand in SEO

43:09 The Long-Term Impact of SEO Tips

43:31 The Challenge of Measuring Long-Term SEO Success

44:08 The Human Element in SEO

44:51 The Evolution of SEO Communities

45:51 Conversational Search and AI

47:00 The Future of Search Engines

49:19 The Role of AI in Everyday Tasks

01:03:41 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

01:13:01 Predictions for the Future of Search

01:25:58 Closing Thoughts

Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook follow up on Mark's popular Search Norwich talk about conceptual models for SEO and his recent Google exploit discovery.

Mark & Jack explore the details of the fascinating Google exploit, dissect the talk's key points, and answer questions from the community.

The duo also preview next week’s big episode featuring three special guests and discuss the revamped format for Search With Candour in their cosier setting.

Stay tuned for exclusive insights into Google's data, how Google classifies queries, and what this all means for SEO in 2025.

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Search with Candour

00:15 Studio Updates and Upcoming Guests

01:13 Exploring the Google Exploit

01:29 Sponsor: SE Ranking

02:50 Sponsor: Optmyzr

05:53 Advanced SEO and Conceptual Models

10:13 Understanding SEO Through Video Games

11:25 The Importance of Conceptual Models in SEO

14:53 Google Exploit Data and Its Implications

21:18 Site Quality Score and SERP Features

30:27 Optimising Click-Through Rates

33:25 The Twiddler Framework Explained

35:25 Google's Predicted Click-Through Model

37:53 The Role of Expertise in SEO

43:38 What Protobuf Is and How It Works

48:07 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Jack Chambers Ward celebrates the near end of the year with a Spotify Wrapped-style recap of the podcast's top episodes from 2024.

Jack highlights the top 10 most watched and listened to episodes, along with honourable mentions from throughout season 3.

Sponsors

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Upcoming Episodes

01:19 Sponsors

05:55 Spotify Wrapped Insights

12:36 Top 10 Episodes of 2024

13:02 Number 10

13:57 Number 9

14:55 Number 8

16:59 Number 7

18:27 Number 6

19:53 Number 5

20:56 Number 4

23:43 Number 3

25:27 Number 2

27:49 Honourable Mentions

38:47 Number 1

42:09 Conclusion and thanks

Join Jack Chambers-Ward as he discusses storytelling, copywriting, and content strategy with Will Slater, the creative content specialist at 43 Clicks North.

Will uses his experience as a writer and photographer to explain how even bad ideas lead to great ones, the importance of curiosity, and the intricacies of creating content that resonates emotionally with your audience.

Jack & Will explore how storytelling principles from novels, comics, and even music can enhance your marketing efforts. Plus, learn valuable tips for structuring your content, engaging specific audiences, and mastering the art of concise and impactful writing. This episode is packed with insights to help you create better content in 2024 and beyond.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro trailer

00:57 Introduction to Search with Candour

02:01 Sponsorship Acknowledgements

06:34 Welcome Will Slater

08:40 The Power of Storytelling in Copywriting

09:50 Creating Emotional Connections

11:25 The Role of Flaws in Storytelling

14:51 The Art of Concise Copywriting

17:42 The Process of Generating Ideas

22:53 Understanding Your Audience

32:11 The Influence of Music on Storytelling

40:33 The Power of Brand Recognition

40:58 Engaging the Senses in Writing

41:32 Show, Don't Tell: Writing Techniques

44:40 The Art of Comic Book Storytelling

48:44 Structuring Content for Impact

57:27 The Hero's Journey in Modern Writing

01:00:46 Concise Storytelling: Less is More

01:04:29 Understanding Your Audience

01:13:12 The Importance of Curiosity in Marketing

01:18:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts