The New Rules of Authority When AI Answers the Query

AI is changing how people discover brands, and ranking #1 on Google is no longer the finish line.

In this episode of SEO On Air, host Koa Kauwe is joined by Tom Malesic (EZMarketing) and Gilad Bechar (Moburst) to break down how authority, trust, and visibility are being redefined when AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity answer the query directly.

They explore the shift from using AI to operating with AI, why content volume alone no longer wins, and how agencies must rethink authority beyond backlinks, across PR, podcasts, reviews, social mentions, and AI answer engines.

You’ll learn:

• Why most content today is already AI-generated

• How agencies are building AI-driven workflows and agents

• Why mentions matter more than links in AI answers

• How small agencies can still compete in an AI-first world

• What actually builds authority when AI decides who gets recommended

If you’re an agency owner, SEO professional, or marketer navigating the future of search, this episode will help you rethink authority, strategy, and growth in an AI-driven landscape.

In this episode of SEO On-Air, experienced agency leaders share the key lessons they learned while growing their businesses — from niching down and building systems to hiring and pricing effectively. They also dive into how AI is reshaping SEO, search, and agency operations, and what marketers must do to stay ahead. A quick, insight-packed conversation for anyone in digital marketing. 

In this roundtable edition of SEO On-Air, host Koa brings together four seasoned agency leaders — Brad Poller, Chris Snellgrove, Flynn Zaiger, and Sam Insalaco — for an honest conversation on why client trust matters more than ever in the era of AI search.

From transparency in reporting to the rise of AI-generated overviews (AEO/GEO), the panel breaks down how agencies must evolve, communicate better, and stay authentic while navigating the biggest shift in search in years. They also dive into red flags clients should watch for, why authenticity beats algorithms, and how human-focused SEO naturally supports better AI-powered search visibility.

Whether you run an agency, manage SEO, or want to understand how AI is reshaping trust and performance, this episode brings real-world insights, practical tips, and candid stories from experts who live it every day.

In this episode, Aaron brings together three industry voices—Blake Baxendell, David Dennison, and Miles Anthony Smith—to tackle a timely question: What if AI isn’t the real problem in SEO?

They break down the real challenges agencies face today, from proving ROI and managing tools to client communication, delegation, and staying competitive as search evolves. The conversation also highlights why omnichannel marketing, strong relationships, and consistently helpful content matter more than ever.

A sharp, honest look at what truly drives SEO success in 2025.

As Google continues to roll out AI overviews, the SEO world is entering uncharted territory. In this episode of SEO On-Air, Koa, Tyler Brown, Ryan Foizey, and Jelena Misic share their perspectives on how AI is reshaping search visibility and data tracking. They discuss how to adapt strategies when traditional metrics no longer tell the full story, and why focusing on user intent, structured data, and authentic content is key to thriving in an AI-driven search environment. 

In this roundtable episode, SEO leaders Adam Loveridge, David Black, Jerry Van Vort, and David Sanchez dive into how AI is transforming the battle for online visibility. They discuss the rise of AI-generated content, the growing impact of PR and backlinks, and how zero-click searches are changing what visibility really means. Discover how agencies are adapting their strategies, measuring success differently, and redefining SEO in an AI-driven world where traditional tactics are no longer enough. 

In this thought-provoking roundtable, host Aaron Basil brings together four marketing powerhouses — Brian Kato, Philip Masiello, Philip Hill, and Parin Modi — to explore how AI is changing the game for SEO and digital advertising.

From AI-driven marketing tools and authentic influencer strategies to live selling, connected TV ads, and the future of search, this episode dives deep into how creativity and technology now work hand in hand.

Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or SEO enthusiast, you’ll walk away with powerful insights on staying ahead in this fast-evolving digital world.

In this episode of SEO On-Air, guest Arman Advani from Search Atlas unpacks how AI is transforming the rules of SEO and why backlinks are more crucial than ever. He explains how large language models validate information through external authority signals and what that means for link building, brand mentions, and content strategy.

Arman also dives into how Search Atlas approaches SEO holistically — combining technical optimization, contextual content, and smart link strategies to help brands stay visible in both traditional and AI-driven search. Tune in to discover how SEO is evolving into a blended landscape where AI, backlinks, and authenticity all shape the future of online visibility.

As AI reshapes the search landscape, what does it really mean for SEO? In this episode of SEO On Air, host Koa Kauwe sits down with Cari Bacon, Head of Search at Fidelitas, and Evan Weber, Founder of Experience Advertising, to unpack the real impact of AI-driven search and generative engines. From zero-click results and evolving tracking challenges to brand visibility, conversion shifts, and the rise of AI influencers — they separate fact from hype and explore what marketers should truly focus on next. 

In this roundtable conversation, SEO experts Tarun Gehani,Director of SEO at Pure Visibility, Dan Hamilton,Director of SEO at Zero Gravity Marketing, and Alfredo Abreu SEO Manager at Jives media break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of search. From optimizing for AI-generated overviews to refining traditional strategies that still move the needle, the discussion dives into what truly defines SEO success in 2025.

The trio shares hands-on insights from their agency experience — how client expectations are shifting, how to balance quick wins with long-term growth, and why the core principles of SEO remain as powerful as ever. It’s an honest, forward-looking take on how AI and search are evolving together — and what marketers need to do to keep up.