"Crafting a Successful SEO Career: Practical Advice for Aspiring SEO Professionals" is an invaluable podcast episode where Mark A Preston and Cyrus Shepard share their seasoned insights and recommendations for junior SEOs looking to establish a long-term career in the industry. This episode is a treasure trove of guidance for those at the start of their SEO journey.

Mark opens the discussion with a question that resonates with many newcomers: What should one focus on to build a lasting career in SEO? Cyrus responds with his personal reflections and advice, suggesting a path he believes would be beneficial for those just starting out.

Cyrus recommends beginning at an SEO agency, citing the diverse learning opportunities and exposure to various aspects of SEO work that such an environment offers. He advises spending a few years in an agency role to understand the dynamics of the industry but cautions against getting too entrenched in agency life. His reasoning is that moving in-house after agency experience provides a contrasting and enriching perspective, allowing one to delve deeper into specific SEO challenges and solutions within a single organization.

Cyrus emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for projects and enjoying the ability to solve problems over an extended timeframe, something that consulting or agency work might not always permit due to time constraints.

Additionally, Cyrus strongly advocates for starting a blog. He notes that while this advice used to be common, it has become less so over time. Nonetheless, he believes that creating and sharing original content is still one of the best ways to advance an SEO career. By learning and then teaching others through a blog, junior SEOs can build their reputation, hone their skills, and contribute to the SEO community.

"Crafting a Successful SEO Career: Practical Advice for Aspiring SEO Professionals" is an essential listen for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the SEO industry. This podcast offers a blend of strategic career advice and practical tips to help junior SEOs navigate their path to success.

Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful discussions with Mark and Cyrus as they continue to explore the evolving landscape of SEO. Stay informed with their expert guidance and inspiring stories, helping you build a solid foundation for a thriving career in search engine optimization.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

Welcome to a compelling episode where Mark A Preston and Edd Dawson unravel the intricacies of venturing into the realm of affiliate marketing. In this insightful discussion, they delve into the early days of creating a marketplace, shedding light on the crucial initial steps that paved the way for success.

Edd Dawson reflects on the challenges encountered when establishing a marketplace for broadband services. The duo navigates through the content and technical hurdles faced during the nascent stages. Edd vividly describes the content gap in the broadband space, prompting the need to become pioneers in providing information. The implementation of a postcode checker further enhanced the user experience, addressing the availability of broadband in different areas.

As Edd narrates the journey, he shares the naivety that spurred them into action. The challenges of monetization and data acquisition from broadband providers are candidly discussed, highlighting the unexpected complexities faced along the way. The discussion unfolds organically, providing listeners with valuable insights into the practical aspects of initiating an affiliate marketing venture.

Crucially, the conversation touches on the philosophy of taking the first steps without overthinking. Edd emphasises the importance of getting started rather than succumbing to the paralysis of over-analysis. The anecdotes and lessons learned from their early experiences offer inspiration and guidance to aspiring affiliate marketers.

This episode is a treasure trove for those embarking on or contemplating the affiliate marketing journey. "Embarking on the Affiliate Marketing Journey: First Steps Unveiled" is not just a podcast; it's a roadmap for navigating the challenges of affiliate marketing, enriched with real-world experiences and pragmatic advice from Edd Dawson and Mark A Preston. Tune in and embark on your own affiliate marketing journey with newfound wisdom and confidence.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

In this insightful episode, "Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Keyword Research & Search Volume," Mark A Preston joins forces with SEO expert Lily Ray to challenge the conventional approach to keyword research in SEO. They delve into the nuanced relationship between keyword search volumes and actual website traffic, offering a fresh perspective that goes beyond mere numbers.

Lily and Mark discuss the common misconception in the SEO industry where search volumes are often taken at face value, without considering the broader context. They emphasise the importance of not solely relying on tools that predict search volumes, highlighting the significance of understanding the real needs and behaviours of the target audience.

The conversation takes an interesting turn when Mark shares an experience of creating a 500-word blog that defied the predictions of search tools. Despite low forecasted search volumes, the blog drew in thousands of monthly visitors, underscoring the idea that ranking for a keyword often means ranking for a multitude of related, lower-volume keywords.

Lily further expands on this notion by referencing Patrick Stocks from Ahrefs, who points out that a high ranking for one keyword often correlates with high rankings for several other related keywords. They discuss how search volume should be used as a directional tool rather than a definitive measure, and the significance of focusing on relevance over search volume metrics.

"Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Keyword Research & Search Volume" is not just another SEO podcast episode. It's a call to SEO professionals and content creators to rethink their approach to keyword research. This episode encourages a deeper understanding of the target audience and the importance of creating content that genuinely resonates with them, regardless of predicted search volumes.

Tune in to this episode for an enriching discussion that sheds light on the evolving nature of keyword research in SEO. Mark and Lily provide practical insights and real-life examples that will transform the way you approach content creation and keyword strategy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their SEO knowledge and develop strategies that truly align with the interests and needs of their audience.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

"Unlocking Hidden Value: The Power of Zero-Search Keywords in SEO" is an enlightening podcast episode where Mark A Preston and Crystal Carter delve into the often-overlooked strategy of targeting zero-search keywords in SEO. This episode provides a deep dive into the potential of focusing on topics that traditional SEO tools may overlook due to their apparent lack of search volume.

Mark shares an anecdote about his experience working with a company, where he asked about the common queries they received. This discussion led to the creation of a blog post on a topic that, according to SEO tools, had no search volume. Contrary to these tools' predictions, the blog post ended up generating significant traffic - approximately 3,500 visitors a month.

Crystal echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of your audience, even when conventional SEO tools suggest there is no demand. She advocates for providing valuable information that addresses specific questions or needs of the audience, regardless of what the search volume data indicates.

The podcast explores the idea that focusing on zero-search keywords can uncover unique opportunities for traffic and engagement. Mark and Crystal discuss how this approach can help businesses and content creators tap into niche markets and cater to specific segments of their audience, leading to loyal followers and customers.

"Unlocking Hidden Value: The Power of Zero-Search Keywords in SEO" is an essential listen for SEO professionals, content creators, and digital marketers looking to broaden their approach beyond conventional SEO strategies. This episode offers practical insights into identifying and capitalizing on the untapped potential of zero-search keywords.

Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful discussions with Mark and Crystal as they continue to explore innovative strategies in SEO. Stay informed with their expert advice on discovering hidden opportunities in the world of search engine optimization.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

In this episode titled "Playing the Long Game: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in SEO," Mark A Preston and Lily Ray explore the challenging world of SEO ethics and the complexities faced by businesses when competitors use questionable tactics. This deep dive into the ethical side of SEO addresses the all-too-common scenario where businesses following best practices feel outpaced by others employing dubious methods.

Lily and Mark discuss the frustrations experienced by new clients who observe competitors seemingly benefiting from unethical SEO tactics like link buying and keyword spamming. Lily compares these short-term gains to risky health habits that might not cause immediate harm but have long-term consequences. This analogy poignantly illustrates the perils of choosing quick wins over sustainable strategies in SEO.

The conversation also sheds light on how experienced SEO teams and established brands typically have a better understanding of the long game in SEO. These teams recognise the importance of adhering to ethical practices, despite the slower pace of visible results. Lily emphasises the risks associated with aggressive, unethical SEO strategies and the potential for significant setbacks, such as penalties and ranking drops.

"Playing the Long Game" is an enlightening discussion for businesses grappling with the temptation to adopt questionable SEO tactics. Mark and Lily provide valuable insights into why staying the ethical course, despite slower progress, is crucial for long-term success in the digital landscape.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the importance of ethical SEO practices, the risks associated with shortcut strategies, and how to navigate this complex arena. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to build a sustainable and reputable online presence, offering practical advice and real-world wisdom from seasoned SEO professionals.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

Welcome to a riveting episode where Mark A Preston and Edd Dawson dive deep into the world of affiliate marketing, sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their early experiences. In this enlightening conversation, they uncover the pivotal learnings that shaped their journey and offer indispensable advice for aspiring affiliates.

Edd Dawson recounts the challenges faced in the nascent stages of affiliate marketing, emphasizing the crucial lesson of self-reliance. Discover why gathering data independently is a game-changer for affiliates and how it sets the foundation for a successful venture. The duo highlights the pitfalls of relying solely on merchants and stresses the importance of building robust processes to ensure consistency in data communication.

The discussion evolves into a masterclass for affiliate marketers as Edd advocates for a holistic approach. It's not just about content; it's about incorporating tools that enhance user experience and drive engagement. Edd shares their experience with tools such as the postcode checker and broadband speed test, demonstrating how these additions transformed their site into a valuable resource.

Learn why being more than just content-driven is key to standing out in the affiliate marketing landscape. Edd unravels the strategy of building tools that guide users through processes, making the site not just informative but also interactive. Discover the magic of creating content that is unique, valuable, and link-worthy—a resource that naturally attracts backlinks.

"Unlocking Affiliate Marketing Wisdom: Lessons from the Trenches" is not just a podcast; it's a treasure trove of practical insights for anyone venturing into affiliate marketing. Mark A Preston and Edd Dawson share their journey, providing listeners with a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the affiliate marketing terrain. Tune in and unlock the wisdom that can elevate your affiliate marketing game to new heights.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

"Behind the Scenes at Wix: Understanding Global User Trends and Tool Engagement" is an insightful podcast episode where Mark A Preston and Crystal Carter delve into the world of Wix, exploring the global trends and user engagement with the platform’s tools. This episode offers a unique glimpse into how data and user behavior shape the development and refinement of tools at Wix.

Mark begins the conversation by inquiring about Crystal's access to global stats data at Wix and whether she gets to delve into the realities of what's happening on the platform. Crystal confirms that while she has access to some trend data for research purposes, it's primarily focused on how users interact with various tools on Wix.

Crystal highlights the insights gained from monitoring tools such as the redirects manager. She shares that they observed millions of users utilizing the auto-redirect tool, which automatically creates redirects when a URL is changed. This kind of data allows the Wix team to understand how widely a tool is being used, informing decisions on refining and improving these tools, as well as making them more visible to users.

Additionally, Crystal discusses her involvement with a few specific sites where she keeps track of search data, under proper permissions and oversight. This hands-on approach provides her with practical insights into user engagement and search trends on those sites.

Crystal also touches upon the limitations of sharing specific data sets, noting that while they have comprehensive data for internal monitoring and tool improvement, this information is not currently publicly available.

"Behind the Scenes at Wix: Understanding Global User Trends and Tool Engagement" is a fascinating listen for digital marketers, web developers, and anyone interested in how large platforms like Wix utilize user data to enhance their tools and services. This podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of user behavior, tool development, and data analysis.

Subscribe to our podcast for more engaging conversations with Mark and Crystal as they continue to explore the dynamic world of web development and digital marketing. Stay informed with their expert perspectives on how user data and global trends influence tool development and user experience in the digital space.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

In this captivating episode titled "Building Your Brand: The Power of Personal Branding in SEO," Mark A Preston joins forces with Lily Ray to delve into the increasingly vital role of personal branding in the world of SEO. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone in the digital marketing sphere, emphasising the importance of establishing a strong personal brand for long-term SEO success.

Lily passionately argues that personal branding is arguably the most effective strategy in SEO, citing examples like Rand Fishkin to illustrate her point. She explains how search engines like Google recognise individuals as entities, understanding their contributions, works, and even personal details. This recognition, she believes, gives a significant boost to content associated with these well-established personal brands.

Mark and Lily explore the concept of Search Engine Entities (SGE) and how it's shaping the future of SEO. They discuss the idea that Google, and other search engines, are increasingly able to identify and favour content created by recognised experts in their fields. This trend underscores the importance of building a personal brand not just for visibility but also for credibility and authority within your niche.

The episode provides insightful tips on how to effectively build and leverage a personal brand in the SEO industry. From creating quality content to engaging with the community and establishing a presence in your field, the discussion covers the key aspects of personal branding that can enhance your SEO strategy.

"Building Your Brand" is an invaluable resource for SEO professionals, digital marketers, and business owners alike. It offers a fresh perspective on how personal branding can be a game-changer in the digital world and why it should be a key component of your SEO toolkit. Listen in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and a deeper understanding of how to make your mark in the ever-evolving world of SEO.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

Embark on a fascinating exploration with Mark A Preston and Edd Dawson as they unravel the mysteries behind successful affiliate sites. In this enlightening podcast episode, the duo delves into the commonalities that have consistently yielded positive impacts across their diverse array of affiliate ventures.

Discover the first golden rule according to Edd: ensure your affiliate sites are not just informative but genuinely useful. The discussion unfolds as Edd shares insights into the strategy of targeting mass-market appeal rather than niches, challenging conventional wisdom for those venturing into affiliate marketing.

Join the conversation as Edd recounts the fortuitous journey with the broadband affiliate site, leveraging a stroke of luck with the domain name in an immature market. Uncover the secrets to making your own luck over time and the pivotal role of resources in breaking into competitive markets.

Edd offers a unique perspective on the challenges of starting from scratch, emphasizing the significance of a large market for sustained success. The duo reflects on their foray into telecoms, mobile phones, and electricity, exploring why venturing into utilities that everyone needs and wants to purchase opens doors to a broader audience.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Edd candidly shares the challenges faced, notably the impact of Google's Penguin and Panda updates in 2011-2012. Learn how adversity prompted diversification, leading to the launch of multiple sites in various sectors. Gain valuable insights into the importance of spreading risks and not putting all your eggs in one basket.

As the episode unfolds, discover the critical role timing played in the decision to sell Raw 1.0 UK in 2021. Edd discusses the intricacies of diversification, positioning the duo to take calculated risks and ultimately cash out at the opportune moment.

"Cracking the Code: Unveiling Affiliate Site Commonalities" is not just a podcast—it's a masterclass in affiliate marketing strategies. Mark A Preston and Edd Dawson share their experiences, providing listeners with a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the affiliate marketing landscape. Tune in and unlock the secrets that can elevate your affiliate marketing game.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade

"Shifting Focus in SEO: Creating User-Centric Content for Real Impact" is a groundbreaking podcast episode where Mark A Preston and Crystal Carter discuss the importance of bridging the gap between traditional SEO data and a deeper understanding of customer needs. This episode provides a refreshing perspective on how SEO professionals can enhance their strategies by focusing on user-first topic and keyword research.

Mark opens the conversation with an observation about the disconnect between SEO data and truly understanding customer needs. He questions whether SEOs should move beyond creating content solely based on what SEO tools suggest.

Crystal responds with a resounding affirmation, referencing her article on the Wix SEO Hub about user-first topic and keyword research. She emphasizes that while SEO tools are invaluable, they primarily rely on historical data, which can be limiting for new topics or highly competitive industries. Being a first mover and creating content that directly addresses the unique needs of your brand's audience can be much more effective.

The discussion delves into the significance of creating niche content that may not have substantial search volume but is incredibly valuable to a specific audience. Crystal illustrates this with the example of a unique feature on a microphone. If the brand that created the microphone provides detailed content about this feature, it would rank higher due to its authority, despite the lack of competition or high search volume for that specific feature.

Crystal also highlights the importance of collaborating with sales teams for content ideas. Sales teams often have direct insights into what customers are asking for and can provide valuable input on what content should be featured on a website.

"Shifting Focus in SEO: Creating User-Centric Content for Real Impact" is a must-listen for SEO practitioners, digital marketers, content creators, and brand strategists. This episode provides practical insights into developing a more user-focused approach to SEO, which can lead to more meaningful engagement and better serve the brand's audience.

Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations with Mark and Crystal as they continue to explore innovative approaches in the field of SEO. Stay informed with their expert advice on aligning SEO strategies with user needs for greater impact and success.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade