We Don't PLAY!™ | Best SEO, Digital Marketing, and Pinterest Business Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of the We Don't PLAY! Podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS dismantles the myth of "cheap SEO." Joined by guests Dr. Fashion, Austin, John, and Celese, the conversation exposes the significant long-term damage that corner-cutting SEO practices can inflict on a business.

Favour emphasizes that SEO is not a one-time fix but a long-term investment in your brand's digital foundation. The episode draws a powerful analogy, comparing cheap SEO to building a house with substandard materials — a structure doomed to fail. The discussion highlights the stark difference between unethical "black hat" tactics, which lead to severe penalties from search engines like Google, and the sustainable growth achieved through ethical, "white hat" strategies.

Dr. Fashion shares an inspiring personal story of how her commitment to quality SEO on her YouTube channel led to incredible success, enabling her to purchase her mother's childhood home. The episode is a masterclass for any business owner, marketing professional, or entrepreneur who wants to understand the true value of a robust, strategic, and long-term SEO plan.

It's a crucial reminder that in the world of digital marketing, you get what you pay for, and the cost of cheap SEO is ultimately a price too high to pay for any business serious about growth and longevity.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

Key Takeaways

1. Cheap SEO is a Myth: Low-cost SEO services often use harmful "black hat" techniques that can get your website penalized by Google, costing you more in the long run.

2. SEO is a Long-Term Investment: Sustainable SEO is not about quick fixes. It's about consistently building a strong online presence through high-quality content and ethical practices.

3. Quality SEO Drives Real-World Results: As demonstrated by Dr. Fashion's story, a well-executed SEO strategy can lead to significant financial success and brand authority.

4. A Holistic Approach is Essential: Effective SEO encompasses more than just keywords. It includes website design, user experience, content quality, and technical optimization.

5. Inaction is Expensive: In a competitive digital landscape, not investing in SEO means being invisible to your target audience and losing ground to your competitors.

6. Understand the Value You're Paying For: Be wary of SEO providers who make grand promises without clear, measurable results. A reputable expert will provide a transparent and strategic plan.

7. SEO is a Way of Life: Favour makes the point that search is a fundamental human behavior. Applying this mindset to your business's digital strategy is key to success.

Memorable Quotes

[01:04 - 01:17] "The cost of cheap SEO is to the point where you know when you hear something has been done but it has been done poorly. It's like trying to build a house and then you use the wrong sand, you use the wrong brick, you use the wrong everything." — Favour Obasi-ike

[22:40 - 22:59] "SEO works, y'all. It's a long-term game. You don't want to enjoy the shade before building or planting the seed. We have to follow the rule. We have to abide by the law. There's a procedure. There's seed, there's time, there's harvest. We can't harvest without planting a seed." — Favour Obasi-ike

[67:24 - 67:41] "If you have a business, you should have a podcast...it's a 24/7, 365 marketing platform for you. It's another place where people can search and be discovered." — John

[26:20 - 26:31] "When you think about SEO, it boils down to two things. You're either focusing on branded queries, which is your business name, your brand name, the name that people know you for, or you're focusing on non-branded queries." — Favour Obasi-ike

[45:53 - 46:02] "If everyone did SEO correctly, we'd have a better search experience, to be honest. 100%, because SEO is not competition. It's search." — Favour Obasi-ike

FAQs

1. What is the difference between "black hat" and "white hat" SEO?

"Black hat" SEO refers to unethical tactics that violate search engine guidelines to try and rank a site higher, such as buying links or keyword stuffing. "White hat" SEO, on the other hand, focuses on creating high-quality content and a good user experience to earn rankings organically.

2. How long does it take to see results from SEO?

SEO is a long-term strategy. While some technical fixes can have a quick impact, it typically takes several months to see significant, sustainable results from a comprehensive SEO campaign.

3. Why is content so important for SEO?

High-quality content is the foundation of modern SEO. It's what attracts and engages your audience, establishes your authority, and gives search engines the context they need to rank your site for relevant queries.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: The True Cost of Cheap SEO

[02:32] The Long-Term vs. Short-Term View of SEO

[05:49] Real-Life Success Story: LinkedIn Newsletter Growth

[11:11] The Dangers of Black Hat SEO

[17:25] SEO Starts with a Secure Website (HTTPS)

[20:15] Dr. Fashion on YouTube SEO and Organic Discovery

[23:24] John's Experience with Unqualified SEO Pitches

[30:04] The Importance of Backlinks and Domain Authority

[44:46] SEO as a Long-Term, Ethical Investment

[48:22] SEO as a Natural Extension of Human Behavior

[55:00] The Power of Podcasting for Business Growth

[68:03] The Importance of Language and Mindset in Marketing

[71:02] Understanding Keyword Categories for Effective SEO

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time, Google has publicly designated a core update as a "Discover Core Update," signaling a major shift in how content is surfaced to users. In this podcast episode of the We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS, unpacks the groundbreaking February 2026 Google Core Update with 200+ people in the Clubhouse Audio LIVE! room.

This update, which rolled out over 22 days, emphasizes a move towards a more personalized, AI-driven, and visually-oriented search experience. Favour explains that the Discover feed functions like a recommendation engine for the entire web, proactively suggesting content based on a user's interests and online behavior, rather than just reacting to search queries. This means the success of your content is now heavily influenced by the end-user's activity.

The episode delves into the critical importance of creating "people-first" content — content that is helpful, reliable, and genuinely valuable to the audience. Favour warns against the use of clickbait and spammy headlines, as the new algorithm is designed to penalize such practices.

Furthermore, the discussion highlights the often-overlooked but crucial role of technical SEO. Using a real-world client example and citing HubSpot's past struggles with a core update, Favour illustrates how a weak technical foundation can undermine even the best content strategy.

The episode provides a comprehensive overview of what this update means for businesses and marketers, offering actionable advice on how to adapt and thrive. From optimizing images for a visual-first platform to conducting thorough content audits, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of SEO.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

Key Takeaways

1. A New Era of Search: The February 2026 Google Core Update is the first to be publicly named a "Discover Core Update," marking a significant shift towards a proactive, AI-powered content recommendation system.

2. Content is Still King, but Context is Queen: The update prioritizes "people-first" content that is helpful, reliable, and engaging. The focus is on user intent and value, not just keywords.

3. Technical SEO is Non-Negotiable: A solid technical foundation is more critical than ever. Issues with hosting, server response times, and website structure can severely impact your visibility.

4. The Power of Personalization: The Discover feed is driven by user behavior and interests. This means your content's reach is now directly tied to how well it resonates with individual users.

5. Visuals are Vital: The "Discover" update is inherently visual. High-quality, optimized images and videos are essential for capturing attention and driving engagement in the Discover feed.

6. Say Goodbye to Gimmicks: Clickbait, spammy headlines, and other manipulative tactics will be actively penalized. Authenticity and value are the new currency of SEO.

7. Embrace an Omnichannel Strategy: Relying solely on Google for traffic is a risky strategy. Building a strong presence across multiple platforms, including social media and email, is key to long-term, sustainable growth.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to the Google Core Update

[01:07] Google's First Publicly Labeled "Discover Core Update"

[02:02] Timeline of the February 2026 Update

[04:04] The Importance of Technical SEO

[05:00] Case Study: HubSpot's Traffic Loss

[06:02] The Lack of Information on Core Updates

[08:12] Details of the Discover Core Update

[10:15] The Role of AI in the Update

[13:01] Impact on Different Industries

[16:20] The "People-First" Content Strategy

[20:01] The Importance of Visual Content

[25:54] How User Activity Influences Search Results

[27:37] Avoiding Clickbait and Spam

[28:06] The Future of Search and Content

Memorable Quotes

[01:07 - 01:19] "This is the first time Google has ever publicly mentioned about an update like this, especially to the open, because this doesn't usually happen all the time."

[04:19 - 04:26] "I want to know about the core things that's going to either make or break your business online, especially when it comes to AI."

[27:43 - 27:47] "You're going to avoid, avoid, avoid, avoid, avoid, avoid, by all means, avoid clickbait."

[28:03 - 28:06] "If you're not people-first, it's gonna be quite hard."

[26:11 - 26:15] "So the ball is not even in your court anymore. If you really think about it, the ball is in the activity of the user's court."

FAQs

1. What is the Google Discover Core Update?

The February 2026 Google Discover Core Update is a major algorithm change that focuses on personalizing the content shown in the Google Discover feed. It uses AI to proactively recommend articles, videos, and other content based on a user's interests and online behavior, rather than just responding to search queries.

2. What is "people-first" content?

"People-first" content is content created primarily to provide value to the reader, rather than to rank in search engines. It should be helpful, reliable, well-written, and address the user's needs and interests. This is in contrast to content that is stuffed with keywords or uses clickbait headlines to attract clicks.

3. Why is technical SEO important for this update?

Technical SEO ensures that your website has a solid foundation for Google to crawl, index, and understand your content. With the Discover update, technical factors like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and structured data are more important than ever for getting your content recommended to users.

4. How can I optimize my content for Google Discover?

To optimize for Discover, focus on creating high-quality, people-first content with compelling headlines and high-quality images. Understand your audience's interests and create content that aligns with them. Also, ensure your website is technically sound and provides a good user experience.

5. What are the key takeaways from the February 2026 update?

The key takeaways are to prioritize people-first content, invest in technical SEO, embrace visual content, avoid clickbait, and build an omni-channel marketing strategy to reduce reliance on a single traffic source.

More Resources

Google Search Status Dashboard

Google Discover Core Update Blog

Work and PLAY! Blog - What is SEO?

Work and PLAY! Blog - Technical SEO Course

We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast Episode - Social Media Organic Strategies

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the stage: Bri is here to discuss her multifaceted journey in the music industry. From her beginnings behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight as a vocalist, Bri shares the inspiration behind her brand, "Melanin Universe," a platform for networking and promoting fellow artists.

She delves into her creative process, the spiritual and Egyptian influences on her music and merchandise, and the story behind her debut song, "Goddess Love."

Bri opens up about her struggles with self-doubt, the importance of mental health, and how she transforms negativity into motivation.

This episode concludes with Bri giving advice to her younger and future self, and details about her upcoming "Eye Am Isis" tour. starting February 28, 2026. Get your Tickets Here >>

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Calling: Don't run away from your true purpose, even if it's daunting.
• Alchemy of Negativity: Use doubt and criticism from others as fuel to prove them wrong and achieve your goals.
• The Power of Self-Belief: Overcoming external and internal negativity is crucial for an artist's growth.
• Art and Spirituality: Art is a powerful medium for self-expression and healing, deeply connected to one's spiritual and emotional state.

FAQs:

• What is Melanin Universe? It's a networking platform created by Bri to connect artists with producers, tattoo artists, and other creatives. It also features moon phases and affirmations.
• What is Bri's advice for aspiring artists? She advises artists to not dwell on negative experiences for too long, to feel their feelings and then move on. She also emphasizes the importance of not being a people-pleaser.
• What is the story behind her first song? Her first song, "Goddess Love," came to her in the middle of the night. It was a way for her to show a more feminine and vulnerable side of herself, contrary to how people perceived her.

Timestamps:

• [01:53] - Discussion about "Melanin Universe."
• [07:14] - The story of her first song, "Goddess Love."
• [15:01] - How she deals with mental health struggles.
• [22:02] - Advice to her younger and future self.
• [24:04] - Upcoming "I am Isis" tour.

Quotes:

"I'm really good at shitting on people. Like, if you doubt me, and you think that I can't do something... I'm gonna shit on you every single time."

"You gotta lose your mind to gain it all back again."

"I wanted to heal the world in whatever way that I'm destined to."

"Don't dwell on the things that have happened to you. Feel your feelings. Give yourself 48 hours to feel your feelings and snap out of it."

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this insightful episode of the We Don’t PLAY!™️ Podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS demystifies the critical evolution of search in the age of artificial intelligence, focusing on a concept she terms "AI SEO 101." The central theme revolves around the distinction and strategic importance of closing both prompt gaps and keyword gaps to secure valuable brand citations.

podscan_aBGNBceCfBDZk3FwkmSMrBe3V3NljAVu

While traditional SEO has focused on optimizing for short, fragmented keywords (e.g., "best travel deals"), the rise of conversational AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity has given birth to the prompt—a longer, full-sentence query (e.g., "What are the best international travel deals for a family of four in summer 2026?").

Favour argues that many businesses are unprepared for this shift, leaving a "prompt gap" in their content strategy. While they may have content targeting keywords, they lack the in-depth, conversational, and authoritative answers that AI models seek when responding to user prompts. The ultimate goal for any brand is to become a direct brand citation in an AI-generated answer, a feat achieved only by providing comprehensive, well-supported information. As Favour compellingly states, the answers provided by AI are sourced directly from the content available on the web: "Where are those responses AI is getting coming from in the first place? They’re coming from your website."

The core of the strategy lies in recognizing that your website is the foundational pillar of your digital presence. To bridge the prompt gap, Favour advocates for a robust pillar-cluster content model. This involves creating a main "pillar" page that exhaustively answers a primary customer question, supported by numerous "cluster" pages that explore related sub-topics in detail. This creates a dense, interconnected web of expertise that signals authority to search engines and AI alike. The episode emphasizes a shift from merely creating blogs to creating comprehensive resource hubs, complete with FAQs, multimedia content, and evidence-backed claims, much like a digital research paper.

Favour provides a clear action plan: identify the core questions your audience is asking, build out content that answers them conversationally and in-depth, and structure this content logically on your website. She also touches on the technical side, noting that URLs should remain concise and keyword-focused, while the content on the page should be rich and prompt-focused.

Ultimately, the episode is a powerful call to action for businesses to stop dwelling on information and start implementing a forward-thinking content strategy. By treating your website as a definitive library of answers, you can close the gaps in your SEO strategy and ensure your brand not only survives but thrives in the new era of AI-powered search.

Key Takeaways

• Prompts vs. Keywords: A prompt is a conversational, full-sentence question (10-25 words) posed to an AI, whereas a keyword is a short, fragmented search query (2-5 words) used in traditional search engines.
• The Goal is Brand Citation: In the new landscape of AI search, the primary objective is to have your brand and website cited directly as the authoritative source in an AI-generated answer.
• Your Website is the Foundation: All digital roads lead back to your website. It is the most critical asset for building authority and providing the in-depth answers that AI models are looking for.
• Close the Prompt Gap with Conversational Content: To appear in AI search results, you must create content that directly and comprehensively answers the full questions your audience is asking, not just targets keywords.
• Adopt a Pillar-Cluster Model: For each major question your audience has, create one main "pillar" page with a complete answer and support it with multiple "cluster" pages that cover related sub-topics. This builds a powerful web of expertise.
• Content as a Resource Hub: Think of your content less like a series of blog posts and more like a library of research. Support your answers with data, evidence, multimedia, and links to other authoritative sources to build trust and credibility.
• Action Over Acronyms: While understanding terms like AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is useful, the focus should be on the practical implementation of creating high-quality, question-answering content.

Memorable Quotes

1. "A prompt is keywords in confirmation of the context that has been started by conversation."
2. "You can’t say a brand without connecting a website."
3. "Where are those responses AI is getting coming from in the first place? They’re coming from your website."
4. "Don’t be in a place where you’re dwelling on information and not taking action on implementation."
5. "15% of new searches every day out of at least 8.5 billion searches a day are new, including yours."
6. "You don’t put a prompt in your URL, you put a keyword in your URL."
7. "You’re not just creating blogs, you’re creating calls to action."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the main difference between a prompt and a keyword? A prompt is a long, conversational question asked to an AI, while a keyword is a short, fragmented phrase used in a traditional search bar. Your content strategy needs to address both.
• Why are brand citations important in AI SEO? A brand citation is when an AI search tool names your website as the source of its information. It positions your brand as a trusted authority, driving traffic and credibility.
• Is blogging still relevant in 2026? Yes, absolutely. However, the format has evolved. Modern blogging should focus on creating in-depth, conversational articles that function as answers to user prompts, effectively turning your blog into a resource hub or "audio blog."
• How do I start closing the prompt gap on my website? Begin by identifying the most common and important questions your customers ask. Then, create comprehensive content (like a detailed FAQ page or a pillar article) that answers these questions thoroughly and links to supporting cluster pages.
• What is the pillar-cluster model? It’s a content strategy where you create one major "pillar" page that covers a broad topic in-depth. You then create multiple "cluster" pages that address specific sub-topics related to the pillar, with all cluster pages linking back to the main pillar page. This structure organizes your content and signals deep expertise to search engines.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: AI SEO 101 - Prompt Gaps vs. Keyword Gaps.
• [01:35] Defining a "Prompt": A conversational query of 10-25 words.
• [02:48] Defining a "Keyword": Traditional short, medium, and long-tail search terms.
• [05:52] The Central Role of Your Website in Brand Citations.
• [06:34] How Search Engines Match Pages to Queries.
• [07:17] Core Concept: A prompt is "keywords in conversation."
• [08:03] The Solution: Closing the gap with conversational, FAQ-style content.
• [09:43] Strategy Deep Dive: The Pillar-Cluster content model (1 Pillar + 9 Clusters).
• [15:02] Where AI Gets Its Answers: Your website is the source for LLMs.
• [16:02] Building Authority: Go beyond facts and support claims with experience and evidence.
• [19:00] Your website is the common thread in all customer interactions.
• [20:44] Technical SEO Tip: Use keywords in your URLs, not long prompts.
• [22:36] Market Opportunity: 15% of the 8.5 billion daily searches are entirely new.
• [23:38] Content with Purpose: Your content should create calls to action, not just exist as a blog.
• [24:14] Closing Remarks & How to Connect.
• [25:12] Podcast Outro.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this masterclass episode of the We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS tackles a critical question for 2026: Is blogging still a cornerstone of a successful social business? The answer is a resounding YES. Favour Obasi-ike reveals that businesses with active blogs generate a staggering 67% more leads.

This episode is a deep dive into the art and science of using blogs to drive social business revenue and achieve sustainable startup growth secrets. Favour breaks down the technical SEO behind a powerful blog, from understanding sitemaps as the "brain" of your website to structuring your content with a masterclass on headings (H1, H2, H3) and ideal word count (600-2,500 words).

Learn actionable SEO tactics and content marketing strategies, including how to leverage Pinterest SEO and its 96% non-branded search traffic, the power of repurposing content, and why your business should aim for at least one blog post per week.

Favour also touches on the future, discussing AI marketing, prompt gaps vs. keyword gaps, and how blogging principles apply to App Store Optimization (ASO). This is a must-listen for anyone looking to master digital marketing, boost organic traffic, and understand the long-term ROI of a robust blogging strategy.

Episode Timestamps / Timeline

[00:13] The Core Stat: Why blogs generate 67% more leads.

[01:08] Technical SEO 101: Understanding sitemaps and search engine indexing.

[04:02] Content Strategy: Supporting products with listicles, FAQs, and rich media.

[05:18] Local SEO: How blogging gives you a local-based advantage.

[09:02] Blogging Masterclass: The perfect structure for a high-ranking blog post.

[25:00] Off-Page SEO: The power of backlinks and being featured.

[28:49] Advanced SEO: Using Wikipedia and Reddit for credibility and traffic.

[33:46] Case Study: How Canva used blogging to dominate the market.

[35:01] Pinterest SEO Deep Dive: Tapping into non-branded search.

[37:52] The ROI of Blogging: Low effort, high impact for long-term growth.

[38:46] Beyond Websites: Applying blogging concepts to App Store Optimization.

[41:04] The 520-Blog Rule: A benchmark for established businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is blogging still valuable in 2026?

Absolutely. According to the episode, businesses with active blogs generate 67% more leads and establish crucial brand visibility and authority.

How does blogging improve SEO?

Blogging expands your website's sitemap, creating more opportunities for indexing. It allows for strategic keyword research implementation, internal/external linking, and building off-page SEO through backlinks.

What is the ideal length and structure for a blog post?

Aim for a 5-minute read, which is about 600-2,500 words. Structure it with a clear hierarchy of H1, H2, and H3 tags, and keep paragraphs concise (1-3 sentences).

How can I use blogging for my social business?

Use your blog as a central hub for your content marketing. Repurpose social media posts into detailed articles, embed videos and social feeds, and use your blog content to fuel your email marketing and ad campaigns.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down Apple's video podcast launch in iOS 26.4, covering HLS streaming, approved hosting platforms, and strategic business applications. This episode features live consultation with Amanda (ice cream bus owner) demonstrating podcast marketing for local businesses covering SEO, multi-platform distribution, and monetization strategies from 7 years of podcasting experience (620+ episodes, 160 countries).

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

Podcast Episode Key Topics

Apple Video Launch: HLS video podcasts, 20-year milestone, creator control

Approved Platforms: Acast, Art19 (Amazon), Triton Omni Studio, SiriusXM (+ AdsWiz, Simplecast)

Business Strategy: SEO benefits, organic reach, local targeting, intellectual property

Technical: RSS feeds, website integration, domain authority, analytics

Content: Keyword optimization, repurposing, geographic targeting

Timestamps

00:00-10:00 Intro, iOS 26.4 announcement, HLS explanation, platform partnerships

10:00-20:00 SEO fundamentals, website strategy, content discoverability

20:00-42:00 Live case study: Amanda's ice cream business, local SEO, city-flavor strategy

42:00-50:00 Metrics analysis, trust scores, domain authority (18-22 pt variance)

50:00-60:00 Episode naming, URL structure, host's Spotify-to-Art19 switch

60:00-73:32 Tutorial strategy, listening contexts, QR codes, restaurant SEO, closing

Episode Key Takeaways

1. Apple video = game-changer for creator control & monetization
2. Only approved platforms support Apple video (IAB certified)
3. Local businesses thrive via organic SEO reach
4. Multi-platform distribution essential (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Pandora)
5. Use keyword-rich titles, not "Episode 001"
6. Dual video+audio strategy for different contexts
7. Consistency builds authority (host: 50 domain/podcast score)
8. Podcasts = evergreen intellectual property
9. Formula: Domain + Hosting + SEO = High Performance
10. Strategic planning pays off (Art19 switch July 2025 → Apple launch Feb 2026)

Favour Obasi-ike's Notable Quotes

"Today marks a defining milestone...bringing category leading video experience to Apple Podcasts." - Eddie Q, Apple SVP 

"Video is the next chapter for podcasting." - Jov Matei, Art19 CEO 

"Think about podcasting as intellectual property, thought leadership, SEO, and building relationships." 

"Little drops make a big ocean wave." 

"I'm planting seeds for the future I don't know will happen."

Top FAQs

Q: What is iOS 26.4 for video podcasts?

A: Apple's system update introducing HLS video podcast support with creator control.

Q: Which platforms support it?

A: Acast, Art19, Triton Omni Studio, SiriusXM (+ AdsWiz, Simplecast). 

Q: Should local businesses podcast?

A: Yes—organic reach without paid ads, builds trust, targets geography.

Q: Best episode naming?

A: Use keywords first, not "Episode 001." Example: "Vanilla Ice Cream: Best Summer Flavors"

Q: Need a website?

A: Yes for SEO. Domain + Hosting + SEO = High Performance.

Action Items

Immediate: Update to iOS 26.4, check hosting platform, audit episode titles

Short-term: Develop dual video/audio strategy, set up analytics, research local SEO

Long-term: Build consistent schedule, create evergreen tutorials, track domain authority growth

Local Businesses: Map products to locations, create local content, implement QR codes

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We dive into website sales optimization, SEO tactics, and search engine marketing strategies that boost conversion rates and traffic. In this masterclass episode, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS delivers an in-depth exploration of web sales optimization (CRO - conversation rate optimization) through strategic search engine marketing (SEM). The episode focuses on the critical relationship between website speed and conversion rates, revealing how technical optimization directly impacts sales performance. Favour emphasizes that web sales are fundamentally a result of web speed, explaining that websites loading slower than 3 seconds can decrease conversion rates by at least 7%, with compounding effects reaching 20% for sites taking 10 seconds to load.

The discussion covers comprehensive website optimization strategies, including image optimization (recommending WebP format over JPEG/PNG), structured data implementation with schema markup, and the importance of optimizing every website element from headers and footers to file names and internal linking structures. Favour introduces the concept of treating URLs like seeds that need time to grow, recommending a 2-3 month planning horizon for content strategy.

The masterclass also explores collection pages, category optimization, and the strategic use of content hubs to create pathways for user navigation. Favour shares practical tools and resources for keyword research and competitive analysis, while emphasizing the importance of submitting websites to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools for maximum visibility. The episode concludes with actionable advice on implementing these strategies either independently or through professional SEO consultation.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

🎯 Key Takeaways

1. Website Speed is Sales Speed: Web sales optimization begins with website speed. Sites loading over 3 seconds (ideal is 2.5 seconds) can lose 7-20% conversion rates, directly impacting revenue.
2. Image Optimization Matters: Use WebP format instead of JPEG or PNG to reduce file sizes from megabytes to kilobytes, improving load times and scannability for search engines.
3. Comprehensive Optimization Required: Web sales optimization isn't about fixing one thing—it requires optimizing headers, footers, pages, links, file names, categories, and structured data simultaneously.
4. URLs Are Seeds: Treat web links like seeds planted in the ground. Content typically takes 2-3 months to gain traction, so plan quarterly with a foundation-building approach.
5. Collection Pages Drive Sales: Create category and collection pages for products/services (e.g., jackets, shoes, belts) that can be interconnected through blog content and email campaigns.
6. Footer Optimization is Critical: Website footers are like the soles of your feet—they provide direction and navigation to essential pages (about, careers, locations, partnerships).
7. Algorithms Love Speed: AI, search engines, LLMs, bots, and APIs all prioritize fast-loading websites with properly optimized images and structured data.
8. Answer Questions to Get Questions: The more questions you answer through content, the more questions you'll receive—creating a virtuous cycle of engagement and visibility.
9. Submit to Multiple Search Engines: Don't just focus on Google—submit to Bing Webmaster Tools (which now has AI citations) and Microsoft Clarity for broader reach.
10. Strategic Tool Usage: Knowledge of SEO tools (Answer The Public, Answer Socrates, SparkToro, Glimpse) is valuable, but implementation and application are what drive results.

💬 Memorable Quotes

"Web sales is as a result of web speed. Now I'm talking about your download speed, your upload speed when you're surfing the web as a consumer."

"If your website is loading more than three seconds... that's going to decrease your conversion rate by at the very least at seven percent, which is really high."

"Think about URLs like seeds. You plant seeds in the ground and they grow. So if you plant a web link, that web link may not get traffic maybe till three months from now."

"Your website footers are like the sole of our foot or our feet. If you're walking, you need your feet to walk. So just like with your website, the footer of your website is going to give people direction."

"The more questions you answer, the more questions you get. So the more answers you give, the more questions you get."

"When you start receiving signals like queries and you start turning them into pages, just like I turn questions into podcast episodes, you'll always be winning."

"Web sales optimization is not just about having pages on your website, it's about creating direction, creating a flow, a pathway."

"If you have a website that has speed, meaning that your images are properly loaded, uploaded... algorithms love to recommend your website."

"You can know someone, but do you really know them, know them? So that's really what I really want to challenge you with here—to either do it on your own or hire experts."

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is web sales optimization?

Web sales optimization is the process of improving your website's performance to increase conversion rates and sales. It focuses primarily on website speed, user experience, technical optimization, and strategic content placement to guide visitors toward purchasing decisions.

Why is website speed so important for sales?

Website speed directly impacts conversion rates. If a website takes longer than 3 seconds to load (ideal is 2.5 seconds), conversion rates can drop by 7-20%. Slow speeds frustrate users and cause them to abandon purchases, while fast-loading sites are favored by search engine algorithms.

What image format should I use for my website?

Use WebP format instead of traditional JPEG or PNG. WebP files are significantly smaller (kilobytes vs. megabytes), load faster, and provide better scannability for search engines while maintaining visual quality.

How long does it take for new content to rank in search engines?

Typically, new content takes 2-3 months to gain traction and start receiving traffic. This is why Favour recommends planning content strategy quarterly—use the first month to build foundation, and the remaining months to scale.

What are collection pages and why do they matter?

Collection pages are category pages that group related products or services (e.g., a "Jackets" page, "Shoes" page, "Belts" page). They help organize your website, improve navigation, create internal linking opportunities, and can be strategically linked from blog content and email campaigns to drive sales.

Should I only focus on Google for SEO?

No. While Google is important, you should also submit your website to Bing Webmaster Tools (which now includes AI citations) and Microsoft Clarity. Diversifying across search engines increases your overall visibility and reach.

What tools does Favour recommend for SEO research?

Favour mentions several tools: Answer The Public, Answer Socrates, SparkToro, Glimpse, and references a previous episode on SwordFeed. However, he emphasizes that knowing tools isn't enough—you must actually implement and apply them.

What is schema markup and why is it important?

Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines understand your content better. It improves how your pages appear in search results and increases the likelihood of being featured in rich snippets, AI citations, and voice search results.

How should I optimize my website footer?

Your footer should provide clear navigation to essential pages like About, Careers, Locations, Partnerships, and other key sections. Think of it as the foundation that guides users to where they need to go—just like feet guide your walking.

Can I do SEO myself or should I hire an expert?

Favour presents both options: you can learn and implement SEO strategies yourself, or hire an SEO agency/expert for consultation and implementation. The key is taking action—whether independently or with professional help—rather than just accumulating knowledge without application.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps & Titles

[00:00 - 01:35] Introduction: Web Sales Optimization Fundamentals

Episode introduction and topic overview

Call to subscribe to We Don't Play Podcast

Greeting to live listeners on Clubhouse

[01:35 - 04:05] The Speed-Sales Connection

Web sales as a result of web speed

Download and upload speed impact on consumer behavior

The 3-second rule: conversion rate drops of 7-20%

Compounding effects of slow website performance

[04:05 - 06:02] Image Optimization Strategy

Importance of file size optimization

WebP format vs. JPEG/PNG

Cumulative effects across multiple pages and images

How algorithms favor fast-loading sites

[06:02 - 08:11] Comprehensive Website Optimization

Building systems for user behavior tracking

Schema markup and structured data

Footer optimization as website foundation

Internal and external linking strategies

[08:11 - 10:06] Collection Pages & Category Strategy

Creating collection pages for products/services

Category and subcategory organization

Building pathways from blogs to product pages

Email marketing integration with category pages

[10:06 - 12:32] Website Structure & Navigation

Creating direction and flow on websites

Multi-level heading and navigational menus

Optimizing headers, footers, pages, links, and file names

Pillar content and content clustering

[12:32 - 14:14] Search Engine Marketing Masterclass

High-quality content creation

Real-world example: YouTube fireplace channel success

Bottom-of-funnel sales through video content

Integrating YouTube, podcasts, and audio blogs

[14:14 - 15:40] Multi-Platform Distribution Strategy

Global reach examples (Nigeria, Netherlands, Pakistan)

Importance of file names, meta titles, and context

Canonicalization and proper tagging

Platform interconnectedness (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music)

[15:40 - 16:27] Essential SEO Tools & Resources

Google Search Console submission

Bing Webmaster Tools and AI citations

Microsoft Clarity integration

Research tools: Answer The Public, Answer Socrates, SparkToro, Glimpse

[16:27 - 17:43] Implementation & Taking Action

DIY vs. hiring SEO experts

Consultation and implementation process

Turning queries into pages (questions into content)

The virtuous cycle: more answers = more questions

[17:43 - 19:16] Closing & Call to Action

Connect on LinkedIn for project examples

Contact information: [email protected]

Invitation for consultation calls

Podcast value proposition: education, entertainment, empowerment

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Valentine's Day! Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down proven strategies for monetizing and segmenting business email lists using platforms like Flodesk. Learn why email marketing delivers $36-$40 ROI for every dollar spent compared to social media, how to segment contacts based on behavior and engagement, and the technical foundations (DNS, backlinks, deliverability) that make campaigns successful. Discover workflows for turning subscribers into buyers through strategic segmentation, behavioral targeting, and quality-over-quantity content delivery.

Episode Key Takeaways

1. Email Marketing ROI Dominates Social Media – For every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses earn $36-$40 back, far exceeding social media returns.

2. Segmentation Drives Conversions – Segment email lists by link clicks, engagement levels, and business vs. personal contacts to send targeted content that resonates.

3. Technical Setup Matters – Proper DNS configuration, Google Search Console integration, and backlink strategies improve deliverability and SEO performance.

4. Quality Over Quantity – Sending fewer, high-value emails with 15-minute read times generates more revenue than frequent, low-engagement blasts.

5. Behavioral Targeting Wins – Track website behavior and email interactions to create personalized follow-up sequences that match subscriber intent.

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Monetizing and segmenting email lists

[02:00] Why email outperforms social media ($36 ROI per $1)

[05:00] Building business email lists as valuable assets

[10:00] DNS, deliverability, and technical foundations

[15:00] Segmentation strategies using link tracking

[24:00] Creating consistency through targeted workflows

[27:00] Backlinks and SEO benefits from email campaigns

[32:00] Calculating engagement: 50 touchpoints = $36 product

[45:00] Flowdesk features and automation workflows

[68:00] Frequency matters: Quality beats quantity

[71:00] Behavioral targeting and site tracking integration

Podcast Episode FAQs

Q: What email marketing platform does Favour recommend?

A: Favour specifically discusses Flowdesk for its segmentation capabilities, checkout features, and workflow automation that allow precise targeting based on subscriber behavior.

Q: How often should I send emails to my list?

A: Quality beats quantity. Favour sent only one email in February but generated revenue, leads, and referrals. Ask your audience through polls how often they want to hear from you.

Q: What's the difference between business and personal email contacts?

A: Business emails (domains like @company.com) engage differently and should be segmented separately. They're checked 3-5 times daily and represent higher-value prospects.

Q: How do I improve email deliverability?

A: Configure DNS records properly (A, TXT, CNAME), connect to Google Search Console, build backlinks through anchor text in emails, and maintain engagement with quality content.

Q: What is behavioral targeting in email marketing?

A: Tracking which links subscribers click, what pages they visit on your website, and how they engage with content to send personalized follow-up sequences that match their interests.

Memorable Quotes by Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS

"For every dollar that you spend on email, you get $36 to $40 back compared to social media where you may not get up to a dollar back or $2 back."

"The best person to tell about what you wrote on your website is your contact list—the same way the best person to tell about something is your best friend."

"I can have 50% open rate and no sales, that's vanity. But if you have 10-20% and that gives you more revenue because it's the right audience and it's segmented, then it helps a lot."

"Don't just post on your website and expect magic to happen, abracadabra. You have to be intentional, you have to be factual."

"Quality beats quantity. If you're actually able to capture that first party data and implement site tracking, it's very powerful to segment those people and send them follow-up messages."

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend! Need to Outperform Your Competitors in 2026? Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS delivers an insightful masterclass on outperforming your competition through applied and actionable SEO marketing tactics. The discussion covers the critical distinction between direct and indirect competitors, strategic approaches to competitive analysis using tools like SimilarWeb.com and SparkToro.com, and the importance of focusing on long-term performance over short-term rankings.

Favour emphasizes the value of understanding customer intent, the difference between pre-purchase and post-purchase behavior, and how to leverage both Google search and social media platforms like Instagram for comprehensive market visibility. The session includes live Q&A with participants discussing real-world challenges in SEO strategy, website validation, and go-to-market approaches for startups in niche markets.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

Detailed Timestamps

Introduction & Topic Overview

00:00 - 02:02 - Opening: Outperform competitors with applied search everywhere optimization (SEO marketing tactics)

02:02 - 03:10 - Understanding your competitors: National, international, local, and regional competition

Direct vs. Indirect Competitors

03:10 - 04:46 - Defining direct and indirect competitors in your market

04:46 - 06:17 - Market share dynamics and competitive positioning

Practical Example: Flower Business Case Study

06:17 - 09:13 - Using a Valentine's flower business as a practical example

09:13 - 11:47 - Time-based pricing strategies and customer behavior patterns

11:47 - 14:22 - Applying competitive insights to pricing and positioning

SEO Strategy & Competitive Analysis

14:22 - 17:35 - Understanding competitor strengths and weaknesses

17:35 - 20:48 - Using competitive intelligence for content strategy

20:48 - 23:19 - Keyword research and search intent analysis

Tools & Resources for Competitive Research

23:19 - 25:42 - Introduction to SimilarWeb, SocialBlade, and SparkToro

25:42 - 27:58 - Cost-effective alternatives for competitive analysis

27:58 - 30:16 - Building long-term visibility through strategic tools

Live Q&A Session Begins•

30:16 - 31:02 - Mohsen introduces himself: Software engineer starting a startup in the tattoo field

31:02 - 32:34 - Question: How to approach SEO when there's no competition in your field?

Google vs. Instagram Strategy Discussion

32:34 - 35:05 - Why Google is the most unsaturated platform for search-based marketing

35:05 - 37:15 - Instagram as a feed-based platform vs. Google as intent-based search

37:15 - 40:30 - Pre-purchase vs. post-purchase intent: Amazon vs. YouTube analogy

Website Validation & Trust Building

40:30 - 43:12 - The importance of having a website for business credibility

43:12 - 45:38 - Off-page SEO: Connecting Instagram to your website

45:38 - 48:05 - Building relationship models across platforms

Advanced SEO Tactics

48:05 - 50:21 - Running ads effectively: Brand awareness before advertising spend

50:21 - 52:47 - Understanding audience targeting and customer journey mapping

52:47 - 54:26 - Closing remarks and how to stay connected on Clubhouse

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between direct and indirect competitors?

Direct competitors are businesses that offer the same products or services within your niche or market. They target the same customer base and operate in similar ways. For example, if you sell red roses, other florists selling red roses are your direct competitors.

Indirect competitors are businesses that offer different products or services but satisfy the same customer need or compete for the same market share. Using the flower example, supermarkets and farmer's markets selling flowers would be indirect competitors to a specialized florist.

2. How do I find out who my competitors are?

Favour recommends using several competitive analysis tools:

• SimilarWeb: For website traffic and audience insights
• SocialBlade: For social media analytics and competitor tracking
• SparkToro: For audience intelligence and content discovery

You can also identify competitors by searching for your target keywords on Google and seeing which businesses rank for those terms. Consider both national, international, local, and regional competitors depending on your market scope.

3. Should I focus on Google or Instagram for my business?

According to Favour, Google is the most unsaturated platform because it's based on search intent—people actively looking for specific solutions. Instagram is a feed-based platform better suited for brand awareness and showcasing visual results (before/after transformations, product demonstrations).

Best approach: Use both strategically. Google captures pre-purchase intent (people researching solutions), while Instagram provides post-purchase validation and builds brand awareness. Having a website connected to your Instagram profile adds credibility and improves your off-page SEO.

4. What's more important: ranking or performance?

Favour emphasizes that performance is more important than ranking. Rankings fluctuate constantly (like stock prices or gas prices), but performance focuses on long-term outcomes:

• How quickly can you serve customers?
• What value do you provide beyond just appearing in search results?
• Can customers find your information when they need it?

Anyone can rank with AI-generated content today, but what makes your business different is the experience, speed, and value you deliver to customers.

5. How do I approach SEO if I have no competition in my field?

When you're in a niche market with little to no competition, Favour suggests:

Reverse engineer your success: If you're getting traction on Instagram, create corresponding website content (10 Instagram posts = 10 website articles)

Focus on search volume: Research if there's search demand on Google for your services

Build credibility: Having a website validates your business more than social media alone

Create content ecosystems: Connect your social media to your website through embedding posts and cross-linking

6. Why is having a website important if I already have Instagram?

A website provides business validation and credibility. As Favour's example illustrated: if three businesses offer the same service but only one has a website, customers will trust the one with a website because it demonstrates investment in human resources, infrastructure, and long-term commitment.

Additionally, a website enables off-page SEO—when your Instagram links to your website, you're building relationship models between platforms that improve your overall search visibility.

7. What is pre-purchase vs. post-purchase intent?

• Pre-purchase intent: Customers researching before buying (e.g., reading Amazon reviews, comparing products on Google)
• Post-purchase intent: Customers who already bought and need guidance (e.g., watching YouTube tutorials on how to use an air fryer they purchased)

Understanding this distinction helps you create appropriate content for each stage of the customer journey. Google and review sites capture pre-purchase intent, while platforms like YouTube and Instagram serve post-purchase needs.

8. Should I run ads if people can't find my business organically?

Favour advises: Don't run ads first if people can't find you organically. If the answer to "Will they find my business without ads?" is no, then focus on building organic visibility first through SEO and content creation.

If people can already find you organically, then running ads becomes more cost-effective because you're amplifying existing brand awareness rather than starting from zero.

9. What are applied SEO marketing tactics?

Applied SEO refers to search everywhere optimization—not just optimizing for Google, but creating a comprehensive presence across all platforms where customers might search:

• Google search
• Instagram search
• YouTube search
• Social media platforms
• Review sites
• Local directories

It's about understanding customer behavior across multiple touchpoints and ensuring your business is discoverable wherever customers are looking.

Additional Resources Mentioned

SimilarWeb: Competitive website analytics

SocialBlade: Social media statistics and tracking

SparkToro: Audience research and insights

ChatGPT: AI content generation tool (mentioned in context of ranking vs. performance)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of technical SEO, emphasizing its critical role in any successful digital strategy for 2026. Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS delves into the core components of technical SEO, including Core Web Vitals, mobile optimization, and the detrimental impact of crawlability issues and broken links.

This episode also highlights the significant growth of the SEO services market, projected to reach nearly $150 billion by 2031. You will gain valuable insights into the importance of a technically sound website for improving user engagement, search engine rankings, and overall online visibility. Favour also shares information about relevant technical SEO courses and resources.

Purchase all your Free and Paid Technical SEO Courses available in 2026 here >>

Podcast Episode Timestamps

[00:00 - 00:10] Introduction: Technical SEO Courses and Stats for 2026

[02:57 - 03:45] What is Technical SEO and Why is it Important?

[03:45 - 04:27] The Importance of Website Speed and Performance

[04:27 - 05:21] Global SEO Services Market Size and Growth Projections

[05:51 - 07:19] Understanding Core Web Vitals and Their Impact on User Engagement

[07:19 - 08:42] The Significance of Mobile Optimization for SEO

[08:50 - 12:06] Crawlability, Broken Links, and Their Effect on Search Rankings

FAQs for Technical SEO

What is technical SEO?

Technical SEO refers to the process of optimizing the technical aspects of a website to improve its ranking in search engines. It focuses on making a website faster, easier to crawl for search engine bots, and more understandable for search engines. This includes optimizing website speed, mobile-friendliness, site structure, and ensuring there are no broken links or crawl errors.

Why is technical SEO important for my website in 2026?

Technical SEO is crucial for your website's success in 2026 because it directly impacts your search engine rankings and user experience. With the increasing competition online, having a technically sound website is no longer a niche specialization but a fundamental requirement. A well-optimized website will have better visibility on search engines, leading to more organic traffic, higher user engagement, and ultimately, more conversions.

What are Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals are a set of specific factors that Google considers important in a webpage’s overall user experience. They consist of three main metrics: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures loading performance; First Input Delay (FID), which measures interactivity; and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), which measures visual stability. Websites that meet Core Web Vitals standards can experience a significant increase in user engagement. Read more about Technical SEO from Google Documentation

How does mobile optimization affect SEO?

With over 60% of global website traffic coming from mobile devices, mobile optimization is a critical factor for SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings. A website that is optimized for mobile will provide a better user experience for mobile users, leading to higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and a greater likelihood of ranking on the first page of search results.

Where can I find the best technical SEO courses?

There are numerous free and paid technical SEO courses available online. Some popular platforms for finding high-quality courses include Coursera, Udemy, and the Google Digital Garage. It's recommended to look for courses that are up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and best practices for 2026.

Book SEO Services | Quick Links for Social Business

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Read SEO Articles

>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.