E852: He built an AI SEO startup, and then shut it down after realizing the brutal truth about what actually builds visibility in LLMs.

We break down that realization, why "Generative Engine Optimization" doesn't exist as a separate strategy, AND how one local business used traditional brand-building principles to hit $3.4 million in monthly sales.

This episode connects two stories: one about shutting down a company built on hype, and another about a business scaling through fundamentals. If you care about SEO, brand strategy, or digital marketing heading into 2026, this is a must-listen.

What you'll learn:
- The realization that made one founder close his AI SEO startup.
- Why "Generative Engine Optimization" is just good SEO repackaged.
- What actually drives AI and search visibility today.
- How a plumbing company reached $3.4M in a single month by focusing on local SEO and brand awareness.
- The method behind dominating specific neighborhoods and zip codes.
- Why branded searches are the most powerful (and overlooked) SEO signal.
- The review strategy that fuels Google visibility and conversions.
- How real photos, videos, and customer stories outperform stock visuals.
- Why the strongest brands feel human, relatable, and consistent.

⭐️ The LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjaminhouy_im-shutting-down-lorelight-here-is-why-activity-7386312534091341824-4l-t/
⭐️ Aizik Zimerman - https://x.com/AizikZimerman
⭐️ Glen Allsopp's share - https://x.com/ViperChill/status/1983533551212519435

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Episode Overview
00:58 SEO Realization That Closed a Business
04:24 Aizik Zimerman's Record-Breaking Sales Month
05:04 Effective Local Marketing Strategies
07:17 Google Reviews
09:51 Rebranding for Success
12:19 Wrapping up This Episode of the Best Digital Marketing Podcast of All Time

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#generativeengineoptimization #localseo #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E851: Ever wonder why some people never shut up about SEO?

I break down the real reason I'm obsessed with search engine optimization - not just for the traffic or rankings, but because it's the most satisfying, long-term marketing channel there is.

SEO lets you reach people who already want what you sell, build assets that compound for years, and create something that keeps bringing in customers long after you hit publish.

If you've ever felt burnt out or uninspired with SEO, this episode will remind you why it's worth it.

What's inside:
- Why SEO lets you reach people who are ready to buy
- How backlinks and branding naturally build authority
- The beauty of structured, organized websites
- How SEO compounds and stays evergreen for years
- Why SEO gets you into flow state like no other marketing work
- The thrill of watching rankings rise week after week
- How great marketing and SEO feed each other

If you've lost motivation or need a reminder of why SEO is special, this episode will fire you back up.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction: Why I Love SEO
00:24 Finding Your Target Audience
00:40 Building Authority Through SEO
01:21 Getting Backlinks
03:24 Organizing for SEO
04:52 Evergreen Nature of SEO
06:16 Achieving Flow State
09:07 Combining Skills
10:33 The Excitement of Results
11:27 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #marketing

842: OpenAI just released its new browser, ChatGPT Atlas, and many people are asking if this could mark the end of SEO as we know it.

I break down what marketers and SEO professionals are actually saying about Atlas - what it gets right, what it struggles with, and whether it really changes how people search or browse.

We cover:
- What ChatGPT Atlas is and how it works
- How SEO experts are reacting to it
- Whether Atlas could impact Google's dominance
- How hallucinations and AI feedback loops might affect SEO work
- A real story of a company that dropped their SEO team for "AI visibility" - and what happened next
- Practical takeaways for marketers watching AI's role in search

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

⭐️ The conversation on X: https://x.com/edwardeachday/status/1980715741910303002
⭐️ The conversation on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@edward.builds/post/DQGzLp7Cjlg
⭐️ Got fired because CEO thinks traditional Search is Dead - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1odiguy/got_fired_because_ceo_thinks_traditional_search/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to OpenAI's Atlas Browser
00:23 Initial Reactions and Feedback
00:43 Community Opinions on SEO Impact
02:54 Balancing Positive and Negative Takes
05:12 A Cautionary Tale of Ignoring SEO
08:29 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#generativeengineoptimization #searchengineoptimization #performancemarketing #digitalmarketing

E752: Everyone's talking about "AI SEO." But is it actually different from traditional SEO - or just marketing hype?

We dig into brand-new experiments that could change how you think about AI, ChatGPT, and search.

Here's what you'll discover in this episode:
- Two surprising SEO experiments revealing how AI like ChatGPT surfaces answers
- What leading experts Abhishek Iyer and Aleyda Solis uncovered about AI and search
- The real differences (and overlap) between AI SEO and traditional SEO strategies
- How Google's AI Overviews are changing what users see - and how you can influence them
- Why "AI SEO specialists" are popping up everywhere - and whether you actually need one
- A low-cost strategy to get your brand quoted in AI-generated responses
- What you should focus on if you want to future-proof your SEO in the age of AI

If you're serious about staying ahead in SEO - and separating real strategies from the hype - you don't want to miss this one.

⭐️ Is ChatGPT Using Google Search Results? - https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-using-google-search-39825.html

⭐️ Abhishek Iyer - https://x.com/distantgradient/status/1946677234229534921

⭐️ Aleyda Solis - https://x.com/aleyda/status/1948405086859690368

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Debunking AI SEO Myths
00:24 SEO Experiments with ChatGPT
01:06 Proving ChatGPT Uses Google
02:47 Further Evidence and Analysis
07:34 Implications for SEO Strategies
09:30 Optimizing for Google and AI
11:30 Conclusion

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #seohacks

E751: João Filipe Pereira, my guest, has led SEO at Eventbrite and TripAdvisor.

We go deep into surprising SEO experiments that challenge conventional wisdom - and actually improved traffic, even after Google's latest updates.

In this episode:
- How adding 2 H1 tags (instead of one) boosted rankings
- Why removing meta descriptions increased CTR
- Using AI for keyword research and finding new content opportunities
- Split-testing for SEO
- Lessons from Google's recent core updates
- Bottom-of-funnel keywords: why they convert better and how to find them
- Programmatic SEO at scale (and what smaller sites can learn from it)
- How to spot and fix thin or underperforming content
- Aligning SEO with revenue goals to get leadership buy-in
- A clever link-building case study: EF's global English proficiency index
- João's personal journey breaking into SEO at major companies
- The mindset shift needed to test, persist, and keep innovating in SEO

If you want to hear real-world SEO experiments (and what they mean for your site), this episode is for you.

João Filipe Pereira is author of SEO as a Distribution Game & currently Director of Marketing at Busbud.

With over a decade of experience leading growth and SEO at major companies like Eventbrite, TripAdvisor, EF, and Hostelworld, João brings a product-oriented perspective to organic marketing.

At Busbud, he's focused on scaling demand through SEO, conversion, and content strategies aligned with business outcomes. Known for challenging outdated playbooks, João believes SEO is no longer just about rankings, but about visibility across all the surfaces where users discover content.

He's a frequent speaker at global conferences like BrightonSEO and DMWF, and is passionate about helping teams think more clearly, act faster, and build marketing systems that work. He's a dad of two, a fan of strong espresso, and, when he's not working, escapes on long road trips.

⭐️ Add João Filipe Pereira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaofpereira/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to SEO Experiments
01:33 H1 Tag Experiment Insights
04:00 Split Testing Methodology
05:19 SEO Testing Case Studies
07:18 Client Work and SEO Strategies
16:06 No Meta Descriptions Test
18:10 SEO for AI and Press Releases
29:33 Content Quality and Google's Algorithm
41:14 Google's Organic Value and AI in Keyword Research
41:47 Machine Learning for Keyword Intent Identification
43:35 LLMs for Content Strategy
45:56 In-House Data Processing for Large Websites
48:07 Programmatic SEO for Large and Small Sites
52:46 Building Authority and Linkable Assets
01:01:38 Personal Stories of Persistence in Marketing
01:08:42 SEO Strategies and the Changing Landscape
01:18:27 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #performancemarketing

E750: Are your SEO pages putting your site at risk?

I break down the critical difference between doorway pages (a.k.a. gateway pages) and programmatic SEO - and why confusing the two could lead to a major Google penalty.

You'll learn:
- What Google defines as doorway (gateway) pages
- Real examples of businesses hit by Google updates for doorway pages
- How to build programmatic SEO pages the right way
- The most common mistakes that trigger penalties - and how to avoid them

If you're serious about sustainable, bottom‑of‑funnel SEO that drives traffic, leads, and customers (without getting penalized), this episode is for you.

⭐️ Google's Doorway Abuse - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies#doorways

⭐️ Manning Search Marketing's example and checklist - https://www.manningmarketing.com/articles/what-are-doorwaygateway-pages/

⭐️ Checklist two - https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2015/03/an-update-on-doorway-pages

⭐️ Marc Lou's Programmatic SEO Guide - https://newsletter.marclou.com/p/how-to-grow-a-micro-startup-with-programmatic-seo

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Avoiding Google Penalties
00:43 Understanding Gateway Pages
01:55 Examples of Doorway Abuse
03:08 Checklist for Identifying Doorway Pages
05:22 Programmatic SEO
07:24 Differences Between Programmatic SEO and Doorway Pages
09:39 Best Practices
11:29 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#blackhatseo #seohacks #searchengineoptimization

E749: What is the New York Post doing right with SEO - and where are they falling short?

I break down the SEO fundamentals behind one of the internet's biggest publishers. From page titles and meta descriptions to nofollow links, alt text, and internal linking, we dig into what's working and what could be improved.

In this episode:
- The SEO fundamentals powering 37M+ monthly clicks
- How the New York Post uses page titles, meta descriptions, and H1s
- Why meta keywords still show up - and what they might be using them for
- A look at alt text, internal links, and proper use of nofollow vs. sponsored attributes
- What other publishers can learn (and avoid) from their approach
- One big growth opportunity the New York Post is missing

Listen in and level up your SEO game.

🎸 RIP Prince of Darkness

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:32 New York Post's Traffic and Rankings
00:53 New York Post's SEO Fundamentals
02:26 Meta Keywords and Header Tags
03:07 Alt Text and On-Page Elements
04:21 Nofollow and Dofollow Links
07:11 Citing Sources and Interlinking
08:11 Multimedia Usage
08:57 Opportunities for Improvement

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seotips #digitalmarketing

E748: Google's June 2025 Core Algorithm Update was supposed to end on July 17 - but many SEOs and site owners are still seeing wild ranking swings, traffic crashes, and unexplained volatility.

In this episode, we break down:
- Why many believe the update is still ongoing
- Reports of traffic drops as high as 60%
- The real impact of AI Overviews on rankings and click-through rates
- Why some informational content sites are seeing massive traffic spikes
- How one AI-generated news site grew from 300K to 2.2M visits/month in 3 days
- What Google's changes mean for internal linking, query parameters, and more
- Why your click-through rate might be falling even if your rankings go up
- What you should be doing right now to protect your rankings and grow traffic
- Tactical SEO advice: above-the-fold content, search intent, backlink profiles, and more

If you're feeling uncertain about where your SEO stands after this update - this episode is for you. Get ahead of the chaos. Here's how to adapt.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:13 Finding Stability in Volatile Times
00:52 Unexpected Volatility Post-Update
01:23 Webmasters' Reactions and Speculations
01:51 Impact on Click-Through Rates and AI Overviews
02:44 Observations on Google's Algorithm Changes
03:41 Mixed Reactions from Publishers
04:59 Success Stories and Traffic Spikes
07:36 Advice for Navigating the Update
09:04 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#googlecoreupdate #searchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketingnews

E747: This is your step-by-step guide to SEO for authors.

Most authors ignore search engine optimization - or assume it won't work for their topic or premise. But it's actually one of the most powerful tools you can use to get readers.

I show you how to sell books with search engine optimization, even if your book is ultra-niche.

You'll learn:
- Why SEO is the best long-term channel for authors
- Keywords readers are searching for
- A full SEO strategy using a historical fiction book as the example
- How to build landing pages that convert browsers into buyers
- What makes a good SEO hub page (and how to structure one)
- Easy backlink strategies authors can do
- How to increase your visibility and authority in search results

This is the 20% of SEO that gets 80% of the results - specifically tailored for authors.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 SEO for Books
00:44 Niche Books
02:23 Keyword Research
03:13 Optimizing Your Book's Web Pages
04:21 Building an SEO Hub Page
06:04 Leveraging Niche Keywords
09:33 Link Building Strategies
09:57 Podcasting and Expert Links
12:23 Final Thoughts on SEO for Books

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#bookmarketing #searchengineoptimization #seotips

E746: I share some surprising SEO experiments - from FAQ schema to the strategic use of gateway pages and even the infamous .EDU backlink trick. Some of these tactics are creative, some are questionable (black hat), but all of them have one thing in common: they worked.

I break down what made these experiments successful, how you can apply the legit ones, and what to watch out for if you're trying similar approaches. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned SEO, you'll pick up some fresh insights - and maybe a few things not to try.

Topics covered:
- Niche FAQ schema that boost snippet visibility
- Ranking with "no volume" purchase-intent keywords
- Theme refreshes and topical authority bumps
- Emoji meta hacks (do they work?)
- .EDU scholarship backlinks (and when it gets dark)
- Local gateway pages done right
- Future-proofing with date-based SEO content

⭐️ The Reddit Thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1eflymf/whats_the_most_surprising_seo_tactic_that_worked/

⭐️ The SEO Trick That Skyrocketed My Page from #50 to #1! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSAp9rFXNLw

⭐️ Apple Crushed Their Ads So They Learned SEO and Hit $10M ARR - https://youtu.be/MNHCwj5O4HI

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Unconventional SEO Tactics
01:55 Changing Themes and Code
04:35 Low Search Volume Keywords
06:16 The Emoji Meta Description Debate
07:16 Scholarship Offers for Backlinks
10:03 Gateway Pages for Local SEO
11:31 Future-Proofing with Existing Keywords
13:09 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #linkbuilding

E745: I tackle a question straight from Reddit: "Is it okay to use your main keyword in every headline of a blog post?"

Sounds simple, but the real answer says a lot about how SEO works today - especially in a world of constant Google updates and AI Overviews stealing clicks.

In this episode:
- The truth about keyword placement in blog posts
- What Google's algorithm actually looks for (and punishes)
- Why most blog SEO is still stuck in the past
- How to structure your posts to keep both readers and rankings happy
- A better path forward if you actually want results from content

If you're writing blog posts "for SEO," you might be making this exact mistake - and it could be holding you back.

⭐️ The Reddit Question: https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1kd9wun/is_it_ok_to_use_my_main_keyword_in_every_headline/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Blog SEO
01:14 The Keyword Dilemma
04:49 Effective Headline Strategies
06:51 Engagement and Readability
10:33 Effective Keyword Placement
11:53 Making Keywords Sound Natural
15:16 Bottom of Funnel SEO

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #blogseo #digitalmarketing

744: I share the exact routine that helps me consistently hit 7+ hours of focused work a day - without burning out. This method powers everything from SEO landing page output to editing, keyword research, and deep digital work.

Here's what you'll learn:
- The exact 4x25 work session structure I swear by
- Why short breaks away from screens are the key to flow state
- How this method helps me avoid burnout and do hard work without procrastination
- Real examples of how this routine saved hours and improved quality
- How I used it to build Compact Keywords and publish 3 - 5 SEO pages per week
- How you can apply it to any type of deep work - not just SEO

If you're trying to get more done, stay in flow, and stop getting stuck, this might be the work method you've been looking for.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:54 The Insane Power of My Method
02:06 Step-by-Step Guide to the Technique
03:57 Benefits of Taking Breaks
05:36 Maximizing Productivity with Focused Work
08:12 Achieving High Output with the Technique
09:18 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily digital marketing podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #productivity #productivityhacks #pomodorotechnique

E743: One of the darkest corners of SEO: DMCA abuse as a weapon for negative SEO. Happening right now: fake law firms, AI-generated takedowns, and zero oversight from Google are leading to legit businesses being deindexed overnight, sometimes at the worst possible moments (think: product launches, holidays, game days).

I break down:
- How DMCA takedowns are being weaponized
- Real examples from SEO expert Charles Floate
- Why Google isn't fixing it - and might not want to
- What you can do if it happens to you

This is a must-listen for anyone in SEO, digital marketing, or running a business in a competitive niche.

Listen now to learn how to protect yourself.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Nothing in this episode is legal advice. I am not a lawyer.

⭐️ Charles Floate first post: https://x.com/Charles_SEO/status/1944743525381296394

⭐️ Charles Floate second post: https://x.com/Charles_SEO/status/1945552845308047846

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Dark SEO Tactic
00:07 Negative SEO
00:56 DMCA Abuse in SEO
03:18 Real-World Examples of DMCA Abuse
04:32 Community Reactions and Insights
05:01 Silver Linings and Countermeasures
08:21 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#blackhatseo #negativeseo #seohacks #searchengineoptimization

841: Everything you know about marketing analytics… is wrong.

Today's guest, Jeff Greenfield, built one of the world's first multi-touch attribution platforms - long before most marketers even knew what "attribution" meant.

He's here to expose the truth about why your data is lying to you, why Google Analytics only shows half the story, and how 80% of marketing budgets are being wasted without anyone realizing it.

We break down:
- The real reason your Facebook and Google Ads don't match
- What "cookie-less" marketing actually means for your tracking
- How to tell which campaigns are genuinely driving sales
- The difference between clicks, impressions, and true attention
- Simple analytics tips for startups and small businesses

If you've ever looked at your ad data and thought "something feels off," this episode will explain why - and what to do about it.

⭐️ Provalytics - https://provalytics.com
⭐️ Jeff Greenfield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Analytics and Guest Background
01:16 Building the First Multi-Touch Attribution Platform
07:54 Fundamentals of Analytics for Digital Marketing
09:52 Evolution of Marketing from Traditional to Digital
12:14 Challenges in Modern Analytics and Attribution
17:11 DIY Techniques for Effective Ad Tracking
26:02 Complexities of Multi-Platform Advertising
39:53 Measuring Ad Effectiveness Across Channels
40:34 DIY Marketing Analytics for Entrepreneurs
42:15 The Gold Standard: Geo Holdout Tests
44:35 The Shift to Cookie-less Marketing
53:01 Challenges with AI in Data Analysis
01:00:38 Understanding Pixels and Retargeting
01:04:18 Google Tag Manager and Analytics Tools
01:10:24 The Strength of YouTube Advertising
01:11:50 Conclusion and Future Episodes

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#performancemarketing #mediabuying #digitalmarketing #analytics

E742: Are content sites finally rising from the ashes?

I break down the chatter in the SEO world about a surprising comeback for content-driven websites in 2025 - and what it might mean for you.

We'll cover:
- What a content site is (and how they work)
- The spike in traffic bloggers and site owners are seeing
- Real examples and Google Search Console data
- Whether Google's June Core Update is reviving these sites - or just teasing them
- My honest take: Should you invest in a content site right now?

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 The Resurgence of Content Sites
00:28 What is a Content Site?
01:16 Community Insights on Google's Algorithm Update
03:24 Case Studies: Real-World Examples
07:09 AI-Generated Content's Massive Spike
11:05 Should You Invest in a Content Site?
13:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #helpfulcontentupdate #digitalmarketing

E741: Reddit has rolled out a new generative AI feature called Reddit Answers - and it's already being targeted by SEOs looking to game the system.

I share how Reddit Answers works, and why it's quickly becoming a hub for Parasite SEO tactics.

In this episode:
- What Reddit Answers is and how it generates content from Reddit threads
- How Parasite SEOs are hijacking comments and subreddits to rank on Google
- Real examples of fake posts, upvote manipulation, and GPT-written replies
- Why Reddit Answers might amplify this behavior (and how AI plays into it)

If you're in SEO, content marketing, or just want to understand how platforms and AI are being gamed, this one's for you.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Reddit Answers and Parasite SEO
00:18 How Parasite SEO Works on Reddit
01:00 Reddit Answers: A New Tool for SEOs
01:22 Personal Experience with Reddit Answers
02:27 Gaming Reddit Answers: A Case Study
05:38 Ethical Considerations and Final Thoughts
06:51 Conclusion

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#parasiteseo #blackhatseo #generativeengineoptimization #searchengineoptimization

E740: Keyword cannibalization sounds scary - but is it really hurting your SEO? I break down exactly what keyword cannibalization is, why and when it matters, and how to fix it without wasting your time.

You'll learn:
- What keyword cannibalization actually means
- When it really matters - and when it doesn't
- How to spot it
- Why user-generated content changes the game
- Easy fixes that boost conversions without overthinking SEO

If you're running a small site or creating content across multiple platforms, this episode will save you time and help you focus on what actually moves the needle.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Understanding Keyword Cannibalization
01:44 When to Worry About Keyword Cannibalization
03:15 Strategies to Address Keyword Cannibalization
05:02 Optimizing User Generated Content
06:03 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #keywordresearch #digitalmarketing 

E739: Most software founders are doing SEO completely wrong - and it's killing their growth. 

I break down the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) SEO strategy for software founders looking to scale from zero users to product-market fit and beyond.

What You'll Learn:
- A proven SEO strategy that actually drives signups
- Why most startup blogs miss the mark
- A smarter way to get your first links and users
- How SEO can unlock unexpected use cases and features
- A compounding growth loop few founders are using

Whether you're pre-launch or already in-market, this is the SEO playbook built for real traction.

⭐️ My Product Hunt Guide: https://edwardsturm.com/articles/product-hunt-results/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to the GOAT Software SEO Strategy
00:14 Common SEO Mistakes
00:42 The Bottom of Funnel SEO Approach
01:13 Maximizing Software Potential
01:38 Twitch
02:20 Implementing the Strategy
04:56 Scaling and Growth
05:38 Challenges and Considerations
06:24 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#saasmarketing #softwaremarketing #searchengineoptimization #indiehackers

E738: Five quick and critical tips to boost your local visibility using your Google Business Profile. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar business or a service provider, these are must-know moves - and the last tip is absolutely wild.

- The one thing most businesses skip - but shouldn't
- A simple weekly habit that boosts local visibility
- How to turn customer feedback into a ranking signal
- An easy visual upgrade most profiles are missing
- A weird but effective Google Maps trick you've never heard of

These tips are easy to implement and can lead to more views, more customers, and better local rankings.

⭐️ Ep608 - SEO Shortcuts From a 25 Year Veteran - Bill Hartzer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz6JLv86L0Y

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Google Business Profile Tips
00:21 Tip 1: Looks Good
00:33 Tip 2: Weekly Updates
01:08 Tip 3: Replying
01:48 Tip 4: Photos
02:11 Tip 5: Surprise
03:31 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#localseo #googlebusinessprofile #googlemybusiness #searchengineoptimization 

E737: We're 11 days into Google's June 2025 Core Algorithm Update, and the SEO landscape is shifting.

I break down the biggest winners and brutal losses from the update so far.

We'll cover:
- A shocking traffic surge on an AI-generated site
- Small travel bloggers bouncing back from the Helpful Content Update
- What might be triggering penalties (hint: keyword stuffing)
- Why some pages - not whole sites - are getting hit
- And what this means for your SEO strategy right now

If you've seen changes in your rankings, you're not alone. Tune in to get the latest insights into what Google's rewarding.

⭐️ Lily Ray's Winners - https://x.com/lilyraynyc/status/1942297583386304733

⭐️ HCU-hit sites bouncing back - https://x.com/lilyraynyc/status/1943237577789837541?s=46

⭐️ AI Rallying - https://x.com/WilliamGendron/status/1940837205108576258

⭐️ Ahrefs AI Report - https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-generated-content-does-not-hurt-your-google-rankings/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Google's June Core Algorithm Update
00:14 Lily Ray's Observations and Insights
01:07 Case Study: Travel Blog's Traffic Fluctuations
03:41 AI-Generated Content: A Controversial Winner
07:47 Keyword Stuffing: A Major Loser in the Update
08:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#googlecoreupdate #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #marketingstrategy

736: Can a $5 press release really trick Google's AI into calling your brand "reputable"? Yes - and today I break down exactly how.

In this episode, I unpack a wild strategy that shows how startups (or anyone) can influence Google's AI Overviews using low-cost press releases. We talk about why this works, how to test it safely, and how it differs from other LLM manipulation tactics floating around online.

Whether you're in SEO, digital marketing, or running a scrappy startup - this might just blow your mind.

Topics covered:
- How AI parrots press release language
- The role of domain authority in AI citation
- Gaming brand name searches with low competition
- Testing the strategy without risking your own brand
- The difference between press release SEO vs. clone site SEO

🎩 Harpreet's post - https://x.com/harpreetchatha_/status/1942304237821853998

🎩 Ep 734 - Gaming LLMs & Google Best Lists - 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-61nkv_HcAI

🎩 Gaming ChatGPT with spun content - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dowdell_llmmarketing-seo-chatgpt-activity-7346161041803735044-USDC/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction: Press Releases for AI Overviews
00:35 Case Study: Manipulating AI Overviews
01:08 SEO and Domain Authority
01:37 Harpreet's Experiment and Its Implications
03:27 Comparing Different SEO Tactics
06:06 Testing the Strategy Yourself
08:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#blackhatseo #generativeengineoptimization #searchengineoptimization #seohacks

E735: Are you building too many backlinks… or not enough?

I break down exactly how often you should be doing link building - and why most people are getting it completely wrong.

You'll learn:
- Why overdoing backlinks can actually hurt your SEO
- The dangers of doing too little (and looking unnatural to Google)
- A simple daily backlink strategy you can start today
- Tools and platforms to get high-quality links
- The difference between topical authority and general authority - and why both matter

Whether you're just starting out or scaling your SEO game, this episode gives you the blueprint for sustainable, effective link building in 2025.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:25 The Importance of Backlinks
01:12 Pitfalls of Overdoing Link Building
02:08 Consequences of Doing Too Little
02:41 Finding the Sweet Spot
02:47 Daily Link Building Strategies
03:10 Recommended Resources for Backlinks
05:28 Final Tips

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#linkbuilding #backlinks #seotips #searchengineoptimization

E734: I share how people are trying to manipulate both ChatGPT and Google by creating fake "best of" lists. I walk through a viral LinkedIn post exposing a black hat tactic that's purportedly currently working to influence AI-generated recommendations.

You'll hear:
- The exact tactic being used to game ChatGPT's rankings
- Why LLMs are vulnerable to surface-level content signals
- Real examples (and skepticism) from the SEO community
- How some are manipulating Google's knowledge graph using Parasite SEO and fake best-of lists
- What actually works today if you want long-term SEO results

Whether you're curious, skeptical, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve - this one's packed with insights.

🎩 The LinkedIn post shared - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dowdell_llmmarketing-seo-chatgpt-activity-7346161041803735044-USDC/

🎩 The blog post shared - https://www.seolondonsurrey.co.uk/blog/quality-issues-in-some-google-knowledge-graph-results

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Gaming Best Lists
00:44 Black Hat Tactics for LLMs
02:22 Reactions and Replications
04:35 Gaming Best Lists in Google Search
07:04 Parasite SEO Techniques
11:50 Concluding Thoughts and SEO Tips

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#blackhatseo #parasiteseo #searchengineoptimization #seohacks

E733: I break down why Threads might be the next major platform for Parasite SEO - and how you can take advantage of it right now.

Threads.com is spiking in Google traffic after a smart domain migration and is showing signs of becoming a powerful source for organic reach.

I'll walk you through how to repurpose your content into threads, why it's (surprisingly) not that black hat, and what velocity to post at so you don't trigger spam filters.

What you'll learn:
- How Threads went from 0 to 11.7M monthly clicks from Google
- Why their 301 redirect (vs. 𝕏's 302 mistake) made all the difference
- What Parasite SEO is, and why Threads might be the next big platform
- How to repurpose your site content into threads - using AI
- Why content velocity matters (and how to avoid spam filters)
- The smart way to build long-term SEO wins using existing platforms

Whether you're an SEO strategist, affiliate marketer, or content creator, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:20 Threads' SEO Journey and Migration
02:18 Comparing Threads and 𝕏's SEO Performance
03:03 Parasite SEO
04:35 How to Use Threads for Parasite SEO
06:04 Practical Tips for Implementing Parasite SEO
07:36 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#parasiteseo #searchengineoptimization #seohacks #digitalmarketing

E840: Most SEOs are building links the wrong way - and they don't even know it.

Alejandro Meyerhans, a link building expert, joins the podcast to share the harsh truth about link building, SEO myths, and what moves rankings in 2025.

We talk about why white hat vs black hat doesn't matter, how Google's trust system works, the future of backlinks, AI-generated slop content, and how to build authority that survives every algorithm update.

If you care about SEO, backlinks, or the future of search - this is one you can't skip.

What We Cover:
- Why 99% of link building advice is wrong
- The myth of "toxic" backlinks and disavow files
- How to build links that Google can't ignore
- Tiered linking, anchor text ratios, and trust graphs explained
- The death of traditional blogs - and what replaces backlinks
- How AI content is polluting search (and what to do instead)
- Building long-term SEO that actually compounds

⭐️ Get backlinks from Alejandro - Use code EDWARDBUILDS for 15% off your first order - https://getmelinks.com/
⭐️ Alejandro Meyerhans on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmeyerhans/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:52 Discussing Link Building Ethics
02:01 Exploring SEO Tactics
05:36 Trust and Authority in SEO
11:33 Effective Link Building Strategies
15:59 The Role of Brand and Content in SEO
36:30 Low-Cost Link Building Methods
44:13 Exceptional Content Links
44:37 Concerns About AI in Content Creation
44:59 The Value of Human Experience in Content
46:08 Sharing and Promoting High-Quality Content
47:48 The Impact of AI on Writing Quality
51:47 AI's Limitations and the Importance of Human Input
53:34 More Link Building Strategies
56:55 The Risks of Overusing AI in SEO
01:09:58 Speed Round: Link Building Tactics
01:18:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#linkbuilding #backlinks #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing

E732: I break down one of the biggest SEO failures in internet history - how 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) lost billions of clicks by mishandling its URL migration and on-page SEO.

I also show how Threads and Bluesky are making similar mistakes, and the ridiculously simple fixes that could bring them billions of free monthly clicks.

We cover:
- The shocking impact of Twitter's switch to 𝕏 on Google search traffic
- Why Threads is accidentally doing SEO better (but still failing)
- How basic SEO elements like page titles, meta descriptions, and H1s are being ignored
- Simple AI-powered fixes that could change everything overnight
- A breakdown of what should be done - from alt text to advanced keyword optimization

Whether you're into digital marketing, SEO, or just want to understand how big tech continues to fumble easy wins - this one's for you.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to SEO Issues with X, Threads, and Bluesky
01:18 The SEO Catastrophe: Twitter to X Migration
03:30 SEO Basics: Page Titles, Meta Descriptions, and H1 Tags
12:00 Advanced SEO Strategies Using AI
15:42 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing

E731: Cloudflare just declared war on AI. In what might be the biggest AI x SEO development since the launch of ChatGPT, Cloudflare announced it will block AI crawlers by default and launched a bold new initiative: Pay Per Crawl.

What does this mean for websites, content creators, publishers, and the future of AI training? Is this the beginning of a new economic model for the web - or just another speed bump for AI companies?

I break down:
- What Cloudflare's announcement really means
- How Pay Per Crawl works (and who's already on board)
- Reactions from the SEO community and industry insiders
- Why this could change visibility, search, and content forever

Whether you're in SEO, content, media, or tech - this one's a must-listen.

⭐️ Cloudflare to block AI crawlers by default with new Pay Per Crawl initiative - https://searchengineland.com/cloudflare-to-block-ai-crawlers-by-default-with-new-pay-per-crawl-initiative-457708

⭐️ Cloudflare will now block AI crawlers by default - https://www.theverge.com/news/695501/cloudflare-block-ai-crawlers-default

⭐️ Content Independence Day: no AI crawl without compensation! - https://blog.cloudflare.com/content-independence-day-no-ai-crawl-without-compensation/

⭐️ Announcing Cloudflare pay per crawl beta - https://www.cloudflare.com/paypercrawl-signup/

⭐️ Reddit: Pay per crawl has been announced. - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1lpyknc/pay_per_crawl_has_been_announced/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Breaking News: Cloudflare's Major Announcement
00:43 Understanding Cloudflare's New Policies
01:32 Implications for AI and Web Content
02:27 Cloudflare's Pay Per Crawl Initiative
03:31 Industry Reactions and Support
06:21 The Verge's Take on Cloudflare's Move
09:56 SEO Community's Response
12:45 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #ainews #artificialintelligence

E730: Google's June core algorithm update is rolling out - and Instagram might be the next big SEO play.

Why? Platforms like Reddit and Instagram offer real-time, high-engaging content that users trust. And Google seems to be rewarding that - Reddit just gained 162M clicks in 10 days, and Instagram content could be indexed far more widely in search with this update.

You'll learn:
- How Reddit gained 162M clicks in 10 days from Google
- The new Instagram notice about your photos and videos showing in search
- Exactly how to write captions and use carousels to rank in Google
- Why engagement + recency on Instagram might now be real SEO factors
- How to build topical authority… without even using a website

Whether you're an SEO pro or just trying to get more visibility for your content, this is a game-changer.

⭐️ Learn more - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/instagram-official-seo-notice-to-creators/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Google's June Core Algorithm Update
00:23 Reddit's Traffic Surge: A Case Study
01:07 Instagram's New Search Engine Visibility
03:01 Maximizing Instagram for SEO
05:42 Practical Tips for Instagram SEO
10:42 Conclusion and Further Resources

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #instagrammarketing #searchengineoptimization

E729: Datos - secretly one of the most important companies in the SEO ecosystem. Today's guest is co-founder and CEO of Datos, Eli Goodman. While many marketers have never heard of Datos, the smartest ones quietly rely on its clickstream data to understand how the world searches, clicks, and behaves online.

This episode is a deep dive into how search is changing in actual behavior. Eli breaks down what the data shows about Google, AI search, ChatGPT, and what's driving clicks in 2025.

We discuss:
- What 20 million users reveal about search behavior
- The truth about AI search vs. traditional Google search
- Will AI kill SEO anytime soon
- The rise of zero-click searches and what it means
- How clickstream data works - and why it matters
- How Datos tracks behavior across 200+ countries
- Google's AI overviews vs. ChatGPT and Perplexity
- Why most AI search queries aren't commercial
- Classic search vs. AI search behavior patterns
- The "additive" nature of AI search
- What marketers get wrong about search trends
- How Datos' data predicted earnings for major companies
- Pinterest's early rise spotted in clickstream data
- What most marketers miss about non-linear attribution
- Whether AI search is more "journey" than "destination"
- Why publishers should be worried - and what's next
- The war between LLMs and search engines - and its timeline
- Why user behavior changes slower than people think
- The future of data, privacy, and search segmentation

⭐️ Eli Goodman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eligoodman/

⭐️ Datos - clickstream data to power your products and insights - https://datos.live/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Predicting the Future with Data
01:19 Real-World Examples of Accurate Predictions
01:47 Detecting Pinterest
02:51 Datos Is One of the Most Important SEO Players
04:01 Understanding Clickstream Data
05:10 The Role of Data in Marketing Decisions
11:03 The Evolution of Search and AI's Impact
19:27 Behavioral Differences in Search Patterns
26:57 The Ongoing Battle Between AI and Traditional Search
28:59 The Impact of ChatGPT on Google and Meta
29:46 The Power of Established Networks
30:38 Apple's AI and Market Dynamics
31:28 The Future of AI in Search
32:22 Behavioral Changes and Search Patterns
36:55 Predicting Trends with Clickstream Data
43:03 The Role of Clickstream Data in AI
50:16 Google's Zero Click Search and SEO Trends
54:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing #performancemarketing #seotips

E728: Google just rolled out its June 2025 core algorithm update - and it's already shaking up the entire SEO landscape.

I break down what's actually changing, why traffic is dropping, and what we're seeing so far.

From Reddit surges to AI content penalties, thin pages getting deindexed, and trusted domains losing rankings - this update is hitting hard.

I also explain how it compares to March's update, what types of content are being targeted, and steps you can take right now to check if you've been impacted.

Here's what we cover:
- How the June 2025 Google Core Algorithm update compares to the March update
- Why some top-ranking pages are dropping in results
- The removal of low-value, thin, or outdated pages from the index
- New pressure on unedited, AI-generated content
- Increases in visibility for platforms like Reddit and other user-generated content
- How to check your traffic, rankings, and keyword data
- What steps to take now to adapt to the changes

Whether you're an SEO, site owner, or digital marketer, this one's essential listening.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Google's June Core Algorithm Update
00:36 Other Core Algorithm Updates
01:28 Impact on User-Generated Content Platforms
02:11 SEO Community Reactions and Observations
03:07 Differences Between March and June Updates
03:58 Targeting Low-Value and AI-Generated Content
05:49 Prioritizing Real Experience and User-First Writing
06:11 Steps to Check Impact on Your Website
06:35 Trends and Future Expectations
08:01 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#googlecoreupdate #searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketingnews #digitalmarketing

E727: Nik shares his screen (watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wsllqj9wCE8) and walks us through the exact AI workflows he uses to run his podcast, streamline his business, and save dozens of hours every week - using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Zapier, Google Sheets, and the Limitless Pendant.

We talk about:
- What happened when AI was given full control of a real company store
- Nik's personal AI stack, including how he organizes 200+ podcast episodes with automation
- Why Notebook LM is a game-changer for accuracy and research
- How to use AI for intern onboarding, podcast production, SEO, and more
- The 90/10 rule of AI automation - and where most people go wrong

Whether you're AI-curious or already building with it, this episode is packed with real demos, practical insights, and honest takes on what works - and what doesn't.

Tools Covered:
- Claude (Anthropic)
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Notebook LM (Google)
- Zapier
- Google App Script + OpenAI API
- Google Sheets + AI Formulas (Workspace Labs)
- Limitless Pendant (by Limitless, formerly Rewind AI)

⭐️ Nik Hulewsky's podcast, Nikonomics - https://www.youtube.com/@NikonomicsPodcast
⭐️ Nik Hulewsky on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-hulewsky-617b132a/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Anthropic's AI Experiment
00:35 AI's Performance in the Store
01:26 General AI Hype and Realities
03:02 Historical Parallels with Tech Giants
05:15 Consistency and Luck
08:10 Practical AI Workflows and Tools
11:17 Setting Up AI Integrations in Claude
12:37 Podcast Management with AI
23:11 AI Formulas in Google Sheets
27:11 Exploring Different Marketing Channels
27:56 SEO Keyword Analysis
30:15 Using AI for Keyword Research
32:32 SEO Tools and Techniques
36:44 Podcasting Insights and Strategies
37:47 Leveraging AI for Podcast Content
42:50 Creating and Using Claude Artifacts
48:35 More AI Workflows and Practical Applications
50:59 Internship Management with AI
54:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#aiworkflows #claudeworkflows #limitlesspendant #digitalmarketing

E726: How to consistently earn backlinks and attract new clients by building visible credibility - even if you're just getting started and have no existing reputation.

The episode breaks down a real example from James Reynolds, the founder of SEO Sherpa, an SEO agency that grew from zero to eight figures in revenue. He used a structured, repeatable process to build perceived authority from the ground up. That credibility made it easier to get speaking opportunities, podcast invites, mentions in articles, and referrals - all of which led to more backlinks and client inquiries.

You'll learn:
- Why social proof makes people more likely to link to you or hire you
- How to start getting invited to speak at events, even if you're unknown
- What to include in your speaker pitch to increase acceptance rates
- How to use each small success (like a quote or event) to unlock the next one
- A simple method to get included in articles and expert roundups
- How podcast appearances can build trust and help with SEO
- How to create assets (like research reports) that influencers want to share
- How to position yourself as an expert, even if you feel like an imposter
- Why "looking credible" matters more than being known in your industry
- How to increase your success rate on HARO and similar platforms
- What makes people more likely to include your link in their content
- How to share your progress and where to do it

This isn't about shortcuts or hype - it's about using simple steps to gradually build real trust, which leads to long-term growth in backlinks, visibility, and clients.

This approach works whether you're a business owner, freelancer, agency owner, or in-house marketer - and whether you're new to the field or looking to break into a more competitive space.

If you enjoy practical, story-driven examples of marketing and SEO strategy, you'll find a lot of value here.

⭐️ How to Grow an SEO Agency from $0 to 8 Figures (with Lessons from 21 SEO Experiments) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC5i2M6TYC0

⭐️ Manufacturing Social Proof to Build an 8-Figure Business - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/manufacturing-social-proof-build-an-8-figure-business/

⭐️ 21 SEO Experiments - https://seosherpa.com/seo-experiments/

⭐️ How to Get On Podcasts as a Guest in 2025: The Easy Way - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/get-on-podcasts-as-guest-2025/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Why Social Proof Matters
02:04 Case Study
03:03 Step-by-Step Guide to Building Social Proof
05:40 Leveraging Speaking Engagements for Growth
08:02 The Power of Influencer Collaboration
11:52 Getting Started: Practical Tips and Tools
14:41 Conclusion and Additional Resources

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#linkbuilding #backlinks #socialengineering #searchengineoptimization

E725: I break down the 2025 State of Link Building report - a huge new study featuring insights from 518 SEO pros (myself included).

You'll learn:
- Why NoFollow links still matter
- The most popular shady black hat backlink methods
- How unlinked brand mentions influence rankings
- Whether a $508 backlink is actually worth it
- What's working in link building right now - and what's risky
- Why you don't always need backlinks to rank
- And whether using Google's disavow tool will annihilate you

I also share my favorite low-cost ways to get high-quality links, plus some wild findings from the survey that might change how you think about SEO in 2025.

⭐️ The State of Link Building | 2025 - https://editorial.link/link-building-statistics/

⭐️ Source of Sources - https://sourceofsources.com/

⭐️ Help a Reporter Out - https://www.helpareporter.com/

⭐️ Featured - https://featured.com/

⭐️ Linkable Assets - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/no-link-building-budget-could-buy-these-results/

⭐️ Moz Exec: Is SEO Dead or Stronger Than Ever in the Age of AI? - Jonathan Berthold - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtSWV5oH_vM

⭐️ Should You Use Google's Disavow Tool in 2025? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHt0qNjJ6ss

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 The Impact of Backlinks on AI Search Results
00:31 The Role of Nofollow Links in SEO
01:24 Edward's Insights on Nofollow Links
02:51 Unlinked Brand Mentions and Their Influence
03:53 Ranking Without Backlinks: Is It Possible?
06:41 The Value of High-Quality Backlinks
08:44 Link Building Strategies and Tactics
10:46 Shady but Effective Link Building Methods
11:49 Red Flags in Link Building
12:25 Natural Backlink Profiles and Disavow Tool
13:54 Cost-Effective Link Building Tips
15:33 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#linkbuilding #backlinks #seohacks #searchengineoptimization

E724: I walk you through a ridiculously powerful AI + Google Sheets hack that helped us sort through thousands of keywords to find a high-value keyword opportunity - potentially worth $15K/month - in just minutes.

Whether you're doing SEO to sell services, SaaS, or any niche, this method will save you hours of manual sorting.

Learn:
- How to use Google Sheets + AI to filter thousands of keywords instantly
- The methodology for what keywords to go after
- How to avoid common mistakes when using AI for SEO

⭐️ Workspace Labs Sign Up: https://workspace.google.com/labs-sign-up/

⭐️ Use the AI function in Google Sheets (Workspace Labs) - https://support.google.com/docs/answer/15820999?hl=en-GB

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:07 Basics of Spreadsheets
00:39 A Real-Life Example: Finding Keywords
01:50 Discovering Ninjapromo
03:35 Using Google Sheets for Keyword Sorting
04:57 Filtering and Analyzing Keywords
07:04 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#keywordresearch #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing

E723: I break down why SEO is still one of the most powerful marketing channels in 2025 - especially when paired with AI and social media.

With fresh Datos data, timeless SEO experiments, and examples, we explore what's actually happening with search, and how SEO knowledge now gives you an edge across platforms and algorithms.

What you'll learn:
- How SEO knowledge translates to AI optimization - Top-ranking content is often what AI tools surface; knowing SEO helps you rank in AI-driven results.  
- Why understanding SEO helps you master all algorithms - Core SEO skills like engagement and content structure apply to TikTok, Instagram, X, and more.  
- What "search is everywhere" really means - Social platforms have internal search; SEO helps you show up across channels and on Google.  
- Why SEO is still a free, high-intent traffic channel - It brings in users who are actively searching for what you offer, without paid ads.  
- How blogging still works (with caveats) - When targeted strategically, blogs still drive top-of-funnel discovery and brand awareness.  
- Why bottom-of-funnel SEO delivers better results - It targets ready-to-buy users, converts better, and compounds over time.  
- How social media can amplify your SEO efforts - Traffic and shares from your audience boost rankings and visibility.  
- What linkable assets do for SEO and how they pair with the now-ease of social - Shareable tools, experiments, and reports earn backlinks and build authority long-term - and how one tool earned 35,000+ backlinks.

Whether you're a startup founder, a creator, or a marketer - if you want compounding, high-intent traffic without blowing your ad budget, this episode is a must-listen.

⭐️ State of Search Q1 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe - https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q1-2025/

⭐️ Datos new AI report - The Current AI Landscape: An Analysis of Evolving User Behavior: https://datos.live/report/the-current-ai-landscape/

⭐️ Rand Fishkin SERP click volume experiment - https://seosherpa.com/seo-experiments/

⭐️ Linkable assets - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/no-link-building-budget-could-buy-these-results/

⭐️ Getting 3,100 users in 75 minutes with TikTok - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/why-marketers-love-tiktok/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Is SEO Dead? Why You Should Care in 2025
00:08 The Impact of AI on SEO
01:15 SEO Skills: The Key to Understanding Algorithms
01:56 SEO and Social Media: A Symbiotic Relationship
03:17 The Power of Search: SEO's Ubiquity
04:15 SEO: A Free High-Intent Traffic Channel
06:07 The Evolution of Blogging and SEO
07:10 Bottom of Funnel SEO: The Ultimate Conversion Tool
07:32 SEO and Social Media: Amplifying Impact
09:26 Creating Linkable Assets for SEO Success
11:29 Final Thoughts on SEO in 2025

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #digitalmarketing #seotips #marketingstrategy

E839: 95% of SEOs and 99.9999% of digital marketers completely miss this concept - keyword gaps inside the SERP itself.

I break down exactly what a keyword gap is, why it matters more than any SEO metric, and how to find and fill them so Google wants to rank your pages.

You'll learn:
- What a keyword gap actually is (and how to spot one in the search results)
- How to analyze SERPs with your own eyes to find low-competition opportunities
- Why Google "desperately" needs content that fills these gaps
- How to optimize your page titles, H1s, and first sentences to capture rankings fast
- Real examples and results from my own keyword gap wins

If you're serious about SEO, keyword research, and content that ranks - this episode will change how you see search forever.

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Keyword Gaps in SERPs
01:01 Defining Keyword Gaps
01:46 Importance of Keyword Gaps in SERPs
03:20 Identifying Keyword Gaps in SERPs
03:50 Examples of Keyword Gaps
05:41 Degrees of Keyword Gaps in SERPs
09:07 Filling Keyword Gaps in SERPs
09:40 Wrapping

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #performancemarketing #digitalmarketing

E722: Dominick DeJoy joins the show to break down the 2025 playbook for LinkedIn Ads - what's actually working right now, how to amplify organic content for cheaper CPMs, and the surprising glitches and arbitrage opportunities that marketers are quietly using to scale.

From B2B funnels that convert, to why thought leadership ads outperform traditional campaigns, to the truth about Google Ads, attribution, and startup chaos - this episode is loaded with insights for founders, marketers, and growth leads.

Topics covered:
- LinkedIn Ads that actually work in 2025
- How to amplify organic content for paid performance
- The difference between thought leader ads vs. company ads
- Building B2B funnels with short video, retargeting, and serialized content
- How to structure LinkedIn cold, warm, and post-engagement layers
- Why most LinkedIn Ads fail (and how to avoid the common mistakes)
- How to test creative on a limited budget without wasting spend
- The real ROI of brand awareness and why most B2B marketers get it wrong
- Google Ads fundamentals for B2B: what works, what doesn't
- Why you should almost always start with exact match keywords
- The hidden danger of broad match and Google's close variants
- How to stop Google Ads from wasting budget on unqualified clicks
- Why Performance Max and Display campaigns are usually a bad idea for lead gen
- How fake leads and "click farms" ruin B2B attribution
- Disabling Google's auto-apply and avoiding the algorithm's worst mistakes
- Last-touch attribution: why it lies and what to use instead
- Why cold campaigns shouldn't be judged by cost-per-lead
- How to balance direct response vs. brand in paid channels
- The synergy between cold email and paid ads in B2B
- When NOT to hire an agency and why most early-stage startups should market in-house
- Startup arbitrage stories: glitches, exploits, and viral growth through paid channels

⭐️ Dominick DeJoy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominick-dejoy/
⭐️ Osric Digital - https://www.osricdigital.com/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Dominick DeJoy and Paid Ads
00:08 Why Use LinkedIn Ads?
01:59 Scenarios for LinkedIn Ads Success
06:39 Testing and Amplifying Organic Content
09:39 Budget and Audience Considerations
25:19 Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
31:17 Effective LinkedIn Ad Strategies
35:29 Successful Ad Campaign Examples
39:18 Serialized Content and Audience Engagement
43:53 AI Ad Makers
44:40 Evaluating the Utility of Ad Variations in B2C and B2B
47:01 Examples of Effective Content Strategies
50:12 Irrelevance of Attribution in B2B Marketing
58:22 Building Effective Marketing Funnels
01:16:44 Startup Stories and Lessons Learned
01:24:00 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#linkedinads #b2bmarketing #googleads #performancemarketing

E721: Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently appeared on the Lex Fridman podcast and addressed growing concerns about AI search, SEO, and the future of the human-created web.

I break down the key takeaways and what they mean for content creators, marketers, and site owners.

What's Covered:
- How Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode are impacting search behavior
- Whether Google is still committed to sending traffic to human-created websites
- Why clicks from Google Search are dropping - and who's affected most
- What Sundar Pichai says about journalism, publishers, and the open web
- The future of advertising in AI-powered search
- Why bottom-of-funnel, transactional content is more important than ever
- Practical SEO advice for staying visible in an AI-first search landscape

If you're serious about adapting to where search is going, this one's for you.

⭐️ Source - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-discusses-fate-of-the-human-created-web/548936/

⭐️ Watch Sundar on Lex Fridman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V6tWC4CdFQ

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction: Sundar Pichai on the Lex Fridman Podcast
00:53 Google's Commitment to the Human-Created Web
02:09 AI Mode and AI Overviews
03:17 The Future of SEO and Content Marketing
08:26 Advertising in AI Mode
12:06 Will AI Mode Replace Everything?
13:05 Final Takeaways

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing #performancemarketing

E720: What can we learn from how Ancient Rome mastered public perception?

Historian Gregory S. Aldrete joins the show to break down the surprising sophistication of Roman branding, influence, and propaganda - and what modern marketers can learn from it.

From Caesar's third-person dispatches to Augustus' image management masterclass, this episode explores the tools Rome used to dominate the narrative - across architecture, coins, rumors, and gladiator games.

If you're building a business, crafting a personal brand, or trying to stay top-of-mind in a noisy world, Rome's playbook still applies.

In this episode, we cover:
• "Dignitas": Rome's original personal branding system
• How Augustus ruled with power and humility - and avoided assassination
• Viral scandals, propaganda, and the ancient version of going public
• Rome's use of architecture, symbols, and story to win hearts and minds
• What Julius Caesar's dispatches can teach you about Twitter/X
• How gladiator games doubled as political theater and emotional influence
• Rome's version of top-of-mind awareness - and how they kept it
• How gossip, graffiti, and chants spread ideas like memes
• The Roman obsession with status - and how it shaped public image
• Lessons from Cicero on emotional persuasion and audience control
• How delivery and gesture amplified speeches in the Roman Republic
• Why statues, coins, and temples were part of a unified content strategy
• What Livy's heroic myths reveal about Roman values and identity marketing
• How Rome used fear, loyalty, and shared identity to build trust and power
• The Roman military as a brand conversion machine for conquered people
• Why Augustus' autobiography (Res Gestae) is a masterclass in subtle marketing
• What Rome's failure moments teach us about bad PR and overreaching
• How Nero's golden palace backfired - and what came after
• Parallels between ancient and modern "media ecosystems"
• What marketers, creators, and leaders today can learn from ancient influence strategy

Our guest, Gregory S. Aldrete, is a Professor Emeritus of History and Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, an award-winning educator, and the author of several acclaimed books on ancient Rome, including Gestures and Acclamations in Ancient Rome and The Encyclopedia of Daily Life in the Ancient World. He's also the creator of multiple popular video lecture series with The Great Courses, where he brings ancient history to life for learners around the world.

⭐️ Gregory Aldrete's Personal Website - https://gregorysaldrete.com/

⭐️ Greg's CV - https://gregorysaldrete.com/hompage/aldrete-cv-page/

⭐️ The Great Courses - Gregory Aldrete's Courses - https://www.amazon.com/History-Ancient-World-Global-Perspective/dp/B008QQ6FKY

⭐️ Wikipedia – Gregory S. Aldrete - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_S._Aldrete

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:31 Sophistication of Roman Public Perception
01:47 Dignitas: The Roman Quest for Public Image
07:21 Scandals and Viral Antics in Ancient Rome
09:42 Roman Cultural Identity and Historical Narratives
16:21 Rome's Symbolic Dominance and Imperialism
19:41 Incorporation of Conquered Peoples
26:17 Augustus: Master of Personal Branding
43:31 Public Appearances and Legitimacy in Rome
49:26 Graffiti as a Political Tool in Ancient Rome
50:58 Public Opinion and Political Missteps
51:41 Nero's Golden House and the Colosseum
55:58 The Emotional Power of Roman Spectacles
57:55 The Art of Roman Oratory and Gestures
01:06:51 Virgil's Aeneid: Rome's Epic Origin Story
01:15:38 Lessons from Roman Influence and Branding
01:21:35 Julius Caesar's Propaganda Techniques
01:27:56 Augustus' Sophisticated Political Strategy
01:29:40 Where to Binge

The Edward Show. Your daily digital marketing podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#marketing #ancientrome #influence #business

E719: Google just dropped support for 7 niche schema types - including Book Actions, Course Info, Estimated Salary, and more.

In this episode, I break down exactly what that means for your SEO strategy, why most structured data is a waste of time, and the truth about LLMs.txt.

You'll learn:
- Why niche schema doesn't move the needle
- What Google actually says about structured data
- Whether schema helps with AI visibility
- Whether LLMs.txt helps with AI visibility like the TikTok SEO experts say
- The SEO community's real take on all of this (including Barry Schwartz & John Mueller)

If you're spending time on technical SEO that sounds smart but doesn't impact your rankings, this episode is your wake-up call.

⭐️ Google Structured Data Policies - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/sd-policies

⭐️ Barry Schwartz LinkedIn Post on Schema Types Dropped - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rustybrick_google-seo-googleseo-activity-7339255572279570434-jCea/

⭐️ Barry Schwartz on this podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIJaCimVeDE

⭐️ SEOs Are Recommending Structured Data For AI Search… Why? - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/seos-are-recommending-structured-data-for-ai-search-why/537959/

⭐️ John Mueller / Google on LLMs.txt - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-llms-txt-39607.html

⭐️ Reddit Discussion on LLMs.txt - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1lh8gua/llmstxt_file_generator_for_customers_who_obsessed/

⭐️ Episode 708 - LLMs.txt: What It Is and Do You Need One? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOo6YC6n2hE

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:07 Understanding Schema and Its Relevance
00:49 The Reality of Implementing Schema
01:59 Google's Update on Niche Schema
03:02 Structured Data for AI Search
04:48 Introduction to LLMs.txt
06:18 Debate on the Usefulness of LLMs.txt
10:25 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#technicalseo #searchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing

E718: Image SEO is one of the most ignored parts of search optimization - even by people who've been in the game for years. And yet, it affects everything from how your pages rank to how your brand shows up in Google Images, AI tools like ChatGPT, and social media platforms.

In this episode, I break down the basic image SEO tactics most people skip - and how fixing them can lead to more traffic, better rankings, and increased visibility for your brand.

You'll learn:
- Why image SEO is still widely overlooked - and why that's a mistake
- How poor image optimization can hurt even solid SEO strategies
- What properly named image files and alt text actually do for rankings
- How optimized images improve e-commerce performance and AI discoverability
- The simple naming convention I use for every image on my site
- How image context, file structure, and alt attributes signal quality to Google
- Lessons from real SEO experiments related to this

Most SEOs are still missing this. After this episode, you won't be one of them.

⭐️ 21 SEO Experiments That Will Change The Way You Think About SEO (Forever) - https://seosherpa.com/seo-experiments/

⭐️ Ep 624 - Making SEO Viral - Matt Diamante - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF8VnXdSjnA

⭐️ Ep 693 - The SHOCKING Truth About Shared Hosting & SEO Rankings (Real Experiment Results) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WobMZRSJwQs

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Image SEO
00:47 Importance of Image SEO in E-commerce
01:44 Real-life Examples of Image SEO
05:05 Optimizing Your Images: Best Practices
08:23 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#imageseo #searchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing

E717: Everyone's saying SEO is dead. Pages are getting de-indexed en masse, AI Overviews are stealing clicks, and AI content is getting penalized.

So… is the SEO world collapsing?

You'll learn:
- Why so many pages are getting removed from Google's index
- How AI Overviews are changing click patterns
- What kind of content Google is still rewarding
- Why transactional keywords are your best friend
- How to adapt without panicking

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the changes - this episode is for you.

⭐️ State of Search Q1 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe - https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q1-2025/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:19 Deindexing Crisis: Pages Removed from Google's Index
00:43 AI's Impact on Clicks and Impressions
02:41 The Rise of Transactional Keywords
04:31 Google's Crackdown on Mass AI Content
06:32 Debunking the 'Google is Dead' Myth
10:18 The Best SEO Practices Remain Unchanged
11:00 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing #marketingstrategy

E716: I break down exactly how I approach keyword research - using competitor data, Google Search Console, and SERP analysis to find high-impact keywords you can actually rank for.

Then, I share some of the best community advice from the SEO subreddit, covering both keyword research and a hot topic: are there any real SEO shortcuts that still work today?

You'll walk away with proven strategies, insights, and a better understanding of how to target keywords and do SEO that brings real results.

What You'll Learn:
- One of my keyword research workflows
- How to analyze competitors to uncover hidden keyword gems
- Spotting weak SERPs where you can easily outrank existing pages
- Using Google Search Console to find unexpected keyword opportunities
- When and how to update existing pages vs. creating new content
- How Reddit SEO pros approach keyword research and personas
- Tools and AI prompts for building effective customer personas
- Why bottom-of-funnel keywords can be a powerful (and overlooked) shortcut
- Are there real SEO shortcuts? Here's what the SEO community says
- Low-risk, high-reward tactics like internal linking, image compression, and title tag optimization
- Why "smart work" often beats "shortcuts" in the long run
- The power of linkable assets and timing content with market trends

If you're tired of vague advice and want real, practical SEO tactics, this episode is for you.

⭐️ How to get better at Keyword Research? - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1l6l7tg/how_to_get_better_at_keyword_research/

⭐️ SEO Shortcuts - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1ldjcd2/seo_shortcuts/

⭐️ How 16 Companies are Dominating the World's Google Search Results (2024 Edition) - https://detailed.com/google-control/

⭐️ E608 - SEO Shortcuts From a 25 Year Veteran - Bill Hartzer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mz6JLv86L0Y

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to SEO Tips
00:53 Improving Keyword Research Skills
02:49 Community Insights on Keyword Research
07:10 Exploring SEO Shortcuts
11:17 Long-Term SEO Strategies
14:11 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing

E715: A fascinating new discovery about Google's indexing behavior: if your page hasn't been crawled in 130 days, it will be removed from Google's index.

This insight comes from a deep-dive study by Alexis Rylko at iProspect, who used Screaming Frog and the Google Search Console API to uncover the pattern.

I break down:
- What the 130-day crawl rule is and why it matters
- How Google decides which pages to keep or drop
- Real-world case studies across different industries
- How to identify at-risk pages on your own site
- Practical steps to keep your content indexed and improve crawl frequency

Whether you're an SEO, content strategist, or just trying to keep your pages visible on Google, this is a must-listen. Don't let your content silently disappear from search.

⭐️ Source: https://alekseo.com/google-and-the-130-day-rule/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to Google's De-Indexing Issue
00:34 Alexis Rylko's 130-Day Rule Discovery
01:21 Understanding Google's Indexing Strategy
03:30 Setting Up Screaming Frog for Analysis
06:48 Case Studies on the 130-Day Rule
10:09 Improving Crawlability and Indexation
13:49 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #technicalsearchengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing

E714: Alex Moss, Principal SEO at Yoast, joins the show!

We cover everything from AI agents, LLMs, and Google's monopoly risk, to whether link building is dying, and what LLMs.txt really means for content visibility.

We also discuss:
- How ChatGPT and AI assistants are reshaping user behavior
- How SEO reporting, keyword strategy & top-of-funnel content are evolving
- Why bottom-of-funnel and brand-driven content are becoming king
- What Google might look like in the next few years
- Scaled content, hallucinations, and how to actually use AI in SEO workflows
- Black hat SEO trends
- The hype vs. reality of AI agents (and why most don't save time)
- Optimizing for voice search, Google's AI Overviews, and the rise of user-generated content
- Practical SEO advice for SMBs & legacy SEO myths that don't work anymore

Whether you're a seasoned SEO or just trying to keep up with all the changes, this episode is packed with insight, skepticism, and real-world experience.

About Alex Moss:
Alex Moss is Principal SEO at Yoast as well as Co-Founder of FireCask. He has over 20 years experience in every aspect of the SEO industry from in-house, freelancer, agency employee and agency owner. With a background in technical SEO, Alex has been working in Search since its infancy. Alex also has years of knowledge of WordPress, creating and optimizing sites since 2010. Over the years Alex has built everything from popular plugins to custom-made themes and frameworks, as well as being involved in complex WordPress and SEO projects globally.

⭐️ Alex Moss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmoss1/
⭐️ Alex Moss on 𝕏: https://x.com/alexmoss
⭐️ Alex Moss home: https://alex-moss.co.uk/
⭐️ Yoast: https://yoast.com/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction to WordPress and Yoast SEO
01:05 The Impact of ChatGPT on SEO
03:16 Google's Monopoly and the Rise of AI Assistants
06:25 Future of SEO and Content Marketing
08:36 Challenges and Opportunities with AI in SEO
20:08 Automation in SEO: Tools and Techniques
34:16 Best Practices for SEO
42:58 Discussing LLMs and Their Impact
43:41 Exploring the Adoption and Skepticism of LLMs
45:26 Understanding LLMs.txt and Its Implementation
49:43 SEO Mistakes and the Future of Link Building
53:48 Voice Search and AI in SEO
01:01:21 Black Hat SEO Tactics and AI Content
01:06:41 The Role of AI in Content Creation
01:14:13 Humanoid Robots and the Future of AI
01:15:52 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #generativeengineoptimization #seotips #digitalmarketing

E713: Think your homepage should rank for all your top keywords? Think again. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes I still see SEOs making in 2025 - using the homepage as a catch-all SEO landing page.

You'll learn:
- Why targeting keywords with your homepage doesn't work anymore
- The real purpose of a homepage in modern SEO
- How exact match domains (EMDs) actually hurt your rankings (revealed in the Google API Leak)
- What to put on your homepage to build authority, trust, and links
- The right way to structure your site to rank for competitive keywords

If you're still stacking H2s and keyword-stuffed paragraphs on your homepage, this episode will be a wake-up call. Old SEO is dead - here's what to do instead.

⭐️ Mashable on Exact Match Domains in the Google API Leak - https://mashable.com/article/google-search-content-api-warehouse-seo-leak

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:19 The Purpose of a Homepage
01:12 Common Mistakes with Homepage SEO
01:57 Why Old SEO Tactics Fail Today
03:10 The Issue with Exact Match Domains
04:51 Best Practices for Homepage SEO
05:44 Further Resources

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seo101 #digitalmarketing

E838: Is another Google core algorithm update coming? Between October 15th and 18th, multiple SEO tracking tools recorded high levels of ranking volatility.

At the same time, the SEO community began reporting major fluctuations in traffic and visibility.

I review what we know so far about this potential update and what we might see if a major core update does come rolling through.

Here's what we cover:
- What recent tracking data from Semrush and other tools is showing.
- Barry Schwartz's observations on the latest ranking volatility and on tool recalibrations.
- Forum chatter from site owners who are experiencing large traffic swings, sudden drops, and unexplained recoveries.
- Lily Ray's analysis of what the next core update could devalue, including thin AI-generated content, repetitive "best" listicles, and excessive entity stuffing.
- How AI-assisted content and scaled publishing are being treated in Google's evolving ranking systems.
- Why user engagement and readability continue to be critical factors for long-term SEO stability.
- Practical steps to maintain performance during ranking volatility and avoid common pitfalls that trigger devaluation.

⭐️ Google Search Ranking Volatility Heats Up - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-ranking-volatility-40286.html
⭐️ Lily Ray's breakdown - https://x.com/lilyraynyc/status/1977052936535699924

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Unconfirmed Google Algorithm Update
00:32 Insights from Barry Schwartz and Lily Ray
01:29 Personal Observations and Reactions
02:35 Community Reactions and Speculations
04:53 Lily Ray's Predictions for the Next Update
07:52 How To Rank Yourself

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #googleupdate #marketingnews #performancemarketing

E712: The wildest, weirdest, and most persistent SEO myths floating around the internet - from adding emojis to your meta descriptions to bolding rhyming keywords for "semantic musicality."

We're breaking down what actually matters in SEO in 2025 - backlinks, content quality, site speed, AI-generated content, and more.

Whether you're an SEO veteran or just trying to figure out if Google really cares about your sitemap, this episode's for you.

Featuring:
- The myth that just won't die: "SEO is dead"
- Do backlinks still matter?
- Why content isn't automatically "king"
- Real talk about page speed, AI content, and Google's evolving signals
- Community-favorite myths from Reddit's SEO threads

⭐️ Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1l5gpyd/tell_me_your_best_seo_myths/

⭐️ LLMs.txt - What It Is and Do You Need One? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOo6YC6n2hE

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Hilarious SEO Tips from the Internet
01:07 Emojis in Meta Descriptions
01:39 Keywords in HTML Class Tags
02:21 The Truth About Backlinks
03:57 Common Misconceptions in SEO Practices
07:19 Page Speed and Rankings
08:04 Bolding Keywords and Semantic Musicality
08:29 Top 12 SEO Myths by WebLinkr
09:28 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seomyths #seohacks

E711: Thousands of SEOs are reporting a massive drop in indexed pages - starting around May 20th. Is it a glitch? An algorithm update? Or something bigger?

I share my bold theory on why Google is de-indexing so many pages - and why platforms like TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn are now dominating search results.

Here's what I cover:
- The data behind Google's index purge
- Why user-generated content (UGC) is being prioritized
- The rise of short-form video in search rankings
- What this shift means for your SEO strategy
- How to optimize content for visibility in 2025 and beyond

Plus, I'll walk you through how to quickly repurpose your ideas into video content that ranks - and the tools I use to automate it all.

If your pages are disappearing from search, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and solutions.

⭐️ The biggest mistake digital marketers will make this year - https://edwardsturm.com/articles/the-biggest-mistake-digital-marketers-will-make-this-year/

⭐️ State of Search Q1 2025: Behaviors, Trends, and Clicks Across the US & Europe https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q1-2025/

⭐️ Drop In Google Indexing Less Since Late May 2025? - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-indexing-less-may-39538.html

⭐️ Reminder: Google has been removing indexed pages. Check and resubmit. - https://www.reddit.com/r/SEO/comments/1l3i896/reminder_google_has_been_removing_indexed_pages/

⭐️ Google On Unrelated Content As A Search Ranking Issue - https://www.seroundtable.com/unrelated-content-google-seo-39574.html

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction: De-Indexing Issue
00:53 Popular Theories on De-Indexing
02:03 User-Generated Content Hypothesis
03:33 Impact of Short-Form Video
06:21 SEO Strategies for Video Content
09:17 Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #seotips #seohacks #digitalmarketing

E710: How do you grow an SEO agency from $0 to 8 figures? James Reynolds, founder of SEO Sherpa, shares just this - exactly how he built his agency from the ground up.

We cover:
- How James scaled SEO Sherpa from a solo consulting business to an 8-figure agency with a 65-person team
- The strategy behind his 21 SEO Experiments article
- How to build a scalable agency without getting stuck in client work
- How to get your first clients with no money and no network
- Using AI to improve agency operations and client retention
- How to structure your first deals and avoid common mistakes that cause client churn
- The growing importance of video and modern link-building for SEO

If you run an agency, work as a freelancer, or do SEO for clients, this conversation will give you practical ideas you can use.

⭐️ James Reynolds on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshreynolds/

⭐️ 21 SEO Experiments That Will Change The Way You Think About SEO (Forever) - https://seosherpa.com/seo-experiments/

⭐️ SEO Sherpa - Home - https://seosherpa.com/

💎 Compact Keywords - My SEO Course - Get paying customers through SEO - Clear step-by-step video breakdowns - SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:10 The Impact of SEO Experiments
03:57 Creating Linkable Assets
11:11 Starting an SEO Agency from Scratch
19:53 Building Client Relationships and Networking
26:20 Mentorship and Scaling Your Business
33:34 Perception in Public Speaking
34:23 Leveraging Speaking Engagements for Marketing
35:31 Business Landscape in Dubai Circa 2010
38:40 Challenges and Strategies in Client Management
44:42 Starting an SEO Business from Scratch
49:25 The Role of AI in Modern Agencies
55:01 Effective Client Acquisition Channels
57:47 The Impact of Short-Form Video Content
01:04:32 Advice for Aspiring SEO Professionals
01:07:46 Growing Your Presence on LinkedIn
01:09:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/

#searchengineoptimization #consultingtips #agencytips #digitalmarketing