EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital Marketer

Latest Episodes:

629 | Utilizing Google Analytics 4 w/ Matt Holz Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

Sustaining Relations With Your Clients

Discover the significance of migrating to Google Analytics 4 and harnessing its noteworthy capabilities. This week, we're delighted to reintroduce Matt Holz to expand even deeper into the new capabilities of GA4 and emphasize the crucial role data plays in establishing a valuable knowledge bank for your clients. Plus, gain valuable insights from Matt as he shares his unique career path, now serving as a team member for a former client. Discover everything you must know about GA4 in order to achieve the highest level of performance, on this episode of The EDGE of The Web!

[00:03:49] Introducing Matt Holz

[00:05:16] Tracking Events and Micro Conversions in GA4

[00:07:38] Customizable Metrics Reporting within GA4

[00:10:22] Avoiding Errors When Building GA4 Reports

[00:12:15] Found Search's Role In Client Migration Into GA4

[00:16:19] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:04] Looker Studio's Relationship to GA4 vs. Universal Analytics 3

[00:20:15] Limitations of GA4

[00:27:28] Importance of Being a Data Advocate For Your Clients

[00:30:19] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix

[00:31:00] Alternatives to Google Analytics 4

[00:31:00] Insight to Matt Holz's Career Path

Thanks to our sponsors!

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628 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.25.2023 Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

Google Accused of Misleading Us All!

Google has a whistleblower! A former software engineer for Google reveals the search engine IS incorporating clicks into its ranking algorithm and explains that employees were directed to refrain from discussing the use of clicks in search rankings. Plus, Google continuously inflates ad prices without telling advertisers!

Need a new friend? ChatGPT is rolling out new voice and image capabilities so that you can engage in voice conversations with the chatbot or share images to express your thoughts… It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. You've got a friend in all of us here on the EDGE Of The Web Podcast; enjoy this week's exciting news!

*BONUS* We're giving away 40 FREE Brighton SEO tickets until November 2nd!!! Enter for your chance to win by going to edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo! Congratulations to this week's winners!

News from the EDGE:

[00:02:21] BrightonSEO Sweepstakes

[00:04:20] Did the automatic GA4 Transition surprise you?

[00:07:10] Google claims they may inflate ad prices by as much as 5%. What do advertisers think the real number is? (Hint: Google may only be off by about 95%)

[00:09:09] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:09:43] An ex-Google employee will be quoted for the next thousand years about Google "using clicks in rankings."

AI Blitz:

[00:17:23] ChatGPT rolls out voice and image prompts

[00:19:42] White House secures safety commitments from eight more AI companies

[00:20:09] Meta bets on AI personalities

AI Tools:

[00:21:00] Humata - Ask questions and chat with any file instantly using AI

[00:21:54] Photo AI - Create beautiful AI photos without using a camera

[00:23:32] Yahoo Fantasy Football - AI Takes Over the Best Part of Fantasy Football—Trash-Talking Your Friends

[00:25:16] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:26:27] Bing Webmaster Tools Sitemap Index Coverage Is Fully Live

[00:28:10] Google Not Rolling Back The Last Helpful Content Update

[00:31:42] Google: Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Signal

[00:33:29] #SEOChat - Thursdays at 1 PM EST - This week's Host: Joy Hawkins

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

BrightonSEO https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo/

Twitter: @ErinSparks

Twitter: @MordyOberstein

Twitter: @TheMann00

Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

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627 | Leveraging the New Tools in GA4 w/ Matt Holz Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

Unleashing the Power of Machine Learning and First-Party Data

Matt Holz, VP of Product Strategy at FoundSM, has nearly 20 years of marketing strategy experience and has led B2B marketing teams for multiple large and small organizations. Prior to his role at FoundSM, Matt gained valuable insights into outsourced support for driving leads and revenue while working with Found Search Marketing as a client. He later moved into segment marketing, SaaS, and healthcare IT but was eventually impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, he transitioned to the agency side and joined Found SM three years ago. Matt joins the EDGE to share his unique perspective and specialized focus on Google Analytics 4. Matt and Erin explore the variances between GA4 and Universal Analytics and discuss how AI has the potential to revolutionize data reporting. Digital marketers, prepare yourselves! We've got the comprehensive guide on incorporating GA4 into your marketing strategy here on another episode of EDGE of the Web!

Key Segments:

[00:00:35] BrightonSEO US Free Tickets: Nov 9, 10 2023 https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo

[00:04:02] Introducing Matt Holz

[00:04:56] Matt's Industry Backstory

[00:07:34] Transitioning to GA4

[00:11:38] Why Did Google Analytics Make This Change?

[00:14:30] What Additional Performance Will AI Bring To GA4?

[00:16:22] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:08] A New Outlook On Reporting Data

[00:20:32] Paid Ads in GA4

[00:26:58] What Signs Give Us Hope In GA4?

[00:30:42] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix

[00:31:23] Challenges in Understanding GA4

[00:34:03] GA4 Data Opposed to Universal Analytics

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix

Follow Our Guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/found-search-marketing

626 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.18.2023 Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Google's At It Again...

Google's all over the place! No surprise that they're facing scrutiny for the deals they've struck that have given them an unfair advantage in the market, but they are now pushing for Gemini, their new LLM, to compete with ChatGPT. Content creators - pay attention to the helpful content update that's approaching. Talk about shaking things up everywhere…

Moving on to AI, we discuss some negative and positive outputs along with ethical dilemmas that are on the horizon of our evolving tech landscape. Hang on for the ride on this episode of EDGE of the Web.

*BONUS* We're giving away 40 FREE Brighton SEO tickets from now until November 2nd!!! Enter for your chance to win by going to edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo!

News from the EDGE:

[00:03:05] BrightonSEO Sweepstakes

[00:05:20] Google Search Antitrust Trial Updates

[00:16:06] Watch Out OpenAI & ChatGPB! Google Gemini is Taking Over

[00:23:26] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:24:18] Algorithm Changes To Expect (Google Helpful Content Update: September 2023)[00:31:53] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

AI Blitz:

[00:33:31] Microsoft calls deceased NBA player 'useless' in AI-written obituary

[00:34:12] A boy saw 17 doctors over 3 years for chronic pain. ChatGPT found the diagnosis

AI Tools:

[00:36:42] MealPractice - Effortless meal planning with AI-generated recipes

[00:37:23] Storly.ai - Write your life's story with AI interview algorithm

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:40:21] Barry Blast 1: Report: Google Search Things To Know Rarely Showing Now?

[00:00:00] Barry Blast 2: Google Tests Blue Highlighting Text Within Search Result Snippets

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

BrightonSEO https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonrules/

Twitter: @ErinSparks

Twitter: @MordyOberstein

Twitter: @TheMann00

Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

Twitter: @LidiaInfanteM

#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

625 | Changing the Dynamics of Content Creation and Team Learning w/ Natalie Arney Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Content strategies have to adapt with the changing SERP landscape brought on by Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE). Natalie Arney gives her insights on how to move forward with changing the way we think about content and its role in the buyer's journey. Erin and Natalie take it a step further with discussing how your team can improve how they work with clients and relieve stress while continuing to professionally flourish. Tune-in to learn more from Natalie's expertise as she delivers what she's implemented for successful management and growth.

Key Segments:

[00:00:52] Brighton SEO Ticket Sweepstakes

[00:03:07] 624 News Recap

[00:03:35] RateThisPodcast.com/EDGE

[00:03:55] Reintroducing Natalie Arney

[00:04:57] Recap: Navigating SERP's Changing Landscape with SGE

[00:06:41] How to Adjust Your Content Strategies

[00:08:30] Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

[00:11:35] Fill In The Gaps Through PASF

[00:15:49] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:17:42] Understanding The Consequences in Quick Reacting

[00:20:08] SEM & SEO Unite!

[00:21:24] Over-Reporting Stress & Fatigue

[00:26:06] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix

[00:26:47] Communicating Changes & Showing SEO To Clients

[00:31:29] Creating a Safe Learning Space

[00:39:59] Natalie Arney's Protip Sign-Off

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/__nca

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/natalie-arney-33844052

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Mastodon: https://mstdn.social/@__nca

Website: https://nataliearney.com/

624 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.11.2023 Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

We've got another great episode in the books for this week's EDGE news. Google loses the majority of Gen Z search preference… It's the rise of TikTok! Some SGE news has unfolded with Google's generative AI experiment as they begin rolling out SGE in India. Marketers! - Beware of changes Meta is releasing. Plus, AI is generating political campaigns… Are you kidding me?

*BONUS* We're giving away 40 FREE Brighton SEO tickets from now until November 2nd!!! Enter for your chance to win by going to edgeofthewebradio.com/brightonseo!

Go get your tickets and go get your headphones to enjoy this can't-miss feature of EDGE News!

News from the EDGE:

[00:05:43] Survey: 51% of Gen Z women prefer TikTok, not Google, for search

[00:14:01] Facebook Changes That Affect Marketers

[00:17:03] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:18:13] Google Search Console rolling out new Merchant Center integrated reports

AI Blitz:

[00:22:38] Google Search generative AI experiment underway in India, with trigger failsafe

[00:24:08] Microsoft and Paige team up on cancer-detecting AI

[00:26:52] Google Says AI-Generated Political Ads Must Include Clear Disclaimers

AI Tools:

[00:29:00] Composer.trade - The AI-powered trading platform[00:29:32] Deepen- Your AI assistant for therapy and counseling sessions

[00:30:51] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:32:34] Google August 2023 Broad Core Update Finished Rolling Out

[00:35:28] Google SGE Drops Local Results (5 Local Pack)

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Brightlocal https://edgeofthewebradio.com/brightlocal

#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

623 | Navigating the World of Generative Search w/ Natalie Arney Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Coming in hot from Brighton UK, SEO Consultant Natalie Arney joins the EDGE this week to uncover what's in store for us with Google Search Generative Experience. Erin and Natalie discuss SGE's implications on current rank-tracking tools and how your future reporting should go as an SEO. With a focus on shifting one's mindset, Natalie walks through the changes she experienced from an agency to an in-house SEO perspective. Adaptation plays a critical role in this industry, and today, we focus on aligning ourselves with the ever-evolving landscape of generative search here on The EDGE of The Web!

Key Segments:

[00:02:22] News Recap

[00:02:56] RateThisPodcast.com/EDGE

[00:03:20] Introducing Natalie Arney

[00:04:30] Natalie's History in SEO

[00:07:34] Changing From an Agency to In-House Mindset

[00:15:23] Preparing for Google's New Search Generative Environment

[00:19:54] Will SGE Impact the Efficacy of Tracking Tools?

[00:24:15] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:25:55] How SEO's Should Be Reporting in the Future

[00:31:31] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix

[00:36:05] Does SGE Have Potential to Develop Its Own Language?

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Site Strategics http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix

Follow Our Guest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/__nca

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/natalie-arney-33844052

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nca.bsky.social

Mastodon: https://mstdn.social/@__nca

Website: https://nataliearney.com/

622 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.4.2023 Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

Google's doing what? We have lots of Google news for you today, and some might make you scratch your head. ChatGPT is losing momentum, have they finally hit a plateau? Google SGE is looking a little messy… c'mon Google! Welcome back to another episode of news from The EDGE, bringing you everything you need to thrive as an SEO!

News from the EDGE:

[00:04:50] Google is making your pages faster, automatically— if your users have Chrome

[00:11:56] Over 200 thousand WordPress installs may be affected by a contact form builder plugin

[00:13:39] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:14:20] Google is limiting the reach of ad campaigns for new advertisers who have not yet established trust

[00:19:19] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

AI Blitz:

[00:20:31] US Copyright Office wants to hear what people think about AI and copyright

[00:22:38] Reddit launches AI-powered keyword research tool

[00:24:09] We Analyzed Millions of ChatGPT User Sessions: Visits are Down 29% since May, Programming Assistance is 30% of Use

AI Tools:

[00:29:08] Audiosonic- Instant production of human-like speech from text

[00:30:20] Pictory- Automatically create short, branded videos from long-form content

[00:31:59] GPT Zero- Detect whether an essay is ChatGPT or human-written

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:33:32] Google Search Generative Experience officially rolls out links to webpages within answers

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Twitter: @ErinSparks

Twitter: @MordyOberstein

Twitter: @TheMann00

Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

621 | Unleashing the Power of AI in SEO w/ Sara Taher Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Sara Taher returns for her second interview segment, this time discussing the necessary strategies SEO professionals need in order to adapt to AI. Erin and Sara explore the challenges facing the SEO channel, the impact of current events on the buyer journey, and the role of AI in content creation. From optimizing video assets to navigating the landscape of content creators, they provide insights and strategies to stay ahead SEO landscape. Sara shares her tactical practices to stay informed in the ever adapting SEO industry. AI is barging into the SEO scene, we're providing precisely what's needed for you to maintain a competitive advantage on this episode of The EDGE!

Key Segments

[00:03:19] Introducing Sara Taher

[00:04:45] What Is The Future Of Entity SEO And It's Role In Emerging Technologies?

[00:12:41] How Much Traffic Could You Lose When SGE Comes Into Play?

[00:14:40] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:15:25] Sara's Thoughts On Use of AI Content

[00:19:27] Integrating AI Into Entity SEO

[00:23:35] What Kind of Sources Are There to Stay Heavily Informed in SEO?

[00:25:10] How Do You Balance Industry Changes With Long Term SEO Strategy?

[00:31:19] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix

[00:31:59] What is Sara's 'Freestyle' SEO?

Thanks to our Sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix

Follow our Guest

https://twitter.com/SaraTaherSEO

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-seo-specialist

620 | Building a Strong Entity Strategy w/ Sara Taher Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Sara Taher is a strong presence in the SEO industry, but oh, so humble.

Erin and Sara dive into the importance of prioritizing user experience, as it is a key connection for navigating SEO intent. We're migrating from volume concepts of SEO to intent oriented matches. But clearly, we've heard the call of AI for SEO. How do they really work together? You've heard it time and time again, quality over quantity, but let's hear Sara very clearly……it's about the user. If you're not reading their signals, you're not connected.

Key Segments:

[00:00:36] Introducing Sara Taher

[00:01:48] Sara's History In Digital Marketing

[00:03:35] How Does Entity SEO Differ From Traditional SEO?

[00:05:30] Examples of Entity SEO

[00:11:12] How Important is Google's Knowledge Graph?

[00:11:56] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:12:42] Looking Into The User Experience

[00:19:04] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Brightlocal

[00:20:02] How Can You Integrate Entity SEO Into Your Digital Marketing Strategy?

[00:23:43] Misconceptions About Entity SEO

[00:30:25] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix