717 | News from the EDGE | Week of 9.23.2024

Is Generative AI causing seismic shifts in the search engine landscape? Surveys by The Information and Barry Schwartz reveal users are “turning away” from traditional search engines like Google, but how far are they actually turning?  A slew of news from the digital marketing space, including AI-powered video ads on Amazon, Google's Merchant Center Next is pushing for optimized structured data, and a great Kevin Indig article studying over ½ million AI Overviews. Plus, hear about our media partnership with Brighton SEO USA and your chance to snag a ticket to the event in San Diego. And Mordy crapped on our lawn…..again. Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:06:36] 55% Are Using Traditional Search Like Google Less Since Gen AI Products [00:09:15] Google Search Ranking Volatility Continue With Big Movement Again 9/18 [00:12:06] Google Search Ranking Increases During Core Update Wiped Out Post Update [00:17:54] EDGE of the Web Ranking: SE Ranking News from the EDGE: [00:20:02] New Data Shows That X is Losing Users in the US and UK [00:22:11] Amazon Ads launches AI-powered video [00:24:09] Preparing For The Feedless Future With Google Merchant Center Next [00:25:51] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics Captain Obvious [00:27:30] Google Shows How To Use Alt Text For SEO AI Blitz: [00:29:51] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks [00:30:45] HubSpot Rolls Out AI-Powered Marketing Tools [00:31:97] AI On Innovation: Analysis Of +546,000 AI Overviews AI Tools: [00:36:35] Dynamic Node Map from content Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site SR Ranking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @MordyOberstein X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio

Anastasia Kotsiubynska, Head of SEO at SE Ranking, joins the EDGE to discuss the latest SE Ranking AI Overview studies. This episode focuses on the impact of AI overviews in Google's search results and what this means for SEO strategies. Anastasia sheds light on how these AI overviews have changed over the last five months since their release in April 2024. While this technology offers impressive efficiency, it also poses significant challenges, such as a potential 25% drop in organic traffic by 2026 due to the "zero-click" trend. With over 100,00 keywords analyzed, the findings are compelling: a 5% increase in AI overview usage from June to August, with 12% of searches now triggering these overviews. Additionally, approximately 56% of links in AI overviews match the top 100 organic links, while 73% match the top 10, raising concerns about content accuracy and reliability. The research also highlighted that 46% of relationship queries, 33% of food and beverage queries, and 23% of business queries trigger AI overview responses. Notably, high niche environments, such as healthcare and legal sectors, see AI overview and ads triggered simultaneously 65% of the time, spotlighting the growing complexity of search results. Anastasia provides actionable strategies for adapting to these changes, emphasizing the need for continuous analysis and staying informed. This episode is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of modern SEO. Key Segments: [00:04:36] Introducing Anastasia Kotsiubynska [00:09:11] The SE Ranking AI Overview Studies [00:10:08] AI Overviews Threaten Organic SEO Visibility Significantly [00:14:32] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SE Ranking [00:20:05] 5% Growth of AIO For 100,000 Keywords Is Huge [00:24:15] Reddit And Quora Links Absent In AI Overviews [00:26:38] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:36:40] AI In Legal, Healthcare Risky, Needs Barriers [00:39:01] AI's Role in Sensitive Inquiries Raises Concerns [00:45:08] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:56:28] Clients Want Metrics On AI Overview's Traffic Impact Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site SE Ranking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking  Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-kotsiubynska/  Resources: Mar 04, 2024: Inside Google’s SGE: Uncovering the Beta Version of AI-driven Search Feb 26, 2024: SGE Snippet Research: We Analyzed 100K Keywords to See Google’s AI in Action Jun 19, 2024:. AI Overviews Research: Comparing pre and post-rollout results on 100K keywords Aug 07, 2024:. AI Overviews Research: Analyzing sources in Google’s AI-generated answers Sep 16, 2024: AI Overviews Research: Google Ads in the AIO-inclusive SERPs: https://seranking.com/blog/ai-overviews-and-ads-research/

Dissecting Google's latest moves in the advertising world, from expanding its ad opportunities to embracing dynamic pricing on YouTube. Also, Google's all-new updates on its indexing API, which now comes with a big dose of spam-detection rigor. Who knew indexing could be this thrilling? Have you ever wondered if AI could help rake in millions with fake music? Well, a certain North Carolinian named Michael Smith did just that and found himself $10 million richer—but now he’s about to face the music. Plus: a debate on whether AI can truly capture the essence of human dialogue or if it's just treating us like gullible toddlers. Join us for some good vibes—or, as Mordy might say, forget the vibes and tune in for the tangible, substantial, and downright entertaining breakdown of the latest web trends. Stay safe, stay well, and avoid being a piece of vibing cyber driftwood. News from the EDGE: [00:02:31] Google Expands Ad Opportunities with YouTube First Position Availability [00:05:29] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SE Ranking [00:07:16] Google Indexing API Now Enforces Rigorous Spam Detection for Submissions [00:09:47] How Google Managed to Charge Publishers Higher Fees Than Competitors Captain Obvious:  [00:13:29] Brands and their “Good Vibes” [00:17:43] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks AI Blitz: [00:19:06] AI and bots allegedly used to fraudulently boost music streams AI Tools: [00:21:50] Google Illuminate [00:00:00] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:32:23] Google Reviews Restrictions For Business Profile Policy Violations [00:33:23] Google Asks On Social If You Will Use Gemini AI For SEO Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @MordyOberstein X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

In episode 714 of EDGE of the Web, Kristine Schachinger shares her thoughts about the recent leak of Google's internal documents and its implications for SEO professionals. With 2500 pages of documentation now public, the SEO community is abuzz with speculation, curiosity, and anger. We cover the ground around the role of user engagement and click signals, addressing misconceptions and the importance of long-term data and context in Google's ranking algorithms. Key Segments: [00:03:38] Introducing Kristine Schachinger [00:07:59] Massive Google Search Algorithm Leak Shocks Community [00:11:46] Read Foundational Texts First, Not Document Fragments [00:15:54] DOJ Documents Differ From Community Claims about SEO [00:19:32] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SE Ranking [00:22:40] Rankbrain Uses User Engagement To Determine Relevance [00:29:02] How Do You Optimize Toward Navboost [00:33:37] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site SE Ranking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking  Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/schachin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kschachinger-seo

In a recent announcement, Google stated that they will be phasing out bid strategy enhanced cost-per-click (eCPC) from Google Ads. The company says they will be replacing eCPC with manual CPC starting in October. Meta is updating business tools, announcing they will be increasing data restrictions as ongoing attempts to prioritize privacy continue. Meta explains the restrictions are set to automatically restrict certain data, including URLs and custom parameters. If one wasn’t enough, here's another. The DOJ has filed yet ANOTHER lawsuit against Google. The Justice Department says Google has used anticompetitive strategies to unjustly achieve its staggering 91% market share in the digital advertising market. As always, tune in to see what’s going on in the digital world so you can stay ahead of the SEO curve here on the EDGE of the Web!  News from the EDGE: [00:06:09] Google Ads to phase out enhanced CPC for Search and Display [00:08:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SE Ranking [00:09:57] Meta reveals updates to business tools impacting advertisers [00:12:24] US vs. Google, round 2: Government takes aim at digital ads Captain Obvious:  [00:17:33] 8 Out Of 10 TikTok Videos By Brands Fail To Capture Attention AI Blitz: [00:20:36] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks [00:21:26] Mediavine Bans Publisher For Overuse Of AI-Generated Content [00:22:10] UK signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy [00:23:45] Will ChatGPT be the new Google? The future of search and information retrieval AI Tools: [00:24:49] How to use Google MusicFX to create AI-generated music Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:25:33] Bing May Use ProductGroup Markup In The Future [00:26:38] Bing Product Search Results With See Details Button [00:28:00] Google Business Profile Appointment Link Broken Notifications Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources:  Google Ads to phase out enhanced CPC for Search and Display Meta reveals updates to business tools impacting advertisers US vs. Google, round 2: Government takes aim at digital ads 8 Out Of 10 TikTok Videos By Brands Fail To Capture Attention Mediavine Bans Publisher For Overuse Of AI-Generated Content UK signs AI safety treaty to protect human rights and democracy Will ChatGPT be the new Google? The future of search and information retrieval How to use Google MusicFX to create AI-generated music Bing May Use ProductGroup Markup In The Future Bing Product Search Results With See Details Button Google Business Profile Appointment Link Broken Notifications Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @MordyOberstein X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

This week Erin is joined by the Chief Marketing Officer of SE Ranking, Bogdan Babiak, to discuss the SEO platform’s new brand evolution. Since its founding in 2013, SE Ranking has been a trusted tool for SEO professionals throughout the industry, and now, they are bridging the gap between SEO and innovation with a whole new look. Bogdan shares the vision behind SE Rankings brand evolution, discussing integral pieces such as AI and ML solutions behind their growing mission. Bogdan and Erin discuss how this evolution will reshape SE Rankings relationship with consumers and how this transition affects SE Rankings position in the SEO tool market. We evaluate the ways that this rebrand distinguishes SE Ranking while maintaining a commitment to its vision of empowering businesses and SEOs to succeed in the digital landscape. Get a first-hand look into the history of the platform as we dig into SE Rankings brand evolution from a rank-tracking tool into a fully comprehensive SEO ecosystem this week on the EDGE of the Web!  Key Segments: [00:03:44] Introducing Bogdan Babiak [00:10:15] Bogdan’s Experience Taking Over Marketing for SE Ranking [00:13:18] How Did The Relationship With Consumers Change After Covid? [00:18:28] Integrating AI into SE Ranking [00:22:34] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SE Ranking [00:27:02] How Does SE Ranking Demonstrate ROI For Customers?  [00:35:20] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:41:07] Bogdan’s Vision of SE Ranking Moving Forward [00:45:40] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:50:08] How Does a Brand Evolution Impact SE Rankings Position in the SEO Tool Market?  [00:54:41] How Do You Communicate The Improvements Made in SE Ranking to Consumers? [00:59:34] Future Goals of SE Ranking [01:03:57] Is There a Responsibility to Give Feedback to Google in the SEO Space?  [01:10:25] Final Thoughts From Bogdan Thanks to Our Sponsors! SE Ranking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking   Site Strategics: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogdan-babiak Resources https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking

Google is trying out a new product categories tab in search results, intended to offer more tailored suggestions in product searches. The new tab is driven by performance insights, demand trends, and actionable recommendations  Yelp is hitting Google with a lawsuit, claiming that the search leader is illegally dominating local search markets. Following the recent and impactful DOJ antitrust lawsuit, Google may have a target on their back as the lawsuits pile up.  You can now create specific remarketing audiences based on individual YouTube channel videos. Google and YouTube have released creator-based audience targeting that allows advertisers pick and choose remarketing lists based off of specific creators. This addition will presumably expand targeting opportunities for YouTube advertisers.  Be sure to join us as we cover everything that happened last week in SEO, tune in here on EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:06:12] Product Categories Tab added for Google Ads [00:07:39] Yelp is suing Google, citing dominance with local search [00:13:39] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:36] YouTube is adding creator-based audience targeting Captain Obvious:  [00:17:49] Don’t Take Brand Identity Advice From AI  AI Blitz: [00:20:45] Google Gemini Now Accessible From Chrome Address Bar [00:23:01] California Assembly passes controversial AI safety bill AI Tools: [00:24:24] Automate phone calls with AI [00:27:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:28:50] New Google Analytics 4 Benchmarking Data [00:30:21] Google Tests New Shopping Search Design [00:32:14] Google Trends Email Subscriptions Going Away Next Month Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @MordyOberstein X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio Resources:  Product Categories Tab added for Google Ads Yelp is suing Google, citing dominance with local search YouTube is adding creator-based audience targeting  Google Gemini Now Accessible From Chrome Address Bar  California Assembly passes controversial AI safety bill Automate phone calls with AI New Google Analytics 4 Benchmarking Data Google Tests New Shopping Search Design Google Trends Email Subscriptions Going Away Next Month #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

The newest tech SEO conference is coming to Raleigh, North Carolina, this fall! Guests JR Oakes, Patrick Stox, and Matthew Kay have come together to create an all-new SEO experience, Tech SEO Connect, coming to Raleigh on October 17th & 18th. Don’t miss the heavy list of speakers covering core web vitals, Ahrefs Lang, data warehousing, BigQuery, machine learning, and more. In this show, we discuss the origin of Tech SEO Connect with the founders themselves. Learn what makes Tech SEO Connect different from the rest with a diverse content lineup made by technical SEOs for technical SEOs. Get your tickets and mark your calendar as we are all gearing up for the inaugural Tech SEO Connect conference coming this fall. See you there! Key Segments: [00:01:00] Introducing Panelists [00:03:04] The All New TechSEOConnect Conference  [00:07:18] Who is TechSEOConnect Designed For?  [00:12:29] Speakers on the Ballot for Tech SEO Connect [00:13:40] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:21:40] Featured Sponsors to Expect at the Conference [00:23:48] What Challenges Arise While Planning an Industry Conference?  [00:24:00] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix   [00:25:47] Unexpected Benefits to Planning Tech SEO Connect  [00:28:06] Tech SEO Connect’s Venue Follow Our Guests JR Oakes JR Oakes GitHub Patrick Stox  Matthew Kay  TechSEOConnect Resources:  Tech SEO Connect (Tickets Here)

A recent survey launched by Aleyda Solis highlights key SEO threats, with Google's updates, self-preferencing, and AI Overviews at the top of the list. The study reveals that AI advancements are reshaping search engine dynamics, and SEO is more difficult than ever.  Google declares that low-quality traffic will not impact search rankings. The company affirms that links and site traffic do not negatively influence a site's trustworthiness but that ranking factors prioritize valuable, relevant content over traffic metrics. Google’s Senior Search Analyst, John Mueller, confirmed that core algorithm updates do impact AI Overviews, giving us a better understanding of how AI is being incorporated into Google’s search results.  Be sure to hit that play button for our in-depth analysis of this week’s news and latest insights into the world of search here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:04:31] According to a Survey: Top SEO threats include Google updates, self-preferencing, and AI overviews [00:15:53] Google Explains Why Site Traffic Doesn't Impact Rankings [00:19:16] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:20:05] Google Confirms Core Updates Affect AI Overviews Captain Obvious:  [00:21:43] AI Empathy AI Blitz: [00:26:09] Reports: Perplexity ads to launch in Q4 [00:27:18] OpenAI warns California’s AI bill threatens US innovation AI Tools: [00:30:09] Evaluating 7 AI video generators while waiting for OpenAI’s Sora [00:31:17] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:32:49] Google August Core Update Helpful Content Surge Charts [00:34:52] Hardbacon Announced Closure Day Before August Core Update, Then Sees Traffic Surge [00:36:57] Google Overhauls Video SEO Docs With More Details Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Resources:  According to a Survey: Top SEO threats include Google updates, self-preferencing, and AI overviews Google Explains Why Site Traffic Doesn't Impact Rankings Google Confirms Core Updates Affect AI Overviews Reports: Perplexity ads to launch in Q4 OpenAI warns California’s AI bill threatens US innovation Evaluating 7 AI video generators while waiting for OpenAI’s Sora Google August Core Update Helpful Content Surge Charts Hardbacon Announced Closure Day Before August Core Update, Then Sees Traffic Surge Google Overhauls Video SEO Docs With More Details Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks X: @MordyOberstein X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

We have the CEO of Team Odeon, Ori Zilbershtein, back for his second interview this week. In this episode, we explore the growing threat of negative SEO and fraudulent DMCA case claims, which are growing at a staggering rate. Learn what’s causing the spike in SEO scams as we dive into the scammers' minds in an attempt to understand their motives. Finally, we look at the steps Google has taken to mitigate negative SEO. Join us on episode 708 as we address the increasing number of SEO scams you must look out for here on the EDGE of the Web! [00:03:48] Reintroducing Ori Zilbershtein [00:04:57] Fake DMCA Case Claims [00:15:09] How AI Has Progressed the Scale of DMCA Scams [00:16:50] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:23:29] What Google is Doing to Combat Negative SEO  [00:27:46] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/OriZilbershtein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orizilbershtein Resources Team Odeon Ars Technica Article