685 | News from the EDGE | Week of 5.20.2024

Welcome back to the EDGE! Google is accused of sending a $2.3 million check to successfully avoid a jury trial in their antitrust lawsuit. This payment has secured Google a Judges approval on a bench trial, causing a major setback to the Justice Department’s antitrust push against Big Tech. Reddit is revamping its comment stream ad placement with hopes to increase reachability to users. The updated ads will be larger and appear inside of conversation threads to reach users at the highest engagement level.  Google Ads is phasing out credit and debit card payments for advertisers. By July 31st, advertisers must attach a bank account and follow a monthly invoice payment format. This move is supposed to only affect high-growth accounts, but the spend thresholds have not yet been released.  Plus, Mordy unleashes all of his frustrations in an all new segment ‘Captain Obvious’.  Keep riding the SEO wave with us as we give you all you should know about SEO and digital marketing this week on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:06:43] Google pays $2.3 million to secure bench trial in adtech antitrust case [00:09:22] Reddit Launches Updated Conversation Ads [00:13:57] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:59] Google Ads phasing out card payments Captain Obvious:  [00:18:07] You can't have product or service differentiation unless you are actually different in some way. AI News: [00:21:35] Spotify announces an in-house creative agency, tests generative AI voiceover ads [00:23:15] Color and OpenAI tackle AI cancer care AI Tools: [00:25:20] Researchers teach AI to speak dogs? Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:26:51] Google Business Profiles Websites No Longer Load - 404 [00:28:10] The Maddening Adventure Of Tracking AI Overviews In Google Search Console [00:30:01] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio Resources:  Google pays $2.3 million to secure bench trial in adtech antitrust case Reddit Launches Updated Conversation Ads Google Ads phasing out card payments Spotify announces an in-house creative agency, tests generative AI voiceover ads  Color and OpenAI tackle AI cancer care  Researchers teach AI to speak dog Summarize, connect, and remember online content Google Business Profiles Websites No Longer Load - 404 The Maddening Adventure Of Tracking AI Overviews In Google Search Console   #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

This week, we welcome Mark Williams-Cook and Jack Chambers-Ward of the UK-based digital agency Candour for a double interview showcase. Jack serves as the Marketing Partnerships Manager at Candour and hosts and produces the Search with Candour podcast. Marks is the Co-Owner of Candour and has over 20 years of industry expertise in SEO and PPC under his belt. He is also a regular member of Search with Candour. Discover what it means to be a podcaster in 2024 as we follow the evolution of the Search with Candour podcast from its origin until now. Mark & Jack discuss the fundamental stepping stones they climbed to get Search with Candour to its current status. Understand how to form a proper cadence and why tailoring content to different platforms will increase visibility and overall web optimization. Learn the ins and outs of podcasting and how this unique form of content can amplify your digital brand this week on the EDGE of the Web SEO Podcast!  Key Segments: [00:03:23] Introducing Mark Williams-Cook & Jack Chambers-Ward [00:13:09] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:19] The Origin Of Search with Candour [00:19:30] What Pivots Were Made Along The Way In The Production Of Search With Candour?  [00:22:20] How Has Podcasting Impacted Search Engine Optimization of Candour?  [00:29:49] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:31:32] What Has Been Surprising Along The Podcast Journey? [00:33:10] What Benefits Come From The Podcast?  [00:39:24] Podcasts: Recommended By Podcasters Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/jlwchambers LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jlwchambers  Twitter: https://x.com/thetafferboy LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/markseo  Resources Candour Search with Candour podcast 

We welcome Will Critchlow back for his second segment this week to discuss SEO testing at scale for large enterprises and the potential for AI to make its way into the space. We assess the extreme search volatility in recent years and how it has dramatically increased the importance of conducting SEO tests for an organization. Discover the certain types of businesses for which large-scale testing is designed and why certain companies should take an alternate approach. Find out if AI can become the ultimate SEO tester and if large-scale SEO testing is right for your business on this episode of the EDGE of the Web! [00:03:57] Reintroducing Will Critchlow [00:05:18] How Does Search Pilot Work? [00:07:49] What is the Duration of a Search Pilot Test?  [00:10:32] How Has The Dramatic Search Volatility Affected SEO Testing Methodologies?    [00:15:36] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:16:46] How Will AI Affect Scaled SEO Testing?  [00:21:56] How Can Enterprise to Small-Level Businesses Run SEO Tests?    [00:29:47] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix [00:30:58] What Should Companies Be Doing After the Rollout of a Google Update?   [00:43:18] Marketing Pro Tip From Will Critchlow Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/willcritchlow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcritchlow Resources https://www.searchpilot.com/

Welcome back to the EDGE! Mordy makes his return this week as the team digs even deeper into the Google Search API leaks, and evaluates the state of AI in search. Aleyda Solis has composed a collection of resources surrounding the API Doc leaks, readily accessible for you to gather the full picture of what these leaks mean for SEO. Be sure to keep this list in your back pocket for any current and future updates!  Google AI Overviews are now showing up in only 15% of search queries, a major drop since the rollout. Many reports of concerningly false outputs over the past months seem to be the cause of the decline. It’s clear that Google is pulling back while they attempt to fine tune the technology, but the timeline is unknown for AI Overviews moving forward.  Matt Southern, a Moz Search Scientist, released an article this week warning SEO’s of ‘challenges ahead’ due to Google AI. SEO’s are facing a rising threat in zero click content, leaving traditional organic SEO vulnerable.  Tune in as we uncover new developments revealing how AI continues to emerge as a bigger and bigger question mark in search this week on the news from the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:08:07] Aleyda Solis Shares Insights from Leaked Google Search API Document [00:11:16] Google AI Overviews' Visibility Plummets, Appearing in Only 15% of Queries [00:19:12] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:20:51] SEO Facing Crisis? Moz Search Scientist Highlights Upcoming Challenges AI Blitz: [00:25:20] Perplexity Pages showing in Google AI Overviews, featured snippets [00:26:20] Meta is notifying Instagram and Facebook EU users that it's using their data to train its AI models, and users can opt-out, "if your objection is honored" [00:27:00] X now permits AI-generated adult content [00:29:08] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks AI Tools: [00:30:18] Underlord, from Descript [00:31:02] Generate AI TV shows and episodes Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:32:21] Google Warns: Sites That Are Inaccessible On Mobile Will Not Be Indexed [00:34:24] Google Fixed The Search Console Links Report [00:35:12] Google Business Profiles Tests Chat With SMS & WhatsApp Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio Resources:  Aleyda Solis Shares Insights from Leaked Google Search API Document Google AI Overviews' Visibility Plummets, Appearing in Only 15% of Queries SEO Facing Crisis? Moz Search Scientist Highlights Upcoming Challenges Perplexity Pages showing in Google AI Overviews, featured snippets Meta is notifying Instagram and Facebook EU users that it's using their data to train its AI models, and users can opt out, "if your objection is honoured" X now permits AI-generated adult content Underlord, from Descript Generate AI TV shows and episodes Google Warns: Sites That Are Inaccessible On Mobile Will Not Be Indexed Google Fixed The Search Console Links Report Google Business Profiles Tests Chat With SMS & WhatsApp #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Be sure to enter the code "EdgeoftheWeb" at Riverside.fm for 15% off of your subscription! https://creators.riverside.fm/edgeoftheweb.   Welcome back to the EDGE! This week’s guest is Will Critchlow, founder and CEO of SearchPilot, the revolutionary SEO testing technology that enables users to run large-scale SEO testing programs rapidly. With a prominent background in digital marketing, Will has cemented himself as a legacy SEO within the industry over the past two decades. In this episode, discover the capabilities of SearchPilot and why so many organizations have chosen the platform as their primary SEO resource. Furthermore, Will & Erin look back to assess how Google has transitioned values of search in recent years and how SEOs are responding as they gear up for talks of SEO testing at scale in the next segment. Understand the causes behind such high variability in search as we decide how to respond this week on the EDGE of the Web!  Key Segments: [00:00:35] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Riverside [00:04:29] Introducing Will Critchlow [00:06:50] Why Will Refined His Specialization Towards SEO Testing [00:09:43] Why Large Organizations Choose SearchPilot [00:13:23] Reacting To The Rapid Changes In Search As Of Late [00:17:03] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:27:09] How is Google Responding To Increasing Competition?  [00:33:28] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Riverside: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/riverside Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/willcritchlow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcritchlow Resources https://www.searchpilot.com/

Be sure to enter the code "EdgeoftheWeb" at Riverside.fm for 15% off of your subscription! https://creators.riverside.fm/edgeoftheweb.   Erin Sparks and Jacob Mann are returning to bring you the hottest SEO news of the week. Mordy was absent this week, but worry not, as the great Michael King fills in!  Google AI overviews are under fire for giving dangerous and wrong answers. Announced at Google I/O and recently rolled out, the AI summary tool has quickly gathered attention for its comically incorrect responses to user queries. The question of why Google has not removed such a blatantly bad and underdeveloped tool leaves the SEO community puzzled.  The crew explores TikTok’s debut of AI-powered ad automation, TikTok One, a centralized hub that gives advertisers access to creators, creative tools, partners, and measurement capabilities. Additionally, TikTok releases TikTok Symphony, an umbrella for AI ad tools that support script writing, video production, and creative asset optimization.  The last headline on the ballot shows that the Wayback Machine is under attack. The Internet Archive has been hit with a DDOS attack, making it difficult for users to access the California-based nonprofits free site. The nonprofit wrote on Monday that data has thankfully not been affected, but services are still being blocked for many users. The identities and motives of the attackers are still unknown. Tune in to navigate a major week in SEO news with the team this week as always, here on the EDGE of the Web! Digital Marketing News: [00:00:33] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Riverside.FM [00:04:12] Google faces criticism over AI Overview feature providing misleading and harmful information [00:15:01] TikTok launches AI-driven tools to automate ad creation [00:21:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:21:16] Internet Archive experiences major disruption from a DDoS attack AI News: [00:25:00] Ex-Googler: Google’s AI projects are driven by ‘stone cold panic’ [00:29:59] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking [00:31:21] Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fund its race against ChatGPT and all the rest AI Tools: [00:35:40] Canva Magic Studio [00:37:59] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:39:40 ] Memorial Day Google Search Ranking Volatility [00:41:49] Google's John Mueller On Recovering From Core Updates - Maybe You Had A Good Run… [00:44:10] In the Face Of AI Overview Backlash, Google Updates Docs With How To Show Web-Only Results & How To Give Feedback Thanks to our Sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site SERanking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Riverside.FM: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/riverside Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @iPullRank Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio Resources:  Google faces criticism over AI Overview feature providing misleading and harmful information TikTok launches AI-driven tools to automate ad creation Internet Archive experiences major disruption from a DDoS attack Ex-Googler: Google’s AI projects are driven by ‘stone cold panic’ Google’s AI Overviews Shake Up E-commerce Search Visibility Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fund its race against ChatGPT and all the rest Canva Magic Studio Automate prompt engineering with self-improving optimization Memorial Day Google Search Ranking Volatility Google's John Mueller On Recovering From Core Updates - Maybe You Had A Good Run… In Face Of AI Overview Backlash, Google Updates Docs With How To Show Web Only Results & How To Give Feedback   #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Be sure to enter the code "EdgeoftheWeb" at Riverside.fm for 15% off of your subscription! https://creators.riverside.fm/edgeoftheweb.   We welcome back Michael Lewittes for his third interview segment this week. We dive into Ranktify, the content optimization tool Michael founded back in 2022. Learn how Ranktify offers you the capability to connect the dots between product and user through a holistic process of amplifying each piece of E-E-A-T in your content. Micheal gives insight into the future impact generative AI will have on search ranking, identifying how Ranktify’s authoritative content creation differs from some of the leading AI tools. Learn what Ranktify can offer to your website, and discover the future landscape of SEO tools this week on the EDGE of the Web!  Key Segments: [00:04:53] Reintroducing Michael Lewittes [00:07:05] What Ranktify Offers as a Tool  [00:11:18] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:12] How Ranktify Differs from Gen-AI Tools [00:21:12] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking [00:22:17] What Michael Sees on the AI Horizon [00:35:08] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix [00:37:19] Final Advice From Michael Lewittes Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://www.sitestrategics.com Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix SERanking: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelLewittes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lewittes Resources https://www.ranktify.com/

Google Under Scrutiny: Examination of the Lies ALERT ALERT ALERT! We have some major news to uncover today on EDGE News Flash concerning the anonymous source leaking major API documentation from the Google Search division. Joining the flash is the one and only, Michael King, Founder of iPullRank Agency. Michael took it into his own hands to dive deep into these documents to reveal the truth that SEO individuals worldwide have been looking for!  You won’t want to miss this episode, these API documents expose several significant lies from Google and we set the truth free here on EDGE News Flash! Key Segments: [00:00:24] Introducing Michael King [00:02:27] How The Documents Got Released [00:06:17] Google Doesn't Use Anything from Chrome for Ranking? [00:11:33] Mike’s Investigation: https://ipullrank.com/google-algo-leak [00:15:32] What To Do With This Information: What’s Next? Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Resources: Unveiled: Inside Google's Search Algorithm Secrets Leaked Google Search API Documents and Their SEO Implications Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @iPullRank Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Are you curious about Google's latest moves in SEO and AI? This week on EDGE of the Web, host Erin Sparks and show producer Jacob Mann explore articles that reveal Google's strategies and advancements in these ever-evolving fields.  Google's helpful content system might be changing a bit. The recent update folds helpfulness signals into their core ranking algorithm, making them page-level considerations. This means content on individual pages will be judged for its value to users, with some influence still coming from overall site authority.  The takeaway? Focus on showcasing your expertise and building trust with transparency! Erin and Jacob also discuss Search Engine Land's 2024 Search Advertising Benchmarks report, which reveals rising costs and declining conversion rates.  The average cost-per-click (CPC) increased by 10% across most industries, with some sectors experiencing even steeper hikes.  Conversion rates also dipped slightly, falling to 6.96% on average.  Another topic discussed is outlining the struggle with unwanted content appearing in Google's AI overviews. This GSQI blog post offers a solution! While completely opting out isn't possible, the article explores using "preview controls" like nosnippet and max-snippet. These tools allow you to limit or remove specific content from being displayed in the AI Overviews, ensuring your audience sees the information you want them to. Stay ahead of the curve by tuning in to this week's EDGE news podcast, packed with trending topics and insights on the future of AI. News from the EDGE: [00:03:39] Google's Helpfulness Signals Could Be Updating Again: Why It Will Fall Short [00:11:44] Rising Search Ad Costs and Dropping Conversion Rates [00:16:04] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:19:44] Managing Google’s AI Overviews: Using 'Preview Controls' to Remove Content and Links [00:24:05] Andrew Optimsey's Plugin: Optimisey Search [00:26:10] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking AI Blitz: [00:27:25] ChatGPT to Mine Reddit for Content in Partnership with OpenAI [00:29:50] Google Ads Limits Use of Brand Names and Logos in AI Image Generation [00:32:20] OpenAI Dissolves AI Safety Team, Raising Concerns About Superintelligence [00:34:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:35:05] Decoding Google's Ranking Systems: Insights from Communication Engineers [00:36:03] Google Search Update: Notes and Comments Now Included in Results  [00:38:32] How to Remove Your Content from Google's AI Overviews Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     SERanking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio Resources Google's Helpfulness Signals Could Be Updating Again: Why It Will Fall Short Rising Search Ad Costs and Dropping Conversion Rates Managing Google’s AI Overviews: Using 'Preview Controls' to Remove Content and Links ChatGPT to Mine Reddit for Content in Partnership with OpenAI Google Ads Limits Use of Brand Names and Logos in AI Image Generation OpenAI Dissolves AI Safety Team, Raising Concerns About Superintelligence Eleven Labs: A Powerful Platform for AI-Powered Voice Generation GeoSpy: Unveiling the Secrets of Location-Based Intelligence Can AI Help You Talk Better? Exploring the Capabilities of Chatter Decoding Google's Ranking Systems: Insights from Communication Engineers Google Search Update: Notes and Comments Now Included in Results How to Remove Your Content from Google's AI Overviews #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Welcome to another episode from EDGE of the Web, where we dive deep into the world of E-E-A-T and how that amplifies content into being viewed as valuable in the eyes of Google. We have an exceptional guest joining us for round 2, Michael Lewittes, the founder and CEO of Ranktify. We explore Michael's unique insights into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization referencing his experiences in the media industry. Don’t miss this week’s interview to uncover the benefits of transparency and highlighting subject matter expertise in your content to ensure you stay visible to your audience! Key Segments: [00:03:54] Introducing Michael Lewittes [00:10:28] The Importance of Truth in Being a Referencable Source [00:13:16] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:17:04] The Value of EEAT in Content [00:23:28] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking [00:26:22] Subject Matter Experts Create Content Authority [00:33:52] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Wix  Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://www.sitestrategics.com Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix SERanking: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelLewittes  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lewittes  Resources https://www.ranktify.com/