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Welcome back to news from the EDGE! Mordy couldn’t make it this week so VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media AND featured guest of this week's interview series, Michel Fortin steps in to give newscasting a crack!
Google’s March 2024 Core Update has come to an end! The update consisted of sizable algorithm changes to reduce low quality and irrelevant content, resulting in 40% of websites being de-indexed or removed from search results. The Department of Justice is gearing up for their closing statements on their antitrust lawsuit against Google: major changes to search may be in store. Plus, An AI arms race is upon us as the U.S Air Force has announced plans of a fully AI controlled fighter jet fleet, with a planned rollout of the operation by 2028.
Be sure to jump over to our newsletter for this week's AI Tools. We cover all the latest in SEO as always so be sure to tune in for this segment of the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
[00:06:24] Unveiling the Google March 2024 Core Update: 3 Key Insights
[00:12:38] Google vs. DOJ: Antitrust Trial Nears Verdict
[00:16:32] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:17:55] Cleaning Up Search: Google's New Weapons Against Spam
AI Blitz:
[00:25:03] Google SGE AI Answers Now Cost 80% Less To Generate
[00:30:54] US Air Force plans a fleet of 1,000+ AI-controlled jets, the first of them operating by 2028; some AI versions already beat human pilots in air-to-air combat
[00:34:05] Randy Travis just released his first new song in over a decade, using AI
[00:40:01] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
[00:41:48] Google Search Tests Custom Filters & Templates
[00:43:22] Google Search Tests Showing Only Local Listing For Near Me Queries
[00:45:24] Google SGE Says Drink Urine To Pass Kidney Stones Quickly
Thanks to our sponsors!
Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks
Follow Us:
Twitter: @ErinSparks
Twitter: @MichelFortin
Twitter: @TheMann00
Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio
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#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine
Welcome back, VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media, Michel Fortin. This week, we discuss the capabilities of AI in digital marketing and assess the new high-touch contributory role that SEOs will be taking in the creation and curation of content. Michel lays out how brands can stand out in an AI-dense playing field through personalization and user experience optimization. We evaluate the complete history of Google’s ranking factors, pointing out which framework in E-E-A-T (or should we call it E-E-A-A-T-T) you should be centralizing your focus towards.
Learn how to leverage unique human traits that artificial intelligence cannot replicate, giving your brand an extra edge. Be sure to tune in as we look into how you can deepen the connectivity to your audience in today's evolving digital world this week on the EDGE of the Web!
[00:03:48] Re-introducing Michel Fortin
[00:05:55] How Can You Position Yourself Into a High Touch Mindset?
[00:09:54] What Must Brands Do to Stand Out In The Future?
[00:12:47] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:15:28] How Can Brands Take a Community Approach to User Experience Optimization?
[00:19:19] The History of Google’s Ranking Factors
[00:22:10] Michel’s Approach to E-E-A-T
[00:25:36] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix
[00:32:50] What is AI Unable to Replace?
[00:35:17] How Can We Utilize AI in Our Marketing Efforts?
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://twitter.com/michelfortin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelguyfortin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelguyfortin/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelFortinSEO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelguyfortin/
Resources
Welcome back to News from The EDGE! TikTok has been ordered by the U.S. Government to sell the platform to a U.S. company within 9 months or face a ban in the states. TikTok plans to contest the U.S. ban, claiming the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden is unconstitutional. In Google news, the March 2024 Core Update is complete. This update dwindles the importance of links, prioritizing content quality, trustworthiness, and depth as primary ranking factors. Also, internal troubles are hitting Google hard as they continue to face increasing competitive pressure with declining resources in several divisions. We had to cut this week short, so be sure to find this week's AI Tools, AI News, and Barry Blasts in our newsletter! Join us this first week of May as we spring into what’s happening around the SEO world on episode 679 of the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
[00:03:48] Bill requiring TikTok sale or ban becomes law in U.S.
[00:13:29] Google March 2024 Core Update Officially Completed A Week Ago
[00:20:46] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:22:26] Google Warns Of “New Reality” As Search Engine Stumbles
[00:30:41] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks
This week's guest is Michel Fortin, VP of Growth Marketing at Musora Media.
In that role, Michel leads digital marketing and optimization strategies such as auditing and improving the marketing funnel performance, expanding visibility, and increasing traffic. Michel has over 30 years of experience constructing a revolutionary outlook on mass AI virtualization. Discover how Moore’s Law is shaping projections for the exponential growth of AI and how SEOs must transition to a high-tech, high-touch role to adapt to the future. Understand the possibilities of augmented virtuality and how it may carve the future of SEO. There’s plenty to oversee as AI continues to advance. Learn how to sculpt this new technology and nurture it into full maturity this week on The EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
[00:03:33] Introducing Michel Fortin
[00:04:58] What’s Michel Been Up To Since His Last Appearance?
[00:06:53] How Michel’s Background in Music Ties to SEO
[00:09:12] The Application of Moore’s Law to Artificial Intelligence
[00:17:16] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:18:11] Where Does the ‘Human Element’ Fit Into an Artificial Intelligence World?
[00:23:50] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix
[00:25:01] What is Augmented Virtuality?
Local SEO specialist, Joy Hawkins, returns for her second interview segment this week. Joy shares the recent landscape of local SEO, including some big shifts in the space that you need to know! Discover the possibilities of LSAs and videos, learning how they can shoot you up on the SERP. We discuss the rise of AI and where the user fits into this sea of content. To wrap things up, Joy shares what all SEOs should be keeping top of mind… crisis management! Get ready to score with your local SEO as we share the best local tactics and look into how AI is joining the scene this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
[00:03:27] Reintroducing Joy Hawkins
[00:08:38] Were There Any Major Changes in Local SEO in 2023?
[00:10:52] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:14:06] What Makes Local Service Ads Unique?
[00:16:10] Steer Clear of This LSA Scam!
[00:20:20] Should Google Be Increasing Their Customer Support Network
Without AI?
[00:22:58] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix
[00:24:40] Joy’s Thoughts On The Rise of AI
[00:30:52] How Should SEOs Be Focusing on UX?
[00:33:33] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Riverside.fm
[00:35:16] Have Google Updates Favored User Generated Content?
[00:35:59] Implementing Crisis Management For Negative Online Mentions
[00:37:06] Can Video Boost Your Local SEO?
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix
Follow Our Guest
Twitter:https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyhawkins/?originalSubdomain=ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sterlingskyinc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2824225650936424YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SterlingSkyInc/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sterlingskyseo
Resources
Top Google contributor and owner of Sterling Sky, Joy Hawkins, joins the EDGE this week. Joy has been a renowned SEO speaker and influencer since 2006 and has been growing a top local SEO agency since 2017. How does local SEO differ from traditional SEO? Listen in as Joy shares her industry experience and delivers tactical strategies for executing premier-level local SEO. Google has been growing a much deeper focus on niche markets and authenticity factors. Learn how to leverage this shift to niche-level queries for your clients. Get ahead of the algorithm as we uncover the best local SEO strategies you should be following this week on the EDGE of the Web!
Give our new sponsor a try! Riverside.fm has a special deal for our listeners! Use our link and the code "Edgeoftheweb" for a 15% discount of their podcast recording service!
Key Segments:
[00:03:57] Introducing Joy Hawkins
[00:05:40] Joy’s Backstory in the Industry
[00:06:53] Taking the Role of an Educator in the Space
[00:08:15] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:09:29] SEO vs. Local SEO
[00:13:24] Valuable Tactics in Local SEO
[00:18:13] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Riverside.fm
[00:20:18] Why User-Generated Content is Such a Major Factor in Today’s SEO
[00:24:27] How Do We Know That Citation Platforms Aren’t Being Indexed on Google?
[00:25:59] Entering Into Niche Markets
[00:31:57] EDGE of the Web Sponsor Wix
[00:33:08] Why do Operating Hours Affect Rankings?
[00:37:37] Local SEO Recommendations For a Small Budget
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://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyhawkins/?originalSubdomain=ca
Welcome back for another week of news from the EDGE! Google is jumping into the CRM market as it plans to acquire HubSpot for $34 billion. Some experts speculate this will spark even more challenges for Google concerning antitrust regulations. New fake AI-generated law firms are accusing people of copyright infringement at a mass scale… and the true motive may surprise you. Should you be labeling your AI content? Tech giants Google, YouTube, Meta, and TikTok are urgently pushing for users to label their AI content! Plus, many fear the potential influence China may have on the 2024 election through widespread AI misinformation. Things are moving around in the SEO space; here’s everything you need to stay ahead here on the EDGE of the Web!
News from the EDGE:
[00:03:27] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:08:48] Is Google Eyeing HubSpot for Acquisition?
[00:11:54] Data Reveals Shortcomings in Privacy Tools
[00:15:15] Shady SEO: Fake Law Firms Use Fake DMCA Threats for Gains
AI Blitz:
[00:23:48 ] Labeled: A New Wave Of AI Content Labeling Efforts
[00:32:40] Microsoft: China plans to disrupt elections with AI-generated disinformation
AI Tools:
[00:34:24] Fix your blurry photos using AI
[00:35:43] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
[00:37:50] Google SGE Testing Tabs In AI Overviews
[00:40:33] Google: Ad Strength Is Not Used In Ad Auction
[00:42:15] Microsoft's Fabrice Canel: SEOs Don't Realize Bing Search Usage
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
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine
Welcome back to the OG webmaster, Simon Cox, for his second interview segment. Simon began his career in commercial graphic design. In this episode, Simon connects the dots between certain artistic frameworks and principles that can be applied to your SEO strategy. How does the emergence of AI imagery affect SEO as a whole? We investigate how users and engines alike perceive AI imagery compared to human-generated imagery and how you can leverage the ‘human touch’ to your advantage. Join us this week as we discover what AI design really means for SEO moving forward here on the EDGE of the Web!
Give our new sponsor a try! Riverside.fm has a special deal for our listeners! Use our link and the code "Edgeoftheweb" for a 15% discount of their podcast recording service!
Key Segments
[00:04:28 ] Reintroducing Simon Cox
[00:05:25] What Kind of Art Did Simon Work With Early on in His Career?
[00:08:58] Can Artistic Principles be Applied to SEO?
[00:12:22] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:13:09] Building a Visual Design That Compliments User Expectations
[00:16:41] How is AI Imagery Perceived Differently Than Authentic Imagery?
[00:21:27] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Riverside
[00:23:45] Does AI Hurt The Integrity of SEO?
[00:31:06] What Can We Do to Grow The Reputation of SEOs?
[00:33:07] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix
[00:34:21] Simon Cox SEO Pro Tip
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://twitter.com/simoncox
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmcox/?originalSubdomain=uk Mastodon: @[email protected]
Resources
Erin Sparks is back behind the Digital News Desk this week to deliver a groundbreaking news flash - Google greenlights Microsoft's 53% acquisition, handing over a majority stake to Bill and the crew.
Did we get ya? Happy April Fools from all of us at EDGE of the Web!
This week we investigate a new lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram as allegations pile up claiming the social platforms are allegedly delivering ads to bot accounts and inflating ad viewership metrics to their advertisers. Google STILL has not announced a launch date for SGE; here’s the scoop. Plus, OpenAI released a new feature opening a whole new spectrum of possibilities. Kick-off this April right and tune in for what is and isn't happening in SEO right here on the EDGE!
News from the EDGE:
[00:07:16] Facebook and Instagram Accused of Bilking Advertisers in $7 Billion Lawsuit
[00:09:24] YouTube Asks Creators: Hold Onto Your Videos!
[00:15:40] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:18:23] Small Website Tweaks Might Not Move the Google Search Needle
AI Blitz:
[00:20:29] Google still has not announced a launch date for SGE
[00:26:21] Google starts testing AI overviews from SGE in main Google search interface
[00:26:40] OpenAI just unveiled Voice Engine
AI Tools:
[00:29:28] Delfiny AI - Talk to AI Marketing Assistant for Your Digital Ads
[00:30:47] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
[00:32:08] SEOs, Please Don't Remove Contact Us & About Us Pages
[00:35:43] Google: Fixing A Helpful Content Site Isn't About Where Measuring Against The Previous Version Of That Site
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
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine
Joining the EDGE this week is web development Swiss Army Knife: Simon Cox. Simon is a pioneer in website development with almost 30 years of full-scale web construction, management, consulting, and optimization under his belt. Learn how to acclimate to industry advancements as Simon shares his experience adapting to rapid technology expansion. Listen to the wonderful insights and get to know one of the founding fathers of web design and technical SEO. We travel back in time to reminisce over what has shaped the industry and how it became what it is today here on the EDGE of the Web!
Key Segments:
[00:02:43] Introducing Simon Cox
[00:04:08] Simon’s Career Story
[00:09:54] Changes in SEO Since The ‘Early Days’
[00:13:09] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:13:58] Keeping an Eye on Accessibility
[00:15:17] How Did Simon Stay up to Date With Evolving Technology During the Rapid Expansion Era of the Internet?
[00:23:08] Considerations Before Offering SEO Services to an Agency
[00:28:41] Lessons Learned From Consulting For Agencies
[00:31:33] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix
[00:32:45] Staying Ethical in SEO
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix
Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@simoncox
Follow Our Guest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simoncox
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmcox/?originalSubdomain=uk
Resources
Erin was off fighting crime this week, but you need not worry because the great Mordy Oberstein and Jacob Mann took the stage for this segment. Plenty of Google this week. Study shows Google AI summaries do, in fact hurt search traffic. Google finds a new ally in Disney to expand real-time ad exchange, meaning that marketers will have broader access to ad inventory across Disney Plus and Hulu. Recent news shows that the U.S. is further behind China in AI research & development than you would have imagined. Plus, Google has an all-new filter tab. Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the SEO world this week, as always, right here on the EDGE of the Web!
We’re bringing back the EDGE Newsletter! Join us to catch these headlines and many of the others that didn’t make it to the show but were really interesting! Your News(letter) from the EDGE awaits here!
News from the EDGE:
[00:08:13] A new study finds that Google’s AI summaries may hurt searches for brands and products
[00:13:03] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:15:10] Disney teams with Google to boost ad reach
[00:19:53] Google Update Unleashes Ranking Rollercoaster: Prepare for Volatility
AI Blitz:
[00:25:51] Study finds that China produced almost 50% of the world's top AI researchers, compared to ~18% from the US, thanks to China's heavy investment in AI education
[00:28:27] Justice Department Risks Picking the Wrong Fight With Apple
AI Tools:
[00:31:02] AI-powered History Teacher
[00:32:49] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks
Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:
[00:34:10] Report: No Site Hit By The September Helpful Content Update Recovered Yet
[00:37:46] Microsoft Buying Ads On Google Search To Drive More Searches On Bing
[00:41:15] Google Tests Products & Product Sites Search Bar Filter Tabs
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:
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine
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