SEO Is Not That Hard

Send us a textEver wondered why PBNs still tempt smart SEOs? We pull back the curtain on private blog networks—how they're built on expired domains, why they deliver short bursts of rankings, and where the true costs and risks hide. From anchor text control and link velocity to detection patterns, manual actions, and painful clean-ups, we map the full lifecycle of a PBN so you can make informed choices about your link strategy.I share a straight-talking breakdown of link economics in 2025, including why links drive not just rankings but citations across AI search experiences. You'll hear the most common PBN footprints—off-topic content mixes, templated layouts, suspicious publishing cadence, and outbound link density—and get a practical process to vet any seller with a single test buy. If you're already entangled, we cover a triage plan: request removals, consolidate a precise disavow, refresh content to regain trust, and rebalance your efforts toward durable assets that earn mentions without violating guidelines.We also explore safer, compounding alternatives: data-led digital PR, niche expert features, resource page outreach, unlinked mention reclamation, and building tools or templates worth sharing. The goal is a credible link profile that stands up to updates and sets you up for long-term growth. If you care about resilience, reputation, and real authority, this guide will help you avoid fragile shortcuts and invest where it counts.If you find this useful, subscribe, share with a friend who's wrestling with link building, and leave a quick review—your support helps more marketers find the show.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant search visibility that survives the next update and shows up in AI answers? We dive straight into the real calculus of link building: what still works, what crumbles under scrutiny, and how to build a backlink profile that compounds rather than collapses. Drawing on two decades of building, buying, and selling sites, Ed breaks down backlinks into three buckets—good, bad, and ugly—and explains the risks behind each, from short‑term bumps to long, painful recoveries.We start with first principles: why links remain a core ranking signal and why AI assistants increasingly rely on citations to choose which sources to show. From there, we revisit the wild‑west years of easy link spam and the moment Penguin flipped the table, turning yesterday's playbook into a liability. No moralising here—just pragmatic risk management. If you're considering paid placements, niche edits, or PBNs, you'll hear the pattern risks that can flag manipulation: lumpy velocity, repeating footprints, irrelevant anchors and networks built on expired domains.Then we turn to the durable path. Ed outlines what makes a link “good” in practice—editorial, relevant, earned because the page genuinely helps someone else's audience—and how to create assets that attract those links without cold outreach. Think original data, simple tools, clear frameworks, and opinionated guides packaged for easy citation. You'll get a blueprint for seeding discovery through newsletters, communities, and journalists so that value finds the people who need it.If you want rankings that last, less time worrying about link spam updates, and a brand that others cite because it helps their readers, this conversation gives you the strategy and the mindset to get there. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a friend who obsesses over DR, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat if your site could be read like a map of meaning instead of a pile of keywords? Edd walks through a complete reframe of SEO around entities — the people, organisations, products, places, and ideas that define your niche — and shows how to turn that model into durable authority across search and AI.We start with how modern search reads the web: extracting entities, resolving ambiguity, and linking to public knowledge bases that feed Google's Knowledge Graph. From there, we break down why entities power rich SERP features like knowledge panels, featured snippets, and AI Overviews, and how consistency across your site, social profiles, and trusted publications raises Google's confidence in your facts. You'll also learn how large language models actually represent meaning with vectors, why hallucinations happen, and how grounding with retrieval augmented generation changes the authority game.Then we get practical. Run a four-pillar entity audit (brand/products, people, services/concepts, audience interests), perform entity-based competitor analysis to surface gaps, and build topic clusters that deliver information gain through research, case studies, and expert commentary. Implement schema.org with JSON-LD using @id and sameAs to connect Organisation, Person, Product, and Service entities into a clean graph. Optimise writing for AI citations with clear headings, concise lists, factual claims with sources, and FAQs that mirror People Also Ask. Finally, project authority off-site with digital PR, consistent identities across key platforms, partnerships that create co-occurrence with respected brands, and expert sourcing on journalist platforms.Subscribe, share with a colleague who's still chasing keywords, and leave a review telling us which entity gap you'll tackle first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textAuthority doesn't live on your site alone—it's earned in public, where other trusted names choose to cite, invite, and stand beside you. We wrap our entities series by moving beyond links-as-votes and into the richer world of entity association: the patterns of mentions, partnerships, and consistent identity signals that teach search engines and LLMs who you are and why you matter.We start by reframing off-page SEO for the semantic era. Links still help, but the deeper win is co-occurrence with respected brands, experts, and publications in your niche. That's why digital PR and linkable assets remain essential. We share how to craft research, data-led case studies, and definitive guides that journalists and industry bloggers want to reference—and how to pitch them with clear, timely hooks that generate both backlinks and valuable unlinked mentions.From there, we get practical about your identity footprint. Think NAP for digital-first companies: one canonical name, URL, logo, and positioning statement, aligned everywhere from LinkedIn and X to Crunchbase, G2, and Trustpilot. This “digital foundational consistency” removes ambiguity in knowledge graphs and consolidates your signals into a single, trusted entity.Partnerships are your next force multiplier. Co-authored reports, joint webinars, and product integrations with credible, non-competing peers create repeated, contextual appearances of your brand alongside category leaders. Those patterns tell Google and AI systems that you belong in the same conversation—and they compound over time.Finally, we show how to become a quotable expert where journalists actually request sources today. With HARO fragmented, mapping platforms like Qwoted, Featured, and niche reporter communities is critical. Respond fast, offer tight, useful quotes, and keep bylines consistent to strengthen both your personal and organisational entities across high-authority sites.If you're ready to stop chasing hacks and start building a reputation that algorithms can verify, this guide gives you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a teammate who owns off-page strategy, and leave a review telling us which tactic you'll deploy first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSearch is quietly rewiring how people find answers, and the biggest shift isn't on the results page—it's inside the models that compose those answers. We dig into a practical playbook for turning your content into the source that ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity cite, so your brand earns authority even when no click happens.First, we map the path from traditional rankings to AI citations and explain why “position zero” is now the reference text behind generative answers. Then we get tactical. You'll learn how to build a heading hierarchy that machines can parse instantly, write short paragraphs that summarise cleanly, and use lists that act as ready-made snippets. We show how to replace fluffy claims with measurable statements, cite credible sources, and link to original research so your pages pass retrieval checks that power modern LLMs.We also cover framing content as answers using an FAQ strategy guided by real user questions. By mining People also ask or a dedicated question research tool, you can align sections to specific intents and produce Q&A pairs that models can lift verbatim. To make sure all of this effort is discoverable, we finish with essential technical checks: confirm robots.txt welcomes major AI crawlers, review CDN and firewall rules that might block them, and keep a clean XML sitemap to speed up discovery. You'll leave with a simple, repeatable audit to run on a high-value page this week: fix structure, rewrite for facts, and add focused FAQs.If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teammate who owns your content pipeline, and leave a quick review telling us which page you'll optimise first. Your feedback shapes what we tackle next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textTool mentioned in the podcast: https://validator.schema.org/Machines don't reward guesses; they reward clarity. We walk through a practical, four‑step framework to make search engines and LLMs understand your brand, your people, and your offers without ambiguity. The focus is on schema markup that scales: JSON‑LD for clean implementation, @id for stable references, and a connected entity graph that links Organisation, Website, Person, Product, and Service into one coherent map of your business.We start by establishing a sitewide identity with Organisation and Website markup, then strengthen it with authoritative sameAs profiles so your name is matched to the right entity in the knowledge graph. From there, we embed authorship into Article schema and connect each writer back to the brand via affiliation, with optional knowsAbout fields to highlight topical expertise and support EEAT. Next, we mark up Products and Services with properties that mirror visible content, reinforcing trust and unlocking eligibility for rich results. Finally, we tie it all together using @id URLs as canonical anchors so every reference points to a single, durable source of truth.Along the way, we share common pitfalls to avoid, why isolated page labels leave performance on the table, and how a connected schema strategy helps search engines attribute content, surface it confidently, and reduce confusion with lookalike brands. We also cover essential tooling: the Schema Markup Validator for structure and the Rich Results Test for feature eligibility, plus pointers to research resources for deeper implementation.If you want your authority recognised by both users and machines, this is your blueprint to ship. Subscribe for more hands‑on SEO strategy, share this with a teammate who owns structured data, and leave a review telling us which schema type you'll implement first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textReady to stop sprinkling keywords and start building authority that lasts? We take one neglected concept in your niche and turn it into a structured topic cluster that both readers and search engines recognise as a trusted resource. From mapping entities to designing a pillar page and the right cluster coverage, we show how to move beyond thin posts and build a small, focused library that stands up to scrutiny.We break down the hub-and-spoke model in plain terms: what belongs on a pillar, how to choose cluster pages, and why reciprocal internal links matter for both navigation and crawl clarity. Then we go deeper into information gain, the critical difference between echoing the web and advancing it. Expect practical ways to add unique value: original surveys, product or platform data, detailed case studies, and timely expert commentary that clarifies what news means for your audience. We also explain how a comprehensive “skyscraper” update can win when you can't run new research right away.To tie it together, we map the work to EEAT. You'll hear how author entities, credentials, citations, and update discipline signal expertise and trust, while linkable assets and comprehensive coverage build authority. You'll leave with a clear action plan: outline a pillar for your chosen entity gap, select three to four cluster pages, and pick one to elevate with real information gain. Stick around for a quick teaser of what's next as we prepare to express your structure to machines with schema markup.If you're serious about topical authority and sustainable rankings, this is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a colleague who writes content, and leave a review telling us which entity you'll build a cluster around next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe prompt mentioned in the episode is:You are an expert SEO analyst specializing in Natural Language Processing and entity-based optimization. I will provide you with the text from a competitor's webpage. Your task is to perform a Named Entity Recognition (NER) analysis on this text.Please identify all the significant entities mentioned in the text. For each entity, classify it into one of the following categories: Person, Organization, Location, Product, Event, or Concept (for abstract ideas, theories, or topics).Please present your findings in a simple list or table format, with one column for the entity and one for its category.Please sort the entities in order of importanceHere is the text:[Paste the competitor's text here]Every rival looks unbeatable until you see what Google actually sees: the network of entities that frames their authority. We pull back the curtain on a simple, repeatable method to map competitor concepts, spot gaps, and build content hubs that earn durable rankings.We start by recapping the four-pillar entity audit that anchors your strategy: brand and products, people, core concepts, and audience topics. Then we turn that blueprint outward. Instead of chasing keyword lists, we show how to identify true SERP competitors for your core ideas, pick a representative high-ranking page, and extract its entities using a clean, copy-paste prompt with your favourite LLM. No specialist software, no guesswork — just a structured list of people, organisations, products, locations, events, and concepts that shape the page's topical focus.From there, we translate data into decisions. You'll learn to compare entity saturation against your own audit, find the missing concepts and influential names you should reference, and read structural clues in URLs, headings, and internal links that reveal how competitors build content hubs. We also touch on brand signals and knowledge panels to understand how well Google recognises a site as an entity. The result is a pragmatic roadmap: pick one high-value gap, create a cornerstone guide and supporting pieces, interlink with consistent anchors, and align metadata and naming to signal clear relevance.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSearch engines understand the world through entities, not just keywords, and that changes how we plan, write, and structure content. We take the entity conversation out of theory and into practice by building a simple, durable audit you can complete today. The result is a living blueprint that gives your brand a clear centre of gravity online and helps algorithms connect your pages to real people, products, and ideas.We start by anchoring your commercial core with precise brand and product entities—official names, common variants, sub-brands, and flagship offerings. Then we layer in people entities to demonstrate E‑E‑A‑T: founders, executives, and subject matter experts with real author pages, consistent bylines, and verifiable profiles. From there we map service and concept entities, breaking broad capabilities into sub-services and pairing them with the ideas customers research first. Finally, we shift focus to audience-centric entities, mining Reddit, Quora, and People Also Ask to capture the exact questions and pain points that drive discovery and trust.Across the episode, we show how to turn this list into action: canonical URLs for each entity, schema types to apply, internal links that mirror meaning, and content that answers real questions with clarity. You'll leave with a four-column template—brand/products, people, services/concepts, audience—and the guidance to populate at least five entities in each. Use it to align navigation, consolidate overlapping pages, and build stronger hubs that prevent cannibalisation while improving topical authority.Ready to move beyond keyword chasing and build an entity-first strategy that lasts? Subscribe, share this with a teammate who owns content planning, and leave a quick review to tell us which pillar you're tackling first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textTired of confident AI answers that crumble under scrutiny? We pull back the curtain on why large language models hallucinate—and how to stop the damage by turning your website into a source AIs can safely cite. Instead of treating models like fact vaults, we treat them like brilliant writers who need trustworthy notes. That shift unlocks a practical playbook: ground responses in real documents, use retrieval‑augmented generation, and structure your content around clear, unambiguous entities.We break down RAG in plain terms: retrieval first, generation second. Think open‑book exam, where you get to choose the book. When your policies, performance metrics, and definitions are precise and easy to retrieve, AIs pick your pages to anchor their answers. That means replacing “unparalleled performance” with “10,000 records per second, 20% faster than the previous version,” mapping canonical names for products and features, and supporting claims with dates, units, and links. We share cautionary tales—from invented airline policies to fake case law—and translate them into concrete steps any team can take to reduce risk and increase trust.The bigger win is strategic. As organisations build internal copilots and external chat experiences, they'll prioritise ingesting domains with reliable, machine‑readable knowledge. This authority economy rewards brands that publish clean, verifiable, entity‑rich content. We walk through a simple content audit you can run this week, how to align claims across your site, and why release notes, policy pages, and structured data make you more “retrievable.” By the end, you'll know how to write for humans and machines at the same time—and how to become the default reference in your niche.If this helped you think differently about content and AI, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a review. Got a question you want answered on air? Send a voice note from the link in the show notes.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textForget neat rows of facts—your brand lives inside AI as a point on a vast map of meaning. We unpack how large language models like ChatGPT convert words into vectors, arrange them in a multi‑dimensional latent space, and “reason” by navigating probabilistic paths rather than retrieving certified entries from a knowledge graph. That shift explains both the astonishing creativity of LLMs and the stubborn problem of hallucinations, and it reveals why your content choices directly influence how machines see you.We start by separating Google's Knowledge Graph—built on labelled, verifiable relationships—from the statistical engine that powers LLMs. From there, we walk through tokens, embeddings, and the geometry of meaning: why “king” sits near “queen,” how “bank” splits by context, and how directions in vector space encode relationships like gender or capital cities. Then we explore probabilistic reasoning and chain‑of‑thought prompting, showing how stepwise guidance can reduce errors by constraining the model's path through its internal map.The practical payoff is clear: you can shape your brand's coordinates. Consistent naming, precise definitions, structured internal linking, authoritative citations, and schema markup help AIs place you in the right neighbourhood of concepts. Pillar pages and topical clusters reinforce the connections that matter, while concise fact sheets and retrieval‑ready content give models the anchors they need to avoid plausible-but-wrong continuations. Think of every page as another vector pull toward accuracy; over time, your credibility becomes the shortest path the model can take.If this helped you see how AI really “thinks” about your brand, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review. Got a question you want answered on air? Send a voice message via the link in the show notes and tell us where you want your brand's coordinates to land.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe search results page is no longer a tidy list of links—it's a dynamic canvas where knowledge panels, rich snippets, featured snippets, and AI Overviews signal who Google trusts. We dig into how entities underpin every one of these features and why your real goal isn't just ranking higher, but earning eligibility across the SERP. By treating features as an external readout of the knowledge graph, you can diagnose gaps in authority, spot competitor advantages, and plan content that aligns with real user questions.We start with the crown jewel: knowledge panels. Think of them as a public machine-readable profile that assembles verified facts about your brand from trusted sources. Then we move to rich snippets you can influence directly with schema.org—reviews, products, FAQs, recipes—explaining how precise markup, consistent content, and policy compliance boost visibility and click-through. At the top of the page, we break down featured snippets versus AI Overviews, and share practical tactics to win both: concise answers, question-led headings, credible citations, and entity-rich context that helps Google—and generative systems—see your pages as canonical.Next, we show how to read a SERP like a strategist. Inventory the features, not the positions. Capture the top People Also Ask questions, open branches to surface deeper intent, and group them into content clusters that build topical authority. Analyse which sites power AI Overviews and which competitors own panels and rich results; their structure exposes what Google rewards. We wrap with a clear action plan: audit your entity data for consistency, enhance key pages with accurate schema, craft answer-first content around priority questions, and use ongoing SERP reviews to keep your roadmap fresh as search evolves.If this helped you see the SERP in a new way, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review. Have a question you want answered on-air? Send a voice note via the link in the show notes and tell us which SERP feature you're aiming to win next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textMost brands still try to “tell” Google who they are. We show how Google actually decides: by stitching together a ledger of facts from your site, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, news articles, and structured data—then trusting only what aligns. This is the Knowledge Graph at work, and it's quietly steering whether you earn a knowledge panel, sitelinks, and richer visibility across search.We break down the four streams feeding the graph—public web pages, licensed datasets, human‑edited knowledge bases like Wikidata, and direct owner signals via schema.org—and explain how each contributes to a confidence score for your entity. If your about page says Jane Doe is CEO but LinkedIn shows John Smith, the score drops and your brand becomes ambiguous. If your website, LinkedIn, reputable press, and Wikidata all agree, trust rises and your facts become “truth” in search.From there, we get specific about what you can control. Use schema.org to describe your organisation, people, products, and identifiers in clear, machine‑readable terms. Link out with sameAs to authoritative profiles so Google can triangulate identity. Audit your knowledge panel as a live diagnostic: check logos, dates, roles, and categories, and chase down any mismatch to the original source. Treat digital PR and reputation management as part of technical SEO—because today they are.By the end, you'll have a practical checklist for entity hygiene that helps you earn and keep a clean knowledge panel, avoid costly confusion, and unlock higher‑trust features across the results page. If this helped clarify how entities power modern SEO, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review with one takeaway you'll act on next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textKeywords don't tell the whole story—entities do. We take you inside the three-step process machines use to read your content like a detective at a crime scene: highlighting potential entities, using context to resolve ambiguity, and linking each mention to a unique identifier in a global knowledge base. By the end, you'll see why “Jordan” only makes sense when surrounded by the right clues—and how to present those clues so search engines and AIs make the right call every time.We start with named entity recognition, the digital highlighter that picks out people, organisations, products, places, and dates across unstructured text. Then we move to entity disambiguation, where context—co-occurring teams, locations, or concepts—guides the system to the correct meaning. Finally, we close with entity linking, the moment a string becomes a node with a library card in Wikipedia or Wikidata. That linkage is the bridge into Google's Knowledge Graph, powering features like knowledge panels and richer, more confident results.Along the way, we dig into why Wikipedia and Wikidata matter far beyond vanity. Accurate, well-sourced entries create a feedback loop that improves how machines understand your brand, your founders, and your products. If you don't meet notability yet, don't force it; build authority elsewhere with consistent profiles, structured data, and content that names and connects related entities. We also share a simple action: search for your brand, founder, and main product on Wikipedia and Wikidata and assess accuracy. Want more like this? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so we can help more teams make sense of entity-first SEO.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textMost of us were trained to think in keywords—count them, match them, stuff them. But Google no longer sees the web as a bag of words; it reads the world as a network of entities, relationships, and intent. We unpack the “things, not strings” shift and explore how Hummingbird, BERT, and advances in NLP turned SEO from phrase-matching into meaning-making. Along the way, we show how entity clarity powers knowledge panels, fuels AI answers, and builds the kind of topical authority that lasts.I walk through a simple, practical framework for modelling your site as a connected set of real-world things. You'll hear how to define your core entities—organisation, products or services, key people, and foundational concepts—then map attributes and relationships that make sense to both users and machines. Using a speciality coffee example, we contrast the old “pour over coffee” keyword page with an entity-rich cluster that links devices like Hario V60 and Chemex, technique steps like the bloom, and tools like a gooseneck kettle, all tied together with clear internal links and consistent naming.If you're ready to move beyond brittle tactics and build durable visibility, this is your starting point. By curating accurate data, writing with context, and connecting the dots across your niche, you help search engines understand your corner of the world—and you earn trust the right way. Subscribe for the upcoming mini‑season on entities, share this with a teammate who still counts keywords, and leave a quick review to tell me which entity you plan to own next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textTired of churning out endless blog posts that barely move the needle? There's a powerful alternative that smart brands are using to generate leads, backlinks, and unmatched brand authority.In this eye-opening episode, I dive deep into "engineering as marketing" – the strategy of creating free, useful tools that attract and convert your ideal customers. Unlike standard content marketing, this approach leverages your development resources to build something truly valuable that competitors can't easily replicate. I break down exactly how industry leaders like HubSpot and Ahrefs have used this strategy to build massive audiences and convert casual visitors into paying customers.You'll discover why these tools work so effectively as link magnets, how they target people at the perfect stage of awareness, and the specific qualities that make them irresistible to users. I share my firsthand experience implementing this strategy with KeywordsPeopleUse.com, explaining how our free tool option has generated substantial traction and conversions.The beauty of this approach is its staying power – once you've created and promoted your tool, it continues working for you with minimal maintenance, unlike content that quickly becomes outdated. Whether you're an established brand looking to differentiate yourself or a startup seeking traction, this episode provides actionable insights for implementing engineering as marketing in your business. Start thinking about what tool you could build today that would transform your marketing results tomorrow.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why some websites rank well but fail to convert visitors? The missing piece is likely search intent—understanding not just what people search for, but why they're searching in the first place.Search intent is the compass that guides effective SEO and content strategy. In this classic episode from the SEO Is Not That Hard archive, I break down the four critical types of intent that drive all searches: informational (seeking knowledge), commercial (researching options), transactional (ready to buy), and navigational (finding a specific website). Using the practical example of someone looking after a new lawn, I walk through how a person's search journey evolves from broad questions to specific product searches.The magic happens when you align your content strategy with user intent. Most websites make the mistake of focusing exclusively on one type of intent—ecommerce sites obsess over transactional content while blogs concentrate on informational pieces. But the most successful sites create content for every stage of the user journey. I share actionable strategies for expanding your content funnel, whether you're an affiliate site looking to monetize your informational content or an ecommerce store trying to capture users earlier in their decision process.Google itself provides the best clues about intent. By analyzing search results, featured snippets, and SERP features, you can decode what Google has determined to be the primary intent behind any keyword. This insight allows you to create content that precisely matches what users (and Google) expect to see.Ready to transform your approach to content and SEO? Subscribe now and download my free guide to 101 quick SEO tips mentioned in the show notes. Your competitors are likely missing huge opportunities by ignoring search intent—don't make the same mistake.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSuccess stories in digital business rarely follow a straight line, and the 18-year journey of Broadband.co.uk perfectly illustrates the rollercoaster ride of building a sustainable online business. What began almost accidentally in 2004, when the term "broadband" suddenly became associated with home internet service, evolved into one of the UK's leading comparison websites before culminating in a successful exit in 2021.The early days reflect the experimental nature of the mid-2000s internet landscape. When a web agency called Broadband Communications found themselves receiving inquiries about broadband installation because of their domain name, they spotted an opportunity. Rather than just selling the valuable domain, they pioneered one of the UK's first comparison sites, partnering with broadband providers through affiliate marketing. After initially struggling with unprofitable PPC campaigns, the founders bought out their partners and pivoted to focus exclusively on organic traffic growth.The most dramatic chapter came in 2012 when Google's Penguin update devastated their rankings overnight, sending them from position #1 for "broadband" to somewhere around position 900. This catastrophic 99% loss of Google traffic could have ended the business entirely. Instead, with help from SEO expert Carl Hendy, they completely rebuilt their approach to content and link building. Despite industry claims that you "can't compete without buying links," they committed to entirely natural link acquisition – and proved the naysayers wrong by not only recovering but growing their traffic five-fold in the following years.This journey contains valuable lessons about the dangers of SEO shortcuts, the importance of diversification, and the power of sustainable growth strategies. By 2016, they had expanded into additional affiliate sites using the same formula of excellent content and user experience, reducing their vulnerability to future algorithm changes. When the opportunity for exit arrived in 2021, they sold to a company already operating in the space who recognized the sustainable value they'd built.What SEO challenges are you facing in your business? Have you found the balance between quick wins and long-term sustainability? Share your experiences or reach out with questions – I'd love to hear your story.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe deceptively simple concept of Time to Value might be the most overlooked factor in your SEO strategy. In this eye-opening episode, I break down why the speed at which users experience the core benefit of your website directly impacts your search rankings.Time to Value (TTV) is that magical moment when a visitor says, "Ah, I get it!" – the instant they realize your site delivers exactly what they needed. Whether it's finding the perfect product, getting a crucial answer, or completing a task, how quickly this happens determines whether they'll stay, bounce, or become loyal visitors. And Google is watching these behaviors closely.We explore the two distinct types of TTV – Basic Value (the quickest path to main benefits) and Exceed Value (discovering those delightful secondary features) – and why prioritizing that initial value delivery is critical in today's short-attention-span world. You'll learn practical design strategies to reduce your site's TTV, from simplifying onboarding to creating intuitive navigation, clear CTAs, and lightning-fast page speeds.The beauty of optimizing for Time to Value is that it naturally aligns with Google's core mission: serving the best results to users. When visitors quickly find value on your site, it reduces bounce rates, increases engagement time, boosts conversions, and builds brand loyalty – all signals that tell Google your site deserves higher rankings. Ready to transform your approach to website design? Listen now and discover why being helpful, fast, and clear might be all the SEO strategy you really need.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textA major shift has occurred in how Google Search Console reports your website's performance data, and it all stems from a quiet technical change few noticed. Google has removed the "num=100" parameter from search results—a seemingly minor adjustment with far-reaching consequences for SEO professionals and website owners alike.This parameter allowed SEO tools to view 100 search results on a single page, gathering vast amounts of ranking data efficiently. Its removal has thrown rank tracking companies into disarray, forcing them to make ten times more requests to collect the same data, dramatically increasing their operational costs and processing times. For these specialized tools, the choice now becomes whether to scale up infrastructure, reduce the scope of tracking, or pass costs on to clients.The most noticeable impact for website owners appears in Google Search Console reports. If you've logged in recently and noticed your impressions dropping while your average position improved, this parameter change explains why. Those deep-page impressions (positions 50-100) were largely generated by bots using the num=100 parameter, not real users. Without these bot impressions, your data now more accurately reflects actual human behavior. Sites with fewer page-one rankings are seeing the most dramatic changes, with impression drops of up to 70-80% in some cases, while sites with strong first-page presence experience less disruption.This cleaner data ultimately pushes us to focus on what truly matters—getting high rankings in positions where users actually engage. While your actual traffic and real rankings remain unchanged, the visibility into lower-ranking terms that might represent opportunities has diminished. Understanding this shift helps interpret your performance metrics correctly and make better-informed SEO decisions going forward. Want to discover how to identify the most valuable keyword opportunities despite these changes? Try our specialized tools designed to cut through the noise and focus on what drives real traffic.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textHave you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of marketing data, unsure which metrics actually matter? The solution might come from an unexpected source—a smoke-filled room beneath London during the Battle of Britain.In this fascinating episode, I draw surprising parallels between the RAF's revolutionary Dowding System—which helped a vastly outnumbered air force defeat the Luftwaffe in 1940—and the challenges modern businesses face with data management. The problem isn't a lack of information; it's making sense of the overwhelming flood of contradictory inputs coming from analytics, search console, CRMs, social platforms, and more.The Dowding System's genius lay in its three-step approach: collect data from multiple sources (like radar stations and ground observers), collate that information into a single source of truth (filtering out noise and duplicates), and visualize it effectively (on a giant map table where commanders could instantly grasp the battlefield situation). I show how this exact framework can transform your business intelligence strategy, helping you make faster, smarter decisions than your competition.I share practical advice for building your own "operations room," including identifying your mission-critical metrics, choosing the right tools like Looker Studio, creating effective dashboards, and establishing regular review rhythms. I even reveal my personal system that emails hourly, daily, and weekly reports to keep my finger on the pulse of my business.Ready to bring wartime strategic brilliance to your marketing efforts? Listen now and discover how to stop drowning in data and start winning your own Battle of Britain. And remember—subscribe to "SEO Is Not That Hard" for more unexpected insights that will transform how you approach digital marketing.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textLooking for the magic SEO shortcut that will skyrocket your rankings overnight? You won't find it here—or anywhere else legitimate. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on one of the most persistent myths in digital marketing: the idea that quick fixes can deliver sustainable SEO results.Drawing from over two decades of experience building, monetizing, and selling websites, I share why patience isn't just important—it's absolutely essential. We examine the recent August 2024 core update, where sites hit by the Helpful Content Update nearly a year ago are only now beginning to see modest recoveries. This real-world timeline exposes why anyone promising overnight SEO success is selling false hope rather than practical solutions.The hard truth is that building digital authority requires persistence through what often feels like thankless work. Whether it's a podcast that takes 100+ episodes to find its audience or an affiliate site that generates pennies before dollars, the winners in SEO aren't those with secret tricks—they're the ones willing to play the long game. Even those who attempt shortcuts like buying backlinks (which I don't recommend) still face waiting periods as those signals work through the system.This episode serves as both a reality check and a pep talk for anyone feeling frustrated by seemingly slow progress. Success in SEO isn't about finding magical hacks but about cultivating the patience to build something of lasting value. If you're ready to stop chasing quick fixes and start building sustainable digital assets, this conversation is your essential starting point.Ready to focus on what actually works? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo where I'll personally show you how to find and answer the questions your audience is actually asking. Let's build something that lasts.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered if your website's loading speed really matters that much? The Financial Times conducted a bold experiment that answers this question with hard data—and the results should make every website owner pay attention.In this episode, I dive into FT.com's fascinating study where they deliberately slowed down their website for different groups of users. Some visitors experienced the site normally, while others faced delays ranging from one to five seconds on every page load. The Financial Times tracked how these delays affected user behavior over an entire month, focusing specifically on how many articles people read during each session.The findings are eye-opening. While users might tolerate a slow-loading page once, persistent slowness led to dramatic drop-offs in engagement. Less engaged visitors abandoned the slow site almost immediately, while even loyal readers showed reduced activity when faced with delays. FT estimated these slowdowns would cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds in the short term, potentially escalating to millions in lost revenue over time if not addressed.What makes this study particularly valuable is that it moves beyond theoretical SEO discussions about Google's preferences and shows the direct impact of site speed on actual user behavior and business outcomes. As mobile networks have evolved significantly since this 2016 study with faster connectivity becoming standard, today's users likely have even higher expectations for performance. The message is clear: site speed isn't just a technical consideration—it's directly tied to user satisfaction, engagement metrics, and ultimately your bottom line.Ready to take your website's performance seriously? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleusecom/demo where I can show you how our tools help you create content that truly engages your audience. And don't forget to subscribe for more practical SEO insights that can transform your digital presence!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSearch behavior is constantly evolving, and understanding those shifts is crucial for effective SEO. This episode dives into the fascinating distinction between "intent shift" and "question shift" – two concepts that significantly impact how we should approach content creation.The traditional view of intent shift focuses on how the purpose behind identical search queries changes over time. Think of "Christmas trees" – in December, users want to buy one; after Christmas, they need disposal information; by summer, they might be wholesalers or researchers. Google adapts to these patterns by monitoring which results users actually click, constantly refining what they serve based on shifting user needs.Meanwhile, question shift represents how the specific questions people ask about a topic evolve as markets mature. Drawing from my experience with Broadband.co.uk, I share how we watched user questions transform from basic "what is broadband?" queries to sophisticated "how do I switch providers?" as the market developed. At KeywordsPeopleUse.com, we've built "Search Alerts" specifically to help content creators track these question evolutions over time, ensuring your content stays relevant to what your audience is actually asking today.Rather than seeing these as competing theories, I encourage SEO professionals to recognize both patterns and develop strategies addressing them. The most successful content creators don't just research questions once – they continuously monitor how both intent and questions evolve, adapting their approach accordingly. Want to see how our tools can help you stay ahead of these shifts? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo, where I'll personally show you how to level up your content by answering the questions your audience is actually asking.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textAre affiliate websites stealing your hard-earned customers by ranking for your brand name plus "coupon code" searches? This eye-opening episode reveals a critical blind spot in many brands' SEO strategies.Drawing inspiration from SEO veteran Carl Hendy's expertise, Edd Dawson explains why controlling your branded search experience is essential for businesses of any size. When potential customers search for your brand plus terms like "discount code" or "voucher code," they've already decided to purchase from you—so why let affiliate sites intercept them at the final stage of their journey?The podcast walks through compelling reasons to create dedicated pages targeting these branded searches: protecting profit margins, maintaining brand image, ensuring only valid promotions appear, gathering valuable customer data, and preventing unauthorized discount code sharing. Edd shares a personal revelation upon discovering affiliate sites creating pages for "Keywords People Use coupon code" despite his company rarely offering discounts.This strategy applies to businesses across all industries and sizes. Even if you don't regularly offer discounts, having a page that clearly communicates your pricing policy prevents affiliates from creating misleading content about your brand. The episode provides practical guidance on implementing this approach, directing listeners to Carl Hendy's detailed wireframe for creating effective coupon code pages.Ready to take back control of your branded search experience? Connect with Edd on LinkedIn and Blue Sky, try the SEO intelligence platform at keywordspeopleuse.com, or visit edddawson.com for dedicated consulting services. Don't miss this opportunity to protect your brand while improving customer experience!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe future of search has arrived, and it's not quite what many SEO professionals expected. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery about how AI search systems like ChatGPT determine which sources to trust and cite in their responses.A clever investigation has revealed that ChatGPT uses a method called Reciprocal Rank Fusion (RRF) to evaluate and rank content. When you ask ChatGPT a question, it doesn't just perform one search—it runs multiple related searches simultaneously and then combines the results using a surprisingly simple formula. The revelation completely upends traditional keyword-focused SEO strategies. Pages that rank moderately well for multiple related queries now outperform those that rank #1 for just one keyword.This confirms what we've been advocating for years: building comprehensive topic clusters and establishing genuine topical authority is far more valuable than chasing individual high-volume keywords. For content creators, this means focusing on addressing all the questions around a subject rather than creating narrowly-targeted content. The websites that position themselves as authoritative resources across a spectrum of related queries will increasingly find themselves cited as primary sources in AI-generated responses.Whether you're an SEO veteran or just starting to optimize your content, this episode provides crucial insights for navigating the evolving landscape where traditional search engines and AI platforms coexist. Listen now to understand how to position your content for success in this new era of search, and discover why consistently ranking well across multiple related queries is the new SEO gold standard.Link to original article : https://metehan.ai/blog/chatgpt-is-using-reciprocal-rank-fusion-rrf/SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat happens when a 20-year veteran of SEO and affiliate marketing picks up a fresh perspective? Unexpected revenue discoveries, that's what.In this episode, I share my honest review of "The Payout Mafia" by Neil C and James Dooley—a collection of insights from fifteen successful affiliate marketers. While I'm not typically drawn to the flashy "robbing the bank" portrayal of our industry, the book's substance quickly overcame my initial hesitation.The real value comes from seeing where these diverse experts (spanning SEO, paid acquisition, email marketing, YouTube, and webinars) align in their approaches and where they diverge. This compilation revealed a critical blindspot in my own business practices around data monitoring—a realization that led to an immediate $5,000 monthly revenue increase on just one of my sites through a simple merchant placement adjustment.Perhaps most fascinating is how the book highlights the necessity of automation in today's affiliate landscape. Several contributors emphasize building systems that surface important metrics regularly, allowing for nimble optimization even when factors outside your control (like a merchant's external advertising) affect conversion rates. Their collective wisdom reinforces that success comes from consistent data vigilance rather than sporadic attention.Whether you're new to affiliate marketing or have decades of experience like me, "The Payout Mafia" offers practical strategies worth far more than its modest price tag. It's a powerful reminder that in this industry, the learning never stops—and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from unexpected sources.Want to hear more insights like this? Subscribe to "SEO Is Not That Hard" wherever you get your podcasts, and visit keywordspeopleusecom to discover how our SEO intelligence platform can help you understand what questions people are asking online and optimize your content accordingly.Link to book on Amazon:Amazon UKSEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textLink to Sparktoro report: https://sparktoro.com/blog/new-research-20-of-americans-use-ai-tools-10x-month-but-growth-is-slowing-and-traditional-search-hasnt-dipped/A digital revolution or much ado about nothing? The AI versus search debate has dominated SEO conversations lately, with doomsayers predicting the end of traditional search as we know it. But what's actually happening might surprise you.Drawing from the groundbreaking SparkToro and Datos report, this episode cuts through the hype to reveal unexpected trends in AI and search engine usage. While AI adoption has been significant—with 20% of Americans now classified as heavy users—the explosive growth we witnessed in 2023 is already plateauing. Meanwhile, traditional search engine usage remains remarkably steady, with 95% of Americans still using search engines monthly and the percentage of heavy search users actually increasing over the past year.The most fascinating insight? AI and search aren't locked in a zero-sum battle but instead appear to be complementary tools in most users' information discovery journeys. I share fascinating log file analysis from my own affiliate site showing that for every five Google visitors, we see approximately one AI crawler—yet our Google traffic continues to grow. This suggests AI users represent additional audience reach rather than cannibalised search traffic.For SEO professionals feeling anxious about AI's impact, this episode offers both reassurance and strategic direction. The fundamentals of quality content creation remain crucial, but understanding how to position your content for both discovery methods will be the true competitive advantage. Listen now to discover how to thrive in this evolving information ecosystem where AI and search coexist rather than compete.Have you integrated AI tools into your content strategy while maintaining your SEO focus? Share your experiences or questions about finding the right balance in this new landscape.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textNavigating Google's algorithm updates can feel like wandering through a dense forest without a map. But what if there's a simple trail of breadcrumbs that could help guide both your users and search engines through your website? In this episode, I share a fascinating correlation I've noticed while analyzing sites affected by recent Google updates - many lack proper breadcrumb navigation.Breadcrumbs aren't just fairy tale elements; they're powerful navigation aids that show users exactly where they are within your site hierarchy. I'll walk you through exactly what breadcrumbs are, why they matter for user experience, and how they create logical internal linking structures that search engines love. You'll learn how this simple feature can transform how your content appears in search results through schema markup, potentially giving you an edge in the SERPs.Most surprising is how many site owners overlook this straightforward implementation despite its significant benefits. Whether you're recovering from algorithm impacts or simply strengthening your SEO foundation, breadcrumbs deserve your attention. Don't miss my invitation for a personal demo of KeywordsPeopleUse tools, where I can show you how to identify the questions your audience is actually asking online. Want to chat SEO or see how our tools can help you create more effective content? Book your free consultation at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo today!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textManaging SEO risk isn't just about playing it safe—it's about building something that lasts. After two decades in the industry, I've watched countless "guaranteed" tactics rise and fall, leaving digital casualties in their wake.The March 2024 Google core update highlights a fundamental truth: while both white hat and black hat tactics can work, understanding the associated risks is crucial. When my team at BroadbandCoUK lost 99% of our Google traffic after the Penguin update, we narrowly avoided collapse. Recovery took well over a year—a timeline that would bankrupt many businesses dependent on organic traffic.Today's controversial tactics, particularly AI content generation without significant human oversight, mirror previous patterns. Google has signalled its intentions clearly, and with thousands of brilliant engineers working on detection, it's only a matter of time before automated penalties become more sophisticated. The short-term gains simply aren't worth the long-term vulnerability for those building lasting digital assets.What many SEO influencers won't tell you is that black hat techniques create significant complications for future business opportunities. During the sale of BroadbandCoUK, I had to provide warranties about our past SEO practices—had we engaged in manipulative tactics, the entire transaction would have been jeopardized. This rarely discussed reality affects your ability to build genuine brand value or exit your business successfully.Want to ensure your content strategy stands the test of time? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo where I'll show you how to discover and answer the questions your audience is actually asking. Let's build something sustainable together that won't collapse with the next algorithm update.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textConventional wisdom tells us faster is better in digital experiences, but what if slowing things down could actually increase user satisfaction and conversions? This episode explores the fascinating "Labor Illusion" concept – a psychological principle where users place higher value on services when they can see the work being done, even if it means waiting longer for results.I share how at Keywords People Use, we've transitioned from quick AI-based keyword clustering to more sophisticated SERP clustering that takes longer but delivers dramatically better results. This change sparked internal discussions about how to handle the waiting period for users, leading us to examine the labor illusion principle more deeply.The evidence is compelling. Harvard research confirms that users not only accept but prefer transparent waiting experiences for complex processes over instantaneous results. I detail our own real-world experiment with BroadbandUK where implementing this principle increased conversions by a remarkable 25%. Though postcode searches could return results instantly, adding a brief interstitial screen that explained the search process transformed user perception completely.This counterintuitive finding has powerful implications for websites offering any kind of search or processing function. By thoughtfully implementing transparent waiting experiences – showing users exactly what's happening behind the scenes – you transform a potential negative (waiting) into a demonstration of value and thoroughness. The key is transparency: don't just make users wait, show them why they're waiting and what value they're getting from that wait. Ready to see how this might apply to your content strategy? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo where we can explore these concepts with your specific needs in mind.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWondering how many questions you should answer on each page of your website? The answer might surprise you.In this best-of episode from SEO Is Not That Hard, I dive into the strategic approach to organizing content based on user questions. Rather than guessing which questions to group together or creating endless single-question pages, I reveal how keyword clustering offers a data-driven solution that aligns with Google's understanding of content relationships.Keyword clustering analyzes which URLs Google ranks for multiple related questions, showing you exactly which topics belong together. When searching for "jigsaw puzzles," for instance, questions naturally cluster around themes like "brain health benefits," "jigsaws for dementia," and "best puzzles for children." Each cluster represents a comprehensive content opportunity rather than dozens of thin, single-question pages.I walk you through practical examples of how to identify these clusters using Keywords People Use, explaining why outlier questions should become seed keywords for deeper research rather than standalone content. You'll learn why mechanically listing questions with answers creates a poor user experience, and how crafting comprehensive content that naturally addresses all clustered questions delivers superior results for both readers and search engines.This approach eliminates the guesswork from your content strategy, ensuring you're creating pages that match how Google already understands topic relationships. Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your content approach, this episode provides actionable insights into creating valuable, well-organized content that ranks.Ready to transform how you approach question-based content? Book a free, personal demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo where I'll show you how to find and organize the exact questions your audience is asking about any topic.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why some SEO professionals succeed while others struggle, despite seemingly similar strategies? The answer might lie in something surprisingly simple: reading Google's guidelines.In this illuminating episode of SEO Is Not That Hard, Edd Dawson breaks down why Google's Search Essentials (formerly Webmaster Guidelines) and Quality Rater Guidelines should be required reading for everyone from SEO beginners to seasoned experts. With Google driving nearly 70% of all website traffic, understanding their rulebook isn't optional—it's fundamental.Dawson expertly navigates the recent simplification of Google's guidelines, explaining how they've evolved as Google's technology has advanced. He walks through the three critical components: technical requirements that make your site visible to Google, spam policies that help you avoid penalties, and best practices for improving your search presence. But he doesn't stop there. He delves into the more comprehensive Quality Rater Guidelines—the document that reveals how Google trains human evaluators to assess website quality, particularly regarding Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E-E-A-T).What sets this episode apart is Dawson's refreshingly balanced perspective. He doesn't advocate for strictly following Google's rules or for deliberately breaking them. Instead, he emphasizes understanding where the boundaries lie so you can make informed decisions based on your own risk tolerance and business goals. He expresses frustration with SEO educators who promote tactics without transparently discussing their alignment with Google's guidelines, leaving website owners unable to properly assess risk.Ready to level up your SEO knowledge and make more strategic decisions? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights that demystify the world of search engine optimization. Want personalized help finding the questions your audience is asking? Book a free demo with Edd at keywordspeopleusecom/demo.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textStruggling to understand why your content strategy suddenly stopped working in 2022? The answer may lie in a revolutionary concept from a Google patent called "information gain" – and it's transforming how search results work.In this eye-opening episode, I dive deep into Google's "Contextual Estimation of Link Information Gain" patent and how it's likely powering the recent helpful content updates that have confused so many SEO professionals. This algorithm calculates how much new information a page brings compared to what you've already seen – constantly recalibrating search results to ensure you're not seeing the same information repeatedly packaged in different ways.The revelation explains why once-popular strategies like the "skyscraper technique" are falling flat. These approaches, which essentially aggregate existing knowledge from top-ranking pages, provide zero information gain. Similarly, AI-generated content, which averages out existing information rather than creating anything truly new, fails the information gain test. It even clarifies Reddit's surprising rise in search visibility – those personal experiences represent genuine information gain despite quality issues.This paradigm shift demands a complete rethinking of content creation. Rather than asking "How can I cover this topic better than everyone else?" we now must ask "What new information can I bring that doesn't exist elsewhere?" The implications are profound for anyone creating content online.Ready to adapt your strategy to this new reality? Subscribe to SEO Is Not That Hard for more insights that keep you ahead of the curve. And if you'd like to see how our tools at KeywordsPeopleUse.com can help you find and answer the questions your audience is actually asking, book a free demo with me at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textFeeling buried under an avalanche of keywords? You're not alone. Keyword overwhelm affects even experienced content creators, leading to paralysis and poor content planning decisions. This episode tackles this common challenge head-on with practical solutions that will transform your approach to SEO.The problem typically begins when traditional keyword research tools generate thousands of similar keywords, leaving you wondering: Should I create a separate page for each keyword? Which ones should I prioritise? How do I organise all this information? The good news is there's a much simpler approach that produces better results.Keyword clustering forms the foundation of this solution, helping you identify which keywords naturally belong together based on search intent. But the real game-changer comes when you shift your focus from keywords to questions. By using clustering to identify thematic areas, then researching the specific questions people ask about those themes, you'll create content that directly addresses user needs while naturally incorporating relevant keywords. This question-based approach aligns perfectly with how people actually use search engines and how Google evaluates content quality.Ready to escape keyword overwhelm and create more effective content? Listen now to learn exactly how to implement this strategy, and discover why answering questions builds more topical authority than chasing individual keywords. For a personal demonstration of how our tools at KeywordsPeopleUse can help you find and organise the questions your audience is asking, book a free one-on-one video call at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why some businesses grow exponentially while others struggle to gain traction? The secret might lie in how they leverage their existing customers. Referral marketing transforms satisfied customers into powerful advocates by creating win-win situations that benefit everyone involved. Unlike traditional affiliate programs where only promoters receive rewards, effective referral systems incentivize both sides of the equation. When Dropbox implemented their groundbreaking referral program in 2009, they didn't offer cash – they gave extra storage space to both parties, aligning rewards perfectly with their product value. This strategy catapulted them to extraordinary growth as users eagerly shared with friends and colleagues to unlock more free storage.Similarly, Octopus Energy's £50 dual credit system demonstrates how direct financial rewards can drive significant referral activity in consumer markets. The psychology behind these programs is fascinating – even highly satisfied customers rarely promote products unprompted, but given the right incentive structure, they become enthusiastic promoters. The trust factor cannot be overstated; recommendations from personal connections convert at dramatically higher rates than traditional advertising, making referral programs incredibly cost-effective customer acquisition channels.For businesses considering implementing referral systems, the key lies in designing rewards that meaningfully connect to your product experience while making sharing frictionless. The most powerful programs create a virtuous cycle where new customers immediately understand the referral mechanism because they've just benefited from it themselves. Curious about implementing a referral program for your business? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo where you can discuss your specific needs and get personalized SEO guidance.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered how to get influential websites linking to yours without begging or paying? The secret might be right in front of you: human psychology.Link building through "EgoBait" taps into a fundamental truth about human nature - we all pay attention when someone talks about us. In this episode, I break down how creating content specifically designed to showcase others can become your most powerful link building strategy. Rather than hoping random content attracts backlinks, EgoBait deliberately targets potential linkers by featuring them prominently.I walk you through the three most effective EgoBait formats: interviews with industry influencers, expert roundup posts that feature multiple voices, and creating awards that companies love to showcase. Each approach leverages the natural tendency of people and organizations to share positive recognition. You'll learn exactly how to execute these strategies, from approaching influencers for interviews to creating award programs that companies will proudly display on their websites.The beauty of EgoBait is its win-win nature. Your featured subjects get positive exposure and promotion, while you earn valuable backlinks that boost your SEO. But success hinges on two critical elements: genuinely valuable content that makes your subjects look good, and effective follow-up that encourages sharing without appearing transactional. Master these elements, and you'll transform your link building efforts from frustrating cold outreach to a natural extension of relationship building.Ready to try a link building approach that actually works? Listen now to discover how to create content that others naturally want to share, and watch your backlink profile grow without the usual struggle. Have you tried EgoBait strategies before? I'd love to hear your results!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textA bombshell revelation from a recent Google API documentation leak has potentially exposed the inner workings of how the search giant evaluates links. In this eye-opening episode, I explore what I'm calling Google's "Actual Surfer" model – a sophisticated evolution of their PageRank system that may completely transform how we think about link building.The leaked data suggests Google categorizes every link in its index into three quality tiers: high, medium, and low. Most importantly, real user traffic data collected through Chrome appears to determine which tier a page belongs to. Pages receiving significant verifiable traffic get classified as high-quality, while those with minimal or no traffic fall into the low-quality bucket where their links are effectively ignored for ranking purposes.This revelation carries profound implications for SEO practitioners. Traditional link building schemes involving private blog networks or artificially created websites receiving no real human traffic are likely completely devalued. Meanwhile, Digital PR efforts securing placements on high-traffic publications may be significantly more valuable than previously thought – even when those links carry the nofollow attribute. Google's updated stance on treating nofollow as a "hint" rather than a directive suddenly makes perfect sense in this context – they may pass ranking value through nofollow links that appear on highly-trafficked pages in contextually relevant positions.Ready to adapt your SEO strategy to this new understanding of how Google evaluates links? Book a free, no-obligation demo at KeywordsPeopleUse.com/demo where I can personally show you how our tools help you find and answer the questions your audience actually has – the foundation of creating truly valuable content that earns meaningful links.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textDiscover the hidden power of glossaries for supercharging both your website's user experience and SEO performance. Drawing from over two decades of website building and monetisation experience, Edd Dawson reveals how adding a comprehensive glossary to Keywords People Use transformed into an unexpected SEO powerhouse.What began as a solution for explaining complex SEO terminology without repetition has evolved into a robust resource containing over 300 definitions and 20,000 words. Edd walks through the surprising benefits this seemingly simple content addition delivered, from keeping users engaged on-site to establishing strong topical authority with search engines.The glossary strategy works on multiple levels: it provides seamless user experiences by preventing visitors from navigating away to search for definitions, creates powerful internal linking opportunities, helps establish your site as an authoritative resource, and even attracts natural backlinks from other websites. For content creators, building a glossary also serves as excellent writing practice and a springboard for developing more comprehensive content ideas.Whether you're running an e-commerce store, business website, or content-driven platform, Edd's practical insights will help you implement this underutilized strategy for your own site. He shares real examples from his SEO glossary (available at keywordspeopleuse.com/seo/glossary) and offers specific tips for structuring and expanding your own terminology resource. Ready to boost your site's authority while delivering more value to your audience? Book a free demo with Edd at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo to discuss how Keywords People Use can help you discover exactly what your audience is searching for.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver created something valuable completely by accident? That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon the "binge bank strategy" without even knowing it existed. Through consistently publishing short, digestible 5-15 minute podcast episodes about SEO topics, I unexpectedly built a library of content that new listeners could easily binge through once they discovered my show. The analytics don't lie – when someone finds an episode they connect with, they often download multiple back-catalog episodes in quick succession. The beauty lies in the format: just as 20-minute TV episodes are easier to binge than hour-long dramas, these brief SEO lessons create a low commitment barrier that makes saying "just one more" almost irresistible.What makes this approach powerful is that it removes the pressure of creating viral hits. Instead, you focus on consistent value, knowing that when your ideal audience eventually discovers you, they'll have a wealth of content waiting for them. This accidental strategy transformed my podcast from a personal speaking exercise into a genuine resource that's helped countless SEO practitioners. The connections formed with listeners who've binged through episodes have provided invaluable feedback and relationships I never anticipated.Whether you're creating podcasts, videos, blog posts, or any other content format, consider building your own binge bank. The cumulative value grows over time, and as I've discovered, sometimes the best content strategies aren't meticulously planned – they emerge naturally from consistent delivery of value. Ready to start building your own content library that people can't stop consuming? Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo and I'll help you discover the questions your audience is truly asking.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe digital landscape is changing dramatically with the rise of AI-powered search, but are the core principles of SEO still relevant? Drawing on over 20 years of experience in the field, I share my observations on what truly matters for search visibility in this evolving environment.Despite the anxiety surrounding large language models like ChatGPT and Claude, my experience shows that businesses selling physical products and websites offering unique, specialized information continue to thrive. While sites monetizing basic factual content through display advertising have suffered, those providing genuine value remain resilient against AI disruption.The fundamentals of SEO have adapted rather than disappeared. High-quality, comprehensive content that answers the question behind the question is more crucial than ever as AI systems need authoritative sources to cite. Experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness signals help AI models identify reliable information sources. Technical foundations ensure your content can be found and understood by various crawlers, while semantic SEO and topical authority have replaced simple keyword targeting—building content clusters that demonstrate deep expertise across entire subjects positions you as the definitive resource in your field.What's changing isn't whether these principles matter, but how they function in the search ecosystem. Rather than just driving traffic, your authority now determines whether you'll be cited within AI responses and recommended when users need to take action beyond information gathering. By focusing on creating genuinely valuable resources within your subject area, you're building a foundation that will serve your business regardless of how search technology evolves.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textStruggling with link building for your website? You're not alone. While backlinks remain crucial for SEO success, finding ethical, effective ways to acquire them can feel like an impossible task. That's why this episode uncovers a brilliant link building strategy that surprisingly few marketers utilize: creating your own awards program.Most website owners approach awards from the wrong angle - entering competitions in hopes of winning recognition and maybe scoring a backlink from the award organizer. But there's a far more powerful approach, as demonstrated by companies like uSwitch. By becoming an award-giver rather than an award-seeker, you can generate dozens of high-quality, relevant backlinks from the very companies and products you want to be associated with.The strategy works across virtually any industry or niche. E-commerce sites can create product category awards, service businesses can recognize excellence in their sector, and content sites can acknowledge top resources. When implemented properly, award recipients eagerly display your badges on their websites, issue press releases mentioning your recognition, and link back to your awards pages - all voluntarily and enthusiastically.The beauty of this approach lies in its alignment with Google's guidelines. Unlike buying links or engaging in manipulative practices, award programs generate natural, editorially-given backlinks while simultaneously establishing your site as an authority in your space. Whether you implement a simple digital badge system or go all-out with physical awards and ceremonies, this strategy delivers exceptional value compared to riskier link building tactics.Ready to transform your link building strategy? Listen now to discover how to implement an awards program that builds your authority and backlink profile simultaneously. Then subscribe and share this episode to help others discover that SEO truly is not that hard.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe mystery behind Google's ranking algorithms often frustrates website owners, especially during core updates when traffic plummets without clear explanation. Many ask: "Why can't Google just tell us exactly what to do to rank well?" This episode tackles that fundamental question head-on, revealing surprising insights about why complete transparency might actually harm the web more than help it.Search rankings operate as a zero-sum game – only one site can occupy position one for any given search query. If Google provided a perfect optimization roadmap, websites with SEO resources would dominate results, while those without would never see the light of day. The podcast explores how this would create an arms race among optimizers, pushing right up to the boundaries of Google's guidelines while revealing little true quality difference between sites.Beyond practical concerns, complete SEO transparency would likely homogenize the web, stifling creativity and reducing diversity in how information is presented online. Using real examples like link building, Edd demonstrates how transparency would enable manipulation rather than reward quality. While acknowledging the pain of traffic losses (having experienced significant drops himself with previous websites), he makes a compelling case for why some level of SEO ambiguity serves everyone's interests in the long run.The episode concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the balance Google must strike – providing helpful guidance without creating a situation where search results become a predictable outcome of following a rigid formula. For SEO professionals and website owners alike, understanding this paradox shifts perspective from frustration to appreciation for the necessary complexity that keeps the web ecosystem functioning.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat could running a farm possibly teach us about search engine optimization? As it turns out, quite a lot. When my family purchased a neglected farm five years ago to support our passion for horses, I never expected it would revolutionize my perspective on digital marketing. Yet the similarities between nurturing land and growing website traffic proved remarkably insightful.The patience required when planting grass seed and waiting for pastures to develop mirrors the long-term mindset essential for SEO success. Just as I quickly learned that attacking overgrown ditches with a simple spade was futile across acres of land, I've discovered that proper digital tools make previously overwhelming tasks manageable and efficient. Both disciplines taught me hard lessons about when to handle tasks personally versus when to outsource to specialists or delegate routine work.Perhaps most transformative was discovering the power of automation. After spending countless hours manually carrying water across the farm, we tapped a spring and installed kilometers of piping for automatic distribution – a perfect parallel to how automating repetitive digital tasks creates freedom for strategic work. Similarly, the consequences of neglect compound in both fields; restoring neglected farm buildings and rehabilitating abandoned websites both require exponentially more effort than consistent maintenance. The wisdom shared by neighboring farmers proved as valuable as digital mentorship, while the fundamental truth remains constant: neither farming nor SEO rewards minimal effort with maximum results.Whether you're managing acres of land or thousands of keywords, these seven principles can transform your results. Ready to apply these farming lessons to your digital strategy? Explore KeywordsPeopleUse.com today to discover exactly what your audience is searching for and start planting the right content seeds for sustainable growth.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe power of lead magnets lies in their ability to transform passive website traffic into valuable relationships. Ever watched visitors come to your site, consume content, and vanish without a trace? You're missing a crucial opportunity to build lasting connections with your audience.Lead magnets—free items or services offered in exchange for contact details—create a value exchange that benefits both sides. For website owners, they reveal who's engaging with your content and provide a direct line of communication for future offerings. For visitors, they deliver immediate value while opening the door to more personalized experiences. This symbiotic relationship strengthens engagement and dramatically increases your website's worth as a business asset.From simple PDF checklists and comprehensive guides to sophisticated tools like broadband speed trackers or freemium services, lead magnets can take countless forms. The most successful ones align perfectly with your audience's needs while requiring minimal friction to access. Free consultations, online courses, detailed case studies, and prize draws all serve as powerful incentives for visitors to share their contact information. The key is matching the right lead magnet to the right audience at the right moment in their journey through your site.Strategic implementation makes all the difference. Place your lead magnet offer at the precise moment when its value is most apparent—after someone has engaged with related content or shown interest in your subject area. Collect only essential information, send a thoughtful thank-you message, and always provide clear opt-out instructions to maintain trust. Don't limit yourself to a single lead magnet either; different offerings can target various audience segments and address multiple pain points. Ready to transform your passive website into an active marketing channel you control? The solution is simpler than you might think—start building your first lead magnet today.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why some websites convert better than others, despite having similar products or content? The secret weapon might be carefully placed customer testimonials. This podcast episode dives deep into the undeniable power of social proof and how it transforms hesitant visitors into confident customers.Customer testimonials represent the next best thing to a personal recommendation from a trusted friend. When potential customers see others like them praising your offerings, it creates an immediate sense of trust that no amount of self-promotion can achieve. Beyond boosting conversions, testimonials also strengthen your website's E-E-A-T signals, making them a powerful SEO asset in the age of Google's helpful content updates.From finding existing reviews across social media and review platforms to implementing strategic request systems, this episode walks you through practical approaches to building your testimonial collection. Learn how KeywordsPeopleUse.com tripled their review submissions with a simple "mystery reward" technique, and discover how tools like Senja.io can streamline the entire process. The discussion also covers optimal placement strategies—putting the right testimonials in strategic locations across your digital touchpoints for maximum impact.Ready to harness the persuasive power of your customers' words? Subscribe to "SEO Is Not That Hard" for more actionable SEO strategies, and download my free 101 Quick SEO Tips from the show notes. Visit KeywordsPeopleUse.com today to discover the questions your potential customers are really asking online.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textDangerous shortcuts rarely lead to lasting success in SEO. In this revealing episode, I pull back the curtain on Private Blog Networks (PBNs) – one of the most controversial black hat SEO techniques still in use today.Drawing from my 20+ years of experience building and monetizing websites, I explain exactly what PBNs are, how they operate, and why they continue to tempt SEO practitioners looking for quick ranking improvements. While I don't condemn those who venture into black hat territory, I share my personal philosophy of building for the long term rather than risking everything on techniques that violate Google's terms of service.We explore the mechanics of how PBNs are created, typically using expired domains with existing backlink profiles, and why they can indeed provide short-term ranking boosts. But the real value comes in understanding the significant risks: Google's increasingly sophisticated detection systems, the potential for devastating penalties, and the substantial costs of maintaining these networks properly.For those who purchase links from third parties, I provide practical advice on how to identify PBN links before they harm your site. Look for websites featuring disconnected content topics filled with outbound links to unrelated industries – these are classic signs you're dealing with a risky link network that could eventually trigger manual or algorithmic penalties.Whether you're curious about black hat techniques or simply want to protect your website from risky backlinks, this episode equips you with essential knowledge for navigating the complex world of SEO. Subscribe now and share this episode with anyone who might be tempted by shortcuts in their search ranking journey – you might just save them from a future Google penalty!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textTired of the endless chase for more traffic? Discover a smarter approach to affiliate marketing that can dramatically boost your revenue using visitors you already have.We dive deep into the world of Earnings Per Click (EPC) optimization – a strategy that lets you increase affiliate earnings without attracting a single new visitor. Learn how to identify which merchants are truly delivering value, why positioning matters more than you might think, and how to strategically place your highest-performing partners for maximum returns.This episode breaks down exactly how to analyze your affiliate reports to find golden opportunities hiding in plain sight. You'll discover why some merchants consistently outperform others and how to leverage these insights across your site. I share real examples from my experience running broadbandco.uk, where strategic merchant positioning based on EPC data significantly boosted our bottom line.Beyond the basics, we explore advanced techniques including page-level optimization strategies that account for different visitor intentions, seasonal adjustments to keep your earnings optimized year-round, and even how to build automated systems that continuously optimize your merchant positioning based on performance data.Whether you're just starting your affiliate marketing journey or managing established sites, this approach offers immediate potential for revenue growth. Stop leaving money on the table and start making your existing traffic work harder for you. Subscribe now and transform how you think about affiliate optimization!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat separates sustainable SEO success from devastating Google penalties? The answer often lies in your approach to backlinks. Drawing from two decades of website building experience, I share a deeply personal journey through the evolving landscape of link building – including painful lessons learned the hard way.Backlinks remain fundamental to Google's ranking algorithm, acting as votes of confidence from one site to another. But not all backlinks are created equal. I break down backlink strategies into three categories: the good (naturally acquired links that come without solicitation), the bad (paid links disguised to appear natural), and the ugly (blatantly manipulative tactics like comment spam and private blog networks).My own experience with Google's Penguin algorithm taught me that while aggressive link acquisition might work temporarily, the eventual cleanup process is exponentially more difficult than building quality links from the start. This episode isn't about judging different approaches – there's no moral high ground here, just practical considerations about risk versus reward. I've found that creating genuinely valuable content that naturally attracts links builds a sustainable foundation that withstands algorithm changes and eliminates sleepless nights worrying about penalties.Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your strategy, this episode provides clear guidance on building a backlink profile that stands the test of time. The path of natural link acquisition may require more patience and creativity, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the shortcuts. Ready to build authority without breaking Google's rules? This episode shows you how.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhen Google penalties strike, panic often follows. Whether you've been hit by the recent massive core update or you're dealing with a mysterious traffic drop, knowing how to recover is crucial for your site's survival.Google penalties come in two distinct flavours, each requiring a different recovery approach. Manual penalties occur when an actual person from Google's web spam team reviews your site and finds violations of their terms of service. The silver lining? You'll receive specific notification through Search Console about what went wrong, giving you a clear path to fix the issues. Whether it's removing spammy content, addressing cloaking techniques, or disavowing problematic backlinks, the reconsideration process provides a structured way back into Google's good graces.Algorithmic penalties present a murkier challenge. These automated judgments come with no notification or reconsideration process, leaving you to play detective with your analytics and Google's limited update information. As someone who's personally recovered from algorithmic penalties, I can attest that patience becomes your greatest asset. Through careful analysis of affected pages, strategic improvements, and persistence, recovery is absolutely possible—sometimes resulting in traffic that exceeds pre-penalty levels. The key is avoiding rash decisions during active updates and learning from the community of others experiencing similar issues.Don't surrender to the myth that penalties mean permanent exile from search results. While the work required varies dramatically based on the severity of your violations, nearly every type of Google penalty has proven recoverable with the right approach. Have you been hit by a recent update? Share your experience and let's work through recovery strategies together!SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/