Podcasts about werq

Send us a textProfessional development is your responsibility, not your employer's. People who take ownership of their personal growth receive salary increases 2.5 times higher than those who don't actively invest in themselves.• Professional growth requires personal investment - no one is more invested in your career than you• Mastery is never "one and done" - continuous improvement requires ongoing learning and application• Beware of "overconsumption" where you take in too much information without acting on it• Use a simple 5-step framework to generate forward progress: capture key takeaways, prioritize what matters, break into action steps, schedule time, and find accountability• What gets scheduled gets done - treat your development time as seriously as client meetings• "The best investment you'll ever make is in yourself." - Warren BuffettWhat's one skill you've been putting off learning? What resource could help you develop it? Most importantly, what action will you take this week to move forward?Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jake previews all of the North American Football action from NFL Week 2, College Football Week 3, and CFL Week 15! Tons of great matchups to sink your teeth into - get listening!"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Surf Shimmy" 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/

Auf unseren letzten Tage erleben wir noch krasse Neuheiten: Die erste Person, die von Gawaine angeschrien wird!“Werq” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/“Fireworks” by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License“In der Fremde”, “Intermezzo”, “Waldgespräch”, “Die Stille”, “Mondnacht”, Schöne Fremde”, “Auf einer Burg” performed by José Pizarro and David Aijón (imslp.org)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4

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 textKate Wolff walked away from big agency life with no safety net and built four companies from the ground up. Lupine Creative. No Sheep Studios. Do the WeRQ. LumiTerra. Each one different. Each one intentional. And each one pushing against the industry norms she was told to follow.In this episode, Kate tells the truth about launching a business weeks before the pandemic hit, losing everything, then rebuilding on her own terms. She shares what it really takes to close a Series A as a queer founder, how to scale without selling your soul, and why the best leaders are the ones willing to sit in the discomfort. This is not a highlight reel. It is an unfiltered look at ambition, failure, fundraising, and the fight to build something that actually matters.If you're building anything at all, press play. Kate's story will make you rethink what's possible.In this episode, we cover:Why Kate left the traditional agency world to build her own pathHow launching right before the pandemic forced her to fail fast and rebuild smarterWhat actually goes into closing a Series A as a queer founder in a trade warThe emotional cost of leadership and why being uncomfortable is part of the jobBuilding brands that hold real cultural value and impactCreating space for queer visibility through Do the WeRQThe marketing mistakes that crush burn rate and how to avoid themWhat founders need to know before taking outside capitalHow Lupine and LumiTerra work together to bring sustainable products to lifeWhat joy and hard work really look like when you're doing both at full speedMic drop moments:“If you're not willing to sit in the bad, you don't get to touch the good.” “You do not have a company if you don't know where the money is coming from.” “The value is not just in the product, it's in the thought behind it.”Guest Contact InformationKate Wolff Founder and CEO, Lupine Creative Co-Founder, No Sheep Studios, LumiTerra, and Do the WeRQWebsite: Email: kate@lupinecreative.com Lupine Creative: https://lupinecreative.com The LumiCup: https://lumicup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LupineCreative/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wolff-she-her-hers/ Instagram: @lupinecreative @thelumicup--- Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts. Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way. Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here: Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders Instagram: @badass_women_in_business LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com Athena: athenaac.com

Send us a textPublic sector sales represent a third of the furniture industry's market at approximately $4-6 billion annually, offering recession-proof opportunities with transparent purchasing processes and accessible information for strategic selling approaches.• Federal government alone spends about $1.4-1.5 billion annually on furniture• Public sector provides stability during economic downturns and recessions• Government purchases involve public information that allows strategic preparation• Current federal trends include agency decentralization and return-to-work mandates• Federal spending on furniture is up 13% compared to previous year• Purchase card spending continues to increase with limits potentially rising to $35,000• New Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) eliminates commercial pricing restrictions• Federal sales opportunities exist in every market across the country• State, local, and education markets are roughly three times the size of the federal marketReady to explore how public sector sales could transform your business? Connect with Michelle Warren on LinkedIn or join Catalyst Consulting's free monthly webinars to learn more about capitalizing on this significant but often overlooked market segment.Resources:Link to Webinar - https://youtu.be/2LjWgxAc_OQConnect with Michelle Warren:Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-warren-47a6888/Email - Michelle@strategic-catalyst.comConnect with Ryan Hay:Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hay-52506874/?originalSubdomain=caConnect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://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/

Endlich ist es Zeit für den WICHTIGEN Part einer jeden Party: EIne Rede! Und weil eine so wenig ist, gleich mehrere davon!“Werq” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/“Fireworks” by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License“In der Fremde”, “Intermezzo”, “Waldgespräch”, “Die Stille”, “Mondnacht”, Schöne Fremde”, “Auf einer Burg”, “In der Fremde”, “Wehmuth” performed by José Pizarro and David Aijón (imslp.org)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/

Maurice minglet mit dem Aegenor Peaks, Doc besucht Hypnos und hält ein Auge auf die Gäste und Idle muss sich immer noch von seiner Vision erholen.“Werq” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/“Fireworks” by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License“In der Fremde”, “Intermezzo”, “Waldgespräch”, “Die Stille”, “Mondnacht”, Schöne Fremde”, “Auf einer Burg”, “In der Fremde”, “Wehmuth” performed by José Pizarro and David Aijón (imslp.org)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 textJoin Sid as he and Adrian Leal explore how creating authentic content and establishing thought leadership can transform sales success in the office furniture industry. They discuss how content creation builds lasting professional relationships and personal credibility. • Building relationships matters more than product knowledge in our commoditized industry• Take the product away from the sale to focus on authentic human connections• How digital "social proof" influences purchasing decisions before meetings occur• Creating content establishes you as a subject matter expert in your field• Use passion topics rather than product features to differentiate yourself• Why connecting sales strategy with mental health resonates with younger professionals• The importance of consistency in content creation despite initial fears• How thought leadership creates opportunities for connecting with the A&D community• How the confidence gap holds back industry professionals from sharing their expertise• Build a content "time capsule" that serves both professional goals and personal legacyConnect with Adrian Leal on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and see his thought leadership content in action.Resources: The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1501197274Connect with Adrian Leal:Clarus - https://www.clarus.com/Adrian & Co. - https://adrian-co.salesreach.io/main-pageLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-leal-7a025862/Email - info@clarus.comConnect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://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/

Nach Idles Horror-Vision muss er erstmal bei seiner Grenny wieder ein bisschen harsche Junker-Liebe tanken!“Werq” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/“Fireworks” by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License“In der Fremde”, “Intermezzo”, “Waldgespräch”, “Die Stille”, “Mondnacht”, Schöne Fremde”, “Auf einer Burg”, “In der Fremde”, “Wehmuth” performed by José Pizarro and David Aijón (imslp.org)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 textKari Anderson, of the Techbox Creative, joins Sid to dive into the complex world of technology in the office furniture industry, exploring challenges, solutions, and future trends that impact every aspect of the business.• Technology should make our work easier, but disconnected systems in the industry force duplicated efforts• Over 3,000 manufacturers use different software that doesn't "talk" to each other throughout the design-to-install process• The "Data Collective" initiative brings industry leaders together to create data standards for seamless integration• A "source of truth" (usually an ERP system) should feed accurate data to all platforms used across the industry• AI is being increasingly utilized for tasks from chatbots to documentation, but always needs "a human in the middle"• Every dealership and manufacturer should consider having a dedicated technology specialist on their team• Successful technology adoption requires not just the right tools but proper training and change managementConnect with Kari:The Techbox Collective - https://techboxcollective.com/UX&Kari - https://uxandkari.com/Email - kari@uxandkari.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxandkari/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://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 textWe are exploring the power of everyday innovation in business, looking at how small, thoughtful touches can transform customer experiences and create lasting value.Innovation creates new value by transforming ideas, methods, or products into impactful solutionsThe Magic Castle Hotel's "Popsicle Hotline" demonstrates how a simple idea can become a memorable signature experienceChick-fil-A's drive-thru innovations with tablets and dual lanes solved pandemic challenges while enhancing customer satisfactionIndustry innovations include WCS Web Configurator Studio's online product configuration and My Resource Library's mobile appFive-step innovation framework: observe and listen, ask bold questions, start small, gather feedback and refine, roll out broadlyLook for small frustrations that are often overlooked as starting points for innovationInnovation isn't just a project but a mindset that should become part of your business cultureCelebrating small and big victories builds momentum and creates a culture where team members naturally bring forward ideasI'd love to hear how you're creating innovation in your business and our industry. Go out there and make today great!Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://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/

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what happens to all those valuable backlinks and search rankings when you delete a page or change your domain name? The answer lies in properly implemented 301 redirects – the unsung heroes of technical SEO.301 redirects function as your website's forwarding address, telling both browsers and search engines that content has permanently moved to a new location. More importantly, they transfer accumulated ranking signals like backlinks, history, and authority to the new URL. Without them, you risk throwing away years of hard-earned SEO equity.In this episode, I break down four critical scenarios where 301 redirects are absolutely essential: when removing outdated pages, when restructuring your website's URL hierarchy, when standardizing your www/non-www domain configuration, and during complete domain migrations. The last scenario is particularly crucial – failing to implement proper redirects during a domain change has caused countless websites to vanish from search results overnight.I also tackle the common question of how long redirects should remain active. While Google officially states that signals transfer fully after about a year, I recommend keeping them permanently. Even decades-old links continue to be crawled and pass value through properly maintained redirects. As I discovered at Broadband.Co.uk, links from as far back as 1996 were still being followed by Google's crawlers 25+ years later!Want to learn more about preserving your website's SEO value during changes? Subscribe to "SEO is Not That Hard" for practical advice that helps you maintain and grow your search visibility. And check out Keywords People Use to discover exactly what your audience is searching for online – try it free today at keywordspeopleuse.com.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 find that perfect business idea? You might be overlooking a remarkably simple solution. In this insightful episode, I share my battle-tested approach to generating winning ideas that has powered multiple successful ventures.The breakthrough moment came when I realized we're all constantly having ideas—most of them forgettable, some potentially transformative—but without a system to capture them, they vanish into thin air. My journey began with nothing more sophisticated than a Moleskine notebook where I recorded every business concept, website opportunity, and content inspiration that crossed my mind. Each received its own page with a brief headline, supporting details, and date. The front pages became an organized index of possibilities.Though hundreds of ideas accumulated, most weren't viable due to skill, resource, or time constraints. But within this collection, patterns emerged. Certain concepts kept drawing me back, demanding further development. These became the foundation for my current websites and income streams—including KeywordsPeopleUse, which now serves thousands of daily users. The very podcast you're listening to began as a simple notation, an idea preserved rather than forgotten.This approach has evolved with my business. Now we use Trello boards where team members collaborate, comment, and help identify the most promising concepts. But the fundamental principle remains unchanged: record everything without immediate judgment.Ready to unlock your own breakthrough ideas? Start recording every thought today—using whatever system works for you—and watch as the truly valuable concepts naturally rise to the surface. Subscribe to the podcast for more practical SEO and business strategies, and visit KeywordsPeopleUse.com to try our tools free 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 textWalter Craven created Kabin during lockdown to solve his desperate need for personal space, transforming a cardboard prototype into a revolutionary office product that gives users control over their environment.Kabin is not an acoustic pod but an experience-focused space where users face outward in a throne-like positionThe unique faceted design serves acoustic purposes for both users inside and colleagues outsideWalter's journey from Boston to San Francisco to London was driven by prioritizing family and working to live rather than living to workKabin faced major challenges with price point and assembly complexity that Walter overcame through innovative redesignKabin's built-in technology creates customizable moods through ambient soundscapes like rainfall or café noiseThe business is expanding from its UK success to the US market following strong demand and dealer interestWalter's entrepreneurial spirit comes from his parents who ran a successful Boston ironworks for 52 yearsTo learn more about Kabin, email Walter directly or check the website and LinkedIn information in our show notes.Resources:Walter's parent's small business story - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/walter-craven_heroes-americansmallbusiness-neighborhoodpeople-activity-7326900228656099328-rewY/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAD-2aYBMX7fERJNvkT2A2PbmurwVgk07uIConnect with Walter:Kabin - https://kabin.space/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kabin-space/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-craven/Email - http://hello@kabin.space/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why your content isn't ranking despite targeting the right keywords? The answer might lie in a common SEO pitfall that many website owners unknowingly create: topic cannibalization.In this illuminating episode, SEO expert Edd Dawson tackles the crucial difference between keyword cannibalization and topic cannibalization—a distinction that can dramatically impact your search visibility. Drawing from his two decades of experience building and monetizing websites, Edd explains why simply using the same keyword across multiple pages isn't necessarily problematic. The real issue emerges when pages compete for the same user intent.Using practical examples from his experience running a broadband comparison site, Edd demonstrates how to create effective topic hierarchies that help Google understand your site structure. You'll learn how pages like "broadband for gamers" and "broadband for students" can coexist without cannibalizing each other, despite sharing primary keywords. Edd provides actionable strategies for organizing content, from proper internal linking techniques to knowing when to consolidate competing pages versus maintaining separate resources.Whether you're building a site from scratch or fixing existing cannibalization issues, this episode delivers clear guidance for creating content that Google can properly index and rank. Ready to stop your pages from competing with each other? Listen now, and discover how the right content architecture can transform your SEO results. Then book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo to see how our tools can help you identify and organize 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 textPulling back the curtain on one of SEO's most controversial techniques, this episode dives deep into website cloaking—showing search engines different content than what human visitors see. While firmly acknowledging this as a black hat approach I no longer practice or recommend, I explain why understanding these techniques creates more well-rounded SEO professionals who can identify manipulation.What exactly happens when websites serve different versions of content based on who's visiting? I break down the technical mechanics of cloaking, from user agent detection to sophisticated IP verification systems that aim to fool Google. You'll learn how cloakers distinguish between genuine Googlebot crawlers and competitors trying to uncover their tactics, complete with a fascinating historical perspective from the wild west days of SEO circa 2008-2009.The episode provides practical knowledge for those curious about detecting cloaking, with specific browser plugin suggestions that let you view websites as if you were Googlebot. This knowledge isn't about encouraging risky tactics but rather understanding the digital landscape fully. Whether you're an SEO professional looking to deepen your technical knowledge or simply curious about the mechanics behind search manipulation, this episode provides valuable context about why sustainable, white hat approaches ultimately build more valuable digital assets than shortcuts. Ready to understand the smoke and mirrors of black hat SEO without getting burned? This episode delivers the perfect balance of technical insight and ethical perspective.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 textWe dive into a counterintuitive yet powerful concept that can transform your product or website: improving by removing. Drawing from real-world experience with Keywords People Use, I share how simplifying our complex three-credit system down to a single universal credit structure dramatically enhanced user experience and understanding.When you build something from scratch, you understand every nuance and decision behind your creation. But your users don't have that context—they experience your product with fresh eyes, and what seems perfectly logical to you can be utterly confusing to them. This disconnect became apparent when we found ourselves struggling to explain our credit system to customers. The lesson was clear: the problem wasn't with our users' understanding; we had made the system too complicated.The strategic removal of complexity doesn't just make things easier to explain—it creates a more flexible, user-centered experience. Our case study demonstrates how consolidating multiple credit types allows users to allocate resources according to their specific needs rather than being constrained by artificial divisions. This principle extends beyond complex systems to everyday elements like sign-up forms, where removing unnecessary questions can significantly boost conversion rates without sacrificing important data collection.Whether you're running a large platform or a simple website, challenge yourself to view your creation through a beginner's eyes. What complexity can you remove? What barriers can you eliminate? The most powerful improvements often come not from adding new features but from thoughtfully taking things away. Book a free demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo to see our simplified system in action and discuss how these principles might apply to your own 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 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 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 SEO landscape is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence, and staying ahead requires understanding how these changes impact traffic, revenue, and content strategy. Many website owners are noticing a curious trend: overall traffic numbers are declining, yet revenue remains stable. This pattern reveals a critical shift in how we should measure SEO success - quality now trumps quantity. While AI overviews and search assistants are absorbing top-of-funnel informational queries, users with purchase intent are still finding their way to the right websites and converting. This creates a significant challenge for sites monetized through display advertising, which depend directly on raw page views, but presents opportunities for those focused on sales and conversions.To thrive in this evolving environment, building genuine topical authority is essential. Creating deep, interconnected content clusters that demonstrate comprehensive expertise makes your site a reliable resource for AI systems to reference. The sites I've seen continue to perform well are those providing unique value by synthesizing hard-to-obtain data or offering insights that search engines cannot easily replicate. Remember that AI models still source their information from the open web, using many of the same signals search engines have traditionally valued.During my recent break from regular podcasting, I've been experimenting with using AI to transform my podcast transcripts into a structured book format, developing new tools with RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), and using AI agents for rapid prototyping. These experiences mirror the broader lesson that success in both SEO and life requires persistence, continuous improvement, and adaptability. Want to discover how to optimize your content for this new era? Visit keywordspeopleuse.com to try our SEO intelligence platform and learn how to build genuine topical authority that performs in the age of AI.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 textNatalie Hartkopf, CEO of Hightower, shares her journey in the furniture industry and how this family-founded business evolved from importing European designs to creating their own award-winning Hightower Studio products while becoming a certified B Corporation.• Natalie started with Hightower around 2003, beginning in Seattle before moving to New York• They shifted from purely importing European designs to manufacturing upholstered pieces in North Carolina• Won Best of NeoCon recognition for their innovative Flote chair designed by their in-house design team• Became a certified B Corporation, looking holistically at governance, community impact, and employee welfare• They've implemented people-first initiatives including living wage commitments and 529 education savings contributions• They're transparent about how they're navigating the current issues with fluctuating tariffs• Focused on product discoverability to help specifiers find products that meet specific requirements• Working to improve existing products with end-of-life and sustainability considerations• Embraces AI tools to help team work more efficiently and provide better customer service• Advocates for greater diversity in industry leadership positions, particularly racial diversityResources:The Trend Report Ep. 38 - Rest and Recovery of the Corporate Athlete with Kibibi Springs - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode38Connect with Natalie:Hightower - https://hightower.design/Flote - https://hightower.design/collections/floteEmail - Natalie@hightoweraccess.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehartkopf/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://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/

Let's talk inclusive marketing! Kate Wolff, founder of Lupine Creative and co-founder of Do the WeRQ and LumiTerra, shares how she's building impact-driven businesses through inclusive marketing, queer representation, and sustainability. We talk about what it really takes to lead multiple ventures and how small business owners can take action, even imperfectly.MAKING GOOD SHOW NOTES:https://makinggoodpodcast.com/301CONNECT WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://instagram.com/laurentildenGET 100 MARKETING PROMPTS (free!):https://makinggoodpodcast.com/100promptsGet your free training: Marketing 101 Video Training + Workbook.

Send us a textEver wondered how to tap into specialized vertical markets that offer substantial growth opportunities? Sara Marberry, a healthcare and senior living design knowledge expert, shares explore the untapped potential these sectors hold for furniture dealers and manufacturers. Listen as she shares her story as well as:Healthcare environments contain diverse spaces including clinical areas, administrative offices, and lobbiesTelehealth is creating demand for acoustically private pods and technology-enabled furnitureSenior living communities span from independent living to skilled nursing with varying furniture needs$300 billion shortfall in senior living construction expected by 2030 creates renovation opportunitiesTerminology matters – these are "communities where people live" not "facilities where people are placed"Educate yourself through industry resources, continuing education, and attending healthcare conferencesConnect with Sara:Sara Marberry LLC - https://www.saramarberry.com/Email - sara@saramarberry.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramarberry/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/