EDGE of the Web - The Best SEO Podcast for Today's Digital Marketer Erin Sparks

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

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

Erin Sparks and Jacob Mann are returning to bring you the hottest SEO news of the week. Mordy was absent this week, but worry not, as the great Michael King fills in! 

Google AI overviews are under fire for giving dangerous and wrong answers. Announced at Google I/O and recently rolled out, the AI summary tool has quickly gathered attention for its comically incorrect responses to user queries. The question of why Google has not removed such a blatantly bad and underdeveloped tool leaves the SEO community puzzled. 
The crew explores TikTok’s debut of AI-powered ad automation, TikTok One, a centralized hub that gives advertisers access to creators, creative tools, partners, and measurement capabilities. Additionally, TikTok releases TikTok Symphony, an umbrella for AI ad tools that support script writing, video production, and creative asset optimization. 

The last headline on the ballot shows that the Wayback Machine is under attack. The Internet Archive has been hit with a DDOS attack, making it difficult for users to access the California-based nonprofits free site. The nonprofit wrote on Monday that data has thankfully not been affected, but services are still being blocked for many users. The identities and motives of the attackers are still unknown.
Tune in to navigate a major week in SEO news with the team this week as always, here on the EDGE of the Web!

Digital Marketing News: [00:00:00] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Riverside.FM
[00:04:12] Google faces criticism over AI Overview feature providing misleading and harmful information
[00:15:01] TikTok launches AI-driven tools to automate ad creation
[00:21:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
[00:21:16] Internet Archive experiences major disruption from a DDoS attack
AI News:
[00:25:00] Ex-Googler: Google’s AI projects are driven by ‘stone cold panic’
[00:29:59] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking
[00:31:21] Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fund its race against ChatGPT and all the rest
AI Tools: [00:35:40] Canva Magic Studio
[00:37:59] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:39:40 ] Memorial Day Google Search Ranking Volatility
[00:41:49] Google's John Mueller On Recovering From Core Updates - Maybe You Had A Good Run…
[00:44:10] In the Face Of AI Overview Backlash, Google Updates Docs With How To Show Web-Only Results & How To Give Feedback

Thanks to our Sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
SERanking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking
Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks
Riverside.FM: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/riverside

Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks
Twitter: @iPullRank
Twitter: @MordyOberstein
Twitter: @TheMann00
Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio
Resources: 
Google faces criticism over AI Overview feature providing misleading and harmful information TikTok launches AI-driven tools to automate ad creation Internet Archive experiences major disruption from a DDoS attack Ex-Googler: Google’s AI projects are driven by ‘stone cold panic’ Google’s AI Overviews Shake Up E-commerce Search Visibility Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fund its race against ChatGPT and all the rest Canva Magic Studio Automate prompt engineering with self-improving optimization Memorial Day Google Search Ranking Volatility Google's John Mueller On Recovering From Core Updates - Maybe You Had A Good Run… In Face Of AI Overview Backlash, Google Updates Docs With How To Show Web Only Results & How To Give Feedback
#StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine
 

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

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

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