Search with Candour

Candour

Every Monday, Jack Chambers-Ward has in-depth conversations with SEO experts from around the world. Covering topics from attribution in GA4 to networking tips for introverts and everything in between. Search With Candour is the perfect way to kickstart your working week! https://withcandour.co.uk/podcast

  1. The secrets to earning great HARO links with Greg Heilers

    12/29/2025

    The secrets to earning great HARO links with Greg Heilers

    In the final episode of Search with Candour for 2025, Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Greg Heilers to delve into the evolving landscape of digital PR. They discuss the current state and future of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), the impact of AI and LLMs on SEO and PR, and the growing influence of brand mentions in the age of global SEO. Greg also shares insights about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, particularly in the Chinese market. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of digital PR and SEO. Follow Greg JollySEO: https://jollyseo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheilers/  Jolly SEO’s TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL3o9O1rRBcLKq-hSgerIS8i47HWdOAii Website: https://gregheilers.com/ Greg’s recommendations https://featured.com/https://www.airtable.com/ https://youtu.be/ETlOSBR92Fs?si=Syh4xBbQScA2UXYh 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 01:14 The Evolution of HARO and Digital PR 04:09 The Role of AI and LLMs in SEO and PR 07:15 Challenges and Strategies in Link Building 12:38 Globalisation and Language Barriers in SEO 18:18 Future Trends and Industry Insights 37:36 SEO Relevancy and Authority 38:52 Pitch Twisting and Reactive PR 39:50 GEO Relevancy and Brand Mentions 46:23 Client Communication and Expertise Sharing 54:07 Weird and Wild Link Building Requests 58:55 Actionable Recommendations and Tools 01:02:55 Exploring Chinese Culture and Final Thoughts

    1h 9m
  2. Stop using keywords, start using topics for SEO with Amanda King

    12/15/2025

    Stop using keywords, start using topics for SEO with Amanda King

    Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Amanda King for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of SEO and the implications of AI-generated content. Amanda shares insights from her 15 years in the industry, discussing the challenges of maintaining relevant, high-quality content in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. The episode covers a range of topics, including content consolidation, Google's move away from lexical search, and Amanda’s new tool - Topic Compass. Jack and Amanda also touch on the importance of balancing traditional SEO practices with modern digital marketing strategies to stay ahead in 2026. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Welcome to Search With Candour 04:35 Interview with Amanda King 07:16 The Evolution of SEO and Content Strategies 17:40 Challenges and Future of SEO 34:21 Exploring Topic Compass and Content Relevance 51:49 The Evolution of Google's Search Technology 55:00 The Impact of AI on SEO and PPC 56:11 Exploring Paris: Beyond the Usual Attractions 01:01:35 The Importance of Updating Existing Content 01:03:38 Tools and Strategies for Modern SEO 01:08:31 Fun Recommendations: Movies, Games, and More 01:23:29 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans Follow Amanda: ⭐Website: https://floq.co/ ⭐Topic Compass: https://topiccompass.io ⭐LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaecking/ ⭐Amanda's writing for SEL: https://searchengineland.com/author/amanda-king ⭐Amanda's speakerdeck: https://speakerdeck.com/amandafloq Links to resources/references: 🎧Amanda’s previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3fWiAJwcO8 🎧Discussing MUVERA with Egor Golovin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STcV-Y3KTAs 📄Google’s MUVERA: https://research.google/blog/muvera-making-multi-vector-retrieval-as-fast-as-single-vector-search/

    1h 28m
  3. Strategy vs tactics in SEO with Derek Hobson

    12/08/2025

    Strategy vs tactics in SEO with Derek Hobson

    Join Jack Chambers-Ward in this episode of Search With Candour as he discusses the critical difference between strategy and tactics in SEO with special guest Derek Hobson from Brain Labs. Jack and Derek get super nerdy using everything from The Avengers to adult diapers to explore how to effectively structure your thinking around SEO strategies and tactics. They also discuss the importance of ongoing testing, adapting to industry changes like AI advancements, and building strong off-page SEO. Follow Derek: Brainlabs: https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dereknhobson/SEO Humorist: https://seohumorist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seohumorist Resources: https://www.brainlabsdigital.com/navigating-the-new-era-of-ai-search/Greenshot: https://getgreenshot.org/The Sellout by Paul Beatty https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22237161-the-selloutThis is Strategy by Seth Godin https://open.spotify.com/show/0UggtiAbVMtoXAR3nhg2fK?si=14f33156e5ce4df7 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Welcome to Search With Candour 03:10 Guest Introduction: Derek Hobson from Brain Labs 04:14 Defining Strategy and Tactics in SEO 08:05 The Avengers Analogy: Strategy vs. Tactics 21:42 SEO Strategy Development Process 24:46 Marvel vs. DC: A Lesson in Strategy 34:31 Unexpected Marketing Wins: Grommet Mug Case Study 37:52 Client Strategy and Adaptation 38:52 Creative Marketing Ideas 40:54 The Importance of Brand Visibility 44:07 SEO and Content Strategy 48:55 Adapting to Industry Changes 59:16 Off-Page SEO and Influencer Marketing 01:08:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    1h 20m
  4. Balancing Punk Rock Ethics and Marketing with Ade Holder | Search With Candour

    12/01/2025

    Balancing Punk Rock Ethics and Marketing with Ade Holder | Search With Candour

    In this episode, Jack Chambers-Ward interviews Ade Holder, frontman of Phinius Gage and owner of 427 Marketing. They explore how punk values can influence business practices, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and the importance of constructive capitalism. Ade shares insights from his experience in marketing and as a musician, highlighting the intersection between creativity and analytical thinking. Tune in for discussions on music, SEO, client relations, and actionable tips for blending personal passions with professional life. Follow Ade Website: https://www.427marketing.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-holder-3a010914/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adeholder.bsky.socialPhinius Gage: https://phiniusgage.bandcamp.com/track/masquerade Recommendations Rank Caddy - https://rankcaddy.io/The Ritual by Adam Nevill - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10239382-the-ritualMalevolence - https://mlvltd.com/ 00:00 Balancing Punk Rock Ethics with Marketing 00:55 Introduction 01:25 Meet Ade Holder: Punk Rock Legend and Marketing Expert 03:07 The Intersection of Punk Rock and Business Ethics 03:28 Ade Holder's Journey: From Punk Rock to Marketing 04:46 Authenticity and Business: A Personal Journey 07:25 Navigating Client Choices and Ethical Dilemmas 18:21 The Creative and Analytical Balance in SEO 37:32 The Role of Ethics in Modern SEO 43:00 Honouring SEO Pioneers 43:20 The Importance of Testing Hypotheses 44:10 Client Collaboration and Experimentation 45:28 SEO Testing and Real-World Results 47:01 Navigating SEO Challenges 48:06 Understanding Client Issues 50:59 Technical SEO Insights 54:05 The Gap Between Cutting-Edge and Basic SEO 57:43 The Importance of Authenticity in Networking 01:01:12 Balancing Band Life and Business 01:04:18 Recommendations

    1h 19m
  5. SEO strategies that make money | Ben Goodey on Search with Candour

    11/24/2025

    SEO strategies that make money | Ben Goodey on Search with Candour

    In this episode of Search with Candour, Ben Goodey, founder of Spicy Margarita, joins Jack to discuss how to create revenue-driven SEO strategies. The discussion explores how effective audience research impacts conversion rates, differentiating between top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel content, and the evolving role of SEO in the age of AI. Ben shares his insights on creating revenue-driving strategies and the importance of client communication in achieving long-term success. Follow Ben: Spicy Margarita: https://www.spicymargarita.co/How the f*ck: https://www.thefxck.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingoodey/ Resources: https://marketingcyborg.com/p/the-lema-framework-how-anyone-canhttps://withcandour.co.uk/podcast/how-to-create-content-that-stands-out-with-lily-ugbajahttps://seo.thefxck.com/interviews/product-positioning-april-dunford/https://seotesting.com/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221251872-when-the-cranes-fly-south 00:00 How to make money from SEO 00:56 Introduction 02:04 Welcome, Ben Goodey 02:51 The Importance of Revenue-Driven SEO 09:39 Understanding Audience and Customer Research 13:10 The Role of Content in Building Trust 17:06 Leveraging Customer Insights for Effective SEO 29:39 Competitor Analysis and SEO Strategy 35:48 SERP Insights and Competitor Awareness 37:15 The Importance of Tracking Conversions 41:29 Integrating SEO with Broader Marketing Strategies 51:13 The Impact of AI on SEO Strategies 58:33 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    1h 9m
  6. Sustainable Marketing in 2025: Environmental & Personal Sustainability with Leah Hart | Search With Candour

    11/17/2025

    Sustainable Marketing in 2025: Environmental & Personal Sustainability with Leah Hart | Search With Candour

    In this week's episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Leah Hart to explore the future of sustainable marketing in 2025. They delve into the importance of both environmentally and personally sustainable practices. Topics include the pitfalls of greenwashing, the energy costs of AI tools like ChatGPT, and effective ways to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being in the industry. Follow Leah: Website: https://www.fourfront.us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hartleahc/ Recommendations https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/algorithms-to-live-by-what-computers-can-teach-us-about-solving-human-problems_brian-christian_tom--griffiths/10740830/item/25388624/ https://ground.news/https://www.fourfront.us/blog/sustainable-digital-marketing/ 00:00 Introduction 04:43 Welcome Leah Hart 07:08 Defining Sustainable Marketing 08:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Marketing 08:39 AI and Sustainability in Marketing 12:24 Identifying Genuine Sustainable Practices 22:06 Balancing Sustainability and Performance 23:35 Hybrid Work Models and Sustainability 27:12 Measuring Success in Sustainable Campaigns 29:35 The Role of AI in Sustainable Marketing 39:44 Personal Sustainability and Career Longevity 42:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life 44:00 Implementing Quitting Time and AI Tools 45:24 Building Team Relationships and Communication 49:52 Understanding Team Dynamics and Personality Types 58:04 Advice for New Marketers 01:05:50 Personal Habits for Reducing Stress 01:10:17 Recommendations and Conclusion

    1h 21m
4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Every Monday, Jack Chambers-Ward has in-depth conversations with SEO experts from around the world. Covering topics from attribution in GA4 to networking tips for introverts and everything in between. Search With Candour is the perfect way to kickstart your working week! https://withcandour.co.uk/podcast

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