Wix recently celebrated a significant milestone with the release of their 100th podcast episode, titled “SERPs Up.” The episode featured a stellar lineup of SEO experts discussing the latest trends and strategies in search optimization. The podcast was hosted by Mordy Oberstein, the Head of SEO Brand at Wix, and Crystal Carter, the Head Of SEO Communications, who were joined by a powerhouse guest list including Chima Mmeje, Darren Shaw, Joy Hawkins, Eli Schwartz, Kevin Indig, and Barry Schwartz.
Is the SERP Broken?
The discussion kicked off with Chima Mmeje from Moz delving into the frustrations that many SEOs have been experiencing and highlighting the flaws in Google’s recent updates. Mordy Oberstein posed the question, “Is the SERP broken?” to which Chima Mmeje responded by criticizing Google’s “helpful content update” as a “farce” and expressing her belief that the SERP is “1,000% broken.” She raised concerns about the presence of Reddit content on the SERP, emphasizing the lack of credibility and accuracy in the information provided by anonymous users on the platform.
Chima Mmeje further discussed the challenges faced by SEO professionals in navigating the constantly evolving SERP landscape, citing the lack of clear guidance and the prevalence of guesswork in developing effective strategies. The conversation underscored the uncertainty and frustration within the SEO community regarding the impact of Google’s updates on website rankings and visibility.
Navigating Local SEO Updates
The discussion then shifted to local SEO updates, with Darren Shaw from Whitespark and Joy Hawkins from Sterling Sky sharing insights on new developments in the field. Joy Hawkins highlighted a new feature in Google Business Profiles that allows businesses to showcase their services, emphasizing the impact of these listings on search rankings for specific queries. Darren Shaw elaborated on the importance of accurately communicating a business’s services to Google and leveraging custom service listings to target niche keywords and improve visibility in local search results.
The experts emphasized the significance of optimizing Google Business Profiles to enhance local search performance and attract relevant traffic to businesses. Their discussion highlighted the importance of leveraging new features and functionalities to stay competitive in the local SEO landscape.
Exploring AI in SEO
Eli Schwartz and Kevin Indig took center stage to discuss the role of AI in SEO and its impact on search optimization strategies. Kevin Indig underscored the evolution of AI capabilities in generating content and analyzing data, noting the potential for efficiency and innovation in SEO practices. Despite the advancements in AI technology, both experts emphasized the need for human oversight and strategic decision-making in utilizing AI tools effectively.
Eli Schwartz expressed skepticism towards the overreliance on AI in content creation and SEO strategies, cautioning against the indiscriminate adoption of AI-driven solutions without considering the long-term implications. The conversation highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the role of AI in SEO and the importance of striking a balance between automation and human expertise in optimizing search performance.
Insights on the Google August Update
Barry Schwartz, a Contributing Editor at Search Engine Land, provided insights into the impact of the Google August update on website rankings and search visibility. He noted the varying outcomes for different sites following the update, highlighting the importance of maintaining quality content and aligning with user intent to mitigate fluctuations in search rankings. Barry emphasized the dynamic nature of Google’s algorithms and the need for adaptability and resilience in responding to algorithmic changes.
The discussion underscored the challenges and opportunities presented by Google’s core updates, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and optimization to ensure sustained visibility and performance in search results. Barry’s analysis provided valuable insights into the nuances of search engine algorithms and the strategies for navigating algorithm updates effectively.
In Conclusion
The 100th episode of “SERPs Up” offered a deep dive into the latest trends and strategies in search optimization, featuring candid discussions with industry experts on the challenges and opportunities in SEO. The podcast highlighted the evolving landscape of search engine algorithms and the importance of innovation and adaptability in optimizing search performance. As SEO professionals continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, staying informed and proactive in implementing effective strategies will be key to achieving success in search optimization.