In this episode of SEO 101, Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte discuss Adobe’s intent to acquire Semrush, the shifting landscape of AI-related SEO terminology, and Google’s new features in Gemini and Maps. They critique anonymous reviews, explain new Google Business Profile tools, highlight recent SEO news, and share rants on cluttered search results and evolving industry terminology.
Show Notes:
Non-SEO News
- Adobe to Acquire SEMrush
- Acquisition for $1.9 billion.
- Expected closure in the first half of 2026.
- SEMrush reported $376.8 million in revenue for 2024.
- SEO, GEO, or ASO?
- Terminology in search is evolving with the rise of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
- 84% of marketers recognize GEO; only 14% use traditional SEO for AI contexts.
- Emergence of terms like ASO (Answer Search Optimization) and AISO (Artificial Intelligence Search Optimization).
- Companies are hiring for AISO, indicating preference for AI-related SEO skills.
- SEO remains fundamental, with AI elements added for new search dynamics.
- Traditional SEO still resonates emotionally with marketers.
SEO News
- Google Thanksgiving Update
- Signs of update volatility noted before Thanksgiving.
- Google Releases Gemini 3
- New intelligent model combining all Gemini capabilities.
- Features state-of-the-art reasoning, deep multimodal understanding, and improved agentic capabilities.
- Higher coding accuracy and superior mathematical reasoning.
- ChatGPT Adds Images to Answers
- Visual upgrade includes more images from the web for various topics.
- Images enhance clarity and are linked to relevant text.
- Available on web, iOS, and Android using GPT 5.1.
Local SEO News
- New Google Map Features
- Know Before You Go: Insider tips on parking, reservations, etc., sourced from user reviews.
- Anonymous Reviews: Users can use nicknames for reviews, but identities still tied to Google Accounts.
- Google Business Profiles Enhancements
- Scheduling Posts: Option to schedule posts within GBP.
- Multi-Location Publishing: Ability to publish posts across multiple locations in one click.
Mueller Files
- Background Video Loading and SEO
- John Mueller states background video loading is unlikely to affect SEO.
- Recommendations for using preload=”none” on video elements.
- Joking About GEO-Detox Work
- Comments on the potential rise of GEO-detox services in response to evolving SEO tactics.
Questions & Comments
- Scott’s Experience with Google Search Results
- Fast ranking for a blog article but frustration with the overall search results layout:
- Paid results dominated the top.
- AI overviews and various search features cluttered the page.
- Limited organic visibility amidst paid listings.
- Fast ranking for a blog article but frustration with the overall search results layout:
Sources;
Adobe to Acquire Semrush for $1.9B – Details on Adobe’s acquisition of SEMrush for $1.9 billion, with expected closure in 2026.
SEO, GEO, or ASO? The New Era of Brand Visibility – Discussion on evolving search terminology, highlighting GEO and AI-related SEO terms.
Google Thanksgiving Update: Ranking Volatility – Insights on the volatility of Google’s ranking updates around Thanksgiving.
Google Releases Gemini 3: Our Most Intelligent Model – Announcement of Google Gemini 3, featuring its advanced capabilities.
ChatGPT Adds More Images to Answers – Overview of OpenAI’s visual upgrades to ChatGPT, adding images for clarity.
Google Maps Adds Know Before You Go, Trending in Explore Tab, and More – Introduction of new features in Google Maps, including insider tips and anonymous reviews.
Google Business Profiles Adds Scheduling and Multi-Location Publishing to Google Posts – Updates on scheduling posts and multi-location publishing in Google Business Profiles.
Background Video Loading Unlikely to Affect SEO – John Mueller’s insights on whether background video loading affects SEO.
Google Jokes On Future GEO-Detox SEO Billable Work – John Mueller’s humorous take on the potential rise of GEO-detox services in SEO.
How to Maintain Your Search Engine Rankings After a Website Redesign – Scott’s personal account of ranking quickly for a blog article and frustrations with the search results layout.