The StepForth Web Marketing Blog
Informing on SEO, SEM, and PPC since 2001SEO 101 Episode 496 – March 2025 Core Update, a Little Known Mistake to Avoid, and AI Errors
In this episode of SEO 101, hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte discuss Google's March 2025 core update and its focus on quality content. They explain a mistake that can cause search engine result click-through rates to plummet, and they address the challenges of AI...
SEO 101 Episode 495 – Google Search Decline: AI Preferences, User Trust, and Ranking Volatility
In this episode of SEO 101, hosts Ross Dun and Scott Van Achte explore the recent VOX Media survey revealing declining trust in Google Search, with a shift toward AI tools. They discuss Google's updates for personal info removal, local SEO strategies, and AI ranking...
SEO 101 Episode 480 – Author Recognition in SERPS and Disastrous Fake Review Handling
Explore the latest Google updates in SEO, including the recognition of content creators in search results, fixes in the Google Search Console, removal of the cache feature, warnings about fake reviews on Google Maps that will likely prove disastrous, and the display...
SEO 101 Episode 479 – Google Image Labeling and User Intent SEO Optimization
Discover the latest from Google with AI image labeling updates and insights into optimizing for user intent. Learn about the EXIF data in SEO, more Google bugs, the results of a deep dive into AI Overviews, and other optimization insights in this episode. Show Notes:...
SEO 101 Episode 478 – Google AI and Maps Insights and When to Worry About Ranking Changes
Unpack Google's SEO milestones: Wayback Machine, enhanced video regions, and commercial query optimizations. Understand Google AI Overviews' influence on top results and the significance of ethical practices for local rankings. Explore effective traffic management...
SEO 101 Episode 477 – Google August Update Impacts, SEO Fundamentals and Trends
Uncover the impact of Google's August 2024 core update, forum content displays, and AVIF format support. Learn essential SEO practices and valuable insights from John Mueller's Q&A session. Gain expert advice on enhancing search performance and optimizing online...
SEO 101 Episode 476 – Google Algorithm Shifts: August Update Traffic Analytics Explained
Join hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte as they dissect Google's August algorithm update, unraveling traffic fluctuations and analytics intricacies. Explore the reasons behind vanishing gains and drops, including bugs, update phases, and data misinterpretation. Learn...
SEO 101 Episode 475 – Google Update Highlights: Core Update, Bug Resolution, and AI Overviews
Listen to this SEO 101 episode with soloing host Scott Van Achte, focusing on Google's latest updates. Explore the ongoing August 2024 core update roll-out and the quick resolution of a search ranking bug. Gain insights on Google AI Overviews expanding to signed-out...
SEO 101 Episode 474 – Google Updates, SEO Trends, AI Quick Tip Insights
Join us in this insightful SEO 101 podcast episode where we cover the latest Google updates, SEO trends, and reveal handy AI quick tips. Dive deep into discussions on Google Trends enhancements, Search Console data insights, URL parameter optimization plans, and...
SEO 101 Episode 473 – Google Updates, Search Volatility, Console Features, and Crawling Insights
In this episode of the SEO 101 Podcast, we explore significant updates from Google, including recent search ranking volatility and the launch of new recommendations in Search Console. We also discuss Googlebot's link crawling behavior, shedding light on how it impacts...
SEO 101 Epsiode 472 – AI Enhancements in SEO: SearchGPT, Reddit Block, and More
Explore the latest AI advancements in SEO in this episode of SEO 101 with hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte, featuring OpenAI's Search GPT prototype and Google's deepfake content demotion updates. Learn about Reddit's search engine block, Google's integration of...
SEO 101 Epsiode 471 – Google Tests, Internal Linking Strategies, and Local Spam
In this episode of SEO 101, hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte explore Google’s testing of larger site names and favicons, effective internal linking strategies, the impact of rapid site growth on rankings, and ongoing local SEO spam issues. Discover actionable tips...
SEO 101 Epsiode 470 – Google’s Coming Update, Research Findings, ECommerce SEO, and Ranking Insights
In this SEO 101 podcast episode, host Ross Dunn discussed Google's potential Wiz acquisition, tracking SEO results to business outcomes, an upcoming core update, Core Web Vitals, AI features, TLD testing insights, augmented reality images, and AI-driven local search...
SEO 101 Episode 469 – Google SEO Trends: Backlinks, AI, & Business Profile Protection Explained
Explore SEO essentials in this episode of SEO 101 podcast! Discover Google's recent changes, the significance of backlinks, and the limitations of AI in technical SEO analysis. Learn to safeguard your Google Business Profiles and adapt to shifting search behaviors....
SEO 101 Ep 468 – What You Need to Know From the Leaked Google Ranking Criteria
In this episode of The SEO 101 Podcast, hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte delve into a major leak of Google's search algorithms, revealing insights into over 14,000 potential ranking attributes, including the role of clicks, dwell time, link velocity, and the use of...
SEO 101 Epsiode 467 – Insider’s Guide to Google’s SEO Updates: Strategies for Ranking Success
Join us as we unravel Google's latest SEO updates, offering valuable strategies for achieving ranking success. From tackling low-quality content to understanding site reputation abuse, we explore the impact of these changes. Delve into the world of AI Overviews and...
Google Phases Out Chat and Call History from Business Profiles
Google announced it will be removing the chat and call history functionalities within Google Business Profiles, prompting business owners and marketers to adapt and find alternative solutions. The Announcement On May 29, 2024, Google emailed its Business Profile users...
SEO 101 Ep 466 – Chapter 9 of the SEO 101 Learning Series
The final chapter of the SEO 101 learning series begins with unveiling crucial SEO tactics emphasizing user experience, adaptive rankings, and strategic metrics. Discover optimization simplicity, gradual expansion, and the need for expert support. Explore the value of...