In this episode, Barry and Steve explore the latest developments in Google Search Console, AI content generation, and competitor research, emphasising the importance of human insight and strategic thinking in digital marketing.

Key topics
- Google Search Console updates and features
- AI-generated content and its impact on SEO
- Social media visibility in Google Search
- Competitor research strategies
- The role of human insight in digital marketing

Takeaways
- Google now allows social media accounts to be added to Search Console, providing new visibility metrics.
- AI tools can enhance content creation but should be used thoughtfully to avoid mediocrity.
- Content with merit should be engaged with regardless of whether it is AI-generated or human-created.
- Search Console data is indicative and should be used as a trend tool, not an exact measure.
- Competitor research is most effective when combined with a deep understanding of your own product and strategic goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Beer Talk
02:09 Announcements on AI Slop Functionality in Social Platforms
05:21 The Nuances of AI Content and Platform Flagging
08:30 The Creative and Strategic Value of Human Writing
12:00 Google Search Console's New Social Media Insights
14:01 Why Google Is Expanding Its Web Presence Data
17:29 The Impact of Google Search Console on Creators
20:49 AI Visibility Data in Search Console
24:15 Using Data to Inform Content Strategy
28:01 Google Search Profiles and Future Trends
31:51 Understanding Google's Data and Its Limitations
34:06 The Value of Competitor Research and Strategic Insights
37:24 Experience Your Competitors' Websites Firsthand
40:07 The Role of Risk-Taking and Innovation in SEO
43:24 The Limitations of Keyword Gap Analysis
44:58 The Importance of Human Judgment in SEO Strategy
45:50 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
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Resources: https://www.publishingstrategies.co.uk/p/competitor-research-starts-with-your-own-product

Connect with Barry & Steve
SEO Summit 2026 - https://newsseo.io
Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/

In this episode, Steve and Barry Adams discuss Google's new audience loyalty ecosystem, the impact of AI on search and publisher traffic, and practical strategies for publishers to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

- Google's new audience loyalty features (preferred sources, follow, subscription linking)
- Impact of AI on search traffic and publisher visibility
- Strategies for publishers to build and retain loyal audiences
- Prompt tracking and AI visibility challenges and opportunities
- The importance of quality content and user experience in a changing landscape

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Topics
02:58 Google's New Publisher Engagement Strategies
06:00 The Impact of AI on Traffic and Content
09:11 Optimizing User Experience and Conversion Rates
12:10 Insights from the Glide Event
15:09 SEO's Role in Audience Engagement
17:54 The Future of Content and Publisher Strategies
22:58 The Impact of Zero-Click Searches
26:02 Google's Dominance in Traffic Generation
28:56 Trust in Information Sources
36:03 Navigating Prompt Tracking in AI
48:10 The Future of News and Editorial SEO

Resources
https://www.seoforgooglenews.com/p/google-audience-loyalty-ecosystem
https://www.publishingstrategies.co.uk/p/ai-visibility-and-prompt-tracking
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Connect with Barry & Steve
SEO Summit 2026 - https://newsseo.io
Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/

Join Barry and Steve on Beers and SEO as they discuss essential podcast tips for growing your audience. This episode provides valuable insights into podcast marketing and how to podcast effectively, covering strategies for both new and experienced creators. Learn how to grow a podcast and implement strong seo for podcasts to expand your reach and engagement.

key topics
Podcast SEO strategies and platform optimization
Audience engagement and metrics analysis
Content focus and niche monetization

takeaways
Understanding platform-specific SEO (Apple, Spotify) is crucial for visibility.
Audience retention and engagement metrics are more valuable than downloads alone.
Niche podcasts can be highly profitable with targeted advertising.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Podcast SEO
02:14 Understanding Podcast Optimization
11:35 The Role of Video in Podcasting
16:10 Key Metrics for Podcast Success
22:45 Influencer Impact on Podcasting
25:45 Exploring Paywalls in Podcasting
28:09 Monetization Strategies for Podcasts
33:11 Favorite Podcasts and Their Impact

Resources
https://www.publishingstrategies.co.uk/p/podcast-seo
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Connect with Barry & Steve
SEO Summit 2026 - https://newsseo.io
Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/