Search With Candour

Alison Moss joins Search with Candour to discuss how to prioritise technical SEO fixes and get development tickets actioned.Together, they cover common pitfalls like lack of buy-in and unclear requirements, emphasising translating SEO needs into business outcomes and developer-friendly acceptance criteria, using ticket templates, and providing references.Alison explains prioritising by impact versus effort, helping teams order “high priority” items, and acknowledging SEO competes with other business priorities while building relationships with product and dev teams and supporting testing.Links

Jack Chambers Ward is joined by Jessica Bettis, Candour’s Director of Strategy, to discuss what makes a strong collaboration between SEO specialists and client partnership/account management.Jack and Jessica discuss their experience of working with clients together, and Jessica explains how client partners define success, translate work into business impact, manage resources and expectations, and nurture trust through onboarding and ongoing check-ins.Follow Jessica:Website: https://withcandour.co.uk/about/team/jessica-bettis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bettis/ Jessica’s recommendations:Spend 5–10 minutes aligning before key meetings or responding to feedback.Maintain a dedicated, shared digital space for client context and information.Wuthering Heights (2026)00:00 Welcome, Jessica Bettis01:25 Important client partner traits03:12 How to build respect and trust with your clients05:18 Commercial context matters10:20 Building client trust11:48 Matching teams to clients16:59 The behind-the-scenes

Jack Chambers Ward welcomes SEO consultant and Designmodo SEO Manager Bengü Sarıca Dinçer to discuss what marketers should track in GA4 as search shifts across AI summaries, social platforms, newsletters, communities, and private sharing.Bengü argues classic metrics like rankings and organic sessions are incomplete and recommends focusing on influence signals such as assisted conversions, branded search growth, returning users, engagement, and what she calls “content eco,” plus a move toward probabilistic attribution.Time stamps00:00 Show Intro and Guest Tease02:04 Meet Bengü Sarıca Dinçer04:58 Why Metrics Must Change07:52 Assisted Conversions Explained10:23 Branded Search and Recall14:10 Digital Archaeology for Visibility17:16 Tracking AI Search Traffic24:18 Measuring Informational Content28:50 Dark Social and Private Sharing33:10 Every Platform Is Search34:24 Beyond Google Mindset36:43 GA4 As Question Tool37:32 Metrics Mislead Warning40:56 Email Social SEO Mix43:43 Audience Nurture Flywheel45:27 GA4 Hidden

Jack Chambers Ward welcomes returning guest Sarah McDowell from The SEO Mindset Podcast to discuss AI and LLMs and how they’re responsibly integrating them into their work processes.Jack & Sarah share AI usage stats, note the split between adopters and non-adopters, and cover concerns including environmental impact, big tech/data issues, hallucinations and fabricated reporting, and the need for clearer disclosure when AI is used.They describe practical, cautious uses of tools like Descript and Riverside for transcription, clip creation, repurposing, research, and rewriting emails, stressing AI as a tool that still requires human review.

Jack Chambers Ward hosts Search with Candour with guest Dena Warren, SEO Lead at Techquity, to discuss how e-commerce brands can prepare for AI search and LLMs.They cover how the importance of consistent product data across on-site content, feeds, and maximising structured data (product, FAQ, reviews).Dena highlights using user-generated content, avoiding duplicate manufacturer copy, and ensuring key content is visible in HTML rather than hidden behind JavaScript interactions, feed optimisation using OpenAI’s product feed spec, and, of course, scepticism about LLMs.txt.Follow Dena:Techquity: https://www.techquity.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-warren-b44106139/Dena’s recommendations:Ahrefs unlinked mentions: https://ahrefs.com/content-explorerAlsoAsked: https://alsoasked.com/Kelewele recipe: https://www.africanbites.com/kelewele-or-alocospicy-fried-plantains/Resources:https://developers.openai.com/commercehttps://productfeed.cloud/Time stamps00:00 Introduction01:39 Meet Dena Warren02:39 Why

Jack Chambers-Ward hosts Search With Candour with guest Faezeh Shafiee, a freelance international SEO content specialist, to discuss how to build an interview-based content campaign with the assistance of AI.During this campaign, Faezeh used expert interviews to create a multi-channel content campaign, turning an initial plan into interviews with three women leaders in sustainability. Faezeh explains the end-to-end process from planning, interviewing in both English and Spanish, recording and transcribing, to translating/localising, article structure, keyword research and repurposing into social, email, and other channels.00:00 Welcome to Search With Candour01:01 Subscribe & listener call-to-action before the chat02:04 Meet Faezeh Shafiee04:09 Why this campaign now: International Women’s Day + interview-based content05:17 From idea to execution: turning one interview into three11:00 Using AI as an assistant15:03 Keeping authentic voices and avoiding hallucinations19:52 Results & business impact24:06 A

Jack Chambers-Ward hosts a solo episode of Search With Candour recapping seven major SEO and digital marketing news stories from the first six weeks of 2026, previously covered in the Core Updates newsletter. He highlights Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for agentic commerce and checkout capabilities, Google’s Business Agent for brand-voice shopper conversations, and Google’s Personal Intelligence initiative that personalises experiences by connecting Gemini to apps like Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Search. He also covers Gemini-powered AI Insights in Google Trends, Chrome’s agentic “auto browse” features that can complete multi-step tasks, a SparkToro study showing AI/LLM recommendations are highly inconsistent, and the February 2026 Google Discover core update aimed at reducing sensational clickbait, improving local relevance, and addressing self-promotional “self-ranking” listicles. Jack notes plans for ongoing monthly news recap episodes and points viewers to links in the show notes for all sour

Join Jack Chambers-Ward as he sits down with Alex Dees, co-founder and CEO of Meridian, to discuss how to optimise your brand and sites for AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, AI Mode, and Perplexity.Discover strategies and insights on increasing visibility in the age of AI, if “chunking” your content works, and the future of e-commerce and agentic commerce.Follow Alex:Website: https://trymeridian.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-dees00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:22 Guest Introduction: Alex Dees01:47 The Rise of AI in Search02:18 Optimising for AI Search03:58 The Future of SEO and AI11:55 Measuring Success in AI Search16:38 Strategies for Effective AI Marketing17:45 Content Structuring and Chunking27:20 Combining Data for Better Insights30:15 AI in E-commerce31:31 The Future of E-commerce and AI32:17 The Role of Structured Data in AI33:41 Agentic Commerce: Trends and Insights35:23 Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)36:04 Challenges and Opportunities in Agentic Commerce44:23 The

In this episode of Search With Candour, host Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by SEO experts Chris Green and Amaka Chukwuma to discuss the SEO chapter of the Web Almanac 2025.Together, they delve into the process behind writing the chapter, trends in SEO, impacts of AI and LLM crawlers, structured data adoption, and the importance of resisting hype in the SEO industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:27 Discussing the Web Almanac 202501:38 Welcoming the Guests03:15 SEO Chapter Insights04:09 Data Analysis and Process11:37 SEO Trends and Surprises20:11 Robots.txt and Web Standards30:11 Bing Bot and AI Crawlers35:50 Legacy SEO Practices and Their Impact38:16 The Rise of AI Crawlers39:58 Adoption and Implementation of LLMs48:59 Structured Data and Schema Markup56:36 The Future of SEO and the Web01:03:12 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Topics

Join Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook for a special episode of Search With Candour, where they recap the top SEO conferences of 2025 and share their most anticipated events for 2026.From Brighton SEO to the SEO Brein Meetup, they discuss the highlights, unique features, and what makes each conference a must-attend. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming SearchNorwich XL…Don't miss out on insights, networking tips, and the banter you’ve come to expect from Search with Candour!Best SEO conferences of 2025:https://brightonseo.com/https://croatiaseosummit.com/https://hub.seofomo.co/events/https://tech-seo-summit.com/https://searchnstuff.co.uk/search-n-stuff-antalya-conference-2026/SEO conferences to look forward to in 2026:https://www.womenintechseo.com/conference/london/https://www.seobrein.nl/meetuphttps://hive-mcr.co.uk/https://searchnstuff.co.uk/search-n-stuff-london-conference-2026/Coming soon... https://searchnorwich.org/00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Conference Highlights and

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Georgie Kemp, the SEO lead at Veed.Together, they delve into the limitless potential of video as a channel for marketers, discussing how video content can be repurposed and its SEO advantages.Georgie emphasises the importance of authenticity and the human element in creating engaging video content. Jack and Georgie also explore the evolution of search, integrating video into SEO strategies, and leveraging AI while maintaining a human touch.Follow Georgie:Website: https://www.veed.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-kemp/ Veed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/veedstudioVeed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veedstudio/Resourceshttps://sell.g2.com/resources/webinars/capturing-demand-in-the-llm-ecosystemhttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7388499289389572097/https://sparktoro.com/blog/its-still-seo-search-everywhere-optimization/Veed guides for video marketing:https://www.veed.io/learn/video-marketing-guide https://www.veed.io/learn/ai-tools-f

In this week's episode of Search with Candour, Jack Chambers-Ward welcomes Nicole Lee to discuss the significance of long tail keywords in SEO and content marketing.Jack and Nicole delve into how these keywords become even more crucial in the age of AI, focusing on creating personalised, bottom-of-funnel content.The episode also covers Nicole's strategies for programmatic SEO, the challenges of setting client expectations, and the importance of high-intent content.Follow NicoleWebsite: https://nicoleleemf.com/ Daydream: https://www.withdaydream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelee-marketer/ RecommendationsCorner Maps: https://get.corner.inc/Opal: https://www.opal.so/ Graphite AEO tools: https://graphite.io/five-percent/aeo-toolsThinking in Bets: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35957157-thinking-in-bets Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Long Tail Keywords01:20 Welcome to Search with Candour01:36 Meet Nicole Lee08:16 The Importance of Long Tail Keywords in SEO15:55 Balancing Informatio

In the first episode of 2026, hosts Jack Chambers-Ward and Mark Williams-Cook discuss the major SEO news stories of 2025 and make predictions for the upcoming year.They reflect on their predictions from last year, including the impact of zero-click searches on organic click-through rates, the rise of video and visual search elements, and the importance of community and real marketing.The episode also covers Google's AI mode rollout, the challenges posed by automated advertising and privacy laws, and potential advancements in agentic search and browser-based AI.00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:33 SEO Predictions for 202601:42 Zero Click Searches and AI Summarization07:40 Trends in Video and Visual Search12:30 The Return of Real Marketing20:39 Biggest News Stories of 202522:32 AI Mode Rollout Timeline23:30 Personal Use of AI Tools25:26 Global Expansion of AI Mode25:46 AI Mode and Search Functionality Predictions27:11 Impact of AI on Click-Through Rates31:12 Predictions for 202632:34 Automation an

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 GregJollySEO: https://jollyseo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregheilers/ Jolly SEO’s TL;DR: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL3o9O1rRBcLKq-hSgerIS8i47HWdOAiiWebsite: https://gregheilers.com/Greg’s recommendationshttps://featured.com/https://www.airtable.com/ https://youtu.be/ETlOSBR92Fs?si=Syh4xBbQScA2UXYh 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:14 The Evolution of HARO and Digital PR04:09 The Role of AI and LLMs in SEO and PR07:15 Cha

Jack Chambers-Ward is joined by Abi Bennetts to discuss the evolution of digital PR, the importance of brand building, and the impact of AI and LLMs on the PR landscape.Together, they explore strategies for creating authentic, relevant content and the significance of measuring brand sentiment and awareness. Abi also shares insights on how startups can leverage digital PR effectively and predicts the integration of digital and traditional PR in the future.Follow AbiWebsite: https://www.launchpr.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abibennetts710/00:00 Why brand is the future of digital PR01:09 Introduction05:34 Welcome Abi Bennetts07:31 The Evolution of Digital PR and Brand Strategy10:05 The Role of AI and Authenticity in Digital PR12:36 Combining Traditional and Digital PR Tactics19:06 The Impact of Brand Sentiment and Trust33:04 Utilising Experts for Authentic Brand Building34:22 Balancing Virality and Planned Campaigns35:36 Holistic Approach to Digital PR36:18 SEO Integration in PR Strategies37:15 De

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 Introduction01:39 Welcome to Search With Candour04:35 Interview with Amanda King07:16 The Evolution of SEO and Content Strategies17:40 Challenges and Future of SEO34:21 Exploring Topic Compass and Content Relevance51:49 The Evolution of Google's Search Technology55:00 The Impact of AI on SEO and PPC56:11 Exploring Paris: Beyond the Usual Attractions01:01:35 The Importance of Updat

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/@seohumoristResources: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=14f33156e5ce4df700:00 Introduction01:38 Welcome to S

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 AdeWebsite: 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 RecommendationsRank 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 Marketing00:55 Introduction01:25 Meet Ade Holder: P

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-south00:00 How to make money from SEO00:56 Introduction02:04 Welcome, Ben Goo

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/Recommendationshttps://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 Introduction04:43 Welcome Leah Hart07:08 Defining Sustainable Marketing08:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Marketing08:39 AI and Sustainability in Marketing12:24 Identifying Genuine Sustainable Practices22:06 Balancing Sustainability