Content and Conversation: SEO Tips from Siege Media

In this episode, Ross and guest Wil Reynolds, VP Innovation, SEER, discuss the future of search, AI-driven automation, and why organic social is becoming more important than ever. 

Wil shares bold insights on how agencies must adapt, the power of thought leadership over traditional content marketing, and the evolving landscape of SEO. Plus, they cover why collaboration beats competition in today’s digital world.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Wil Reynolds, VP Innovation, SEER

01:36 Collaboration Over Competition

04:04 The Rise of Organic Social vs. Traditional SEO

10:53 Content Marketing vs. Journalism

15:17 AI, Automation & the Future of Marketing

28:22 The Changing Role of Link Building

38:14 The Urgency to Adapt: AI’s Impact on Agencies

46:36 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Wil
 

Show Links:

• Wil at Seer: https://www.seerinteractive.com/wil-reynolds
• Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilreynolds/
• Wil on X: https://x.com/wilreynolds
• Wil on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wilreynolds

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Join Ross as he sits down with SEO expert Cyrus Shepard to explore why brand building has become essential in today’s search landscape. 

Cyrus shares what happened when he disavowed every inbound link on his site, why Google seems to reward authenticity over traditional SEO tactics, and how focusing on experience and trust can give you the edge in the ever‐changing SERPs.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Cyrus and brand swag

01:10 The Bold Move: Disavowing Every Inbound Link

02:00 Aftermath: Results of the Disavow Experiment

06:17 When the Disavow Tool Still Matters

08:44 Contrarian Takes & Being ‘Right’ in SEO

09:43 Why Google Wants Real People

14:21 SERP History & Competitive Analysis

20:00 Over‐Optimizing vs. Brand Building
 

Show Links:

• Zyppy's Disavow Experiment  
• Tom Capper on Brand Authority
• Ahref’s SERP history feature
• Cyrus on Bluesky

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

In the latest episode of Content and Conversation, Sam Parr, founder of The Hustle and host of My First Million, joins Ross to discuss the art and science of great copywriting, building viral content, and scaling content-driven businesses. 

Sam shares actionable insights into hiring creative talent, writing headlines that convert, and why simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in copywriting.

Show Notes:

00:00 Sam Parr’s journey in copywriting and content creation

01:03 Combining Silicon Valley innovation with internet marketing

02:45 The Hustle’s Newsletter Success

06:12 Hiring Creative Talent

10:50 The Power of Copy Work

16:00 Writing Headlines That Sell

29:05 Simplicity in Writing

35:00 AI for Copywriters

44:10 Sam’s Favorite Copywriting Resources

Show Links:

• Copy That copywork course by Sam Parr
• Inside the Mind of a Newsletter Mogul
• Try Rosedale
• To be Great Be Good, Reaptably
• Hemingway App
• Warren Buffet word count by Sam Parr
• Jason Fried’s copywriting - https://www.hey.com/
• Headline example from The Hustle
• Adweek Guide to Copywriting 
• Scott Galloway

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

We speak with Dave Gerhardt, founder of Exit Five, who reveals how to build a standout B2B marketing community. He breaks down the impact of AI on SEO and content, his no-nonsense approach to LinkedIn content, podcasting as a content strategy, and why Exit Five moved from Facebook to Circle. It’s a sharp look at staying agile and authentic in modern marketing.

Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction to Dave Gerhardt and Marketing Insights

2:35 The Role of SEO in Modern Marketing

5:10 Content Creation and Personal Workflow

11:14 Building a Community Around Marketing

24:28 Authenticity in LinkedIn Posting

29:00 Podcasting as a Content Strategy

38:43 Building a Paid Community Experience

43:05 The Impact of AI on SEO and Content

47:11 Evolving SEO Roles and Future Strategies

Show Links:

• Dave Gerhardt 
• Exit Five community
• Knowatoa AI rank monitoring
• Subscribe today for weekly tips
• Follow Ross on X
• Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com

#seo | #contentmarketing

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

We speak with Michael Buckbee, the innovator behind Knowatoa, a tool transforming SEO for AI search services.

We discuss strategies for ranking on AI-Powered search engines and how Knowatoa enhances rank tracking on platforms like ChatGPT, helping marketers analyze keywords and search intent in this new landscape.

We focus on aligning content with user intent while stressing the need for a robust domain authority strategy. We also highlight how social media presence and reputation management contribute to AI optimization. To thrive in the dynamic digital landscape, we advise marketers to continuously adapt their SEO approaches.

Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction to Michael Buckbee

3:28 Understanding AI Search Rankings

5:52 Strategies for Influencing AI Search Results

7:28 The Future of SEO with AI

13:12 Exploring AI Search Evolution

16:25 The COPE Content Strategy

19:32 Navigating AI Search Services

23:09 The Role of Digital PR

40:03 The Future of AI and SEO Integration

42:48 Conclusion and Next Steps

Show Links:

Knowatoa: https://knowatoa.com/

Michael Buckbee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbuckbee/

Follow Ross on X: https://twitter.com/RossHudgens

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f

Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM

Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA

Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia

Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens

Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown

Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com

#seopodcast  | #contentmarketing

#seo | #contentmarketing

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

We’re joined by Brian Dean, co-founder of Exploding Topics, as he shares his journey of transitioning from SEO education to trend-spotting innovation. 

We dive into the creation of Exploding Topics, exploring its origins as a side project, the collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, and the strategic enhancements that shaped it into a successful SaaS platform. 

Brian discusses the importance of addressing customer needs, navigating the acquisition process with SEMrush, and reflects on the evolving landscape of SEO and search in the age of AI. He also candidly shares the psychological adjustments entrepreneurs face post-acquisition and offers insights into maintaining momentum in their careers.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro and Welcome to Brian

1:17 The Origin of Exploding Topics

9:12 Transitioning to SaaS Model

11:13 The Journey to Selling

16:29 Buyer Relationships Matter

18:37 Reflections on SaaS Success

22:36 Finding the Right Co-Founder

27:18 Thoughts on the Future of Search

30:55 Life After Acquisition

Show Links:

• Subscribe today for weekly tips
• Follow Ross on X
• Send Us an Email
• Follow Brian on Linkedin
• Exploding Topics
• The SaaS consultant Brian recommended

#seo | #contentmarketing

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

This week on Content & Conversation, Ross and Emily Campbell-Snidal, VP of Content Marketing at Siege Media, explore how brands can craft effective content strategies during election season.

Show Notes:

0:00 Election Strategies and Content Creation
2:48 Rethinking Content Calendars
4:37 Leveraging Current Events for Engagement
7:21 Updating Existing Content for Relevance
10:04 Navigating Political Topics with Neutrality
12:57 Long-Term Strategy Amidst Short-Term Events

Show Links:

• Subscribe today for weekly tips
• Follow Ross on X
• Send Us an Email

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Show Notes:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:40 - Clearscope and the future of SEO
• 13:08 - What are language models actually good for?
• 29:10 - Using the data to guide strategy
• 39:00 - Discussing Reddit and SERPs
• 49:00 - Is there optimism for the future?

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

Show Notes:

• 00:09: Welcome, Jimmy Daly, Co-Founder and CEO of Superpath
• 03:30: What does high-performance SaaS content look like?
• 06:48: The importance of knowing your product (Fresh Paint)
• 10:24: Outstanding content in SaaS
• 11:16: The advantages of compiling your own data
• 13:03: Jimmy’s Your Blog Is a Library Not a Publication
• 21:31: The three best content marketing approaches
• 24:33: The balance between publishing frequency and SEO
• 30:19: Missed traits of high-performing freelance writers
• 37:54: Final tips, tricks, and tactics

Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing