730 | News from the EDGE | Week of 11.25.2024

Cookie Monster Sorrows Happy New Year, folks! Kick-off 2024 the right way, and get up to date on all the latest SEO and marketing news you missed during the time off.  Kicking things off, Facebook is moving to a cookieless environment as they transition to an internal behavioral tracking system. The company recently announced the rollout of ‘link history’ for all accounts to promote specialized ad targeting of users - but there’s a catch…    Google says cookies are coming to an end. Access to third-party data will soon be unavailable to advertisers, leaving them no choice but to seek behavior-tracking alternatives for the future.  Be ready for a year of extreme volatility! Gear up for a thriving 2024 and stay ahead of the pack as always. Check out all the other early-bird news of the year right here on the EDGE of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:04:26] Do you prefer opt-in or opt-out for new features? Facebook assumes you want opt out! [00:07:05] Google Ads assures users that support remains steadfast while 'big' AI improvements are on the horizon. [00:11:44] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:10] 90% of small and medium-sized businesses are concerned about losing the same thing… find out what it is! AI Blitz: [00:18:01] Google is bringing AI to Android Auto for some reason [00:20:27] Beyond SEO: John Mueller On AI-Generated Images & Stock Photography [00:21:57] Over 2 months, by feeding every word Seligman had ever written into cutting-edge AI software AI Tools: [00:25:48] PatternedAI - Generate unique patterns for your product using AI! [00:27:44] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:30:21] Google New Years Eve Search Algorithm Update [00:31:30] Bing Tests Copying Google's Knowledge Panel Design [00:33:10] Wharton Professor, Ethan Mollick, On The Decay Of Internet Search  Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

5 Tammi 202439min

Buckle up, EDGE fans! Erin, Jacob, and Mordy crash onto the scene with the last EDGE of the Web episode of 2024, Episode 650. Mordy, please….can we keep Erin’s mother-in-law out of this already? On the docket: 2024 listicle apocalypse, AI drama with Chat GPT and The New York Times, Burger King's hangover-detecting robots, and SEO's 2024 crystal ball (think personalization and AI whispers). Plus, Google's ad experiments and WordPress' competitive platform exodus guides. Grab your existential dread and hit play. It's EDGE OF THE WEB time! Let's get weirder than a family reunion after too much eggnog. News from the EDGE: [00:04:21] Google Acknowledges Live Testing of Ad Copy Variations in Advertisements [00:09:15] Fresh Insights from Google SGE: Exploring Content Formats, YMYL, and Product Views [00:16:13] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:16:51] Keep an Eye on These Crucial Search Trends in 2024 AI Blitz: [00:22:51] Study: Most visited AI Tools in 2023 [00:24:40] New York Times sues Microsoft and OpenAI in copyright case [00:26:36] Burger King turns hangovers into discounts with facial recognition AI Tools: [00:29:11] RambleFix [00:30:37] Meet your AI nutrition and fitness coach [00:33:09] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:34:47] Barry Blast 1: Google Search Generative Experience December End Date Removed [00:35:53] Barry Blast 2: Pre-Christmas Intense Google Algorithm Ranking Volatility [00:37:12] Barry Blast 3: Google Checks 4 Billion Host Names Each Day For Robots.txt   Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

28 Joulu 202341min

Welcome back to the EDGE! Retail Media expert, Elizabeth Marsten, is back for her second segment this time to talk about the impact data has on the retail marketing and e-commerce industry.  Elizabeth helps you navigate the high intent consumer funnel, explaining how retail media is leveraging data to form predictive purchasing models. We evaluate ways in which corporations are addressing significant privacy concerns surrounding big data, and third-party cookies to predict consumer behavior.  The third wave of marketing is imminent! Join us this week as Elizabeth Marsten showcases the strength of user data in a retail media network and e-commerce setting right here on The EDGE of The Web! [00:02:58] Introducing Elizabeth Marsten [00:04:12] Who are Key Influencers in Retail Media?  [00:06:38] Understanding the High Intent Consumer [00:11:22] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:19] How Can You Predict Consumer Purchasing?  [00:16:42] Demonstrating Products in Real Time With Livestream Shopping [00:21:10] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:22:13] Data Privacy and Surveillance Moving Forward [00:25:40] Implications of Targeting Consumers Based on Highly Personal Data [00:29:37] Is There a Governing Body Ensuring Ethical Practices Throughout the Retail Media Industry?  [00:31:33] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:33:10] Are We Going To Lose Third-Party Cookie Access?  [00:34:14] Final Pro Tip From Elizabeth Marsten Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/ebkendo?s=20 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmarsten/

21 Joulu 202339min

A four-time guest of the EDGE and VP of commerce strategic services at Tinuiti, Elizabeth Marsten, joins the show this week to explore the profound landscape of retail media network marketing. Elizabeth stands out as a distinguished Digital Marketing expert with extensive experience in e-commerce and online marketplaces.  Discover the essence of Retail Media Networks and explore how the retail industry giants leverage strategies for optimized results. Elizabeth describes the extreme levels of personalization retail media generates, outlining how personalization is expected to skyrocket. Grasp the vast scale of Retail Media Networks, and learn how data-driven positioning has become a centerpiece of digital marketing this week on The EDGE of The Web! Key Segments: [00:03:34] Introducing Elizabeth Marsten [00:05:40 ] How Elizabeth Got Into Retail Marketing [00:08:16] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:09:03] How has the Digital Marketing Industry Evolved in Recent Years?  [00:11:29] What Are Retail Media Networks?  [00:17:20] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:18:25] Digital Commerce Category Leading All Others [00:22:28] How Personalized is Retail Media?  [00:25:26] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:26:38] Fully Immersive Virtual Shopping  [00:34:46] Bringing the Real World Connection to Marketing [00:36:51] How Does a Small Business Leverage Retail Media?  Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site   Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://x.com/ebkendo?s=20 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmarsten/ Resources Tinuiti Retail Media: The 4 Pillars Amazon Advertising

18 Joulu 202340min

Rock, Paper, Scissors - Shoot! Listen in as we're joined by Crystal Carter, head of communications at Wix, to discuss the world of SEO and digital marketing, focusing on Google's latest AI model, Gemini. We cover the model's various versions, its potential to impact search and creative industries, and how Google may have pushed the envelope of reality a little bit with the tool's debut video.  Covering other AI and marketing news, including X's chatbot, Grok, the AWS and NVIDIA partnership for advanced generative AI, and the discussion about the SEC's probe into investment advisors' use of AI and the potential risks involved. News from the EDGE: [00:03:09] Unveiling Gemini: Google's Latest Innovation and Bard's Gemini Pro Upgrade [00:13:16] Meet Grok: The New ChatGPT Competitor Launched by X [00:18:45] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:19:18] Landmark Decision: Jury Rules Google Guilty of Unlawful Monopoly in App Store Battle [00:23:06] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger AI Blitz: [00:24:19] AWS and NVIDIA expand partnership to advance generative AI [00:25:54] SEC Probes Investment Advisers’ Use of AI AI Tools: [00:28:17] Freeflo- Create better AI images with beautiful, free and endlessly reusable style prompts for Midjourney, Clipdrop, Firefly and DALL-E [00:30:45] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:31:42] Barry Blast 1: Report: Google Local Ranking Now Looks If A Business Is Open Or Closed (Business Hours) Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site  Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Hostinger https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger   Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @CrystalontheWeb Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio   #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

14 Joulu 202336min

Are you struggling to fully grasp Google Analytics 4? This week we welcome back founding partner at Kick Point, Dana DiTomaso, for her second interview segment to reveal how you can best optimize GA4 in the workplace.  Listen in, as Dana unveils her insider scoop into variances within the dynamic landscape of Google Analytics. Plus, learn about Looker Studio’s blending functions which allows you to seamlessly combine Universal Analytics and GA4 into one unified report. If you’re still unsure about GA4, be sure to check out Dana’s incredible training package, which fosters a motivating approach to optimizing client analytics. Fully discover how you can maximize your SEO capabilities through utilization of GA4 and other tools on this episode of The EDGE of the Web!  Discount for EDGE of the Web Listeners: Analytics For Agencies: https://kpplaybook.com/analytics-for-agencies/  *Use Code EDGE for 20% Off!* Key Segments: [00:03:30] Introducing Dana DiTomaso  [00:05:38] Dana’s GA4 Audit Tool [00:11:07] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:12:42] When Can We Update UTM Tracking?  [00:19:54] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:21:50] Will Looker Studio Be More Streamlined Than GA4?  [00:26:14] GA4 Training Package For Agencies [00:33:50] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:39:22] Industry Pet Peeves  [00:41:53] The Most Exciting Element Of The Industry Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger  Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaditomaso?lang=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dditomaso/ Resources: Auditing Your Google Analytics 4 Account Blending UTM Data with GA4 Data

9 Joulu 202346min

Welcome back to News from the EDGE! Host Erin Sparks was out this week, so the pivot man Mordy Oberstein, and 3D-printer extraordinaire Jacob Mann took the reins. The northerners prevail as Google agrees to fork up a hefty sum to Canadian publishers in light of the Online News Act. Google complies to U.S antitrust lawsuit, revealing how many websites are actually indexed on the web. OpenAI is under notable changes, revealing an early 2024 release date of GPT Store shortly after the return of CEO Sam Altman. Plus, Google’s November core update is now complete, and the results may surprise you. Stay connected this week as we walk you through everything going on inside of SEO, right here on The EDGE!  News from the EDGE: [00:03:52] How Many Web Pages does Google Actually Index? [00:08:49] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger [00:10:13] Spotify Slashes 1,500 Jobs, CEO Cites Economic Challenges [00:17:05] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:13] Google will pay $73 Million in a Deal with Canadian Publishers AI Blitz: [00:19:33] OpenAI Welcomes Back Sam Altman As CEO With New Board [00:19:58] GPT Store Set To Launch In 2024 After ‘Unexpected’ Delays AI Tools: [00:21:39] Dubbing AI- Change your voice in real-time with AI [00:22:44] Rizzpad- The first build-in AI toolkit for flirting on any dating app [00:24:50] Plus AI Google Analytics Reports- AI-powered presentations with your Google Analytics data  [00:25:54] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:27:19] Google November 2023 core update rollout is now complete  [00:28:00] Google Search now supports discussion forum and profile page structured data [00:29:24] Google May Be Testing Removing Cache Link From Search Results [00:30:30] Google officially drops Mobile Usability report, Mobile-Friendly Test tool and Mobile-Friendly Test API Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site     Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Hostinger https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @MordyOberstein Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

6 Joulu 202332min

This week, we welcome Dana DiTomaso to the show for her long-awaited return to the EDGE. Dana is a marketing partner at Kick Point, working to help clients grow businesses by making digital marketing and traditional marketing work well together. In this episode, Dana and Erin discuss the role of the agency and its responsibility to help shepherd the Google assets of its clients.  Pay attention to how Big Query is set up for your clients: they must own the connection - it cannot be moved from an agency account to the client after set up! This discussion also hones in on topics ranging from data-channeling, restrictions, and interpretation methods that help you optimize your utilization of Google Analytics. Grasp the power of Google’s advanced user-centric analytics in GA4, right here on The EDGE of The Web! Key Segments: [00:03:29] Introducing Dana DiTomaso [00:05:07] How Dana got into SEO [00:08:17] New Responsibilities For Digital Marketers with the Birth of GA4 [00:13:26] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics  [00:21:00] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Hostinger  [00:22:40] Differences Between UA and GA4  [00:28:16] EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix  [00:29:39] Was GA4 Prematurely Implemented?  [00:32:27] What Metrics Have Changed as a Result of GA4? [00:35:33] A New Approach to Interpretation With GA4  Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Wix: http://edgeofthewebradio.com/wix Hostinger: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/hostinger  Follow Our Guest Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaditomaso?lang=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dditomaso/ Resources Mentioned in the Show: Grow Your Agency with Google Analytics Training & Templates 9 Google Ads Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Business

2 Joulu 202339min