Beers and SEO with Barry and Steve

In our latest discussion we've invited Nicola Agius (Director of SEO and Discover, Reach) to chat about three SEO-related news stories before we deep dive into Google Discover and its implications for publishers. We explore the recent core updates, the impact of AI on traffic, and the importance of maintaining a balanced SEO strategy. Apologies for a couple of connectivity issues - but we resolved them in the end!

Some takeaways...

The CMA's regulations may lead to more control for publishers over their content in AI-generated responses in Google.
AI tracking tools can provide misleading data; focus on quality content instead.
The volatility of Google Discover requires constant monitoring and adaptation.
Smaller and regional publishers are gaining visibility in Discover, challenging national publishers.
Quality and authority in content creation should not be compromised for short-term traffic gains.
Publishers need a diversified traffic strategy to mitigate risks associated with reliance on Discover.

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Connect with Barry & Steve

Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/

Wow, we made it to a second podcast!

This week we discussed: AI Survival Strategies based on an article Barry wrote recently. Why publishers should double-down on their SEO efforts while also building audience on other platforms.

Further Reading for the hard core dedicated:
Barry's AI Survival Strategies for Publishers: https://www.seoforgooglenews.com/p/ai-survival-strategies-for-publishers

Steve's take on the Reuters Journalism and Technology Trends and Predictions 2026 report: https://publishingstrategies.substack.com/p/reuters-journalism-technology-trends-predictions

Thanks to everyone who''s supported this pod so far!

Some Key Takeaways:

AI survival strategies are essential for publishers today.
Traffic from search engines remains significant despite changes.
Publishers must not neglect SEO in favour of quick wins.
Technical SEO is crucial for long-term success.
AI should be viewed as an accelerant, not a solution.
Diversifying traffic sources beyond Google is vital.
Google Discover presents both opportunities and risks for publishers.
Experimentation is key to success in Google Discover.
Publishers need to focus on quality journalism over clickbait tactics.
Understanding audience needs is essential for effective content strategy.
Google Discover can lead to spikes in traffic but can be addictive for publishers.
Experimentation is crucial for success in Google Discover.
Newsletters can effectively drive subscriptions and engage audiences.
Video content is becoming increasingly important in journalism.
Publishers should embrace video to retain talent and engage audiences.
Building trust with audiences is essential for brand authority.
Understanding audience perception is key to brand success.
Original journalism is necessary to stand out in a crowded market.
AI can summarise content, but original stories provide unique value.
Courage to innovate and experiment is vital for future success.

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Connect with Barry & Steve

Barry's SEO for News Newsletter: https://www.seoforgooglenews.com/
Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/

Welcome people to our new video podcast from Barry Adams and Steven Wilson-Beales discussing some of the biggest digital publishing trends - but with a difference because we'll be drinking beer throughout so what could possibly go wrong? This week we discussed - Will AI Kill SEO? Are AI prompt tracking tools the solution to all Zero-Click woes? What publishers should be aware of as we enter 2026. SEO myths we are most tired of AND publishers we're most proud of. There's also a story about walking drunkenly through Redruth, Cornwall - but you'll have to watch to find out what happened.

Some key takeaways:

SEO is evolving with the introduction of AI and LLMs.
AI's impact on SEO is significant but not the end of it.
Publishers need to adapt to the changing landscape of search traffic.
Case studies are essential for proving credibility in SEO.
Traffic from Google Discover can be addictive for newsrooms.
Understanding LLMs is crucial for future SEO strategies. Google Discover traffic can lead to unreliable spikes.
Publishers often chase clicks at the expense of quality.
Discover should be viewed as bonus traffic, not a strategy.
YouTube offers significant opportunities for news consumption.
Compelling titles and thumbnails are crucial for video engagement.
Reddit can be a tricky platform for publishers to navigate.
Keyword research remains vital for effective SEO.
Successful publishers focus on audience needs and engagement.
AI overviews pose a significant threat to traditional search traffic.
Long-term strategies are essential for sustainable growth.
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Connect with Barry & Steve!

Barry's SEO for News Newsletter: https://www.seoforgooglenews.com/
Barry's Consultancy service: https://www.polemicdigital.com/
Steve's Consultancy service: https://www.stevenwilsonbeales.com/
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