Nina Payne - YouTube Growth Strategy Consultant UK

My Experience as a YouTube Growth Strategy Consultant

Ah, YouTube SEO—where businesses throw content into the void and hope for the best. If you've ever wondered why your videos aren’t ranking, let me introduce myself. I’ve spent the past 15 years turning that hope into an actual **YouTube growth strategy** that works. Unlike the guesswork tactics you’ll find floating around the internet, my approach is based on **structured data, viewer psychology, and real SEO principles**.

My work spans across **business owners, agencies, and freelancers** who want to **increase their YouTube traffic, improve video rankings, and drive sales**. If you’re tired of posting videos that go nowhere, this is where I step in.

What I Specialise In – A Proper YouTube SEO Strategy, Not Just Hype

Most so-called **YouTube marketing experts** will tell you to “make great content” and “be consistent.” Revolutionary. What they **don’t** tell you is that without a properly **optimised video SEO strategy**, consistency just means **failing more frequently**. Here’s where I do things differently:

✅ **YouTube Video Schema Mastery** – Implementing structured data for Google Search so your videos actually show up where they matter.

✅ **Metadata & CTR Optimisation** – Crafting high-CTR titles, descriptions, and thumbnails that don’t just sit there looking pretty but actually attract clicks.

✅ **Watch Time & Engagement Strategies** – Increasing **session duration and audience retention** so YouTube **recommends your content** more often. If people drop off in the first 30 seconds, you’ve already lost.

✅ **Google & YouTube Video Rankings** – Combining SEO, watch time metrics, and viewer psychology to rank in **both Google and YouTube**, not just one.

How My Clients Are Using YouTube SEO to Drive More Traffic and Sales

If you think YouTube SEO is just about getting views, think again. The real power lies in **converting** those views into leads, sales, and authority. That’s why I work with **business owners, agencies, and freelancers** who aren’t just chasing vanity metrics but actually want **tangible growth**.

One of my biggest successes has been helping businesses understand that YouTube isn’t just a content platform; it’s an **SEO powerhouse**. If you're not leveraging **Google Search rankings** with your videos, you're leaving traffic on the table. My consultations focus on aligning **YouTube content with broader SEO strategies** to drive business results, not just meaningless engagement.

If you’re wondering **how much an SEO freelancer costs**, I’ve broken that down in this detailed pricing guide. Spoiler: Proper SEO costs more than wishful thinking, but it’s worth every penny.

What YouTube SEO Can Teach You About Google’s Algorithm

YouTube isn’t just about making videos—it’s about understanding **Google’s evolving algorithm**. Every few months, Google introduces updates that shift how content is ranked, and YouTube follows suit. That’s why I stay ahead of the curve by **analysing Google updates** and applying them directly to YouTube SEO strategies.

If you’re still following outdated ranking tricks, you’re already losing. Understanding concepts like SERP ranking factors and Google Business site changes will help future-proof your video content.

Why YouTube SEO Training Matters – The Somerset Approach

There’s a reason why **SEO training** has become an essential investment for business owners, freelancers, and digital agencies. If you’re relying on outdated YouTube strategies, you’re **wasting time and effort**. That’s why I provide **YouTube SEO training** that is tailored for your business goals.

For those looking to develop a stronger foundation in SEO, my **hands-on training sessions** in Somerset are designed to help **businesses, consultants, and agencies** build a **practical, results-driven SEO strategy** that extends beyond YouTube.

Final Thoughts – Ready to Take YouTube Seriously?

Most people approach YouTube SEO like a **side hobby**, then wonder why their content isn’t ranking. If you want **real results**, you need a strategy that aligns **YouTube, Google SEO, and audience engagement metrics**.

If you’re serious about making YouTube work for your business, let’s talk. You can book a **one-to-one consultation** where I’ll tailor a full SEO strategy for you. Visit my appointment page to start optimising your YouTube channel for real growth.

Boost Your Clients' Online Presence with Video SEO: A Game-Changer for PR Agencies
Introduction

    Hook: Highlight the increasing importance of video content in digital marketing and its impact on online visibility.
    Thesis Statement: Introduce Video SEO as a powerful tool for PR agencies to enhance their clients' reach and link equity efficiently.
    Purpose: Present how partnering with a Video SEO specialist can amplify the success of content marketing campaigns.

Section 1: The Challenges of Traditional Link Building for PR Agencies

    1.1 Time-Consuming Processes
        Discuss the labor-intensive nature of traditional link building methods.
        Emphasize the extensive hours and resources required for outreach and content creation.
    1.2 Uncertain Outcomes
        Highlight the unpredictability of securing high-quality backlinks.
        Mention the low response rates and the potential for wasted efforts.
    1.3 Case Studies and Industry Insights
        Reference published studies illustrating the time and manpower involved in traditional link building.
        Cite examples from reputable sources to substantiate the challenges.

Section 2: Video SEO as an Efficient Alternative

    2.1 The Rise of Video Content
        Present statistics on the growing consumption of video content online.
        Explain why video is becoming the preferred medium for audiences.
    2.2 Benefits of Video SEO
        Describe how Video SEO enhances visibility on both YouTube and Google search results.
        Explain the indirect link equity gained through increased engagement and shares.
    2.3 Less Time-Intensive Strategy
        Compare the time investment between traditional link building and Video SEO.
        Highlight the efficiency of optimizing existing video content for SEO benefits.

Section 3: Maximizing Link Equity Through YouTube

    3.1 Optimizing YouTube Channels
        Explain the importance of channel customization and the use of channel links.
        Detail how to strategically place up to five custom links on the YouTube banner.
    3.2 Enhancing Video Descriptions
        Discuss best practices for including links in video descriptions.
        Emphasize the placement of important links within the first few lines.
    3.3 Leveraging YouTube Features
        Cover the use of YouTube Cards, End Screens, and Playlists for additional linking opportunities.
        Describe how these features can drive traffic to clients' websites.

Section 4: The Indirect SEO Benefits for Clients

    4.1 Increased Referral Traffic
        Explain how optimized videos lead to more clicks and website visits.
    4.2 Enhanced Engagement Metrics
        Discuss the positive impact on user engagement statistics, such as time on site and bounce rate.
    4.3 Potential for Natural Backlinks
        Illustrate how engaging video content can be shared and embedded, leading to organic backlinks.

Section 5: Why PR Agencies Should Partner with a Video SEO Specialist

    5.1 Specialized Expertise
        Highlight the complexities of Video SEO and the benefits of professional optimization.
    5.2 Amplifying Content Marketing Campaigns
        Explain how Video SEO complements PR efforts, maximizing the reach of press releases and promotional content.
    5.3 Saving Time and Resources
        Emphasize how outsourcing Video SEO allows PR agencies to focus on their core competencies.

Section 6: Introducing Our Video SEO Services

    6.1 About the Expert
        Briefly introduce yourself as a seasoned Video SEO specialist with a proven track record since 2008.
    6.2 Tailored Solutions for PR Clients
        Describe the bespoke services offered, including YouTube channel optimization and video SEO.
    6.3 Success Stories
        Mention previous successes or case studies where Video SEO significantly benefited clients.

Section 7: How We Enhance Your Clients' Link Equity

    7.1 Strategic Optimization
        Detail the process of optimizing video content and channels for maximum SEO benefit.
    7.2 Integration with PR Campaigns
        Explain how Video SEO is seamlessly integrated into existing content marketing strategies.
    7.3 Far-Reaching Impact
        Illustrate how optimized videos, when shared across platforms, create a wide net of citations and indirect link equity.

Conclusion

    Recap Key Benefits
        Summarize how Video SEO addresses the challenges of traditional link building.
    Call to Action
        Encourage PR agencies and independent PR agents to collaborate for enhanced client results.
    Contact Information
        Provide details on how to get in touch to discuss potential partnerships.

Additional Sections (Optional)

    FAQs
        Address common questions about Video SEO and its integration with PR efforts.
    Testimonials
        Include quotes or feedback from previous PR clients who have benefited from the services.
    Next Steps
        Outline the process for initiating collaboration, from consultation to implementation.

Notes for the Article:

    Use Real-Life Examples: Incorporate specific instances where Video SEO has led to significant improvements in client campaigns.
    Include Visuals: Use screenshots or graphics illustrating optimized YouTube channels and video descriptions.
    Link to Relevant Resources: Provide links to your own content or external authoritative sources that reinforce the points made.
    Emphasize Collaboration: Highlight the synergy between PR efforts and Video SEO, showing how they enhance each other.

This outline provides a structured approach to crafting a persuasive and informative blog article aimed at PR agencies and independent PR agents. It focuses on showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Video SEO services in enhancing their clients' online presence while positioning yourself as the ideal partner to achieve these results.

Doorway Hack - Google Recovery SEO Case Study 2015 - 2025

Recovering from a Google Manual Penalty is a unique process tailored to the specific type of penalty. 

 In 2015, a local client experienced a pharma URL injection hack, resulting in a Google Manual Penalty notification. This created doorway pages, plus backlink spam as a black hat tactic which also affected their Google+ Business page (remember Google+?).

Here are the steps I took to resolve, beginning with taking the website offline temporarily to mitigate ongoing creation of new injected pharma URLs.

The infected site was migrated to an isolated staging environment with restricted access. This allowed for safe forensic analysis and code sanitization without exposing users or search engines to malicious content during remediation.

All compromised files were identified and sanitized, including removing injected scripts and backdoor files. Core WordPress CMS files were updated, and plugins/themes were audited for vulnerabilities. A Web Application Firewall (WAF) was implemented to block future exploitation attempts.

URL Management

Ghost URLs were systematically addressed using the Google Search Console URL Removal Tool, preventing further indexing of malicious pages. Where possible, 301 redirects were applied to contextually relevant pages; otherwise, 410 status codes were used for permanently removed content to send clear signals to search engines.

Backlink Detoxification

A detailed toxic link audit was performed using tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush. A comprehensive disavow file was created to neutralize harmful inbound links that contributed to the penalty.

Structured Reconsideration Request

A detailed reconsideration request was submitted to Google, outlining the steps taken: site sanitization, toxic link disavowal, updated security measures, and enhanced monitoring protocols. Supporting documentation was provided to demonstrate compliance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.

Post-Penalty Monitoring

After penalty removal, ongoing security audits, regular link profiling, and proactive monitoring via Google Search Console were implemented to prevent recurrence. A CDN with integrated DDoS protection was deployed to enhance site security and performance.

Recovering from a Google Manual Penalty is a unique process depending on the type of penalty. A local client suffered a pharma URL injection hack in 2015, along with a Google Manual Penalty notification. This black hat link spam also targeted their Google+ Business page (remember Google+?).

The strategy was phased: First, the site was isolated on a secure staging server to sanitize malicious code and prevent further exploitation. The developers isolated the compromised files, sanitized the codebase, and removed malicious injections. Once tested and resolved, my involvement was to use the URL Removal Tool in Google Search Console to address the hacked ghost URLs.

A ghost URL is a non-existent URL still indexed or linked externally, causing 404 errors. I uploaded a disavow file and requested reconsideration after these fixes, which helped lift the Google Manual Penalty once the site was cleaned and reindexed.

Recovering from a Google Manual Penalty is a unique process tailored to the specific type of penalty. In 2015, a local client experienced a pharma URL injection hack, resulting in a Google Manual Penalty notification. The black hat link spam also targeted their Google+ Business page (remember Google+?). Incidentally, this was the same year Google launched RankBrain.

The strategy was phased: First, the site was isolated on a secure staging server to sanitize malicious code and prevent further exploitation. The developers isolated the compromised files, sanitized the codebase, and removed malicious injections. Once tested and resolved, to address the hacked URLs, I used the URL Removal Tool in Google Search Console, which resulted in hundreds of ghost URLs.

A ghost URL is a non-existent URL still indexed or linked externally, often causing 404 errors. I manually submitted each to Google's URL Removal Tool, applied a noindex tag, and 301 redirected them to contextually relevant pages.

Now that the site was sanitized, scrubbed, and cleaned on the server, I uploaded a disavow file and submitted a reconsideration request. These steps ultimately helped lift the Google Manual Penalty once the site was cleaned and reindexed.

I've only experienced one Negative SEO penalty. The key indicator was a voluminous amount of spammy backlinks being detected over a 5-day period. This was resolved in under a week with tens of thousands of URLs compiled into a disavow file in 2019.

Free SEO Tool Inlinks Video Walkthrough - NLP Features

InLinks offers a range of powerful tools for internal linking, content optimisation, schema markup, and AI content generation. Its focus on entity-based SEO helps ensure that search engines understand the context of each web page, leading to improved rankings and increased visibility. 

By automating repetitive tasks, InLinks saves time for content creators and SEO professionals, allowing them to focus on crafting high-quality content that resonates with their audience. 

From competitive analysis to link audits, InLinks provides a comprehensive solution that takes SEO to the next level.

InLinks is a powerful SEO tool that focuses on entity-based optimisation to improve a website's visibility and search engine ranking. 

By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI content generation, automated internal linking, and structured data integration, InLinks helps businesses create optimized content with ease. This article dives into the different features of InLinks and explores how they contribute to effective SEO performance.

Entity-Based SEO for Improved Contextual Understanding

One of the core features of InLinks is its use of entity-based SEO, which focuses on the main entities within the content to ensure search engines understand the context of a website. Unlike traditional keyword-based SEO, entity-based SEO provides a richer and deeper understanding of what the page is about, leading to better rankings. InLinks uses a knowledge graph to understand the content, helping search engines, like Google, make sense of it and relate it to key topics more accurately.

Automated Internal Linking for Better User Navigation

Internal linking plays a significant role in both SEO and user experience. InLinks offers an automated internal linking audit tool that identifies gaps and opportunities for internal links across the website. By automatically inserting contextually appropriate anchor texts, InLinks ensures that every page is connected to the rest of the site in a meaningful way. This enhances link equity and improves the website's SEO performance by directing users to relevant pages and increasing overall engagement.

Content Optimisation for Higher Rankings

InLinks also features a powerful content optimisation tool that guides users to create well-structured content based on competitive analysis. It helps users develop content briefs that include key entities, topics, and keyword suggestions for better optimisation. This feature is instrumental in creating SEO-friendly content that aligns with search intent, making it easier to rank in search engines. By analysing top-performing competitors, InLinks helps users refine their own content strategy for better visibility.

AI Content Generation for Ready-to-Rank Content

The AI content generator offered by InLinks enables content creators to produce high-quality content at scale. Unlike other AI writing tools that generate generic outputs, InLinks' AI writing assistant takes advantage of its knowledge graph to understand the specific entities required to create content that is optimised for ranking. This tool is perfect for businesses looking to scale their content production while ensuring that SEO best practices are followed.

Schema Markup for Enhanced Search Visibility

Schema markup is crucial for helping search engines understand the context of a web page. InLinks offers a schema generator that automatically creates structured data for your web pages, allowing search engines to present them as rich snippets. This makes your content more visually appealing in search results, which can significantly increase click-through rates. The schema generator is easy to use and automatically communicates the main entities of a page, ensuring that search engines can correctly understand and categorize the content.

Topic Planner for Content Strategy

The Topic Planner feature offered by InLinks goes beyond traditional keyword research. It analyses semantic relationships between topics and entities to suggest how content should be structured, whether as a standalone page or part of an existing cluster. By using this feature, businesses can develop a logical and well-organized content strategy that makes it easier for search engines to understand and rank content appropriately. It also aids in the identification of content gaps and provides opportunities for expansion.

Podcast SEO and the Future of Link Building

With the rise of audio content, optimizing podcasts for SEO is becoming increasingly important. InLinks also addresses Podcast SEO by providing tips and techniques for improving the visibility of podcast content in search engines. This feature explores new approaches to link building, taking into account the latest developments in AI and its impact on how content is linked and ranked.

Client Success Stories

Numerous clients have experienced tremendous success using InLinks' tools. For example, Artios saw significant improvements in their internal linking and content visibility, while Rasmus Sorensen benefited from entity-based content optimisation. These case studies highlight how InLinks’ features help improve search rankings, increase traffic, and enhance user engagement.

Social Media Integration and Topic Clustering

InLinks also supports social media ideation by repurposing website content into posts that can be shared across various platforms. By using natural language processing algorithms, InLinks creates topic clusters that can be used as the foundation for social media content. This feature makes it easier for brands to maintain consistency across their website and social media, contributing to a more cohesive digital presence.

Google Shopping Video Ads

https://youtu.be/_sAsysH7oMQ?si=C58QAQdkr1918hzi&t=470

Introducing Initial Interiors: London's premier contracting team for office owners and commercial landlords

 

The Loud and Clear Truth: How Glass Office Partitions Are Sabotaging Your Business

While aesthetically pleasing, glass partitions can be a productivity killer. Sound carries easily through glass, disrupting focus and collaboration. Employees struggle to concentrate, leading to decreased morale and efficiency. Privacy concerns also arise, hindering confidential discussions. American Studies in the 1990s and early 2000s demonstrated a clear link between classroom acoustics and student performance. Poor acoustics were found to interfere with speech intelligibility, making it difficult for students to hear and understand teachers, which directly affected learning outcomes.

This led to the introduction of set criteria for sound levels and reverberation times in classrooms to improve the learning environment (Consulting - Specifying Engineer). BS 8233:2014, titled "Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings," was first introduced in 1999. In the UK, there are specific regulations that govern noise in workplaces, compliance with certain legal requirements is mandatory to ensure the health and safety of employees.

The Hidden Downside of Glass Office Partitions: Negative Impact on Professionalism

For commercial buildings and workplace spaces in the UK, standards such as BS EN ISO 3382-3:2012, BS 6472-1:2008, Building Regulations Part E, HSE guidelines, CIBSE Guide B4, and BREEAM provide comprehensive guidance on achieving optimal acoustic environments. These standards ensure that offices and other commercial spaces are designed to reduce noise distractions, protect employee health, and enhance overall productivity and comfort.

"Most offices concentrate on the stopping of sound transference between individual offices and meeting rooms, and not on the quality of sound within the rooms and the open areas. This is compounded by the current trends of hard surface flooring and glass partitions that don’t help to absorb sound."

Tim Griffiths, the owner of Initial Interiors, an established London Office Refurbishment company founded over 22 years ago. He continues "Sound absorbing materials can be retro fitted to ceilings and walls helping improve the clarity of speech. The architects we work with for new office refurbishment projects tell us that more attention has been given to acoustics since the 00's. Many existing offices have not dealt with this, most likely not understanding how it improves the productivity of their staff, but also not knowing that this can be improved cost effectively with off the shelf solutions as part of an office refit or bespoke refurbishment."

Sound Solutions Solve The Negative Impact on Professionalism

Architects assess the space, gather client needs, and create a few design variations. Acoustic consultants are on board to identify problem areas, and recommend solutions like soundproofing materials and flooring. Work together, they integrate acoustic solutions into the overall office refurbishment design, ensuring a quiet workspace to maintain comfort levels and efficiency. Initial Interiors implement soundproof flooring solutions with significant noise reduction properties, these measurable improvements dampen the airborne sound levels of staff who use the office for remote meetings and telephone calls. The office environment becomes noticeably quieter, enhancing employee comfort and productivity.

Google Trends - Woodworking Tools 2019 - 2024

4/5 years of data visualised with Google trends, overlaying the data of popularity this allows us to predict future trends. 

 I can also carry out research for the USA the same was as this was set for the United Kingdom. SEO isn't about SEO'ing your website for what you want today, it's also forecasting future search intent and understand any fluctuations in volumes over the coming months.

December was always a peak month according to the data.

Interestingly, in December 2023 for the first it was the lowest peak of December search traffic, which could be more significant this year in December 2024 due to the rise of AI tools versus traditional tools? You mentioned you have a laser cutter and software?

Now is the best time start to think what tools search volumes would be looking for in 2025 by predicting trends for the upcoming year.

Click here to see real time data (You won't regret it)

I've been trying to embed the data but it's late and I couldn't solve it today, so I generated the share link and shared it on my Twitter so I could find it again.

★ YouTube 'How to' video by Google ★

MFT Workstation UK Benchdogs Product - Exclusive Preview

MFT Workstation, Super Strength, Portable and Modular

Benchdogs.co.uk is proud to unveil its latest innovation in woodworking and construction: the Ultra MFT Workstation. This cutting-edge multi-function table (MFT) is set to redefine industry standards with its strength and stability, versatility, and user-friendly modular design.

The Ultra MFT Workstation addresses the most common complaint about existing MFT tables: instability. You'll love the tool-free assembly and disassembly. Once you get into a routine, you can rapidly deploy from folded to fully functional in under 60 seconds. 

As you'd expect from Benchdogs R&D, we have cleverly incorporated an expandable design allowing for additional extensions and outriggers. We've constructed billet aluminum connection blocks for secure and precise extension attachments.

 

Order the MFT Workstation right now to guarantee one of the first delivery dates to roll out. 

With its varied range of features and extra stable design, the Ultra MFT Workstation by Benchdogs is poised to become an indispensable tool for woodworkers and commercial carpenters alike. 

Be one of the first to experience the next level of precision, stability, and convenience in your woodworking and construction projects with this multi-function table certain to evoke workstation envy.

With its extra strength construction and custom designed bracing system, your next workshop table withstands superhero weights even under intense pressure. 

The integrated braces can be easily engaged or disengaged, allowing for a rock-solid work surface when needed and easy folding for transport. 

Designed to accommodate a wide range of woodworking project specifications, the Ultra MFT Workstation features: An exclusive Benchdogs modular design with extendable sections, the capability and capacity to handle 8'x4' sheets comfortably, with some configurations supporting up to 10'x5' sheets

Good news that the standard fence system allows for both long edge and short edge cuts. There's also integrated slots for F-clamps on all sides of the table.

Now we get to the T-slot integration for additional accessories. The Ultra MFT Workstation incorporates thoughtful smart storage features that everyone will appreciate, the usual under-table storage for track saws, plus a dedicated space for hanging tools and accessories. All of this comes complete with a sustainer carrying system for transporting additional equipment.

On-site workers can transport this magnificent beast over ground surfaces that are not only uneven, but would put Mars to shame.

Benchdogs has equipped the Ultra MFT Workstation with intuitive portable features, primarily the hand designed folding mechanism for compact storage for your van. 

Roll it right to the back of a LWB vehicle in a blink, with built-in wheels for easy transportation and integrated handle for effortless manoeuvering. You'll also be pleased to read about the thoughtful add-ons as standard, the fabulous large, kerb friendly wheels for navigating all construction sites and remote locations. 

Superior Benchdogs Quality Construction 

You know we'd only design and build the next generation of MFT Workstations with longevity in mind. 

We didn't scrimp on the base materials with plastic, and deliberately testing in a variety of locations and situations. 

We took the protoypes and early models through every eventuality we could think of, based on the feedback from our client base. For those of you that suggested we threw it off a cliff, I'm afraid the boss politely declined to consider driving the MFT workstation down to the White Cliffs of Dover. 

Pre-order on the benchdogs website right now to benefit from early delivery in just a few weeks, as priority shipping is scheduled to begin in October 2024 throughout the UK Nationwide.

Floor Grinding Machines Klindex Stone Flooring Hyper Grinder FREE UK Delivery

All stone floor grinding machines are delivered for FREE. We understand that each project is unique, and we are here to provide you with the expertise and support you need every step of the way. As a trusted family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our expertise in the field, backed by 30 years of firsthand experience in working with a wide range of tile and stone surfaces.

If you need help, you can contact us online or pre-order on  0121 773 9129 for free, friendly advice on stone flooring restoration methods, products and floor grinding machine choice. Which type of stone tiling or hard flooring are you interested in learning more about? Whether it's cleaning and restoration methods for cement flooring, the unique characteristics of Basaltina, the beauty of Cotto or Travertine tiles, the rustic charm of Terracotta, the durability of Quartz and Porphyry, Granite stone tiles, or Limestone and Marble we are here to advise.

Experience unrivalled versatility and precision with the Hyper Grinder Lion 430 Variable Speed, unleash the power of restoration with the Hyper Grinder HG EXP 750, conquer any floor surface with ease using the Hyper Grinder Titan Floor Grinder, achieve flawless results with the Hyper Grinder HyperLevi 450VS Top, elevate your polishing game with the Klindex Levighetor Series, and revolutionize your concrete projects with the comprehensive Hypergrinder Concrete Kit.

From sealing to cleaning and maintaining surfaces, we offer the best suggestions and high-quality products to meet your specific requirements. Our extensive range of floor grinders is designed to cater to all your needs, delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations.

Our team is committed to providing knowledgeable product recommendations and comprehensive training courses that will ensure your success. Whether you're a professional seeking the best solutions for your clients or a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle your own project, we've got you covered.

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Chemical Solutions

• Acidic Cleaners
• Tile and Stone Deep Cleaning Products
• Etch & Stain Removers
• Aftercare Maintenance Cleaning
• Repair and Restore
• Tile and Grout Sealers, Stone Protection and Restoration
  • Impregnating Sealers
  • Topical Sealers and Waxes
  • Concrete Hardeners and Guards
• Strippers and Degreasers

Cleaning Equipment

• Brushes
• Buckets
• Bins
• Floor Pads
• Handles and Hand Tools
• Mops
• Kits and Sets
• Accessories

Hyper Grinder Lion 430 Variable Speed
Hyper Grinder HG EXP 750
Hyper Grinder Titan Floor Grinder
Hyper Grinder HyperLevi 450VS Top
Klindex Levighetor Series
Hypergrinder Concrete Kit

Google Core Update 2023

 

 

This is a 2023 Google Dance Core Update update to my last 2020 post, which was the last time I wrote about the Google core update. I thought it would be interesting to see the comparison intermingled with my own thoughts and personal opinions.

For non-technical readers, I speak your language, so this article is in two voices. If you’d like to upskill your team of bloggers and content writers, consider booking an SEO Training day in your closest UK city, or on-site at your office location.

Google Dance 2023 Core Update - Generative AI in Search SEO News and Video from Barry

The earliest known mention of the phrase “Google Dance” is in a blog post from 2003 before the term ‘core update’ became the new algorithm moniker. You should know this if you’re old and grey like myself, if not, send me a message if your domain has been affected by the latest Google’s algorithm update.

Twenty years later, Google is expanding the availability of generative AI in Search to India and Japan as of September 2023. This will help users in these countries find more relevant and helpful information when they search. As of now, the GAI capabilities are only launching in these counties. Google intend to roll out these features to more countries in the future once it gathers learnings from these initial launches.

Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick on X) published the above video on a Search Engine Roundtable blog update.

Generative AI uses advanced machine learning techniques to deeply understand the meaning and intent behind search queries. It can then generate helpful results tailored to what the user is looking for. This includes surfacing relevant images, videos, and text snippets that may not have existed on the open web before.

Google is committed to continuously improving Search to be more helpful, inclusive and informative for all users. Generative AI is an important new capability that can aid in this mission. While not perfect, it has enormous potential for breaking through information barriers. As the technology develops further, expect to see generative search features launch in more regions globally.

From the Google Dance of 2003 to the Core Update of 2023: How Google's Algorithm Has Evolved

Death of the “Dance” – By 2012, with real-time indexing updates, the noticeable monthly rankings changes dissipated for most sites. The catchphrase became far less prominent, and is now a legacy term; a more of a nostalgic term referring to the era of monthly major ranking shifts.

20 years ago it was commonplace to buy a keyword rich domain to rank faster in Search, Google then realised it was being exploited and adjusted their algo to reflect this hack.

Additionally, Google’s algorithm was heavily reliant on links back then, and the number and quality of links to a website could change rapidly. Of course, some chose to exploit this reliance on links. Enter 2012’s Penguin update. Penguin delivered a crushing blow to spammy practices like keyword stuffing and sketchy link schemes. Manipulative tactics would no longer fly in Google’s ecosystem.

A lot of baby SEO’s rely on outdated whispers from their communities or see SEO Advice on X. I can teach you the latest methods on how to use AI to help with SEO, from H2 suggestions, to out of the box prompt engineering when you book me at your location for Organic SEO training courses. Invest in your employees and reap the benefits.

In August 2023, Google webmaster trends expert John Mueller had to tweet that the meta keyword tag has been ignored since 2009 as he’d been asked by a newbie.

John also confirmed that adding a location name in a URL has no positive or negative impact on how pages are ranked in search.

SEO Lady tip: Always keep your URLs as short as you can and SEO location pages, or your ‘contact us’ page with embedding a Google map. Avoid canonical blog tags and 301 redirect old ones that are unlikely to be used again.

While Google continues to release algorithm changes, they changed from the old dancing way of flicking a switch; the gradual rollout method used in 2023 has the purpose of reducing large fluctuations and frustrations. This is to combat an overnight domain bombing in search, like in the twenties with the first introduction of E-A-T and HTTPS-favoured urls in their algorithm changes.

The volatility of Google’s search results in the early days of the search engine, was caused by a number of factors – including the fact that Google’s algorithm was still under development and that the search engine was constantly being updated.

The Google Dance was a major source of frustration for website owners and SEO professionals. It was difficult to predict how a website’s ranking would change, and it was often impossible to know why a website’s ranking had changed,  in the mid-2000s it levelled out as Google’s algorithm became more sophisticated. However, the term “Google Dance” is still used today to refer to any sudden or unexplained changes in Google’s search results from older generation of online marketers.

The phrase became more widely used in 2004, when Google’s algorithm was updated and the Google Dance became more pronounced.

The Google Dance began to subside in the mid-2000s, but the phrase is still used today to refer to any sudden or unexplained changes in Google’s search results.

LLM's and AI: Hand in Hand Search Engine Optimisation

It’s easy to take the complexity of ranking for granted. But behind that simple search box is decades of innovation that changed how the world finds information.

2013 brought Hummingbird, strongly underlining semantic search capabilities. Google could now parse words in context rather than exact match. No more clumsy results for homonyms like Jaguar the car versus the animal!

Two years later RankBrain reinforced Google’s machine learning muscle. Now algorithms could intuit query intent, delivering intelligent results for even never-before-seen searches.

Most recently, BERT in 2019 enabled natural language nuance. Google could grasp complex questions, synonyms, slang and more. Smarter ranking for a smarter era.

From backlinks to neural networks, Google’s journey has been remarkable. And these updates laid the foundation for innovations yet to come. Our work as SEOs never stands still…and neither will Google!

SEO lady Tip: So as algorithms continue to evolve in 2024, let’s remember to champion sites that offer true value for users. Always triple check your facts by searching by ‘date’ for corresponding articles and comparing at least three, to verify they all offer the same advice or purpose.

Google's Decades of Domination - The Global Behemoth

This has been the case since the big G was accessible to the public domain in 1998. PageRank was first launched, this brilliant system judged links between websites to measure authority and relevance. While primitive by today’s standards, PageRank laid the groundwork for search to surface the best results first.

Please remember that Google core updates are not intended to punish websites. Google core updates are released on a regular basis, and they can have a significant impact on the ranking of websites. This can be a concern for stakeholders, board members, and shareholders, as it can affect the visibility and traffic to their website

They are simply designed to make sure that the best websites are ranked at the top of search results. By staying informed about Google core updates, you can help to ensure that your website is not adversely affected by these changes.

I swapped from Ask Jeeves to Yahoo! and Google and  remember when Yahoo dismissed the purchase of Google for a mere $1billion in ’98.

Only for the major development of a backpedal and tumultuous internet change just 2 years later.

In June 2000  Yahoo! announced that all web searches conducted on their site would now be powered by Google as part of a new partnership agreement. Salty much?

Changes in Google's Algorithm over 20 Years - I Put The "SEO" In "SEOphisticated" Content

Google’s Search Central blog was first published in 2006. The blog posts typically include information about the specific changes that Google is making to its algorithm, as well as tips for website owners to help their websites stay in good standing.

Some of the significant changes that Google has made to its algorithm over the past 20 years include:

It’s easy to take the complexity of ranking for granted. But behind that simple search box is decades of innovation that changed how the world finds information.

Let’s go back to 1998, when PageRank first launched. This brilliant system analyzed links between websites to measure authority and relevance. While primitive by today’s standards, PageRank laid the groundwork for search to surface the best results first.

Of course, some chose to exploit this reliance on links. Enter 2012’s Penguin update. Penguin delivered a crushing blow to spammy practices like keyword stuffing and sketchy link schemes. Manipulative tactics would no longer fly in Google’s ecosystem.

2013 brought Hummingbird, emphasizing semantic search capabilities. Google could now parse words in context rather than exact match. No more clumsy results for homonyms like Jaguar the car versus the animal!

Two years later RankBrain reinforced Google’s machine learning muscle. Now algorithms could intuit query intent, delivering intelligent results for even never-before-seen searches.

Most recently, BERT in 2019 enabled natural language nuance. Google could grasp complex questions, synonyms, slang and more. Smarter ranking for a smarter era.

From the Cha Cha Slide to the Electric Slide: Core Algorithm Shifts Through the Ages

Top 10 Most Popular LLMs in order of daily global traffic and user demographics

Of course I intend to update this list for 2024, but for now the artificial intelligence and Large Language Models popular in September 2023 are:

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)
2. LaMDA (Google AI)
3. Turing NLG (Hugging Face)
4. Bard (Google AI)
5. DialoGPT (OpenAI)
6. Meena (Google AI)
7. GPT-3 (OpenAI)
8. T5 (Google AI)
9. Transformer-XL (Google AI)
10. BERT (Google AI)

So there you have it, my take on Google’s algorithm evolution from the Google Dance to the 2023 Core Update. Whether you’re new to SEO or a salt n pepper haired veteran, my blogs are always written by myself to maintain the freshest knowledge in this ever-evolving online landscape.

TL;DR Summary:

With search engine optimisation strategies constantly evolving, it’s critical to fact check any SEO advice you come across online, whether on social platforms or in your SERPs output. Before making major changes to your website, verify recommendations by cross-referencing multiple authoritative sources. Blindly following random blogs or forums without scrutiny can damage.

This is especially important when exploring emerging techniques like AI content creation. Inexperienced users risk generating “word salad” or nonsensical text that can severely damage a site. Always start small and run tests before overhauling your content. Review samples carefully to check for hallucinations – completely inaccurate or fabricated information. Vet any SEO consultant by asking for case studies offering AI services to ensure true expertise.

Invest in training your team on the latest SEO practices; it’s worth every penny and cheaper than hiring a high flying on-page SEO consultant, benefit from 30 days of support, recaps and video advice.

How to avoid AI Hallucinating Content: Check, check and check again. Avoid copy and pasting and add your own voice.

Remember: caution and innovation are not mutually exclusive. There are no quick wins with Google ranking and organic content generation. By leaning on proven best practices and cautiously embracing new strategies, you can adapt and thrive in this dynamic ecosystem. Keep your eyes open, but also keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Beware of False SEO Prophets

In the world of SEO, not all that glitters is gold. There are plenty of unverified sources out there promising miraculous results with minimal effort. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always cross-reference any new tips or strategies across multiple experts to ensure you’re not falling for an SEO myth.

Trust But Verify, Verify and Verify again

New tactics and strategies are always popping up, promising to be the next big thing in SEO. While it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Before you implement any new strategy, take the time to validate its effectiveness. Consult multiple sources, run small-scale tests, and measure the results meticulously. If a tactic hasn’t been widely adopted or endorsed by reputable experts, it’s worth approaching with a healthy dose of scepticism.

Before you start experimenting with the latest SEO hacks or AI gimmicks, make sure you’ve got the basics down BEFORE you make ginormous changes to your CMS or cPanel. Proven best practices are called ‘best’ for a reason – they work.

The sweet spot lies in combining tried-and-true methods with measured experimentation. Once you’ve built a solid foundation, you can start to cautiously incorporate cutting-edge strategies into your SEO plan.

The key is to do this incrementally, monitoring the impact of each new tactic as you go. This balanced approach allows you to adapt to the ever-changing SEO landscape while minimising risk.

Google Core Update - How 3 years have changed

One of my long term clients was in the process of swapping out Local SEO targeted geographically to focussing on UK Nationwide search phrase ranking. This coincided with the 17th November Google core update which had a medium volatility and seemed to react well to Skyscraper content 1,000 word blog posts and articles written a relevant YouTube video embedded.

During my monthly schedule of work, I went back to 2015 and merged 3 old blogs into 1 giant skyscraper post using my 10-point Writing Winning SEO Content technique. I also created new 301 redirects to point at the new URL to keep Google rankings. The next stage, once all this work has been completed, is to head on over to Google Search Console and submit a sitemap refresh.

I then create YouTube videos and add the new blog post URL in the description so Google sees the new backlink to the new post as a measure of trust, this has been a part of my Video SEO Strategy since 2011, VSEO remains one of the few tasks in my 30 Day Booster when other tasks have been dropped over the years as Google Algorithm changes daily.

Google Manual Penalty Updated from 2020 to 2023 – as covered above.

Getting hit with a Google Penalty is no fun. Whether it is a manual or algorithmic penalty, the consequences can cost time and money. While figuring out if and why you have a penalty is doable, getting out of the penalty is another story entirely.

Google has been drastically updating its algorithms for the past few years. These updates were implemented to give users the best possible answers to their search queries and provide the best user experience (UX) possible. The resulting Google Penalties became necessary as SEO’s like myself grew more sophisticated at finding ways to leverage things like links and targeted content to boost rankings and organic traffic.

In the midst of lockdown, a major tech news website contacted me disavow for a manual search penalty.

For this task I used SEMrush and identified one single image which was being shared thousands of times, as it was linked to a bad neighbourhood URL on a scraping site blog post.

How long does it take Google to reconsider a manual penalty after a reconsideration request.

SEO Search Console Memories From The British Mistress of Search

It was in the middle of October 2020 when one fine day, the Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool was disabled. Some SEO’s panicked, frantically searching online why? When will it be back? When in reality it’s not actually necessary when you have your sitemaps submitted. You can also manually use the ‘Live Test Tool’ which takes around 60 seconds.

SEO chatter gently poked fun at all the webmasters panicking, after all, the traditional method of requesting a Google crawl and index of new content was ceremoniously dumped. It was never really essential, just a quick handy feature that saved you a couple of clicks. It’s classed as a temporary change and was a strong indication of big changes in the 2020 Google Core Algorithm Update.

See the handy tool below to view today’s Sensor rating

2015 Flashback – Penguin or Panda?

The major updates of Panda and Penguin drastically changed the landscape and actually penalized sites for bending the rules and not completely following Google’s Guidelines. These updates are now engrained in the ever-changing algorithm set, continuing to penalise more and more websites every day.

There are two ways in which a site can be affected by these updates: a Manual Action or an Algorithmic Penalty. In this post, I will discuss how to tell if a site has a Manual Action or Algorithmic Penalty.

Recovering from a Google Manual Penalty can take months – case study

Don’t wait – prolonged Google penalties can severely harm online reputation and revenues. Partner with an SEO veteran who knows how to get results. Contact me today for a free consultation to start mapping out your road to recovery. With diligent work, we can get your site back on track and climbing the SERPs again.

Every case is unique! My personalised approach has helped numerous companies regain their Google rankings after manual actions. I won’t rest until your penalty is lifted – what can take from 3 weeks to 8 months, depending on the number of internal URLs to be reconsidered.

Manual penalties like thin content, hidden text, doorway pages or suspicious links can devastate your site’s performance. But with my expert guidance, these issues can be resolved. I will thoroughly audit your site to identify violations of Google’s guidelines. My highest priority is creating a detailed remediation plan tailored to your unique situation.

With over 15 years optimising websites, I have the proven methodology to:

• Pinpoint the causes of Google penalties through diagnostic audits
• Produce quality content that satisfies Google’s guidelines
• Implement site architecture improvements
• Disavow or remove problematic links
• Submit reconsideration requests and monitor progress

SEO Quick Chat for 20 minutes – Discovery Call

It’s free to schedule a 20-minute telephone conversation with me for a discovery call.

During our quick SEO chat you’re able to verify my identity and we can both get a feel for what it will be like to work together.

• • What experience do I have with your industry?
  • With eCommerce websites selling UK Nationwide do you have case studies?
  • Do you work with Magento 2, Squarespace, Shopify and Big Commerce?
  • Share some recent SEO case studies
  • What is Google Search Console? Why do I need it?
  • We have been ripped off and we are wary of hiring our next SEO individual
  • Are your reviews genuine? Can I call your clients?
  • Do you offer SEO training? How many hours would it take to teach me?

The answers to all of these questions will take an hour to explain, for which I offer Video business mentoring sessions for website owners.