Matt Bertram, is the lead digital strategist at EWR Digital. He is the co-host of the Best SEO Podcast: Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing. Currently writes for Search Engine Journal, Forbes and Entrepreneur.
SEO Podcasts vs. SEO Blogs: Which Should You Follow?
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of SEO, staying updated with the latest SEO trends, strategies, and best practices is crucial. Two popular mediums for learning SEO are podcasts and blogs. Each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. This post compares the benefits and drawbacks of learning SEO through podcasts versus traditional blogs, helping you decide which medium suits your learning style and needs best.
Benefits of SEO Podcasts
1. Convenience and Accessibility
- On-the-Go Learning: Podcasts are mainly audio and can be consumed while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores, making it easy to integrate learning into a busy schedule.
- Hands-Free: Listening to podcasts doesn’t require you to sit in front of a screen, offering a hands-free way to absorb information.
I have a personal rule that if I am on YouTube or listening to a podcast or even a book on tape I have to be “moving” or doing something. I listen to podcasts while working out most frequently.
2. Personal Connection
- Voice and Tone: Hearing the host’s voice can create a more personal and engaging experience compared to reading text. (Good sound quality is more important than you think though! It’s got to be easy to listen too)
- Interviews and Conversations: Many podcasts feature interviews with industry experts, providing insights and perspectives that might not be captured in written form. I love being a “fly on the wall” during some of these conversations. It is amazing the topics and conversations you can listen too in the age of information.
3. Up-to-Date Information
- Timely Updates: Podcasts can quickly address recent changes in SEO algorithms and trends, offering timely insights. People just have to create content on the topics. It usually takes about 24 hours for people to start creating content about a trending topic.
- Regular Episodes: Many podcasts release episodes weekly or bi-weekly, providing a steady stream of current information. I try to do this as best I can about the podcasts that we create. Some podcasts I am expecting them to post daily updates! It just depends the relationship you are looking to have with the with host or hosts.
Drawbacks of SEO Podcasts
1. Lack of Visuals
- No Visual Aids: Complex topics that benefit from visual aids, such as diagrams and charts, can be harder to grasp through audio alone. (YouTube might be better for this if they have a video component with good video production.
- Memory Retention: Without the ability to easily reference back, some information might be harder to retain and recall. This however, differs among the listeners and may not be that big of a issue.
2. Limited Depth
- Time Constraints: Podcasts are often limited by time, potentially leading to less detailed coverage of complex topics.
- General Overviews: Some podcasts might offer more general overviews rather than deep dives into specific subjects.
Benefits of SEO Blogs
1. In-Depth Analysis
- Detailed Content: Blogs can provide comprehensive, step-by-step guides and deep dives into specific topics.
- Visual Aids: Articles often include images, infographics, and charts that enhance understanding and retention.
2. Easy Reference
- Searchable Content: Written content can be easily searched and referenced, making it simple to find specific information when needed.
- Bookmarks and Links: You can bookmark important articles and follow links to additional resources, creating a rich learning ecosystem.
3. Self-Paced Learning
- Read at Your Own Pace: Blogs allow you to read and digest information at your own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for complex subjects.
- Re-readability: You can re-read articles as many times as necessary to fully understand the content.
Drawbacks of SEO Blogs
1. Time-Consuming
- Requires Full Attention: Reading blogs requires dedicated time and attention, which can be challenging to find in a busy schedule.
- Screen Time: Spending too much time in front of a screen can be straining for your eyes and mentally taxing.
2. Engagement
- Less Personal: The lack of a human voice can make blogs feel less personal and engaging compared to podcasts.
- Overload of Information: The vast amount of available blogs can be overwhelming, making it hard to discern which sources are reliable and valuable.
Which Should You Follow?
Personal Learning Style
- Auditory Learners: If you learn better by listening, podcasts might be more effective for you.
- Visual Learners: If you prefer seeing information and visual aids, blogs will likely be more beneficial.
Time Management
- Busy Schedules: If you have a busy schedule and need to multitask, podcasts offer a convenient way to learn on the go.
- Dedicated Study Time: If you can allocate specific times for study, blogs provide a more thorough and detailed learning experience.
Content Needs
- Timely Updates: For the latest news and quick updates, podcasts are excellent.
- In-Depth Learning: For comprehensive guides and detailed explanations, blogs are more suitable.
Conclusion
Both SEO podcasts and blogs offer valuable resources for learning SEO, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Your choice depends on your learning style, time management preferences, and content needs. Ideally, incorporating both mediums into your learning strategy can provide a well-rounded understanding of SEO, combining the convenience and personal connection of podcasts with the depth and visual aids of blogs.
How to Choose the Best SEO Podcast for Your Needs
Finding the perfect SEO podcast can be challenging. Our guide offers tips on choosing the right podcast for your expertise level, specific SEO interests, and preferred formats, ensuring you get the most value from your listening experience.
Introduction
Podcasts have become an invaluable resource for learning and staying updated in the fast-evolving field of SEO. However, with so many options available, choosing the right SEO podcast can be overwhelming. This guide will help you select the best SEO podcast based on your expertise level, specific interests, and preferred formats.
1. Determine Your Expertise Level
The first step in choosing the right SEO podcast is to assess your own level of expertise. SEO podcasts vary widely in terms of the depth and complexity of the content they offer.
Beginner Level:
- Look for podcasts that cover SEO basics and foundational concepts.
- These podcasts often include step-by-step guides, beginner-friendly tips, and explanations of fundamental SEO terms and strategies.
Intermediate Level:
- Intermediate podcasts delve deeper into SEO techniques and strategies.
- They often feature case studies, interviews with industry experts, and discussions on more advanced topics like technical SEO, link-building strategies, and content optimization.
Advanced Level:
- Advanced podcasts are geared towards seasoned SEO professionals.
- These podcasts discuss the latest industry trends, algorithm updates, and in-depth analyses of complex SEO challenges.
2. Identify Your Specific SEO Interests
SEO is a broad field with various subtopics. To get the most out of your podcast listening experience, focus on your specific SEO interests.
Technical SEO:
Content SEO:
Local SEO:
- If you’re interested in local search optimization, find podcasts that cover local SEO tactics, Google My Business optimization, and local link building.
E-commerce SEO:
- For those working with online stores, e-commerce SEO podcasts can provide insights on product page optimization, category structuring, and e-commerce-specific SEO tactics.
3. Choose Your Preferred Podcast Format
Podcasts come in various formats, each catering to different listening preferences. Consider what format keeps you engaged and fits your lifestyle.
Interview-Based:
- These podcasts feature interviews with SEO experts, providing diverse perspectives and insights from different industry leaders.
Solo Shows:
- Hosted by a single expert, solo shows often offer in-depth analysis and personal insights on SEO topics.
Panel Discussions:
- Panel discussion podcasts involve multiple experts debating and discussing SEO trends and strategies, providing a well-rounded view of the topic.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
- Some podcasts focus on real-life case studies, showcasing successful SEO strategies and lessons learned from actual experiences.
4. Check the Podcast’s Production Quality
While content is king, production quality also matters. A well-produced podcast with clear audio, good pacing, and engaging delivery will enhance your listening experience. Poor audio quality or disorganized content can detract from the valuable information being shared.
5. Read Reviews and Recommendations
Before committing to a podcast, take some time to read reviews and recommendations from other listeners. Reviews can provide insights into the podcast’s content quality, the expertise of the host, and the overall listening experience. Additionally, recommendations from trusted sources can point you towards high-quality podcasts you might have overlooked.
Conclusion
Choosing the best SEO podcast for your needs involves assessing your expertise level, identifying your specific interests, selecting your preferred format, and considering production quality. By following these tips, you can find the right podcasts that will help you stay informed and improve your SEO skills.
Happy listening!
SEO is a daunting yet rewarding feat. For the best results you need to perform keyword research, analyze data, and monitor your performance and rankings, and much more. For the best results, SEO tools help you save time while allowing you to tap into comprehensive results and data that you can use to bolster your SEO strategy.
Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from using these SEO tools as these allow them to stay competitive and relevant. SEO tools can help you efficiently conduct keyword research for content marketing, optimize your website, improve your backlink profile, perform competitor analysis, automate processes, access organized data, and track your KPIs. While not all tools are created equal, these are some of the top 5 tools that we like to use, and continue to reap the benefits from.
Our Top 5 SEO Tools
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerful all-in-one SEO tool that lets you audit and optimize your website, perform competitor analysis, explore keywords, and monitor your rankings. It’s a tool that’s designed for anyone who wants to improve their SEO and grow their search traffic, whether you’re a blogger or running an eCommerce business.
The core features of Ahrefs are designed to help improve your ranking in the SERPs and bring more traffic to your website. For example, the Site Audit feature crawls all your website’s pages for technical and on-page SEO issues to give you an in-depth analysis. Plus, you can even crawl mobile websites using Ahrefs Site Audit feature. Want to find the right keywords that your customers are actually searching for? The Keyword Explorer feature gives you access to a regularly-updated database with over 7 billion keywords. You also get advanced SEO metrics that include return rate, clicks per search, and the percentage of paid clicks.
Aside from the core tools, it also offers free SEO tools, including a Backlink Checker, Keyword Generator, and a SERP Toolbar.
SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a robust SEO analysis and ranking tool that offers accurate, real-time keyword rank tracking, SEO/PPC competitive research, extensive website audit, and backlink checking and monitoring. It also lets you tap into the power of SEO for social media management, as well as create your own branded SEO service through its white-label features. Best of all, SE Ranking’s white-label features are already included in its pricing plan, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs. It’s an easy to use platform to use, and top agencies, businesses and freelancers have been using it for years with great success.
SPYFu
If you want to leverage data and use the results for growth, then SPYFu might be a good option for you. With SPYFu, you get access to tools for SEO, PPC, competitor research, projects, and scheduled reports. It also offers features specifically designed to improve your SEO, such as rank tracking, SERP analysis, keyword research, and backlinks builder.
SPYFu does all these using its expansive database, which spans 7 billion results across more than 100 million domains.
For example, if you want to complete SEO competitor research, SPYFu lets you monitor your competitor’s SEO keywords and check their backlinks by keywords. SPYfu can also assist with additional marketing strategies with its add on for social outreach backlinks.
SEO Quake
If you need an easily accessible tool with instant results, download SEOQuake for free. It’s an SEO toolbox that lets you conduct real-time on-page SEO audits and examine internal and external links using only your browser.
With SEOQuake, you get a SEObar for quick access to an SEO summary of a page, as well as a compact SEO dashboard. Using SEOQuake, you can also conduct a detailed keyword analysis for your website. Plus, it lets you export and print your data.
Aside from being a free download, it works with popular browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog is an SEO spider tool that crawls your website to find broken links, checks for duplicate content, and generates XML sitemaps, helping you improve your on-site SEO. Aside from website crawls, it provides real-time analytic results.
It offers two pricing options: paid and free. With the former, you can only crawl up to 500 URLs, while the latter lets you crawl an unlimited number of URLs. While its free version is already a powerful SEO tool, you may want to consider going for the paid version given its sheer array of additional features, which include Google Analytics integration, crawl configuration, and spelling and grammar checks, among other features.
Choosing the Right SEO Tool for Your Needs
Finding the right SEO tool for your business can be tricky. Here are some tips to help ease your search:
- Determine the type of SEO tool you need. There are several types of SEO tools, such as keyword tools, crawlers, and link building tools. Each of these comes with different features and functionalities. If you want to focus on keyword research, then opting for a keyword tool makes sense. However, if you want to improve your backlink profile, perform keyword research, and crawl your website for issues, then you may want to look for an all-in-one SEO tool.
- Consider its features. Some SEO tools come with a ton of features, some of which may be unnecessary for your SEO goals. Make sure that when choosing an SEO tool, you look at its basic functionality first. Ideally, it should be able to track rankings, integrate with PPC tools, conduct on-page audits, perform keyword research, and conduct competitor analysis.
- Consider your budget. A good SEO tool can be costly. So, it’d be wise to assess your needs to see what you want to get from an SEO tool. If you only want access to basic features, then you may be able to save money. Also, there are service providers that offer free plans, or trial versions, so you may want to check those options out first before buying the plan outright. Note that with some of these free plans, you can only access a very limited number of features.
What SEO tool are you using? How is it helping you to achieve your business needs? Or are you in the process of finding one? Let us help you grow your business through effective SEO strategies. Start a conversation with us and schedule a consultation today.
