How to use ChatGPT Tasks for SEO

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How to use ChatGPT Tasks for SEO

ChatGPT Tasks might be the most underrated tool in SEO today.

It can turn a single employee into a vast team – but only if you know how to use it.

And in this article, you’re about to see the future of SEO.

What is ChatGPT Tasks?

ChatGPT Tasks is a tool within ChatGPT designed to automate various tasks, including those related to SEO, such as content generation, keyword research, and link building.

This feature allows users to schedule tasks to run at specific times, either as one-time events or recurring actions, enhancing workflow efficiency and productivity.

As of writing, it’s in beta and rolling out to users on the Plus, Pro, and Team plans.

How to use ChatGPT Tasks: The basics

The key to maximizing ChatGPT Tasks is to approach it strategically and leverage its capabilities fully.

Start by identifying specific tasks you want to automate, such as:

  • Creating blog post outlines.
  • Generating meta descriptions.
  • Researching competitor backlinks. 

Then, explore the tool’s features and experiment with different prompts to find the most effective workflows for your needs.

ChatGPT Tasks is powerful, but it’s not a magic solution. 

You must carefully review and refine the output to ensure it aligns with your brand and SEO strategy.

Efficiency gains: The secret to ChatGPT Tasks

One of the reasons ChatGPT Tasks is so powerful is that it optimizes your time.

As an SEO professional using AI, your role will shift from doing work to checking work. That means you need to maximize your efficiency.

In the past, SEOs often outsourced work to overseas staff in different time zones. ChatGPT Tasks changes this.

Now, you can outsource tasks to AI, ensuring they are ready for you when you start your day.

Here’s how I use ChatGPT Tasks: At 7 a.m., AI sends me a batch of completed work.

Beyond that, I’ve also used Tasks to generate content throughout the day.

For example, I set up a content prompt that delivers product description pages to me every 30 minutes. (More on that later.)

Essentially, this feature allows you to maximize “dead time” – periods when you aren’t actively working. 

While it doesn’t mean the tool is working around the clock, it ensures you get what you need when needed. 

For instance, if you ask it to send you something at 7 a.m., it likely generates it at 6:59 a.m.

But I don’t need to know how it works. I just care that I get what I asked for.

Dig deeper: How to use OpenAI’s Deep Research for smarter SEO strategies

How to use ChatGPT for SEO tasks

To use ChatGPT Tasks effectively, think of your role as an army commander.

You are the SEO in charge of 1,000 other SEOs who can complete any task you assign. Your job is to plan efficiently.

Here’s how:

How to access ChatGPT Tasks
  • Go to ChatGPT and select GPT-4o with scheduled tasks.
  • Ask GPT to send you a task and specify when you want to receive it.

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How to think in terms of tasks

One challenge I initially faced was figuring out which tasks to automate.

This will vary by individual, but the key is to think in terms of scale.

What recurring tasks would provide the most value if they were handled automatically?

Here are a few examples:

You should come up with more, but these examples illustrate what’s possible.

Account management

Here’s a sample prompt:

“These are my SEO clients and their tasks: (insert list).

Each day at 5 p.m., send me a list of these clients, ask what work has been completed for the month, and provide an updated task list.

Also, ask me about any new tasks, and add them to the list. Then, each day at 7 a.m., send me an updated list of outstanding tasks.

Your precise output will be:

  • A morning list (7 a.m.) summarizing clients and tasks.
  • An evening list (5 p.m.) with the same summary, plus a request for updates.
  • The next morning, an updated list based on my responses.

Do you understand?”

This prompt acts as a mini account manager – and yes, it works remarkably well.

Content creation

Content creation is essential for SEO, and the quality of AI-generated content depends on the specificity of your prompt.

Initially, I experimented with ChatGPT Tasks, and it worked superbly. 

Every 30 minutes, my inbox received fresh content, from landing pages to product descriptions.

One limitation of Tasks is that you can’t upload a spreadsheet. However, you can provide a list of pages you want to generate content for. 

With a well-crafted prompt, the output is solid.

Are the drafts perfect? No, but they’re good starting points. 

They often require refinement, but they save significant time.

Now, you might wonder – why deliver content every 30 minutes?

I do this to ensure GPT is creating what I want. 

If I received 10 product pages all at once and they were off the mark, I’d have to redo them all. 

With smaller, frequent deliveries, I can monitor quality and adjust as needed.

Dig deeper: Automate SEO analysis with Google Sheets, GSC & ChatGPT API

Page titles

Many SEOs focus on page title optimization, and ChatGPT Tasks makes this process easier.

I use a “dueling” method, where GPT generates multiple page title variations. 

I then run them through a tournament-style evaluation to select the best one based on preset criteria.

Social media post ideas

Generating a steady stream of fresh and engaging social media content can be time-consuming. ChatGPT Tasks can help streamline this process.

Here’s an example prompt:

Social media post prompt

The output of that prompt looks like this:

Social media post output

This is just one of the many prompts I use. 

While I only implement about 5% of the generated ideas, they often lead to new inspiration – especially on days when I’m feeling stuck.

Industry news summaries

Staying on top of industry news is essential for SEO professionals. 

With ChatGPT Tasks, you can automate this process.

Each morning at 7 a.m., I receive a curated list of SEO and AI news from my preferred sources.

The future of tasks

SEO workflows are rapidly evolving with AI, and ChatGPT Tasks represents a significant step forward.

I suspect there’s still untapped potential. Could I schedule an entire week’s worth of SEO tasks in advance?

For example, if I know I need to work on a client’s account on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., could I schedule ChatGPT to conduct research or analyze content beforehand?

Looking further ahead, it may eventually ask you what needs to be done – and then suggest the best way to execute it using Tasks. 

OpenAI may even develop a single model to streamline this process.

While ChatGPT Tasks is still in its early days, I believe it will evolve rapidly.

My advice? Start mastering it now.

Dig deeper: 15 AI tools you should use for SEO

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How to fix the ‘Server error (5xx)’ error in Google Search Console

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How to fix the ‘Server error (5xx)’ error in Google Search Console

Have you been hit by a 5xx server error in Google Search Console?

500 errors are an HTTP status code that indicates you messed up something and need to start a late-night debugging session. 

500 errors are offensive. I can only compare it to eating fermented shark in Iceland – something you’ll want to spit out almost immediately. 

500 server errors create a poor user experience and can reduce your crawl budget. If they persist, Google may start ignoring your site altogether. Your website should be commitment-worthy. 

If you’re an SEO professional, you’ve likely stayed up until 3 a.m. with coffee and your DevOps team trying to fix a 500 error. You’ll want to keep reading.

I’ll spare you the suspense and admit – it’s usually not a quick fix. 

How do I fix ‘Server error (5xx)’ in Google Search Console?

1. Review all the pages under Server error 5xx report 

First, I manually reviewed all the pages flagged in the Google Search Console Server error (5xx) report. 

To access the report, go to Google Search Console > Pages > and look under the section Server error (5xx).

500-server-error-google-search-console

If the list is extensive, you’ll want to export it to a CSV, Google Sheets, or Excel file to determine a URL structure pattern.

It may only impact a specific subdomain or subfolder.

2. Inspect the URLs in Google Search Console

Once you’re in the Google Search Console error report, click the magnifying glass icon to inspect the URL in Google Search Console.

500-server-error-inspect-url-google-search-console

After you inspect the URL, you can confirm if it’s listed in your XML sitemap.

inspected-url-500-server-error-google-search-console

Start with the pages listed in your XML sitemap that are serving 500 errors. These are your priority pages. 

3. Go to the crawl stats report in Google Search Console 

Next, go to Settings > Crawl stats report in Google Search Console.

500-server-error-crawl-stats-google-search-console

This report shows the crawl request breakdown. Ideally, you’d see less than 1% of server errors (5xx) listed. 

crawl-request-breakdown -google-search-console

4. Analyze server logs

If you’ve got a good relationship with your dev team, you likely have access to server logs. 

If you don’t, I understand your struggle. It’s the developers’ natural defense mechanism not to give access to their domain. 

The moment you get access to server logs, it feels like a kid at Christmas. Server log files show all the requests made by search engine crawlers. 

Server logs give you access to all different kinds of gifts like: 

  • How often a user visited your site.
  • Time of day.
  • Pages of your website with the most crawl requests.
  • Users who receive the 500 server error.

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5. Update plugins (if using WordPress)

If you’re using WordPress, check your outdated plugins. These can be culprits of 500 server errors. 

You can either update the plugin or disable it. 

Just be sure to backup everything before messing around with plugins. 

6. Investigate .htaccess file

If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, the .htaccess file is created automatically. 

If you’re using a more sophisticated angle of web development, check your .htaccess file for any recent configuration changes. 

If you see any changes, save a copy of the new one and revert to the old version. 

7. Go back to the most recent server update

If you recently updated your server, there may be some configuration changes that caused something wonky to happen. 

While you and Dev dive into the issue, revert the most recent server update until you identify the root cause.

8. Reach out to your hosting provider 

I mistakenly hosted my first-built website on GoDaddy in a shared hosting environment. It caused weekly outages on my site.

Eventually, I migrated off of GoDaddy and into a private hosting environment. It saved me hours of work.

9. Upgrade your server

It may be time to ditch your current server and upgrade to a more efficient server with more memory and processing power. 

What is a 500 server error?

500 server error is a server-side error caused by your website’s server. This means Google cannot access or index your page. 

Server-side errors are a “it’s not me, it’s you” type of scenario.  

500 server error response code cheat sheet

Here are a few common 500 server errors and how to address each. 

  • 501 – Not implemented: Your server is outdated or has a virus. 
  • 502 – Bad gateway: Your server is overloaded or there was an outage – or connectivity issues. Try accessing the page in Incognito mode. If it still doesn’t work, flush your DNS cache.
  • 503 – Service unavailable: The error is likely temporary and will resolve itself.  But to be sure, check to see if your server is down. If not, increase your server resources and disable your CDN and plugins. 
  • 504 – Getaway timed out: This signals a temporary glitch in your connectivity or your server is overloaded. Always contact your hosting provider. Then, check your server logs. You can also temporarily disable your CDN and check plugins. 
  • 509 – Bandwidth limit exceeded: This means your server is having a bandwidth issue. Contact your hosting provider to upgrade your server. Then, compress your website content and minify your code. 
  • 524 – Timeout occurred: The connection between your browser and the server is slow. Check your server memory usage and determine if you need to upgrade your server. Then, compress your website content and minify your code. 

What if Google Search Console reports a 500 error, but my site is working?

First, double-check that you’ve cleared your cookies and cache files from your browser. 

If you’re still seeing the error, this could be a 503 error,

As mentioned above, a 503 error is when your server is overstuffed like a dumpling with crawl requests. Your server can’t handle the number of requests. 

In this situation, consider upgrading your server.

Consult your dev team before starting to maintain that solid relationship. This is a temporary and quick solution. 

In the long run, you’ll want to identify uncompressed files and begin compressing them.

Don’t fall into the ‘Server error 5xx’ trap in Google Search Console with overloaded servers or poor configuration

If you’ve come across a “Server error 5xx” in Google Search Console, you know how frustrating it can be.

These errors are outdated and unwelcome – like finding a stack of VHS tapes at a flea market.

But 500 server errors can be dangerously unassuming. 

Don’t make the mistake of avoiding it. You can’t ignore these errors. It’s one of those impossible errors like washing cigarette smell off your hands. 

Grab some booze for a late night with your dev team if you want your website to be meant for search engine consumption. 

Let your SEO instincts kick in. Eventually, you’ll develop a vested interest in fixing your 500 server errors. 

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How to prevent Meta Ads restrictions on health and wellness campaigns

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How to prevent Meta Ads restrictions on health and wellness campaigns

In the last few months, I’ve seen a lot of confusion around Meta Ads’ health restrictions – frightened health marketers and scare tactics from some uncool people. 

This article aims to set the record straight.

Meta Ads 2025 health restrictions: Context and regulations

Meta is doing its best to comply with regulations (think HIPAA in the U.S., etc.) to avoid fines.

Make sure you’re not sharing protected health information (PHI) directly or indirectly with Meta.

First, let’s remember that ad networks have always scrutinized health-related advertisers—not just Meta Ads.

Granted, they are not a Special Ad Category, but they’re close to it. 

The upside? Meta provides all the information you need but it’s scattered. So, I’ve done my best to summarize it below:

“You must not share […]  with Meta […] data that is based on or includes, directly or otherwise, health […] information about people, including information defined as sensitive under applicable laws, regulations and industry guidelines […] Examples of data that are not approved for sharing include […] information about an individual’s physical or mental health, such as: Diseases, medical conditions and injuries, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and psychological states […]”

– “About prohibited information,” Meta Business Help Center

This is basically Meta saying they don’t want to collect data that could imply a user has a specific medical condition, as that user did not provide consent.

Specifically, tracking the purchase of a hair loss product and sending it back to Meta Ads is not OK because it strongly suggests private health information about Meta’s users. 

By blocking tracking on sensitive health-related websites, Meta is reducing the risk of storing and using health data without user consent.

Meta goes on:

“While Meta’s systems are designed to filter out potentially prohibited information they detect, you are ultimately responsible for the data you share with Meta. You are in the best position to ensure your integration does not send prohibited information to Meta. Meta’s systems are not a substitute for your own compliance mechanisms.”

– “About prohibited information,” Meta Business Help Center

In other words, Meta Ads will restrict your account if it detects it’s putting them at risk.

How Meta Ads’ restrictions system work

Tracking, optimization, and reporting limitations will apply if an account is restricted. 

Meta Ads has started rolling out a three-tier restrictions system for health and wellness advertisers to enforce these rules. 

Core setup

Impacted items include:

  • Ad delivery: Cannot share custom parameters and URL parts with Meta. As a result, custom audiences may decrease and stop working altogether if they rely on those.
  • Ad content: Adding items to a catalog via Meta Pixel may no longer work.
  • Reporting: Information may be unavailable in Meta Events Manager and other surfaces (e.g., sampled activities and the test events tool).
  • Tracking: Automatic advanced matching may not be available.

Restriction on certain standard events

This level prevents the account from optimizing toward mid- and lower-funnel events (add to cart, purchase, etc.). 

However, upper-funnel events (landing page view, view content, etc.) and custom events are still available.

Full restrictions

“We [Meta] may fully restrict all events in specific regions or all regions. In these circumstances, Meta Business Tools cannot be used for campaign optimization where restrictions are in place.”

– “Understand data sharing restrictions based on data source categories,” Meta Business Help Center

In other words, an account hit with full restrictions will no longer be able to use bidding algorithms. 

It would be forced to rely on:

  • Old-school targeting.
  • Trimmed reports.
  • ToFu optimization events.
  • Other limited capabilities. 

You don’t want this.

Note that the above may vary across different countries or regions – or could be applied globally. It depends on local regulations. 

If one of your accounts is hit with restrictions, segment your impression and conversion data to pinpoint where you’re most affected. Then, refer to the relevant regulations.

Who’s impacted by Meta Ads restrictions?

If you’ve been following closely, you’ll understand that the impact varies dramatically depending on whether you sell supplements, run a telemedicine platform, develop a fitness app, work as a wellness coach, or operate a personal injury law firm.

The good news is that:

  • In-app lead generation advertisers will not be impacted (beyond Core Setup).
  • ToFu/brand campaigns are not affected.

Even if you sell health and wellness products directly on your website, there are a couple of obvious solutions (which we’ll dive into below):

  • Ensure you don’t send PHI-like data to Meta Ads. For example, remove your Meta Ads pixel from your patient portal.
  • Turn Standard Events into Custom Events with coded names so Meta Ads cannot differentiate between a purchase and a page view.

However, there’s bad news:

  • If your account is even remotely related to health and wellness, expect some restrictions – or the joy of appeals. (We all know Meta is super easy to deal with, right?! 😉)
  • Some restrictions will apply no matter what. But look on the bright side – it’s not (yet? 😨) a Special Ad Category.

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Meta Ads restrictions: Solutions and workarounds

(Disclaimer: I co-founded Quantads, an agency that partners with many health clients. However, I don’t claim to be an absolute expert on this topic – because, honestly, who can? These changes are still recent, and there’s plenty of room for interpretation and experimentation. The solutions below are based on our experience and our interpretation of Meta’s documentation.)

Step 1: Act fast

Being stuck in Core Setup isn’t ideal, but Full Restrictions? That’s a nightmare. You don’t want to get there.

  • If you’ve received multiple notifications that the data you’re sharing may violate the Meta Business Tools Terms, don’t wait. Act now! Delays are not documented, so this should be your top priority.
  • Check the Settings tab in Meta Events Manager to assess the damage. In the example screenshot below, only Core Setup (so far!) has been activated.
Meta Ads - Data sources

Step 2: Audit your data sources and pipelines

In-platform notifications

  • In Meta Events Manager, check the Diagnostics tab for notifications stating that prohibited information has been removed from your data.
  • If flagged, investigate which data caused the issue and fix it immediately. Remember: “Meta’s systems are not a substitute for your own compliance mechanisms.”

Pixels

  • Review the specific pages where your Meta Pixel is placed.
  • Assess whether those pages – or their URLs – contain data that might be considered prohibited. If necessary, remove the Meta Pixel from those pages.

Events

  • Name your custom events/conversions so they do not reflect, imply, or reference any prohibited health-related information.
  • Review custom and offline events. You can block specific events in Meta Events Manager if adjusting them takes too long.
Meta Ads - Event statuses

First-party data

  • One of the worst implementations I’ve seen was a Meta Ads pixel placed on a patient portal. That’s a huge mistake because a patient portal contains first-party data.
  • Instead, those advertisers should have used their CRM to send offline conversions (with coded event names). Don’t make that mistake – integrate with your CRM.

Additional considerations for Meta Ads compliance

Once you’ve handled the above, you should be in a solid position. However, a few “evergreen” best practices are worth mentioning.

Review ad copy and landing pages

Restrictions can be triggered indirectly by ad copy and landing page content.

While I understand that website content can be tough to change, advertisers need to ensure they do not name specific health conditions (as this indirectly provides Meta with PHI). 

Generally, you also don’t want to “make people feel negatively…” 

For example:

  • OK: “Better mental health awaits.”
  • Not OK: “Do you suffer from bipolar disorder?”

Diversify channels

This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen far too many health advertisers who think Meta Ads is the only viable channel. 

Because they’ve focused so much on Meta in the past, they’ve created a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Meta Ads is a fantastic platform. But putting all your eggs in one basket is a terrible idea, especially now. 

Expanding to paid search, display, video, Pinterest, TikTok, X, etc. is crucial for long-term stability.

Staying compliant with Meta Ads guidelines

Meta Ads’ 2025 health restrictions make compliance more critical than ever.

Meta is tightening policies to avoid handling protected health information. 

Failure to adapt could result in tracking, optimization, and reporting restrictions – or even full account limitations.

Make sure to:

  • Act fast if you receive compliance warnings.
  • Audit your Meta Pixel implementation.
  • Avoid sending health-related data (directly or indirectly).
  • Use coded event names where necessary.
  • Review ad copy and landing pages to prevent unnecessary flags.
  • Diversify your channels to reduce reliance on Meta Ads.

Staying ahead of these changes will help protect your campaigns, maintain performance, and continue effectively reaching your audience.

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Google Marketing Live set for May 21

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Google is gearing up for its annual Google Marketing Live event, set to stream on Wednesday, May 21, at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT.

What’s new:

  • Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison, announced the date on LinkedIn and encouraged advertisers to register for the event
  • Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s VP of Ads, shared a letter previewing the company’s focus on reimagining ads across platforms like Search and YouTube.
  • AI advancements will play a major role in helping advertisers create tailored experiences and improve business outcomes.
  • You can register here.

Why we care. Google Marketing Live is a key event for advertisers, offering insights into the company’s latest ad innovations and AI-driven strategies. As a reminder, here’s everything that was announced at Google Marketing Live 2024.

What to watch. Expect updates on AI-powered ad solutions, measurement tools, and cross-platform marketing strategies as Google continues to evolve its ad ecosystem.

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YouTube is revamping mid-roll ad placement

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3 YouTube Ad formats you need to reach and engage viewers in 2025

YouTube will change how mid-roll ads are placed in videos starting May 12. YouTube aims to improve the viewer experience and increase revenue opportunities for creators.

How it works:

  • YouTube allows creators to manually place ad breaks or let the platform auto-insert them.
  • Creators will be able to combine manual and automatic ad placement, with YouTube’s system potentially overriding manual selections if it finds a more natural break.
  • The new system aims to improve automatic detection, ensuring better placement while also offering a combined manual and auto option.
  • A new feature will flag “interruptive” manual ad slots, allowing creators to adjust them.

Why we care. The update will shift ad placements to more natural breakpoints, like pauses and transitions, instead of interrupting sentences or action sequences — potentially reducing viewer drop-offs. However, with it being an additional setting and not a replacement for the old setting, you should be ready to revert to the setting that works best for your campaign.

The impact:

  • YouTube’s tests found that channels using both auto and manual mid-rolls saw a 5% revenue boost compared to those using manual placements alone.
  • Older videos (uploaded before Feb. 24) with manual mid-rolls will automatically get new ad slots at natural breakpoints.
  • Creators can opt out of additional placements via YouTube Studio, but interruptive mid-rolls may lead to lower earnings after the update.

What’s next. These changes suggest YouTube is betting big on its automated ad detection, nudging creators toward auto-placement for a more seamless experience — and more ad revenue.

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Americans search Google 126 times per month on average: Study

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American desktop users perform 126 unique Google searches per month, on average, according to a new analysis of search behavior published by SparkToro co-founder Rand Fishkin. The median average was 53 Google unique searches per month.

By the numbers. Here are some additional findings about American searchers, beyond the headline statistic:

  • 34% conducted more than 101 searches per month.
  • 36% conducted 21-100 searches per month.
  • 30% conducted 1-20 searches per month.

Google Search by vertical. A whopping 86.94% of Americans use Google.com (Google’s homepage search experience) to search. As for Google’s other vertical options:

  • Images: 10.62%
  • Video: 1.16%
  • Maps: 0.64% (which “is almost certainly undercounted,” according to Fishkin)
  • News: 0.38%
  • Shopping: 0.23%
  • Web: 0.04%

As the study notes about this section:

  • “This breakdown is looking at the searches that happen in those tabs/sections, not the ones that simply result in a click on a Google News or Shopping result that appeared in the default Google search tab.”

Why we care. There’s been much speculation that AI tools and answer engines will negatively impact Google’s search dominance. However, this data confirms that Google’s search volume is still massive. Future updates to this study could reveal whether there is any truth to Gartner’s oft-cited prediction that traffic from search engines will fall by 25% by 2026.

The intrigue. Hours before this report was published, we reported that Google processes more than 5 trillion searches per year. Datos’ estimate for the number of annual Google searches: 5.9 trillion. According to Fishkin:

  • “Our math above puts the number at 5.9 Trillion, a little high, likely because Datos’ panel focuses on wealthier countries where more search activity per person is to be expected. Still incredible that they’d come out with numbers the day we publish that help back up the veracity of these results, and the quality of Datos’ panel.”

About the data. Fishkin partnered with Datos (a Semrush company), which only tracks web browser activity. That means searches made within mobile apps (e.g., Google search, Google Maps) are excluded from this research. Only searches on Google.com and its five main vertical options were counted.

The research. How Often Do Americans Search Google? Which Search Verticals Do They Use?

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7 tips for SEO newbies

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7 tips for SEO newbies

SEO is a fast-moving, marketing-centric industry that will always keep you on your toes. 

If you’re just getting started, it can be overwhelming without a guide. 

There are many facets and specializations in SEO that come later in a career – local, technical, content, digital PR, UX, ecommerce, media – the list goes on.

However, that level of specialization isn’t something a junior professional needs to focus on right away. 

Much like a liberal arts degree or an apprenticeship, a newcomer to SEO should first develop a broad understanding of the entire discipline before choosing a specialty.

This article covers several ways to build that foundational knowledge of search engine optimization.

1. Start with the business

Whether you’re in-house or at an agency, resist the urge to jump straight into “solution mode” when beginning an SEO project. 

Instead of immediately focusing on meta tags, keywords, backlinks, or URL structure, start by understanding the business itself.

Here are some key questions to consider as you browse the website:

  • What product or service is being sold?
  • Who is the target audience? (If you’re in-house, who is your company trying to sell to?)
  • Why does the company believe customers should choose them over competitors? (Common differentiators include price, unique features, or benefits.)

If you have the time or opportunity, dig deeper by asking your boss or client these business-focused questions:

  • What are the company’s goals and targets?
  • What is the three- to five-year plan for the business? (Are there plans to launch new products or expand into new markets?)
  • Who are the main competitors, and what are they doing?
A sample of onboarding business questions from Building a Business Brain by FLOQ Academy
A sample of onboarding business questions from Building a Business Brain by FLOQ Academy

Even without that level of detail, the first three questions provide a useful frame of reference for determining the best SEO approach.

2. Be curious, ask questions

SEO now touches nearly every aspect of digital marketing. 

Because of that, SEOs often become social butterflies, regularly collaborating with other departments and specialties.

I’ve been in SEO for 15 years now (which makes me feel old), but I continue to ask my clients questions every day. 

This field encourages curiosity, so rather than feeling frustrated by what you don’t fully understand, embrace being the one to ask the “dumb questions.” 

There’s no such thing as a dumb question, by the way.

Dig deeper: How to become exceptional at SEO

3. Build from the foundations of SEO

As mentioned earlier, SEO has many specializations. Some, like video or local SEO, are referred to as “search verticals.”

If you’re new to the field, start with the basics: the website and how Google presents search results.

Once you understand the business, try a simple exercise to analyze your site’s optimization. 

Open a key product, category, or service page in one window. In another, search for a term you think users would enter to find that page. 

Compare what appears in the search results with your own page and the pages that rank for that term.

Nike website vs. Google search - running shoes

For example, in a search for “running shoes,” a few things stand out:

  • The intent is somewhat mismatched. Nike’s category page targets users who are researching with intent to buy or are already planning a purchase. However, the search results display articles comparing different running shoes.
  • Scrolling down, you might see an image carousel, a “Nearby Stores” section, and “People Also Ask” results.

If I were a new SEO at Nike and assumed the “running shoes” category page could rank for the “running shoes” query, I would rethink that after reviewing the search results. 

If ranking for that broad term were a priority, I would create a running shoe comparison article featuring high-quality images of real people using the shoes – maybe even a video, if budget allowed.

If your page aligns more closely with the search results, analyze the top-ranking pages and adapt successful elements to your own site. 

  • Do most of them have an on-page FAQ while yours doesn’t? 
  • A product video? Detailed specs? User reviews? 

Be critical and specific about what you can improve. (Never copy content directly.)

At its core, SEO is about identifying what Google deems important for a given product or service, then doing it better than the competition. 

Many SEOs get caught up in tools and tactics and forget to examine the search results themselves. 

Break that habit early and make reviewing Google’s search results a key part of your research process.

4. Dabble in the technical side and build relationships with your developers

Technical SEO is one of the more complex specializations in the field and can seem intimidating. 

If you’re using a major CMS, your technical foundations are likely solid, so today, much of technical SEO focuses on refinements and enhancements.

While it’s important to develop technical knowledge, a great way to start is by building relationships with your development team and staying curious. 

Asking questions makes learning more interactive and immediately relevant to your work. 

Exploring coding courses or creating your own website can also help you develop technical skills gradually instead of all at once.

Some argue that you can be a good SEO without technical expertise – and I don’t disagree. 

However, understanding a website’s inner workings, how Google operates, and even how large language models (LLMs) function can help you prioritize your SEO efforts. 

Code is Google’s native language, and knowing how to interpret it can be invaluable when migrating a site, launching a new one, or diagnosing traffic drops.

Dig deeper: SEO prioritization: How to focus on what moves the needle

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5. Learn the different types of information Google shows in search results

The way search results are presented today vastly differs from 10 or 15 years ago. 

Those who have been in the industry for a while have had the advantage of adapting gradually as Google has evolved. 

Newcomers, on the other hand, are thrown into the deep end, facing a wide range of search features all at once – some personalized, some not, and some appearing inconsistently. 

This can be challenging to grasp, even for experienced SEOs.

Google has invested heavily in understanding user intent and presenting search results in a way that best addresses it. 

As a result, search results may include:

  • Videos.
  • Images.
  • People Also Ask.
  • Related Searches.
  • AI Overviews.
  • AI-organized search.
  • Map results.
  • Nearby shopping options.
  • Product listings.
  • People Also Buy From.
  • News

Building visibility for each of these features often requires a unique approach and specific considerations. 

These search result types are now industry jargon, so a glossary can help you learn SEO terminology.

6. Learn the different types of query intent classifications

Google’s mission is to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” 

As part of this, Google works to understand why people search for something and provides the most relevant results to match that intent. 

To do this, they classify queries based on intent.

Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines - Understanding user intent

The Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines, a handbook Google provides to evaluators who manually assess website and search result quality, also touches on understanding user intent: 

“It can be helpful to think of queries as having one or more of the following intents. 

  • Know query, some of which are Know Simple queries.
  • Do query, when the user is trying to accomplish a goal or engage in an activity.
  • Website query, when the user is looking for a specific website or webpage.
  • Visit-in-person query, some of which are looking for a specific business or organization, some of which are looking for a category of businesses.”

When conducting keyword research, it’s helpful to analyze both your site and the queries you’re targeting through this lens.

Many SEO professionals also use these broader, traditional intent categories, though they don’t always align perfectly with Google’s classifications:

  • Informational: Who, what, when, where, how, why.
  • Commercial: Comparison, review, best, specific product.
  • Transactional: Buy, cheap, sale, register.
  • Navigational: Searching for a specific brand.

Rather than focusing solely on keywords, take a step back and consider the intent behind the search. Understanding intent is essential for SEO success.

Dig deeper: Why traditional keyword research is failing and how to fix it with search intent

7. Do the research yourself before finding ways to use LLMs

Your company may already have guidelines for using LLMs like ChatGPT or Claude for tasks such as keyword research, content creation, or competitor analysis. 

However, if you’re new to SEO, I strongly recommend completing at least one full project using tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, or Ahrefs without LLM support. 

While AI can speed up the process, relying on it too early has drawbacks:

  • Slower learning curve: If an LLM does the heavy lifting, you miss the experience of making strategic trade-offs, such as choosing a low-volume, mid-competition keyword over a high-volume, high-competition one.
  • Lack of instinct for accuracy: Without firsthand research experience, it’s harder to recognize when an LLM generates inaccurate information or pulls from an unreliable source.
  • Reduced impact: Google is increasingly sophisticated in detecting “repetitive content.” Relying too much on LLMs for mass content creation could hurt performance, whereas a more focused, strategic approach might yield better results.

While it may be tempting to jump straight into strategy rather than hands-on execution, senior SEOs develop their strategic mindset through years of practical work across different clients and industries. 

Skipping this foundational experience could make it harder to recognize large-scale patterns and trends.

Dig deeper: Why you need humans, not just AI, to run great SEO campaigns

Laying the groundwork for SEO success

SEO offers endless opportunities once you master the fundamentals. If you’re just starting out, focus on these core areas:

  • The business.
  • The search results.
  • User intent.

Keep it simple. Stay focused. Be business-led. 

Build your SEO expertise on a strong foundation, and your career will grow from there.

 

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Google offers QR codes to get reviews from customers

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Google Business Profiles has added a new QR code you can use to make it easier to get reviews on your Google local listing within Google Maps and Google Search. The QR code, when accessed, jumps the user directly to the add review form, so there is little distraction to read other reviews or difficulty finding the form.

How to access it. You can access the new QR code on desktop by searching for your business, then clicking on “Ask for reviews” or by going to your reviews and clicking on “Get more reviews.” This can be found in your Google Business Profile within Google Search on desktop.

What it looks like. Here is an example of my QR code for my business that I shared:

What does it do. When you scan the code, you are taken directly to the add review form for that business. You can post this QR code in your store, add it to your website, email signature or other areas so your customers can quickly scan it and leave you a review. You can also just link to the page using the review link listed above the QR code.

Why we care. Reviews on your Google Business Profile can help you stand out from your competitors. So you should aim to get more positive reviews from happy customers, whenever possible. Just make sure those reviews and how you obtain them comply with Google’s policies.

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Pinterest SEO: Your guide to brand discovery

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Pinterest SEO- Your guide to brand discovery

Search is evolving, and social platforms are now at the heart of discovery. 

Pinterest, in particular, has emerged as a powerful visual search engine, driving traffic and engagement for brands, bloggers, and businesses.

Unlike traditional social media, which thrives on conversations and real-time interactions, Pinterest is built for intent-driven discovery – where users actively seek inspiration, ideas, and products.

This presents a unique opportunity for search marketers.

Pinterest users often arrive with high intent, making it an invaluable platform for organic visibility and referral traffic. 

To maximize discoverability, understanding how Pinterest search works along with SEO best practices is essential.

This article breaks down:

  • How Pinterest functions as a search engine.
  • The key ranking factors that influence visibility.
  • The best ways to optimize your content for discovery. 

How Pinterest works as a search engine

At its core, Pinterest is more than just a social platform – it’s one of the original discovery engines.

Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where content is driven by social interactions and chronological feeds, Pinterest prioritizes search intent and content relevance. 

Users come to Pinterest with a purpose:

  • To find inspiration.
  • To plan projects.
  • To discover new ideas. 

More importantly, they arrive with intent – often high purchase intent – making them ready and willing to become customers of the brands they discover on the platform.

Dig deeper: How Gen Z is redefining discovery on TikTok, Pinterest, and beyond

Pinterest’s Smart Feed: How content is ranked

Pinterest does not display content in simple chronological order. Instead, it uses a proprietary algorithm called the Smart Feed, which ranks and curates content based on user behavior, engagement, and search activity.

Key factors that influence Pinterest rankings include:

  • Relevance to the search query: Pinterest relies heavily on keywords in Pin titles, descriptions, board names, and even image alt text. Optimized content with clear intent performs better in search.
  • Engagement metrics: Pins with high engagement (saves, clicks, and close-ups) signal value to Pinterest, increasing their likelihood of appearing in feeds and search results.
  • Freshness of content: Pinterest favors newly created Pins over reshared or older content. Consistently uploading fresh, high-quality content boosts visibility.
  • Pinner authority and board quality: The credibility of the account posting the Pin matters. Established accounts with well-organized, keyword-rich boards tend to have better visibility.
  • Image quality and format: Pinterest prioritizes visually appealing, vertical images (2:3 aspect ratio) that encourage engagement. Clear, high-resolution images with compelling overlays perform best.

Differences between traditional search vs. Pinterest search

While Pinterest and traditional search engines like Google are search-capable platforms, their mechanics differ in several ways.

Table - Differences between traditional search vs. Pinterest search

Keyword research for Pinterest SEO

Just like with traditional SEO, keyword research is the foundation of Pinterest SEO.

Since Pinterest functions as a visual search engine, understanding how users search for content is essential to optimizing your Pins, boards, and profile. 

Unlike Google or Bing, Pinterest doesn’t provide exact search volume data. 

However, it offers valuable insights through autocomplete suggestions, the Pinterest Trends toolkit, and third-party tools.

Conducting keyword research using Pinterest’s search bar

One of the easiest ways to find relevant keywords is by using Pinterest’s search bar autocomplete feature. Here’s how.

  • Start typing a broad keyword: Enter a general term related to your niche, such as “home decor.”
  • Look at Pinterest’s auto-suggestions: As you type, Pinterest displays popular search queries based on previous user behavior. These suggestions indicate high-interest topics.
  • Refine and expand keywords: Click on a suggested keyword to see additional related opportunities. This can help identify long-tail keyword variations.

Example: Typing “summer outfit” might generate suggestions like “summer outfit ideas,” “summer outfit for vacation,” or “summer outfit aesthetic.” 

These variations can be valuable additions to your Pins and boards if you aim to rank for that type of query.

Pinterest summer outfit

Using Pinterest Trends for search volume and seasonality insights

Pinterest Trends allows search and social teams to:

  • Track rising and declining trends over time.
  • Compare keyword popularity.
  • Identify seasonal patterns to plan content accordingly.

By analyzing search interest fluctuations, you can determine when specific topics gain traction and adjust your posting schedule to maximize visibility and engagement.

Pinterest Trends

To use Pinterest Trends:

  • Visit trends.pinterest.com or access it from your Pinterest Business account.
  • Enter relevant keywords to see interest over time and related trending searches.
  • Identify peak times for specific topics (e.g., searches for “Halloween costume ideas” spike in September and October).
  • Adjust your content calendar to publish content before peak trends to increase engagement.

Example: If searches for “Christmas gift ideas” peak in November, start publishing optimized Pins for that keyword in September or October to gain traction before competition increases.

Tools and methods to discover high-performing keywords

In addition to Pinterest’s built-in search and trend tools, external resources can help refine your keyword strategy. Here are a few options:

  • Pinterest Ads Manager: Provides keyword suggestions when setting up an ad campaign. Even if you’re not running ads, you can use it for organic research.
  • Google Keyword Planner: While not Pinterest-specific, it helps identify related search terms that users may also search for on Pinterest. You can then verify these terms using Pinterest-specific tools.
  • Buzzabout.AI: Helps analyze social media conversations around specific topics, offering insight into potential keyword opportunities.

Dig deeper: SEO beyond Google: Building your brand on Reddit, Quora, TikTok and more

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Optimizing Pins for search discovery

Now that we understand keyword research and content trends, the next step is optimizing your Pins.

Since Pinterest is a visual-first platform, the design, format, and metadata of your Pins play a crucial role in performance. 

Well-optimized Pins rank higher in search results and attract more saves, clicks, and engagement – fueling further algorithmic distribution.

An Anthropologie pin that showcases several of our recommended best practices
An Anthropologie pin that showcases several of our recommended best practices.

Best practices for Pin design

The visual appeal of a Pin directly impacts its discoverability and engagement. Follow these design best practices:

  • Use the optimal image size: Pinterest recommends a 2:3 aspect ratio (1,000 x 1,500 pixels) to prevent cropping.
  • Include clear text overlays: Readable text on images improves engagement and quickly communicates the Pin’s value.
  • Maintain consistent branding: Use brand colors, fonts, and logos to establish recognition and build trust.
  • Choose high-quality visuals: Bright, high-resolution images with minimal clutter perform best. Lifestyle and product images tend to receive higher engagement.
  • Create fresh Pins regularly: Pinterest favors new content, so repurposing blog posts or redesigning Pins with updated visuals helps maintain visibility.

Example: A food brand sharing a recipe should use a high-quality image of the dish, add a clear text overlay with the recipe name, and subtly place the brand logo in a non-intrusive spot.

Dig deeper: Visual content and SEO: How to use images and videos in 2025

Writing optimized pin titles and descriptions

Like traditional search engines, Pinterest relies on text-based metadata to understand and rank content. 

A well-crafted title and description with relevant keywords increases a Pin’s visibility in search results.

Tips for title optimization

  • Keep titles between 40–100 characters – concise yet descriptive.
  • Front-load primary keywords at the beginning.
  • Use an engaging hook to attract attention.

Tips for description optimization

  • Write detailed descriptions (up to 500 characters) incorporating primary and secondary keywords naturally.
  • Use a conversational, engaging tone to encourage interaction.
  • Include a clear call to action (CTA) when appropriate.

Example:

  • Pin title: “Best Morning Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin”
  • Pin description: “Looking for a simple yet effective morning skincare routine? This guide covers the best products and steps for glowing skin. From gentle cleansers to SPF protection, discover the essentials for healthy skin. Save this Pin for your daily routine inspiration!”

Analytics tools to monitor your performance

Pinterest SEO doesn’t stop at keyword research and Pin design.

Ongoing performance tracking is essential for refining your strategy.

Pinterest’s built-in Analytics provides insights into:

  • What’s working.
  • What’s not.
  • How to optimize content for better visibility and engagement. 

Additionally, Google Analytics offers deeper insight into Pinterest-driven website traffic and conversions.

How to track performance using Pinterest Analytics

Like traditional search, Pinterest Analytics helps measure content performance. 

Available for Pinterest Business accounts, it provides valuable data on Pin engagement, audience behavior, and trends.

Key Pinterest performance metrics include:

  • Impressions: The number of times a Pin appears in feeds, search results, or category pages.
  • Saves (Repins): The number of times users save a Pin to their own boards. Saves signal value to Pinterest, boosting visibility.
  • Outbound clicks: The number of times users click a Pin to visit your website. A high click-through rate (CTR) indicates effective content.
  • Close-ups: The number of times users tap or zoom in on a Pin. A high close-up rate suggests interest but may indicate the need for clearer CTAs.
  • Engagement rate: A combination of saves, clicks, and interactions that indicate a Pin’s overall effectiveness.

Top tip: If a Pin has high impressions but low outbound clicks, test different images, headlines, and descriptions to improve engagement. 

If a Pin has low impressions, revisit your keyword strategy to ensure alignment with user searches.

Using Google Analytics to track Pinterest’s impact

While Pinterest Analytics tracks in-platform engagement, Google Analytics offers insight into Pinterest’s impact on website traffic and conversions.

To track Pinterest referrals:

  • Open Google Analytics and navigate to Acquisition > Traffic Sources.
  • Filter by Referral Traffic and locate Pinterest as a source.
  • Analyze bounce rate, session duration, and conversions to evaluate Pinterest’s role in driving valuable traffic.

Final thoughts

I’ve long been an advocate for a “search everywhere” approach – and Pinterest is proving why that strategy is essential.

It’s clear that Pinterest is more than a social media platform. It’s a powerful discovery engine that lets you connect with an audience that is actively searching for inspiration and solutions.

By applying familiar SEO techniques like keyword research and combining them with social-driven best practices – such as high-quality visuals and a strategic posting schedule – you can enhance discoverability and drive consistent traffic to your website.

Whether you’re a blogger, ecommerce brand, or content creator, mastering Pinterest SEO gives you a competitive edge in today’s evolving search landscape. 

Dig deeper: Search everywhere optimization: 7 platforms SEOs need to optimize for beyond Google

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How to get better results from Meta ads with vertical video formats

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How to get better results from Meta ads with vertical video formats

Meta ads are evolving, and understanding the right video formats can make a big difference in your ad performance. 

Here’s how 9:16 and 4:5 videos can help you get better results in Meta, and even across TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

The power of Meta’s video innovation

Many ecommerce brands have found success using Meta ads.

However, many of these brands don’t understand the formatting details that, when used correctly, can drive better results.

For context, Meta has undergone more changes than other platforms like Google Ads (which together form the digital advertising duopoly). 

While Google Ads is older, Meta continues to innovate. It first entered the vertical video space by launching Stories as a direct competitor to Snapchat.

Today, Meta is in a similar competition with TikTok through Reels.

Different placements work for different advertisers, so it’s important to understand where your brand performs best to succeed.

Dig deeper: Why video is key to building brand identity and engagement

Meta’s video advertising focus

Over the past three months, I’ve spoken with Meta reps, agency owners, and clients to better understand where Meta is focusing its efforts.

The answer?

9:16 and 4:5 video ad formats. 

These formats perform well on Meta’s platform and work as effective creative for TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Both vertical placements are key to getting the most out of your ad campaigns.

  • The 9:16: Maximizes the area within the Story placement.
  • The 4:5: Provides the largest creative space within the newsfeed and Reel placements – and more space means more opportunity.

At our agency, we work with 30 brands, giving us a broad view of trends and patterns. And we’ve noticed one key thing:

Reels (9:16) are more cost-efficient but convert less immediately for most brands. 

There is a clear difference between engagement, shareability, and research within Reels compared to In-Feed and Stories.

Why does this matter to you as an advertiser?

Because Meta is getting more expensive, you need to be more efficient. 

Instead of simply saying, “Jump on Reels, they’re cheap,” I want to share data-backed tactics you can use right away.

3 ways to get more from 9:16 and 4:5 Meta video ad formats

With a million different tactics floating around on the internet, use these 3 to make a dent in your media buying:

1. Optimize Reel placement

Start by creating varied content, then refine it through testing within the Reels placement to gather feedback and increase exposure at a lower cost.

Next, identify which creative drives performance versus engagement. 

Focus on growing sales, top-funnel reach, and boosting engagement through shares and Google searches.

On Reels, creative is the variable that multiplies

2. Pay attention to your ad’s safe zones

In Meta advertising, “safe zones” are areas within Stories and Reels ads where key creative elements – such as text and logos – should be placed to prevent them from being obscured by interface features like profile icons or call-to-action buttons.

Safe zones have become one of the biggest talking points with our clients heading into 2025.

What makes safe zones complex is how primary placements (Stories, Reels, and In-Feed) interact with other placements (video feed, Explore, search, etc.). 

This complexity increases when you expand to other platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok, which present content differently to users.

When optimizing safe zones, ensure clear communication between:

  • Media buyer.
  • Client.
  • Creative team.

A strong safe zone strategy is key to increasing click-through rates (CTR) and engagement (shares, saves, comments, and reactions).

This improved engagement helps the algorithm lower costs (CPM) while collecting valuable data on how users respond – both positively and negatively – to your ads.

Safe zones across placements

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3. Embrace creative variation

The most important factor in creative development is variation.

Take one of our clients, for example – a company specializing in ergonomic home products.

They’ve developed an unmatched product, and we’ve created personalized dashboards to track their ad account at the founder’s creative level.

This helps us better understand their return on ad spend (ROAS) alongside engagement metrics like shares, saves, and comments.

Meta ads - analytics dashboard

Data visualization allows us to quickly see how each creative performs:

  • Some drive high shareability.
  • Some generate more purchases and stronger ROAS.
  • Others encourage comments.

If you aren’t analyzing this information, you’re missing key insights that could improve your creative performance.

By understanding how each founder-led creative performs, we can refine those assets and expand into new variations. 

For this brand, founder creative was the most impactful and engaging – but it shouldn’t be the only focus. 

We found that the “health” creative category drives both purchases and ROAS. 

This type of content is ideal for retargeting – potentially in a carousel format through the feed for users already familiar with the brand.

Meta ads - video ad campaigns

But let’s dig a level deeper.

Within the “health” category, we discovered that “spine-specific health” content is both engaging and high-performing. 

This makes it a strong candidate for evergreen ads in both prospecting and retargeting.

This high-performing creative can now be iterated and repurposed in different ways, such as:

  • Featuring a new UGC spine expert.
  • Highlighting a target audience user.
  • Using an overhead shot of the product with a voice-over about spine health.

One successful ad can branch into multiple creative opportunities.

When you combine these variations with 9:16, 4:5, and safe zones, you create ads that are optimized for lasting success.

Dig deeper: Meta introduces generative AI video advertising tools

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