What’s going on, you ask?

There’s always something going down in digital marketing — here’s your update!

• Why every AI search study tells a different story is a fascinating look at the state of research around AI search. Bottom line, a review of 5 different studies conducted by major SEO platforms and agencies reveals there is a “core consensus that isn’t a consensus.” Each study is flawed by its design, its sources of data, and the biases of each company’s intentions to validate its POV and solutions. Before you start panicking, the solution offered is a regimen of “rigorous self-measurement” of what is specific and relevant to your brand (and, we would add, your competition).

• While there is no consensus on AI search data, there does appear to be a growing consensus on how SEO and SAIO (aka  AIO, AEO, or GEO) optimization strategies are not just complementary but intertwined. Take this blog on Optimizing for AI Search: Why Classic SEO Principles Still Apply as another example of what we ourselves have said before and reported on here:
  • There is a correlation between AI citation probability with high Google rankings.
  • Google’s E-E-A-T framework for organic search also impacts citations — directly and indirectly through rankings.
  • Topic coverage beats keyword optimization.
  • Tech elements like schema and content formats like FAQs are more likely to support gaining citations.

• ‘Tis the season, so Search Engine Journal offers thoughts on How CMOs Should Prioritize SEO Budgets in 2026 Q1 and H1. The suggested allocations are to “protect a baseline allocation for core SEO,” “create a separate experimental pot for AI discovery,” and “invest in measurement that explains real user behavior.” Or you could wrap it all under one umbrella initiative like we do for our clients.

• YouTube is the most popular social platform among Americans. Surprised? Probably not. How about that half of U.S. adults say they use Instagram? If you’re managing socials, this Pew Research Center study has some interesting findings.

• Writing content? Have you heard of the Writing GPS? Ann Handley covers how the process is, yes, very messy, but it’s your own. Change. Retry. Adapt (more on this one later). See how you can create a process that rolls with inspiration while staying locked in toward the final goal.

Every child deserves nutritional food to support healthy growth. That’s why I love supporting No Kid Hungry. With programs to fill the gaps where support breaks down, they ensure children have meals at school during the year, over the summer when school is out, and at home when their families can’t provide for them on their own. Not everyone has bootstraps, especially our little ones. Healthy children, healthy future—for us all.

An excerpt from Paulo Coelho’s Warrior of the Light which is a collection of short-stories on becoming the hero of your own story:

“The Warrior of Light sometimes behaves like water, flowing around obstacles he encounters.

Occasionally, resistance might mean destruction and so he adapts to the circumstances. He accepts, without complaint, that the stones in his path hinder his way through mountains.

Therein lies  the strength of water: It cannot be touched by a hammer or ripped to shreds by a knife. The strongest sword in the world cannot scar its surface.”

Adapting is in our nature and we hone it to find the best path forward… toward our goals and dreams.

Best wishes on your quests, fellow Warriors of the Light.

Natalie

It’s like organic, whole foods served in a bustling subway station. Take a listen: Folk-Hop.