SEO has changed a lot over the years, but the fundamentals remain the same. In this episode of Creative Operations, host Jacob Brain sits down with Brandon Leibowitz, owner of SEO Optimizers, to break down what’s working in SEO today. From keyword strategies to backlinking best practices, Brandon shares insights from nearly two decades in the industry.
The conversation dives into how Google’s updates—from Panda and Penguin to today’s AI-driven algorithms—have reshaped search rankings. Brandon explains why quality over quantity is more important than ever, how AI-generated content can be a powerful tool when used correctly, and the role of voice search and schema markup in SEO’s future.
For marketers juggling SEO alongside other digital strategies, Brandon outlines a clear process for conducting audits, optimizing content, and staying ahead of algorithm shifts. Whether you’re new to SEO or refining your strategy, this episode delivers actionable takeaways to improve search performance.
Featured Guest
Host: Brandon Leibowitz
What he does: Owner
Company: SEO Optimizers
Noteworthy: SEO expert with nearly two decades of experience in digital marketing.
Featured Guest
Key Insights
The Evolution of SEO: Quality Over Quantity
Brandon Leibowitz explains how SEO has shifted from a volume-based strategy to a quality-first approach. He discusses how Google’s Panda and Penguin updates forced marketers to focus on valuable content and authoritative backlinks rather than keyword stuffing and low-quality link building. With the rise of AI-generated content, businesses must ensure accuracy and originality to maintain search rankings. Brandon emphasizes that while backlinks remain critical, today’s best practices focus on earning high-quality links from reputable sources rather than simply accumulating as many as possible.
AI’s Role in SEO: A Tool, Not a Replacement
AI is transforming SEO, but it isn’t a magic solution. Brandon explains how AI can streamline content creation, generate SEO-friendly outlines, and assist with keyword research, but warns against relying on AI-generated content without proper editing. He stresses that Google evaluates content quality, not just its origin, meaning human oversight is still crucial. AI should be used as an enhancement—helping teams create, refine, and optimize content—rather than replacing skilled writers.
Why Backlinks Still Matter in SEO
Despite SEO’s evolution, backlinks remain one of the strongest ranking factors. Brandon shares how analyzing competitor backlinks can reveal opportunities for businesses to build authority in their niche. He highlights tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush for backlink analysis and emphasizes relevance over volume—a high-quality link from a respected site carries more weight than multiple low-quality links. Businesses should focus on earning links from industry-relevant sources to improve their search rankings.
