articles

What's actually working in SEO right now

Technical fixes, link-building tactics, content and SERP strategy, and tool reviews, written for people deciding where to spend the next sprint, not chasing algorithm rumours.

The best keyword research tools in 2026

I tested eight keyword research tools against real client and agency work, ranking them on data accuracy, SERP coverage, pricing, and export speed for 2026.

The best AI content optimization tools in 2026

I tested eight AI content optimization tools for SEO scoring, briefs, and on-page grading, and ranked them by accuracy, workflow fit, and price.

SEO vs SGE: optimizing for AI search in 2026

SEO and SGE aren't interchangeable. here's what Google's AI Overviews changed, how the mechanics differ, and what to actually optimize for in 2026.

How to write title tags that win clicks in 2026

A step-by-step guide to writing title tags that win clicks in 2026: pixel width, click psychology, Google's rewrite behavior, and what to test first.

How to structure internal links for topical authority

A step-by-step guide to mapping pillar and cluster pages, writing descriptive anchor text, and fixing orphan pages so Google sees topical authority.

How to run a technical SEO audit step by step

A step-by-step technical SEO audit process built around Screaming Frog, Search Console, and server logs, from crawl to a prioritized fix list.

How to recover from a Google core update

A step-by-step operator's guide to diagnosing traffic loss after a Google core update, what to fix first, and how long recovery actually takes.

How to earn backlinks without buying them

A practical, first-person guide to earning backlinks through digital PR, broken link building, and journalist outreach, without paying for placements.

How to do keyword research in 2026: a step-by-step guide

A practical, operator-tested workflow for finding keywords worth targeting in 2026, from Search Console data to AI-overview-proof content briefs.

How to build a topical authority content plan

a step by step guide to building a topical authority content plan: keyword clustering, pillar pages, interlinking, tools, costs, and a scaling playbook.

E-E-A-T explained: what Google actually rewards

E-E-A-T is Google's shorthand for judging content quality: experience, expertise, authority, trust. Here's what it actually means for your rankings.

seo programmatic-seo content-strategy

Programmatic SEO in 2026: how to scale pages without a thin-content penalty

A practical guide to programmatic SEO in 2026: how to generate thousands of database-driven pages that rank, and the checks that keep you clear of thin-content and spam penalties.

seo rank-tracking tools

The best rank tracking tools in 2026, tested

We tested the leading rank tracking tools in 2026 on accuracy, localisation, and cost. Here is how the enterprise suites, standalone trackers, and DIY setups actually compare.

seo link-building backlinks

How to build backlinks that still move rankings in 2026

The link-building tactics that still move rankings in 2026, the ones that now do nothing, and a practical process for earning links search engines still count.

seo core-web-vitals technical-seo

Core Web Vitals in 2026: what actually moves rankings (and what doesn't)

A clear-eyed look at Core Web Vitals in 2026: which metrics affect rankings, how much they really matter, and where speed work pays off versus where it doesn't.