SEO 101 Episode 503: Yoast LLMs.txt Support, Google Markup Removals, and Search Console Updates
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Ross Dunn & Scott Van Achte
Platform: WMR.FM
Introduction
In Episode 503 of SEO 101, hosts Ross Dunn, CEO of Stepforth Web Marketing, and Scott Van Achte, Senior SEO Specialist, delve into the latest developments in the SEO landscape. This episode covers a range of topics, including Yoast's new support for Large Language Models (LLMs), Google's recent structured markup removals, updates to Search Console, and insights into AI-driven search functionalities. The hosts also address listener questions and discuss the evolving role of AI in SEO strategies.
1. Yoast SEO Plugin Adds Support for LLMs.txt
Ross initiates the discussion by introducing Yoast SEO's latest feature: support for LLMs.txt—a text file designed to enhance interaction with Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Ross Dunn [02:00]: "Yoast SEO detects your most important and recently updated pages. No technical setup is required."
Scott Van Achte elaborates on the functionality, explaining that LLMs.txt allows site owners to guide AI tools to preferred content, potentially differing from what human visitors see.
Scott Van Achte [02:56]: "Essentially, it's a link and description of what content is on that link, and you can exclude. It allows LLMs to see the content you want them to see without ads and filler content."
However, Ross raises a point about skepticism regarding the practical adoption of this feature.
Ross Dunn [04:28]: "John Mueller is not a fan of LLMs.txt. He mentioned that none of the AI services have adopted it yet, and server logs show they don't check for it."
The hosts conclude that while it's an interesting development, widespread use remains uncertain.
2. Google’s Removal of Certain Structured Markups
The conversation shifts to Google's decision to deprecate specific structured data elements. Scott lists the removed markups:
- Book actions
- Course info
- Claim review
- Estimated salary
- Learning video
- Special announcement
- Vehicle listing
Scott Van Achte [07:46]: "Google says they're removing them because their analysis shows that they're not commonly used in search."
Ross ponders the implications, noting that many clients might not be affected but acknowledges the potential future relevance.
Ross Dunn [09:18]: "Claim review was interesting... it was markup to claim particular testimonials on your site."
They advise maintaining existing markups if currently in use, emphasizing that removing them won't harm the site but continuing their use won't gain Google favor.
3. Updates to Google Search Console: AI-Mode Traffic Data
Ross introduces the latest update: Google Search Console now includes AI-mode traffic data, albeit only available in the United States.
Ross Dunn [10:20]: "Google AI mode traffic data has finally come to Search Console. But guess what? Only in the United States."
Scott expresses frustration over the limited availability and lack of transparency in distinguishing AI-generated traffic.
Scott Van Achte [10:37]: "You can't really tell which is AI mode content. It's just mixed in with all the regular stuff and there's no way to extract it."
They both agree that while it's a step forward, the current implementation leaves much to be desired.
4. Google Bugs and Glitches
A dedicated section, "Google Bugs," highlights recent issues users are experiencing:
-
Knowledge Panel Button Errors: Some buttons link to incorrect destinations, causing 404 errors.
Scott Van Achte [12:35]: "For John Deere tractors, the blue Knowledge Panel button linked to some total random nothingness like hqr4828."
-
Previously Visited Links Bug: All search links appear as previously visited (purple), confusing users.
Scott Van Achte [14:44]: "They're doing a bunch of research and they've visited lots of stuff now they don't know where they've been because everything's purple."
The hosts acknowledge Google's awareness of these issues and hope for swift resolutions.
5. AI News: Google Launches Real-Time Voice Search in AI Mode
After a brief hiatus, Ross and Scott return to AI-related updates. Google has introduced real-time voice search powered by a customized version of Gemini, featuring advanced voice capabilities and supporting web links.
Ross Dunn [17:58]: "Web links still appear with AI voice responses. Marketers should test it out and consider how their content appears in conversational situations."
Scott discusses personal experiences with voice search, highlighting the preference for text input over voice for detailed queries.
Scott Van Achte [18:50]: "I often go towards text instead of voice because I don't want to have to watch a video or speak out loud."
They explore the potential growth of voice search, noting generational differences in adoption.
6. Enhancing AI Prompts and Content Quality
Ross shares insights from his personal exploration of AI prompt optimization, emphasizing the importance of iterative refinement and verification.
Ross Dunn [25:04]: "Even the most detailed prompt can be interpreted differently by AI. Verification isn't a weakness; it's professional diligence."
He advises listeners to engage actively with AI tools, refining prompts to achieve better outcomes and ensuring content quality.
Ross Dunn [25:55]: "I suggest everyone ask AI if they can think of any way to improve what they just wrote for you. If you're not already doing that, verify."
Scott humorously questions why AI seems overly complimentary towards Ross's methods.
Scott Van Achte [26:07]: "I want to know why AI is sucking up to you. It said your approach is exactly how professionals should do it."
They discuss the balance between AI assistance and maintaining authentic, expert-driven content creation.
7. ChatGPT Updates and SEO Implications
The hosts delve into recent updates to ChatGPT, noting improvements in instruction following, reduced repetition, and the ability to handle image-based searches.
Scott Van Achte [28:26]: "It can also automatically do multiple searches behind the scenes to answer complex questions."
However, Ross points out that responses can sometimes be overly verbose, which may not align with specific SEO or user needs.
Ross Dunn [28:30]: "I've had times where I want a basic piece of code, and it gives me a full HTML page with title tags."
They acknowledge OpenAI's recognition of these issues and the ongoing efforts to refine AI responses.
8. SEO Best Practices: Handling AI-Generated Content Footprints
Addressing the SEO implications of AI-generated content, Ross explains that AI tools may leave identifiable footprints in HTML code, such as data-start and data-end tags.
Ross Dunn [29:48]: "These footprints are now in the raw HTML code, not just stylistic elements. Use Screaming Frog SEO Spider to search for
data-startanddata-endand clean them up."
Scott concurs, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean, authentic HTML to avoid potential SEO penalties.
Scott Van Achte [31:55]: "If you're using AI to generate content, ensure that these markers are removed to maintain SEO integrity."
They emphasize proactive measures to ensure AI-generated content aligns with best SEO practices.
9. Listener Q&A: Building Niche SEO Websites
The episode concludes with a listener question from an anonymous member regarding the best approach to building niche websites:
Listener Question [31:59]: "Should I create a blog about tropical fish in general with multiple articles on each species, or focus entirely on betta fish with extensive coverage?"
Scott advises tailoring the strategy based on specific goals, emphasizing quality and purposeful content creation over sheer quantity.
Scott Van Achte [33:03]: "Make sure that all those 400 to 500 articles have a purpose to exist and aren't just rehashing the same things."
Ross reinforces the importance of expertise and unique, valuable content, discouraging over-reliance on AI for content creation.
Ross Dunn [35:05]: "If you really want this to succeed, you're going to want to be close to an expert in the field you're writing about."
They advocate for a balanced approach, combining comprehensive coverage with high-quality, expert-driven content to achieve SEO success.
Conclusion
In this episode of SEO 101, Ross and Scott provide valuable insights into the evolving SEO landscape, particularly focusing on the intersection of AI and SEO practices. From new tool integrations and Google’s structured data changes to the nuances of AI-generated content, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of current trends and best practices. The discussion underscores the importance of adaptability, quality content, and proactive strategies in navigating the complexities of modern SEO.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Ross Dunn [02:00]: "Yoast SEO detects your most important and recently updated pages. No technical setup is required."
- Scott Van Achte [02:56]: "Essentially, it's a link and description of what content is on that link, and you can exclude. It allows LLMs to see the content you want them to see without ads and filler content."
- Scott Van Achte [07:46]: "Google says they're removing them because their analysis shows that they're not commonly used in search."
- Ross Dunn [10:20]: "Google AI mode traffic data has finally come to Search Console. But guess what? Only in the United States."
- Scott Van Achte [12:35]: "For John Deere tractors, the blue Knowledge Panel button linked to some total random nothingness like hqr4828."
- Ross Dunn [17:58]: "Web links still appear with AI voice responses. Marketers should test it out and consider how their content appears in conversational situations."
- Ross Dunn [25:55]: "I suggest everyone ask AI if they can think of any way to improve what they just wrote for you. If you're not already doing that, verify."
- Scott Van Achte [28:26]: "It can also automatically do multiple searches behind the scenes to answer complex questions."
- Ross Dunn [29:48]: "These footprints are now in the raw HTML code, not just stylistic elements. Use Screaming Frog SEO Spider to search for
data-startanddata-endand clean them up." - Ross Dunn [35:05]: "If you really want this to succeed, you're going to want to be close to an expert in the field you're writing about."
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