Episode Overview

Title: Embedding Location-Based Schema on AI-Generated Images—Trend or Trash?
Podcast: Voices of Search
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Helen Pollitt (iStock)
Air Date: December 4, 2025

This episode examines whether embedding location-based schema on AI-generated images is a valid trend or merely another manipulative tactic (a "cheap trick") in the ever-evolving world of SEO. Tyson Stockton and guest Helen Pollitt discuss the ethics, efficacy, and search engine implications of this practice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Central Question: Trend or Trash?

[00:44] Host: "Is embedding location based schema on AI generated images. Is this a trend or trash?"

• Helen Pollitt’s Immediate Take ([00:52]):
  • Pollitt firmly states she considers the practice “trashy to do that because that's just not truth. Is it? If you've generated the image, it isn't from a particular location. Therefore, adding location data is not honest.”
  • While acknowledging why marketers might do it (to potentially increase relevance or ranking for local search), she is ethically opposed.
  • “You're not really fooling anyone. Why try? We don't need that level of sort of spammy manipulation. It's just unnecessary. So I'd say trash.” ([01:16])

2. Search Engine Detection & Efficacy

Host’s Follow-up ([02:47]):

• Tyson Stockton builds on Pollitt’s view, calling it “a little bit of a cheap trick” and notes how easy it is for search engines to identify and flag AI-generated images, especially when paired with artificial location data.

• “That seems to be an easy thing to catch from a search perspective.”

• Helen Pollitt’s Agreement ([03:07]):

  • Concurs and relates the tactic to prior manipulative SEO tricks:
    • “Historically those things have been the cheap tricks ... algorithm updates or manual actions have really kind of tried to stand down on. I wouldn't be surprised if LLMs are also aware or become aware of that sort of cheap trick and try to prevent it influencing their results as well. So yeah, trash 100%.” ([03:10])

3. The Future: Algorithm Updates Against “Cheap Tricks”

• Discussion emphasizes how search engines and large language models (LLMs) have historically targeted and nullified low-value manipulations.
• Predicts ongoing advances in algorithms to specifically address and disregard such inauthentic tactics in the context of AI-generated content.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Helen Pollitt ([00:52]):

  "I'd say it's trashy to do that because that's just not truth. Is it? If you've generated the image, it isn't from a particular location. Therefore adding location data is not honest. I can see why you would do it, but I don't agree with it."

• Helen Pollitt ([01:16]):

  “You're not really fooling anyone. Why try? We don't need that level of sort of spammy manipulation. It's just unnecessary. So I'd say trash.”

• Tyson Stockton ([02:47]):

  “It feels a little bit of a cheap trick...that seems to be an easy thing to catch from a search perspective.”

• Helen Pollitt ([03:10]):

  “Historically those things have been the cheap tricks...algorithm updates or the manual actions have really kind of tried to stand down on. And I wouldn't be surprised if LLMs are also aware or become aware of that sort of cheap trick and try to prevent it influencing their results as well. So yeah, trash 100%.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:44: Introduction of the main topic—embedding location-based schema on AI-generated images.
• 00:52: Helen Pollitt’s ethical objection and summary view.
• 02:47: Host’s perspective on search engine detection and “cheap tricks.”
• 03:07-03:10: Helen Pollitt on search engines' attempts to stamp out manipulative tactics.
• 03:30: Episode wrap-up and guest thank you.

Tone and Takeaways

The episode maintains a candid, practical tone, mixing professional skepticism with a focus on integrity in SEO. Both host and guest firmly agree: embedding location data on AI-generated images is not just ineffective but also unethical, representing a form of manipulation that search engines are increasingly capable of detecting and penalizing.

Key Takeaway:
Attempting to artificially boost local relevance for AI-created images with location schema is an outdated “cheap trick”—not a forward-looking or sustainable SEO trend. The ethical and algorithmic risks far outweigh any perceived short-term gains. As summarised by Helen Pollitt:

“So yeah, trash 100%.” ([03:10])