Voices of Search Podcast – Episode Summary: "Game Plan for Balancing Journalistic Quality with Search Performance"

Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Dena Rickman, GoFundMe
Podcast Network: I Hear Everything

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Voices of Search, host Tyson Stockton engages with Dena Rickman from GoFundMe to explore effective strategies for balancing journalistic quality with search engine optimization (SEO) performance. The discussion delves into how high-quality content not only satisfies editorial standards but also enhances SEO outcomes, ensuring sustainable online visibility.

The Intersection of Journalistic Quality and SEO

Dena Rickman emphasizes the compatibility between journalistic excellence and SEO objectives. She asserts that "extremely quality content that you know you would publish in a newspaper, is going to perform well on SEO" (01:01). This statement highlights the foundational role that credible, well-crafted content plays in achieving superior search rankings. Dena contrasts traditional journalism with some current SEO content, noting that the latter often surpasses the former in factual accuracy and strength, especially in brand-driven contexts.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term SEO Strategies

The conversation shifts to the sustainability of SEO practices. The Unnamed SEO Director articulates a vital perspective on the dichotomy between short-term gains and long-term success. He states, "There's always room for the cheap tricks... but if you're thinking more of how do I be successful in the next five, ten years, I think you need to go after more of that kind of lasting strategies rather than something that's more of the flash in the pan" (01:49). This insight underscores the importance of adopting enduring SEO tactics rooted in journalistic principles, as opposed to fleeting methods that may offer immediate but unsustainable improvements.

Practical Strategies for Balancing Quality and SEO

Dena offers actionable advice for organizations striving to maintain high content standards without compromising SEO performance. Her tip: "Hire ex-journalists or journalists who are kind of freelance writers as well on the side to write your content because it will be really, really, really good and it will have all those things and you won't need to balance it" (02:43). This recommendation highlights the value of leveraging journalistic expertise to naturally integrate quality and SEO, eliminating the need for balancing acts.

Industry Practices and Real-World Applications

The Unnamed SEO Director shares a practical example from his own experience, mentioning the inclusion of a British journalist on their content creation team. He remarks, "We actually do have a British journalist on staff for part of our content creation" (03:06). This practice exemplifies how incorporating professional journalists into SEO teams can elevate content quality, ensuring it meets both editorial and optimization standards.

Dena responds enthusiastically, showing appreciation for such integrations and reinforcing the effectiveness of her suggested strategy.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Tyson Stockton thanking Dena Rickman for her valuable insights. The discussion reinforces the notion that high-quality, journalistic content serves as a robust foundation for effective SEO strategies. By prioritizing enduring content quality and integrating journalistic expertise, organizations can achieve sustainable search performance that stands the test of time.

For listeners seeking to enhance their SEO efforts without sacrificing content integrity, the strategies discussed in this episode offer a balanced and effective approach. Hiring experienced journalists and focusing on long-term content quality are key takeaways that can drive both editorial excellence and search engine success.

Notable Quotes:

• Dena Rickman (01:01):
  "You can have extremely quality content and if you have extremely quality content that you know you would publish in a newspaper, it's going to perform well on SEO."

• Unnamed SEO Director (01:49):
  "There's always room for the cheap tricks... but if you're thinking more of how do I be successful in the next five, ten years, I think you need to go after more of that kind of lasting strategies rather than something that's more of the flash in the pan."

• Dena Rickman (02:43):
  "Hire ex-journalists or journalists who are kind of freelance writers as well on the side to write your content because it will be really, really, really good and it will have all those things and you won't need to balance it."

This episode serves as a valuable resource for SEO professionals and content marketers aiming to harmonize the demands of quality journalism with the technical requirements of search engine optimization. By adopting the discussed strategies, listeners can enhance their content's credibility and visibility in the digital landscape.