Episode Overview

Title: One word that defines the future of visual search for small businesses
Air Date: December 5, 2025
Podcast: Voices of Search
Host: Tyson Stockton
Notable Guest: Helen Pollitt (iStock)

This concise episode explores the evolving role of visual search for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), focusing on the single word that best captures the future of visual search. The conversation emphasizes actionable insights for SMBs looking to leverage visual content as part of a broader SEO strategy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Defining Word for Visual Search

• Host Question (00:43): "What's one word that defines the future of visual search for small businesses?"
  • This sets the stage for the episode’s central theme.

"Opportunity" as the Future of Visual Search

• Helen Pollitt's Answer & Expansion (00:53–01:25):
  • Opportunity is the operative word.
  • Traditionally, SEOs and website owners have treated visual content as secondary or separate from written and video content.
  • Helen urges a unified approach, integrating visuals alongside other content forms:

    "We really need to start considering visual as a part of content as a whole. We shouldn't be trying to segment written copy from visual from video, etc." – Helen Pollitt (01:12)

  • There is significant untapped potential for SMBs to differentiate themselves through visual search.

Broadening Content Perspective

• Host’s Reflection (02:54):
  • Tyson Stockton echoes Helen's view, adding that now is a prime time for SMBs to act:

    "If you're expanding how you're viewing content, this is, I think, just such a good time that you can get that inside lane to have a legacy up, especially on the bigger businesses." – Tyson Stockton (02:54)

  • Businesses that adapt early stand to gain a legacy advantage over larger competitors.

Practical Strategic Takeaway

• SMBs should not view visual content as “secondary” but embrace it as a core component of their content strategy.
• Integrating visuals with written and video content creates better SEO opportunities and positions small businesses to capitalize on the future of search.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Opportunity, I would say."
  – Helen Pollitt (00:53)
• "We shouldn't be trying to segment written copy from visual from video, etc."
  – Helen Pollitt (01:12)
• "This is... such a good time that you can get that inside lane to have a legacy up, especially on the bigger businesses."
  – Tyson Stockton (02:54)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:43: Host asks for the one word defining the future of visual search for SMBs.
• 00:53–01:25: Helen Pollitt explains why "opportunity" is the key word and the need for an integrated approach.
• 02:54: Tyson Stockton summarizes and reinforces the potential for SMBs in visual search.

Conclusion

In under five minutes, this episode distills the future of visual search for small businesses into the single word: opportunity. The conversation encourages SMBs to rethink how they approach content, breaking down old silos between text and visuals. By proactively integrating visuals into their SEO and content strategies, small businesses can carve out a competitive edge in an evolving digital landscape.