Voices of Search Podcast: Optimizing for Google's Traditional Search Results vs Emerging Platforms
Hosted by Tyson Stockton
Released on July 4, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Voices of Search podcast, hosted by Tyson Stockton, the conversation delves into the strategic decision-making process behind optimizing for Google's traditional search results versus emerging platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. The discussion also touches upon Google's evolving AI capabilities and their place within the broader SEO landscape.

Traditional Google Search vs. Emerging Platforms

The episode opens with Tyson posing a critical question to his guest:

“Would you choose to optimize for Google's traditional search results or more for emerging platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or others to be more of the core focus?”
— Tyson Stockton [02:15]

The guest responds favorably towards emerging technologies, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of the curve:

“I'm going to say emerging technologies, not legacy search. That's an interesting one.”
— Guest [02:25]

This perspective highlights a shift in focus from established search mechanisms to newer, rapidly evolving platforms that offer innovative ways to engage with content.

The Role of Google's AI Experience

Tyson further explores the categorization of Google's AI initiatives:

“And would you include Google's AI experience as being in the emerging bucket or more in the traditional?”
— Tyson Stockton [03:10]

The guest classifies Google's AI endeavors as "borderline emerging," indicating a transitional phase:

“That's borderline emerging. It's kind of like asking me if I would rather become a mechanic for a gasoline car or a full electric car. And Google's AI mode is the hybrid straddling both worlds.”
— Guest [03:20]

This analogy underscores the hybrid nature of Google's AI capabilities, blending traditional search functionalities with cutting-edge AI innovations.

Future of SEO with Emerging Technologies

Delving deeper, the conversation compares the longevity and adaptability of traditional search mechanisms versus emerging AI platforms:

“So if electric vehicles are where they go, I would rather work on that and see what's possible in that infrastructure, because that probably is going to be the future. And then like, the gasoline engine's been around for 100 years, so it's, you know, I know how to change a spark plug. It's pretty, you know, there's not really much more you can do with that, so that analogy helps.”
— Guest [04:00]

This analogy illustrates the importance of investing efforts into emerging technologies to harness future opportunities, rather than relying solely on tried-and-true methods that may offer limited growth prospects.

Notable Quotes

• Tyson Stockton:
  “Would you choose to optimize for Google's traditional search results or more for emerging platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or others to be more of the core focus?”
  [02:15]

• Guest:
  “That's borderline emerging. It's kind of like asking me if I would rather become a mechanic for a gasoline car or a full electric car.”
  [03:20]

• Guest:
  “So if electric vehicles are where they go, I would rather work on that and see what's possible in that infrastructure, because that probably is going to be the future.”
  [04:00]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Tyson thanking Jason Lacks from SAP for his participation, emphasizing the value of expert insights in navigating the complex SEO landscape. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more in-depth discussions and actionable strategies to enhance their content and search engine marketing efforts.

“That's all for today. Thanks for checking out the Voice of Search and we look forward to seeing you in the next episode.”
— Tyson Stockton [05:30]

This episode provides valuable perspectives for marketers and SEO professionals contemplating where to allocate their optimization efforts. By weighing the benefits of traditional search against the potentials of emerging AI-driven platforms, listeners gain a clearer understanding of the future directions in search engine optimization.