WMR.FM's SEO 101 Podcast Hits Landmark 500th Episode: A Milestone in Digital Marketing Podcasting

WMR.FM, the world’s largest and longest running podcast network on internet marketing is thrilled to announce the broadcast of the 500th episode of the acclaimed "SEO 101 Podcast," a cornerstone in digital marketing education since its inception on February 2nd, 2009. Hosted by Ross Dunn, CEO of StepForth Web Marketing, and Scott Van Achte, Senior SEO at StepForth Web Marketing, the podcast has consistently delivered expert insights and timely updates to a dedicated global audience.

The "SEO 101 Podcast" began its journey with Ross Dunn and original co-host Jennifer Evans Laycock. For the bulk of its impressive run, Dunn was partnered with the beloved John Carcutt. Following Carcutt's passing in 2020, Scott Van Achte, who had previously served as a popular guest host, stepped in to continue the series' legacy, maintaining its high standards and listener engagement. Over its 15-year history, "SEO 101" has garnered tens of thousands of listeners and is approaching an incredible 5 million downloads.

The 500th episode is a special celebration of this enduring journey. In this milestone installment, Ross and Scott reflect on key moments from the podcast's history, including significant Google updates, essential SEO best practices that have stood the test of time, and memorable guest interviews. Listeners will also be treated to personal insights and stories that highlight the hosts' growth and the strong connection they've built with their loyal audience.

Ross Dunn, host of "SEO 101," shared his thoughts on this achievement: "Hosting the SEO 101 Podcast since 2009 has been and continues to be an absolute pleasure. I cemented my friendship with the late John Carcutt over a decade of shows, and I now enjoy hanging with my buddy, Scott Van Achte. On top of that, I've been fortunate to work with Jorge Hermida and the WMR.FM production team! All in all, this show has changed my life for the better."

Dunn added, "The SEO 101 Podcast is one of the reasons I still enjoy what I do. Working with a golden production team, great co-hosts, amazing guests, and fielding questions from listeners from all over the world has simply blown my mind. I still can't believe a recorded conversation between two nerdy SEOs is listened to... never mind becoming as incredibly successful as it has!"

A Chronicle of SEO Evolution: Top Discussed Subjects

The "SEO 101 Podcast" has consistently been at the forefront of SEO discussions. The top 10 subjects most frequently covered include:

1. Google Algorithm Updates: Core Updates, specific updates (Helpful Content, Product Reviews, Spam, Panda, Penguin), and general ranking volatility.

2. AI in Search: AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Google Bard/Gemini, Generative AI, LLMs, and AI's impact on SEO.

3. Ranking Factors & SERP Analysis: Influences on search rankings, SERP analysis, CTR, user intent, featured snippets, and knowledge panels.

4. Local SEO: Google Business Profile (GBP) updates, features, local listing optimization, and local search strategies.

5. Google Search Console (GSC) & Indexing: GSC features, reports, indexing issues, and using GSC for insights.

6. Content Strategy & Issues: Content quality, Helpful Content system, duplicate content, E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

7. Technical SEO: Mobile-first indexing, Core Web Vitals, schema markup, JavaScript SEO, HTTPS, and site migrations.

8. Link Building & Penalties: Backlink strategies, link spam, guest blogging, Google penalties, and disavowing links.

9. Google Bugs & Issues: Specific glitches affecting Google Search, GSC, GBP, or Google Analytics.

10. Reviews & Reputation Management: Google Reviews, product review updates, and managing online reputation.

Covering Pivotal SEO News Moments

The podcast has also been a crucial resource for understanding major shifts in the SEO landscape. Top 10 news stories and moments significantly covered include:

1. The Rise of Generative AI in Search (ChatGPT, Bard/Gemini, AI Overviews, etc.) (Primarily 2023-2025)

2. Google Panda Update Launch and Iterations (2011-2015)

3. Google Penguin Update Launch and Iterations (2012-2016)

4. "Mobilegeddon" and the Shift to Mobile-First Indexing (2015-2020)

5. Google Helpful Content System Introduction and Updates (2022-2025)

6. The Rise and Fall of Google Authorship (2011-2014)

7. Core Web Vitals & The Page Experience Update (2020-2021 onwards)

8. HTTPS as a Ranking Signal (2014 onwards)

9. The "Leaked Google Ranking Criteria" (Google Search API Documents Leak) (May 2024)

10. Google Encrypted Search and the Loss of Organic Keyword Data (2011-2013)

The 500th episode of the "SEO 101 Podcast" is available now on WMR.FM and all major podcast platforms. Join Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte as they celebrate this remarkable achievement and continue to guide listeners through the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization.

About WMR.FM

WMR.FM is a leading online radio station and podcast network offering a diverse range of programming, including insightful shows on digital marketing, technology, and business including SEO 101, SEO Rockstars, Mobile Presence and more. Find all of our programming at www.wmr.fm and find all of our podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, iHeartRadio and Amazon Music.