June 17, 2024

What’s Happening in Digital Marketing? Your June News Roundup

There are constant changes in SEO and PPC, AI is a prominent and seemingly permanent feature to our news updates now. The digital marketing sphere is ever-changing, so keeping on top of the latest updates and news is a must for any business wanting online results.

Here we share the latest big news with June’s digital roundup.

SEO

Screaming Frog Releases Version 20.0

Screaming Frog is a vital tool used by many SEO experts to run audits and check a site’s health. In May they announced their ‘cracker’ update to the software, giving it new features that have been driven by feedback from users. 

The new features include:

To see all of the updates in more detail, take a look at Screaming Frog’s blog post

Google Document Leak

Maybe the biggest story of the year for SEO experts; a huge Google document leak gave us an insight into how the Google algorithm may rank content in terms of links, clicks and more. It didn’t detail the importance each factor has on rankings, but knowing they are a factor at all is still important.

We’ve done our research into the main takeaways from the leak.

As always with these leaks the information is never concrete, we can only analyse and link together what we already know with what has been discovered. Google is famously tight-lipped on the subject, usually revealing only small snippets of information on what algorithm updates focus on. 

That being said Google have responded to speculation about the leak of the documents, erring on the side of caution when it comes to the analysis of what has been revealed. Shrouded in mystery is how they would like to remain, see the response given from a Google spokesperson on the leak. 

Learn more about the latest developments in the Google leak on Search Engine Land

Useful tool – Copyleaks AI Detector

This is a great tool to utilise when you suspect that content may have been AI generated. All you have to do is copy and paste the selected content into the tool and it will assess whether AI content has been used. 

 As Google is laser focused on the user experience element it has notoriously been cracking down on AI generated content. So while using AI to help you in your day to day can be useful, using it to create whole blocks of content isn’t necessarily going to give the best user experience. AI generated content is not always trustworthy and can be inaccurate. Some content needs an expert opinion from someone with actual experience, something AI cannot replicate. 

Take a look at the CopyLeaks AI Detector Tool.

PPC 

AI dominates the updates made to Google Ads over the last month. The following are the main takeaways to be in the know about.

AI Generation For Performance Max and Demand Gen Campaigns

AI Image Generation is now available for Performance Max and Demand Gen campaigns. Smaller Google Ad users who don’t necessarily have to budget to take high-quality photography assets can use this feature to improve the look of their ads in the Display Network.

Brand Guidelines for Googles Generative AI

Brand Guideline features will also be coming to Google’s generative AI, where you’ll have the ability to upload your brand’s specific colours and fonts to match your visual style, and help you and your brand stand out on the web.

AI Image Editing In Merchant Centre

AI image editing is slowly rolling out to users with a Merchant Centre account and an updated product feed. Add and remove objects, extend backgrounds and crop to any aspect ratio or orientation. It looks like only specific product categories will be eligible for AI image editing.

Interactive Experiences In Search Ads

In the US, AI is also providing more interactive experiences in search ads with personalised recommendations based on what the user has searched for, and allowing them to have more input on the specifics of what they are looking for. If successful in the US, we’re hoping this will be available in the UK by the end of the year.

Read more on Google Ads announcements and keep on top of the latest developments within PPC.

Stay On Top Of The Changes With Wildcat Digital

Discuss your digital goals with our team of SEO and PPC experts. We monitor and stategise around the latest developments within digital marketing, and use this insight to assist in meeting your objectives. If you’re looking for some help with your digital presence, get in touch with a member of our team today! 

In case you missed it, here is May’s Digital roundup.

Post by

Thea Chapman

Senior SEO Executive

Will Hitchmough

Founder

Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.

Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.

Chloe Robinson

Content Strategist Team Lead

With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.

Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.

Paul Pennington

SEO Account Director

Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.

Nadea van der Merwe

Head of Operations

Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business. 

Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.

Molly Sturgeon

Senior SEO Account Manager

With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management. 

In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.

Libby Oldale

PPC Team Leader

Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.

Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.

Jasmine Savery

SEO Account Manager

Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.

In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.

Braden Godley

Senior PPC Executive

Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat. 

Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.

Jon Herdman

Senior SEO Executive

After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online. 

Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music. 

Rachel Davies

Senior SEO Executive

Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.

Dariusz Baczyk

Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.

In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.

Jamie Stowe

Senior SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!

In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.

Andy Blanchard

SEO Executive

Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management. 

Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.

Siena Russell

Client Success Coordinator

Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond. 

Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.

Thea Chapman

Senior SEO Executive

Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go. 

Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening. 

Tom Brookes

PPC Executive

Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media. 

Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.

Rich Ayre

Head of Growth

Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.

Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.

Kezia Humphries

SEO Executive

Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.

In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.

Amy Varley

SEO Executive

Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.

In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!

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