E852: He built an AI SEO startup, and then shut it down after realizing the brutal truth about what actually builds visibility in LLMs.
We break down that realization, why “Generative Engine Optimization” doesn’t exist as a separate strategy, AND how one local business used traditional brand-building principles to hit $3.4 million in monthly sales.
This episode connects two stories: one about shutting down a company built on hype, and another about a business scaling through fundamentals. If you care about SEO, brand strategy, or digital marketing heading into 2026, this is a must-listen.
What you’ll learn:
– The realization that made one founder close his AI SEO startup.
– Why “Generative Engine Optimization” is just good SEO repackaged.
– What actually drives AI and search visibility today.
– How a plumbing company reached $3.4M in a single month by focusing on local SEO and brand awareness.
– The method behind dominating specific neighborhoods and zip codes.
– Why branded searches are the most powerful (and overlooked) SEO signal.
– The review strategy that fuels Google visibility and conversions.
– How real photos, videos, and customer stories outperform stock visuals.
– Why the strongest brands feel human, relatable, and consistent.
⭐️ The LinkedIn post – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjaminhouy_im-shutting-down-lorelight-here-is-why-activity-7386312534091341824-4l-t/
⭐️ Aizik Zimerman – https://x.com/AizikZimerman
⭐️ Glen Allsopp’s share – https://x.com/ViperChill/status/1983533551212519435
💎 Compact Keywords – My SEO Course – Get paying customers through SEO – Clear step-by-step video breakdowns – SEO templates to be copied and adapted for your products and services: https://compactkeywords.com/
00:00 Episode Overview
00:58 SEO Realization That Closed a Business
04:24 Aizik Zimerman’s Record-Breaking Sales Month
05:04 Effective Local Marketing Strategies
07:17 Google Reviews
09:51 Rebranding for Success
12:19 Wrapping up This Episode of the Best Digital Marketing Podcast of All Time
The Edward Show. Your daily search engine optimization podcast: https://edwardsturm.com/the-edward-show/
#generativeengineoptimization #localseo #searchengineoptimization
Awesome thank you again! Is there an possibilty to join? Paying the 499 in 2 times. I just get acces after the haved paid the 499. Please! Thank you
This is all true but dont you think there’s still a need to at least track geo visibility regardless of the method.
My favorite daily show. Excellent stuff every video, Edward. Makes me want to be just like you when I grow up.
Such a powerful lesson—there’s no substitute for solid brand building, even in the age of AI.
How about you eat the same horse shit you are trying to feed others. Google doesn’t need you to kiss their butt, they are forcefully in our daily lives closer then ourselves. Lastly no one is going to role out what generates 3.5 mill a month for even if that is 2025 version of Jesus Christ, even if he/she is a millionaire already. Those kind of people existed ones but too much of a rarity now these days, people are born already infected with the greed illness. Some out there but definitely not here or na corporate life.
@NoOnehereAnymore
I feel like this channel has lots of visitors who are dazed by sales seminars/business and their spokespeople put in to hipness and are in a different realm, cant get back in to real life
Hey Edward , really nice video! I was wondering if I could help you with high Quality Editing and thumbnails which will bring you very good results. Lmk if you are open to it man?
what is your email sir??
Would your compact keyword course be effective for a Lead Gen agency?
Awesome episode!