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How do I optimize for Google Discover?

There’s a part of Google quietly driving millions of clicks to websites every day–and a lot of creators don’t even realize they’re publishing for it. In this episode, we ground the conversation in what Google Discover actually is, where it lives, and why it matters right now for creators navigating a shifting search landscape.Guest Tim Konrad of Unofficial Networks shares what it’s been like riding the feature’s highs and lows, and why traffic to his ski and snowboard site can rise and fall faster than the alpine slopes he covers. Tom Critchlow, Raptive’s EVP of Audience Growth, breaks down what’s changed inside Google Discover, which signals still matter, and what creators can do to improve their chances of getting surfaced.00:00 Introduction to Google Discover00:44 Meet Tim Konrad and Tom Critchlow01:12 Get to Know Tom via his Google Discover Feed02:27 Tim Konrad's Journey with Google Discover04:46 Understanding Google Discover07:24 Google Discover's Impact on Traffic10:10 Challenges and Volatility in Google Discover14:32 Optimizing Content for Google Discover27:36 Future of Google Discover31:23 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAdditional resources:https://raptive.com/blog/why-you-should-be-optimizing-for-google-discover/ 

The discoverability hack for small entertainment sites

How can smaller news and entertainment creators compete with giant publishers? Should creators chase breaking news, or focus on evergreen content? And what actually wins in today’s SEO and discovery ecosystem?These are the questions facing creators like Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds and entertainment creators everywhere. With massive publishers dominating the space, how can high-quality independent sites break through? Raptive’s SEO expert Eddie Mercado joins the pod to help us unpack why search is especially stacked against entertainment creators, and what they can do to win anyway. Eddie breaks down where Google traffic really comes from in 2026, and how to use your niche as a competitive advantage.You’ll learn:Where creators should focus for traffic: Google Search, Google News or Google Discover?Should creators push for breaking news vs. evergreen content?Why niche beats scale, and how to use yours as your superpower00:00 Introduction: The challenge facing entertainment sites00:44 Meet the Expert: Eddie Mercado01:26 Icebreaker: Why Eddie’s favorite TV show is a discoverability winner02:31 Jamie’s question: Help!07:01 Understanding Google Discover08:39 Challenges unique to entertainment sites10:37 Timely vs. evergreen content strategies13:56 Why knowing your niche matters15:57 Optimizing content for Google Search, News and Discover

How do I grow my Substack?

Substack is no longer just an email platform, it has grown into a fully fledged social media site. But does that mean you need to start one? Best-selling author, podcaster and Substack aficionado Jo Piazza joins to share how Substack fits into her larger creator and marketing ecosystem. The question asker this week is Steve Snyder of Club Trader Joes. He’s started a free Substack and gained some traction, but how can he grow it and build a community? And how can he turn it into a monetized income stream?Additional resources:Jo Piazza’s PodcastJo Piazza’s Substack 

How do I keep creating when I’m burnt out?

At the end of 2025, so many creators are telling us they’re feeling burnt out. And this phenomenon is more than tiredness or overwhelm: it’s a state of fight or flight, and it could be the thing zapping our creativity. So how do we get out of that state and tap back into our love of making content?This week, our creator guest, food and lifestyle entrepreneur Laura Fuentes poses this question, and she confesses that creating has been feeling the same old, same old. Josh Zimmerman, The Creator Coach, joins as our burnout expert to help Laura (and all of us) get our spark back. Together, he and Steph discuss why creators are especially susceptible to burnout and offer actionable advice on how to reconnect with our flow state.Creator resources:Meet Josh Zimmerman, The Creator Coach

LIVE: How do I stand out? Brand-building secrets from the Hollywood playbook

In a crowded digital landscape, how do you get your brand to stand out? In our first-ever live episode, host Stephanie Woodin gets the lowdown from Emily Robinson, a top entertainment publicist who has launched countless TV shows, products and global brands. Together, they translate lessons from Hollywood publicity to the world of web creators. Get Emily’s Hollywood insider tips on brand strategy from goal setting to execution, and learn how content creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs can build stronger, more memorable brands online.Free creator resources:How do I stand out? Brand-building strategy for creators