Expert Insights: Mastering Modern SEO Strategies
By Reza (SEO Expert – Google Partner), Founder of Zigma Internet Marketing
Interview with an SEO Expert: Cutting Through the Noise in 2025
Interviewer: Let’s dive into the technical aspects of SEO. What do you consider the most critical ranking factors in Google’s algorithm today?
SEO Expert: While Google’s algorithm is complex and ever-evolving, the core pillars remain: content quality, user experience (Core Web Vitals), and authoritative backlinks-despite Google’s mixed messages about their importance over the years.
Content must align with search intent and provide comprehensive value. If users find all the answers they need in your content without needing to check other sites, that’s the hallmark of high-value content. Technical SEO, including mobile-friendliness and page speed, significantly impacts user experience, which Google prioritizes.
Backlinks from high-authority domains still serve as strong trust signals. However, the key metric isn’t just the number of backlinks but the ratio of backlinks to referring domains. A high number of links from a small pool of domains can appear manipulative.
Also, obsessing over GTmetrix scores-like improving a C to a B or even an A rating-has zero direct impact on SEO rankings in 2025.
Interviewer: How do you approach technical SEO audits for large websites? What common issues do you frequently uncover?
SEO Expert: For large sites, I always start with crawlability and indexation analysis using tools like Screaming Frog and Ahrefs. One key metric we assess is the number of indexed pages versus the total pages in the sitemap.xml. If a site has 10,000 pages, but Google only indexes 1,000, that’s a red flag.
Common issues include:
✅ Broken links
✅ Duplicate content from URL parameters
✅ Slow-loading pages
✅ Improper use of canonical tags
Structured data errors and mobile responsiveness gaps are also frequent problems. Fixing these ensures search engines can efficiently crawl and understand the site.
Interviewer: Many businesses struggle with balancing on-page SEO and user experience. How do you optimize content without making it sound robotic?
SEO Expert: The key is prioritizing user intent (99%) and then fine-tuning for search engines (1%). We use:
✅ Keyword clustering to cover topic depth naturally
✅ Semantic keywords for a natural flow
✅ Header structuring for readability
For the 1% meant for search engines, we ensure an exact-match keyword is present where necessary. Tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner and Google Trends help balance keyword density while maintaining readability.
Interactive elements (e.g., FAQs, calculators) also enhance user experience while embedding keywords naturally.
Interviewer: How do you leverage local SEO for clients targeting geo-specific audiences?
SEO Expert: Local SEO revolves around three key areas:
- Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization – formerly Google My Business (GMB), also known as Google Maps Optimization
- Localized content & citations (NAP: Name, Address, Phone consistency)
- Local backlinks & customer engagement
A big new trend Google is focusing on is business review responses. Recent updates highlight searched keywords in bold within business listings.
🔹 Example Best Practice for GBP Review Responses: If you run a pest control business and get a review from John Muller:💬 “Thank you for the great service!”
Your reply should strategically reinforce your services and location:
✅ “Hey John, happy to hear you’re pleased with our kitchen ant removal services! If you need any other pest control services in Toronto or Markham, feel free to contact our technicians for same-day service in the GTA.”
This strengthens local relevance and visibility in Google’s local search pack.
Interviewer: With the rise of AI-generated content, how do you ensure it aligns with SEO best practices?
SEO Expert: AI tools like GPT-4, Copilot, Gemini, Grok, and DeepSeek are useful for scaling content, but human oversight is non-negotiable.
We follow a hybrid approach:
✅ AI for drafting and ideation
✅ Manual refinement for originality and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
✅ Plagiarism checks and unique insights added
We never generate entire SEO content using AI prompts. That’s the worst way to approach SEO in 2025. Instead, we start with original drafts, gather real insights, and use AI for expansion and revision.
Sites don’t get penalized for using AI content, but they risk being marked as low-quality-a ranking death sentence. We’ve conducted multiple case studies confirming this.
Interviewer: Can you share a strategy for recovering a site hit by a Google penalty?
SEO Expert: First, determine if the penalty is manual or algorithmic via Google Search Console.
✅Manual Penalty (e.g., Unnatural Links)
✅ Disavow toxic backlinks
✅ Submit a reconsideration request
✅ Algorithmic Penalty (e.g., Panda or Helpful Content Update)
✅ Audit for thin/duplicate content
✅ Improve UX and engagement metrics
Contrary to popular belief, AI-generated content isn’t penalized, but low-quality, AI-spun content triggers ranking drops.
Interviewer: What’s your take on voice search optimization, and how do you optimize for it?
SEO Expert: Voice search requires:
✅ Conversational, long-tail keywords
✅ FAQ-style content targeting “near me” or “how to” queries
✅ Schema markup for clear answers
While voice search was a hot topic in 2020, we haven’t seen a significant ranking impact from it in recent years.
Interviewer: Finally, what tools are indispensable in your SEO workflow?
SEO Expert: Here’s my go-to SEO tech stack:
✅ Technical SEO & Audits: Screaming Frog, Google Search Console
✅Keyword & Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs, SEMrush
✅ User Behavior & UX Insights: Microsoft Clarity
✅ Content Optimization: Google Analytics
Having the right tools is important, but SEO success ultimately comes from strategy, execution, and adapting to Google’s ever-changing landscape.
Final Thoughts
SEO in 2025 is more competitive than ever. While AI and automation play a role, strategy, content quality, and user experience remain king. Whether it’s local SEO, technical audits, or penalty recovery, staying ahead means focusing on value, not shortcuts.
About the Author
Reza is an SEO Expert & Google Partner, and Founder of Zigma Internet Marketing. With years of experience in SEO strategy, technical audits, and digital marketing, Reza helps businesses maximize their online presence through innovative, data-driven SEO solutions.