Trending Now

SearchChat Podcast: Google Is Evil

Google’s business model was built on a symbiotic relationship between companies who want their content to be seen, and Google rewarding them for quality content. To be fair, this was so Google could sell ads, but it worked out well for mostly all parties involved. 

That’s broken down. 

Most companies are still getting the plurality of their traffic from organic and paid search, but the social contract has been run over by a truck. Google has added increased ads, along with the knowledge box and other built-in features that push organic results down below the fold.

The Wall Street Journal recently claimed Google interferes with search algorithms and changes results. Others in Search Engine Land claimed it’s more complicated than that — where Google does interfere, it has good reason. Regardless of who is exactly correct, it’s clear marketers are paying the price.

In this SearchChat Episode Tim Peter and Steve Zakur finally acknowledge that Google is not just a monopoly, but plain evil. We depend on Google, and rates are going up. How do we respond?

0:00 Intro

1:55 Search engine monopolies

10:00 How much traffic isn’t Google sending?

14:55 Rates will increase — what do we do?

23:10 How B2B companies can leapfrog to better personalization

30:20 Outro

SearchChat is available on

Search Chat is SoloSegment’s podcast dedicated to all things search AI and content marketing related. Who is SoloSegment? We’re a technology company focused on site search analytics and AI driven content discovery to improve search results, increase customer satisfaction and unlock revenue for your company. If you think we might have the answer to your conversion problems, feel free to connect with us.

Tim Peter


Tim Peter built his first website in 1995 and loves that he still gets to do that every day. Tim has spent almost two decades figuring out where customers are, how they interact with brands online, and delivering those customers to his clients’ front door. These efforts have generated billions of dollars in revenue and reduced costs.

Tim works with client organizations to build effective teams focused on converting browsers to buyers and building their brand and business. He helps those companies discover how marketing, technology, and analytics tie together to drive business results. He doesn't get excited because of the toys or tech. He gets excited because of what it all means for the bottom line.

An expert in e-commerce and digital marketing strategy, web development, search marketing, and analytics, Tim focuses on the growth of the social, local, mobile web and its impact on both consumer behavior and business results. He is a member of the Search Engine Marketers Professional Organization (SEMPO), HSMAI, and the Digital Analytics Association.

Tim currently serves as Senior Advisor at SoloSegment, a marketing technology company that uses machine learning and natural language processing to improve engagement and conversion for large enterprise, B2B companies.

Tim Peter’s recent client work covers a wide range of digital marketing activities including developing digital and mobile marketing strategies, creating digital product roadmaps, assessing organizational capabilities, and conducting vendor evaluations for diverse clients including major hospitality companies, real estate brands, SaaS providers, and marketing agencies.

Prior to launching Tim Peter & Associates, LLC, a full-service e-commerce and internet marketing consulting firm in early 2011, he worked with the world’s largest hotel franchisor, the world’s premier independent luxury hotel representation firm, and a major financial services firm, developing various award-winning products and services for his customers. Tim can be reached at tim@timpeter.com or by phone at 201-305-0055.

Join the Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top