What actually works for web creators right now? Across this season of Ctrl Alt Ask, we spoke with SEO experts, ad strategists, branding pros, creator coaches, and founders navigating real traffic swings. In this episode, we’ve distilled the most important lessons into eight clear, actionable takeaways for independent publishers. You’ll learn how to: Think about Google without letting it control your strategy Improve your search performance with small but meaningful site changes Attract advertise...
Feb 25, 2026•10 min•Ep. 11
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 fas...
Feb 11, 2026•31 min•Ep. 10
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 ...
Jan 28, 2026•25 min•Ep. 9
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 incom...
Jan 14, 2026•26 min•Ep. 8
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 Co...
Dec 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 7
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 b...
Dec 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 6
AI crawlers are coming for your content: Should you block them, or let them in? In this episode of Ctrl Alt Ask, Raptive’s Chief Growth Officer, Marc McCollum, breaks down what every creator needs to know about AI scraping your site. Our guest this week, Nate Hake, founder of Travel Lemming, shares why he’s already blocking AI bots, and why he thinks creators must unite to demand fair compensation from AI companies. From copyright lawsuits and licensing deals to the truth about traffic loss, thi...
Nov 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 5
As a creator, your niche is your superpower for finding and retaining an audience. But is honing a super-specific category leaving advertising dollars on the table? This week, Jess Coppom of Make & Do Crew, wonders if she should expand her crochet content to attract advertisers. To give Jess the best advice, we pulled in MaryRay Lombardo, Raptive’s SVP of Advertising Partnerships. She explains why advertisers are drawn to creator sites, and what they’re looking for. She brings the latest res...
Nov 05, 2025•22 min•Ep. 4
What does YouTube really want? For years, it was long-form content, where more minutes meant more revenue. But after the TikTok takeover, YouTube abruptly pivoted to short-form, which is great for getting creators more eyeballs, but not as great for ad dollars. This week’s creator, Aimee Page of the Crazy Craft Lady, has had success on YouTube with long-form content. But should she suddenly start creating short-form content to keep up with this trend? How should creators meet the algorithm at th...
Oct 22, 2025•28 min•Ep. 3
Where did all my clicks go? This is a common question we’ve been hearing over the last few years as traffic has plummeted for creators across the board. Our creator this week, Organically Addison, has noticed that Google is ranking Quora or Reddit forums above her gluten-free recipes. Is that where her traffic went? Tom Critchlow, Raptive’s EVP of Audience Growth, joins Stephanie to explain what happened. As it turns out, it’s a bit more complicated than just favoring community forums. But there...
Oct 08, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2
The relationship between Google and creators has hit a rough patch. What was a match made in heaven–Google provided the platform, and creators provided the quality content searchers were looking for–has soured. With the rollout of AI Overviews and AI mode, creators are feeling left in the lurch, losing clicks and struggling to see a future with Google. The team behind the Inspired Taste website shares their story and asks: Is it time to break up with Google? Stephanie brings in expert Paul Banni...
Sep 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1
The advice show for web creators who are going through it. Each week, host Stephanie Woodin and an expert guest take calls from creators who are up against today’s challenges: AI updates, diversifying revenue streams, rebranding, or struggling with burnout – and we bring you actionable, data driven advice. If you want to leave a question or an idea for a future episode, get in touch at ctrlaltask@raptive.com .
Sep 17, 2025•1 min
