In this episode, David Quaid discusses critical SEO topics for 2026, including the importance of communicating value through storytelling rather than raw data, using the 'position 17 rule' to find quick ranking wins, and understanding the difference between 'discovered not indexed' and 'crawled not indexed' statuses. He also provides insights on internal linking, the impact of AI Overviews on traffic, and why Google's stance on AI content is more nuanced than often portrayed.
A short editorial from the VEONIB team on why this content matters.
SEO in 2026 is less about chasing rankings and more about understanding the fluid nature of Google's index and the shift towards AI-driven answers. The key is to use data from Search Console to find actionable opportunities and communicate value through a business-focused narrative.
This content stands out by offering a pragmatic counter to the panic around AI Overviews. SEONIB's AI-driven platform aligns with this by helping publishers identify the exact queries and content structures that AI engines are likely to cite, turning the 'position 17 rule' into a scalable, data-backed strategy.
This is essential viewing for SEO professionals and content marketers. Your next step should be to audit your own Search Console data for 'position 17' opportunities and reframe your next performance report around business outcomes, not just traffic metrics.
The practice of optimizing content to be the primary source for answers provided by AI-driven search engines and assistants.
A heuristic for finding content opportunities by targeting keywords your site already ranks for on page two, indicating a high potential for ranking improvement.
A Google Search Console status indicating Google has found a URL but has not yet crawled or fetched it for its index.
A Google Search Console status indicating Google has crawled a page but chose not to include it in its index, often due to a perceived lack of authority or relevance.
A measure of a website's perceived expertise and depth of knowledge on a specific subject, which helps it rank for related terms.
The flow of PageRank and authority from one page to another through hyperlinks on the same domain, influenced by link placement and count.
Google's AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results, which can reduce organic click-through rates for traditional listings.
Why is communicating SEO value considered 'half the battle'?
Because providing raw data isn't reporting. A good report tells a story about how SEO actions are moving the needle toward business outcomes, which is crucial for client or stakeholder buy-in.
What is the 'position 17 rule' in SEO?
It's a tactic where you look at Google Search Console for queries your site ranks for around position 17 (page two). These are seen as easy opportunities; writing targeted content for them can push you to page one.
What is the difference between 'discovered not indexed' and 'crawled not indexed'?
'Discovered not indexed' often means Google hasn't fetched the page yet, which can be a bug. 'Crawled not indexed' means Google read the page but chose not to index it, usually because the site lacks topical authority for that page's subject.
Is there a maximum number of internal links per page?
There is no strict rule, but it's a percentage game. More links dilute the authority passed to each. It's better to have fewer, highly relevant links that have a high click probability than many low-value links.
How are AI Overviews affecting website traffic?
AI Overviews are rerouting traffic away from traditional organic listings. Even if you rank #1, you may not get the click, making it essential to focus on being the source cited within AI answers.
Will Google penalize all AI-generated content?
No, Google's stance is against manipulating search, regardless of whether content is written by AI or humans. The issue is with scaled, low-value content created solely to game the system, not the use of AI as a tool.
Why is my page stuck on page two of Google?
This is often a topical authority issue. The page's topic is too far from your site's core expertise. You can try importing authority via backlinks or roll back the page to target a longer-tail, less competitive keyword.
How should SEO reporting change for 2026?
Reporting must move beyond just showing rankings and traffic. It needs to connect SEO efforts to leads, conversions, and other business outcomes, especially as AI search changes referral patterns.
What is the '85% authority tax' in internal linking?
It's a concept that suggests a significant portion of a page's authority is not passed on through links due to a dampening effect. It's a reason to be selective with internal links to maximize the flow to key pages.
How can I find new keywords to target in the age of AI search?
Focus on keywords that trigger AI Overviews and those that don't. Use the 'position 17 rule' on your own Search Console data to find low-hanging fruit, and prioritize depth and breadth over just chasing high-volume terms.