RebelWebinar #1: Trends & Best Practices, 2024 Learnings

Key Learnings and Emerging Trends

• Blueprint Success: RebelMouse introduced Blueprints in 2024, boosting user experience and revenue for clients.
• AI Growth: Explosive adoption of AI tools and new integrations reshaped search and user experience.
• Traffic Fluctuations: Publishers and brands face volatile traffic due to algorithm updates, making diversification of traffic and emphasizing user experience more important than ever.

Best Practices

• Technical SEO: Continuous audits are critical as the web evolves.
• AI Integration: Use AI to streamline editorial processes and enhance personalization, improving engagement.
• Data-Driven Testing: A/B testing and adapting based on data leads to better site performance.
• User Experience: Prioritize fast-loading pages, jump links, and contextual links to improve site navigation and engagement.

RebelMouse Leaders' 2024 Learnings

1️⃣ The Power of Active Listening

Milagros Linale (Argentina) — Head of HR

• Focus on understanding individual motivations to align them with company goals.
• Build a culture of connection and collaboration across diverse teams.
• Strengthen relationships by valuing diverse perspectives.

2️⃣ Quality Over Quantity

Carolina Ramírez (Colombia) — Director of Onboarding

• Prioritize high-value actions that impact business goals.
• Create quality content that resonates with your audience to avoid Google's penalties.
• Focus on core features that enhance user experience rather than overloading sites.

3️⃣ Importance of Efficiency

Sandra Orlic (Serbia) — Chief Creative Officer

• Focus on tasks that require human expertise; automate or use AI for everything else.
• Streamline processes such as Google Search Console validations and metadata optimization using AI.
• Efficiency leads to faster results and better team performance.

4️⃣ Don’t Let Fear Consume You

Adam Taylor (Colorado, U.S.) — Director of Strategic Solutions

• Recognize fear and release it to focus on positive outcomes.
• Take action where possible and find time to care for yourself.
• Embrace the mindset "Illegitimi non carborundum." (Don’t let the bastards grind you down.)

5️⃣ Adopt, Adapt, Advance

Ana-Maria Iancu (Romania) — Director of Solutions Architects

• Approach new trends and tools as opportunities, not obstacles.
• Continuous learning is key to staying ahead of industry changes.
• Turn challenges into growth by embracing creativity and collaboration.

6️⃣ Importance and Value of Rethinking

Cindy De Gouveia (South Africa) — Account Manager

• Let go of the illusion of control to open new possibilities.
• Choose curiosity over certainty and be willing to rethink assumptions.
• Focus on getting it right instead of being right.

7️⃣ Focus on the Small Picture

Rodrigo Ramos (Brazil) — Data Analyst

• Small details, such as long-tail traffic, can have significant impacts.
• Diversify traffic sources and use AI and automation to boost efficiency.
• Ask questions and analyze data skeptically to find solutions.

8️⃣ 2024 Design Learnings

Dasha Kubayeva (Spain) — Head of Design and UX/UI

• Design and content must work together to connect with audiences.
• Accessibility is a key differentiator for brands.
• AI tools can assist with design tasks, but creativity remains human-driven.

9️⃣ Utilize AI for Targeted Direct Ads

Ivan Nikolic (Serbia) — Director of Advertising Operations

• Use AI to build privacy-compliant, first-party audiences for direct-sold ads.
• AI can analyze articles and categorize users into audience groups.
• Data is privacy-friendly and deletable upon user request.

🔟 Add Value in Each Interaction

Gabriela Carrion (Brazil) — VP of Operations

• Transform routine interactions into meaningful exchanges by anticipating needs.
• Build trust and create memorable "wow" moments by going the extra mile.
• Share technical insights in an accessible way to support clients and teammates.

1️⃣1️⃣ Combine Strengths, Create Better Solutions

Zelle Gatoc (Spain) — Digital Strategist

• Collaboration between content, SEO, and design creates holistic digital experiences.
• Tap into human expertise to craft solutions beyond what AI can achieve.
• Transform simple partnerships into deep collaborations for growth.

1️⃣2️⃣ AI Isn’t the End of the World

Craig Kanalley (Buffalo, New York, U.S.) — VP of Strategy

• AI can improve efficiency by handling repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity.
• Media partnerships and legal frameworks will create a better AI ecosystem.
• Human-written content remains more engaging and authentic than AI-generated text.

Trending Content Themes

• Current Events: Leverage breaking news and trending topics with tools like Break The Web and Google Trends.
• Emotional Stories: Stories on love, identity, and overcoming struggles tend to perform well.
• Investigative News: Original research and exclusive stories boost engagement.
• Pique Curiosity: Surprising, fascinating, or mind-blowing facts grab people's attention.
• Practical Guides: "How-to" content helps users navigate complex topics.

Platforms Insights for 2025

• Emerging Platforms: Growth is expected on TikTok (pending legislation), Threads, and Bluesky.
• AI Search: Increasing referrals from AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
• Google Discover: Unpredictable but offers explosive traffic potential.
• Newsletters: Direct audience relationships remain valuable.

Case Studies

• EHN Redesign Leads to Explosive Growth and Higher Engagement
  • 53% higher engagement rate; 97% increase in users
• From Launch to SEO Growth: Best Local Things Case Study
  • 79% increase in revenue within 30 days; users +173%
• How The Fulcrum Grew SEO Traffic With a Blueprint Redesign
  • 76% increase in users within 60 days
• Blueprint Redesign Grows Traffic and Revenue for Comic Sands
  • 172% increase in Google users; +61% engagement time per user
• How Journalists Can Use AI: Add Context Based on Archives
  • Empowered the newsroom to add context to breaking news

Q&A Highlights

• AI Risks: Legal reviews, overreliance, and hallucinations need careful management.
• Referral Traffic Growth: Social platforms, AI sites, and newsletters will be key in 2025.
• RebelMouse vs. WordPress: RebelMouse offers built-in social distribution, enhanced security, and a full DXP with AI integrations. Learn more here.