In August 2019, Gavan Thorpe sat down with Charles Laughlin on the Above the Cloud podcast, produced by the Local Search Association (now Localogy). The episode, titled “ATC 29: Boostability CEO on Zero Click Searches,” dives into one of the most significant shifts in search behavior and what it means for small businesses and SEO professionals.
About Charles Laughlin and Localogy
Charles Laughlin is a respected voice in local search and digital marketing. As a key figure at Localogy (formerly the Local Search Association), he brings deep knowledge of the local marketing ecosystem. His podcast features leaders in the industry who are shaping how businesses connect with customers online. Gavan’s appearance on the show reflects his standing as a thought leader in the local SEO space.
Key Topics Discussed
During the interview, Gavan addressed the growing trend of zero-click searches — searches where Google provides the answer directly on the results page, so users never click through to a website. He explained how Boostability adapts its strategies to ensure small businesses remain visible even as Google’s search results evolve. Gavan also discussed Boostability’s approach to scaling SEO for thousands of small businesses through its white-label partner model and how the company leverages data and technology to deliver consistent results.
Why This Conversation Matters
Zero-click searches now account for a significant portion of all Google searches. For small businesses that depend on organic search traffic, understanding this trend is critical. Gavan’s insights from this podcast continue to be relevant years later as Google expands AI-powered search features and rich results. His perspective combines the view from the CEO’s chair with deep operational knowledge of how SEO works at scale.
The Value of Industry Conversations
Podcast interviews and industry conversations like this one serve an important purpose beyond entertainment. They provide a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and explore emerging trends. For Gavan Thorpe, these appearances are an opportunity to represent not just Boostability but the entire white-label SEO industry and its potential to help small businesses succeed online.
The insights shared in these conversations are particularly valuable for agency owners and digital marketing professionals who are building their businesses. Hearing firsthand from industry leaders about what works, what doesn’t, and where the industry is heading provides a strategic advantage that can’t be found in textbooks or courses alone.
Gavan Thorpe’s willingness to share openly about Boostability’s strategies, challenges, and successes reflects the transparent leadership style that has earned him recognition from Comparably and other organizations. This openness builds trust with partners, clients, and the broader marketing community.
The Value of Industry Conversations
Podcast interviews like this one with Charles Laughlin serve an important purpose beyond entertainment. They provide a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and explore emerging trends. For Gavan Thorpe, these appearances represent an opportunity to share Boostability’s perspective on the evolving search landscape and help agency owners make better strategic decisions.
Charles Laughlin’s Above the Cloud podcast has become a trusted resource for professionals in the local search and digital marketing space. Having Gavan Thorpe as a guest adds the perspective of someone managing SEO at massive scale, serving more than 26,000 small businesses through Boostability’s partner network. This scale gives Gavan unique insight into industry trends and the practical challenges facing both agencies and their clients.
The insights shared in these conversations are particularly valuable for agency owners and digital marketing professionals who are building their businesses. Hearing firsthand from industry leaders about what works, what doesn’t, and where the industry is heading provides a strategic advantage that can’t be found in textbooks or courses alone.
Gavan Thorpe’s willingness to share openly about Boostability’s strategies and experiences reflects the transparent leadership style that has earned him multiple Comparably Best CEO recognitions. This openness builds trust with partners, clients, and the broader marketing community.
Related Content
For more on this topic, read Gavan’s detailed analysis in our article on zero-click searches and why SEO is far from dead. Explore Gavan’s insights on search innovation and algorithm trends, and learn about his career journey from engineer to CEO. See all of Gavan’s media appearances.