Avatar of Carolyn Shelby

Carolyn Shelby

I am focused on ensuring Yoast remains the global standard for technical SEO and search governance. My goal is to bridge the gap between enterprise-scale architecture and the evolving AI-discovery landscape.

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As a Principal SEO for Yoast, Carolyn Shelby architects the search strategies that power the world’s most popular SEO platform. A 30-year veteran of digital strategy, she previously served as the Director of SEO for Tribune Publishing, where she oversaw technical governance for a massive portfolio of major daily newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times.

Her career includes a specialized tenure as the SEO Lead for ESPN (on loan from Disney), where she managed the brand’s domestic and global search operations. This background in high-velocity media and complex enterprise migrations established her reputation for protecting search equity at a global scale.

In addition to her partnership with Yoast, Carolyn is the VP of Strategy at Northside Metrics, providing high-stakes advisory to executive leadership. She maintains her research and technical perspectives at CSHEL.com.

How to optimize content for AI LLM comprehension using Yoast’s tools

7 May 2025 Carolyn Shelby

As AI-driven search engines rewrite the rules of content visibility, one thing is clear: optimization isn’t dead — it’s evolving. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Perplexity AI don’t just retrieve web pages; they synthesize answers. And your content? It only gets included if it’s clear, relevant, and easy to extract. The […]

Read: "How to optimize content for AI LLM comprehension using Yoast’s tools"
How to optimize content for AI LLM comprehension using Yoast’s tools

No, AI-powered search is not built on theft: debunking misconceptions

29 August 2024 | 3 Comments Carolyn Shelby

AI-powered search tools like SearchGPT have sparked both excitement and concern among SEOs. Recently, industry prognosticators have expressed fears about AI-driven tools undermining traditional traffic sources. They worry that widespread adoption of these tools will divert so much traffic away from previously profitable websites that the decline in visibility will “unalive” those sites completely. It’s […]

Read: "No, AI-powered search is not built on theft: debunking misconceptions"
No, AI-powered search is not built on theft: debunking misconceptions

Google ruled a monopoly; search industry braces for change

In a landmark ruling, a federal judge has declared Google a monopoly, citing the tech giant’s anticompetitive practices in maintaining its dominant position in the search engine market. This decision could have significant impacts on the search industry and digital marketing writ large, potentially reshaping the landscape for SEO strategies and paid search. As Google […]

Read: "Google ruled a monopoly; search industry braces for change"
Google ruled a monopoly; search industry braces for change

Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for you

24 July 2024 Carolyn Shelby

In a happy yet surprising move, Google has announced it will not be phasing out third-party cookies as previously planned. This decision has significant implications for website owners, digital marketers, and SEO practitioners, particularly those using tools like Yoast SEO to optimize their WordPress sites. Here’s a closer look at what this means for Yoast […]

Read: "Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for you"
Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for you

The Google Leak: insights and implications for SEO best practices

In the SEO universe, paradigm shifting insights can suddenly appear out of nowhere, like a decloaking warbird a little too close to the neutral zone, catching even the most seasoned captains by surprise. The recent Google API leak has sent such a shockwave through the SEO quadrant, igniting intense discussions and debates within the community. […]

Read: "The Google Leak: insights and implications for SEO best practices"
The Google Leak: insights and implications for SEO best practices

AI Overviews by Google and how Yoast SEO helps you prepare

As Google rolls out its new AI Overviews, SEO professionals and website owners must adapt to these changes to maintain and improve their search rankings. Google’s AI Overview, powered by the advanced Gemini model, integrates generative AI into the SERP. It provides users with summarized answers to complex queries at the top — well above […]

Read: "AI Overviews by Google and how Yoast SEO helps you prepare"
AI Overviews by Google and how Yoast SEO helps you prepare

Tastemaker Conference 2026

January 09 - 10, 2026
  • Speaking
Los Angeles, United States
Marketing Conference

Tastemaker Conference is the premier event for food content creators. Two inspiring days in the heart of Los Angeles, packed with expert-led education, meaningful networking, and fresh industry insights. This is where food bloggers and content creators come to level up their brand, build long-lasting relationships, and light their creative spark. Our Principal SEO, Carolyn […] Read about Tastemaker Conference 2026 »

Come and meet us, we are attending: