Ep 718: 2026 SEO Survival Guide: Branding, AI & Beating Negative SEO in iGaming

In today’s episode of iGaming Daily, SEO Expert Ivana Flynn is joined by Alina Shvartskop Kalinichenko, Head of SEO at Motherlink, as the duo discuss how iGaming operators and affiliates can future-proof their SEO strategies for 2026 after one of the most volatile years the industry has ever seen.

Tune in to today’s episode to find out:

• Why branding is your ultimate SEO shield and how a strong, unified brand identity can stabilise traffic when generic keyword rankings collapse.
• How to defend against negative SEO attacks from spam link floods to reputation sabotage, and what backlink hygiene really looks like in 2026.
• The truth about White Hat vs Black Hat SEO and why you should study manipulative tactics without relying on them.
• How to implement agile SEO sprints by building long-term vision while executing in fast, adaptable 1-3 month cycles.
• How to prepare for AI-driven search including practical tactics to optimise for AI overviews, LLM citations, and third-party brand signals.

Host: Ivana Flynn
Guest: Alina Shvartskop Kalinichenko
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: Anaya McDonald

Learn how Optimove’s Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove’s Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.

To see how this approach comes to life, Optimove Connect returns to London on March 11 and 12, 2026. It is the only user conference where marketers from around the world share real-world results of Positionless Marketing driving efficiency and ROI. Register at connect.optimove.com.

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.