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Learn how today's guest went from eBay to AI-driven marketing. Discover his secrets to LinkedIn growth, UGC blitz campaigns, trade show ROI, and mastering AEO optimization. Rob Stanley, a trailblazer in the e-commerce realm since the late '90s, shares his unique journey from selling parts for Palm Pilots on eBay to pioneering iPhone repair sales via YouTube. With nearly three decades of experience, Rob uncovers the secrets behind maximizing LinkedIn presence and the power of user-generated content strategies. He also recounts his remarkable transformation from being the "money man" to collaborating with companies challenging giants like Shopify. His stories are not just about past achievements but offer a roadmap for today's e-commerce professionals looking to make a mark in a dynamic industry. Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the captivating world of trade shows and the art of standing out. Rob shares vivid anecdotes on how to create unforgettable trade show experiences, emphasizing the need for creative hooks and interactive booth presentations to capture attendees' attention. Further, we dive into the art of crafting compelling LinkedIn posts that spur engagement, complete with insights on using varied content types and scheduling tools to maintain a vibrant online presence. With Rob's clever strategies, listeners will find themselves equipped with the tools to transform their LinkedIn and trade show tactics into genuine business growth. In the final segment, Rob and Kevin explore the future of e-commerce, with a spotlight on AI optimization tools and emerging trends. We discuss the innovative potential of Super User-Generated Content and the evolution of e-commerce platforms, such as Miva. Rob offers compelling insights into how AI tools are reshaping search engine strategies, ensuring that brands stay visible in an increasingly digital world. From driverless technology to the evolution of sales dynamics, Rob's expert perspective provides a glimpse into the future, urging listeners to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. In episode 471 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Rob discuss: 00:00 - E-Commerce Journey With The "Money Man" Rob Stanley 07:51 - Discussion on Trade Shows and Feedback 08:46 - Maximizing Trade Show ROI 14:00 - Standing Out at Trade Shows 18:23 - Maximizing LinkedIn for E-Commerce Success 20:01 - Maximizing LinkedIn Engagement Strategies 24:41 - Promoting Brands and Products on LinkedIn 31:06 - Strategic Super UGC Marketing Blitz 38:11 - E-Commerce Industry Trends and Insights 44:33 - AI Optimization Tools for E-Commerce 48:47 - Chat GPT and AEO Rise 53:40 - Evolution of E-Commerce and AI 55:10 - Social Media Reach Out Tips
This week, Sam and Roop dive back into a hot topic, AI and SEO, to answer the question, “Is SEO for AI engines really something new?”Spoiler alert: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) aren't entirely new strategies, they're really evolutions of SEO. Google has confirmed that traditional SEO principles are still the foundation for gaining visibility in AI-driven answer engines. When users ask questions, AI systems don't just find one article with a matching title. Instead, they break the query into smaller, related questions and then pulls the best, most credible snippets from across the web to form a complete answer. It's like twenty searches in one!That means content today needs to be modular, well-organized, and clearly written so each section can stand alone as an authoritative answer. There are some new metrics, like share of voice and sentiment are emerging, but the key to showing up in answer engines and large language models (LLMs) remains solid SEO fundamentals: structure, clarity, and credibility. AEO and GEO represent the next step in SEO's evolution, not a replacement for it.But there are some tweaks to what you might be doing with your current content and its mechanical markup that are also vital in the age of AI. You'll have to listen to the episode to hear what those things are!Next week the gang will be reviewing the ever expanding world of OpenAI and ChatGPT, this time in the form of a new browser (Atlas) that could change how we consume content on the internet in a massive way.— Roop, Sam and ClaudiaTell us what you think!
In this episode, Kai Biami and Spencer Powell delve into the complexities of modern SEO, focusing on the acronyms GEO, AEO, and EAT. They discuss the importance of establishing credibility through EAT, the technical aspects of optimizing for AI search engines, and the shift from traditional keyword strategies to answering real questions posed by potential clients. The conversation emphasizes practical tips for implementing these strategies, including the use of project spotlight pages and the significance of maintaining consistent business information across directories. The hosts encourage listeners to adapt to the evolving landscape of SEO and AI search, highlighting the importance of creating valuable content that resonates with audiences.
What happens when the ancient magic of theatre meets the disruptive energy of artificial intelligence? In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Emmy-nominated producer and 440 Media founder Jeffery Keilholtz to unpack how AI is reshaping entertainment, licensing, and the very soul of live performance. From his time leading Broadway Licensing Global, home to thousands of acclaimed titles including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Jeffery brings a rare blend of creative and commercial insight to one of the most transformative moments in entertainment history. Our conversation explores how live entertainment faces twin challenges of visibility and scarcity in a digital age. As Jeffery explains, the rise of ChatGPT has changed how people search, discover, and decide what to see, forcing a shift from SEO to AEO, or Answer Engine Optimization. Yet even as AI floods the world with abundance, theatre's scarcity, that irreplaceable “live, local, urgent” energy, is becoming more precious than ever. Together we examine how AI can simultaneously empower and endanger creative industries, from copyright battles worth billions to the promise of smarter audience engagement and new paths to discover hidden works. Jeffery also shares his framework for balancing technology and artistry, urging creators to stay nimble like a blade of grass. He argues that surviving this era of AI-driven disruption requires humility, flexibility, and a renewed belief in human connection. It's a powerful reminder that the heartbeat of theatre, and perhaps of creativity itself, still belongs to people gathered together in the same room, sharing something that can never be replicated by a machine. How do you see AI reshaping the arts and entertainment world? Is it an existential threat to creativity or the tool that will help artists reach new heights? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Your emails aren't broken, they're just getting blocked before they even reach people. Gmail, Outlook, and AI tools like Copilot read every line before your audience does. They're not looking for design, they're scanning tone, emotion, and trust. In this episode of Branding Momentum, we're decoding why perfectly good marketing emails are landing in Promotions or Spam, and how to write messages that actually reach humans again. You'll learn which words trigger AI filters, how tone affects deliverability, and what still gets through when automation is reading your content first. If your open rates are dropping or your list feels silent, this is the missing piece. I'm Veronica Di Polo, a marketing strategist based in Moraira, Spain. I help service-based business owners get leads with words that sell.
On this episode of The Founder's Sandbox, Brenda McCabe sits down with Jen Apy, Area Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Outsiders, to explore how scaling companies can unlock growth through fractional marketing leadership. Jen shares insights from her 30+ years of marketing experience—spanning Mattel, Adobe, Intuit, and now Chief Outsiders—and introduces listeners to the Growth Gears framework: a strategic methodology designed to help small and mid-sized companies grow efficiently and sustainably. Jen and Brenda also dive into key trends such as the rise of “flash teams,” how AI is transforming the marketing playbook, and the importance of being a learning organization in a fast-moving world. You can find out more at https://www.chiefoutsiders.com transcript: 00:04 So welcome back to the Founder's Sandbox. I am Brenda McCabe, the host of this monthly podcast where I am joined by business owners, founders, and professional service providers that are scaling businesses. 00:34 with great corporate governance. This podcast is now in its fourth season and very excited to have Jen Apy as my guest today. For those that are subscribed to the Founder Sandbox, you always know that we have a story that's going to be told about the origins of the company and the founder and the professional's experience as the introduction here. And we will always come back to the... 01:02 the sandbox where we're talking about resilience, purpose-driven and scalable growth. And when Jen, who I've known now for several years, we work in the same ecosystem, spoke to me about the growth gears, that is kind of the overarching framework of chief outsiders. I was fascinated and wanted to offer the platform of the podcast to get the message out to business owners that are 01:30 scaling and have not yet thought about using fractional marketing services. So welcome, Jen, to this fourth season. um Absolutely delighted to have you here. Oh, I'm delighted to be here. Excellent. So we did choose a title. We're gonna you're gonna hear the word growth gears throughout this podcast. So the title for the podcast today is growth gears for scaling. And 01:56 Jen and I kind of share a similar background in the sense that we've been out there over three decades. I um had my own consulting business. I worked in the McKinsey & Company and reinvented myself uh around really bringing the expertise that I had at multinationals into the ecosystem of growth stage companies. Jen, tell me you are multifaceted marketing professional over three decades. 02:26 of experience contributing to marketing excellence. Tell us a bit about your origin and your currently, I think since five years ago, the area managing partner and chief marketing officer of Chief Outsiders. So share a bit how your role has evolved and what's it like to be with this company that was once a startup itself. Well, thank you so much for having me, Brenda. It's been a wild ride. 02:56 I feel like I was so lucky early in my career to work with fabulous marketers at Mattel and Intuit and Adobe. And now to have the opportunity to apply those skills to help small to mid-sized companies grow. It's really been a fantastic experience. I feel like this is my purpose. Oh, beautiful. To share these enterprise little marketing skills with smaller companies that 03:25 are hungry for growth. you when I, when I meet founders or I meet CEOs, I'm always really curious about, know, what's working, what's not working. You know, how do we create this flywheel that can help them grow in scale? It really is, is something I enjoy. You know, you found your purpose and then I guess your purpose found you working with chief outsiders because you were also a solopreneur for years. What would be your 03:54 tagline if if anybody were to just listen to five minutes of the founder sandbox, what would be. Jen appease tagline such a good question. I think it would be be something like committed to growth. I feel like that is my purpose. That's what I enjoy. And you know now it's part of outsiders. I I now have 125 colleagues who feel the same way. They've all been fortune 1000. 04:23 and larger company marketers from a variety of different industries. think collectively we've probably covered over 80 industries, over 5,000 engagements. I mean, it's just incredible that the people at Cheap Outsiders that I get to work with every day. And I do feel like commitment to growth is almost a shared purpose for all of us. That's why we're here, because we love to make an impact, to see that impact on smaller companies and be a part. 04:52 of their leadership team. We say that we're outsiders, but we're really embedded as insiders and therefore we can have that impact on companies and watch them grow in scale. It's very gratifying as a marketer. m I also work in the small and medium sized enterprise area. And last month I actually wrote a blog on enterprise, forms of enterprise and the like. 05:18 Did some research on actually SMEs. How many SMEs in your estimation actually reach or go beyond $10 million in revenues? SMEs are 47%, I believe, for the number of enterprises in the United States. But how many actually scale beyond the $10 million revenue? You know, it's a surprisingly small number, like maybe less than 1%. But you know, that's why we're here. 05:47 We want to increase the chances that those companies can scale, you know, 10 million, 50 million, 100 million. We believe that by really applying the market insights, customer insights, competitive insights into, you know, the strategies around positioning and offers and target marketing will lead to the cost of 06:14 efficient and cost effective strategies and execution that will help companies scale. that really is the heart of the growth gears methodology and approach. Well, that's a great segue. You and I met at the recurring revenue conference, I guess, in the seventh year. And as you walk me through the growth gears, you also have an assessment tool. Would you like to share? 06:42 overarching what is what are the gears, the growth gears, what are the key aspects that one can be surveyed about and then and how to engage with the chief outsiders, because I found it fascinating. And I actually used it with one or two of my clients to kind of get the wheels, no pun intended, right to to start moving, right? 07:12 Yes, so the assessment that we use asks companies and leaders questions about the business, about how much do they know about their customers, their competitors, the company, they looked at market trends? And then starts to ask about, do they know where their revenue comes from, where their growth is gonna come from? they understand what channels are most efficient and are they measuring uh the effectiveness of the marketing? 07:41 programs that they have in motion. And it's not every single question that we could ask, but just enough to get them thinking about where growth is gonna come from. And so we use this assessment, usually around this time actually, we're getting close to Q4. And we use it about this time in order to help them think ahead in terms of what are the priorities that are needed for the following year in order to stimulate. 08:08 enable or actualize growth. So if anyone's interested in doing this assessment with me, it's free. Just, you know, reach out to me on LinkedIn, happy to provide you with the link and then have a conversation about what the answers mean. Absolutely. Jen, we'll put those, the survey or the assessment, pardon me, in the show notes. All right. Great. In addition to other areas. So talk to me a little bit about Chief Outsiders. You did say it was a startup at one time. 08:37 How long has it been around? What's the organization look like? And what are the challenges that you particularly are dealing with with the advent of AI? That's a very little question. That's a great question, though. But Chief Outsiders has been around for over 10 years. I think we've been around before the term fractional executive or fractional marketer was even a term. think 09:01 Maybe early on we might've been discussed as strategic business consultants, right? Because we're helping companies grow in scale. But we've been around for over 10 years. We've been on the Fortune 5000 for quite a few years. I think definitely 10 or more. the way that we've grown is by really focusing on what marketing leadership needs to do. 09:30 for companies, which at the end of the day, it's about knowing who your customers are, where to find them, and then how to grow the company based on that focus on finding and retaining customers, whether it's increasing market penetration within a certain target segment or finding new markets or launching new products, whatever that growth strategy is, how to harness that and help 10:00 a company, um, scale over time and marketing has changed so much. I know over the years, mean, I've seen that with your companies is overwhelming. I pardon. I will get back to the question, but I, many, many years ago, McKinsey, was a marketing expert research. We didn't have all these amazing tools we have today to conjoin analysis, you know, with your Excel sheets, right. And focus groups. 10:29 Right. So the sophistication, channel, you know, growth explosion is, you know, I threw my talent a long time ago. Well, you know, it used to be, you know, direct mail and then websites, right. And then e-commerce and, and then it was about social media and content marketing and then SEO. I mean, it's just daunting. And now we have to be thinking about AI in all facets of the 10:59 the marketing toolkit, right? It's impacting every aspect of what we do as marketers. And we have to be thinking about AEO, like answer engine optimization in addition to SEO. So it really is rather overwhelming. So I think that over the years, Chief Outsiders has recognized that the marketing tactics and strategies are going to change and we need to change with it. But that the focus on 11:27 growth is going to come from really the growth gears, right? The approach to understanding the market, understanding how to go to market, understanding how to execute cost effectively. So recently in the advent of AI, knowing that it was going to impact so much of the marketing mix, we actually started to develop an AI platform for us to use. Yes, for us to use internally. What it does is confidentially, 11:57 takes all of the insights for all of the engagements that we've done with companies so that when we are working with clients, we can benefit from that collective knowledge and be able to deliver better, deeper, faster insights from day one for our clients. So deeper insights, proven strategies, best practice execution. There isn't a workstream for marketing sales that isn't going to be impacted by AI. 12:25 So we've definitely thought about that and made sure that we can leverage all this knowledge in order to help us be better marketers for our clients. That's fascinating. It's kind of scary, right? So you've basically like in the healthcare industry, you've anonymized, right? The plethora of data, right? Within the walls of 12:54 chief outsiders of the 10 years of experience and I don't know how many clients, right? To then really document and have your own, for lack of another word, I guess, is it? The knowledge base. The knowledge base, but it's kind of an ocean, right? Data ocean. Yeah. And, you know, and this is how the AI tools work. 13:19 We figured we might as well have something that we can use on a proprietary basis and that can help us not only create our deliverables and have better deliverables, but also to help us manage processes. Because as we talked about with marketing, there's just so much going on, so much to consider, so much to do. This AI platform also helps us to manage those processes. And one of the things we haven't talked about yet is fractional resources. 13:47 I believe really are the future of work. And that's one of the reasons why I'm so excited to be a part of Chief Outsiders because we believe that as well. And that's also part of the reason why we built this platform. Right. So one thing that I want to highlight just from the last discussion here is 14:08 AEO rather than SEO or in addition to SEO that I mean, heard it here on the founder sandbox. Not only do we have to be looking to have our SEO optimization, it's AEO optimization. Yes. So answer engine optimization. And that's coming of course, from the AI tools. You know, I think the stat is something like 70, 71 % of searchers, anyone searching. 14:37 They're now using the AI engines instead of, or sometimes in addition to regular search. But it's the reason why Google is losing traffic share, right? Because people are going to these AI engines sometimes exclusively for certain things. And so this has had an impact on marketing in a couple of ways. One is we need to now optimize our content for answer engines, which it's not that much different from SEO. We still have to adopt the same good. 15:06 SEO practices, you keywords, relevance, backlinks, things like that. But now we call it LL or large language model optimization in 2025. uh In order to be able to rank in those answer engines, we need to also consider brand strength and authority, oh citations, quality of content, sentiment. You know, we really 15:35 PR from authoritative sources is really going to become more important. And so we do a lot of testing ourselves in terms of how Chief Outsiders ranks in these engines. I was going to ask you, have you done that? Yes. And that's how we know that it's not just the SEO good practices that's helping to rank in answer engines. um 16:02 It's also these other things, brand strength and authority. The content needs to answer questions. these engines are understanding when content is authoritatively answering a question. And there's so many factors involved in figuring that out. There are a number of tools we use to see how we're ranking. There are a number of tools we use to figure out how we're 16:33 uh how we're able to, uh I guess, for lack of better words, out the competition, right? And score, right? In our content. And we use this knowledge of how it's working for us to help our clients as well. And we've been doing this from the beginning because we were very aware of all the changes. um So you have your own growth gears operating system. 17:00 It's a remote working AI enabled platform, right? That also enables remote and hybrid teams that come together. Speak to me a little bit about that. GrowthGear's operating system is effectively your LM? Yeah, that's the, well, that's the AI platform that we developed is called the GrowthGear's operating system. And so not only does it leverage the best content, the best tools, but because of the way that we're designing it and it's really to support us, right? And how we work. 17:29 we are really enabling fractional resources and remote and hybrid teams to work together effectively on the projects, the marketing, the growth plans that companies need to scale. this is kind of the way, I mean, if we believe that fractional resources are of economic benefit to both companies because they don't have to hire 17:56 A lot, you know, heavy talent, right for long term. They can hire just what they need when they need it. And also as they evolve and grow, they might need different resources, right? So they can they can cycle through the skill sets they need, but but also because there's economic value because workers, if they want to be more flexible, if they want to leverage a specific skill set and not necessarily be tied to one company gives them the freedom and flexibility to. So I think for for both reasons, there's there's a lot of. uh 18:26 momentum toward this style of working. the platform that we have, you know, it can enable these operational fractional resources, not only marketing, but any part of the organization in the future. Let's go. Let's take that idea or what you're observing in the market and actual client work a little bit further. So how would a potential client 18:54 engage with chief outsiders. They're at, you know, 3 million AR, they have not yet hired a marketing full time, right? How, what would would walk us through a typical, for lack of another word, engagement, or how do they engage with chief outsiders? And particularly, the second part of that is, if you're talking about 19:21 Flash teams, I think is the term that you and I discussed, right? Yeah, it's actually the title of a book being launched by a professor from Stanford, Melissa Valentine. She's coined this phrase flash teams, which essentially is what cheap outsiders does, right? We pull together the resources that a company needs at that moment in time in order to solve their growth problems. we're essentially a flash team enabled by 19:51 the growth gears operating system. Cool. So I'm not I'm the CEO. I've got to hit some revenue milestones. I've interviewed some candidates. I'm not yet sold for you know, bringing in full time, full time chief marketing officer. Jen gives me a call. How do I how do you how do I engage with you? Yeah, well, the first thing I want to understand is, is what what keeps you up at night? 20:21 Right? What, what are some of your growth challenges that, you're struggling with? Because the first thing I want to do is really understand, you know, what resources do you need at this moment in time in order to get you from A to B? so oftentimes we'll look at this and say, is this, is this going to be solved by a marketing led team or sales led team? Sometimes that's the first thing that we're thinking about. And then how much do we know already about the situation in terms of. 20:49 customers, competitors, market insights, customer buying journey, channels that are working and not working. We're wanna know all of that so that we can figure out the most efficient way to approach solving those growth challenges and what work streams are needed. So we'll bring in a fractional executive that's a good fit for that company and then orchestrate the resources that are required to get to the next step. And then when that engagement is through, 21:18 we'll figure out what the next level is. Maybe the next level is bringing in full-time permanent resources to help execute and to help scale where we paid ourselves out of the picture. Or maybe it's just dialing back to more of an advisory role and then bringing in fractional resources from different places in order to be able to test and scale and see what's going to work, what's going to land before we orchestrate on a more. 21:48 So we're very flexible with what a company needs at any point in time. And no two companies are alike. You when you're a $3 million company, you might have talent and skills and gaps that are different from the last client that we had. And we know that. We can recognize those situations just because we've had so much experience working with so many different companies. We can very quickly figure out what's needed for the next step and just give a company exactly what it needs. 22:16 to it. You do tap into your, your network of your 125 professionals with them, know, goodness, the years of experience that you all have obtained while at fortune 1000 companies. Amazing. Oftentimes, I've seen you with as keynote speaker, you do give conference speak and you speak at conferences. What one of the most recent 22:42 conferences. I'm not uncertain where it was, but you the topic you spoke to, Jen, was winning website traffic in the age of AI, what CEOs need to know? Can you without sending us to you know, that I don't know whether it's on online, we can put that in the show notes. But what's the top, you know, line messages from that conference where you spoke about winning website traffic? Yeah. 23:10 Well, I did it with a couple of my colleagues who are very experienced in digital transformation and now how to win traffic with the answer engines. And so we talked about some of the uh tactics that we're finding work nowadays and how that's going to change how companies need to think about orchestrating their marketing mix. So Mike. 23:36 Colin Angela gave an example of a very specific example of an article that had been written for SEO that now needs to be written for AEO just so that people could see the difference. But I think the main message that we were trying to send uh to companies is uh marketing is not static. Just because you've figured out your marketing mix doesn't mean it's going to work two years down the line. It's constantly evolving. And so you need leadership. 24:04 who can be thinking about how are customer behaviors changing? How do I reach them differently? And the fact that 71 % of searchers are going to answer engines, that's a huge shift and marketers need to be ready to address that. So if you're a smaller company and you just don't have the resources to keep retraining your staff. 24:29 every year or so and you need that expertise in the know how do I compete now today? How do I set myself up for success? That's where we as Fractional Resources can come in and help you be that learning organization, that resilient organization that's going to survive through the next sea of change. 24:51 That is fascinating. Yeah, it's it's a living beast, right? marketing and it's moving so rapidly, it would be hard. I'm to actually have the inside resources, the talent inside unless they're constantly being retooled. So it is an opportunity to use fractional resources, depth of expertise that you have. Yeah. And that's one thing that I value about the chief outsiders culture is the fact that I think what's made us 25:21 so resilient is the fact that we're really a learning and sharing organization. We've recognized that change happens rapidly. To be resilient, we need to change and constantly be learning and retooling ourselves. And that is something we highly value. But to be able to do that quickly, no one person can do all this on their own. It's nearly impossible and very overwhelming. You can't do it in a silo. So we have a culture of sharing where 25:50 If we learn something new, um we'll share with the rest of the organization. So that, that, uh, that webinar that we did was just as much for us and our executives as it was for the clients that we, that we serve in this culture of sharing really creates resiliency in the sense that if, a company brings in one of our fractional executives and let's say they encounter a market challenge or a sales challenge that that particular 26:19 executive hasn't seen before, they can turn to the other 125 marketers and say, hey, let's get together. Let's put our best brains on this business and determine what things we might be able to try or what things we should put in place in order to benefit this organization. And I think there's no individual fractional out there that has access to that much talent and expertise. 26:49 on a moment's notice as we do. And that's part of what's going to create the resiliency that we need as an organization to survive in the next decade, because everything is just going to start to move faster and companies are going to just need that much more speed. So, but we also believe that's a value that we can bring in addition to being interim and not being full-time and bringing in the expertise they need to write at that moment. We can also draw on the collective expertise of the tribe. So the brain trust. 27:19 Well, that's a good term. love that. Right. Brain trust. I love that brain trust. One technical question of the 125 professionals within chief outsiders and interim roles. Is it solely in the marketing area or do you also offer maybe in the sales? there other interim roles? That's a really good question. So we do focus on marketing and sales primarily, but sometimes we're actually brought in as fractional COOs. 27:49 as well or division heads. And it's because of our broad leadership expertise. And some of our executives have been CEOs of their own companies. They founded companies, they've sold companies. So they do have that broader business perspective, but primarily it's marketing and sales. Excellent. We're going to switch gears, to the standby. No pun intended. 28:17 That's right. That's here in the founder sandbox. I'm passionate about building resilience, scalable and purpose-driven companies. And I like to ask my guests briefly, what is the meaning of resilience? What does that mean to you? Or does he chief outsiders? It's a fascinating part of the podcast for me become that you have very different definitions. And that's the beauty of asking this. Yeah. Well, I think that resilience, at least for for me, for us, a chief outsiders means 28:46 being able to survive and move forward and grow in the face of massive change. Right. It's not, it's not bending to the will of the market. It's, it's, it's basically saying, you know what? We know how we can add value at this moment in time. And we have the tools to address this change and add value. that, you know, it is one of the reasons why we constantly are thinking about 29:15 how do we bring more to the table for our clients? So in addition to the growth years operating system that we created, we also have an ecosystem called team outsiders of fractional marketing execution resources that we can draw on at any point in time and create our own flash teams for our clients. So let's say we've gone through the strategy and we've determined that we really need an e-commerce expert 29:45 that can optimize Amazon or we really need somebody who can take charge of developing the content that's going to address not only SEO and or but also AEO and we'll draw from our pool of team outsiders resources and we'll put together that fractional team for the client at a moment's notice. So we believe that that is going to make us a lot more agile. 30:13 for our clients because sometimes they just need to get started, but they don't have time to go higher or they don't have time to go evaluate a new agency. We can bring somebody in. We can, we can set the stage. We can get things going and then let them have the time to decide really who they want on a longer term basis. So, you know, agile teams, flash teams, it comes from our ability to be able to, draw on this network of. 30:42 team outsiders and to be resilient. How about purpose? What's purpose mean to you? Purpose. You know, I think that when I look back on my career and also what I'm doing here at Chief Outsiders, I get the most satisfaction from seeing smaller companies grow from helping founders make their dreams come true. You know, there are so many great companies out there. 31:12 that just need a shot at the big time, right? And we can do that because we've seen it. We know how to get a company from one to a hundred. We've seen it. We know what a company at one or a company at zero, what they're faced with from the standpoint of challenges, time, resources, focus, right? And so we can adjust what we do in order to adapt to that environment. But we know what an organization is going to need 31:41 to be competitive and to need to grow at 30, 50, 100. And we can keep our sights on what that needs to be and advise the companies we're working with on how they're gonna get there. So yes, we're implementing this today, but it's gonna look like this tomorrow, but we're not ready for that yet. We're just gonna do this here today because you don't have the time or the bandwidth or the money to do that many things. But this is, we've done the analysis, we've done the research, we've done the testing. 32:11 This is what you need to scale for right now. So, you know, being able to do that and then see these companies grow from 10 to 30 to 50 million, it's a thrill. it is very, very rewarding. So I think that, you know, I found my purpose and this is the, in speaking with my colleagues, they're all, we're all here for the same reason. So we really do have that shared. 32:39 purpose and we really enjoy what we do. Fantastic last one and then we'll move to how to contact you scalable growth. I'm certain you're going to talk about those the growth gears, but what's scalable right? What's that mean to you? Scalable growth to me means we figured out what works and we can replicate it cost efficiently and cost effectively. So that is 33:07 our focus when we're working within the growth gears methodology, we're looking for the way to scale most cost-efficiently effectively. I know that one of the things that you are really big on with your companies, the companies you invest in is governance. Yes. You're really big on governance. And when I think about governance, I think about responsibility and accountability. And what that means to me as a marketer, 33:35 And as a revenue leader is making sure that the spend that we commit to in marketing and sales is going to drive revenue and growth cost effectively. so by making sure that we've done the analysis, that we figured out what's going to work, that we've tested before we scale is that responsible governance approach, right? To marketing and so 34:05 You know, I think that there are some companies that are in situations where they have to scale no matter what. They just throw money at it, you know, scale no matter what. And there are situations where that needs to happen. But we find with the companies that we work with that the more responsible, prudent, accountable, you know, organic growth is what the founders are looking for. And we know how to do that. 34:35 Replicable, right? Replicable, yes. Amazing. So Jen, um last question before we listen to how to contact you. you have fun today in the Founder's Sandbox? Oh, it's always a pleasure to talk with you, Brenda. I really enjoy our conversations. We're of like minds. That's true. That's true. Avid readers and bringing the best to our clients. So thank you. How can my listeners 35:04 find you and best reach chief outsiders. Yes. So they can find me on Jenna, but they can also find me on the chief outsiders website on the leadership tab. And from the chief outsiders website, you can also learn about all of the things that we do. can meet all of the 125 executives that we have. You can learn more about growth gears, OS and team outsiders. Excellent. And 35:32 In the show notes, will provide the assessment so that you listeners that are actually considering, you know, what do I need to do at this last quarter of the year, right? To plan my marketing resources, just download the assessment. It's a very interesting tool. So thank you. Well, to my listeners, if you enjoyed this episode with Jen Appie of 35:56 chief outsiders. I'd encourage you to subscribe to this monthly podcast where we have founders, business owners, corporate board directors and professional service providers that are really building scalable, purpose driven and resilient companies with great corporate governance. Signing off for this month. Thank you for joining us here on the Founder's Sandbox.
Want more qualified appointments without racing to the bottom on price? Marketing leader Ken Tucker (Changescape Web) breaks down a practical AI speed-to-lead system for home builders, covering AI phone assistants, OSC roles, answer-engine optimization, and a content machine that actually moves the needle.What you'll learnWhy “first response wins” (and how AI makes it instant—24/7)AI voice/chat setup: FAQs, escalation rules, booked-appointment targetsWhere OSCs fit next to AI (and how to keep the “talk to a human” option)Tech stack sanity: CRM + ops tools, APIs/Zapier, and subscription auditsContent flywheel: short videos → blogs → social → press → emailAnswer-Engine Optimization (AEO): schema, local SEO, reviews, Reddit/LinkedIn signalsGuest: Ken Tucker — author of Content Marketing for Local Search (updated with AI strategies) Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:40 Ken's IT→Marketing journey & podcast lessons 03:30 Speed-to-lead: why first wins (even vs. price) 10:30 OSCs, AI chat/voice, and instant response 12:45 Training AI with FAQs + escalation to humans 20:10 Jobs & AI: repurposing roles, “rejection-proof” follow-up 21:30 Local content with AI: FAQs, repurposing, signals 26:00 AEO, schema, Bing/LLMs, reviews & reputation 34:00 How to reach Ken + final takeawaysLinks
On this episode, I'm asking a question that's quietly reshaping digital marketing: Will AI change the way we search? I'm joined by Sam Hurley, founder of NOVOS an SEO and AI Search agency. We unpack what's happening to discovery as AI answers more of our questions for us, and what that means for brands, agencies and search strategies.We talk about how AEO or GEO or AIEO or what ever you call it fits into the mix, how it differs from traditional SEO, and why Google, OpenAI and Perplexity might soon be the new gatekeepers of visibility. We also get into what brands can actually do right now to prepare for AI-native search, and whether this shift is likely to change consumer behaviour forever.If you work in commerce, brand marketing or digital strategy, this episode will help you understand what's next for search, discovery and visibility in the age of AI.Checkout Factory here.Sign up to our newsletter here.
AI SEO (GEO, LLMO, AEO) Praxis-Vorlagen gratis? ➔ Hier laden: https://xhauer.com/downloads-podcast WORKSHOP "Volle Leads-Pipeline durch virtuelle KI-Marketing-Mitarbeiter in ChatGPT & LinkedIn" ➔ Hier ansehen: https://xhauer.com/workshop-pod Zur KI-Marketing-Team Community ➔ Mit trainierten ChatGPT-Assistenten zur vollen Pipeline: https://xhauer.com/ki In ChatGPT gefunden werden? Von Gemini & Perplexity empfohlen werden? 2026 ist AI SEO aka. GEO, LLMO, AEO das Riesenthema.Ich weiß nicht, wie es euch geht, aber ich suche mittlerweile viel mehr in ChatGPT und Gemini als in der klassichen Google-Suche.Wir haben regelmäßig Interessen, die bei uns anklopfen: “ChatGPT hat mir euch empfohlen.”Das ist natürlich extrem wertvoller Traffic mit hoher Kaufintention. Und die KI hat dafür gesorgt, dass diese Leads bereits ein Stück Vertrauen zu uns als Anbieter aufgebaut haben.In dieser Folge lernst du die aktuell stärksten Taktiken kennen, um von LLMs empfohlen zu werden. Der gute Jonas Frewert hat den Mitgliedern unserer KI Marketing Team Community Praxistipps an die Hand gegeben, die es nirgends anders gibt (auch nicht bei ChatGPT
In this episode of Content, Briefly, Jimmy Daly sits down with Lindsay Boyajian Hagan, VP of Marketing and Co-head of Revenue at Conductor, to explore how the company is evolving from its SEO roots into the fast-emerging world of AI Engine Optimization (AEO).Lindsay shares how Conductor is helping enterprise brands measure and improve their visibility across AI search engines, why content remains the “currency” of AI, and how her team restructured their marketing strategy—shifting budget from traditional demand gen into higher-quality content and brand visibility.They also dig into the changing relationship between SEO and AEO, what marketers should measure in this new landscape, and how Conductor's own marketing team is practicing what they preach. It's a must-listen for anyone rethinking their content strategy in the age of AI search.************************Useful Links:Follow Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmydaly/Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayboyajian/Amplify Your Brand in AI Search************************Stay Tuned:► Website: https://www.superpath.co/► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@superpath► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superpath/► Twitter: https://twitter.com/superpathco************************Don't forget to leave us a five-star review and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Marigold
Marketers love shiny objects, but this chat gets real about what moves pipeline right now with Jay Schwedelson and Ben Schechter. CMO FloQast! [Industry Giant Accounting Platform]From why webinars still outperform to how to score webinar engagement the smart way, Ben shares practical plays for B2B teams that feel more consumer savvy. You also get a sanity check on AEO experiments, and a peek at how a not-so-sexy category builds a brand people actually want to follow.ㅤConnect with Ben Schechter on LinkedIn and explore FloQast if you lead or support an accounting team looking to modernize the close and operations.ㅤBest Moments:(01:23) From B2C to B2B - the consumer skills that turbocharge enterprise growth(04:12) Webinars still crush - attendance, engagement, and conversion you can bank on(06:55) Registered vs attended vs engaged - who sales should call first and why(08:52) Stop worshiping lead count - pipeline and dollars beat vanity metrics(11:45) AEO is real but early - balance experiments with core SEO and paid search(15:15) Making accounting feel human - a distinct voice and an in-house studios teamㅤCheck out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!Register here: www.GuruConference.comㅤCheck out Jay's YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay's TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelsonCheck Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/ㅤMASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma
AI is completely changing how people find and engage with brands — and traditional marketing strategies aren't enough anymore. In this episode, I sit down with Josh Hanosh, VP at Three29, to unpack how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and new AI tools are reshaping marketing, search, and lead generation. We talk about the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) — why it's different from SEO, how AI “thinks,” and how brands can position themselves to be discovered when no one is “Googling” anymore. Josh shares practical tactics for optimizing your site for AI bots, building smart backlinks, leveraging FAQs and question clustering, and future-proofing your marketing strategy. We also explore how AI is driving massive productivity gains, freeing teams from repetitive work so they can focus on creativity and strategy.
On October 21, join our free web class and discover the proven six-step system top contractors use to build rock-solid teams, increase margins, and reclaim evenings and weekends with their families. Reserve your spot now: https://trybta.com/CE-CGM-OC25Take our 5 minute quiz and get your free personalized Contractor Growth Scorecard today: https://trybta.com/DL241 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP241 In a world where everyone turns to AI to ask questions, how do you make sure YOU show up as the answer? In today's episode, Phil Risher reveals the secret to getting ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs) to promote your business to potential customers in every related search.---There's no question that AI is changing the way people ask questions online.So, how do you make sure YOU show up as the answer?In today's episode, we're revealing the secret to getting ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs) to promote your business to potential customers in every related search.Contractor Marketing expert Phil Risher is a long-time SEO strategist that has been on the front lines as AI has changed the game for contractors and home service businesses. Our conversation covers:The difference between SEO, GEO and AEO and where you should invest your marketing efforts right nowHow Large Language Models actually decide which brands to recommend 4 personalized videos you can make in the next 10 minutes that will increase your conversion rate by 20%.This is a mandatory listen for contractors in every industry.00:00-Intro02:07-About Phil and Phlash Consulting05:29-How is AI disrupting customer search? SEO vs. GEO vs. AEO12:49-Is SEO still worth doing?16:10-Becoming a content authority29:21-How important is a "face of the brand?"32:41-4 personalized videos for your drip sequence38:44-Use cases for AI chat bots & automation for speed to lead41:45-Use cases for self service tools46:14-How to stay up-to-date on AI without getting overwhelmed49:58-Connect with Phil
Nick Constantino and Matthew Caddy dive into the seismic shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Learn how AI is reshaping search, why branding matters more than ever, and how to future-proof your marketing strategy in the age of ChatGPT, Reddit indexing, and instant AI-driven purchases.
Most entrepreneurs claim they want freedom, but they often find themselves trapped in daily chaos. They complain about not finding good people, yet they hire the wrong ones. They say they want to scale, but never stop playing small. What if the problem isn't the market—but how you think about talent, delegation, and money? In this high-energy episode, Mike Abramowitz and Andrew Biggs welcome serial entrepreneur Kasim Aslam, founder of multiple successful companies, including Pareto Talent and AEO.co. Kasim breaks down how entrepreneurs can stop micromanaging, start delegating, and hire peak performers who actually think and lead. Known for his raw honesty and strategic depth, Kasim reveals why most business owners never reach the $100 million mark—and what he's doing differently to achieve it. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction and recap of Kasim's viral first episode. [02:00] Kasim shares his $100 million goal and how he's cleaning his slate to get there. [05:00] Discussion about Pareto Talent and its role in building bigger ventures. [09:00] Exploring the opportunities and challenges in the home services industry. [12:00] The critical mindset shift: delegate projects, not tasks. [17:00] How to find top performers using Kasim's seven-step hiring process. [20:00] Why paying more leads to better hires and better results. [27:00] Where to find the best tradespeople and how to recruit them. [31:00] How to filter applicants and use paid trial projects effectively. [40:00] How to onboard and lead without micromanaging. [48:00] Why every business owner should hire an executive assistant. [51:00] Modernizing blue-collar businesses for long-term growth. [53:00] Kasim defines true wealth as freedom and time with family. Key Quotes: “If you're delegating tasks, you're not delegating—you're micromanaging.” “Every human is a miracle capable of incalculable value.” “Winners want to win, and money is how we keep score.” “Authorship creates ownership.” “When I got money, I didn't buy stuff—I bought time.” Key Takeaways: Audit your actions vs. goals.Delegate projects, not tasks. Pay for top-tier talent. Hire slow, fire fast. Mentioned Links: TheHireBook.com ParetoTalent.com AEO.co Connect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich
Robby Stein is VP of Product at Google, where he oversees the core products of Google Search—including the new AI Overviews, AI Mode, search ranking, Google Lens, and more. Previously, he led consumer products at Instagram, where he and his teams built Stories, Reels, Close Friends, and other key features now used by billions.What you'll learn:1. Why Google's AI products are suddenly taking off after years of perceived stagnation2. How AI is expanding Search rather than replacing it, contrary to what many predicted3. The three core product principles that have helped Robby build multiple billion-user products4. Inside Instagram's decision to build its own version of Snapchat Stories5. His mantra of “relentless improvement”6. How Google developed AI Mode from concept to launch in just one year7. Why most teams give up too early on potentially transformative products—Brought to you by:• Vanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security: https://vanta.com/lenny• Jira Product Discovery—Confidence to build the right thing: https://atlassian.com/lenny/?utm_source=lennypodcast&utm_medium=paid-audio&utm_campaign=fy24q1-jpd-imc• Orkes—The enterprise platform for reliable applications and agentic workflows: https://www.orkes.io/—Transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-google-built-ai-mode-in-under-a-year—My biggest takeaways (for paid newsletter subscribers): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/i/175041217/my-biggest-takeaways-from-this-conversation—Where to find Robby Stein:• X: https://x.com/rmstein• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbystein/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Robby Stein(04:46) Google's recent success with AI(06:08) The evolution of Google Search(09:41) AI Mode and its impact(15:30) The rise of AEO(18:50) Building successful AI products(21:31) Embodying relentless improvement(30:10) Lessons from Instagram Stories(35:20) Driving growth in established products(40:08) Balancing optimization and innovation(43:39) The journey of AI Mode: From launch to expansion(48:05) Organizational changes and urgency(49:51) AI Mode vs. competitors(51:35) Core product principles(57:07) Instagram's Close Friends feature(01:03:01) The importance of resources in development(01:06:39) AI corner(01:11:19) Curiosity and learning(01:15:01) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/app• Nano Banana: https://aistudio.google.com/models/gemini-2-5-flash-image• Chat GPT: https://chatgpt.com/• Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/• Google Lens: https://lens.google/• AI Google search: https://www.google.com/ai• Why ChatGPT will be the next big growth channel (and how to capitalize on it) | Brian Balfour (Reforge): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/why-chatgpt-will-be-the-next-big-growth-channel-brian-balfour• Alex Rampell on X: https://x.com/arampell• A 4-step framework for building delightful products | Nesrine Changuel (Spotify, Google, Skype): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/a-4-step-framework-for-building-delightful-products• Look broader, look closer, think younger: Tony Fadell speaks at TED2015: https://blog.ted.com/look-broader-look-closer-think-younger-tony-fadell-speaks-at-ted2015/• Jobs to Be Done: https://www.christenseninstitute.org/theory/jobs-to-be-done/• The ultimate guide to JTBD | Bob Moesta (co-creator of the framework): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-ultimate-guide-to-jtbd-bob-moesta• Rinstagram or Finstagram? The curious duality of the modern Instagram user: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/26/rinstagram-finstagram-instagram-accounts• V03: https://v03ai.com/• Pirate GPT: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/silentmeditation/pirate-gpt/• The Bear on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-bear-05eb6a8e-90ed-4947-8c0b-e6536cbddd5f• Dune on HBO Max: https://www.hbomax.com/movies/dune/e7dc7b3a-a494-4ef1-8107-f4308aa6bbf7• Top Gun: Maverick: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/• Purple pillows: https://purple.com/pillows• Avocado pillow: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/products/green-pillow• Justin Bieber's website: https://www.justinbiebermusic.com/• Scooter Braun's website: https://scooterbraun.com/—Recommended books:• Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Competing-Against-Luck-Innovation-Customer/dp/0062435612• The Design of Everyday Things: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Revised-Expanded/dp/0465050654• Aurora: https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-High-Stakes-Survival-Navigate-Darkness/dp/0062916475• Project Hail Mary: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir/dp/0593135202—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com
Ex-Google GBP Director Brad Wetherall Reveals Expert Tips to Optimize your Google Business Profile and Leverage AI for Maximum Local SEO Impact Are you future proofing your Google Business Profile for AI? In Part Two of Bob's interview with Brad Wetherall, former Google Director and CEO of the GBP Experts, we explore how AI is transforming local SEO. With over a decade at Google, Brad shares behind-the-scenes insights on how your business listing impacts both traditional search and Google's AI-driven results like AI Overviews. Learn what actions you need to take now to stay competitive in the evolving local search landscape. What You'll Learn How Google's AI uses GBP data to surface local businesses in AI Overviews and Search The 5 must-do GBP optimizations to boost ranking and AI visibility Why review volume and recency matter more than ever and how to outpace competitors Want to know how your Google Business Profile stacks up? Get a free GBP audit at LocalSEOTactics.com and discover what's holding you back in local search and AI rankings. https://www.localseotactics.com/how-ai-is-changing-google-business-profiles-gbp-expert-insights-from-former-google-director-brad-wetherall Check out Brad here:
Search is changing faster than most PR professionals realize. For years, SEO was about keywords and backlinks. Now, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity shaping how people find information, the game is shifting to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).Instead of tricking algorithms, brands need to prove expertise, authority, and trustworthiness at every turn. To stay discoverable, we need to craft smarter prompts, produce content that actually engages, and choose the right AI tools for visibility. AI is rewriting the rules of credibility and your PR efforts might get left behind. Listen For5:32 What's the difference between SEO, AEO, and GEO?8:32 Is Google losing its dominance in the search space to tools like ChatGPT?11:24 Can AI-generated thought leadership be trusted?13:28How should PR professionals train AI tools to deliver better content results?18:19 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Susana MendozaGuest: Jonathan MastWebsite | Email | X | Facebook Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
What happens when Google shifts from being a search engine to an answer engine?
Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
Answer Engine Optimization affects both brand building and demand generation simultaneously. Guy Yalif, VP of Growth at Webflow, has developed enterprise frameworks for maintaining visual brand consistency while optimizing for AI-driven search results. The discussion covers implementing structured brand guidelines that serve both human users and machine learning algorithms, plus Webflow's AEO maturity assessment framework spanning content, technical, authority, and measurement categories.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Renegade Thinkers Unite: #2 Podcast for CMOs & B2B Marketers
“How are we going to show up in LLMs?” That's the new CEO question keeping B2B CMOs on alert. As AI-powered search reshapes how buyers find answers, B2B brands need a new organic strategy—Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). In this episode, Drew Neisser brings together two AEO trailblazers: Guy Yalif (Webflow) and Omer Gottlieb (Salespeak). Together, they tackle what it really takes to earn your place in AI answers. Forget keyword stuffing—this is about understanding how LLMs ingest, rank, and cite information, and how B2B marketers can respond now. You'll learn how to earn placement in AI-generated answers by mastering the four pillars of AEO: Content: Answer real buyer questions clearly and concisely. Technical: Make your site machine-readable. Authority: Earn credibility where buyers AND models are looking. Measurement: Track share of voice across critical questions, then iterate. Also in this episode: What LLMs want—but often can't find—on B2B websites How to build a question-driven content strategy using sales calls, support tickets, and win-loss data. Why share of voice (across buyer questions) is the new metric for AI visibility. How to serve two audiences at once: humans and machines
Two service pros, same service, same price, same city… so why does AI recommend them and not you? Here's the truth. AI doesn't guess. It chooses the clearer, safer, more repeated name. This is where answer engine optimization (AEO) meets your daily reality as a service pro. In 2025, SEO alone won't save you. Generative engine optimization, AI discovery, and digital networking are now the trails that decide who gets chosen. In this episode of the Branding Momentum podcast, you'll learn how AI makes the tie-break between you and a competitor: • How to make your niche and specialty crystal clear so both AI search and humans know exactly what you do • Why consistency across LinkedIn, your website, podcasts, and transcripts teaches AI to connect the dots• Where to show up through digital networking—guest podcasts, collaborations, newsletters, articles, and communities—so your name travels further • Why one collaboration multiplies your visibility across feeds, YouTube clips, blogs, and transcripts faster than twenty solo posts in your own bubble If you've been visible but not chosen, this is the missing piece. I'm Veronica Di Polo, a marketing strategist based in Moraira, Spain, helping service-based business owners get leads with words that sell. _______________________
Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
85% of OpenAI citations were updated in the last 10 months, making content freshness critical for AI optimization. Guy Yalif, Webflow's SEO leader, partnered with AirOps to 5x content refresh speed, achieving 42% traffic lift and 4x higher conversions. The discussion covers strategic content refresh frameworks that prioritize frequency over volume, accuracy optimization for both on-site and off-site content, and the convergence of AEO and traditional SEO strategies for enterprise-scale content operations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
"ChatGPT is not that sophisticated yet. So for marketers, what that means is there are real ways right now for arbitrage in this short period of time before ChatGPT gets good enough to say, no, we're only showing the proper result."Mac King from Domaine breaks down why merchants are seeing ChatGPT and Perplexity show up as referral sources in their analytics—and what to do about it. We talked about the terminology wars (GEO vs AEO vs AI search optimization), why AI engines favor content from Google's 10th page, and the Reddit strategies that actually work without getting banned.SPONSORSSwym - Wishlists, Back in Stock alerts, & moregetswym.com/kurtCleverific - Smart order editing for Shopifycleverific.comZipify - Build high-converting sales funnelszipify.com/KURTLINKSDomaine AI Commerce Suite: https://www.meetdomaine.com/insights/domaine-news/domaine-launches-ai-commerce-suiteMac King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenziepking/Mac King on Twitter: https://x.com/MacKing/Profound (tracking tool): https://www.tryprofound.com/Shopify Knowledge Base app: https://apps.shopify.com/shopify-knowledge-baseSEOFOMO newsletter: https://seofomo.co/Commerce GPT newsletter: https://www.yotpo.com/commerce-gpt/WORK WITH KURTApply for Shopify Helpethercycle.com/applySee Our Resultsethercycle.com/workFree Newsletterkurtelster.comThe Unofficial Shopify Podcast is hosted by Kurt Elster and explores the stories behind successful Shopify stores. Get actionable insights, practical strategies, and proven tactics from entrepreneurs who've built thriving ecommerce businesses.
In episode 580 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack sits down with Jake Soffer, CEO and founder of FirmPilot, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firm marketing. Forget generic blog posts and robotic content, Jake shares how FirmPilot uses AI and data science to build smarter, measurable strategies that actually attract clients. You'll hear how law firms can leverage AI beyond parlor tricks, why “moonshine marketing” doesn't cut it anymore, and what lawyers need to know about AEO (AI Engine Optimization) versus traditional SEO. Zack and Jake also discuss the future of client search behavior, how to avoid overhyping trends, and why sticking to fundamentals will always matter. If you're curious about using AI in your practice, but don't want to waste time on gimmicks, this episode will give you a roadmap to experiment wisely, protect your marketing investment, and grow sustainably. Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Marketing, Growth and AI: #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN #434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind Apple | Spotify | LTN If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction with Zack Glaser 1:27 – Meet Jake Soffer of FirmPilot 2:17 – How AI Is Changing Legal Marketing 3:12 – Data-Driven Law Firm Growth 4:46 – The Limits of ChatGPT Content 7:12 – Building Smarter AI Workflows 9:23 – AEO, GEO, and the Future of Search 11:59 – Why Fundamentals Still Matter 14:45 – Writing for AI vs. Writing for Clients 17:05 – First Steps for Lawyers Using AI 18:33 – Do Your Research Before Choosing Tools 19:10 – Where to Find FirmPilot
The era of AI has brought about a drastic shift in online user behavior. It's also ushered in a new consideration for elevating your brand across digital platforms.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Jennifer Devine from Freshwater Creative unpacks the nuances, importance, and implementation of SEO, GEO, and AEO.
Send us a textIn this episode we interview Mick Essex, Head of Growth Marketing at Powr. He shows how small teams turn repeatable work into time-saving custom GPTs that actually ship. See Powr's custom GPTs.What you'll learn in this episode:The simple rule to decide prompt vs GPT: when you repeat a similar prompt three times, make a GPT instead. How adding a clear knowledge base and iterating with “always” and “never” instructions sharpens results fast. A blueprint for an Article Draft Inspector that checks meta titles, FAQs, and image alt text—scaling edits from a few per day to dozens. An A/B sample sizer that prevents bad data by calculating the right audience and duration before you test. An email spam checker that flags risky words, suggests safer language, and can rewrite the message on the spot. An AEO optimizer that reads page source and suggests schema and copy tweaks to earn AI citations. A GA4 assistant concept that maps LLM citations and ties them to conversions with step-by-step explorations. How “Ninja teams” pair an engineer, PM, marketer, and support to build connectors without bloat. Why many of Mick's GPTs are public—and why the GPT Store options are free. A fast start: list the repetitive, time-heavy tasks, explain the problem and time cost, then ask ChatGPT to convert it into a custom GPT.
In episode 580 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack sits down with Jake Soffer, CEO and founder of FirmPilot, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firm marketing. Forget generic blog posts and robotic content, Jake shares how FirmPilot uses AI and data science to build smarter, measurable strategies that actually attract clients. You'll hear how law firms can leverage AI beyond parlor tricks, why “moonshine marketing” doesn't cut it anymore, and what lawyers need to know about AEO (AI Engine Optimization) versus traditional SEO. Zack and Jake also discuss the future of client search behavior, how to avoid overhyping trends, and why sticking to fundamentals will always matter. If you're curious about using AI in your practice, but don't want to waste time on gimmicks, this episode will give you a roadmap to experiment wisely, protect your marketing investment, and grow sustainably. Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Marketing, Growth and AI: #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN #434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind Apple | Spotify | LTN If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction with Zack Glaser 1:27 – Meet Jake Soffer of FirmPilot 2:17 – How AI Is Changing Legal Marketing 3:12 – Data-Driven Law Firm Growth 4:46 – The Limits of ChatGPT Content 7:12 – Building Smarter AI Workflows 9:23 – AEO, GEO, and the Future of Search 11:59 – Why Fundamentals Still Matter 14:45 – Writing for AI vs. Writing for Clients 17:05 – First Steps for Lawyers Using AI 18:33 – Do Your Research Before Choosing Tools 19:10 – Where to Find FirmPilot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Bella Cowdin, HubSpot Certified Trainer and Senior Consultant at Denamico, unpacks the biggest AI announcements from HubSpot's INBOUND 2025. She shares how RevOps teams can use AI to amplify human potential—without replacing it—while avoiding common pitfalls.Highlights include HubSpot's recognition that customer data lives beyond its platform, the launch of Data Studio for seamless integrations, and the shift from SEO to AEO (AI Engine Optimization).This episode is a must-listen for RevOps professionals and marketing leaders who want to harness AI for growth while keeping humans first and AI second.What You'll Learn:How AI agents can help your best people 10X their output without replacing human decision-makingThe critical difference between using AI to help you vs. using AI to do things for youWhy HubSpot's new Loop Marketing Playbook declares the old inbound methodology "broken"How Data Studio is solving the scattered data problem plaguing most revenue operationsWhy businesses must shift from SEO to AEO to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscapeReal-world examples of AI implementation gone wrong and how to avoid themResources Mentioned:HubSpot INBOUND Fall Spotlight 2025- Annual conference featuring major AI announcementsLoop Marketing Playbook - HubSpot's new methodology replacing traditional INBOUNDAEO Grader - AI Engine Optimization tool (search for it on Google or ask your favorite AI)Data Hub (formerly Operations Hub) & Breeze AI - HubSpot's data management platform, HubSpot's native AI enrichment toolsIs your business ready to scale? Take the Growth Readiness Score to find out. In 5 minutes, you'll see: Benchmark data showing how you stack up to other organizations A clear view of your operational maturity Whether your business is ready to scale (and what to do next if it's not) Let's Connect Subscribe to the RevOps Champions Newsletter LinkedIn YouTube Explore the show at revopschampions.com. Ready to unite your teams with RevOps strategies that eliminate costly silos and drive growth? Let's talk!
How Answer Engine Optimization is Replacing SEO In The Age Of AI Search The search landscape is shifting from SEO to AEO as AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini reshape how users find information. In this episode of Local SEO Tactics, Kasim Aslam shares groundbreaking data on how LLMs rank and cite sources, why schema markup now matters more than backlinks, and how small businesses can build authority in this new era of search. What You'll Learn Why Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is not the same as SEO How schema markup and Reddit content influence AI-driven results What local businesses must do now to build authority in AI search engines Get a free copy of Kasim's AEO Blueprint at AEO.co, and subscribe to Local SEO Tactics to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of digital marketing. https://www.localseotactics.com/kasim-aslam-reveals-how-to-rank-in-ai-the-truth-about-aeo-and-llm/
Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they dive into the biggest stories shaping education technology this week:✨ Episode Highlights:[00:04:32] OpenAI study shows teaching and tutoring are ChatGPT's top global use cases [00:10:50] Parents testify in Congress about risks of unsafe AI chatbots for kids [00:19:38] Google announces “Learn Your Way” and AI video generation for YouTube [00:22:47] Shift from SEO to AEO as answer engines reshape discovery [00:26:39] UK secures $40B in AI investment and Indian edtech funding rebounds post-Byju's[00:29:23] Babbel launches AI voice trainer and McGraw Hill adds AI to ALEKS calculus [00:31:09] Superintendent turnover rises while principals gain influence in EdTech decisionsPlus, special guest: [00:34:29] Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, on redefining entry-level jobs in the AI era and launching the Handshake AI Fellowship
What do tariffs, Fed rate cuts, and AI-driven search mean for the future of wholesale distribution?In this milestone episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the latest updates on GDP growth, jobless claims, and U.S.–China tariffs, while exploring how AI Engine Optimization (AEO), digital payments, and LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ are rewriting the rules for distributors and manufacturers.What You'll Learn:Why the latest GDP and job data signal surprising economic resilience despite tariff pressuresHow LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ is reinventing CRM as an AI-enabled customer intelligence platform for distributorsWhy AI-powered search and AEO are replacing traditional SEO as the new driver of high-quality leadsHow digital currencies, stablecoins, and real-time payments will transform B2B transactions by 2026The hidden strategies manufacturers use to absorb tariffs and stabilize pricing in volatile global marketsEpisode Highlights:02:35 – Milestone reflections: 160 episodes and a growing global audience10:22 – GDP third-round update: AI hardware and business equipment drive unexpected growth23:18 – Jobless claims dip to a two-month low as the Fed debates further rate cuts38:41 – Tariff probes into robotics, PPE, and industrial machinery—and why manufacturers may be absorbing costs54:07 – AI vs. Google: ChatGPT captures 85% of AI-generated leads01:05:12 – B2B buyers demand “free + fast” delivery as drone logistics reshape expectations01:17:44 – Digital currency disruption: agentic AI, stablecoins, and the coming payments revolutionTools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ – AI-enabled CRM + customer intelligence platformAI Engine Optimization (AEO) – new strategies for ranking in AI-powered searchAgentic AI Workflows – automated processes for smarter decision-makingDigital Twin Modeling – replicating branches, warehouses, and store layouts for predictive planningStablecoins & Real-Time Payments – faster, cheaper B2B transactionsClosing Insight:“If you have siloed data, you have siloed AI. Winners unify data to future-proof supply chains.” – Kevin BrownLeave a Review: Help us grow by sharing your thoughts on the show.Learn more about the LeadSmart AI B2B Sales Platform: https://www.leadsmarttech.com/ Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.
You've probably seen people on TikTok say GEO is the new SEO. But here's the problem… most of them are mixing up two completely different GEOs. One is Generative Engine Optimization, how AI engines like ChatGPT decide who to recommend. The other is geo-positioning, making sure your service and location actually show up together online. Both matter. And if you don't get this straight, you'll stay invisible in 2025. In this episode of Branding Momentum, I'm breaking down: The difference between GEO, AEO, and SEO (and why service pros can't ignore them) Why AI doesn't care about your Instagram if your service and city aren't paired clearly A simple real-world example of who AI chooses first… and who gets erased
What's the smartest way to learn AI if you don't have a tech background? How can AI help you in your job search? And how do we balance innovation with ethics while holding on to what makes us human? Drawing on questions from our 51st Intro to AI class, Cathy and Paul are here with answers. Show Notes: Access the show notes and show links here Timestamps: 00:00:00 — Intro 00:07:07 — Question #1: What does it take to have proficiency in AI for a person with a less technical background? 00:10:19 — Question #2: What's the best way to use AI in a job search? 00:13:22 — Question #3: How can one find a clear learning path in the whole noise of AI tools? 00:15:06 — Question #4: If I wanted to focus on learning one model or tool in-depth, which should I start with? 00:17:09 — Question #5: Are there specific areas where AI models can help resource-strapped teams beyond content writing and research? 00:19:48 — Question #6: If AI is not used to replace humans with writing/thinking/innovation, what are the primary drivers of ROI for companies? 00:22:51 — Question #7: How do you see marketing in the future? 00:25:49 — Question #8: How much should we trust our time and money investments in this technology when none of the major players in the space currently have a defined path to profitability? 00:28:38 — Question #9: Can you speak to the change in SEO to GEO and AEO? 00:31:43 — Question #10: Should companies be investing in their own AI infrastructure, or is it safer to rely on external platforms? 00:34:09 — Question #11: A negative impact on humanity seems like one of the biggest risks of AI; how can we mitigate these risks through corporate and business responsibility?00:36:26 — Question #12: What are your thoughts on the loss of critical thinking? 00:39:20 — Question #13: How are organizations putting ethical AI frameworks into practice, and where should they draw the line on privacy? 00:42:26 — Question #14: How transparent should companies be when using AI in their customer experiences? 00:46:09 — Question #15: What's the trade-off between using “safe” enterprise-ready models vs. open/uncensored models? 00:48:45 — Question #16: What uniquely human qualities should people focus on to be successful and happy in this new reality? 00:52:11 — Question #17: How have your thoughts about AI's impact on education changed or evolved over the past 12 months? 00:55:12 — Question #18: How do you think brands can protect their voice when people have all these AI tools? 00:57:50 — Question #19: What AI advances and opportunities have the SmarterX team most excited? And most frustrated? 00:59:37 — Question #20: What session at MAICON are you most looking forward to? This episode is brought to you by Google Cloud: Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. Learn more about Google Cloud here: https://cloud.google.com/ This week's episode is also brought to you by MAICON, our 6th annual Marketing AI Conference, happening in Cleveland, Oct. 14-16. The code POD100 saves $100 on all pass types. For more information on MAICON and to register for this year's conference, visit www.MAICON.ai. Visit our website Receive our weekly newsletter Join our community: Slack LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook Looking for content and resources? Register for a free webinar Come to our next Marketing AI ConferenceEnroll in our AI Academy
An exploration of one of marketing AI's hottest trends with Katherin Watier Ong In this episode of No Brainer, Geoff and Greg dive deep into the evolving landscape of search engine optimization with Katherine Watier Ong, founder of WO Strategies. Katherine brings her 10+ years of experience helping science-based organizations navigate the complexities of modern search—from traditional SEO to the emerging world of AI-powered answers. The conversation explores the hype surrounding Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), with Katherine providing a refreshingly grounded perspective that it's still fundamentally SEO at its core. She shares practical insights on how to optimize for Google's AI Overviews and discusses why the fundamentals haven't changed as much as the industry buzz might suggest. Katherine reveals compelling data showing that while AI-powered search features are getting attention, they currently represent only about 1-3% of actual traffic for most organizations. She emphasizes that brands should focus on solid SEO foundations before chasing the latest AI optimization trends. The discussion also covers the broader challenges facing marketers today, including the rise of zero-click searches, degraded marketing data from GA4, and the increasing difficulty of measurement in a privacy-first world. Chapters · 06:00 AEO vs GEO: Marketing Hype or Real Distinction? · 11:34 What Still Matters: SEO Fundamentals That Haven't Changed · 15:15 The Real Changes: Zero-Click Searches and Data Challenges · 21:20 AI Integration in SEO Workflows · 28:50 The Misinformation Problem with AI Answers · 34:15 User Embeddings and Personalization Bubble Effects · 39:30 Beyond Brand Control: Why Reddit Matters More Than Press Releases · 44:10 Measuring Success in the Age of AI Search About Katherine Watier Ong Katherine Watier Ong is the founder and CEO of WO Strategies, a boutique organic traffic consultancy specializing in science-based, enterprise-sized organizations. With over 30 years of marketing experience and 18+ years focused on SEO, she helps federal agencies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies improve their organic search performance. Previously, Katherine served as VP of Online Strategy at Ketchum, where she recruited, trained, and led the online strategy team, providing digital marketing services for global clients including NY State of Health, HHS, Express Scripts, Cleveland Clinic, and Hershey. Her campaigns have had significant impact—she's helped increase traffic from 300K to 1.2 million visits and assisted New Yorkers with health exchange registration. Katherine is an accomplished trainer and public speaker who has provided SEO and digital marketing education for over 13 years. She's spoken at conferences including Voice Global, BrightonSEO, SES, and OMS. Her approach is grounded in her belief that "anyone can create change with enough passion and determination," a philosophy shaped by her early environmental activism work that included building websites, securing NPR coverage, and creating educational curricula. Connect with Katherine: · Website: wostrategies.com · Free AI Mode Guide: bit.ly/writingforAImode · LinkedIn: Katherine W. Ong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinewatier/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Birkett speaks with Nick Lafferty (Head of Marketing) and Josh Blyskal (AI Strategist) from Profound, an AI visibility platform focused on answer engine optimization (AEO). They explore the shift from SEO to AEO, where brands must optimize for AI-driven search experiences across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews. The conversation covers why agility is the new moat, how brand mentions and structured content shape AI visibility, and how both startups and incumbents can compete. Nick and Josh share tactical approaches—from Wikipedia and affiliate strategies to structured HTML tables—that improve citations in AI-generated answers. The discussion underscores the rising importance of PR, off-site visibility, and concise, high-utility content in the AI search era.Key TakeawaysAEO Defined: Answer engine optimization is about making your brand the chosen answer in AI-driven search experiences.User Experience Wins: Search is converging with chat—people want answers, not links—so engines prioritize utility and ease.Agility as a Moat: Speed and adaptability matter more than long-term content calendars in today's volatile AI search space.Brand Mentions Beat Keywords: AI models lean heavily on off-site mentions (Reddit, Wikipedia, affiliates) as trust signals.Structured Content Boosts Citations: Bullet points, HTML tables, and concise formatting make content “citation-friendly” for AI.Startups vs. Incumbents: Incumbents benefit from brand equity, but startups can flank them by acting faster and publishing niche, high-utility content.PR Is Back: Media coverage and Wikipedia presence play a critical role in being cited by AI engines.Show LinksVisit Profound on Linkedin and XConnect with Nick Lafferty on LinkedInConnect with Josh Blyskal on LinkedInConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterSome interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
In this episode of Marketing Mantra, I share my honest take on the growing chaos of acronyms around AI search. Every week there's a new one: AEO, LLMO, AIO, GAIO, SEvO, and honestly, most of them don't make sense. They're shallow rebrands of SEO dressed up with new jargon.I break down where each of these acronyms came from, why they don't hold up, and why only one term actually deserves a place in our marketing vocabulary: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Just like SEO defined the Google era, I believe GEO will define the generative era.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The backstory of AEO, LLMO, AIO/GAIO, and SEvO — and why I think they're destined to fade.Why GEO stands apart as a clear, focused, and lasting framework.The pillars of GEO that I focus on in my own work:Citations and Mentions – how to get cited in generative answers.Schema and Entities – why structuring your content matters more than ever.Authority and Trust – building credibility with both people and AI engines.Prompt-Based Visibility – how I test and track brand presence across ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity.Why I believe GEO is the playbook marketers need to embrace right now.=-=-=-=Links and Resources
Sam's in Paris (France, not Texas) this week, so Claudia steps in to join Roop at the table for a "Claudcast" continuing to cover their recent trip to HubSpot's INBOUND marketing conference in San Francisco. This week's topic: HubSpot's newly announced AI-powered products and upgrades. The duo has been able to get hands on with these in the past week and a half, and are have the 411 for you here.Marketing StudioHubSpot's new all-in-one, AI-powered campaign planning and creation workspace that helps teams create content faster, together. The idea is that through this one visual workspace marketers can leverage AI to build strategies and create creative assets from simple prompts, all while stakeholders provide feedback in real-time. Perfect for smaller one to two person marketing teams, probably not enough to replace larger agency tools and talents we already use.Data HubFormerly Operations Hub, the new Data Hub transforms scattered data (think of all the sources and platforms outside HubSpot you have data in right now) into actionable intelligence with AI-powered data management. Combine data, enhance data quality automatically, and activate customer intelligence across your entire HubSpot platform. Roop really liked this one.Breeze AgentsLast year's Breeze AI rollout was ... fine. This year's agents upgrade kicks it up several notches. Breeze Agents are always-on teammates running around your HubSpot account. They work across marketing, sales, and customer service to handle the repetitive stuff while you drive the strategy. A real evolution of the Breeze AI integration.Smart CRMIsn't this what HubSpot is already? Anyway, HubSpot's new Smart CRM offering unifies structured data, unstructured conversations, and external signals — giving teams the complete context to know what matters and act on it. Our early impressions of this feature (free to all HubSpot accounts!) is pretty positive. Next to Data Hub, this is probably the most useful update or product released this year in our opinion.Next week, Sam's back! And we'll be covering a hot topic these days: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization). How does your content strategy need to change to best help your SEO and your AEO for AI platforms? We'll have some answers from Sam's time in Paris and Roop's time in San Francisco. See you then!— Claudia, Roop and BrandonTell us what you think!
The Best Dental Marketing Podcast, powered by Dentainment, delivers cutting-edge strategies to help dental practices attract more new patients and grow in today's competitive digital landscape. In this episode, we learn why choosing a strategic domain name is one of the most important steps for Dental Practices to achieve strong SEO, better patient recall, and long-term brand value. We hear how avoiding mistakes like using personal names, hyphens, or non-.com domains—and instead selecting descriptive, location-based, or service-oriented names—can boost marketing ROI, Practice valuation, and overall online success.
Are you worried your competitors are “winning” in AI search results?You're not alone. A lot of marketers, CMOs, and founders are asking the same thing.In this episode of the Grow & Convert Marketing Show, we break down:What AI visibility actually means (and why most tools get it wrong)Why “share of voice” metrics can create unnecessary panicHow to separate meaningful prompts from noiseThe strong connection between SEO rankings and AI overview rankingsA simple framework for deciding which topics actually matter for your brandRather than chasing every metric or competitor mention, we show you how to focus on the right queries, do the SEO fundamentals first, and build a strategy that drives long-term results.If you've ever felt stressed looking at an AI visibility report, this episode will help you filter out the noise and focus on what actually grows your business.
Ethan Smith is the CEO of Graphite—the leading SEO growth agency—and my go-to expert on SEO. After 18 years of mastering traditional SEO, Ethan has been at the forefront of what is called AEO: answer engine optimization, or, more simply, getting your product to show up in ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini/Perplexity answers. He's discovered that ChatGPT traffic converts six times better than Google search—and most companies are completely missing this opportunity.In our conversation, we discuss:1. His 7-step playbook to rank #1 in ChatGPT2. Why ChatGPT traffic converts 6x better than Google3. How early-stage startups can win at AEO immediately (unlike with SEO, which takes years)4. The three tactics that actually work: landing pages, YouTube videos, and Reddit comments5. Why help-center content can suddenly be your highest-ROI investment6. The specific Reddit strategy that works (spoiler: be authentic)7. Why AI-generated content doesn't work—Brought to you by:Orkes—The enterprise platform for reliable applications and agentic workflowsVanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security.Great Question—Empower everyone to run great research—Where to find Ethan Smith:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethan_l_s• LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ethans-linkedin• Graphite: https://graphite.io/• Graphite Research Papers: https://bit.ly/graphite-five-percent—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Welcome back, Ethan(04:34) The changing landscape of SEO(06:19) AEO (answer engine optimization) vs. GEO (generative engine optimization)(08:13) The impact of AEO(11:51) How early-stage startups can win at AEO(14:34) The quality of AEO leads(15:35) On-site vs. off-site traffic(16:32) Reddit's role in AEO and avoiding spam(20:11) How AI models use citations (RAG)(21:41) Key principles for winning at AEO(25:00) Avoiding hyper-SEOed content, and the importance of originality(28:55) Actionable AEO playbook: steps and experiments(33:35) Tracking, measuring, and share of voice(38:34) Adapting AEO for B2B, commerce, and early-stage companies(41:11) Is letting AI index your content good?(43:06) Experimentation, control groups, and measuring results(46:15) The future of AEO, SEO, and search channels(51:35) AI-generated content: what works and what doesn't(55:25) The dangers of infinite AI derivatives(58:44) The future: convergence of LLMs and search(01:00:40) Help-center optimization and the long tail(01:03:18) Lightning round and final thoughts—Resources and episode mentions: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-ultimate-guide-to-aeo-ethan-smith—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com
PNR: This Old Marketing | Content Marketing with Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose
This week, Joe and Robert dig into the Reddit phenomenon. Leading in AI findability (AEO) and trusted by geeks everywhere, the platform is having its coming-out moment. Is it time to ride the marketing train to Reddit town? Here's why Reddit marketing could be your next big business move OpenAI wants to make a full-length animated movie that isn't AI slop. Can they pull it off, or is this just a content marketing play? (Hint: the latter.) OpenAI wants to make an AI movie that isn't slop Meanwhile, the team at Robinhood is rolling out a new social media app. But is now the right time for another platform? Reddit, X get new rival with Robinhood Social's launch Marketing winners and losers this week include Liquid Death (Yahoo Can Coolers – Liquid Death) and Ben & Jerry's (Ben & Jerry's founders want to scoop out their brand). Rants and raves feature the AI-driven destruction of the career ladder (AI isn't just ending entry-level jobs. It's ending the career ladder) and LinkedIn's latest analytics upgrade (Post | LinkedIn). ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts. All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/ Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork
We explore the monumental shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) as AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity become the new front doors to the internet, fundamentally changing how customers discover businesses online.• Traffic patterns are transforming as users get answers directly from AI without clicking through to websites• Content optimized for AI interpretation requires different approaches than traditional keyword-focused SEO• Organizations must shift from optimizing for keywords to building comprehensive topic frameworks• Users coming from AI platforms are more informed and show higher conversion rates despite lower overall traffic• Measuring success requires new metrics beyond traditional organic traffic numbers• Authority signals are evolving from backlinks to expertise indicators and authoritative source citations• Quality content formatted properly for AI consumption can be picked up and highlighted within days• Forward-thinking brands are experimenting with FAQ formats and structured content that AI models prefer• The future belongs to specialists who demonstrate deep expertise in specific niches• Human oversight remains essential to prevent recursive loops of "AI generating content for AI"The digital landscape is experiencing its most significant transformation since the rise of Google, as AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity increasingly become users' first stop for information. This fundamental shift challenges everything we thought we knew about digital visibility.In this eye-opening discussion, we decode the evolution from traditional SEO to what experts variously call GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO, or AIO. Our guests Rishi Mallik, Chief Growth Officer at Workato, and Eric Nalbone, client strategy lead at Position2, share frontline insights into how this transition is reshaping marketing strategies and customer journeys.The conversation reveals how forward-thinking organizations are adapting to a world where traffic patterns are dramatically changing. Rishi describes seeing approximately 20% of Workato's traffic now self-reported as coming from generative AI platforms. Meanwhile, Eric challenges us to reconsider success metrics, asking provocatively: "If revenue is up but traffic is down, isn't that a win for everyone?"We explore the tactical shifts required to thrive in this new environment: moving from keyword-centric content to topic frameworks, optimizing content structure for AI interpretation, and rethinking how authority and expertise signals are communicated. You'll discover why FAQ formats perform well with AI models, how "borrowing authority" through explicit citation differs from traditional backlink strategies, and why creating comprehensive content hubs trumps isolated keyword-targeted pages.Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Rishi Mallik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishimallik/Rishi Mallik is currently the Chief Growth Officer at Workato, an AI-driven integration platform that automates workflows across enterprises, recognized as a Gartner and Forrester leader in the automation space. He is an expert in growth marketing and go-to-market strategies, known for his ability to drive rapid transformation and is quickly becoming an expert in democratizing Gen AI within organizations. With over a decade at Workato and prior experience in mobile anWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com
AI is changing how people find businesses, but are you doing the simple things that make you easier to find? In this episode, Bob shares one of the most overlooked yet powerful strategies for boosting your local SEO and AEO: joining your local Chamber of Commerce. Learn how this single move can improve your credibility, drive quality backlinks, and help AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT recommend your business more confidently. Discover why local authority matters more than ever and how getting listed in the right places can supercharge your online visibility. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and send us your questions and we might feature them in an upcoming episode! Ask a question Free SEO Audit SEO Resources Hire Us
SEO Services Edition: Is SEO "Dead" in 2025? Who Knows? (Case Studies, Testimonials, and Ultimate Guide with Favour Obasi-Ike) | Get exclusive SEO newsletters in your inbox.Favour Obasi-Ike presents an engaging and conversational discussion that emphatically argues for the continued relevance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in 2025 and beyond, directly refuting the idea that SEO is "dead."Favour Obasi-Ike, joined by other marketing professionals (with a guest LIVE! audio testimonial), highlights that SEO is foundational for online visibility across various platforms, including traditional search engines and AI-driven systems like ChatGPT. The dialogue stresses the importance of consistent content creation, strategic updates, and a holistic approach to online presence, emphasizing that SEO is not merely about keywords but about understanding user intent and providing valuable, well-structured information.Favour Obasi-Ike illustrates these points with practical examples and case studies, demonstrating how effective SEO can significantly boost website traffic, lead generation, and overall business growth by ensuring content is discoverable and impactful. The discussion ultimately positions SEO as a continuous, essential investment that underpins all successful digital marketing efforts.Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Need more information? Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.FAQs about the Is SEO "Dead" in 2025? Who Knows? Episode:1. Is SEO dead in 2025?No, SEO is not dead in 2025; in fact, it's more vital than ever. The perception that SEO might be obsolete often stems from a misunderstanding of what it truly encompasses. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is fundamentally about being discoverable online. With 8.2 billion people in the world and 1.1 billion websites, and an astounding 8 to 16 billion daily searches on Google alone (with 15% being new searches every day), the act of searching for information is constant and growing.The conversation clarifies that "SEO" isn't limited to traditional search engines like Google. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Google, Reddit, TikTok, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube all function as "search engines" where content needs to be optimized to be found. Therefore, anything you do to increase your visibility on these platforms is a form of SEO. The speaker emphasizes that fancy new terms like GEO, AEO, AIO, or SXO are just "cosmetics" for the same underlying principle: making your content discoverable. The core idea is that if you're not focusing on SEO, you're missing out on crucial opportunities for people to find your website and business.2. How has AI impacted SEO, and does it replace traditional SEO efforts?AI does not replace traditional SEO; instead, it exposes and adds structure to it. AI tools and platforms like ChatGPT, Alexa, Siri, Grock, Deepseek, Meta AI, Cloud, Perplexity, and Gemini rely on information from existing traditional platforms and servers. This means that to be found by AI search engines, your content first needs to be optimized and present on these traditional sources (like Google, Bing, Yandex, etc.).The speaker highlights that AI search engines respond based on information given from a "source." If you are not optimizing your original content and website (the "source"), you cannot become a "resource" for AI. AI is looking for well-structured, authoritative content with clear brand citations and links. Having duplicate profiles or unverified business claims on platforms like LinkedIn, for example, can negatively impact how AI (and traditional search engines) perceive your online presence, making it harder for your business to be recognized and recommended. Essentially, AI leverages and amplifies the importance of a robust, well-optimized online foundation.3. What are the key elements for a strong online presence in 2025, beyond just keywords?In 2025, a strong online presence moves beyond solely focusing on keywords to prioritizing conversations, user experience, and a holistic, structured approach to content. Key elements include:Content with Purpose: Focus on "who are you talking to? Who are you serving? Why are you showing up?" Your content should address specific questions and needs, aiming for positive, neutral, or negative sentiment analysis from AI.Continuous Optimization: SEO is not a one-time fix. Websites and content need regular updates. Blogs, for instance, have a *24-month cycle*, meaning consistent updates are crucial to maintain visibility. The "last modified" timestamp is vital for algorithms.Structured Content: Turn unstructured content (like a simple blog post) into structured articles with headings, internal/external links, embedded scripts, iframes, tables, infographics, FAQs, quotes, images, alt text, and schema (microdata/rich snippets). This makes it more digestible for both humans and search engines.Platform Integration & Tokenization: Your website should be connected to all relevant online platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, etc.). When a page is updated, it gets "tokenized" (duplicated) across various search engines and platforms (Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Brave, Bing, ChatGPT). This ensures wide distribution and recognition.Google Search Console: This is paramount. Connecting your website to Google Search Console is the "internet service provider of Google" and allows you to track impressions, clicks, and positions, providing crucial data on your marketing efforts.E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google's guideline emphasizes providing the best user experience. This means creating a well-structured, intentional, and high-quality online presence that builds trust and authority.4. Why is continuous content creation and updating crucial for SEO?Continuous content creation and updating are crucial because SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Websites need "oil changes" and "tire alignments" through new articles, blogs, and updates to remain healthy and high-performing for algorithms.Key reasons include:Content Decay: Blogs have a *24-month active cycle*. If content isn't updated within three years, its chances of sustaining visibility become slim, even with good initial content. The "last modified" timestamp on your content signals freshness and relevance to search engines.Algorithm Recognition: Search engines and AI prioritize active, recent, and updated information. Consistent updates help algorithms recognize your website as a continuously relevant and valuable source, leading to better rankings.Meeting Evolving Search Needs: Search volumes and user needs change with seasons, holidays, and emerging trends. Regularly updated content allows your business to align with these evolving search patterns.Increased Impressions and Authority: Consistently producing and updating 52 pieces of content a year can significantly boost your website's impressions and domain authority. This demonstrates expertise and a sustained commitment to providing value.Audience Retention: A continuous flow of valuable, updated content helps build an "attention map"that fosters a "retention curve," keeping your audience engaged and returning.5. How can businesses leverage diverse online platforms for SEO, and what's the role of podcasting?Businesses should leverage diverse online platforms by connecting their website as a central hub to all their social media, content, and directory listings. This creates a structured pathway for discovery and builds authority. The speaker emphasizes that platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Reddit are all search engines in their own right.Podcasting is highlighted as an exceptionally powerful tool for several reasons:Know, Like, and Trust Factor: Podcasting is described as the fastest way for someone to "know, like, and trust" you, as it allows for a deeper, more personal connection through voice.Authoritative Content: Like blogs and books, podcasts have an author, contributing to your overall "dominant authority online."Wide Distribution and Citation: Podcasts are distributed across *30-40+ stations* (Spotify, Apple, Pandora, iHeart, Podcast Addict, Alexa), each acting as a resource. When AI (like ChatGPT) or other search engines cite a podcast link, it directly mentions your content and business.Content Repurposing: Turning podcast episodes into topical blogs (show notes with hypertext links) auto-indexes your content through servers, further increasing visibility across traditional and AI search engines.Organic Lead Generation: Podcasting can organically attract clients without needing paid ads. As demonstrated by a client who gained clients from Google and ChatGPT after starting a podcast, it builds authority that leads to organic discovery and trust.Niche-Based Search: Podcasting allows for highly niche-based content, meaning if you show up consistently, algorithms will rank and refer you to people specifically looking for your expertise.By integrating podcasts with other platforms (website, social media, email lists) and consistently producing valuable content, businesses can significantly expand their reach and establish strong online authority.6. What is the significance of "tokenization" and the "last modified" date for online content?"Tokenization" refers to the process where, every time you update or "last modify" a page on your website, that page is essentially duplicated or recognized as an individual entity that can be shown on various web platforms and search engines. For example, if your website is updated, that updated content can then appear on Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Brave, Bing, and even AI platforms like ChatGPT.The "last modified" date is a crucial signal to algorithms. Just like your phone updates its software regularly, your website content needs consistent updates. If a blog post, for instance, was published in 2022 and hasn't been updated by September 2025, the algorithm recognizes this lack of recent activity. While it might still appear online if there's no competition, its chances of sustaining visibility are slim. A recent "last modified" date indicates to search engines that the content is fresh, relevant, and actively maintained, increasing its likelihood of being found and ranked. This continuous "tokenization" of updated content across the web amplifies your digital footprint and authority.7. What is the speaker's definition of "future" and how does it relate to SEO?The speaker defines "future" based on its Latin origin, "futurist," meaning "to grow or become," and its dictionary definition as "the time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come."This definition directly relates to SEO by emphasizing that every piece of content you create – whether speaking on a podcast or writing a blog post – is an act of "speaking or writing into the future." It's a proactive planning project where your current efforts manifest over time. Just as one plans to build a house with a blueprint, SEO involves strategic planning and consistent execution. Answering questions in the form of web links or podcast episodes serves as a long-term investment. The way you answer one question can lead to several more, creating a continuous flow of engagement and discovery. By actively creating content now, businesses are building an online presence that will continually attract users in the "time still to come," ensuring sustained growth and visibility.8. What essential steps should a business take to start or improve its SEO strategy, especially when seeking professional help?To effectively start or improve an SEO strategy, especially when seeking professional help, a business should take several essential steps:Establish a Foundational Online Presence: The absolute first step is to have a website, or at minimum, a domain name. A website acts as the "anchor" for your business online. Without one, you lack a central hub for discoverability and tracking.Connect to Google Search Console: This is non-negotiable. Google Search Console is the "internet service provider of Google" and allows you to track critical data like impressions, clicks, and positions, which are vital for understanding and proving SEO effectiveness.Define Goals and Strategy: Before engaging with an expert, have a clear understanding of your business goals. If you don't have an SEO strategy, bring your business plan, and a professional can help build one from there. This includes understanding who you are talking to, who you are serving, and why you are showing up.Understand Investment Levels: Be prepared for an investment. While specific figures are mentioned (starting around *$1,500/quarter*), the key is to recognize that SEO is a continuous investment, not a one-time expense, and it offers long-term gains.Prioritize Content Creation for Search Engines (and then humans): As advised, "write everything for search engines, not for you." Focus on creating content that aligns with how algorithms discover and present information. This indirectly means writing for humans as well, as search engines aim to serve relevant and valuable content to users.Embrace Multi-Platform Content: Create diverse content forms (blogs, podcasts, videos, social media posts) that answer common questions people are asking. Distribute this content across relevant platforms, ensuring interconnections (e.g., website links in podcast show notes).Be Intentional and Consistent: SEO requires active, consistent effort. Dedicate time weekly (e.g., 45 minutes a day for 45 days) or invest in professional management to consistently update and optimize your online presence. This consistency builds authority and ensures you're actively engaging with algorithms.Prepare for a Consultation: When booking a call with an SEO expert, be ready to discuss your website, business plan, and specific goals. Professionals will often audit your website, provide insights via Loom videos, and offer structured plans (quarterly, biannually, or annually) with clear communication (e.g., weekly recorded calls).Digital Marketing SEO Resources:>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How to Use Social Media to Strengthen Your Local SEO Strategy While social media doesn't directly boost your Google rankings, it plays a powerful supporting role in your local SEO strategy. In this episode, we explain how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube help drive local traffic, reinforce your business authority, and enhance your Google Business Profile. Learn how to make the most of your time on social and what steps to take for lasting impact. What You'll Learn How social media indirectly supports your local search rankings Which platforms to focus on based on your business type How to connect social accounts to your Google Business Profile for SEO benefits Ready to align your social media with your local SEO strategy? Contact the team at Local SEO Tactics for a personalized site audit and start making every post count. https://www.localseotactics.com/can-social-media-really-help-your-local-seo-heres-what-to-know/
AI is indexing the web, but are you in control of what it sees? In this episode, Bob breaks down the emerging role of llms.txt, a new file that lets you manage how AI language models like ChatGPT access and use your content. Learn what it is, why it matters, and how to implement it properly. Discover how this small file could play a big role in your site's visibility, content protection, and SEO strategy in an AI-powered world. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and send us your questions and we might feature them in an upcoming episode! Ask a question Free SEO Audit SEO Resources Hire Us
Want Kipp's Loop Marketing Prompt Library (over 100 prompts)? Get it for free: https://clickhubspot.com/elm Episode 74: Is SEO really dead—and if so, what's the number one marketing skill you need to stay ahead in 2025? Matt Wolfe (https://x.com/mreflow) and Kipp Bodnar (https://x.com/kippbodnar), CMO of HubSpot, unravel the post-AI marketing landscape and the strategies you'll need to thrive. Kipp Bodnar is one of the world's most influential marketing leaders and the Chief Marketing Officer at HubSpot, where he is pioneering the integration of AI into every layer of modern marketing. Known for his hands-on expertise and his “Marketing Against the Grain” podcast, Kipp dives into how AI is upending everything from day-to-day productivity to industry-defining strategy. This episode explores why “taste” trumps tactics in an AI-first world, how HubSpot achieved a 400% boost in email engagement using AI personalization, and why anyone can build faster, smarter, and more standout brands by mastering the new dynamic marketing loop. Matt and Kipp break down the brand new Loop Marketing Playbook, the death (and rebirth) of SEO, and what it means to optimize for AI engines instead of search engines. Check out The Next Wave YouTube Channel if you want to see Matt and Nathan on screen: https://lnk.to/thenextwavepd — Show Notes: (00:00) AI's Impact on Marketing (05:35) AI Productivity and Automation Hacks (06:28) Wispr Flow: Streamlined Voice Dictation (11:00) Super Intelligence Abundance and Human Consumption (14:50) Decline in Website Visits (18:33) SEO Principles Apply to AEO (21:00) Taste Differentiates: Know Your Audience (24:38) Leveraging AI for Marketing Success (27:00) “Moving the Free Line” Concept (30:50) Real-Time AI Reporting Loop (34:40) Understanding Customers Beats AI (38:18) Optimal Time for MVP Testing (41:14) Post-AI Marketing Playbook (42:32) Personalization Is Key in Marketing — Mentions: Kipp Bodnar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kippbodnar/ HubSpot Loop Marketing: https://www.hubspot.com/loop-marketing Marketing Against the Grain podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-against-the-grain/id1616700934 Wispr Flow: https://wisprflow.ai/ Intelligence Superabundance: https://www.notboring.co/p/intelligence-superabundance Genspark: https://www.genspark.ai/ Get the guide to build your own Custom GPT: https://clickhubspot.com/tnw — Check Out Matt's Stuff: • Future Tools - https://futuretools.beehiiv.com/ • Blog - https://www.mattwolfe.com/ • YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@mreflow — Check Out Nathan's Stuff: Newsletter: https://news.lore.com/ Blog - https://lore.com/ The Next Wave is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by Hubspot Media // Production by Darren Clarke // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano
Navigating the Future of Nonprofits: AI, Analytics, and Philanthropy Shifts In this episode of Nonprofit Newsfeed the hosts dive into several key topics impacting the nonprofit sector. After a brief hiatus, the duo returns with insights from a compelling interview with Avinash Kaushik, a leading figure in the analytics world, known as the "godfather of Google Analytics." Key Highlights: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): The conversation with Avinash emphasizes the transition from traditional SEO to AEO, where nonprofits must adapt to question-and-answer interactions driven by LLMs (Large Language Models). Avinash predicts a potential decline in nonprofit web traffic by 16% to 64% and paid search traffic by 5% to 30% as AI changes how audiences find information. The key takeaway is for nonprofits to focus on creating content with novelty, depth, and authenticity to stand out. Nonprofit Wellness Index: George and Nick introduce the Nonprofit Wellness Index, a metric tracking nonprofit sector health through digital ad spend, job listings, and volunteer opportunities. July's data indicated a slight downturn, which could suggest a seasonal trend or a broader economic slowdown. This index aims to offer insights into the sector's macro trends. Gates Foundation's Strategic Shift: The episode discusses the Gates Foundation's decision to end new grants to Arabella Advisors, a major player in progressive philanthropy. This move, potentially influenced by political pressures, reflects a broader trend of risk aversion in high-tier philanthropy, which could impact progressive causes. Feel-Good Spotlight: Health in the Hood, a nonprofit tackling food insecurity in Miami, is highlighted for its efforts in distributing 15,000 pounds of food monthly through urban gardens and large-scale distribution. This initiative addresses food deserts and supermarket redlining, providing essential nutrition to underserved communities. Insights and Recommendations: Nonprofits should leverage human creativity alongside AI tools, ensuring their content remains unique and engaging to maintain visibility and relevance in an AI-driven landscape. The Nonprofit Wellness Index serves as a valuable tool for organizations to track and respond to sector trends, helping them navigate economic fluctuations. Philanthropic organizations need to be aware of the political and economic environments influencing their strategies and partnerships.
