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In this "WordPress SEO vs. Webflow SEO Comparisons: Website Development Tutorial + Checklist" podcast episode, host Favour Obasi-ike leads a detailed discussion comparing two popular website development platforms: WordPress and Webflow. The conversation delves into the critical aspects of choosing a content management system (CMS), including setup, design, maintenance, and search engine optimization (SEO). A key segment features a real-world account from a participant, Ryan, who shares his recent struggles with a significant Google algorithm update that drastically impacted his website's traffic and revenue. The episode provides a balanced view of both platforms, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses to help listeners make an informed decision based on their specific business needs, technical expertise, and long-term goals.Need to Book SEO Services for your Social Business?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick LinksKey Learning TopicsCMS Platform ComparisonAn in-depth analysis of WordPress and Webflow, covering ease of use, customization options, and built-in features. The discussion emphasizes that the best choice depends on the project's specific requirements and the user's technical comfort level.SEO Strategy and ImplementationThe episode explores how SEO is handled on both platforms, from WordPress plugins like Yoast and Rank Math to Webflow's integrated SEO tools. It stresses that while platforms provide tools, a successful SEO strategy relies on consistent effort and quality content.Impact of Google UpdatesListeners will learn about the real-world consequences of Google's algorithm changes, including the importance of continuous link building, content updates, and monitoring search engine results pages (SERPs).Website InfrastructureThe conversation covers the technical aspects of hosting and infrastructure, contrasting the self-hosted nature of WordPress with the managed hosting provided by Webflow. This includes considerations of scalability, performance, and DevOps.Analytics and TrackingThe importance of comprehensive analytics is highlighted, going beyond basic platform-specific metrics to include tracking AI mentions and utilizing tools like Google Search Console to gain a deeper understanding of website performance.Timestamps[00:00] Introduction: WordPress vs. Webflow[03:37] Google Algorithm Update Discussion with Ryan[07:00] SEO Strategy & The Importance of Backlinks[20:00] Comparing Platform-Specific Features[26:00] Hosting, Infrastructure, and Scalability[32:00] WordPress's Dominance in the Market[38:00] Technical Requirements and Maintenance[47:00] Integrating Email Marketing with Flowdesk[50:00] The Future of Analytics and AI Tracking[56:00] Best Practices for Website Development[72:30] Closing Remarks and Preview of Next EpisodeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. Which platform is better for a beginner with no coding experience?Webflow is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its visual editor and managed hosting, which simplifies the setup and maintenance process. WordPress, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve and requires more hands-on management of hosting, plugins, and security.2. Can I achieve good SEO results on both WordPress and Webflow?Yes, both platforms offer robust tools to implement a strong SEO strategy. The key to success is not the platform itself, but the consistent application of SEO best practices, such as creating high-quality content, building quality backlinks, and optimizing for relevant keywords.3. How important are plugins for a WordPress site?Plugins are essential for extending the functionality of a WordPress site. They can add features for SEO, e-commerce, security, and more. However, it is crucial to use well-coded plugins from reputable sources, as an excessive number of plugins or poorly-coded ones can slow down your website and create security vulnerabilities.4. What are the main cost differences between WordPress and Webflow?Webflow operates on a subscription model with different pricing tiers based on features and traffic. WordPress is open-source and free to use, but you will incur costs for hosting, domain registration, premium themes, and plugins. The total cost for a WordPress site can vary widely depending on your specific needs.5. What was the key takeaway from Ryan's experience with the Google update?The main lesson from Ryan's story is that SEO is an ongoing process. Relying on past success without continuous effort in link building, content creation, and technical updates can leave a website vulnerable to algorithm changes. It highlights the importance of staying proactive and adaptable in your SEO strategy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is SEO Dead in 2026? SEO is not dead, it's evolving. While Google still dominates with 1.63 trillion visits (26x more than ChatGPT's 47.7 billion), the key to success in 2026 is integrating AI into your SEO strategy. Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks it down today.Traditional SEO alone is becoming obsolete. This episode explores how to treat your website as intellectual property, the importance of content freshness, and why "your voice is your invoice" when it comes to differentiated messaging.Key Learning Topics1. SEO Has Evolved Into an "Exposure Engine"SEO reveals what your website is missing and how to show up in both traditional search and AI platforms (LLMs). Without AI integration, you're using outdated marketing.2. AI-SEO Integration is Essential39% see results within 1-2 months with AI-generated content; 26% in under one month. Organic SEO visibility directly impacts AI discoverability.3. Your Website is Intellectual PropertyTreat your domain like a plot of land and your website as the building. The "last modified" date signals freshness to search engines.4. "Your Voice is Your Invoice"If you're not selling, you're not saying anything different. Stories sell better than facts. Be provocative and unique in your messaging.5. Content Repurposing StrategyOne piece of content → 5-10 blog posts → e-book → lead magnet → courses. Stack your value ladder without reinventing the wheel.6. Preparation Drives Success"What you do off the field makes you an all-star on the field." Do the work before the work—send prep materials, plan content in batches.7. The Difference: Being Heard vs. Being HiredVisibility without differentiation doesn't convert. Say what competitors won't say to turn attention into revenue.8. Platform-Specific OptimizationGoogle/YouTube favor mobile; ChatGPT sees more desktop usage. Optimize for platform-specific user behaviors.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick LinksEpisode TimestampsIntroduction & Core Concepts00:00 - Is SEO dead in 2026?01:31 - Main question introduced02:33 - Google: 1.63 trillion visits vs ChatGPT: 47.7 billion03:02 - "SEO is not dead" - it's an exposure engine03:34 - Warning about building without AI integrationMo Dub: Voice & Differentiation04:47 - Mo Dub introduces himself04:59 - "Your voice is an invoice"05:22 - If you're not selling, you're not saying anything different05:46 - Being heard vs. being hired06:07 - People are always searching for solutions06:34 - Google algorithm changes require contingency plansWebsite as Property08:21 - "Last modified" concept explained08:44 - Websites as intellectual property08:56 - Domain = plot, website = buildingAI Integration & Statistics35:49 - AI-generated content effectiveness35:58 - 39% see results in 1-2 months36:10 - 26% see results in under 1 month37:01 - Organic search enables AI discoverability37:25 - "SEO is dead" is false advertising38:03 - Traditional SEO without AI is obsoleteCopywriting & Content Strategy38:34 - "Facts tell, stories sell"39:28 - "What you do off the field makes you an all-star"39:35 - Your harvest is determined by your hustle40:22 - Doing the work before the work40:49 - Repurposing one blog into multiple formats41:28 - The more you speak, the more you get paidPlatform Statistics43:07 - Google: 97.4 billion visits43:24 - Google mobile: 70B, desktop: 26.5B43:36 - YouTube: 44.6% of traffic44:26 - ChatGPT: 5.3 billion visits44:33 - ChatGPT desktop: 4.19B, mobile: 1.24B44:41 - More desktop usage on ChatGPT vs mobile on GoogleClosing68:15 - Thanks and tomorrow's topic: WordPress vs Webflow68:56 - This calendar layout won't repeat until 203770:15 - Sign-offFAQsQ: Is SEO really dead in 2026?A: No. Google still dominates traffic, but traditional SEO without AI integration is becoming obsolete. You must optimize for both search engines and AI platforms.Q: How long to see results with AI-integrated SEO?A: 39% see results in 1-2 months; 26% in under one month with AI-generated content.Q: What does "your voice is an invoice" mean?A: What you say directly impacts revenue. If you're not selling, you're not saying anything different from competitors. Speak up with unique value.Q: Why is "last modified" important?A: It signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant. Fresh content ranks better; stale content suggests abandonment.Q: Being heard vs. being hired—what's the difference?A: Being heard is visibility; being hired is conversion. You need provocative, differentiated messaging to convert attention into clients.Q: How do I repurpose content effectively?A: Create one piece → expand to 5-10 blog posts → compile into e-book → create lead magnet → develop courses. Maximize ROI without recreating.Q: Why optimize for AI if Google dominates?A: AI platforms pull from sites ranking in organic search. No organic visibility = no AI visibility. Plus, AI is growing rapidly—optimize now for the future.Q: What's "doing the work before the work"?A: Preparation that makes execution efficient: sending prep videos before calls, batching content creation, planning your ecosystem in advance.Q: How important is mobile optimization?A: Critical. Google and YouTube see 70B+ mobile vs 26.5B desktop. However, ChatGPT is desktop-heavy (4.19B vs 1.24B mobile).Q: What's the biggest SEO mistake in 2026?A: Treating SEO as traditional marketing without AI integration, and neglecting content freshness through regular updates.Key TakeawaysSEO is evolving, not dying—AI integration is now mandatoryGoogle: 1.63T visits vs ChatGPT: 47.7B—search still dominates39% see results in 1-2 months with AI-integrated contentYour voice is your invoice—differentiation drives revenueTreat websites as intellectual property requiring maintenance"Last modified" dates signal relevance to search enginesStories sell better than facts—focus on transformationOne content piece can become multiple revenue streamsBeing heard ≠ being hired—you need unique messagingOrganic SEO enables AI discoverability—can't skip the foundationMobile-first for Google/YouTube; desktop-heavy for ChatGPTPreparation (work before work) separates all-stars from averageTraditional SEO without AI is obsolete marketingContent freshness and regular updates are non-negotiableYour harvest is determined by your hustleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this "LinkedIn Premium vs. Clubhouse Plus: Paid Social Business App Features Comparison" episode, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS leads a detailed discussion comparing the premium subscription services of two major professional and social platforms: LinkedIn Premium and Clubhouse Plus. The conversation delves into the value proposition, pricing, and return on investment (ROI) for each service, offering listeners a clear framework for deciding which, if any, is the right investment for their professional goals. With contributions from guest speaker Jason and Celeste, the episode provides a balanced view, weighing the feature sets of both platforms against the practical needs of users, from small business owners to large corporate professionals. The discussion also highlights the importance of intentionality and active participation to maximize the benefits of these powerful networking tools.Podcast Episode: Learning TopicsThis episode offers valuable insights into several key areas of professional development and social media strategy. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the following topics:Platform Investment Strategy: Learn how to evaluate the costs and benefits of premium social media features to make informed investment decisions.Social Platform ROI: Discover methods for calculating the return on your investment of time, energy, and money on platforms like LinkedIn and Clubhouse.LinkedIn Optimization: Uncover underutilized free features, such as LinkedIn Projects, and learn how to build a compelling profile that attracts employers.Professional Networking: Gain best practices for building and maintaining a strong professional network, both online and off.Market Analysis Frameworks: An introduction to the TAM, SAM, and SOM (Total Addressable Market, Service Addressable Market, and Service Obtainable Market) framework for strategic planning.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlinePodcast Episode Key TimestampsNavigate the episode with these key timestamps to find the most relevant discussions for you:[00:00 - 02:00] Introduction to the discussion on LinkedIn Premium vs. Clubhouse Plus.[03:30 - 04:00] A direct comparison of the pricing structures for both services.[06:00 - 07:00] The history of LinkedIn Audio and its place in the social audio landscape.[07:00 - 08:00] The host shares their extensive history and experience with both platforms.[28:00 - 35:00] Guest speaker Jason offers a critical perspective on the timing of Clubhouse Plus and the ROI of LinkedIn Premium for small businesses.[36:00 - 38:30] A deep dive into the powerful and underutilized "Projects" feature on LinkedIn.[38:40 - 40:00] Closing thoughts and the application of the TAM/SAM/SOM framework to personal branding.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. What is the main difference between LinkedIn Premium and Clubhouse Plus?The primary difference lies in their core purpose. LinkedIn Premium is geared towards professional advancement, offering tools for job seeking, sales, and recruitment. Clubhouse Plus enhances the social audio experience, providing features for dedicated users to improve their networking and content creation on the platform.2. Is LinkedIn Premium worth it for small businesses?According to guest speaker Jason, the ROI for small businesses might be limited. While it offers powerful search and recruiting tools, many of the key benefits for networking and profile enhancement can be achieved using the platform's free features effectively.3. What are the most valuable free features on LinkedIn?The "Projects" feature is highlighted as a powerful tool to showcase your work and skills in detail. Additionally, collecting recommendations and building a comprehensive profile are highly effective free strategies for professional growth.4. How can I maximize my presence on these platforms without paying?The key is active and intentional participation. On LinkedIn, this means fully utilizing all profile sections, engaging with content, and connecting with other professionals. On Clubhouse, it involves joining relevant conversations, contributing valuable insights, and building a network through active participation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Chad Prinkey, founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting. They discuss Chad's journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a scalable business, and the importance of leadership and culture in driving growth. Chad shares insights on competing on value rather than price, the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success, and key systems that can help construction businesses thrive. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for listeners looking to improve their own businesses.
In this episode of the Marketing Club on Clubhouse, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS discusses "Social Business: LinkedIn SEO Best Practices with Marketing Tactical Strategies". The conversation, with industry friends and guests Jolanta, Celeste, and David Baker, delves into the nuances of optimizing your LinkedIn presence to increase visibility and build a strong personal brand. The episode covers a range of topics, from the importance of a clean and professional LinkedIn profile URL to the strategic use of LinkedIn features like newsletters and polls. The speakers emphasize the long-term value of content creation, the significance of building an email list, and the power of leveraging AI tools to enhance your marketing efforts.This podcast episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to leverage LinkedIn for business growth and personal branding and social business building.Learning TopicsLinkedIn Profile Optimization: Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for maximum visibility, including the importance of a clean URL and a well-crafted headline.Content Strategy: Discover effective content strategies for LinkedIn, including the use of polls, GIFs, and newsletters to engage your audience.The Power of Email Marketing: Understand why building an email list is crucial for long-term business success and how to integrate it with your LinkedIn strategy.Leveraging AI Tools: Get insights into using AI tools like Shield App to analyze your LinkedIn performance and gain a competitive edge.Long-Term SEO Value: Learn about the long-term benefits of creating high-quality content and how it contributes to your overall SEO strategy.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineEpisode Timestamps[00:00 - 01:53] Introduction to LinkedIn SEO and its importance for business growth.[01:53 - 05:26] The importance of a clean and professional LinkedIn profile URL.[05:26 - 08:08] How to optimize your LinkedIn headline and avoid keyword stuffing.[08:08 - 15:45] The long-term value of content and the 24-month yield of an article.[15:45 - 23:10] The importance of building an email list and not relying solely on social media platforms.[23:10 - 33:31] How to use LinkedIn polls to engage your audience and gather insights.[33:31 - 40:12] Using GIFs on LinkedIn to make your posts more visually appealing.[40:12 - 50:30] The benefits of creating a LinkedIn company profile and using newsletters.[50:30 - 01:05:00] Discussion on various AI tools and search engines like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Gemini.[01:05:00 - 01:15:00] Guest David Baker shares his story about getting locked out of his LinkedIn account and the importance of owning your audience.[01:15:00 - 01:25:00] Introduction to Shield App, an AI tool for LinkedIn analytics.[01:25:00 - 01:36:45] Final thoughts and key takeaways from the speakers.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Q: Why is it important to have a clean LinkedIn URL?A: A clean LinkedIn URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname) is crucial for SEO and personal branding. It makes your profile look more professional and easier to find. Avoid URLs with random numbers or characters, as they can hurt your visibility.Q: Should I use hashtags on LinkedIn?A: The speakers suggest that hashtags are not essential on LinkedIn. It's more important to create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. However, if you do use hashtags, use them sparingly and strategically.Q: How can I make my LinkedIn posts more engaging?A: You can use polls, GIFs, and visually appealing content to make your posts more engaging. Polls are a great way to interact with your audience and gather feedback, while GIFs can add a touch of personality to your posts.Q: What is the Shield App?A: Shield App is an AI-powered analytics tool for LinkedIn. It helps you track your content performance, understand your audience, and gain insights to improve your LinkedIn strategy. The speakers recommend it as a valuable tool for serious LinkedIn users.Q: Why is building an email list so important?A: You don't own your social media followers. If you get locked out of your account or the platform changes its algorithm, you could lose your audience. An email list gives you a direct line of communication with your followers that you control.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS takes us on deep dive into the world of digital marketing, with a strong focus on Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The host breaks down the key differences and relationship between these two critical components of a successful online strategy. The discussion covers the entire customer journey, from the pre-click phase, where the user is first searching for information, to the post-click phase, where the goal is to convert the user into a customer.A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to practical, actionable advice for improving conversion rates. This includes a detailed look at crafting effective Calls to Action (CTAs), optimizing landing pages, and leveraging analytics to make data-driven decisions. The host also shares a valuable tip on using brackets in headlines to increase click-through rates. This episode features a friend / guest from Canada
Join Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS for a masterclass on email marketing strategies that actually drive revenue. In this session, Favour breaks down the power of segmented email campaigns, explains the metrics that matter, and shares how to build a website-first content strategy that turns subscribers into customers. Learn how to leverage free tools, automate your email sequences, and create long-term relationships with your audience through strategic, data-driven email marketing ROI.Whether you're just starting with email marketing or looking to optimize your existing campaigns, this episode delivers actionable insights you can implement immediately to boost engagement and generate sustainable revenue.What You'll Learn✓ How to use segmented emails to increase revenue and engagement✓ The difference between click-through rate and click rate (and why it matters)✓ Why your website is the foundation of successful email marketing✓ Google's E-E-A-T framework for creating helpful content✓ How to repurpose one piece of content across multiple channels✓ Which free tools every email marketer should be using✓ The "website-first" content strategy that saves time and builds SEO✓ How to create automated email sequences that work 24/7Top 7 Email Marketing Best Practices1. Use Segmented Emails StrategicallyCreate segments based on subscriber behavior and preferences. Use polls and interactive elements to gather data, then tag links to track which subscribers are interested in which offerings.2. Build a Helpful, Responsive WebsiteYour website should be fast-loading, mobile-friendly, and provide genuine value. Focus on Google's E-E-A-T framework: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust.3. Create Content on Your Website FirstPublish content on your website before sharing on social media. This builds your owned digital assets, improves SEO, and gives you more control over distribution.4. Leverage Email Metrics for Continuous ImprovementTrack who opens, clicks, and takes action. Identify your most engaged subscribers and create VIP segments for them. Use this data to refine your messaging over time.5. Implement Scheduled and Automated Email SequencesSet up automated sequences that trigger based on subscriber actions. Create welcome series, nurture campaigns, and re-engagement flows that work around the clock.6. Repurpose Content Across Multiple FormatsTake one long-form piece and break it into blog posts, social media updates, podcast episodes, videos, and email newsletters. Maximize your content creation efforts.7. Focus on Long-term Relationship BuildingNot everyone opens emails the day you send them. Be consistent with your schedule, provide ongoing value, and build trust over time rather than chasing quick sales.Key Metrics to TrackDeliverability Rate - Percentage of emails reaching subscriber inboxesOpen Rate - Percentage of delivered emails that get openedClick Rate - Percentage of delivered emails with link clicksClick-Through Rate (CTR) - Percentage of opened emails with link clicksConversion Rate - Percentage completing your desired actionPodcast Episode Timestamps[00:00] Episode introduction: Email marketing best practices that earn revenue[00:40] Why segmented emails are the #1 revenue driver[03:06] How to create segments triggered by scheduled emails[03:37] Example: Segmenting by in-person vs. virtual event preferences[06:00] Using polls to understand what your audience really wants[07:00] Revenue starts at the beginning: building systems for MRR[08:00] Click-through rate vs. click rate explained[09:00] Identifying and segmenting your most engaged subscribers[10:00] Tracking email opens and clicks consistently[10:30] Creating VIP segments for highly engaged subscribers[14:00] Re-engaging inactive subscribers through targeted campaigns[15:00] Email deliverability and its impact on revenue[17:00] Understanding spam filters and how to avoid them[18:00] Email authentication: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC[20:00] Real case study: Client ranking page one for competitive keywords[21:42] Technical SEO: indexing, blogs, location pages, schema markup[23:00] Email marketing as direct response marketing[24:00] Why not everyone opens emails immediately (and that's okay)[25:00] Best Practice #1: Have a helpful, responsive website[25:32] Google's E-E-A-T framework: Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust[26:22] You have less than 10 seconds to make an impression[27:00] The "website-first" content strategy[27:22] Free analytics tools: Google Search Console, GA4, Bing, Microsoft Clarity[28:00] Repurposing one article into multiple content formats[30:00] Maximizing content value through strategic repurposing[32:00] Creating content pillars and topic clusters[33:00] Planning content calendars aligned with email campaigns[35:00] Balancing evergreen content with timely topics[37:00] Creating lead magnets that attract quality subscribers[39:00] A/B testing email subject lines and content[40:00] Overview of popular email marketing platforms[41:00] Mailchimp: features, pricing, and best use cases[42:00] Constant Contact for small businesses and nonprofits[43:00] Brevo (formerly Sendinblue): affordable with SMS capabilities[44:00] HubSpot: comprehensive CRM and marketing automation[45:00] Choosing the right platform for your business needs[46:00] Free tier options and when to upgrade[50:00] Advanced segmentation for e-commerce businesses[51:00] Using behavioral triggers to increase conversions[52:00] Email in omnichannel marketing strategies[53:00] Measuring ROI from email campaigns[54:00] Common email marketing mistakes to avoid[57:00] Recap of key best practices[59:00] Closing remarks and next session announcement[59:29] Tomorrow's topic: Search Engine Marketing & SEO Best Practices (11 AM Central)Tools & Resources MentionedEmail Marketing Platforms: Flodesk >> Sign up and Get 50% OffAnalytics Tools: Google Search Console, Google Analytics (GA4), Bing Webmaster Tools, Microsoft Clarity, Fathom Analytics, Matomo AnalyticsOther Tools: Eventbrite, PinterestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this strategic follow-up, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS unveils the powerful, interconnected Microsoft ecosystem and why it's a game-changer for SEO. Move beyond Google and discover how Bing, Perplexity AI, and LinkedIn work together to build your website's authority and visibility in the age of AI search.We delve into the crucial, often-missed strategy for new websites: using Bing Webmaster Tools as a "language bridge" to accelerate Google's recognition of your site. Learn why your website must become your proprietary first-party data asset and how structured content gets cited by platforms like Perplexity.This episode is your roadmap to LLM (Large Language Model) Visibility, providing actionable steps on building trust signals, implementing schema markup, and creating a unified content structure that works across all platforms—not against them.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online
In this comprehensive session, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS explores the strategic nuances of email marketing. The discussion transcends basic sales tactics, positioning email as a foundational pillar for business documentation, professional credibility, and high-impact communication. Favour emphasizes that while social media platforms often dominate the marketing conversation, email remains a superior channel for conversion and long-term relationship building. The session provides a detailed roadmap for entrepreneurs and developers alike, covering technical infrastructure, audience psychology, and the necessity of intentional engagement.Strategic Insights and Market ComparisonsThe conversation highlights a stark contrast between the ephemeral nature of social media and the enduring impact of email marketing. Favour notes that social media conversion rates typically languish below 1%, whereas search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing can achieve conversion rates ranging from 16% to over 33%. This discrepancy is attributed to the "currency" of email: the exclusive time and attention granted by the recipient. Unlike social media posts that are quickly buried by algorithms, an email retains its conversion potential long after it is sent, provided it reaches the recipient's inbox through proper technical execution.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online| Marketing Channel | Average Conversion Rate | Primary Advantage || Social Media | < 1% | High initial visibility and brand awareness. || Email Marketing | 16% - 33%+ | Direct connection, longevity, and high intent. || SEO | 16% - 33%+ | Sustainable organic traffic and credibility. |Technical Infrastructure and DeliverabilityA significant portion of the session is dedicated to the technical "hygiene" required to maintain high deliverability. Favour introduces Google Postmaster as an essential tool for monitoring domain health and ensuring that communications are not flagged as spam. The technical setup involves a rigorous configuration of DNS records, including MX, SPF, and DKIM, which serve as the digital credentials for a legitimate sender. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the physical properties of an email, such as file size and font optimization, which can inadvertently trigger spam filters if not managed correctly.| Technical Component | Purpose | Best Practice || Google Postmaster| Domain Health Monitoring | Regularly check [postmaster.google.com](https://postmaster.google.com). || MX, SPF, DKIM | Authentication & Compliance | Ensure all DNS records are correctly configured. || List Hygiene | Deliverability Maintenance | Clean the list after every campaign to remove bounces. || Email Size| Spam Prevention | Use standard fonts (16px-20px) to keep file sizes low. || Segmentation| Engagement Tracking | Group audiences by behavior or interest for targeted messaging. |Content Strategy and Audience EngagementFavour and his guests, including the developer Ifeanyi, discuss the shift toward more sophisticated, developer-friendly tools like Resend, which allow for scalable, code-driven email templates. The consensus is that modern audiences do not "read" in the traditional sense; instead, they "skim" for value. Consequently, the use of listicles, bullet points, and concise subject lines is paramount.A professional subject line should ideally be limited to three or four words to avoid appearing "junior," while the preview text should be leveraged to provide the necessary context that encourages a click.The session concludes with a call for intentionality in marketing. Favour suggests a "Want vs. Need" framework: use the subject line to address what the audience *wants* (immediate value or curiosity), and use the body of the email to deliver what they *need* (tutorials, case studies, or interactive elements like polls). This approach ensures that the communication is not just seen, but acted upon.Podcast Episode Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction to the role of email in documentation and professional communication.[01:03] – Favour Obasi-ike's background in intellectual property and search engine marketing.[02:35] – Comparative analysis of conversion rates across social media, SEO, and email.[04:50] – Technical requirements for deliverability: Google Postmaster and MX record configuration.[06:16] – Reflections on the "We Don't PLAY™️" podcast and Favour's six-year tenure on Clubhouse.[22:37] – The impact of font selection and email file size on technical deliverability.[23:53] – Strategies for audience segmentation and the importance of reviewing engagement analytics.[24:26] – Managing hard and soft bounces through consistent list hygiene.[28:44] – Guest contribution from Ifeanyi on using "Resend" and React for scalable email infrastructure.[45:20] – Timing strategies: Measuring audience activity windows for optimal email delivery.[46:25] – The psychology of subject lines: Why brevity (3-4 words) signals professional maturity.[47:43] – The "Want vs. Need" framework for content delivery and engagement.[49:36] – Utilizing polls for market research: A case study on Google vs. Perplexity preferences.[52:02] – The efficacy of listicles and skimming-friendly formats in modern digital communication.About Favour Obasi-ikeFavour Obasi-ike is a prominent business consultant and entrepreneur specializing in helping creators and business owners secure their intellectual property through search engine marketing, Pinterest, and podcasting. He is the host of the "We Don't PLAY™️" podcast, a long-running series with over 610+ episodes spanning seven years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this insightful episode, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS breaks down the critical differences and essential overlaps between traditional Google SEO and the emerging field of ChatGPT SEO (optimization for AI search). The core distinction is framed as Websites vs. Conversation. While Google prioritizes structured, keyword-optimized websites, AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini focus on providing direct, conversational answers.Favour Obasi-ike argues that the future of content visibility lies in establishing your website as the central anchor for all content distribution. By consistently linking your website across all platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn, podcasts, etc.), you build the domain authority and citation structure necessary for AI models to trust and cite your content. He emphasizes that AI-driven search is shifting the user experience from "clicking" on a link to "trusting" a direct answer, making the source's authority more critical than ever. The podcast episode concludes with actionable advice on technical SEO, including optimizing for page speed, Core Web Vitals, and formatting content with listicles and tables to be easily digestible by AI.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineKey Episode TakeawaysThe Fundamental Difference: Websites vs. ConversationThe core difference is in the format each search system prioritizes. Google SEO is built around ranking individual websites on search result pages (SERPs) for structured keywords. The user's journey involves clicking through to a website.ChatGPT SEO, on the other hand, is built for a conversational AI interface. The goal is to provide the perfect, direct, and trusted answer within the chat window itself, minimizing the need for a click.The New SEO Ecosystem: LLM VisibilityTo achieve LLM Visibility (Large Language Model Visibility), you must understand that search is now split between two major ecosystems.The Google/OpenAI ecosystem includes Google search, ChatGPT (using the Atlas Browser), and the associated platform, YouTube.The Microsoft/Perplexity ecosystem includes the Perplexity AI platform (using the Comet Browser) and the associated Microsoft-owned platform, LinkedIn.Actionable Steps for 2026 SEO StrategyEstablish Your Anchor: Your website must be the central hub for all your content.Distribute Your Authority: Place your website link on every third-party platform (social media, podcast directories, video descriptions).Optimize for Speed: Prioritize Core Web Vitals and page speed for both mobile and desktop to ensure a positive user experience, which Google rewards.Format for AI: Structure your content using tables, listicles, and concise, keyword-rich formatsto make it easy for AI models to extract and cite direct answers.Build Trust, Not Just Clicks: Focus on building long-term trust and authority with search engines through consistent, high-quality, and structured content.Episode Timestamps[00:00] Introduction: Google SEO vs. ChatGPT SEO, Optimization Showdown.[00:30] Defining the core difference: Google focuses on websites, ChatGPT focuses on conversation.[01:33] The connection: ChatGPT Atlas (browser) citing YouTube (owned by Google).[03:52] The goal: Use your website as an anchor for content distribution.[04:02] Understanding LLM Visibility (Large Language Model Visibility).[04:28] The emerging AI browser landscape: ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity Comet, and the upcoming Google Disco.[05:30] The two major ecosystems: Google/YouTube/ChatGPT vs. Microsoft/LinkedIn/Perplexity.[06:15] The importance of checking your business's citations with "Google Learn About."[06:56] AI's focus on directness and specificity in answers (Siri, Alexa, etc.).[08:00] The shift from "click" to "trust" in AI-driven search results.[09:00] Why a strong website domain authority is crucial for AI citation.[10:00] The concept of "AI-friendly" content and the need for listicles and tables.[11:00] The future of search: AI-driven answers vs. traditional links.[12:00] The importance of structured data and schema for AI.[13:00] The difference between a website and a social media profile.[14:00] The need for a content mix (audio, video, text, image).[15:00] The role of a website in the new SEO ecosystem.[16:00] The power of a website's domain authority.[17:00] The shift from "click" to "trust" in AI-driven search.[18:00] The importance of technical SEO: Page Speed and Core Web Vitals.[19:00] How to build content that is easy to read and digest.[20:00] The value of brand citations and authority.[21:00] The long-term benefit of placing your website everywhere.[22:00] Final call to action: Check if your content is in table and listicle formats.[23:00] The power of tactics, strategy, and timing in SEO.[24:00] Conclusion: Build structure and trust with search engines, as they are "talking to each other."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this insightful session, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS, a seasoned marketing expert, delves into the intricacies of launching and sustaining a profitable podcast. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to move beyond just creating content and build a podcast that generates both impact and income. Favour breaks down the essential strategies for creating a podcast that stands out and delivers tangible results.This session is a must-listen for aspiring and current podcasters who want to understand the business of podcasting. Favour provides a clear roadmap for building a strong foundation for your podcast, from establishing a web presence to leveraging SEO for discoverability. If you're ready to take your podcast to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice and expert insights.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineIn this episode, you'll learn:[03:34] The foundational idea behind a profitable podcast: impact.[05:34] Why your podcast needs its own website and domain.[08:00] The importance of email capture for building a direct relationship with your audience.[10:10] How to think of your podcast as a separate entity from your main business.[11:06] The concept of creating and building capacity for your podcast.[14:00] How to create a content bank and repurpose your podcast content.[20:01] The significance of SEO in podcasting and how to optimize your show notes.[30:04] How to use your podcast to build a community and generate leads.[39:15] The power of anchor text and how to use it to drive traffic to your website.[43:21] The importance of choosing the right genre and categories for your podcast.[50:00] How to create a content strategy that aligns with your business goals.[59:01] The value of guesting on other podcasts to expand your reach.[01:05:00] How to use your podcast to build a personal brand and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of NinentyFiveMedia, a digital marketing agency. Emma shares her journey from a side hustle in interior design to leading a successful remote team specializing in social media strategy and brand storytelling. The conversation covers the importance of building a strong company culture, the challenges of scaling a business, and the evolving landscape of video content in the age of AI. Emma emphasizes the significance of authenticity in marketing and offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands.
Are you ready to take your podcast from a passion project to a monetization-based international business advertising/marketing tool? In this comprehensive episode, host Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS delivers an in-depth masterclass on leveraging podcast SEO and monetization strategies for international business growth. This session is the final installment in a series focused on helping podcasters and business owners build sustainable, globally-reaching content strategies.Favour explores the critical intersection of podcasting, search engine optimization, and international business development. The episode covers essential topics including multilingual content localization, performance benchmarks, download metrics, and how to position podcasts for passive monetization through advertising networks.Key highlights include real-world success stories from clients who have transformed their podcasts into powerful SEO assets, including a case study of turning 50 podcast episodes into 50 optimized blog posts that now rank on Google's AI-powered search results. Favour also demonstrates how his own podcast appears in Google's featured snippets and AI mode results, providing concrete proof of the strategies discussed.The episode features interactive discussions with community members Juliana, Celeste, and others who share their own experiences with SEO implementation, AI optimization (AIO), and the tangible business results they've achieved. Juliana shares an exciting success story about landing a major client through Google Gemini recommendations, directly attributable to SEO work completed three years prior with FavourThis episode is essential listening for podcasters, content creators, coaches, consultants, and international business owners who want to understand how to build long-term digital assets, increase discoverability across global markets, and create multiple revenue streams through strategic content optimization.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineWhat You'll Learn:International SEO Fundamentals: How to optimize your podcast content for multiple languages, regions, and search engines (Google.com, Google.co.uk, and beyond).Monetization Metrics That Matter: Understanding downloads vs. unique listeners, 7-day and 30-day performance benchmarks, and what advertising networks look for.Multilingual Content Strategy: Leveraging localization and translation features to expand your audience across different cultures and languages.Podcast-to-Blog Conversion: The proven method of turning podcast episodes into SEO-optimized blog posts that rank on Google and drive traffic back to your audio content.AI Optimization (AIO): How to position your content to appear in Google's AI mode, featured snippets, and AI-powered recommendation engines like Google Gemini.Real Results: Case studies including a client whose emotional coaching podcast now ranks on Google, and a CPA who landed a major client through Gemini AI recommendations.Long-Term Asset Building: Why SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, and how work done today pays dividends for years to come.Detailed Episode TimestampsIntroduction & Overview (00:00 - 05:55) 00:00 - 00:13: Episode title: "Podcast SEO Monetization for International Businesses". 00:13 - 00:45: Welcome and call to subscribe to We Don't Play Podcast. 00:45 - 01:27: Overview: International business connections through podcasting. 01:27 - 02:31: Performance benchmarks: Downloads vs. unique listeners, measuring success. 02:31 - 03:33: Building sustainable growth and niche dominance. 03:33 - 04:48: Multilingual content and localization strategies. 04:48 - 05:55: International perspective: Moving beyond regional thinking.International SEO Strategy (05:55 - 10:03) 05:55 - 06:58: Analytics insights: Tracking international audience growth. 06:58 - 08:04: Case study introduction: Client success with emotional coaching podcast. 08:04 - 09:09: Turning 50 podcast episodes into 50 SEO-optimized blogs. 09:09 - 10:03: Podcast-to-blog strategy and long-term asset building.Content Conversion & Client Success Stories (10:03 - 15:00) 10:03 - 11:00: Amazon book-to-podcast conversion strategy. 11:00 - 12:00: Passive vs. active content consumption patterns. 12:00 - 13:00: Multi-platform distribution: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube. 13:00 - 14:00: Clubhouse as a content creation and community building platform. 14:00 - 15:00: Real-time engagement and relationship building.Technical SEO Implementation (15:00 - 20:00) 15:00 - 16:00: Search engine algorithms and content discoverability. 16:00 - 17:00: Metadata optimization for podcasts. 17:00 - 18:00: Location-specific SEO strategies. 18:00 - 19:00: Building booking systems and conversion pathways. 19:00 - 20:00: Creating "red carpet" experiences for potential clients.Monetization Strategies (20:00 - 25:00) 20:00 - 21:00: Advertising network requirements and download thresholds. 21:00 - 22:00: Passive income through podcast monetization. 22:00 - 23:00: Building credibility through consistent content. 23:00 - 24:00: Long-term revenue stream development. 24:00 - 25:00: International market opportunities.Community Engagement & Live Discussion (25:00 - 30:00) 25:00 - 26:22: Community building on Clubhouse since 2020. 26:22 - 27:40: Prayer and intentionality in content creation. 27:40 - 28:40: Daily room commitment and audience engagement. 28:40 - 29:19: Juliana's Success Story: Landing a major CPA client through Google Gemini. 29:19 - 30:00: AI Optimization (AIO) and its importance.AI-Powered Search Results (30:00 - 35:00) 30:00 - 31:11: SEO as a long-term investment: Results from work done 3 years ago. 31:11 - 32:30: Live Demonstration: Host's podcast appearing in Google AI mode with timestamp references. 32:30 - 33:50: Dual focus: Local search dominance + global revenue streams. 33:50 - 34:30: International markets and currency considerations (Shopify example). 34:30 - 35:00: Technical factors: IP address, API, LLM, search history.Actionable Strategies & Takeaways (35:00 - 39:07) 35:00 - 35:50: Being intentional about topics of interest. 35:50 - 36:20: Importance of independent research and validation. 36:20 - 37:18: Celeste's Reflection: Community value and 2026 goals. 37:18 - 38:00: Top 3 priorities: Booking system, financial management, business structure. 38:00 - 38:46: Encouragement and resources for implementation. 38:46 - 39:07: Closing remarks and invitation to daily rooms.This episode is perfect for:Podcasters looking to monetize their content.International business owners seeking global visibility.Coaches and consultants building authority online.Content creators wanting to maximize their reach.Marketers interested in AI optimization strategies.Episode Tags/KeywordsPodcast SEO, International Business, Podcast Monetization, Multilingual Content, Content Localization, AI Optimization, AIO, Google Gemini, Featured Snippets, Download Metrics, Passive Income, Content Repurposing, Blog Strategy, Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Global Revenue Streams, Podcast Analytics, Advertising Networks, Authority Building, Long-term Strategy, Clubhouse Marketing, Community Building, Business Growth, Online Visibility, International Markets.Target AudiencePodcasters seeking monetization strategies.International business owners.Digital marketers and SEO professionals.Coaches and consultants.Content creators and influencers.Entrepreneurs building online presence.Small business owners expanding globally.Marketing professionals learning AI optimization.Anyone interested in passive income through content.This episode is part of the We Don't PLAY!™️ Podcast series, hosted by Favour Obasi-Ike, focusing on practical digital marketing strategies for business growth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Combining a business with a podcast creates a powerful "win-win" scenario for national brands. This episode, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS unpacks how to transform your podcast from a simple communication channel into a strategic, long-term business asset. The core mission is to educate and inform your audience with valuable content that builds authority and keeps them returning. By focusing on foundational SEO, strategic content creation, and data-driven analytics, businesses can create evergreen assets that drive monetization. This approach shifts the focus from fleeting social media metrics to lasting search intent, ensuring your content serves your audience precisely when they need it, paving the way for profitable growth through advertisements, sponsorships, and subscriptions.Host Information & ResourcesReady to apply these strategies to your business? Visit playinc.online or click the link in the show description to schedule a complimentary 30-minute website audit.Favour will personally send you a recording of the audit, showing you what's happening from the outside looking in, and provide actionable next steps.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Key Topics & Timestamps1. [00:00] Introduction: The Power of Podcasting for BusinessesThis session is the third installment in a comprehensive series exploring podcasting strategies for local, regional, national, and international businesses. The central argument is that a podcast is more than just a marketing tool; when paired with a business, it becomes a win-win engine for growth. The fundamental mission of any business podcast is to educate and inform its audience, providing value that fosters loyalty and repeat engagement. However, before a business can effectively monetize its content, it must first establish a solid, discoverable presence within the vast podcasting ecosystem.2. [02:15] Foundational SEO: Is Your Podcast Discoverable?Monetization is impossible if your target audience cannot find your show. The first and most critical step for any business podcaster is to verify that their show is listed and discoverable across the podcast ecosystem. This foundational presence is the bedrock upon which all growth and revenue strategies are built. You can use the following free tools to check your podcast's visibility:• pod.link• ivy.fm• listennotes.comOnce you've confirmed your podcast is registered and accessible, you can begin to implement the core monetization strategies that this discoverability enables.3. [04:30] Three Pillars of Monetization: An OverviewThe world of podcast monetization can be complex and overwhelming. To simplify the process, this episode focuses on three primary methods that form the foundation of a sustainable revenue strategy. By understanding these core pillars, you can choose the path that best aligns with your business goals and audience. The three monetization models are:1. Advertisements2. Sponsorships3. SubscriptionsThe effectiveness of these strategies is often determined by a crucial technical decision made at the very beginning of the podcasting journey: the choice of a hosting platform.4. [06:00] Strategic Decision 1: Choosing Your Hosting PlatformSelecting a podcast host is not merely a technical detail; it is a strategic business decision that directly impacts your ability to generate revenue. It is crucial to choose a platform that is IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) certified, as this is often a prerequisite for receiving ads from major networks. Your hosting platform manages your RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed, which is the technology responsible for distributing your episodes to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This RSS feed is the gateway to monetization, and it contains a surprisingly powerful and often overlooked setting that directly impacts your national reach: the language selection.5. [08:45] The Underrated National SEO Tactic: Language SelectionSmall technical settings can have an outsized impact on audience reach, and the language selection within your RSS feed is a prime example for national businesses. Correctly setting your podcast's language codec is a powerful and underrated SEO tactic. For a national business operating in the United States, for instance, setting the language to English, United States signals to algorithms that your content is specifically relevant to that national audience. This simple choice places your show "within that bracket in the algorithm," because as the speaker emphasizes, "nation and language go together."6. [12:10] The 2026 Strategy: From Fleeting Reach to Lasting IntentIn a world of short-term social media metrics, the key to long-term success is building durable, evergreen assets. While a social media post can become "obsolete tomorrow," a podcast episode focused on search intent can serve an audience for years to come. The strategic goal for 2026 and beyond is to shift focus from impressions and reach to intent. As illustrated by the "how to tie a tie" analogy, intent-driven content provides a solution at the exact moment a person needs it, creating a powerful and valuable connection that builds trust and authority.7. [15:30] Data-Driven Monetization: Using Analytics to Find OpportunityMonetization should never be based on guesswork. Podcast analytics provide the data necessary to uncover specific, actionable opportunities within your listener base. By analyzing your listener data, a national business can move from broad assumptions to targeted strategies. Your analytics can answer critical questions like:• Which are the top 5 cities listening to your show?• Which states, zip codes, counties, or districts have the most listeners?• What day of the week and time of day generate the most engagement?This data is invaluable. It allows a business to strategically partner with influencers in high-engagement cities, target sponsorships to specific regions, or schedule episode releases for maximum impact, turning insights into income.8. [18:00] Monetization Models In-Depth: Profit vs. AccessibilityThe best monetization model depends on your business's goals, specifically the balance between maximizing audience access and maximizing profit margins. Each of the three primary models offers a different trade-off. While a business can choose any model, they can also be viewed as a strategic progression: using advertisements to build broad awareness, leveraging that audience for targeted sponsorships, and finally converting the most dedicated listeners into high-value subscribers.Advertisements• Accessibility: High• Profit: Low• CPM: ~$10 - $30• Analysis: This model is ideal for building broad brand awareness. While direct profit is lower, the high accessibility generates significant activity and gets your brand name in front of the largest possible audience.Sponsorships• Accessibility: Low• Profit: Moderate• CPM: ~$25 - $50 (with rates around 40−50 being for highly targeted, premium placements)• Analysis: Sponsorships are more targeted and context-driven, focusing on a specific audience or niche. Because the partnership is more direct and relevant to the listener, the profit potential is higher than with general advertisements.Subscriptions• Accessibility: Varies (requires a private offering)• Profit: High potential• Mechanism: This model is typically executed by offering exclusive bonus content through a private RSS feed, which is separate from the public feed that distributes to apps like Apple and Spotify. A subscription can unlock access to a private community, a members-only forum, a swag bag, or exclusive meetups, creating a high-value offering for your most dedicated listeners.9. [24:00] Content in Action: Podcast Formats & SEO ChecklistSuccessful podcasting requires a deliberate approach to both the creative format of your content and the technical SEO that ensures it gets discovered. Mastering these elements will position your podcast for maximum impact and growth.Podcast Formats to Consider: ◦ Solo (Monologue) ◦ Interview ◦ Co-host ◦ Roundtable (three or more people) ◦ Theme / FacelessEssential Podcast SEO Checklist: ◦ Podcast Title ◦ Author Name ◦ Podcast Description ◦ Episode Title ◦ Episode Description ◦ Podcast Art Cover ◦ Episode Art CoverBy optimizing these foundational elements, you ensure that every episode you produce has the best possible chance of reaching its intended audience and contributing to your business's bottom line.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS introduces this episode reframes “monetization” as a value exchange, built on the core truth that “there's no conversion that started without a conversation.” It presents a strategic model where financial returns are the natural result of building trust through dialogue. Applying this specifically to regional businesses, the discussion outlines strategic podcasting techniques to improve search engine visibility and drive revenue.The key tactic is the deliberate use of geographic keywords within episode titles, scripts, and author fields to dominate local search results. By treating a podcast as permanent intellectual property rather than just a marketing tool, businesses create a lasting reference point that validates their brand through expert conversations, building consumer trust and market authority.This value-exchange model is powered by converting listener attention into growth through methods like pre-roll ads, affiliate partnerships, and private subscriptions. Furthermore, the speaker advises using analytics to identify high-performing locations, allowing businesses to refine their content and promotional strategies for specific audiences. Ultimately, consistent, helpful audio content serves as the foundational engine for long-term customer loyalty, where monetization is the direct outcome of the deep relationships built through strategic, SEO-focused conversations.Key Takeaways: Actionable Insights• Local First, Regional Second: Even international brands are local to someone. The foundational strategy is to dominate your immediate search radius (5-25 miles) by embedding location-specific keywords—such as city, state, province, or zip code—directly into your podcast titles, spoken content, and show notes. This ensures you are discoverable by the customers actively searching for services in your specific operational areas.• Conversation Before Conversion: The speaker's primary argument is that trust is the essential precursor to any transaction. A podcast's main function should be to initiate meaningful conversations and consistently answer customer questions. This process naturally builds the credibility and trust required to guide a listener toward becoming a loyal customer, making the "sale" a frictionless conclusion to a relationship, not a high-pressure pitch.• Podcast as an Intellectual Property Asset: Your podcast should be treated as a core business asset, on par with your domain name or email list. It functions as a permanent, searchable "place of reference" that validates your expertise and builds long-term equity. As the speaker notes, a successful podcast creates listenership, authorship, and readership—"it's a lot of ship sailing"—that expands into partnerships and affiliate relationships.• Give Them What They Want, Then What They Need: This two-step engagement strategy is crucial for audience growth and retention. The speaker reveals their strategic thinking: "Give them what they need first, right? Let me actually put it this way. Give them what they want and then give them what they need." First, attract new listeners with content that answers what they want (their direct search queries). Then, build loyalty and authority by providing the deeper, more valuable content they truly need.Concluding TransitionWith these foundational principles established, the episode transitions into the specific, tactical SEO strategies that bring this value-driven approach to life.Need to Book An SEO Discovery Call for Advertising or Marketing Services?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineTimestamped Segments• [00:00:00] Introduction: Why Regional Businesses Need Podcast SEO ◦ Favour outlines the opportunity for regional businesses to build trust, loyalty, and brand awareness through location-focused content.• [00:05:15] The Core Strategy: Hyper-Local Targeting ◦ Details on how to use specific city, state, and province names in episode titles and spoken scripts to attract local search traffic.• [00:09:30] Redefining Monetization: Trust and Conversation ◦ Favour argues that monetization is an outcome of trust, which is built through valuable conversations, not direct sales pitches.• [00:14:00] Tactical Content Planning ◦ Keyword Strategy: How to build content around core business keywords (e.g., "cooking") and then niche down into specifics ("vegan cooking," "pressure cooking"). ◦ FAQ Episodes: The strategy of creating dedicated FAQ episodes for each business location to address unique regional customer questions. ◦ The "Album Drop" Strategy: An explanation of releasing all location-specific FAQ episodes simultaneously to maximize reach and impact.• [00:21:45] Advanced SEO & Platform Tactics ◦ Author Name Optimization: How to structure the podcast's "author" field to include business locations (e.g., "My Restaurant | Seattle | Honolulu | Las Vegas"). ◦ The Power of Voice: Imagine listening to your brand's CEO sending a message directly to you, "documenting their journey with you on live mode" - this tactic creates a permanent "reference point" that builds unparalleled trust.• [00:28:10] The Podcast as a Business Asset ◦ Positioning the podcast as a core piece of intellectual property that builds listenership, authorship, partnerships, and affiliate relationships.• [00:32:00] Monetization Mechanics Explained ◦ A breakdown of ad formats like pre-rolls, mid-rolls, and post-rolls, comparing them to YouTube's ad model. ◦ Discussion on building private, subscription-based podcasts for premium content.• [00:41:00] Live Q&A: Getting Started with Podcasting (with Kelcey) ◦ A new podcaster asks for advice on where to start with her faith-based podcast and monetization.• [00:55:30] Core Digital Assets: Domain & Email List ◦ The speaker emphasizes that your domain and email list are critical assets, using the analogy: "Just like you have an address and a mail box is the same way you have a website and a mailbox."• [01:05:00] Closing Remarks and Call to Action ◦ Favour summarizes the key points and directs listeners to connect for a free audit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Podcast SEO and monetization strategies tailored for local businesses is today's episode discussion. Favour Obasi-ike emphasizes the importance of metadata, noting that elements like podcast titles, descriptions, and author names serve as critical search signals for discovery.By treats these fields as structured data, creators can establish local authority and ensure their content surfaces in specific user queries across platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.The source further highlights the compounding value of backlinking, explaining how consistent episode releases create a vast network of searchable links that drive traffic back to a brand's website. Ultimately, the text argues that a well-optimized podcast acts as a long-term intellectual property asset that builds credibility and solves audience problems through searchable, evergreen audio content.In the 2026 search ecosystem, local visibility is no longer a matter of chance; it is a matter of engineering. This episode serves as a strategic blueprint for local businesses to command "page dominance" by transforming audio content into a high-authority digital asset. By deploying a "spread map" strategy—scaling influence from local roots to international authority—business owners can ensure their brand is the definitive answer to specific consumer queries.The objective is to move beyond the "hobbyist" mindset and treat podcasting as a capital-efficient SEO machine. We explore how to build an "engine" that runs independently via technical metadata and RSS syndication, allowing your brand to reside permanently in the search database.Key Takeaways for Local Business Owners1. Metadata is Your Search ID: Your title, author field, and description must match the exact phrases your customers use. If your "ID" doesn't match the search query, the algorithm cannot process your "legal documents," and your business remains invisible.2. Exploit the 50x50 Rule: Syndication is a volume game. By appearing on 50 platforms, you create thousands of high-authority backlinks. This sheer volume of structured data makes your brand unavoidable in local searches.3. Implementation over Information: ROI is the result of action, not note-taking. Podcasting is a long-term index fund for your brand; the earlier you start the "audio documentation," the more interest your digital legacy accrues. Move from "doer" to "architect" today.Need to Book An Appointment?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlinePodcast Timestamps[00:00:00] – The Spread Map: Establishing the strategic journey from local business to international brand authority.[00:03:00] – Statistical Authority: Reviewing personal benchmarks (600 episodes, 156 countries) as a model for growth.[00:06:00] – The Harry Potter Paradox: Why naming your show for the "benefit" is the only way to be found before you are famous.[00:10:00] – The Psychology of Blue Links: Why "Blue Links" signify trust and confidence in the search results.[00:14:00] – Spotify Signal Case Study: Using the phrase "workout habits for men over 40" to identify exact-match search signals.[00:22:00] – Compounding Link Math: The 50x50 breakdown of how to generate 2,500 links across platforms like SiriusXM and iHeart.[00:31:00] – The Celese Interaction: Overcoming ADHD and task-paralysis by choosing documentation over perfection.[00:45:00] – The Legacy Challenge: Transitioning from a task-based worker to a legacy-based brand architect.The Mathematics of Syndication & The "Compounding Effect"Strategic dominance is a function of Depth and Cadence. While frequency is important, "Depth" is determined by your average episode length. A 60-minute episode provides sixty times more data points for an algorithm to index than a one-minute clip.The true ROI of podcasting is found in the Compounding Link Formula:50 Episodes (One year of weekly audio documentation) x 50 Distribution Platforms (Apple, Spotify, SiriusXM, Podchaser, Castbox, iHeart, etc.) = 2,500 High-Authority BacklinksThis volume creates a "digital balloon that never pops." As you add more helium (content), the structure becomes stiffer and more secure. To maximize this, maintain a Cadence (release cycle) closer to "1" (daily). A faster cadence spins the RSS feed more frequently, signaling to search engines that your brand is an active, relevant authority.The following 15 monetization levers are the tactical parameters required to convert conversational documentation into long-term ROI and a lasting digital legacy.Episode Breakdown on the 15 Monetization StrategiesPART 1: CORE DISCOVERY METADATA (Your Digital ID Card)1. Podcast TitleExecution: Match the show name to the specific topic or core benefit your audience seeks.So What? Listeners search for solutions and interests, not your name. A descriptive title ensures discoverability in search before you have a famous brand.2. Podcast DescriptionExecution: Exploit the full ~4,000-character limit as a "Search Bank." Use refined keywords, clear value propositions, and a strong call-to-action.So What? This is your show's primary Search ID. If it doesn't match user queries, algorithms can't "read" or rank your content effectively.3. Author/Host FieldExecution: Strategically expand your name with professional identifiers (e.g., "Alex Chen | Venture Capital Analyst").So What? This data feeds APIs and LLMs, establishing your niche authority within recommendation systems and digital assistants.4. Genre & Category SelectionExecution: Use platform hierarchies (e.g., ListenNotes, Apple) to select precise Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary categories.So What? Correct categorization moves you from competing with millions of general shows to dominating a specific, interested listener ecosystem.5. Episode TitleExecution: Adopt a clear, "Guest-First" or "Topic-First" naming convention (e.g., "Dr. Sarah Lee: The Neuroscience of Sleep").So What? It maximizes clarity for listeners and SEO. A guest's name at the front captures their audience and amplifies "link juice" to that episode URL.6. Episode DescriptionExecution: Implement web-style formatting: use H2/H3 headers, bullet points, timestamps, and hyperlinks to key resources.So What? Structured data helps both listeners scan and bots "dissect" your content, boosting engagement metrics and canonical linking power.PART 2: VISUAL & TECHNICAL EXECUTION7. Podcast Cover ArtExecution: Command professionalism with compliant, 3000 x 3000 pixels, visually simple art that is legible at thumbnail size.So What? High-quality, optimized art provides an immediate competitive edge against the significant portion of shows using amateur visuals.8. Episode Cover Art (Optional but Powerful)Execution: For key interviews, create guest-centric visuals that differ from your main show art.So What? Visual differentiation in a subscriber's feed signals unique, fresh value, increasing click-through rates for specific high-interest topics.9. Ad Roll PlacementsExecution: Strategically engineer ad breaks: pre-roll (for direct response), mid-roll (for highest attention), post-roll (for brand storytelling).So What? These are primary monetization vehicles. Placement affects listener retention and ad performance by capturing attention at different psychological stages.10. RSS Feed ManagementExecution: Balance your public RSS feed with private, gated feeds (via platforms like Hello Audio or Supercast) for bonus or premium content.So What? Private feeds enable direct community monetization and foster loyalty by delivering exclusive, "trust-based" content to high-value subscribers.PART 3: DISTRIBUTION & AMPLIFICATION11. Email & Affiliate LeverageExecution: Use automated tools to turn podcast transcripts into newsletter content that drives traffic to affiliate offers or key resources.So What? This captures high-intent listeners where they live (their inbox), converting passive listening into measurable action.12. Social Media DistributionExecution: Systematically cross-post short, thematic audio clips (with captions and video) to platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.So What? It transforms one hour of recording into weeks of "top-of-funnel" awareness, building connection volume and attracting new audiences.13. Backlink GenerationExecution: Understand that every major hosting platform (Spotify, Apple) creates a backlink to your website from your show profile.So What? This generates vital "link juice" from high-authority domains, strengthening your primary website's search engine ranking.14. Website Integration & AnalyticsExecution: Host a dedicated podcast page on your site and connect it to Google Search Console.So What? This allows you to track how people find and interact with your podcast via search, providing data to refine your topic and keyword strategy.15. Sonic Branding (Musical Intelligence)Execution: Deploy a distinct instrumental theme for each season or series.So What? A fresh sonic identity signals a new "era" or focus for your show, boosting production value and maintaining listener retention through auditory novelty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews John Gallagher, a seasoned leadership coach, who shares insights on the journey of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurs. Gallagher emphasizes the need for practical frameworks, the signs that indicate a business owner may need a coach, and the significance of legacy in leadership. He also discusses the challenges of consistency, the impact of distractions, and the importance of prioritization and delegation. The conversation concludes with Gallagher's advice on making small changes for personal growth.
This episode unpacks how Eventbrite marketing and SEO can be used to grow a business and sell tickets through organic search. Favour Obasi-ike emphasizes that placing targeted keywords at the beginning of event titles is crucial for creating effective URL (uniform resource locators) slugs that rank well on search engines. To build trust and boost visibility, event organizers should also embed YouTube videos and utilize back-linking strategies within event descriptions. Real-world case studies discussed illustrate that scheduling events at least one month in advance allows search algorithms sufficient time to index the content and reach potential attendees. Even after an event concludes, Favour notes that active links continue to drive traffic, serving as a long-term asset for brand awareness. Ultimately, the source advocates for a data-driven approach that combines strategic messaging with technical SEO to ensure sustainable audience growth.Need to Book An Appointment?>> Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineEpisode Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Why Eventbrite is a Hidden SEO GoldmineThe episode begins by positioning Eventbrite as a critical platform for business marketing, lead generation, and product promotion, beyond mere event discovery. The emphasis is on creating every listing with the "searcher's benefit" in mind, focusing on how the event serves the needs of a potential attendee actively searching for a solution. This strategic mindset is the key to unlocking the platform's potential and leads directly into the most critical setup step for organic success.[00:05:30] The Single Most Important SEO Factor: Your Event TitleThe event title is presented as the most crucial element for SEO success because it directly generates the event's URL slug. Placing primary keywords at the beginning of the title ensures they appear at the start of the URL, dramatically improving visibility on Google and Eventbrite. Conversely, placing keywords at the end creates a less effective URL and weakens search ranking from the outset. Getting this step wrong can undermine the entire organic marketing effort.[00:12:15] The Long-Term Value of an Eventbrite ListingA unique feature of Eventbrite is that its event links remain active and discoverable long after an event ends. These expired listings function as permanent digital assets that continue to house links to websites, YouTube videos, and other resources. As such, an old event page acts as a long-term digital billboard, continuously driving traffic and brand visibility for months or years. This sets the stage for a practical case study.[00:17:45] Case Study 1: The Wreath-Making Workshop (A Paid Event Strategy)This case study demonstrates timing, targeting, and iterative improvement by combining organic SEO with minimal paid ads. A client's first workshop failed due to a two-week lead time, which was insufficient for search engine indexing. For the second attempt, strategic changes were made: scheduling four weeks in advance for algorithm indexing, creating a high-quality 4K promotional video, and running hyper-targeted Facebook ads with a $5/day test budget aimed at building community. The result was a sold-out event, providing a repeatable formula for marketing local, paid events.[00:31:00] Technical SEO Deep Dive: Why Your Website Pages Get De-IndexedThis section explains technical reasons for losing search ranking over time. Key factors include the "Last Modified" date in a website's XML sitemap, which signals content freshness to search engines; the 24-month lifespan of a blog post's SEO relevance if left untouched; and the actionable "update rule" of updating two old pages for every new one published. A contrast is drawn with podcast RSS feeds, which re-index the entire channel with each new episode, highlighting a unique SEO benefit of podcasting. This reinforces the importance of an updated digital presence to support event marketing.[00:48:15] Case Study 2: The Junk Journaling Workshop (A Free Event Strategy)This case study proves the core SEO principles work for a free event launched by a brand-new account with zero prior audience. The client created a new Eventbrite listing for a niche craft workshop with one month of lead time. Relying purely on organic discovery, all 10 free slots sold out to unknown attendees. The 10 conversions came from just 88 page views, indicating a highly effective, targeted listing. Page views continued to climb after sell-out, proving Eventbrite pages remain active SEO assets. The next step is community building.[00:55:30] The Post-Event Pivot: From Attendees to a CommunityThe conclusion shifts focus to the true metric of success: not just tickets sold, but building a returning community. The recommended strategy involves using a post-event QR code linked to a survey to gather feedback. For free events, this is a critical opportunity to ask attendees if they would return for a paid event, gauging future viability and gaining consent for upselling. This final step transforms a single event into a sustainable, community-driven business model.Memorable Quotes:"The fault begins with the message. And if the message is wrong, everybody is confused.""It's not about how many tickets were sold. It's how many people came, saw, went back, and came back again.""For every one page that you publish, update the last two that I just want to make it easy."Actionable Takeaways & Memorable QuotesTop 3 Actionable Takeaways:1. Prioritize Your Title: Always place your primary keywords (e.g., "Marketing Workshop," "Cooking Class") at the very beginning of your Eventbrite title to create an SEO-optimized URL slug.2. Respect the 3-Week Rule: Launch your event at least three to four weeks in advance. This gives search engine algorithms the necessary time to index your page and show it to relevant audiences organically.3. Plan the Post-Event Follow-Up: The event isn't over when it ends. Use a simple QR code survey to collect feedback and, for free events, to ask attendees if they would be willing to pay for a future version.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The actionable local SEO and marketing strategies for businesses to implement in 2026 with Favour Obasi-ike. The primary recommendation involves using QR codes as digital lead magnets to bridge the gap between physical locations and online platforms. This further emphasizes the power of podcast appearances and high-authority PR backlinks to establish brand credibility and improve search engine rankings. Additionally, the discussion explores short-form video tactics on YouTube and Instagram as tools to drive traffic to specific landing pages or low-ticket offers. The speakers conclude that consistent data tracking and strategic positioning are essential for scaling a local business effectively.Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike here>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats OnlineEpisode Timestamps & Key Takeaways1. The QR Code Renaissance: Your Digital Lead MagnetQR codes have re-emerged as a low-cost, high-impact tool for local marketing, serving as a powerful bridge between physical customer presence and digital engagement. More than just a link, a strategic QR code acts as a direct gateway for lead capture, data collection, and relationship building, turning passing interest into a measurable interaction.[00:02:30] The Core Tactic: Creating and Deploying QR Codes Implementing a successful QR code strategy involves a few key steps:Generation: Use a dedicated tool like flowcode.com to create a custom QR code.Destination Strategy: Instead of linking to a generic homepage, direct users to a specific, high-intent page on your website. This could be a contact page, location page, a special offer landing page, or an email list signup form. The goal is to make the next step clear and valuable.Physical Placement: Maximize local visibility by placing the QR code on a variety of physical assets, including brick-and-mortar storefront windows, flyers, business cards, leaflets, and even in collaboration with other local businesses like restaurants.[00:07:15] Case Study: The Loungewear Brand A 2023 case study of a loungewear client at the Arendelle Mills Mall demonstrates the power of this tactic. During the Christmas season, the business used QR codes to promote a raffle for a family loungewear set. Shoppers scanned the code to enter, which successfully:Built their email list with qualified, local leads.Drove both in-store and online sales by creating a direct engagement point.The campaign successfully accelerated their online business by focusing on the core brand message of family bonding, turning a simple raffle into a meaningful touchpoint that resonated with their target audience.[00:13:45] Critical Best Practices To ensure your QR code campaign is effective and avoids costly mistakes, follow these essential practices:Incentivize the Scan: Offer a compelling reason for someone to pull out their phone. Frame it as a gateway to exclusive sales, monthly offers, or entry into a contest.Test Before You Print: Before investing in hundreds of flyers or stickers, thoroughly test the QR code with multiple people and different devices to ensure it scans correctly and links to the right destination.Track the Interaction: On your backend system, verify that a scan is being registered. This is crucial for measuring the campaign's effectiveness and understanding user engagement.This direct, one-to-one engagement tactic sets the stage for a broader, community-focused strategy: live events.2. Front-End Offers: Building Community with EventsA "front-end offer" in this context is less about an immediate transaction and more about securing a customer's commitment. Local events are the perfect vehicle for this strategy, providing a platform to foster deeper relationships, build brand loyalty, and create a powerful feedback loop that traditional digital marketing often misses.[00:15:30] Case Study: The Junk Journaling Business This case study follows a client with a purely traditional, offline business and zero website traffic. The strategy and results were transformative:Problem: The client had zero website traffic and was operating a purely traditional, offline business, making them invisible to online search and limiting their growth to in-person interactions.Solution: The host advised creating a free, local event on Eventbrite. The event listing was strategically optimized with local SEO keywords like "junk journaling classes near me" to capture search intent.Results: Within just seven days, the Eventbrite page received 88 views. More impressively, all 10 available slots for the event—still a month away—were completely filled, validating immediate local demand.[00:23:00] The Post-Event Flywheel The value of a local event extends far beyond the event itself, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of engagement and growth:Deep Connection: Events provide a rare opportunity to build genuine, personal relationships with customers in a face-to-face setting.Network Effect: The "10 people know 10 people" principle comes into play. A small group of engaged attendees can quickly become powerful brand advocates, driving exponential word-of-mouth marketing.Feedback Loop: By using a QR code at the event, you can direct attendees to a survey. This gathers invaluable feedback for improving future events and understanding customer needs.Validating Paid Offers: The post-event survey is the perfect place to gauge interest in future paid workshops or events, allowing you to de-risk future business decisions by confirming demand before investing resources.From building community in person, the conversation shifts to scaling that trust and authority to a much wider digital audience.3. Podcast Guesting: Scaling Trust and AuthorityPodcast guesting is a powerful and often underutilized local SEO and public relations (PR) strategy. It offers a unique dual benefit: it builds personal brand trust through the intimate and authentic medium of voice, while simultaneously generating a high volume of valuable digital assets in the form of backlinks.[00:28:45] The Backlink Multiplier Effect Being a guest on a podcast is a superior backlink strategy compared to a simple guest article. A single podcast appearance can result in dozens of high-quality backlinks as the episode is syndicated across numerous platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Pandora. Each platform that lists the episode with your name and website in the show notes creates a new backlink, amplifying your SEO impact from a single effort.[00:33:10] Building Your "Listen Score" Platforms like listennotes.com (using "Listen Score") and Podchaser.com (using "Power Score") provide metrics that quantify both audience trust and algorithmic credibility. Consistently appearing on podcasts directly improves these scores. A higher score signals to algorithms that you are a credible and relevant authority in your field, enhancing your overall brand authority and searchability.[00:36:00] Finding Your Platform Finding the right podcasts to appear on is a straightforward process:Recommended Tool: Use a podcast discovery platform like ivy.fm.Process: Search for topics relevant to your business or expertise. The tool will generate a list of relevant shows. From there, you can identify their contact information and craft a pitch to appear as a guest expert.The host's prepared tactics are then reinforced and expanded upon by real-world experiences from other experts who joined the discussion.4. Expert Discussion: Real-World PR, SEO, and Video StrategyIn the final segment, marketing experts Marc, John, and Pierre join the host to share recent experiences and insights, adding another layer of practical validation to the episode's core themes of PR, local SEO, and modern content strategy.[00:45:00] Mark's PR Case Study: The Power of a Single Backlink Marc shared two recent PR wins that perfectly illustrate the difference between brand presence and direct SEO value. The comparison highlights that the quality and type of a link are far more critical than the length of the feature.[00:58:15] John's YouTube & Low-Ticket Offer Strategy John provided a distilled look at his current content and sales funnel strategy, emphasizing speed and efficiency:YouTube Content Mix: He recommends a strategic blend of 30% shorts for top-of-funnel branding and discovery, combined with 70% long-form video for deeper audience engagement and education.Shorts-to-Revenue Funnel: An effective modern funnel uses shorts for the initial "branding" function—getting people to say, "Oh, yeah, that's interesting"—before driving traffic directly to a low-ticket offer ($27-$47) on a checkout page. This bypasses complex sales pages for high-volume, low-friction conversions.GeoGrid Inaccuracy: John noted that traditional local SEO geogrid mapping tools are becoming inaccurate. He shared an example where a manual, localized search showed his client in the top 3 results, while the geogrid software reported a rank of 8. This discrepancy demonstrates the unreliability of the tools and reinforces the need for new tracking methods.John's strategy provides a digital, high-velocity parallel to Tactic #2's front-end offers, using short-form video to secure low-friction commitment and rapidly build a revenue-generating audience.This expert discussion underscores the episode's key principles, bringing the focus back to the tangible actions listeners can take.Resources MentionedQR Code Generation: flowcode.comEvent Management: EventbritePodcast Discovery: ivy.fmPodcast Metrics: listennotes.com, Podchaser.comPrivacy-Focused Analytics: Fathom AnalyticsMarketing Experts Referenced: Maria Wendt, Joel Irway, Daniel Priestley, Sean Cannell, Daryl EavesConclusion & Call to ActionThis episode delivers a clear and compelling message: success in local marketing hinges on practical, strategic action. The tactics discussed—from QR codes and community events to podcasting and savvy PR—are not just theoretical concepts but proven methods for building visibility, trust, and revenue. The final challenge to the audience is to move from passive listening to active application. Choose one of these strategies, implement it for your business, and begin the journey to "listen, live, learn, and earn."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this comprehensive episode, host Favour Obasi-ike, joined by guests Celese Williams, Dr. Fashion, and Ryan Dennis, cuts through the noise to deliver the five most essential SEO fixes small businesses must implement in 2026. Moving beyond abstract theory, the discussion provides a masterclass in actionable strategy, covering the non-negotiable foundations of site architecture, the currency of strategic link building, the revenue-killing impact of slow site speed, the power of dominating local search, and the technical integrations needed to get indexed and noticed by search engines.Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike here>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY PodcastKey TakeawaysMaster Your Site Architecture: A well-structured website with proper canonical tags, optimized images, and clear headings is the non-negotiable foundation for both user experience and search engine visibility.Treat Links as Currency: Strategically build internal and external links, ensuring every piece of content has a corresponding URL on your website to build authority and drive traffic from multiple sources.Prioritize Blazing-Fast Speed: A slow website kills conversions and rankings. Actively manage site speed through optimized hosting, a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and compressed media files.Dominate Your Geographic Area: For businesses serving specific areas, embedding location data (maps, zip codes, city names) directly into your site is crucial for capturing "near me"searches.Integrate to Accelerate: Directly connect your website to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools and manually submit new content to get indexed significantly faster than waiting for organic crawls.Detailed Show Notes & Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Setting the Stage for 2026Host Favour Obasi-ike kicks off the new year by tackling the evergreen challenge of Search Engine Optimization. He frames "fixing" SEO not as a one-time task but as a continuous process of optimization that is fundamental to brand awareness, website traffic, and revenue growth. He provides an initial call to action, directing listeners to the link in the show description to book a consultation or subscribe to his email list for ongoing insights. With the stage set, the episode transitions into the first and most foundational technical fix for any small business website.[00:04:15] SEO Fix #1: Site Architecture - The Foundation of Your Digital PresenceSite architecture is the fundamental blueprint of a website, dictating how both users and search engine algorithms navigate, understand, and value its content. A strong architecture is the bedrockof any successful digital presence, ensuring content is organized, accessible, and easily discoverable.Key components of a robust site architecture include:Canonical Tags: A canonical tag tells search engines which version of a page is the "master copy," preventing duplicate content issues. As Favour Obasi-ike explains with the "Adam Apple"analogy, just as a person has one true name, your content must have one single, consistent identity recognized by search engines to avoid confusion.Image Optimization: Large, uncompressed image files are a primary cause of slow load times. Uploading images that are several megabytes in size will significantly degrade site performance and hurt search rankings.Link Health: Regularly checking for and fixing broken or duplicate links is essential for a clean and functional site structure.Website Updates: Using the "brushing your teeth" analogy, Favour Obasi-ike explains that keeping content and copyright dates current signals relevance. Search engines prioritize fresh, well-maintained content, and an outdated copyright date is a direct signal that a site may be abandoned or irrelevant.*Heading Tags (H1-H6):* Properly structured headings organize content for human readers and provide a clear hierarchy that helps search engines understand the main topics and subtopics of a page.URLs & Schema: Keyword-rich URLs (e.g., .../cookie-recipes) and schema markup (microdata for recipes, events, etc.) give search engines explicit context about a page's purpose, improving its chances of ranking for relevant queries.[00:14:30] Guest Spotlight: Celese Williams on Design, UX, and SEOGuest speaker Celese Williams distills her formula for a successful small business website into three core principles: simple design, easy user experience (UX), and findable SEO. She powerfully underscores this advice with her own success story, revealing that her "basic" but architecturally sound website generated $247,000 in revenue last year, proving that a solid foundation is more valuable than flashy design.With a solid architectural blueprint defined, the next strategic imperative is to establish realistic implementation timelines, which vary dramatically based on a business's starting point.[00:19:45] Strategy Session: SEO Timelines for New vs. Existing BusinessesDetermining a realistic timeline for SEO results is a common strategic challenge. The approach differs significantly for a business building its digital footprint from scratch versus one that is optimizing an existing but underperforming presence.Prospect ProfileProspect A: No online presence, thriving on referrals.6-12 Months: Building a digital foundation from the ground up requires significant time to establish authority, build content, and gain visibility. Favour Obasi-ike notes this timeline can be shortened to 3 months if a podcast is part of the strategy.Prospect B: Existing local presence, but not definitive.3-6 Months: Leveraging an existing foundation allows for a faster path to scalable results. The focus shifts from creation to optimization, building upon the authority the site already has.Celese Williams adds a critical counterpoint, emphasizing that industry competition is the ultimate "X factor" that can heavily influence any projected timeline. A business in a low-competition niche may see results faster, while one in a saturated market will face a longer road. From this high-level strategy, the focus shifts to the practical tactics of audience building across different platforms.[00:26:30] Community Q&A: Building a Social Media AudienceThis Q&A session addresses a common pain point for small businesses: how to efficiently build and maintain an audience across multiple social platforms without getting overwhelmed. The speakers offer a unified message centered on smart, focused distribution.Celese Williams' "Master a Few" Strategy:Trying to be on every platform is an unsustainable and difficult strategy.Businesses should focus on mastering the top 2-3 platforms where their target audience is most active and engaged.Dr. Fashion's "Smart Distribution" Method:She advocates for the "create once, distribute smartly" approach.This involves batch recording long-form content and using tools like repurpose.io to efficiently atomize and distribute it across various platforms, tailoring the hook for each audience.Favour Obasi-ike's "Ecosystem" Approach:He analyzes the importance of building a presence within a platform ecosystem like Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, WhatsApp).He highlights the power of using long-form content, such as a podcast, as a source for dozens of micro-content pieces (clips, quotes, articles), which dramatically improves searchability and reach.[00:39:00] Case Study: The Power of Organic Keyword GrowthFavour Obasi-ike presents his own podcast as a powerful case study on the long-term value of consistent, high-quality content. He illustrates its organic keyword growth over just three months:Top 3 Keywords: Grew from 85 on October 13th to 198 in January.Top 10 Keywords: Grew from 91 on October 13th to 245 in January.Top 50 Keywords: Grew from 469 on October 13th to 1,196 in January.Top 100 Keywords: Grew from 238 on October 13th to 627 in January.This tangible growth demonstrates how a steady stream of relevant content creates a compounding interest effect on search visibility. The discussion on content distribution logically pivots back to a core SEO technical fix: the links that tie all that content together.[00:41:10] SEO Fix #2: Web Links - The Pathways to ProfitabilityLinks are the nervous system of a website, creating pathways that guide both users and search engines to valuable content. They are the currency of the internet, signaling authority and relevance.Favour Obasi-ike outlines a simple yet powerful three-step strategy for link building:Identify Core Products/Services: Begin with a clear understanding of what you sell. This focus will guide your keyword and content strategy.Embed Keywords in URLs: Create descriptive, keyword-rich URLs for every page (e.g., velvet.com/red-velvet-cookies). Avoid using "stop words" (like for, the, a), as they add no contextual value for search engines and make URLs longer and less focused.Match Social Posts to Website Links: Implement a *"1-to-1 match"* strategy. For every social media post you create, ensure there is a corresponding article or landing page on your own website. This ensures you are building authority for your domain, not just for the social media platform.Celese Williams enthusiastically endorses this approach, noting that SEO agencies charge clients $1,000 on the low end, up to $20,000-$30,000 on the high end for this exact strategy. However, a perfectly linked site is useless if it's too slow to load. This brings us to the third critical fix: optimizing for pure speed, a non-negotiable factor for both user retention and rankings.[00:52:15] SEO Fix #3: Site Speed - Winning the Race for AttentionIn 2026, website speed is a make-or-break SEO factor. A slow website directly harms user experience, increases bounce rates, kills conversions, and leads to lower search rankings. Google prioritizes sites that provide a fast, seamless experience for its users.Key actions for improving site speed include:Identify Performance Bottlenecks: Use a tool like GTmetrix.com to analyze your website's performance and get a baseline score.Optimize Hosting: Invest in a high-performance hosting platform that can handle your traffic and content demands.Leverage a CDN: A Content Delivery Network (CDN) stores copies of your site in multiple geographic locations, serving content from the closest server to the user, which drastically improves loading times for a global audience.Compress Images: Use a tool like compressor.io to significantly reduce image file sizes without sacrificing visual quality. This is one of the most effective ways to boost speed.From the technical dimension of speed, the analysis moves to the equally important geographical aspect of location.[00:57:45] SEO Fix #4: Location - Dominating Your Local MarketSince the vast majority of online searches have local intent (e.g., "tacos near me"), it is strategically vital for businesses to clearly signal their service area to capture nearby customers. Location-based SEO is not just for brick-and-mortar stores; it's essential for any business serving a specific geographic region.Actionable strategies for location optimization include:Integrate Map Links: Embed Google Maps and Apple Maps links directly on your website to provide clear location signals and improve user experience.Connect to Google Business Profile: A complete, updated, and active Google Business Profile is the cornerstone of local SEO. Ensure it is linked directly to your main website.Focus on a Target Radius: Optimize your content and keywords for a specific 5-20 mile radius to serve the most relevant local audience and avoid competing on a national level unnecessarily.Celese Williams strongly reinforces this point, advising that local service-based businesses must "master their own backyard" before even considering expansion. This on-page focus on location provides a natural bridge to the final, technical step of integrating the site with search engines.[01:02:10] SEO Fix #5: Integrations & Setup - Connecting to the Digital EcosystemThe final critical fix involves technical integration. This is not just a one-time setup step but the official act of submitting your website to search engines, ensuring your content gets seen, crawled, and indexed in a timely manner.The essential integration process includes:Connect to Google Search Console: This is the primary and non-negotiable step for submitting your site to Google, monitoring performance, and identifying technical issues.Submit Your Sitemap: A sitemap (sitemap.xml) is a file that lists all the important pages on your website. Submitting it through Search Console is like handing Google a complete directory, ensuring it knows what to crawl.Integrate with Microsoft Bing: By importing your Google Search Console profile directly into Bing Webmaster Tools, you can easily gain visibility on the world's second-largest search engine.[01:06:15] The "Fast Pass" Technique: Manual IndexingRyan Dennis and Celese Williams highlight a powerful tactic for new content. By manually requesting indexing for a new page in Google Search Console, you can effectively get a "fast pass" that prompts Google to crawl it within hours or a day, rather than waiting weeks for an organic crawl. Favour Obasi-ike adds a key detail: Google allows a daily quota of 10 manual indexing requests per website. This tactical discussion sets up the final Q&A, shifting from established SEO practices to the emerging influence of AI.[01:08:30] Community Q&A: The Role of AI in Content CreationThe episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on a pressing question for 2026: is using AI for content creation a viable SEO strategy or a potential pitfall? The consensus is that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise and authenticity.The speakers offer nuanced perspectives:Favour Obasi-ike's "Personalized AI" Stance: AI-generated content is only effective when deeply infused with human elements: brand tone, personal stories, case studies, and unique media. AI should be used for leverage, but the final product must align with Google's quality principles.Celese Williams' "Cautious Tester" Approach: She advises that businesses with strong SEO have more to lose and should be wary of AI, while those starting from scratch could test it. She raises a critical question about how AI aligns with Google's ranking systems. In response, Favour Obasi-ike highlights that Google updated its E-A-T framework to E-E-A-T, adding a new "E" for Experience. This update reinforces the need for human-led content, as AI cannot generate genuine, first-hand experience—a critical ranking factor in 2026.The ultimate takeaway is that AI is a powerful assistant, but it must be used to enhance—not replace—the unique experience, expertise, and emotion that only a human can provide.[01:19:00] Final Thoughts & How to ConnectFavour Obasi-ike wraps up the episode by reiterating the five critical SEO fixes that can transform a small business's digital presence. The primary call to action for listeners is to click the link in the show description to either book a direct consultation or access his comprehensive 12-hour training course, which is available with a 26% discount throughout January. He also recommends reading his recent article, "Is it worth hiring an SEO expert in 2026," also available via the link.Mentions & ResourcesPeople:Favour Obasi-ike (Host)Celese Williams (Guest Speaker)Dr. Fashion (Guest Speaker)Ryan Dennis (Guest Speaker)Tools & Platforms:Google Search Console: Google's free tool for monitoring website performance in search.Microsoft Bing Webmaster Tools: The equivalent of Search Console for the Bing search engine.GTmetrix.com: A website for testing and analyzing site speed and performance.Compressor.io: An online tool for reducing the file size of images.Repurpose.io: A tool for automating the distribution of content across multiple social platforms.SerpApi.com: A real-time SERP API to see what search results look like from any location.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world's top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim's story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn't always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.If you've ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon.From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn't enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life.If you've ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you're simply curious about what makes a company truly valuable—this episode is packed with insights you can apply today.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter.From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy's path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life.If you've ever struggled with focus, wondered when to quit versus push through, or dreamed of creating a company that runs without you—this conversation is packed with perspective.
So you want to make money while you sleep, but what does that look like in reality? How can an everyday human go from servicing customers one-to-one to creating one-to-many automated digital passive income products? Today, we're talking to a real-life ADPIPer, Fiona Killackey, about how she created her ADPIP empire, how she used her book to boost it, the challenges, the wins, and the lessons she has for you. Tune in to learn: How Fiona got started as a marketing strategist, and why she switched to business coaching The pros and cons of having a membership Why creating a personal connection with an audience through a podcast or book is incredibly effective How Fiona uses her podcasting as part of her onboarding process Why sharing who you are and what you believe within your marketing works best in the long term for customer retention How Fiona got her first book written and published How writing books impacted Fiona's profile and her business How having passive income brings a lot of freedom to Fiona's lifestyle Useful resources: Buy my book: Six Figures While You Sleep Join the Six Figures While You Sleep Program Join the Digital Marketing Collective membership Head to episode notes Freebies: Personal Branding Workbook Productivity Cheat Sheet Join the Misfit Entrepreneurs on Facebook
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who's spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive.From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn't) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands.This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie also offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs about branding, building impact, and why moving slower may actually help you accomplish more.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bill Canady—CEO, author, and creator of the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS). Bill has managed billion-dollar businesses, led tens of thousands of employees, and written bestselling books like The 80/20 CEO. His newest book, From Panic to Profit, takes readers inside the process of turning struggling companies into thriving ones.From humble beginnings in a double-wide trailer to leading global enterprises, Bill shares how he applied focus, discipline, and the 80/20 principle to rise to the top. He also breaks down the practical framework leaders can use to take command of their business in just 100 days.Whether you're an emerging leader, a small business owner, or a seasoned executive, Bill's wisdom will help you simplify priorities, inspire your team, and build long-term success.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes leadership expert and coach Jennifer DiMotta, founder of Uprisers. Jennifer has spent over two decades in corporate leadership, eventually serving as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of a $22 billion company before creating her own coaching practice.Through her structured and results-driven approach, Jennifer has transformed the often “soft” concept of leadership into an actionable framework that helps middle managers and emerging leaders rise to the next level. She shares her personal journey—navigating single parenthood, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately launching her business—and introduces her six-step system for becoming your own leadership coach.If you've ever felt stuck in your leadership journey or wondered how to break through to the next level in your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and actionable steps you can take right now.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steven Puri—film executive turned tech founder, productivity expert, and remote work evangelist. Steven's career path has taken him from producing blockbuster hits like Die Hard and The Wolverine to raising millions in venture capital and building tools that help people focus better, work smarter, and reclaim their time.Steven shares fascinating behind-the-scenes lessons from Hollywood—how storytelling principles apply to business—and the practical strategies he's developed for managing dopamine, achieving flow states, and structuring your day for maximum productivity. Whether you're a leader managing a remote team or an entrepreneur trying to get more done without burning out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Patrick Thean—international speaker, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Patrick shares his journey from building a supply chain software company that landed on the Inc. 500 list to coaching CEOs on how to focus, execute, and scale with intention.From his “7 Key Practices for CEO Success” to practical tips on narrowing your niche, Patrick breaks down the habits, mindset shifts, and leadership skills that separate thriving companies from the ones that stall. He reveals why the best leaders are always learning, how to build a culture that becomes your competitive edge, and why knowing your “core customer” changes everything.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Leslie Venetz—founder of the Sales Led GTM Agency, LinkedIn Top Voice, and 2024 Sales Innovator of the Year—to talk about building a profit-generating pipeline without burning out.Leslie shares her journey from the high-pressure world of corporate sales to designing a four-day workweek, practicing “deep work,” and creating a business rooted in integrity. She unpacks practical strategies for small business owners and solopreneurs to target the right customers, fix a messy pipeline, and scale sales without losing control—or sanity.From niching down your outreach to replacing yourself in the sales process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow intentionally and sustainably.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training—a nationwide franchise with over 20 locations and counting. Ryan shares his incredible journey from training dogs behind a Chick-fil-A in a beat-up van to running one of the top-ranked dog training brands in the U.S.From scrappy beginnings to building a tightly run operation with a full call center, franchise model, and national reputation, Ryan breaks down the real lessons behind building a scalable service business. He also shares why sales training was one of his first investments, how he trains non-salesy people to sell, and what most business owners get wrong when trying to grow.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ellen Wood—CEO and co-founder of vcfo—to talk about the power of financial strategy, planning for exit, and how to build a more valuable business from day one. As a pioneer in the fractional CFO space, Ellen has helped hundreds of businesses scale, prepare for investment, and exit successfully. She shares practical advice for founders at every stage, from what entity structure to choose to how (and when) to think about your exit strategy.This episode is packed with down-to-earth insights on cash flow, culture, and planning for the long game—even if you're just getting started.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Emmy-nominated content creator, strategist, and international table tennis competitor Justin Bookey. As the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life, Justin shares how his lifelong passion for ping pong evolved into a leadership framework that blends sport, strategy, and self-awareness.From practicing with Olympians to advising Fortune 100 CEOs, Justin distills decades of insights into memorable “Pong Principles” that can help anyone become a more agile, authentic, and aware leader. Whether you're running a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up personally, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, unexpected metaphors, and even a few laughs.
So you want to make money while you sleep, but what does that look like in reality? How can an everyday human go from servicing customers one-to-one to creating one-to-many automated digital passive income products? Today, we're talking to a real-life ADPIPer, Kara Lambert, about how she created her ADPIPs, the challenges, the wins and what to do when your ADPIPs no longer fit with the business adventure you are on. Tune in to learn: How Kara started her ADPIP empire Kara's specialty as a traditional business coach and her focus on the psychology of business How Kara realised her course wasn't serving what her audience wanted How to pivot to workshops and memberships The benefits of offering one-on-one coaching Why people are more interested in networking in person What Kara plans to focus on with her ADPIPs in the future Useful resources: Come to my Test Before You Invest Workshop Buy my book: Six Figures While You Sleep Join the Six Figures While You Sleep Program Join the Digital Marketing Collective membership Head to episode notes Freebies: Personal Branding Workbook Productivity Cheat Sheet Join the Misfit Entrepreneurs on Facebook
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Benjamin Johnson, serial tech co-founder and founder of Particle 41. With over two decades in software development, DevOps, and startup building, Ben shares hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to lead successful tech initiatives—from bootstrapping SaaS platforms to advising CEOs on digital strategy.They dig into the evolution of AI, the risk of overengineering, and how founders can use time-tested principles like quarterly planning, intentionality, and simplicity to build smarter—not harder. Plus, Ben explains how he turned 1,000+ unread LinkedIn messages into 10 real leads in 30 minutes using AI.If you're an entrepreneur, CTO, or creative leader navigating the tech landscape, this episode will challenge you to rethink complexity, lead with clarity, and focus on what truly matters.
In this follow-up to Episode 200: How to Build a Sellable Business, Mark sits down with Ben Manley to unpack the next phase—what happens after you sell.Ben opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the lessons he learned from structuring the deal, and the surprising challenges that come with handing over your business. From choosing the right buyer to creating SOPs, setting expectations, and navigating post-sale training, this episode gives a full behind-the-scenes look at what selling a business really looks like.Whether you're deep in the sales process or just dreaming about an exit someday, this is essential listening for any founder who wants to sell smart—and stay sane.
In this special 200th episode of The Friday Habit, Mark and Ben reunite to celebrate a huge milestone—and to share some big news. After nearly six years as co-hosts, Ben is officially stepping away from the mic (don't worry, he'll still pop in from time to time). But before he goes, he's opening up about what it really took to build, systemize, and sell his business, Knapsack.From Bro Mountain retreats and podcast dreams to building a business that runs without you, Ben walks through his journey of creating a sellable company—from first hire to final handoff. Whether you're dreaming of an exit or just want more freedom in your business, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom only 200 episodes can deliver.
In this episode of the Friday Habit, Nick McEvily shares his journey from design to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of customer interviews and the role of design in business success. He discusses his life in Mexico City, the challenges of the zero to one stage in startups, and the common pitfalls founders face in achieving product market fit. The discussion highlights the necessity of data-driven decision-making and the art of understanding customer needs through effective communication. In this conversation, Nick McEvily shares insights on the importance of effective listening, crafting open-ended questions for interviews, and the significance of gathering honest feedback from clients. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas quickly and the changing landscape of venture capital, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to business development. The discussion also touches on the value of data in decision-making and the importance of humility in leadership.Takeaways:Nick McEvily emphasizes the importance of customer interviews.Design plays a crucial role in building trust with users.The zero to one stage is a critical phase for startups.Delusion can be necessary for founders to succeed.Many founders do not spend enough time understanding their customers.Effective design must resonate with the target audience.Data should back the intuition of CEOs and founders.Customer feedback can be misleading if not approached correctly.Surveys are just one tool among many for gathering insights.Building a strong narrative is essential for fundraising. Good listening skills help decipher unspoken truths.Facing the truth can lead to stronger confidence.Crafting a script is essential for effective interviews.Open-ended questions yield higher quality responses.Limit the number of questions to maintain engagement.Finding unbiased participants is crucial for research.Statistical significance is important in decision-making.Don't wait too long to present ideas to customers.Exploration leads to new opportunities and ideas.The venture capital landscape is evolving towards more validation.Connect with Nick:https://www.nickmcevily.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmcevilyLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nicholas McEvily 01:04 Life in Mexico City and Family 04:00 Journey into Design and Entrepreneurship 07:00 The Importance of Design in Business 10:00 Navigating the Zero to One Stage 13:04 Common Pitfalls in Product Market Fit 16:00 Insights from Customer Interviews 19:11 The Art of Listening and Understanding 20:37 Crafting Effective Interview Questions 21:33 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions 23:14 Navigating Client Relationships 25:16 Finding Participants for Research 26:23 The Value of Data in Decision Making 28:23 The Balance of Confidence and Humility 30:33 Validating Ideas Quickly 33:05 Exploring New Ventures and Markets 35:42 Learning from Failure and Exploration 37:47 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital 39:22 Final Thoughts and Action Items
In this episode, Mark sits down with Russel Dubree, founder of Performance Faction and former agency owner who built and sold a multi-million dollar creative business. They talk turkey (literally), before diving into the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship—what it means to grind, the challenges of hiring and leading a team, the highs and lows of partnerships, and what ultimately led to Russel's decision to sell his agency and pursue business coaching.In this conversation, Russel shares the real story of growing a business from nothing—starting with a $500 credit card charge and a dream, all the way to a $5M agency with 16 employees. He opens up about poor hiring decisions, burnout, navigating family and business, and the wake-up call that helped him redefine success. Now, as a coach, he helps agency leaders find their purpose, build resilient teams, and grow with clarity and intention.Takeaways:Early business lessons often come through trial by fire.Good partnerships require alignment, clarity, and tough conversations.Hiring slow (and right) is one of the most important decisions in growing an agency.Don't build to the price—price to the value.Growth without process can create chaos, not success.Purpose—not profit—will keep you going long term.Leadership means owning your shortcomings and creating a culture that retains top talent.Time with family can't be an afterthought. Balance comes with communication.Saying "no" is often more important than saying "yes."Success doesn't mean burnout—it means building something meaningful, on purpose.Connect with Russel:performancefaction.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russeldubreeLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:34 Welcome to The Friday Habit 01:14 Guest Introduction: Russel Dubree 01:48 Thanksgiving Turkey Talk 09:57 Balancing Business and Family 10:56 Entrepreneurial Beginnings 23:10 Starting a Web Development Company 29:34 Pricing and Early Challenges 33:15 Hiring and Growing the Business 36:58 Reflecting on Early Growth and Challenges 38:23 Learning from Industry Experts 41:20 Defining Moments and Major Projects 44:39 Improving Processes and Team Dynamics 49:18 Finding Passion and Purpose 54:40 Deciding to Sell the Business 58:53 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Plans 01:14:23 Final Advice and Closing Thoughts
In this episode, Mark and Data Coach Gravy discuss the significance of data in business, exploring Paul's journey from an accidental entry into the data world to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They delve into the lessons learned from the dot-com boom, the importance of data ownership, and the challenges businesses face in managing their data across various platforms. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize data as their most valuable asset and to take control of it for better decision-making and growth. In this conversation, Data Coach Gravy discusses the importance of data ownership and how leaders can simplify their approach to data management. He emphasizes that data is a company's most valuable asset and should be treated as such. The discussion also covers the evolution of data storage, the impact of AI on business, and the significance of being a data-driven leader. Gravy shares insights on leading remote teams effectively, the role of faith in leadership, and how personal relationships can enhance team dynamics. He concludes with practical advice for leaders to start integrating data into their decision-making processes.Takeaways:Data can drive growth and success for businesses.Paul's journey into data was accidental but transformative.The dot-com boom provided unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.Learning from mistakes is crucial in business.Data ownership is essential for companies to thrive.Partnerships can complicate business dynamics.Bootstrapping allows for greater control and vision.AI is increasingly reliant on data for effectiveness.Companies must integrate their scattered data for better insights.Understanding data as an asset is vital for modern businesses. Who you are as a company is your data.Data is incredibly simple: strings, dates, and numbers.Leaders must take ownership of their data.SaaS systems are proliferating and are here to stay.AI is integral to the future of business.Love your team to foster better leadership.Success is defined by the love and respect of those who know you best.Having a moral compass simplifies decision-making.Challenges often indicate you're on the right path.Start replacing assumptions with data-driven questions.Connect with Paul: https://www.thedatagroup.cloud/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgraeveLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
Join hosts Ben and Mark on 'The Friday Habit' as they welcome Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual, a leading SaaS platform for small business training and onboarding. They delve into discussions about organizational charts, systems, and processes essential for business scalability. Chris shares insights from his journey, including his consulting background, the development of Trainual, and his entrepreneurial roots. He also talks about his book 'The Business Playbook,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating effective business systems. Packed with valuable advice and humorous anecdotes, this episode provides a deep dive into the world of small business management and optimization.Key Takeaways:Chris Ronzio shares his entrepreneurial journey from childhood side hustles to founding a successful SaaS company.Trainual began as a simple internal tool within Chris's consulting business before evolving into a platform used by 7,000+ companies worldwide.Chris bootstrapped his first real business—a youth sports video production company—at just 14 years old and ran it for over a decade.His transition into consulting exposed him to 150+ businesses, helping him identify scalable patterns in operations and onboarding.The decision to pivot fully from consulting to launching Trainual as a SaaS company was driven by a desire to solve deeper business problems with greater impact.Creating role clarity, documenting systems, and defining responsibilities are essential for building scalable businesses—even in teams as small as five people.Chris emphasizes the importance of productizing services and standardizing internal processes to reduce chaos and boost efficiency.His bestselling book, The Business Playbook, offers a practical guide for building a scalable operations manual and aligning your team.The culture at Trainual prioritizes clarity, thoughtful onboarding, and enabling every team member to thrive in their roles.Success often starts with giving generously—Chris built trust, reputation, and opportunity through offering free help before monetizing his expertise.Connect with Chris: Website: trainual.comLinkedIn: Chris RonzioLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:06 Meet Chris Ronzio: Founder and CEO of Train01:17 Fun Icebreaker: Unlimited Service for a Year02:20 The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation04:07 Chris Ronzio's Background and Early Life07:08 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures10:28 Transition to Consulting and New Challenges18:06 The Birth of Train: From Consulting to SaaS21:41 The Challenges of Starting a Podcast22:38 From Consulting to Equity Projects23:28 The Leap to SaaS26:34 Adapting Team Roles for SaaS30:22 The Importance of Clear Roles in a Company33:44 Writing and Marketing 'The Business Playbook'38:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
** Purchase your 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference ticket for $199 here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/351 ** Episode 351 – How to Do “The People Stuff” Better in Your Business with Amy Christopherson Got a team? Thinking about building one? Or just wondering how to lead better without losing your mind (or your weekends)? This episode is for you. This week on the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm joined by HR expert and small business champion, Amy Christopherson from Grounded HR. Amy's on a mission to make the “people part” of business less daunting and more empowering—for you and your team. Whether you've got a handful of contractors or a fast-growing squad, we're diving into how to lead with purpose, put solid contracts in place (hint: not the ChatGPT kind), and create a culture that makes people want to stay. Tune in for practical HR advice, real talk about hiring fears, and a timely reminder that investing in people is actually investing in your profits.
In this episode of 'The Friday Habit,' Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley are joined by Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur, teacher, and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, to discuss his latest book, 'What Is Wisdom?' The conversation covers various philosophical approaches from ancient thinkers such as Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates, and how their wisdom can guide business decisions. Kayvon shares personal anecdotes, discusses the importance of skeptic capital, and emphasizes strategies for dealing with uncertainty, making better decisions, and focusing on values. The episode concludes with practical advice on preparing for 2022, highlighting the significance of controlled thinking, surrounding oneself with diverse perspectives, and making intentional decisions. Key Takeaways:Skeptic Capital Matters: Kayvan encourages building “skeptic capital”—surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and help prevent costly mistakes.Ask the Wisdom Question: When facing tough decisions, ask: “What would a wise person do in this situation?” This reframes the decision-making process through timeless values.Use Philosophers as a Thought Board: Kayvan introduces the concept of using historical thinkers (like Socrates, Nietzsche, and Hippocrates) as an advisory board to gain diverse perspectives on modern challenges.Socrates – Embrace Healthy Skepticism: Question your assumptions. Ask “Is that really so?” before jumping into new opportunities or narratives.Nietzsche – Eternal Recurrence: Act as if your decisions will recur infinitely. Would you still choose this path if you had to live it over and over again?Hippocrates – First, Do No Harm: Even with good intentions, interventions can worsen a situation. Sometimes, restraint is the wisest choice.Watch for Patterns (Taoist Influence): Recognize patterns in personal and business life. Understanding recurring cycles can help you predict outcomes and avoid mistakes.Be Present, Not Just Reactive: Don't live on autopilot. Be mindful of how your words, actions, and energy affect others and yourself—especially in moments of stress.Intentional Decision-Making: Big decisions should be values-driven, not reactive. Slowing down and switching between philosophical frameworks leads to wiser outcomes.Plan for Uncertainty: 2022 (and any year) will bring challenges. Focus on what you can control, invite diverse perspectives, and be open to shifting your mental models.Connect with Kayvan: kayvankian.comhttps://linkedin.com/in/kayvanLearn More: Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it. Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.
** Come Along to the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference in Melbourne - in August - get your tickets here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference The Real Reason Businesses Are Closing (And How to Stay Ahead) - Podcast Episode 349 Innovation. It's not just a buzzword, it's the lifeline of business. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I'm diving into what happens when businesses stop evolving. Spoiler alert: they start disappearing. Think iconic brands like Katies and Just Jeans or long-running shows like The Project and Q&A, gone, not because they weren't loved, but because they didn't innovate. So, let me ask you this, when was the last time you did something innovative in your business? In this honest and action-packed episode, I explore: What innovation really means for small business owners (and no, it's not just shiny tech) Why marketing and innovation are the only two things that truly matter in business How I'm walking the innovation talk by launching the 2025 Social Media & Marketing Conference Whether you're stuck in the “this is how we've always done it” cycle or ready to shake things up, this episode is your nudge (or maybe your push!) to get curious, get courageous, and start innovating. Tune in now, because doing what you've always done may not get you where you want to go next.
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Chris Tyrell, founder of Chris's Garage Doors, to talk about the unexpected road from seminary student to successful entrepreneur. Chris shares how faith, community, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his business journey—and why giving generously has always been part of the plan.Chris opens up about how a part-time job in the garage door industry sparked a bigger calling. Today, his company serves not just customers, but the greater good—donating 3% of revenue to local nonprofits and using the business as a platform for ministry. Mark and Chris explore the power of mission-driven leadership, the importance of building a strong brand, and the lessons learned from hiring, coaching, and networking.Whether you're running a small business or dreaming about launching one, this episode is full of practical advice and honest insight from someone who's built a business rooted in values—and impact.Key Takeaways:Chris's journey from seminary to entrepreneurship was guided by faith.His company donates 3% of top-line revenue to local nonprofits as part of a mission to give back.Business can be a platform for ministry and community transformation.Reinvesting in your company is crucial for long-term growth.Relationships and networking play a powerful role in business development.Hiring for attitude often leads to stronger team culture and retention.A clear brand and purpose-driven culture can shape every aspect of your business.Business coaching and peer support help provide clarity and accountability.Understanding your “why” fuels more intentional decision-making.Connect with Chris:Chris's Garage Doors LinkedIn
In this episode, we'll explore the ins and outs of moving to a new office, covering everything from preparing your space and establishing a timeline to celebrating your new environment and mastering the art of flexibility.Find us at https://www.bernieportal.com/hr-party-of-one/BerniePortal: The all-in-one HRIS that makes building a business & managing its people easy. http://bit.ly/2NEQ5QbWhat is an HRIS?https://www.bernieportal.com/hris/BernieU: Your free one-stop shop for compelling, convenient, and comprehensive HR training and courses that will keep you up-to-date on all things human resources. Approved for SHRM & HRCI recertification credit hours. Enroll today!https://www.bernieportal.com/bernieu/Join the HR Party of One Community!https://hubs.ly/Q02mNML90▬ Episode Resources & Links ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬How to Establish a Meaningful Workplace Culture https://www.bernieportal.com/how-to-establish-a-meaningful-workplace-culture/Rhythms of HRhttps://www.bernieportal.com/rhythms-of-hr/▬ Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal▬ Podcast▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-party-of-one/id1495233115► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ViQkKdatT40DPLJkY2pgA► Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1874beb8-2a68-4310-8816-e704e6850995/HR-Party-of-One► iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hr-party-of-one-57127074/#► Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/o6e2auqq►RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/hrpartyofone/ ► Other: https://hrpartyofone.captivate.fm/listen#HR, #HumanResources, #HRTips, #HumanResourcesTips, #SmallBusiness, #HRPartyOfOne,Tags: HR, Human Resources, HR Tips, HRIS, Small Business Help, HR Party of One,
We're back with another joint episode of The Community Podcast and Anxiously Ambitious. Today Janette and Kristina are joined by Jodie Heffren the founder and creator of Rooted Woodland.In this conversation Jodi shares her inspiring journey from Nursing to entrepreneurship and how she creates transformative experiences at her forest property, Rooted Woodland. Jodie's passion for nature and healing led her to curate unique experiences involving breathwork, hot and cold therapy, and deep connection with nature.Tune in to learn about:Jodie's first cold plunge experience.How intentional cold exposure can help build resilience.The role nature plays in grounding and transformation.Why discomfort is a gateway to growth.How Jodi uses her nursing background to create safe and healing experiences.Are you stuck in a shift, navigating the messy middle, or just need a bit of push to get going? Rooted Woodland holds space for women to push past fear and anxiety, finding peace and empowerment in the process!Connect with Jodie:FREE GUIDEJodie's LinkedInWebsiteRooted Woodland's InstagramJodi is offering a special opportunity for Community listeners! Book a stay at her off-grid cabin and receive a complimentary 1 hour one-on-one session with her for hot and cold exposure. Reach out to her through Instagram or her website for more details!Mentioned in Episode:January 2025 Boss Mode Retreat RecapOctober 2025 Boss Mode Retreat PreviewReady to be part of a community that supports your growth? Join us at The Social Business Club and use the code PODCAST for your first month for just $1.Piggybank LegalSend me a text!For Your Information: • Host your podcast on Buzzsprout! •Use Code ‘PODCAST' For Your First Month For $1 Inside The Social Business Club • Join our favourite scheduling platform Later • FLODESK Affiliate Code | 50% off your first year! Don't forget to come say hi to us on Instagram @thesocialsnippet, join the Weekly Snippet or follow us on any social media platform! Website . Instagram . Facebook . Linkedin
In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steve Van Diest, President of Acumen's Front Range region, to unpack the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From founding a thriving mattress business to launching a customizable pillow company, Steve's path has been anything but linear.Steve candidly shares his experiences with burnout, making costly business decisions, and the challenges of building a healthy company culture. He opens up about the turning points that led him to give away a profitable business and the lessons he now imparts to other business owners through his work at Acumen.Key Takeaways:Burnout Isn't Just a Buzzword: Steve reflects on how ignoring signs of burnout led to poor decisions and how he's learned to identify and address it earlier.Trust, But Verify: The consequences of partnering without proper agreements and how a lack of structure nearly cost Steve his business.Building a Culture of Transparency: Why Steve prioritized hiring people with strong values over sales experience and how that shaped his company's identity.The Power of Community: How being part of a peer advisory group transformed Steve's approach to business – and why every entrepreneur should seek out similar connections.Connect with Steve:Website: Acumen ImpactLinkedIn: Steve Van DiestLearn More:Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.Stay Connected:Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.