#125: Building a Values-Driven Agency with Nick Footer

Nick Footer, CEO of Intuitive Digital and self-proclaimed “Cultivator of Happiness,” joins us to talk about building a purpose-driven marketing agency, navigating economic uncertainty, and why AI isn’t killing SEO, it’s reshaping it. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to leading a B Corp-certified agency, Nick shares honest insights about risk, scaling, and what it actually takes to sustain a values-based business.If you’re a service-based entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or marketing nerd trying to make sense of AI, automation, and today’s shifting economy–this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world perspective.Key Takeaways: Don’t scale before the revenue is real. Hiring and expanding before contracts are signed can create years of financial stress. Your growth should follow confirmed demand.AI isn’t replacing marketing strategy–it’s changing it. Businesses now need to optimize for SEO, AEO (AI Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).Automation isn’t always your friend. Blindly trusting automated ad campaigns can lead to inflated “conversion” data that doesn’t translate to real revenue.Purpose still matters in tough markets. Being B Corp certified and values-driven isn’t just branding–it shapes how you build culture, serve clients, and make decisions.Marketing budgets are tightening–but strategy matters more than ever. The businesses that survive downturns are the ones that get focused, track attribution, and adapt quickly.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Nick Footer, CEO of Intuitive DigitalCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Nick:Website: https://intuitivedigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfooter/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram