The Collective

We talk about the potential reclassification of marijuana and the potential opportunity for ad agencies.We also discuss the scam that is student loan debt and how our politicians couldn’t care less about normal everyday Americans. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Steve gives an update on how inbound, particularly organic search and AI search, have positively been growing their business. We talk through how you can structure your site to be AI search friendly aka use those SEO best practices! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

The guys chat about the recent OpenAI acquisition of TBPN and how similar companies like Hubspot acquired My First Million podcast.  In the AI era with an abundance of content and all of these different social media platforms distribution and a real audience seems to be the moat.  We’re likely going to see more and more of these deals in the next couple of years as brands try to figure out their media strategy.They then talk about Whoops Series D announcement and how a bunch of Twitter threads went viral of people basically saying after the first month of use they got no value.  And how brands like Garmin and Apple offer watches with the same tracking features for free.As always, the guys end with some updates on training and docking miles!   Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

How we use Claude and ChatGPT for paid media and SEO monthly reporting.  Plus, we talk running and training as always! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Iran war, programmatic SEO combined with AI and we chat about our running blocks docking miles for half marathons.  Covered a lot in this one! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

We discuss how Reddit impacts AI visibility and how brands are starting to implement a more focused strategy around the platform.And then we also discuss some of the fluff around AI tracking tools and how the conversation is more geared towards a tool’s strength score as opposed to business results. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

We talk about some recent comments the head of advertising at OpenAI made about how they envision the ad platform working.And then we get into AI data from Bing Webmasters.  Not the best data and overall kinda vague, but hey it’s a move in the right direction! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

If you’re doing SEO or paid media for local service businesses this ones for you.  We discuss how Google has recently shifted the way paid vs organic results appear in the Google map pack listings and what this means for businesses.We then end with a few things we’ve done recently to improve productivity and mental clarity.Enjoy!Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Puppy joins the pod!We discuss Apple’s announcement integrating with Google’s Gemini to power Siri.And we do a deep dive into how Google with search, chrome, android, YouTube and AI Overviews along with their Apple/Siri announcement has created a continuous loop where Google is still king.If you’re running paid search campaigns on Google, we think this episode will give you some confidence to continue investing in this channel. Enjoy!Apple/Google Siri announcement: https://blog.google/company-news/inside-google/company-announcements/joint-statement-google-apple/Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

We reflect on their podcast journey, discussing our goals, marketing strategies, and the importance of content creation. We also chat about the potential of live streaming on social platforms like Twitter for promoting the podcast, similar to TBPN podcast.Then, we end with some lifestyle choices, health, and the growing interest in self-reliance and prepping. Enjoy!Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Trev & Steve discuss how difficult it can be to be an effective consultant.  More specifically, as agency owners hiring contractors, they discuss how difficult it is to find someone who’s both great with production work & a subject matter expert while also knowing how to speak to clients.  They talk about what makes a really solid consultant and how to develop long term relationships with clients. Then, the discussion shifts to the implications of AI advancements, particularly the introduction of ChatGPT’s Pulse, and the potential societal impacts of relying on AI for daily decision-making and information consumption.Are we going from Tik Tok brain to now AI is slowly creeping into your daily critical thinking skills? Wild times! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Trev & Steve discuss the Google update that has the whole SEO community in a fit.  This is called the &num=100 update and it impacted everyone’s Search Console impression data along with all of the SEO tracking tools. Essentially, overnight websites saw impression volume fall off a cliff because of this update.The guys give a detailed overview of the update, what it impacts and how they are communicating this to their clients. Great episode for how to be a better consultant in the digital marketing agency world. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

In this episode, Trevor and Steve discuss the recent developments in the Google antitrust lawsuit, the implications of AI on Google's business strategy, and the evolving landscape of search engine usage. They explore the impact of AI tools on traditional search behavior, the importance of brand bidding, and the future of SEO in the context of AI optimization. Additionally, they touch on investment strategies involving gold and cryptocurrency, concluding with insights on the potential resurgence of NFTs and blockchain technology.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Trev & Steve discuss how some states have passed legislation where state residents have their energy bills increasing due to AI Data centers.  They discuss how this could turn into major backlash in coming months and how this potentially impacts the longer term view of AI.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Trev & Steve discuss the latest updates from Google, particularly focusing on the impact of AI on user engagement and website traffic. They explore Google's revenue growth, the introduction of AI mode features, and the importance of understanding log files to analyze AI activity. The discussion also covers the implications of AI Max in Google Ads and how businesses can navigate these changes to optimize their digital marketing strategies.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Google hides 85% of your search terms data?OpenAI’s Operator can do tasks on your business’s behalf? Steve & Trev break down both of these topics on this week's episode! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Real simple one - we talk all things paid search by reviewing an analysis Trev did on keyword match types.  The guys talk about how important it is to lean into broad match keywords in Google search campaigns because that’s the game Google wants you to play.They also discuss the importance of 1st party conversion data and how connecting directly to a CRM with a milestone is critical when it comes to Google Ads and how those 1st party signals can enhance your broad match keyword’s performance. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Trev returns!In this episode, the guys discuss the importance of speed in responding to prospective clients and their general approach to initial discussions.  They emphasize the importance of getting to know what your prospect is trying to accomplish, if you’re the right fit to deliver on their goals and making sure they’re a culture fit for your organization.The guys discuss how shitty clients can provide short term revenue but actually ruin the vibes of your team which can have serious consequences on the sustainability of your business. The conversation also touches on the future of AI and human interaction in marketing related to some scams and BDR / SDR AI activities.  Are we moving towards a world where all outbound is AI automated?Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Leon joins Steve to share his journey in SEO since 2015, focusing on testing, experimentation, and what’s working right now. They dive into keyword strategies, code bloat reduction, AI’s growing impact, and why content and backlinks still matter—especially for scaling e-commerce sites.Want to connect with Leon?https://www.seo.science/Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

Are you sick and tired of hearing about Generative AI and how different it is than traditional SEO?  If so, this is the episode for you.In this episode we had Christian Hustle, founder of Woobound Marketing, joined Steve to discuss the evolving landscape of SEO in the age of AI. In this convo, they discuss the importance of content creation, the challenges of tracking and reporting in an AI-driven world, and the need for a human touch in digital marketing.  Analytics these days are a nightmare, but we’re in it together! They also share their thoughts on the future of link building, the role of digital PR and how platforms like LinkedIn can be significant in maintaining consistency in content production.Want to learn more about Christian Hustle?  Here’s his agency’s website:https://woobound.com/Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai #aimode #aimax

This episode has a couple funny experiences recently with AI and how it muddies up cold out reach.  But, the big news is Google’s AI Mode announcement!  The company released their AI Mode experience which looks like an LLM you’re used to with the bland text based experience and not the typical Google Search Results Pages with a ton of blue links.If you think about it, Google generated one of the most profitable, money printing businesses of all time with their blue link results page…. And now that might be changing forever.You still have the option to use Classic Google Search with blue links AND testing their AI Mode.  This is a massive shift for Google and you have to give them credit for being their size and still rapidly innovating.They also announced expansion of AI Overviews and that we will be able to buy ad inventory in both Overviews and AI Mode.  I think this eases a lot of search marketer’s minds! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Trev & Steve discuss the challenges Google faces in promoting its products like Gemini, the implications of AI in advertising, and the ongoing issues with customer service in the ad industry.  If you’ve worked in Google Ads and used their support team, you know what challenges we are talking about!The guys then explore integrations of e-commerce platforms into LLMs with Perplexities recent announcement of their partnership with PayPal and the overwhelming number of updates in digital marketing, emphasizing the need to discern valuable changes from mere noise. The conversation also touches on the evolution of content marketing, particularly the decline of traditional blogs and the importance of maintaining a strong brand reputation amidst the changing landscape.Anyone who is pitching “Generative AI SEO” is selling snake oil! Lol.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Trev & Steve discuss the challenges and realities of agency life, the perception of time in relation to productivity, and the evolving landscape of search engines and advertising in the age of AI. They explore the implications of AI on job performance, branding ethics, and the future of Google search amidst increasing competition. The conversation also touches on the societal impact of AI and the balance between digital and analog experiences.If you run an agency, work in one or do a lot of freelance consulting type work you can absolutely relate to this episode. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Trev & Steve go down the rabbit hole of exploring the evolving landscape of digital marketing, particularly focusing on the impact of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT on lead generation and SEO. Steve had a couple legit leads pull through his site that were influenced by ChatGPT queries where C42 ranked well in those LLM sessions.  He then had a conversation with ChatGPT about ranking factors for websites and presented the weighted factors in these results.  Turns out ranking in LLMs stem from best practice SEO tactics that have been established for years. Essentially if you have a business or consult for other businesses and want to better understand how sites rank in LLMs and how we’re approaching this, this is the episode for you. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Trev got married so Steve & Ricardo held it down!The guys mainly discuss the challenges of attribution in e-commerce, particularly after the introduction of iOS 14 and they chat about the evolution of attribution tools & mention a few new SEO tools. Conversation then shifts to the cultural differences in communication, especially the dominance of WhatsApp in Brazil. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of cold emails in reaching potential clients and the global impact of WhatsApp as a communication tool. In total, Ricardo & Steve discuss various themes surrounding social media dynamics, business communication, the implications of monopolies in tech, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. And they tie the impact of platforms like WhatsApp and Google on communication, the challenges posed by companies like Temu in e-commerce, and the complexities of attribution in digital marketing. The convo ends with the guy’s thoughts on the future of AI agents in marketing and the need for businesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Steve & Trev chat about the transformative impact of AI on personal finance, content creation, and marketing. Steve shares an interesting story of a specific use case of AI tools like ChatGPT for personal decision-making with a home investment decision. They then discuss the competitive advantages of Google's Gemini, and the evolving landscape of brand loyalty and engagement metrics. The dialogue highlights the complexities of attribution in the age of AI and how marketers and SEOs might want to consider reporting on the success of their SEO a bit differently.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

In today’s pod Trev & Steve discuss various topics related to health, fitness, and productivity. They chat about Trevor's first half marathon he ran in Philadelphia and then delve into the benefits of running and exercise on mental clarity. The discussion transitions to the use of technology in training, including wearables like Garmin watches, and the benefits of mouth taping for better breathing. They also explore the advantages of creatine supplementation for recovery and mental acuity. The conversation shifts to productivity hacks, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's time, especially in a remote work environment. They conclude with thoughts on social media detox and the concept of future looking backwards planning to enhance productivity.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

In this episode Trev is joined by a friend and business owner, Nick Flamini.  Nick is the founder & CEO of Sales Tycoons (https://mysalestycoons.com/) which is a fractional sales organization that helps businesses grow.Sales Tycoons works on a pay per closed deal business model where their sales team only gets paid when their client earns a sale.  This means Nick takes on 100% of the risk because he is paying his employees salary and benefits and is compensated purely on the success of his sales team to deliver for his clients.Trev & Nick discussed a ton of topics from what the business model is, how Nick approaches hiring, how Sales Tycoons approach go-to-market strategies and how Nick approaches growing the business.If you are a business owner, especially in the agency world, or thinking about starting one, I think this is a fantastic peek behind the scenes of what life looks like as a founder and operator. We covered a TON of topics in this one:Sales Tycoons business model & how they earn commission from their clientsUnique interview process to find killer salesmenWhat it’s like being an entrepreneur and what got Nick to leave his 6 figure salary job to start Sales TycoonsBrief Alex Hormozi storyNick’s thoughts on AI and how their business thinks about AINick’s approach to developing business and how Sales Tycoons use a combination of organic social media content, active direct message & email outreach along with paid adsWhat is go-to-market strategy and how Sales Tycoons thinks about go-to-market for their clientsWant to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Trev & Steve discuss their experiences with content creation, the impact of algorithms on viewership, and the challenges of navigating political and economic changes in the marketing landscape.  They discuss the general trends they’ve seen within organic views from YouTube Shorts, to YouTube and Spotify and how they’ve been approaching growing the podcast. They then explore the evolving role of AI in marketing and search, and reflect on the implications of AI advancements for the future of digital marketing and consumer behavior.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Steve held this one down!Steve took us through his entire step by step approach to SEO for ecommerce sites -  specifically Shopify.  There are a ton of golden nuggets in this episode.  Drop your questions in the comments! Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

We covered a few topics lol:Bluetooth health concerns, Digg, early internet marketing, social media evolution, LinkedIn advertising, AI in marketing, future of search, critical thinking, big pharma advertising, out of home advertising, local advertising trends, display ads, human interaction and AIAnnnnd we had our boy Ricardo join the show!  We discussed a ton of topics ranging from the rise and fall of Digg (and how Kevin Rose is bringing it back), early internet marketing nostalgia, and the evolution of personal branding on social media. We dove into LinkedIn becoming unusable with everyone being an influencer using ChatGPT for posts and the impact of AI on marketing and critical thinking. The convo also touches on the future of out-of-home advertising, local advertising growth, and the potential decline of display ads, concluding with reflections on human interaction in the age of AI.Ton of topics but all around internet marketing, nostalgia and personal branding!Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Return of season 3!In this episode, Steve and Trev kick off Season Three by discussing the evolution of their podcast and the importance of maintaining connections in the industry. They dive into the impact of AI on agency life, exploring how it can streamline processes and enhance client management.  And generally how they are thinking about incorporating AI into their business and how you should too if you’re in the digital marketing agency world. The conversation then shifts to the significance of local branding and community engagement, emphasizing the value of personal relationships in business. They reflect on the future of AI in the workplace, considering both the opportunities and challenges it presents for society and the workforce.Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out!Steve:https://collective42.com/Trevor:https://www.r40collective.com/#digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Jam packed episode!  Trev and Steve speak about the nightmare that is Facebook Ads Business Manager. Steve shares  a person experience with Meta ad supports and gives some valuable tips on how to improve the client onboarding experience when running Facebook ads.  They then discuss the rise of AI note takers in meetings, with Trev expressing concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of these tools.  We don’t want bots listening to everything we say all the time! Lol.  Figure out how to take your own notes people, it’s not that hard and will improve your recall in the long run.  Finally, they explore the evolving landscape of remote work, employee engagement, and the need for companies to adapt their incentive structures to retain talent. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Jam packed episode!  Trev & Steve discuss how they approach difficult client conversations because if you work in the digital marketing / consulting industry you’re going to have some tough calls.  Whether that be a difficult person or just struggling to drive results those tough client conversations are bound to happen and the guys discuss their approach prior to those meetings and also some things to keep in mind during the meeting itself. They chat about Darmesh the co-founder of Hubspot and how he sold chat.com to OpenAI for a ridiculous amount of money.  And also how Darmesh is successful because he’s curious and continues to learn new things.  Then end talking about Perplexity announcing their ad platform and potential future of LLMs incorporating ads to support their business models.  Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Jam packed episode!  In this episode, Trev & Steve discuss various topics related to content creation, the streaming economy, and the impact of AI tools on non-coders.  They chat about the importance of consistency in content release and how it can be challenging putting yourself out there with your personal content. Then, they discussed Elon’s comments on Joe Rogan’s podcast how video gaming medical professionals are significantly better at their job compared to non gamers which was fascinating to hear.  Also, apparently Elon is a top ranked gamer in the world.  Guy is a machine! He spoke about how it’s a mental escape and the benefits of it which was quite interesting.   They end on the differences between searching and researching ie when to use search vs an LLM which transitions into a few cool AI no-code tools! Takeaways Consistency in content release can lead to better audience engagement. The streaming economy is top-heavy, with few making significant income. Professional identity can feel like wearing a mask in social settings. Video games may serve as a form of escapism and Elon is a top gamer. AI tools are lowering the barrier to entry for app development. Searching provides quick answers, while researching offers deeper insights. User experience in search engines is crucial for adoption. AI tools can help non-coders bring their ideas to life. The future of search may involve integrating AI with traditional search engines. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

Halloween themed pod! In this lively Halloween-themed podcast, hosts Steve and Ricardo discuss a recent theft of Halloween decorations from Steve's yard, the community's response, and the awkwardness of being interviewed by the news. They also delve into the latest earnings reports from major tech companies, the impact of political advertising on revenue, and the upcoming Google algorithm updates affecting SEO. The conversation highlights the intersection of community, media, and marketing in today's digital landscape. Takeaways Halloween decorations were stolen from Steve's yard. Community engagement is crucial in response to local crime. SEO strategies are evolving, with brand mentions becoming increasingly important in the age of AI. Political advertising significantly impacts tech company revenues. Google's algorithm updates are affecting SEO strategies. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies #chatgpt #claude #perplexity #llms #openai

We covered a lot from macro trends in the economy to how brands can appear in LLM results: In this conversation, Trev & Steve discuss various topics including consumer spending trends, the impact of elections on financial decisions, and the evolving landscape of SEO in relation to AI and brand mentions. They also explore how economic conditions and political climates influence consumer behavior, the importance of brand visibility in the age of AI, and the future of technology in everyday life. The discussion highlights the complexities of consumer behavior and the challenges businesses face in adapting to these changes. Takeaways Consumers are currently hesitant to make big financial decisions due to economic uncertainty and upcoming elections. E-commerce brands need to focus on optimizing average order value and customer lifetime value in a challenging market. SEO strategies are evolving, with brand mentions becoming increasingly important in the age of AI. The future of consumer technology will likely involve more integration of AI into everyday devices like Alexa and Siri. There is a growing concern about the amount of credit card debt among consumers, impacting their spending habits. AI and LLMs emphasize the need for brands to be mentioned across various platforms, not just linked. The need for unbiased news sources is becoming more apparent as consumers seek reliable information. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the quality of content available online and its implications for businesses. References: https://sparktoro.com/blog/how-can-my-brand-appear-in-answers-from-chatgpt-perplexity-gemini-and-other-ai-llm-tools/ https://www.investopedia.com/beige-book-october-2024-federal-reserve-consumers-hesitant-to-spend-before-the-election-8733130 Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

We covered a lot from AI tools to saunas to the FTC’s click-to-cancel Ruling Trev and Steve bounce around a bit in this one, but they come with some great topics! This episodes ranges from sound quality improvements in the podcast to fitness routines and the recent FTC ruling on subscription cancellations.  They delve into the implications of the Click-to-Cancel rule, the actions of Lena Kahn and the FTC, and the transition of Google's Gemini product.  The conversation also covers innovative content creation techniques using AI tools, the future of presentations, and the emerging trends on LinkedIn, particularly the introduction of shorts. Takeaways Sound quality is crucial for a good listening experience. Investing in proper fitness gear can enhance workouts. Sauna sessions can significantly aid recovery and mental clarity. The FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule aims to simplify subscription cancellations. Lena Kahn is actively reshaping FTC policies and regulations. Brand power can influence market success, especially for first movers. AI tools can streamline content creation and enhance productivity. Innovative presentation techniques can improve engagement during pitches. LinkedIn is evolving with new features like shorts, presenting new opportunities. Consistency in posting is key to maintaining engagement on social media. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Rucking, how the WSJ’s headline for Google losing 50% of the ad market to Tik Tok & AI startups is misleading & the dead internet theory explained: Steve shares his recent fitness ventures in rucking and the guys discuss some American brands like GoRuck.  Steve consistently runs each week and started testing rucking as of late to switch up training methods that might be easier on the back and knees while still getting a great workout. They then dive into the WSJ’s somewhat misleading article of how Google’s share of the ad market is expected to drop below 50% by 2025 due to Tik Tok and AI Startups.  Rand Fishkin of SparkToro wrote an article debunking this claim. The guys then get into the dark internet theory and how AI could bring in some weird times for the internet.  We’re already seeing some of this with bots on social media but with AI it’s going to a whole different level.  Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

This was a wide ranging conversation across recent travel, OpenAI’s Canvas & the Data Google Hides: In this conversation, Trevor and Steve explore various topics ranging from their recent trip to Austin, reflections on their podcasting journey, and the implications of OpenAI's new Canvas tool for content creation.  They then dive into Google's mobile-first indexing and the ethical concerns surrounding data collection and user privacy. The discussion also covers the complexities of Google Ads and the future of search engines, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving digital landscape. It’s crazy how no one talks about Google hides 20-30% of search queries in both Google Ads and Google Search Console.  Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

OpenAi is valued at $150 billion, yet their entire executive team from the founding days have left: In this conversation, Trevor and Steve discuss their experiences with podcasting, the evolution of AI, and the implications of Sam Altman's leadership at OpenAI. It’s been interesting to follow along with Sam’s journey, through the Elon drama and now to see the company raise the largest round of funding of all time just to see the entire leadership team leave.  Something seems fishy.  The guys also highlight how Sam publicly has stated he doesn’t need or care about money yet drives a $4million dollar car.  They then explore the challenges of maintaining a podcast, the importance of engaging content, and the potential impact of AI on jobs and education. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in daily life and how it can serve as a tool for productivity rather than a job killer. We think you’ll leave this episode with a more positive take on AI! Lol Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

How we use LinkedIn for business development and personal branding  In this episode, Trevor shares a personal story of a recent business development through a LinkedIn DM and how he optimizes his profile for business development. Steve states how your LinkedIn can be used as a remarketing tactic to stay top of mind for your audience.  The guys then turn the discussion into a bit of a health related conversation discussing some supplements they’ve recently been testing and how Mr. Beast started an ultra-processed foods company.   Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

We spoke through a recent shadow ban we experienced and then shifted to a conversation about Steve’s agency doing keyword testing for inbound:  In this episode, Steve discusses his recent experience from a trip to Texas for a bachelor weekend. The guys then shift to speak about an update from a recent shadow ban they experienced on YouTube.  They explore the importance of collaboration in client experiences and the idea of creating a community through a Slack channel. The goal here is to create a community of those in digital marketing looking to improve performance and to not feel like they’re on an island in this remote world. Lastly, the conversation ends when the guys discuss Steve’s agency doing some keyword bidding search campaigns for client acquisition, highlighting the challenges of navigating paid media campaigns. They emphasize the significance of negative keywords and understanding search intent in optimizing campaigns.  There’s a lot of golden nuggets in the approach to constructing search campaigns and certain settings are highlighted that you should avoid.  Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Leon Hitchen’s founder story & POV on building a great agency business:  Leon Hitchens, co-founder of Ruskin Consulting, shares his journey from tech blogging to starting a marketing agency.  The agency primarily focuses on white-label marketing services for other agencies, offering Google ads, SEO, and web work.  Leon and his business partner have also diversified their business by investing in other ventures, including a tax business, a hiring business, and real estate. They aim to build an agency that provides cash flows and then use those cash flows to invest in other assets.  Leon emphasizes the importance of finding a niche and being passionate about it, as well as replicating processes and onboarding across clients in the same niche.  In this conversation, Leon discusses the various tools and software his agency uses for project management, billing, invoicing, communication, SEO, and CRM. He emphasizes the importance of using tools that are simple and easy to use, such as Basecamp for project management.  Leon also talks about the benefits of using AI in marketing and the potential opportunities it presents. He shares his experience as a business mentor and the value of having mentors in entrepreneurship.  Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of staying adaptable and embracing new technologies in the marketing industry. Takeaways:  Finding a niche and being passionate about it is important for a marketing agency Replicating processes and onboarding across clients in the same niche makes it easier to scale Diversifying the agency's business by investing in other ventures can provide additional cash flows and assets Having mentors in entrepreneurship can provide valuable guidance and support. Diversifying income streams and offering multiple services can reduce business risks. Get in touch with Leon Hitchens: https://ruskinconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/ Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Striking a balance between being authentic & providing value with our personal organic social content:  In this conversation, Steve and Trevor discuss their experiences with posting content on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn. They talk about the importance of being authentic and providing value in their posts. They also touch on the topic of LinkedIn strategies, including commenting on other people's posts and connecting with past clients.  The conversation covers various topics including the templatization of social posts, loyalty to companies, the impact of LinkedIn on job hopping, the future of work, and the use of AI in software development.  They discuss the preference for genuine social media content over templated posts and the different mindsets and values people have when it comes to marketing.  They also explore the changing dynamics of job loyalty and the role of LinkedIn in facilitating career hopping.  The conversation touches on the emergence of AI tools like Cursor that allow for prompt coding and the potential impact on software businesses. They conclude by discussing the generational divide in adopting new technologies. They also touch on:  Being authentic and providing value in content is important for engagement and building a following. Posting frequency should be based on the quality of the content rather than quantity. Engaging with other people's posts on LinkedIn can help expand your reach and connect with potential clients. Using humor in content can make it more relatable and enjoyable for the audience. Staying up to date with industry trends is crucial for creating valuable content. The templatization of social media posts can lead to a lack of genuine content and can be repetitive. Different people have different values and mindsets when it comes to marketing and social media strategies. LinkedIn has changed the dynamics of job loyalty and has facilitated career hopping. AI tools like Cursor that enable prompt coding have the potential to impact software businesses and simplify the development process. The adoption of new technologies and AI tools may vary across generations. Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Christian Hustle, founder of WooBound Marketing joins the show: Christian Hustle, founder of WooBound Marketing, joins Trevor and Steve to discuss SEO and the challenges of running an agency. They talk about the importance of creating quality content, dealing with haters, and the concept of programmatic SEO.  They also touch on:  > The limitations of automated SEO tools and the value of Google Search Console emails.  > Challenges of dealing with SEO errors and the importance of having a mentor or experienced professional to guide you.  > The impact of title tags and meta descriptions on SEO rankings and the potential benefits of using sentence case instead of title case.  > Importance of online reviews for businesses and the impact of review velocity on rankings.  > Dependence on digital maps and the challenges of navigating in foreign countries without reliable map apps.  > Unpredictability of Google's algorithm updates and the potential for websites to recover from ranking drops. Want to connect with Christian? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianarriola/ WooBound: https://woobound.com/ Want to learn more about us and our services? Reach out! Steve: https://collective42.com/ Trevor: https://www.r40collective.com/ #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Harris campaign manipulates headlines to highlight favorable news coverage: The conversation discusses the topic of political advertising, specifically focusing on the recent controversy surrounding the Harris campaign's use of text ads on search results pages. The hosts explore the tactics used by the campaign, such as buying keywords and creating misleading headlines to promote positive news articles about Kamala Harris. They also question how the campaign was able to send traffic to websites they don't own, which goes against Google's advertising policies. The conversation highlights the lack of transparency and ethical concerns surrounding this practice. Also, the guys discuss Google’s push towards using ONE primary conversion action in your ads account and how this is a massive change.  They get into how you can deploy this update in your ads account and discuss some things advertisers should consider before implementing.  #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Lending Tree has a sophisticated marketing funnel: The guys did a live audit for the “auto insurance” industry and came across a wild one During their live audit the guys broke down what they liked and didn’t like about the auto insurance industry, specifically through the lens of SEO and PPC.  And during the pod the guys discussed a brand that has the simplest form submission action and quickly discovered Lending Tree owned it and has dozens of “brands” they deploy for their marketing funnel. Tons of golden insights in this one! #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

Is AI Positive for Society: The guys had one of their most interesting conversations on the podcast to date.   They covered the wide ranging topic of is AI positive for society and in general how we think about success in society.  For example, is building a social app that gamifies the experience to get users addicted to the platform and destroys people’s attention spans a net positive on the world?  Will AI further reduce human’s attention spans?  Will AI ruin or vastly reduce human’s critical thinking abilities?   Overall, it was a fascinating conversation.  The guys urge everyone to take a step back and consider everything happening with technology, AI and social media a net positive.  Or are we seeing the hollowing out of resourcefulness, critical thinking and problem solving because technology is making everything too easy? Let us know what you think!  #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem #ga4 #googleanalytics #growthmarketing #demandgen #pmax #performancemax #gtm #tagmanager #marketingagencies

CrowdStrike Audit: The guys have been chatting about doing a live audit for some time and figured they’d use CrowdStrike as a prime example considering what happened with their recent software update.  They discuss tools they use to evaluate their approach to paid media as well as SEO and discuss throughout the episodes how they would approach the audit and some initial recommendations they would make.  #digitalmarketing #ai #aimarketing #ppc #seo #growthhacking #googleads #searchenginemarketing #sem