SEO On-Air

In this episode, Tim Brown, founder and CEO of Hook Agency, shares how he built a purpose-driven business by balancing people and profit. From shaping a strong internal culture to choosing the right clients, Tim breaks down the mindset and strategies behind sustainable agency growth. We also explore the power of niche marketing, practical ways to use AI, and why leading with intention creates long-term impact. If you're looking to grow with clarity and conviction, this conversation is for you. 

In this episode of SEO-On-Air, Michael Davern, Partner and CEO of Incept, joins us to share his journey from music to marketing leadership. Known for championing a strategy-first approach, Michael breaks down what truly sets Incept apart in a sea of service-driven agencies. He dives into the importance of starting with "why" in every client engagement, the role of AI in modern marketing operations, and why many common metrics and tactics are leading businesses astray. From balancing creativity with data to challenging the industry's overreliance on vanity metrics, Michael offers a clear, grounded perspective on how to build marketing...

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Herbert, Senior Manager of SEO and Paid Media at MJ2 Marketing, to explore how AI is transforming the digital marketing landscape. Daniel shares practical insights on combining paid and organic strategies, optimizing content for voice search, and making the most of today’s AI tools—without losing the human touch. From avoiding keyword stuffing to leveraging TikTok for B2B, this conversation is packed with smart, actionable advice for marketers navigating constant change. 

Sam Rahimi, Vice President of Earned and Owned Media at AdCellerant, joins us to break down the state of SEO in 2025. From debunking the “SEO is dead” myth to using AI tools the right way, Sam shares sharp insights on content strategy, link building, and why context matters more than keywords. Whether you're a local business or a national brand, this episode offers practical, no-fluff advice to help you cut through the digital noise and get found online. 

In this episode, Lora Kratchounova—founder of Scratch Marketing + Media—breaks down how B2B brands can move beyond features and start marketing the future. From brand positioning to account-based experiences, Lora shares insights from 25+ years in tech marketing and startup mentorship. A must-listen for founders and marketers alike. 

In this episode, SEO expert Aaron Mackel shares how brands can thrive in the ever-evolving search landscape of 2025. With over a decade of experience, Aaron dives into the power of user intent, emerging SEO trends, the role of AI in content, and why topical authority is more important than ever. He breaks down how real reviews impact visibility, how user behavior is shifting across platforms, and why being great at a few things beats trying to rank for everything. Plus, Aaron shares practical advice for local businesses, content creators, and teams looking to future-proof their SEO strategy.

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In this episode of SEO OnAir, host Aaron welcomes Tim Douglass, founder of Fidelis Creative Agency, to unpack what it really takes to build a brand that connects—deeply and authentically—in today’s overcrowded digital space.

Tim shares why branding is no longer about flashy logos or clever taglines, but about creating a gut-level connection with your ideal customer. They dive into the foundations of brand strategy, the importance of brand architecture, and how to balance creativity with marketing execution. Plus, they discuss where AI fits into the branding conversation—and where it absolutely doesn’t.

Wheth...

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Dinsmore, founder of Overit, to explore his incredible 30-year journey from designing CD-ROMs to leading cutting-edge campaigns powered by AI and data. Dan shares how he balances right-brain creativity with left-brain analytics, why failure is essential to innovation, and how his agency continues to evolve in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Whether you're a creative professional, marketer, or entrepreneur, Dan’s insights on blending emotion, data, and risk-taking will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to branding and growth.

What if your SEO strategy is built on outdated assumptions? In this episode, Aaron sits down with Bill Rice, founder and CEO of Kaleidico, to unpack why most digital agencies are missing the mark when it comes to SEO, lead generation, and content in the AI era.

💡 Bill shares:

 ▸ Why SEO still matters—and how it’s rapidly evolving
 ▸ The biggest mistakes agencies make with landing pages and forms
 ▸ How to turn overlooked “thank you” pages into conversion machines
 ▸ Smart ways to actually use ChatGPT (hint: it's not your homework machine)
▸ How to stand out in a wor...

Peter Kraus, CEO and Co-Founder of RellaPhi and former Chief Product Officer at SAP Concur, joins Aaron to share real-world insights on how AI is reshaping SEO, content strategy, and enterprise growth. With years of experience building global SaaS operations and leading data-driven innovation, Peter explains how trust, data ownership, and content quality are now more critical than ever. He dives into custom AI models, the future of search, and why blending human creativity with automation is the key to long-term relevance. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading digital transformation, this episode is packed with proven strategies and...

Aaron sits down with Bill Sebald, founder of Greenlane Marketing, to explore the evolution of SEO, the rise of AI in marketing, and what it takes to run an ethical, high-performing agency. Bill shares his journey from solo consultant to agency leader, why being a full-stack SEO is a competitive edge, and how AI can enhance — not replace — real strategy and creativity. A candid, insightful conversation for marketers, founders, and SEO pros alike.

In this laugh-out-loud episode, host Aaron sits down with Chris Yoko, founder of Yoko Co, to read and react to some of the most ridiculous and hilarious Reddit stories from the world of SEO and marketing.

From clients who think they can boost traffic by texting their website to friends, to people demanding a #1 Google rank overnight, these stories are as entertaining as they are educational. Chris and Aaron share real-life agency experiences, break down common SEO misconceptions, and offer sharp, practical advice for navigating difficult client relationships.

Whether you're a marketer, freelancer, or just...

Brad Wetherall, former Director at Google and now COO at Esquire Digital, shares what it really takes to win at SEO in 2025. From Google’s latest algorithm changes to the rise (and risk) of AI content, Brad breaks down how to rank, build authority, and turn clicks into clients—especially for law firms. Real insights from inside Google are now on your side.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Hannah McNaughton, Founder and CEO of Metric Marketing, to explore how she built a thriving agency grounded in trust, transparency, and performance. Hannah shares her journey from solopreneur to leading a 25-person team, revealing the systems and values that drive sustainable growth. They discuss how her background in mathematics shaped her data-driven approach, why she’s cautious about blindly following trends like AI, and how Metric Marketing balances internal team culture with client satisfaction. Whether you're scaling an agency or curious about the human side of marketing leadership, this episode delivers fresh in...

Ken Marshall, Chief Growth Officer at RevenueZen, shares his transformative journey from overworked entrepreneur to balanced leader. In this episode, he opens up about early burnout, lessons in delegation, and how stepping back actually accelerated his agency’s growth. Ken also discusses how his experience in neuroscience influences his decision-making, why gut instincts matter in business, and the importance of mental wellness. Whether you're a founder, freelancer, or marketer, Ken’s insights offer a refreshing take on building a meaningful and sustainable career. 

What if your brand isn’t boring — just too safe?

In this episode, Aaron is joined by brand strategist Janha Eichel to explore why the future of marketing isn’t louder — it’s more human. From the art of storytelling to embracing emotional depth, Janha unpacks how brands can move beyond performance-driven tactics and into real connection. They discuss the power of authenticity, the tension between creativity and structure, and why “doing the work” behind the scenes matters just as much as the message. If you're tired of marketing that feels hollow, this conversation is your wake-up call.

In this episode, Aaron Basil sits down with Ivan Vislavskiy, co-founder of Comrade Digital Marketing, to unpack what it really takes to build a successful SEO agency in 2025. Ivan shares how SEO continues to deliver unmatched ROI for local service businesses, what common mistakes new agency owners make, and how AI is disrupting the digital marketing space—for better or worse. Whether you're running an agency, offering local services, or just trying to generate more qualified leads, this conversation delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can act on today.

SEO is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch every time Google updates. Nick Quirk has been through every major shift in the game—and he’s here to tell you why the fundamentals still matter. From managing client expectations to developing proprietary tools and systems, Nick shares how SEO Local has maintained a reputation for long-term success, not short-term hacks. This episode is a conversation about resilience, adaptation, and leading with expertise in an industry that rarely slows down.

What does it take to build an agency that lasts over 30 years? In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Strother, founder and CEO of Strother Communications Group, to explore the real drivers behind long-term success in marketing.

Patrick shares how trust, strategy-first thinking, and a strong internal culture have shaped his agency's growth through decades of industry shifts — from the rise of digital to the AI era. You’ll hear insights on why client fit matters more than volume, how primary research fuels impactful content, and why building a team with shared values can be a game...

In this episode of SEO OnAir, Aaron sits down with Dave Meyer, President of BizzyWeb, to explore how AI is transforming marketing—but only when paired with human insight. 

From the early days of his business to supporting fractional executives and building inbound strategies that actually convert, Dave shares the hard-earned lessons behind BizzyWeb’s success. 

He dives deep into the evolving role of AI in content creation, the importance of human refinement, and why relying too heavily on prompts alone just won’t cut it. You’ll also hear insights on tools like HubSpot, Gemini, an...

Shelly Sasson unpacks what it takes to build and lead high-performing marketing teams in the health tech startup world. From hiring for culture fit to fostering a mindset of experimentation, she offers a masterclass in strategic thinking and execution. Perfect for founders, marketing leads, and anyone navigating fast-growing startups.

What happens when a former lawyer becomes a digital marketing powerhouse? In this episode, we sit down with Gyi Tsakalakis, founder of Attorney Sync, to talk about what law firms really need to know about growing online. From the pitfalls of vanity metrics to the power of local SEO and client acquisition, Gyi breaks down how legal marketing has evolved—and why most firms are still doing it wrong.

Whether you're a lawyer looking to grow your practice or a marketer trying to crack into the legal niche, this conversation covers everything from ethical SEO, fake reviews, an...

Discover how thought leadership and authenticity can transform your marketing. David Reske, founder of Nowspeed, shares why being real matters more than being flashy and how content strategy rooted in trust can cut through the noise. Whether you're building a brand or scaling a business, this episode offers smart, actionable insights. 

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Aldrich to explore his journey in the business world, uncovering the strategies and mindset that have fueled his success. From overcoming early challenges to scaling operations and staying ahead in an evolving market, Larry shares invaluable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the power of strategic decision-making. We also discuss the role of AI in modern business, the importance of brand authenticity, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to elevate your game. 

In this episode of SEO On Air, host Aaron sits down with Meshach Weber to discuss the intersection of behavioral science, cognitive empathy, and digital marketing. They dive into how Firebrand was founded, the challenges faced in its early days, and the evolving landscape of online engagement. Meshach shares insights on how understanding human behavior can help create more meaningful digital experiences, improve decision-making, and drive engagement. Tune in to explore the psychology behind SEO, the impact of AI on content quality, and how businesses can adapt to changing consumer behaviors. 

SEO is often misunderstood, but in this episode, we’re setting the record straight. We explore SEO myths, the rise of AI-generated content, and how businesses can adapt to constant changes in search rankings. Our guest, Brook Shepard, Founder & CEO of Mason Interactive, shares real-world examples of SEO successes and failures, plus tips on how to make data-driven decisions for long-term success. Whether you’re new to SEO or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 

Join Aaron Basil and Lawrence Hitches, General Manager of StudioHawk, in a thought-provoking podcast that unveils the changing landscape of SEO in 2023. Discover the strategies to enhance your website's ranking in search results, boost E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), and leverage brand keywords for SEO forecasting.

Explore the world of Triple-featured snippets on Google and learn how content creators can strategize to secure prime visibility. Dive into the impact of Google's Perspectives feature on SEO practices, and find out how social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok influence content visibility in this context.

Unearth the...

 Join Aaron Basil and Nicki Betterbid, Director of SEO at PBJ Marketing, in an illuminating podcast that dives deep into the world of SEO. Discover how data-driven content creation can captivate your audience and build a loyal readership.

Explore the pivotal role of data analysis in refining content strategies for heightened engagement and conversion rates. Nicki shares valuable insights into the on-page optimization techniques that are essential for boosting your website's visibility in search results.

Uncover the power of data in Local SEO. Learn how specific data points can be prioritized to enhance local visibility a...

 Join Aaron Basil as he engages in an insightful conversation with Jason O'Connor, the SEO Supervisor at OpenMoves. Unpack the essence of creating a resonating online presence, understanding the intricate world of link building, and leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence in the digital marketing landscape. 

Dive deep into the latest practices of internal and external linking for 2023, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimal search engine rankings. Discover the art of establishing your brand's Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) to position your business as a beacon of trust in your industry. 

Navigate the vastness of...

 Dive deep into the intricate world of Digital Marketing Essentialism with Jeff Lizik, the President and CEO of RedShift. In this episode, Aaron Basil and Jeff explore the 5 major components that form the backbone of digital marketing's streamlined and effective approach. As we venture further into the age of artificial intelligence, learn how search engines are being revolutionized and how agencies can harness the capabilities of AI technologies, including powerful models like GPT4. From optimizing landing pages using AI to crafting content that resonates with audiences, discover the ins and outs of integrating AI across the customer journey. Jeff p...

 Join Aaron Basil and Beau Graves, VP of Partner Strategy at Avalaunch Media, in an enlightening podcast that dives deep into the world of digital marketing. Discover key onsite optimization strategies, master the art of using visual content effectively, and explore the game-changing impact of AI tools in marketing.

🚀 Effective Onsite Optimization Strategies:
Unlock the latest onsite optimization strategies that drive increased website traffic. Beau delves into evolving methods that have shaped digital marketing in recent years.

🔑 Building a Robust Foundation for SEO Success:
Understand the vital role of crawlability and indexability in an SEO...

 Join Aaron Basil and Brenton Thomas, Founder of Twibi, in an insightful podcast that reveals the secrets to optimizing Google Response Ads for maximum results. Explore strategies for driving high revenue from digital marketing campaigns and uncover the transformative influence of generative AI on SEO and online marketing.

🚀 5 Secrets to Google Response Ads Success:
Unlock the top 5 secrets to optimizing Google Response Ads for exceptional results. Brenton shares expert insights and tactics for maximizing your ad campaigns.

📈 Growing a Boutique Agency with Marketing Automation:
Discover how Brenton grew his boutique agency using marketing automat...

 Join Aaron Basil and Jarrod Lopiccolo, CEO and Co-Founder at Noble Studios, in an insightful podcast that delves into effective strategies for boosting website rankings, foundational components for agency success, and essential tools for measuring SEO effectiveness.

🚀 Elevating Website Rankings:
Explore the most effective strategies and techniques for improving a website's search engine ranking. Jarrod shares real-life examples of successful SEO campaigns and their outcomes.

🔑 Key Factors for SEO Success:
Discover the critical factors that underpin SEO success. Jarrod prioritizes these factors and explains why they are paramount in the quest for higher search...

 Join Aaron Basil and Joshua White, CEO of Neon Treehouse, in an illuminating podcast that unravels the secrets to mastering social media advertising, navigating the dos and don'ts of digital marketing, and staying ahead with cutting-edge SEO strategies for 2024.

📢 Social Media Advertising Evolution:
Discover the most significant changes and trends in social media advertising. Joshua sheds light on how these shifts influence today's brand strategies in the world of social media.

🚀 Kickstarting Your Brand's Social Media Presence:
For brands new to social media advertising, learn the essential steps to boost your visibility and presenc...

 Join Aaron Basil and Scott Pittman, General Manager at Reef Digital, in an enlightening podcast that unravels the secrets to improving organic search rankings, the pivotal role of content marketing, and the transformative influence of AI on the future of marketing.

🚀 Unlock Organic Search Success:
Discover lesser-known SEO strategies and tactics that businesses can harness to enhance their organic search rankings and online visibility. Scott shares actionable insights for elevating your SEO game.

💡 PPC and SEM Mastery:
Explore the key elements of successful PPC and SEM campaigns. Learn how businesses can optimize their paid se...

 Join Aaron Basil and Kevin Neilson, Business Owner at Gravitate One, in an illuminating podcast that delves into the evolution of link-building strategies, the art of client relationship management, and the impactful role of AI in content creation.

🔗 Link-Building Evolution:
Discover how link-building strategies have evolved in recent times. Kevin shares effective tips and tricks for building high-quality backlinks that align seamlessly with today's SEO standards. Uncover the secrets to boosting your online presence through strategic link-building.

🤝 Client Relationship Mastery:
Kevin unveils the key elements critical in managing client relationships. Learn how to ensure...

 Join Aaron Basil and Jesse Perreault, CEO and Partner of SOAP Media, in an insightful podcast that explores the intricate art of building a robust online presence, generating leads with Google Ads, and optimizing conversion rates to drive business growth.

Discover how principles from MMO games are seamlessly integrated into digital strategies, creating engaging and loyal customer experiences. Learn the StarCraft-inspired techniques for building an unshakable foundation for your online presence, encompassing effective web development and landing page optimization.

Explore the realm of Google Ads with Jesse as he shares insights on leveraging search, display, a...

 Join Aaron Basil and David Palombo, President and COO of Launch That, in an illuminating podcast that delves deep into the ever-evolving world of SEO, the future of link building, and the impactful role of AI in marketing.

Discover the journey of SEO evolution and the pivotal changes that have shaped its current landscape. Uncover the strategies and insights behind passive link building, and learn from common mistakes to effective tips for building high-quality links.

Explore the future of link building as David shares emerging trends and digital PR strategies that can help you stay a...

 Join Aaron Basil and Gwen Beren, CEO of Illuminous Marketing, in a captivating podcast that explores the evolving world of SEO, social media, and content marketing. Dive into the intriguing convergence of these disciplines, uncovering synergies that are shaping the modern digital landscape.

Discover the impact of Google's innovative additions - the Search Generative Experience and Perspectives. Gwen Beren sheds light on how these developments are transforming user interactions with search results, providing access to diverse perspectives, and offering exciting possibilities for content creators and marketers.

Explore the significant influence of AI on the SEO l...

 Join Aaron Basil and Dr. Kate Blake, Content and SEO Director at Big Sea, in a captivating podcast that delves into the fascinating world of SEO and content marketing. Dr. Blake shares her experiences constructing a web spider and how it aligns with her motivation to revolutionize SEO practices. Discover how NLP (Natural Language Processing) can be a game-changer in enhancing content-led SEO and improving user experience.

Explore the crucial integration of SEO into content creation and learn about the essential concepts and skills that all content creators should possess. Dr. Blake shares her insights into maintaining o...