Digital Dominance: Proven Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Service Business

SummaryIn this episode, Chris Panteli, co-founder of Linkify, discusses how local service businesses can leverage digital PR to gain media coverage that enhances their credibility and drives revenue. He explains the concept of expert quote link building, the importance of having a strong online presence, and how to effectively pitch to journalists. Chris also highlights the value of backlinks from reputable media sources and the role of AI in modern media strategies. He shares common mistakes businesses make in media outreach and provides actionable steps to implement a successful digital PR system.TakeawaysDigital PR can significantly impact revenue for local businesses.Expert quote link building is a powerful strategy for gaining media mentions.Having a well-structured about page is essential for credibility.Visibility on platforms like LinkedIn enhances your chances of being quoted.Broadening your expertise can help you respond to diverse media requests.Pitches should be concise and directly answer journalists' queries.Not all media publications hold the same value; assess their authority.Setting a routine for media outreach increases success rates.Your first media mention can lead to more opportunities.The landscape of media and SEO is evolving with AI and LLMs. Chapters00:00 Unlocking Media Opportunities for Local Businesses02:45 Understanding Expert Quote Link Building05:49 Navigating Inbound Media Requests08:09 Positioning Yourself as an Expert11:20 Crafting Effective Pitches14:20 The Value of Backlinks from Media17:09 Leveraging AI and LLMs in Media Strategy20:19 Common Mistakes in Media Outreach23:21 Implementing a Digital PR System25:54 Achieving Your First Media WinLinkshttps://www.linkifi.iohttps://x.com/Linkifi_https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-panteli/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this conversation, Jeffro and Tom Jacobs discuss the evolving landscape of SEO, emphasizing its transition from a technical background task to a strategic go-to-market function. They explore the impact of AI on search results, the increasing importance of brand reputation, and the need for businesses to adapt their strategies in light of changing consumer behavior. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by smaller businesses in navigating this new environment and offers insights into effective content strategies and metrics for tracking success.TakeawaysSEO is evolving into a strategic layer that encompasses various aspects of business.AI is changing how search results are displayed, affecting visibility for businesses.Brand reputation is becoming increasingly important in the SEO landscape.Smaller businesses need to adapt their strategies to remain competitive.Tracking conversion rates and pipeline metrics is crucial in the new SEO environment.Content quality and narrative are key to engaging audiences effectively.Businesses should focus on filling gaps left by larger competitors in their content.Traditional blogging still holds value, but should be complemented with rich media.AI tools can assist in content creation, but human oversight is essential.Building relationships and partnerships can enhance visibility and brand mentions.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of SEO02:44 AI's Impact on Search Results05:50 The Importance of Brand in SEO09:51 Tracking Visibility in a Changing Landscape12:19 Strategies for Smaller Businesses15:42 The Future of Content and SEO18:37 Navigating the AI LandscapeLinkshttps://goudamarket.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspjacobs/Emailtom@goudamarket.comFree High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this conversation, Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provolytics, discusses the challenges of marketing attribution in a cookie-less world. He explains the impact of third-party cookies on advertising, the importance of understanding customer behavior, and how to effectively measure marketing efforts. The discussion also covers the rise of retail media, the need for a unified data approach, and the future role of AI in marketing strategies.TakeawaysMarketing is becoming harder to measure due to privacy regulations.Third-party cookies were essential for tracking ad effectiveness.The shift to apps has complicated tracking across platforms.Smaller businesses face significant challenges in digital advertising.Revenue drops can be attributed to misattribution of sales sources.Understanding impressions is crucial for effective marketing.Human recall of ad exposure is often unreliable.Marketers need to focus on building awareness, not just clicks.Retail media offers new opportunities for service businesses.AI will play a significant role in future marketing strategies.Chapters00:00 Navigating the Marketing Landscape02:30 The Impact of Third-Party Cookies04:23 Understanding Revenue Drops06:38 The Importance of Eyeballs and Attention10:39 The Role of Impressions in Marketing12:58 The Shift to Emotional Marketing16:44 The Retail Media Revolution21:22 The Need for a Unified Data Approach23:56 Preparing for AI in MarketingLinkshttps://www.facebook.com/provalytics/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/https://provalytics.comFree High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode, Jeffro and Jim Weldon discuss the critical importance of being in the right market ('river') for business success, the distinctions between serial and professional entrepreneurs, and the significance of cash flow. They explore common mistakes in sales strategies, particularly founder-led sales, and how AI tools can enhance lead generation and marketing efforts. Jim shares insights on setting up AI agents for efficiency and the future of outbound sales as AI technology evolves.TakeawaysBeing in the right river matters more than the best boat.Confirmation bias is the number one reason for failure.You can test the waters first before transitioning.A serial entrepreneur is someone who starts and stops without profit.Cash flow is a motorboat; rowing is hard.Founder led sales is a common mistake.We generated an extra 2 billion top of funnel prospects.AI-driven content is often poor due to bad prompting.Invest an hour or two a day in digital marketing.The future of outbound sales will be incredible with AI.Chapters00:00 Navigating the Right River for Business Success02:42 Understanding Entrepreneurial Types: Serial vs. Professional05:47 The Importance of Cash Flow in Entrepreneurship09:02 Common Mistakes in Top of Funnel Strategies12:00 Leveraging AI for Lead Generation14:44 The Role of AI in Personalization and Marketing17:50 Setting Up AI Agents for Business Efficiency20:48 The Future of Outbound Sales with AILinkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jimweldon/https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospect-desk/https://www.prospectdesk.ai/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this conversation, Nicole Powell, a certified brand strategist and neuromarketer, discusses the importance of merging creativity with data to create powerful brand connections. She emphasizes the need for businesses to understand customer psychology and the emotional drivers behind consumer behavior. Nicole shares insights on how to effectively gather customer feedback, the significance of authenticity in branding, and the balance between strategic marketing and genuine connection with customers.TakeawaysMerging creativity with data is essential for brand growth.Understanding customer psychology can unlock effective marketing strategies.Experimentation is crucial for discovering new ideas and campaigns.Teams should blend creative and analytical strengths for success.Brainstorming sessions foster collaboration and innovation.Digging deeper into data can reveal valuable insights.Authenticity in branding should be strategically aligned with customer needs.Emotional connections drive consumer loyalty and trust.Clients should be empowered to understand marketing metrics.Asking the right questions can uncover hidden customer motivations.Chapters00:00 The Power of Merging Creativity and Data12:24 Understanding Customer Psychology23:25 Building Authentic Connections with CustomersLinkshalconmarketing.comFree High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode of Digital Dominance, Jeffro sits down with Dave Burnett, founder of AOK Marketing, to discuss performance-first digital advertising and how businesses can scale campaigns without wasting budget. Dave highlights the often-overlooked foundation of correct tracking, the role of ad relevance and landing page alignment in lowering costs, and creative strategies for inexpensive keyword targeting. The conversation explores how AI and large language models are transforming search and ad creation, the importance of fast lead follow-up, and practical rules for scaling based on payback periods and return on ad spend. Dave also shares a $1,000 starter playbook for testing and validating offers before going all-in.TakeawaysCorrect tracking is the foundation most businesses skip it and waste budget.Aligning ad copy, keywords, and landing pages improves quality score and lowers CPC.Low-cost keyword strategies (e.g., “aardvark” example) can drive traffic creatively.AI tools can quickly generate ad copy, translations, and even video ads at scale.Faster lead follow-up (under 5 minutes) dramatically increases conversions.Scale campaigns when payback is within 30 days and ROAS is at least 3:1.Monitor LTV and churn before pouring more into paid traffic.Use AI as an enhancer, not a replacement, for marketing strategy.Start small: validate offers, get reviews, then scale with ads.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominance and Dave’s Background 02:48 Why Correct Tracking is the #1 Priority 05:21 Improving Quality Score Through Relevance 09:15 Creative Low-Cost Keyword Targeting 12:34 AI’s Role in Search and Advertising 16:02 Scaling Rules: Payback, ROAS, and LTV 19:18 Speed to Lead - Why Minutes Matter 22:41 The $1,000 Marketing Starter Playbook 26:15 Final Advice for Performance-First GrowthLinkshttps://aokmarketing.com/https://www.promotionalproducts.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebburnett/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode of Digital Dominance, Jeffro talks with Ken Rapp, CEO of Blustream, about how service-based businesses can turn a one-time sale into long-term client relationships. Ken shares strategies for post-sale engagement, emphasizing personalization without crossing privacy lines, delivering value beyond the invoice, and leveraging zero-party data to create meaningful, ongoing interactions. They explore the balance between being helpful and avoiding inbox overload, how to choose the right communication channels, and ways to collect and use customer data for hyper-personalized experiences. Ken also explains how Bluestream’s Product Experience Journey Builder uses AI with guardrails to craft tailored post-sale journeys that increase retention, referrals, and revenue.TakeawaysThe sale is the starting point for building long-term client relationships.Many businesses lose customers post-sale due to lack of communication or personal touch.Value-added tips should outweigh promotions in post-sale communication (5:1 ratio).Personalization works best when based on relevant, timely product or service usage.Let customers choose their preferred communication channel (SMS, email, web-based messaging).Zero-party data (info customers willingly share) is key to tailoring their journey.AI can create personalized journey templates based on customer behavior and content sources.Hyper-personalization increases retention, reduces churn, and boosts referrals.Even without automation, identifying the top 10 customer questions can guide post-sale engagement.Reducing churn by 30% directly increases revenue without new customer acquisition.Chapters00:01 Why post-sale engagement matters & common drop-offs 03:37 Balancing helpful communication with avoiding inbox overload 06:35 Creating separate channels for sales vs. customer experience 10:44 Choosing the right communication channel & bypassing SMS limits 13:31 Leveraging zero-party data for personalized journeys 20:51 Using AI to build and adapt customer experience templates 25:38 Simple first steps to start improving post-sale relationshipsLinksWebsite: https://hubs.li/Q03w2T7L0Journey Builder: https://hubs.li/Q03scN580LinkedIn: https://hubs.li/Q03scgtW0BluStream Website: https://blustream.io/PXAI Journey Builder: https://blustream.io/products/ai-journey-builderPX Strategy eBook: https://getstarted.blustream.io/px-readiness-ebookFree High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode of Digital Dominance, Jeffro welcomes Stephen Sakach, founder of aiCMO.io and Zero Company. With three decades of experience spanning digital media, journalism, and marketing strategy, Stephen shares his mission to help SMBs build emotionally resonant campaigns using AI, not for efficiency alone, but for empathy. He introduces his BLISS methodology, focusing on infusing Build Love Into Scalable Systems. If you're a service business owner seeking marketing that genuinely connects with people, this episode is for you.TakeawaysUse AI to create more human, emotionally resonant marketingStart with purpose - why your business exists beyond profitsShift from features to feelings in your messagingUse the BLISS method: Build Love Into Scalable SystemsLet empathy drive campaigns and team cultureAI can help automate thoughtful, personal touchesEmotionally connected brands build stronger loyaltyEthical AI use requires intentionality and valuesAI should amplify, not replace, human creativitySmall acts of compassion create lasting business impactChapters00:00 Intro: Marketing Noise vs. Emotional Resonance02:10 Purpose-Driven Messaging: Beyond Profit05:17 Why Emotional Connection Matters in Marketing07:24 Introducing the BLISS Method (Build Love Into Scalable Systems)10:00 Real-World Examples: Emotion-First Campaigns12:23 How Small Businesses Can Use AI with Empathy15:42 Ethics of AI: Persuasion vs. Manipulation20:21 AI as a Creative Collaborator, Not a Replacement23:06 Final Thoughts: Build Systems with LoveLinkshttps://aicmo.io/homehttps://www.zerocompany.com/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode, Jeffro sits down with Jeff Wenberg of Offer Evolution to uncover the real reasons why funnels stop converting and why the problem usually isn’t the funnel itself. They dive deep into the concept of “the clarity gap” in messaging, which repels cold traffic and stalls growth. Jeff shares how even great offers can fail when communication isn’t clear, and how crafting “enrollment stories” at each funnel step can reignite interest and drive conversions. You'll also hear how simplifying your funnel and focusing on real customer problems can lead to powerful transformations without overhauling your offer.TakeawaysFunnels often fail because of unclear messaging, not broken mechanics.“Clarity gap” is the disconnect between what you're selling and how it's communicated.People tend to focus too much on offer stacks and bonuses instead of foundational messaging.Enrollment stories guide prospects step-by-step through the funnel journey.Cold traffic requires even more clarity and relevance than warm audiences.Simpler funnels work best, complexity should come only after proof of concept.Messaging should focus on specific problems prospects are already thinking about.The best messaging comes directly from conversations with real customers.Repositioning your offer for a more relevant audience can create demand without changing what you sell.Keep it simple, go deeper, and focus on helping the right people understand your value.Chapters00:00 The Real Reason Funnels Stop Converting01:15 Why Messaging Beats Bonuses Every Time03:45 The “Clarity Gap” That Kills Cold Traffic07:06 Crafting Enrollment Stories That Actually Convert09:43 Real Example of Messaging That Drives Webinar Signups12:26 How to Diagnose Funnel vs. Messaging Issues19:01 Use Customer Conversations to Unlock the Right Language20:11 Client Case Study: Repositioning Without Changing the Offer23:29 Final Advice: Keep It Simple and Go DeeperLinkshttps://factmethod.com/pitchgpt/https://www.instagram.com/iamjeffwenberg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwenberg/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist

SummaryIn this episode of Digital Dominance, Jeffro welcomes Emmy-winning journalist and business storytelling expert Bofta Yimam, founder of StoryLead, to discuss why visibility is earned—not bought and how business owners can use storytelling to build trust, drive influence, and grow their income. Bofta shares the difference between strategic visibility and just making noise, the power of transformational moments, and how to align your personal brand with your business without feeling self-centered. This episode is packed with practical storytelling advice for entrepreneurs who want to position themselves as thought leaders without sounding forced or inauthentic.TakeawaysStrategic visibility means telling stories that connect, not just adding to the noise.Transformational moments (“from this to that”) make stories relatable and memorable.Repetition is okay, repurpose great content, it builds consistency and reach.You are part of your brand. People buy from people they trust, don’t be afraid to show who you are.Avoid forcing stories. Let them feel natural, don’t cram personal moments into business lessons.One powerful post beats constant CTAs. Let value speak for itself sometimes.Marketing is long-term. Visibility builds over time so stick with it.Chapters00:00 Why Your Story Matters00:57 Strategic Visibility vs. Noise05:11 Sharing Transformational Moments08:55 Repeating Great Content12:30 Building Your Personal Brand15:36 “My Story’s Boring” – Think Again19:02 Long-Term Impact of StorytellingLinkswww.storylede.comwww.linkedin.com/in/boftayimam/Free High-Converting Website Checklist: FroBro.com/Checklist