The Ross Simmonds Show

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into why Reddit has emerged as the most powerful organic marketing platform heading into 2025. From transforming million-dollar buying decisions to influencing AI language models like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews, Reddit isn't just a content site — it's a market-shaping force. Ross unpacks exactly how and why Reddit has become a SERP-dominating player, how brands can harness its authenticity-fueled power, and introduces his signature Reddit marketing framework: R.O.S.S (Reddit Operating System of Scale). Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Power of a Single Reddit Thread - Deals are won or lost based on one Reddit post - Reddit is no longer just memes — it’s shaping corporate decisions 2. The Rise of Reddit in Organic Search - Reddit ranked 2nd after Wikipedia for Google search traffic in late 2024 - Outperformed YouTube in search visibility - Took over bottom-of-funnel consideration traffic from platforms like G2 and Capterra 3. Why Traditional SEO is Failing - Marketers ruined trust in content with affiliate-driven blog posts - Reddit now draws 600M+ monthly visits from Google - 1,328% YoY growth in Reddit's search visibility 4. Google's Algorithm Shift & Reddit’s Role - Reddit's authentic content aligns with Google’s user-first approach - Google’s $60M data licensing deal with Reddit (2024) - New "Forums" search tab prioritizing Reddit threads 5. Reddit vs Traditional Media & Review Sites - Reddit ranks for 5.7M+ transactional keywords - Competes with giants like Wirecutter and New York Times for product discovery - 5.1M overlapping keywords with major publishers 6. Reddit's Impact on AI Training - Reddit content now foundational for LLMs (Large Language Models) - Google, OpenAI, and others using Reddit content to train AI - AI outputs now reflect sentiment from Reddit conversations 7. How Reddit Influences AI Answers - Brand reputation on Reddit can directly influence AI-generated recommendations - Reddit as a real-time, user-driven knowledge base for AI Resources & Tools: 🔗GummySearch 🔗Brandwatch 🔗Reddit List 🔗⁠Sparktoro — 👋🏾 Let's stay connected — ╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV  ╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool   ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool   ╰ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds

Artificial intelligence is drastically reshaping how consumers discover and evaluate products. Traditional SEO strategies are becoming obsolete as AI platforms take the lead in buyer interactions. Tools like ChatGPT and TikTok are shifting the focus of product research away from traditional searches. Businesses are encouraged to engage more authentically and build trust in this new landscape. The emphasis is on adapting marketing strategies to thrive in a world dominated by AI, where human connection remains essential.

Craig Samson, founder of Gran Sasso HR Solutions, specializes in modern leadership and people strategy. He discusses the importance of leading with vulnerability and authenticity, transforming traditional HR roles into strategic partners that drive business value. Samson emphasizes building high-performing teams through trust and collaboration, suggesting that great leaders empower others instead of seeking control. He also shares insights on navigating remote work dynamics and the significance of diverse perspectives in shaping effective organizational cultures.

Explore the real cost of chasing high performance and ambition. Discover the myth of work-life balance, emphasizing that growth requires uncomfortable sacrifices. Learn to prioritize intentionally, where every commitment is a choice with consequences. Embrace gratitude over scarcity in your daily mindset. Gain practical insights on saying 'no' strategically and reflecting your true priorities in your calendar. Understand the importance of being present for family while managing professional responsibilities, highlighting the integration of personal and career goals.

Discover the journey from content creator to industry leader by mastering niche specialization and storytelling. Learn why building authority is more about depth than reach, and how consistent value delivery fosters trust. Explore the importance of crafting evergreen content that resonates even offline, and how connecting with other leaders amplifies influence. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity to solidify your status—true influence is measured by impact, not just impressions.

Brayden Young, co-founder and CEO of Slash Experts and former co-founder of Sendoso, shares insights on transforming B2B marketing through real conversations. He emphasizes that authentic customer connections outperform traditional sales techniques and discusses the impactful role of strategic gifting. Brayden reflects on balancing family life with entrepreneurial drive and how AI is reshaping marketing strategies. He also highlights the importance of community engagement and personal touches like handwritten notes in building trust and enhancing business relationships.

A transformative leap in AI has arrived with ChatGPT-5, revolutionizing human collaboration. It can execute complex tasks, develop applications, and even create games from a single prompt. The discussion highlights practical real-world uses, like designers generating brand kits in seconds and founders launching landing pages effortlessly. Professionals must adapt or risk obsolescence, as the standard for productivity shifts dramatically. Embracing AI is no longer optional, but essential for success in an evolving landscape.

Delve into the reality of passive income and discover that substantial effort and strategy are key to success. Explore five proven pathways to scalable income, such as digital products and affiliate marketing. Learn the importance of solving real problems and building a robust distribution system to promote your work effectively. Ross emphasizes starting small and validating your ideas before going big. He provides valuable insights into what truly distinguishes fruitful online ventures from hit-or-miss schemes.

Discover how being the first to reach out can transform your relationships and boost your leadership skills. Ross shares real-life examples demonstrating that proactive communication not only builds trust but also accelerates progress. Learn about the importance of taking initiative in resolving conflicts and seeking mentorship. Packed with actionable strategies, the discussion emphasizes the power of openness and a problem-solving mindset in fostering collaboration and strong connections. Don't wait for perfect timing—lead with action!

Ross Simmonds, the founder of Foundation and distribution.ai, unpacks the secrets to effective content marketing. He emphasizes that while content creation is essential, distribution is where the magic truly happens. Ross shares actionable strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of proving value to clients. He discusses how experimentation fuels growth and the creative opportunities AI presents in marketing. With insights for small business owners and digital marketers, this conversation is a treasure trove of practical advice.