Reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the future using the Year Compass tool, discussing personal accomplishments and challenges, and encouraging listeners to dream big and create a personal wish for the upcoming year.

In this episode, we explore how Bankrate, a leading finance website, has successfully generated millions of monthly organic visits. By investing in high-value content and emphasizing expertise, Bankrate has established itself as an authority in the financial industry. We delve into the history of Bankrate, its content strategy, and the impact it has had on their success.Discussion Breakdown:1. The Importance of Expertise in Content - Bankrate's emphasis on demonstrating expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in their published content.- Trusting a brand that is written by actual experts.2. History of Bankrate- Bank Rate Monitor founded by Robert K. Heady in 1976.- Transition towards the internet with the establishment of Bankrate.com in 1996.- Bankrate's IPO in 2011 and subsequent acquisition by Red Ventures in 2017.3. Content Strategy and Results - Bankrate's focus on creating valuable content and becoming an authority in the finance industry.- The mortgage rate piece that drives over 1.3 million monthly organic visits to their website.- Satisfying search queries to capture a wide audience.4. Investing in Content and SEO- Strategically investing in content and SEO for business success.- The importance of backlinks to boost website credibility and visibility.Key Takeaways:- Bankrate's success in driving massive organic traffic is attributed to its investment in high-value content and expertise.- The company's long history and trusted reputation have contributed to its authority in the finance industry.- Bankrate's focus on satisfying user search queries through valuable content has attracted millions of monthly website visitors.- Strategic investment in content, SEO, and backlinks can significantly enhance a business's online presence and success.Resources and Tools Mentioned: Bankrate.com The Strategy Bankrate Used to Build a $76.3M SEO Moat [Case Study] --- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool╰ LinkedIn

In this episode, Ross Simmonds discusses the major trends that will shape the future of content marketing and business strategies. He highlights the rise of AI, interactive and engaging content, the power of memes, and the importance of niche content assets.Ross discusses the transformative changes that have occurred in recent years and predicts the future trends that will shape the way we do business. From the rise of AI to interactive content and the untapped potential of niche channels, Ross offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing and engagement. In this episode, we will explore these trends in detail, uncovering their impact on businesses and highlighting strategies for success.Summary of Main Topics:1. The impact of AI on business strategies2. The rise of interactive and engaging content3. Leveraging the power of memes in social media4. The potential of niche content assetsDetailed Breakdown:1. The Rise of AI in Business - AI will revolutionize the way businesses operate- AI enables personalization by allowing the swapping of names and brand names in communications2. Interactive and Engaging Content- Increased focus on interactive content for better engagement- Examples: calculators, quizzes, polls, and immersive experiences- The connection between interactive content and business roles and responsibilities3. Harnessing the Power of Memes - Memes have the potential to spread quickly and generate high returns- Incorporating memes into social media strategies can unlock amazing results4. Niche Content Assets as a Valuable Channel - Underrated and under-invested channels: podcasts, newsletters, Facebook groups, slack communities- Brands should recognize the potential of niche content assets to reach their target audienceKey Takeaways and Insights:- AI will revolutionize business strategies by enabling personalized communications.- Interactive and engaging content, such as quizzes and immersive experiences, will become more prevalent.- Memes can be a powerful tool for social media marketing and should be incorporated into content strategies.- Niche content assets like podcasts and newsletters are highly valuable channels that should not be overlooked.--- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool╰ LinkedIn

In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross Simmonds explores the growing trend of audio AI and its potential impact on various industries. He discusses the benefits and risks associated with audio-driven AI, including the possibility of deep fake voices, the automation of tasks such as audiobook narration and podcast hosting, and the future of call centers powered by AI.Audio AI is bound to reshape various industries and our daily lives, effectively challenging the status quo. While there are undeniable benefits to be gained, we must be cautious about the potential risks it poses. Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of audio AI is crucial, ensuring that we harness its power for good while minimizing the potential harm. The future of audio AI is promising, but it also demands careful ethical considerations and responsible implementation.Detailed Breakdown:1. Introduction to Audio AI- Audio AI presents both benefits and risks.- Hackers can exploit audio AI to replicate voices for malicious purposes.- The future of voice technology and AI will have far-reaching implications.2. Potential Impact on Creators- Authors could bypass traditional publishing processes by using synthetic voices for audiobooks.- Podcasts could be hosted by AI-driven synthetic voices, reducing human involvement.3. Interview with PT: Audio AI in the Workplace- PT discusses the potential of AI-powered voice interviews and call centers.- Call centers could be fully automated, saving businesses time and money.- AI can analyze tone and sentiment, enhancing the customer experience.4. CNN's John Sutter on Audio AI- John Sutter predicts that audio AI will replace call centers.- AI-powered conversations have the potential to provide better service.Key takeaways:- Audio AI can be used for both positive and negative purposes.- Authors and podcasters may no longer require human voices for their content.- AI has the potential to revolutionize call centers and customer service.Resources mentioned:- ElevenLabs--- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool  ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn

In this episode, Ross shares his expertise on preparing and delivering impactful presentations. He emphasizes the importance of identifying a theme, incorporating applicable case studies, research, and data, and personal storytelling to engage the audience. Ross also discusses his approach to planning presentations and creating meaningful connections with the audience.Ross is a master at content marketing presentations. With his emphasis on applicable case studies, research, and data, combined with personal anecdotes and a well-crafted theme, he captivates audiences ranging from small rooms to massive venues. Through transparency, relatability, and storytelling, Ross connects with audiences and imparts valuable knowledge that truly resonates. By following his tips and techniques, you too can elevate your presentations and leave a lasting impression on your audience.Key Takeaways and Insights:1. Importance of Theme in Presentations:- Identifying a clear theme upfront sets the foundation for a successful presentation.- Ross focuses on three key nuggets: applicable case studies, research, and data to support his theme.2. Setting the Stage with the Audience:- Establishing a connection with the audience is crucial to engage and build trust.- Sharing personal struggles and failures helps break down barriers and foster a sense of relatability.3. The Power of Personal Storytelling:- Starting with a personal or unique story captivates the audience and establishes a human connection.- Ross then links the story back to marketing and incorporates anecdotes from his own experiences and tactics.4. Planning Presentations for the Future:- Ross starts planning his presentations for the future by creating blank space in his calendar.- He focuses on identifying stories and opportunities that are underinvested in among his audience.- Developing an overarching story and theme helps shape the audience's perception and fosters engagement.Resources mentioned:- Foundation Marketing--- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool  ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn

In this episode, Ross explores the ongoing debate between long form and short form content. He emphasizes that the length of the content doesn't determine its value, and instead, the focus should be on delivering quality information quickly. Ross acknowledges the benefits of long form content in generating backlinks, press, and traffic, but emphasizes that it must still provide value. He also highlights the value of short form content and how it can effectively engage users.Detailed Breakdown:1. Introduction- Ross Simmonds discusses the ongoing debate between long-form and short-form content.2. The value of content length- Simmonds argues that the length of content doesn't determine its value.- Quality information delivered quickly is highly valued by users.3. Long-form content- Long-form content can generate backlinks, press, and traffic.4. Short-form content- Short-form content is also valuable and can engage users effectively.- Providing good information and putting a smile on their face quickly can lead to rewards.Key takeaways:1. Content length does not determine its value; quality information is what matters.2. Long-form content can generate backlinks, press, and traffic if it delivers value.3. Short-form content can engage users effectively by providing quick and valuable information.4. The key is to deliver valuable content quickly and engage users in a meaningful way. --- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool  ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn

In this episode, Ross takes us through his journey of his last 48 hours in New York. He talks about the importance of leveraging AI in marketing and content marketing and how the experience has helped him to learn and grow. He also talks about taking time for solo activities and the opportunity to connect with industry peers and executives from SaaS companies.Detailed BreakdownWhen it comes to life and business, optimizing the time you have is an invaluable skill. Ross Simmonds, the founder of Foundation Marketing, understands the power of this skill. Recently, he returned to Nova Scotia, Canada after spending 48 hours in New York. During this time, he was able to make the most of his time and leverage it for incredible results.Ross believes that marketers and content marketers need to be thinking about AI as an opportunity to improve their businesses. He believes that AI can help accelerate the rate at which marketers are doing their work.Ross also believes in the importance of tapping into his own creative energy and finding solo time. He creates space for himself to enjoy a game or go exploring. During his 48 hours in New York, Ross was able to find this time, while still making sure he made the most of his opportunities.He started his time in New York by attending a restaurant where some of the speakers who were going to be speaking at the event the next night. This gave him the creative fuel he needed to get excited about the opportunity. He then went back to his hotel, got ready, and was ready to rock and roll.Ross gave his talk at about 4 and spoke directly after Rand Fishkin, a great friend, peer, and colleague. He then went into the happy hour, where he met some more people and was invited to a dinner with a handful of different execs from SaaS companies. After returning to his hotel, Ross woke up the next morning and went back to the event, where he connected with many people and shared his insights about the potential of AI.Ross' 48 hours in New York demonstrates the power of leveraging your time and optimizing it for both results and recharging your own creativity. By taking time to tap into his own creative energy, he was able to make the most of the opportunity. His mission of sharing insights about AI was a success, and he was able to make some great connections. By understanding the power of optimizing his time, Ross was able to both get recharged and energized, and leave a lasting impact in New York.• Leveraging AI in Marketing and Content Marketing:- AI can be used to accelerate the rate of work.- Need to think about AI as an opportunity across the full spectrum of the business.• Solo Time for Recharging and Refreshing:- Enjoys having solo time to take it all in.• Connecting with Industry Peers:- Saw speakers who were going to the event the next night.- Spoke directly after Rand Fishkin.- Went to a dinner with execs from SaaS companies.--- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram:  @thecoolestcool  ╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedIn

In this episode, Ross dives into the mental frameworks used in marketing, focusing on the Pirate Metrics (AARRR) approach including acquisition, activation, retention, and referral. They also discuss mental models, the awareness and consideration stages of buying, and strategies for closing sales and delighting customers.Detailed Breakdown:Marketing is a complex and ever-evolving field and it can be hard to keep up with the latest strategies. That's why it's important to understand the mental frameworks and strategies that successful marketers use to stay ahead of the game and get maximum results. One such framework is AARRR Pirate Metrics, which was coined by 500 Startups founder Dave McClure. This framework breaks down marketing into five key components – acquisition, activation, retention, referral, and revenue – to help marketers understand how to drive maximum value for their businesses.Acquisition is the strategy and efforts you use to bring customers to your website. Activation involves getting a user to have a positive experience with your offering. Retention is about measuring whether people are coming back, while referral focuses on encouraging satisfied customers to refer new customers. All of these components must work together for the best possible results. For example, SaaS marketers can employ pricing optimization and cross selling to maximize revenue.A mental model is also important when it comes to effective marketing. It is an overarching term for any concept, framework, or worldview that you use to revisit in your mind. This concept of mental models helps marketers to think more holistically and understand the bigger picture. Another important concept in marketing is the awareness-consideration-closing funnel. In the awareness stage, potential customers become aware of their problem, then in the consideration stage, companies need to provide web presence to help prospects evaluate their solutions, before finally helping them make a choice in the closing stage.To help customers in all stages of the funnel, marketers need to produce content such as blog posts, social media posts, white papers, and YouTube videos to provide value. It all comes down to helping customers be successful and delighting them by putting a smile on their face and keeping them retained.By understanding and mastering Pirate Metrics and Mental frameworks, you can develop an effective marketing strategy that will help you get the most value for your business.Resources & Tools:- Dave McClure, 500 Startups Founder- Pricing Optimization- Cross-selling- Call to Action--- 👋🏾 Let's stay connected ---╰ Subscribe to my channel:  @RossSimmondsTV╰ Instagram: @thecoolestcool╰ Twitter / X: @thecoolestcool ╰ LinkedInSubscribe to my newsletter

I have invested in Personal and Professional Research and Development since the beginning of my career and then some. And I still do to this day.Investing in Research and Development is something that the biggest companies in the world has a budget for and in my opinion, so should you. On today's episode, I share just a few of the ways I've invested in Research and Development as an entrepreneur, parent, and more.From books, to courses, to mentoring, I share how you can utilize some of these Research and Development tactics to accelerate you to reach your goals and create a life that you consider great.

This podcast explores the success story of Loom, a startup that recently achieved a $950M acquisition. The host discusses three ideas that Loom provides as a marketer, including their ability to adjust their value proposition. They also highlight Loom's creative marketing strategies and the importance of building emotional connections with customers. Additionally, the podcast covers lessons on communication excellence and customer relationships, as well as reflections on learnings from Loom and investing in early stage companies.