

The SDM Show
Rob Cairns
The SDM Show discusses all things Business, Marketing and WordPress. This show was formerly known as The SDM Business, Marketing and WordPress Show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 29, 2025 • 36min
Episode 553 All About Plugins With John Overall
This excerpt is from the SDM show podcast, hosted by Rob Cairns, featuring guest John Overall from the WP Plugins A to Z podcast. The conversation primarily focuses on the WordPress plugin ecosystem, discussing its evolution from donation-based models to premium offerings, the impact of support tickets on development costs, and the trend of large hosting companies acquiring plugins. They also touch upon the rise of Shopify as an e-commerce platform, the issue of abandoned plugins and potential solutions like mirrored or federated repositories, and advice on selecting plugins and the importance of website backups. The discussion highlights the complexities and ongoing changes within the WordPress world.

May 27, 2025 • 33min
Episode 552 Research In Copywriting With Chris Silvestri
Rob Cairns has a conversation with Chris Silvestri, a copywriter and founder of Conversion Alchemy, who specializes in B2B SaaS companies. The discussion focuses on the crucial role of research in copywriting, with Silvestri explaining his three-layer research process and how he incorporates AI tools at various stages, from analysis to generating initial copy drafts. They also touch on the challenges of working with certain clients, the typical scope of their projects (often involving website redesigns for growth-stage companies), and the importance of differentiation in copywriting.

May 26, 2025 • 18min
Episode 551 SEO With Warren-Laine Naida - Offpage SEO
This podcast episode featuring Warren Laine-Naida shares a discussion on off-page SEO, arguing that it has become more important than on-page efforts in the current digital landscape. The guest speaker suggests that with the rise of AI-powered search results and increasing use of social media for discovery, focusing solely on website optimization is an outdated approach. Instead, he emphasizes the value of being cited and mentioned across various platforms, highlighting the importance of conversational SEO and optimizing for where people are actually finding information.

May 23, 2025 • 8min
Episode 550 Why This Podcast Is Dedicated To Tiz Marrone
Rob Cairns introduces an episode dedicated to Tiz Marrone, explaining why he honors her in this way. He describes their relationship, beginning with meeting on Facebook dating and navigating challenges, including his health issues. Rob expresses deep gratitude and admiration for Tiz, highlighting her unwavering support and the inspiration she provides for his work, including his podcast and book series. He emphasizes how Tiz makes him a better person and considers meeting her a significant blessing. The podcast episode is also dedicated to his parents, acknowledging their influence and celebrating Tiz's impact.

May 21, 2025 • 18min
Episode 549 Copywriting With Todd Jones The Brand Clarity Stack
In this particular episode, Rob interviews Todd Jones about his Brand Clarity Stack, a tool designed to help businesses define their brand and create key messaging, particularly for elements like their "about" page. The discussion highlights the importance of the often-overlooked "about" page in building trust with customers in the current market landscape. They also touch upon the role of AI in developing and utilizing the Brand Clarity Stack, emphasizing the need for human input and discernment when working with AI tools for content creation and business strategy.

May 19, 2025 • 47min
Episode 548 Home Service Businesses With Reed Hansen
This episode of The SDM Show, hosted by Rob Cairns, features a conversation with Reed Hansen, focusing on home service-based businesses. They discuss the unique marketing needs of these businesses, highlighting the importance of automation for managing leads, booking appointments, and following up with customers. The conversation also covers the strategic use of online presence (websites, Google My Business, and Facebook business pages), the value of reviews and testimonials (especially video reviews), and the potential of AI-powered tools like chatbots and SEO engines to enhance marketing efforts. The discussion emphasizes that while businesses excel at their technical skills, leveraging marketing expertise and technology is crucial for sustained success.

May 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 547 Ecommerce With Sabir Semerkat
The SDM Show podcast hosted by Rob Cairns, featuring guest Sabir Semerkat. The conversation focuses on e-commerce, with Sabir, an experienced e-commerce professional, sharing insights and strategies. They discuss the acceleration of e-commerce growth due to the pandemic and the importance of optimizing for mobile devices. Sabir introduces his "8D method", outlining eight key dimensions for building and scaling a profitable e-commerce business, which include performance, pricing, customer journey, marketing, logistics, tech, and team optimization. The discussion highlights the significance of a multi-dimensional approach and the potential for substantial growth when these aspects are effectively addressed.

May 9, 2025 • 25min
Episode 546 Agency Chat With Ryan Waterbury Productised Services and Niching Down
The SDM Show, hosted by Rob Cairns, featuring a discussion with Ryan Waterbury. They primarily discuss the concept of productizing services and the importance of niching down for agency owners. The conversation highlights the challenges of scope creep and the benefits of streamlining services to improve efficiency and quality. Both hosts emphasize the significance of work-life balance and suggest prioritizing tasks, potentially outsourcing non-core activities, and seeking personal support if needed to enhance overall well-being and business success.

May 6, 2025 • 30min
Episode 545 Copywriting With Todd Jones Trust in Copywriting
This excerpt from an SDM show podcast, hosted by Rob Cairns and featuring Todd Jones, focuses on the critical importance of trust in business and copywriting. They discuss the increasing filters of distrust people have, especially in digital interactions, leading to a need for more touch points to build relationships. Strategies for building trust are highlighted, including ensuring your business does what it promises, showcasing social proof like testimonials and reviews, and establishing credibility through positive experiences and third-party endorsements. Finally, the speakers emphasize the power of knowing your audience, demonstrating likability, and utilizing tools like storytelling and community to foster connection and reduce friction in the buying process.

May 5, 2025 • 52min
Episode 544 Transparency in Your Agency With Laurie and Betsy of Pursu Agency
This episode of the SDM show features a conversation between host Rob Cairns and Laurie and Betsy from the Pursu Agency. They discuss the importance of transparency and collaboration in the agency world, particularly regarding website design and development. The conversation touches upon their backgrounds, the value of clearly defined contracts, and the need for clients to understand the process and the expertise involved in creating quality digital assets. They also explore topics like the ethical use of AI, copyright issues, and the significance of understanding the client's target audience. The discussion emphasizes building trust and long-term relationships through open communication and realistic expectations.


