AI Marketing

Episode 25: AI Marketing with Carl Holden (CMO, Zellus Marketing; CEO, RankBot) If you’ve been doomscrolling “SEO is over” takes, take a breath. Carl Holden and I demolish the myths and lay out how search actually works in the AI era—what’s changing, what’s hype, and how to allocate your budget without lighting it on fire. What we cover AI ≠ the end of search. Today’s LLM answers are largely wrappers on top of search, pulling from Bing/Google and summarizing the first page or two. Translation: rankings still matter. Sponsored AI answers are coming. Expect the ad line between “recommended” and “paid” to blur—again. Users will need media literacy; marketers will need ethics and receipts. What to do right now. Keep your SEO fundamentals: technical hygiene, intent-matched content, internal linking, and legit link acquisition. AI helps you produce, but quality signals and authority still gate results. Budgeting reality check. There’s no reliable, transparent funnel from LLMs yet (no query data, minimal attribution). Investing in SEO still doubles as LLM optimization because LLMs cite what already ranks. Where you will lose traffic. “What is…/how to…” question queries will be cannibalized by AI summaries. Shift your strategy: productized answers, comparison pages, original data, tools, and local “near me” intent. Local is durable. For “lawyer near me,” “restaurants near me,” classic local SEO and placements keep paying. Ignore snake oil. There isn’t a proven “LLM.txt magic switch.” Test, measure, and follow credible sources—not LinkedIn gurus with 20 prompts to “rank tomorrow.” Practical plays Ship authority content (original data, calculators, checklists) that LLMs want to summarize and humans want to bookmark. Own your entities (brand/person/locations) with structured data and consistent citations so both search engines and LLMs can “understand” you. Track AI referrals where possible (e.g., ChatGPT UTMs), but don’t chase shadows—optimize the pages LLMs would naturally choose: clear answers, sources, and credibility signals. Link earning > link buying. Publish assets that deserve links; use PR and partnerships to earn them. TL;DR SEO isn’t dying; it’s being distilled. If you rank in search, you’re in the LLM shortlist. Keep the fundamentals, evolve content formats, and don’t “optimize for ghosts” until attribution is real. 👤 Guest: Carl Holden — Contact Info Website (personal): carlholden.ai. Carl Holden Zellus Marketing (agency): zellusmarketing.com • Phone: (844) 493-5587. Huntsville/Madison County ChamberYelp RankBot (AI SEO platform): rankbot.ai • Email: marketing@rankbotai.com. RankBot | AI Backlinks and On-page SEOYahoo Finance Forbes Council Profile: background & speaking—see profile. Forbes Councils

Episode Overview: In this episode of AI Marketing, Mark Fidelman is joined by Jon Levesque, former Microsoft and DocuSign community leader turned founder of Seeq. Together, they dissect how discovery, influence, and technology are shifting under the weight of the creator economy and AI’s explosive growth. They explore: Why the directory era is dead and why centralized discovery models like Yelp and Google Local are becoming obsolete. How the creator economy is shaping consumer decisions—from travel inspiration on TikTok to Substack newsletters—and why authenticity is the new currency. The AI paradox: how AI accelerates opportunity while simultaneously commoditizing entire industries. The looming future of AGI and ASI, and what it means for human experience, creativity, and survival in an AI-dominated world. Jon’s startup Seeq, which turns travel content into shoppable itineraries with affiliate revenue baked in, offering creators a powerful new monetization channel. Why Listen: This conversation cuts straight into the future of discovery, influence, and AI. It’s both visionary and practical, helping you understand where the opportunities lie and how to avoid getting left behind in the AI revolution. Guest: Jon Levesque – Founder of Seeq, community leader, and creator economy advocate. Contact mark@fanaticsmedia.com 

Imagine a company that runs 24/7, makes decisions in real time, and scales without hiring a single new employee… That’s not tomorrow. That’s now. In this solo episode, Mark Fidelman introduces “Agentized” a bold new book I co-authored with Jas Dhillon. This is not another book about ChatGPT or AI tools. It’s about the transformation of work itself and how companies that fail to integrate autonomous AI agents risk becoming obsolete. Inside this episode: Why AI is no longer optional, it’s existential A behind-the-scenes look at the real CEO story that inspired Chapter 1 How autonomous agents are changing marketing, sales, ops, and leadership What the “Agentized Enterprise” looks like and why it outpaces traditional firms A glimpse at what happens when AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) arrives Why this isn’t just about tech it’s about strategy and survival 📖 Read Chapter 1 now FREE. 🔁 Give us feedback and get a free copy of the audiobook or hardcover when it drops this year. 📝 Link to Chapter 1 & TOC  TOC:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/17mhERPQcpO3YermdCNnJGWbQJjaKDcN-5YGIyrIakqI/edit?usp=sharing Chapter 1:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A1nj2xuPBMR4X4Vzp7cfk9KBdqn0d26ZG42zQHoncaM/edit?usp=sharing  Send feedback to markefidelman@gmail.com including your name and info so that I can send you the free book / audio book when released 

Mark Fidelman and Lee Hackett discuss the transformative potential of AI in marketing, emphasizing that CMOs must personally engage with AI tools to stay competitive and drive business value. They explore how AI will reshape marketing roles, potentially reducing team sizes while increasing productivity through advanced technologies like AI agents and large language models. The conversation highlights the critical need for CMOs to experiment, understand AI capabilities, and proactively integrate these technologies into their strategic planning to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Speakers were Host Mark Fidelman and Lee Hackett from Blueprint X Discussion focused on how CMOs can leverage AI technologies Main Podcast Highlights: AI's Impact on Marketing AI will transform marketing roles Productivity gains expected Teams will likely become smaller CMOs must personally engage with AI tools Critical AI Adoption Strategies Understand data models Create organizational willingness to experiment Develop a clear vision for AI integration Focus on business metrics and measurable outcomes Future CMO Skills Master AI tools Demonstrate ability to deploy AI effectively Be curious and adaptable Learn to direct AI agents strategically Immediate Recommendations Start using AI tools daily Experiment with AI agents Stay informed about emerging technologies Don't outsource AI learning Recommended Action: CMOs should personally experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT and create AI agents to understand their potential. Lee Hackett's contact information is: Website: blueprintx.com (spelled B-L-U-P-R-I-N-T-X) Email: lee.hackett@blueprintx.com

Host: Mark Fidelman Guest: Richard Savoy, Co-founder and CEO of Adiona (enterprise logistics optimization company) Main Discussion Points: B2B Marketing Transformation Deals have become more complex (increased from 11 to 17 touchpoints) Slower technology adoption in logistics and supply chain sectors Buyers are more cautious and selective about technology solutions AI's Role in Marketing Top of Funnel: * Hyper-targeted lead generation * Automated lead qualification * Identifying potential leads through organizational changes AI Marketing Strategies Website content optimization based on visitor's geographic location Automated content rearrangement based on user journey Real-time feedback loops for customer interactions Future of B2B Marketing Shift from in-person events to digital AI-enabled interactions Relationship-based selling remains crucial AI will enhance, not completely replace human interactions Key Advice: Professionals should become AI experts to remain relevant Embrace AI tools to improve marketing and sales processes Prepare for significant changes in marketing strategies Contact: Richard Savoy's company website: adiona.tech Recommended Action: Learn and integrate AI tools into marketing strategies Stay adaptable to technological changes Focus on relationship-building while leveraging AI capabilities

🔑 Episode Highlights: 🤖 The Premise of the Book: Bambenek's new book, Lies, Damn Lies, and AI, explores how AI’s promise is often overstated — especially when it’s portrayed as a magical black box that can solve any problem. Title is inspired by the classic quote about misleading statistics — now updated for the AI era. 💊 AI in Healthcare – A False Narrative? AI is valuable only when paired with human professionals, not when left on its own. Example: AI can help doctors detect anomalies on X-rays, but only a human can make complex medical judgments. The lie: That AI will replace doctors, when in reality it augments them. 🧠 AI as a Propaganda Engine: Bambenek argues that AI amplifies misinformation at scale, and platforms aren’t prepared to filter it properly. AI-generated content (deepfakes, fake articles, fake studies) can erode trust faster than any disinformation campaign in history. 🧑‍💻 Cybersecurity Meets AI: AI tools are now helping hackers, not just defenders. Script kiddies can launch sophisticated attacks without understanding the code. A new arms race is underway: AI vs. AI in cybersecurity. 📉 The Cost of Hype: Venture capital and corporate hype often exaggerate what AI can do, leading to wasted money, broken products, and dangerous expectations. The idea of “general AI taking over everything” is a misleading narrative pushed for clicks and funding. 🧩 Call for Transparency: Bambenek advocates for “explainable AI” — if an algorithm makes a decision, we should understand why. Black-box systems being deployed in legal, medical, or hiring decisions are a major red flag. 🧠 Notable Quotes: “AI doesn’t replace expertise. It amplifies it — or it amplifies ignorance if you’re not careful.” – John Bambenek “There’s nothing more dangerous than trusting a machine you don’t understand.” – Mark Fidelman 📘 Learn More: Book: Lies, Damn Lies, and AI by John Bambenek – Available on Amazon Guest: John Bambenek on LinkedIn

Podcast Episode Notes AI Marketing with Mark Fidelman Episode Title: Revolutionizing Sales with AI: Featuring Gaurav Bhattacharya, CEO of Jeeva.ai Episode Overview: In this engaging conversation, Mark Fidelman sits down with Gaurav Bhattacharya, CEO of Jeeva.ai, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming sales. They discuss practical ways marketers and salespeople can leverage AI, the potential future of AI in sales, and why the human touch will remain indispensable. Key Discussion Points: Introduction to Jeeva.ai Agentic AI platform supporting over 10,000 sales reps and 300 enterprise customers. Backed by notable investors including Alt Capital (Jack Altman), Sapphire Ventures, and Mark Benioff of Salesforce. Why AI Matters for Sales Automates repetitive tasks such as lead generation, research, personalized outreach, and CRM updates. Enhances efficiency, allowing salespeople to focus on relationship building and strategic tasks. AI Replacing Sales Calls? Gaurav’s strong stance against AI fully replacing human sales interactions. Belief in AI augmenting rather than replacing high-value sales tasks. Future of AI and Human Work Discussion on Universal Basic Income and the evolution of jobs in an AI-driven economy. Predictions on autonomous driving and entrepreneurial opportunities in AI-managed fleets. First Steps for Salespeople New to AI Begin with chat-based tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity) for deep research and personalized outreach. Leverage AI to build credibility and trust through superior customer knowledge. What Top Sales Performers Do Differently Proactively prospecting with AI tools. Maximizing opportunities by personally generating leads beyond inbound marketing. Jeeva.ai’s Unique Solutions for Salespeople Advanced AI-powered lead discovery and enrichment. Personalized multi-channel outreach campaigns automated and scaled effortlessly. Enhanced productivity, enabling sales reps to manage larger pipelines effectively. Connect with Jeeva.ai: Website: Jeeva.ai Email: g@jeeva.ai LinkedIn: Gaurav Bhattacharya (Look for Jeeva.ai affiliation) Host Information: Mark Fidelman AI marketing expert, podcast host, and fractional CMO specializing in AI, blockchain, and real estate tokenization. Website: markfidelman.com LinkedIn: Mark Fidelman Twitter: @MarkFidelman Subscribe and Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next episode as we continue to dive deep into the transformative power of AI across marketing and sales!

I Marketing Podcast – Episode Show Notes Hosted by: Mark Fidelman Episode Summary In this episode, Mark Fidelman explores Google's revolutionary AI video tool, Veo 3. Discover how Veo 3 turns simple text prompts into high-definition videos complete with realistic audio, dialogue, and sound effects—ushering in a new era of accessible, impactful video marketing. Key Highlights: What is Veo 3? Generative AI transforming text into realistic HD videos with audio. Comparable to "Pixar meets TikTok." Why Veo 3 Matters: Rapid video production: Create ads and social videos in minutes, not weeks. Realistic characters and dialogue: No need for expensive actors or production teams. Practical Marketing Uses: Creative Ideation: Quickly prototype ad concepts and iterate overnight. Hyper-Personalization: Generate personalized videos for higher engagement and conversions. Agile Real-time Content: Capitalize instantly on social media trends. Content Repurposing: Transform blogs, podcasts, or articles into engaging video snippets. Brand Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives to emotionally connect with audiences. Real-Life Case Studies: Klarna: Rapidly producing YouTube bumper ads and product demos, significantly cutting costs and boosting viewer engagement. Kraft Heinz: Reduced video production cycles from eight weeks to just eight hours, enabling greater creative experimentation. Japan Airlines: Partnered with Jellyfish to create AI-generated in-flight entertainment, achieving 50% lower production costs. Envato: Launched an AI-powered video creation tool, quickly generating tens of thousands of user-created videos. Viral Content & Influencer Marketing: The Dor Brothers: Generated a viral Instagram Reel parodying influencer culture entirely with Veo 3, highlighting its potential for real-time cultural commentary. Influencer & UGC-Style Content: Brands can effortlessly emulate authentic influencer videos and user-generated content to boost relatability and engagement. Limitations and Considerations: Clip Duration: Limited to 8 seconds per clip; longer content requires editing. Audio Generation: Occasional inconsistencies in lip-syncing and audio dropouts. Scene Complexity: Best suited to simpler scenes; complex multi-character interactions may be challenging. User Interface: Workflow can be unintuitive, requiring frequent saves. Ethical Concerns: The realism of generated videos necessitates transparency to avoid misleading audiences. Best Practices: Clearly communicate your brand values in prompts. Continuously A/B test and optimize video content. Prioritize transparency and ethical considerations in AI content creation. Episode Takeaway: Google’s Veo 3 represents a monumental shift in video marketing, making high-quality, scalable video content accessible to all marketers. Understand its limitations, leverage its strengths, and ensure your marketing stays ahead of the curve. Subscribe, Rate & Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the AI Marketing Podcast! Stay smart, stay savvy, and stay ahead with AI! Contact Mark at mark@smartblocks.agency 

Christian Perry, CEO of Undetectable.ai, discussed the importance of humanizing AI content to avoid detection by AI detectors. He highlighted the rise of AI detectors post-ChatGPT and their impact on content distribution platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Christian recommended Lovable.ai for AI-powered website creation. Undetectable.ai helps remove AI markers from content to prevent it from being flagged as AI-generated. Christian also mentioned their new authorship replication tool to match human writing styles. The conversation emphasized the need for AI tools to evolve from humanizing to detecting non-human content, addressing issues like deep fakes and content authenticity. 🔑 Key Topics: The Rise of AI Content Filters: Why platforms like YouTube, Google, and Instagram are cracking down on AI-generated content — and how it affects marketers. Humanizing AI = The Competitive Edge: Christian explains why content that "feels" human gets better reach and engagement — and how Undetectable.AI helps you get there. Introducing Authorship Replication: A new tool that mimics your personal writing voice — especially useful for professionals trying to maintain authenticity. Why AI Tools Are Misunderstood in Academia and Workplaces: Christian and Mark debunk the stigma around using AI in writing, marketing, and education. Lovable.dev – Build Sites with Prompts: No-code AI site builder Christian recommends for entrepreneurs and small teams. The Future of AI Agents & Undetectable’s Roadmap: From text detection to deepfake defense — Undetectable.AI is evolving into a digital trust guardian. Deepfake Detection with TrueScan: Their next frontier — helping users and platforms detect scams using AI-generated video and likenesses. Timestamps: 00:00 - Podcast Introduction 00:40 - Christian Perry's Background 02:34 - Why Undetectable.ai Was Created 07:22 - Overcoming AI Content Stigma 10:00 - AI Agents and Marketing Automation 12:47 - Future of Deep Fake Detection   💡 Notable Quotes: “Anyone banning AI tools today is doing their company or classroom a disservice. This isn't the future — it's the now.” – Christian Perry “Undetectable.AI helps you write faster, better — and actually get your content seen by real people.” – Mark Fidelman “If your content smells like a bot, social media buries it. We fix that.” – Christian Perry 🔧 Tools Mentioned: Undetectable.AI – Humanizes AI-generated content Lovable.dev – AI-driven no-code app/site builder TrueScan – Deepfake and synthetic content detector (in development)   Recommended Resources: Chrome Extension: Undetectable.ai Humanizer True Scan: Deep Fake Detection Platform 📌 Connect with Christian: LinkedIn: Christian Perry – Undetectable.AI Website: https://www.undetectable.ai

Episode Date: May 7, 2025 Host: Mark Fidelman Length: ~10 minutes 🔥 Episode Summary: This week, Mark dives into the biggest and boldest updates in AI marketing – from OpenAI’s attempt to unseat Google Shopping, to a hilarious campaign where real grandmas outshine machine learning. Tune in to hear how: ChatGPT just became your personal shopping assistant (and possibly Google’s worst nightmare) Meltwater’s new AI teammate Mira is changing how marketers do their jobs Google’s AI answers are stealing your SEO clicks A Mexican food brand launched “Abuela Intelligence” to roast AI hype with old-school wisdom Buckle up – this is AI news with a sharp edge, told in classic Mark Fidelman style: funny, fast, and fearlessly bold. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: 🛍️ ChatGPT Goes Shopping OpenAI rolls out product search + recommendations No ads, no affiliate links — just pure AI shopping curation What this means for brand marketers and SEO “It’s SEO meets QVC, but with AI running the show.” 🤖 Meet Mira: Your AI Marketing Sidekick Meltwater’s AI-powered agent now automates research, monitoring, and analysis Turns billions of data points into real-time brand intelligence “Think of Mira as Jarvis, but for CMOs.” 📉 Google’s AI Kills the Click New data shows AI snippets reduce clicks to top results by 34.5% Pichai says it boosts engagement — but the numbers say otherwise Marketers need new ways to win in a zero-click world 😂 Abuela Intelligence Outsmarts AI Del Real Foods launches “Abuela Intelligence” instead of artificial intelligence Grandma-powered advice centers, sassy campaigns, and cultural genius “Hasta la vista, Chatbot — Grandma’s got this.” 🔗 Mentions & Resources: OpenAI’s Shopping Features: TechCrunch Meltwater’s Mira Launch: Adweek Ahrefs SEO Study: Search Engine Journal Del Real’s Abuela Intelligence Campaign: Marketing Brew 🔁 Episode CTA: Liked this episode? Smash that subscribe button Share it with a fellow marketer who needs some AI swagger And remember — you don’t need a supercomputer to be brilliant, sometimes a grandma’s advice will do just fine 😉