Frustrated By Your Marketing‪?‬ SkyeLine Studio

Is your business bending to Google’s will, or are you leveraging its power to your local marketing advantage? In this episode, I discuss the often intimidating world of Google with Mike Blumenthal, the co-founder of Near Media and one of the top names in SEO. Google’s algorithms and policies are tools that, when expertly navigated, can unearth vast potential for local businesses. Yet, they require a nuanced understanding and strategy to harness effectively.
Google Business Profiles (GBP)In the digital era where immediate, local search results dictate consumer choices, mastering your business profile on Google is not optional; it’s a survival strategy. We discuss the nuanced tactics and vigilant management required to thrive within Google’s domain. We emphasize the significance of staying alert to Google’s autonomous updates that can alter your business’s online information without warning.
Google Local Service Ads (LSA)Mike and I discuss the complexities of Google Guaranteed Local Service Ads, revealing the layers of opportunity and manipulation that coexist in this advertising platform. Mike explains the evolution of LSAs, the surge in fraudulent activities, and the broader implications for businesses striving to stand out in the local marketing space. This segment calls on businesses to adopt a critical, informed approach to LSAs and remain adaptable to Google’s ever-evolving strategies.
Media Companies Gaming The Local SEO SystemIn the competitive SEO landscape, media companies have leveraged their vast content and authority to dominate search engine results, often through ‘Best Of’ lists and keyword-rich content. This strategy drives traffic and monetizes their SERP positions through partnerships. While seen by some as a smart use of resources within SEO rules, it raises questions about fairness, highlighting the need for adaptability and strategic innovation in digital marketing.
Google ReviewsGoogle Reviews have become the digital age’s word of mouth, crucial for business reputation and customer decisions. Positive feedback boosts visibility and credibility, driving sales, while negative comments can deter potential customers. Engaging with these reviews, addressing concerns, and using feedback for improvement are essential. Mike introduces the insightful concept of the spider graph to illustrate how consumer priorities vary across different industries, showing that attributes like price, proximity, reputation, and life impact hold varying degrees of importance in influencing Google Reviews, thereby guiding businesses to tailor their strategies accordingly.
Links:
Semrush Article - https://www.semrush.com/local/blog/local-seo-statistics/Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/cc9L9t7Z9HE
Where You Can Find Mike Blumenthal:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/Website - https://www.nearmedia.co/Blog - https://blumenthals.com/The Near Memo Podcast - https://www.nearmedia.co/memo/
Key Moments From This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction00:43 - Google Business Profiles (GBP)11:17 - Google Local Service Ads (LSA)26:21 - Media Companies Gaming the Local SEO System30:48 - The Concept of Fractional CMOs36:28 - Google & Yelp Reviews
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Is AI coming for your marketing jobs? Well, it’s a yes and no situation. Change is inevitable, and while AI is set to transform our industry by automating many tasks, those who are ready to learn and evolve have a unique advantage. I’ve started comparing AI to an excavator to emphasize the importance of expertise in navigating the use of AI.
AI will inevitably take over your repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing you to shift to more creative and strategic work. However, this shift brings the risk of burnout. As AI takes over the repetitive tasks, we’re left with the cream of the crop - the complex, demanding work that can be incredibly rewarding but also taxing. Managing our time and energy wisely will become even more critical. The answer might be to rethink the traditional eight-hour workday to accommodate more breaks and self-care.
I anticipate a continued influx of tools and platforms designed to leverage AI for marketing jobs. This democratization of creativity means that niche and specialized knowledge will become even more valuable. Those who can pivot and adapt, offering unique and targeted content, will thrive.
The genuine, empathetic relationships we build with our clients and colleagues as AI technology advances will become our most significant asset. By focusing on personalized interactions and understanding the nuanced needs of the people we serve, we not only differentiate ourselves in an increasingly automated world but also ensure our indispensable role. Embracing the people-centric aspect of our work, being a trusted advisor, and solving problems through a human lens are the keys to thriving amidst the AI revolution.
At the end of the episode, I talk about what’s coming in season two – including shorter episodes and a greater focus on AI in marketing. Thank you to everyone who made season one a big success – Madison McCuiston, our guests (Kayla Wells, Paula Phelan, Deevo Tindall, Justin Chen, Mike Begg, Reggie James & Cody Schneider), Bogdan Zaytsev, and my brother Mike DeMicco.
Key Moments From This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction00:53 – AI’s Impact on Marketing Jobs04:37 – The AI Excavator Analogy06:23 – Marketing Expertise & Bigger Pay Days07:53 – Burnout & Productivity10:03 – Emergence of Competitors in AI Content Creation11:53 – Be in the People Business13:21 – Big Mistakes & Lawsuits Are Coming15:03 – What’s Coming in Season Two?
Links:
Madison’s Book (Consumable Love) - https://www.madisongraytheauthor.com/Episode with Cody Schneider re: AI Content Repurposing - https://skyeline.com/fbymarketing/ai-content-repurposing/
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Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vt3dbz1GOjw

In this episode, host Jim DeMicco delves into the world of AI content repurposing and the impact of AI on the creator economy. He is joined by Cody Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Swell AI, a company that specializes in repurposing audio and video content into various formats suitable for multiple platforms.
The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the recent advancements in AI technology, particularly OpenAI’s Sora, a text-to-video generator that has the potential to revolutionize content creation. They delve into the implications of such technology on the creator economy and the marketing industry as a whole.
As they transition into the main topic of content repurposing, Cody sheds light on how Swell AI simplifies the process by turning audio and video content into clips for various platforms like YouTube shorts, TikTok, Twitter, and more. The AI-driven platform automates tasks like transcription, clip identification, and template creation, making it easier for marketers to repurpose their content effectively.
They explore creating repeatable and scalable workflows, allowing businesses to consistently reach their target audience with engaging content. Cody emphasizes the importance of defining brand voice and tone to ensure consistency across all content outputs.
Throughout the episode, they touch on the evolving landscape of AI tools in marketing and the potential for businesses to leverage these tools to streamline their processes and drive growth. The conversation highlights the need for strategic implementation of AI tools to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in content marketing.
As the episode concludes, Jim and Cody reflect on the transformative power of AI in content creation and the opportunities it presents for businesses to enhance their marketing strategies. Jim also commits to using Swell AI to repurpose the content of this episode, providing a real-time demonstration of the platform’s capabilities (note: these show notes were created by Swell AI, and the results were great).
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of AI technology and content marketing, offering practical tips and strategies for businesses looking to optimize their content creation processes.
Key Moments From This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction to Content Creation and Repurposing01:08 - Discussion on OpenAI Sora and its Impact21:45 - Importance of Repurposing Content in Marketing28:06 - Swell AI's Process of Content Repurposing35:13 - Real-World Examples of AI-Generated Content41:01 - Evolution of Swell AI and Business Growth Strategies41:50 - The Wild West of AI and Simplifying AI Tools for Users45:45 - Swell AI's Ideal Customer
Where You Can Find Cody Schneider:
Website - https://www.swellai.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyxschneider/Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/codyschneiderxxYouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@codyschneiderx
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Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_ngi3Ktv9c

In this episode, host Jim DeMicco is joined by Reggie James to discuss the topic ‘What is demand generation marketing?’ and how it can boost your long-term marketing success. Reggie is an experienced digital strategist, a B2B growth specialist, and the founder and CEO of Digital Clarity.
Jim and Reggie chat about moving beyond traditional marketing metrics like ROAS and KPIs to emphasize the importance of nurturing future clients and building trust over time for a better return on investment. The discussion covers many topics, including the Snoop Dogg Solo Stove controversy, which serves as a case study to highlight the difference between lead generation and demand generation and the necessity of patience and faith in your marketing efforts.
Reggie shares insights on the 95-5 rule, emphasizing the importance of nurturing leads and understanding that not everyone is ready to buy immediately. He also covers the significance of understanding buyer behavior, authenticity in marketing, and the negative impact of inauthentic content when connecting with audiences.
The conversation also touches upon the effective use of podcasts for demand generation, the evolution of B2B buying due to demographic shifts, and modern marketing strategies to avoid wasteful expenditures. The hourglass analogy for the customer journey highlights the importance of not only attracting and acquiring customers but also nurturing and expanding relationships with them post-purchase, creating a continuous cycle of engagement and advocacy, unlike the traditional funnel, which focuses solely on the acquisition phase.
The conversation concludes with an introduction to Digital Clarity and its approach to demand generation. Digital Clarity diagnoses problems, creates value propositions, and supports the implementation of effective communication strategies. Working with internal teams and bringing in external expertise, they help companies achieve growth and overcome barriers. Marketing is seen as a means to think differently and drive organizational change.
Where You Can Find Reggie James:
Website - https://www.digital-clarity.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiejames/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reggiejames_1/Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/ReggieJames99 
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Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/5z5zaz5-sv8

In this episode, Jim DeMicco interviews Mike Begg, an Amazon expert and the co-founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, about his marketing strategies for Amazon. They discuss various topics related to Amazon, including growing businesses on the platform, the challenges of selling on Amazon, advertising and SEO strategies, and expanding brands to Latin America. Mike is also the co-founder of GoAvance and explains that expanding to Latin America can be a lucrative opportunity for brands, especially in categories like consumer electronics, supplements, and cosmetics.
Mike shares insights from his journey, starting with Kindle eBooks, reselling clearance items, white labeling products, and now helping big brands sell millions of dollars on Amazon. He also discusses the importance of protecting your brand, understanding the data, and investing in the platform. Investing in Amazon advertising can lead to a positive feedback loop and increased visibility and sales.
Jim asks Mike about one of his major pet peeves on Amazon: encountering products with reviews for different items. Mike Begg refers to this deceptive practice as “review hijacking.” He explains that sellers take over inactive listings with good review histories by changing titles, images, and details to match their products, thereby inheriting positive sales and review history.
Mike also discusses current trends, common pitfalls, strategies to combat fake reviews, and how to optimize for Prime Day. He also offers advice on product categories and practical tips for beginners aiming to succeed on Amazon.
Where You Can Find Mike Begg:
AMZ Advisers - https://amzadvisers.comGoAvance - https://goavance.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbegg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m1ke_begg/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mike_begg
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Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/XQ8qzmROEKU

In this episode, hosts Jim and Madison delve into the fascinating world of the Stanley Tumbler, a product that has taken the reusable water bottle and marketing industries by storm. They explore the 100+ year history of Stanley and the unexpected shift in its target demographic from a predominantly male audience to a female-dominated one. This pivot increased the company’s revenue from $73 million in 2019 to an estimated $750 million in 2023.
The discussion covers the Stanley Cup’s transition into a fashion statement and status symbol. Jim and Madison discuss how strategic marketing and social media influencers have positioned the tumbler as a must-have accessory instead of a basic utility item. The episode highlights the importance of aesthetic appeal and exclusivity (such as limited edition runs with brands like Target and Starbucks) in driving consumer demand and transforming a simple product into a trendy fashion icon. People are collecting them and even experiencing school bullying over not owning one.
During the episode, the conversation shifts to a critical perspective on the environmental impact of these reusable water bottles, highlighting that these tumblers may not be as environmentally friendly as consumers might hope. One of the driving forces behind the reusable water bottle market is the desire to be eco-friendly. Still, there is a paradox in promoting reusable products that experience a constant replacement cycle as the newest trendy water bottle hits the market.
Overall, the episode highlights the power of marketing and the influence of trends in consumer behavior.
Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/bZvwVxSTfqU