Digital Marketing for Business Owners: The Rank Fuse Insider

Kevin Pike | Rank Fuse Digital Marketing
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This is your unfiltered guide to learning the things your agency isn't telling you. Hosted by Kevin Pike, founder of Rank Fuse Digital Marketing, this podcast goes beyond the basics to deliver expert insights on SEO strategy, paid media buying, and the real-world impact of AI in marketing. From navigating AI-driven ads, website development, to mastering content marketing and social media strategies, we help business owners stop wasting money and stay ahead of the curve. No jargon, no fluff—just actionable advice you can implement by Friday.

  1. May 26

    The New Backlink: Why Authorship Is SEO's Next Big Thing | S1:E13

    The New Backlink: Why Authorship Is SEO's Next Big Thing Is authorship a ranking factor? Google says no — but Google also patented "author vectors" in 2020 and can identify individual writers by their syntax, phrasing, and writing style alone. So which is it? The Rank Fuse team digs into the March 2026 core update, the rise of commodity content penalties, and why real humans with real digital footprints are quietly winning in search right now. In this episode: -The brand vs. individual byline debate - The ghostwriting gray area - Why first-hand experience, case studies, and opinions are the new currency Google actually rewards. If AI can write it, Google's starting to treat it as a commodity — and that shift is already underway.

    53 min

  2. Apr 29

    AI in Paid Search: Realistic Expectations and Roadmaps | S1:E12

    AI in Paid Search: Realistic Expectations and Roadmaps Is AI really replacing your Google Ads analyst? The Rank Fuse team pushes back on the "AI is the magic pill" narrative dominating LinkedIn and marketing podcasts, and digs into where AI actually earns its keep in paid search — and where it falls flat. In this episode: – What Google's September AI Max rollout means for anyone still running DSAs – Why "garbage in, garbage out" is the most underrated rule in AI ad management – The small-budget problem nobody talks about: why AI starves at 5 conversions a month – Why a 90-day cookie won't cut it for a 6-to-8-month B2B sales cycle – A practical 6-month roadmap for getting from zero conversion data to Performance Max (spoiler: don't start with P-Max) – Why AI is the pilot, not the airline If you're being told AI will handle your ads for you, this is the counterweight conversation worth hearing before you hand over the controls.

    27 min

  3. Apr 1

    State of AI Creative: Ads & Media Edition (Part 2) | S1:E11

    In Part 2 of our State of Creative AI Tools series, the Rank Fuse team dives into the AI tools transforming ad creative. From scaling Google text ads to building banners and navigating video, we're covering real-world tactics for media buyers and digital marketers. Whether you're deep in ad accounts or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

    52 min

  4. Mar 17

    State of AI Creative: Social Media & Content Edition (Part I) | S1:E10

    In Part 1 of our State of Creative AI Tools series, the Rank Fuse team breaks down the AI tools shaping content and social media today. From Canva and Descript to newer players like Claude, we’re talking real-world use cases for creating graphics, editing video, and scaling content—without needing a full creative team. If you’re a business owner or marketer looking for easy, practical ways to level up your content, this one’s for you.

    41 min

  5. Mar 12

    Digital Media 101: Planning Ad Budgets in 2026 | S1:E9

    How much should you really be spending on digital ads in 2026? 🤔In this episode, the team at Rank Fuse Digital Marketing breaks down the basics of modern media buying and how to plan smarter ad budgets. From focusing on bottom-funnel opportunities that drive quick ROI to building out full-funnel campaigns that create long-term growth, this conversation covers the strategies businesses should be thinking about right now.

    1h 17m

  6. Mar 3

    SEO 101: The Three C's of SEO | S1:E8

    Tired of the SEO/AI hype and overcomplicated black box jargon? We’re getting back to basics. This week, the Rank Fuse team shares the simple framework Kevin has been teaching for two decades: The Three C’s of SEO. We’re breaking down the essentials of CodeContentCredibility Learn how technical health, meaningful storytelling, and external trust work together to drive rankings and search traffic. If you want a clear explanation of how SEO and AI actually intersect—without the complicated fluff—this conversation is for you.

    1h 3m

  7. Feb 9

    The Data Collection Dilemma: Navigating Changes in Analytics & AI Metrics | S1:E7

    In this episode, we explore the complexities of modern marketing, from "incomplete analytics data" to the integration of AI/AEO in reporting. The Rank Fuse team discusses the need to abandon "vanity metrics" in the zero-click era of SEO and the critical importance of questioning the reliability of data tools in an evolving media landscape.

    49 min

  8. Jan 26

    AI & Media Buying w/ Kevin Pike & Alex Nease | S1:E6

    AI is everywhere in digital advertising—but is it actually helping, or just spending your money faster? In this episode of the Rank Fuse Podcast, we sit down with Alex, Head of Digital Media at Rank Fuse, for a no-BS conversation about how AI is really impacting paid search and media buying today. We dig into Performance Max, AI Max, broad match misconceptions, and why “set it and forget it” is the fastest way to light your budget on fire. 🎧 Tune in for practical insights, agency war stories, and a grounded take on AI that won’t try to sell you a magic pill.

    49 min
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About

This is your unfiltered guide to learning the things your agency isn't telling you. Hosted by Kevin Pike, founder of Rank Fuse Digital Marketing, this podcast goes beyond the basics to deliver expert insights on SEO strategy, paid media buying, and the real-world impact of AI in marketing. From navigating AI-driven ads, website development, to mastering content marketing and social media strategies, we help business owners stop wasting money and stay ahead of the curve. No jargon, no fluff—just actionable advice you can implement by Friday.

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