Scope Shift

Brian Saemann

Scope Shift is the podcast where digital marketing leaders and agency owners pull back the curtain on what’s actually working in ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Hosted by Brian Saemann, a 16 year agency vet, each episode dives into the pivots, power moves, and “oh crap” moments behind building a successful and profitable marketing team and business. How do you survive your next Scope Shift? Tune in to get some ideas!

  1. 29/10/2025

    Mastering PPC: The Skills That Separate Pros from the Pack - Ep 31

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Jeff Coleman, Founder of Factor Four Consulting. Jeff has been running Google Ads since 2006, helping small businesses build reliable lead engines that deliver consistent results. With decades of experience, teaching roles at the University of San Diego and UCSD, and a relentless focus on sound marketing fundamentals, Jeff has seen PPC evolve from the wild west days of cheap clicks to today’s complex, high-stakes environment. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How Jeff turned an early fascination with Google Ads into a 20+ year career. ✅ Why differentiation is the foundation of PPC success—and how to find it. ✅ The role of landing pages in doubling conversions and slashing lead costs. ✅ Why paid search today requires true marketing strategy, not just analytics. ✅ Smart ways to balance short-term wins with long-term campaign growth. ✅ Common mistakes small businesses make when running PPC. ✅ How Jeff sets clear client expectations—and avoids “day two” disappointment. ✅ The skills every modern PPC marketer needs to thrive. ✅ A clever way new marketers can practice PPC risk-free using Google Grants. ✅ What AI and Google’s algorithm changes mean for the future of search ads. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Jeff Coleman – Founder, Factor Four Consulting Jeff helps small businesses stand out and scale by designing lead generation systems rooted in differentiation, PPC mastery, and long-term strategy. With over 15 years running Factor Four and even longer in digital marketing, Jeff’s clients have stuck with him for more than a decade thanks to results that last. 🔗 Connect with Jeff: Website: factorfour.com LinkedIn: Jeff Coleman  🔍 Topics Covered: Jeff’s journey from corporate marketing to founding Factor Four. How PPC shifted from math-driven tinkering to full-funnel marketing. Why “family owned” and “great customer service” aren’t real differentiators. The art of using customer interviews and reviews to find what makes you unique. Setting boundaries in client relationships and pricing PPC the right way. Navigating Google’s push toward automation and AI-driven ad formats. Predictions for what the search landscape may look like in the next few years. 📌 Resources & Links: Factor Four Consulting: factorfour.com Learn more about Google Grants for nonprofits: Google Ad Grants Connect with Brian: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with agency leaders and digital marketing pros who share what actually works in the field. #PPC #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #AgencyGrowth #ScopeShiftPodcast

    28 phút
  2. 29/10/2025

    Empowering Businesses to Achieve Their Goals Through Online Marketing - Ep29

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Michael Fleishner, Founder of Big Fin SEO, host of the Digital Freelancers Podcast, and author of multiple bestselling marketing books, including SEO Made Simple. Michael has helped thousands of professionals grow their businesses through smart, sustainable digital marketing—and brings decades of experience as a corporate marketer turned entrepreneur, speaker, and agency leader. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Michael transitioned from corporate marketing to building his own successful agency. ✅ Why the leap from a steady paycheck to entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” ✅ Strategies for creating mental space as a business owner to fuel creativity and growth. ✅ The importance of systematizing, hiring, and outsourcing to scale without burnout. ✅ Why knowing your numbers and setting minimum thresholds protects profitability. ✅ How to expand services strategically by meeting client needs without diluting focus. ✅ Why every agency should establish clear margins (and hold the line on pricing). ✅ Insights on leveraging newsletters, books, and podcasts to amplify your personal brand. ✅ The role of mentorship and learning from others to compress time and accelerate success. ✅ How AI is reshaping marketing—and why agencies must lead clients through its adoption. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Michael Fleishner – Founder of Big Fin SEO Michael is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author who has been featured on The Today Show, ABC News, and at national conferences. As the founder of Big Fin SEO, he helps businesses build strong digital footprints through SEO, paid media, and websites that convert. Beyond the agency, he’s passionate about mentoring freelancers and business owners to take control of their own success. 🔗 Connect with Michael: Website: Big Fin SEO LinkedIn: Michael Fleishner 🔍 Topics Covered: Leaving corporate life and overcoming the fear of entrepreneurship How to make the transition from steady paycheck to business ownership Creating space in your life to innovate, grow, and pursue passions Pricing strategies and protecting profitability in client services Expanding an agency’s service offering without losing focus The three ways to make money: active hours, team leverage, and investments Using books, podcasts, and newsletters to build thought leadership The accelerating impact of AI on marketing and business operations 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on SEO, entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable digital business. #Entrepreneurship #SEO #DigitalMarketing #AgencyGrowth #MichaelFleishner #BigFinSEO #ScopeShiftPodcast

    29 phút
  3. 29/10/2025

    Scaling to Nine Figures on Amazon - Ep30

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Duke Kroll, Founder of SellerSlice—an Amazon growth agency built to scale brands, not just “manage” accounts. Duke’s team blends deep e-commerce strategy with operational execution, helping brands push into nine-figure territory on Amazon by dialing in data, systems, and cross-channel momentum. A former private-label builder himself, Duke brings hard-won, firsthand insight—not theory. 🎯 What You’ll Learn ✅ The shift from “in the weeds” founder to growth leader: speaking, partnerships, and category focus (beauty + tabletop games). ✅ Why the biggest wins come from site + social + Amazon working together—and how influencer validation fuels outsized growth. ✅ The #1 mistake most brands make on Amazon (content stagnation) and why refreshing listings every 6 months matters. ✅ How to structure Prime Day like a Super Bowl campaign: promos, bundles, creative, off-Amazon traffic, and conversion strategy. ✅ Operational obsession: building an Amazon “factory floor” that fixes issues fast and ships updates in days, not weeks. ✅ When to fire a client: spotting toxic scope creep and protecting your team without blowing up relationships. ✅ Where AI shows up on Amazon today (Rufus, FAQs, listing reads) and why early adopters will win when shoppers catch up. ✅ Practical paths to nine figures: unique product positioning, relentless content, and disciplined ad + ops alignment. 🧠 Guest Spotlight Duke Kroll – Founder of SellerSlice Operator, brand builder, and agency founder. Duke has launched and scaled private-label brands and now leads Seller Slice, where he and his team help companies systematize Amazon growth—from content and ads to logistics and executive-level planning. 🔗 Connect with Duke Website: SellerSlice Email: duke@sellerslice.com Event: Co-Create Show (Duke is a judge; investor exposure + brand deals) 🔍 Topics Covered From “grind mode” to growth mode: brand positioning, speaking, and tailored service packages. Why influencer partnerships (even equity deals) are fast becoming table stakes. Signature playbook: diagnose the real bottleneck before proposing the scope. Building pipeline: trade shows, authority content, and partner referrals. Amazon realities: spaghetti-code backend, why you need a team, and how ops wins. Content, conversion, and reviews: the non-negotiables for scaling. Prime Day blueprint (July 8–11): holistic plan vs. blanket discounting. Agency leadership: boundaries, culture protection, and scalable processes. 📌 Resources & Links Seller Slice – Amazon growth for brands ready to scale Co-Create Show – Brand + investor showcase (South Carolina) Connect with Brian: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 If this episode helped, subscribe, rate, and share with a founder or marketer scaling on Amazon. #AmazonFBA #Ecommerce #PrimeDay #InfluencerMarketing #ListingOptimization #AgencyLife #ScopeShiftPodcast

    20 phút
  4. 20/10/2025

    The Power of Video in Digital Marketing and Lead Generation Ep 27

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Jeff Alan Gray, Founder and CEO of First Rule Digital Marketing, an Atlanta-based agency specializing in local SEO and websites that actually convert visitors into leads. Jeff brings a wealth of experience in sales, e-commerce, and SEO—and a mission to help small and minority-owned businesses dominate their local markets through smart, organic digital strategies. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Jeff pivoted from consulting and e-commerce into building SEO-driven websites for small businesses. ✅ Why local SEO is the most critical growth lever for brick-and-mortar businesses today. ✅ The power of pairing web design with SEO—building sites that rank faster and perform better. ✅ Jeff’s “digital fence” strategy for protecting clients’ rankings and dominating page one of Google. ✅ Why having multiple websites targeting different services can double the clicks and conversions. ✅ How Jeff tailors pitches by analyzing competitors and uncovering overlooked high-value keywords. ✅ The sales mindset behind making offers irresistible—and why value trumps cost every time. ✅ Why organic rankings are more valuable and longer-lasting than paid ads. ✅ The “holy grail” of SEO: showing up consistently for near me searches. ✅ How Jeff uses rank-and-rent and digital real estate strategies to scale his impact. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Jeff Alan Gray – Founder & CEO of First Rule Digital Marketing Jeff is a digital marketing strategist and lifelong salesman turned SEO evangelist. From building e-commerce stores and affiliate sites to creating local SEO campaigns that dominate Google, Jeff has helped small businesses—especially women-owned and minority-owned companies—transition into the digital world and thrive. His approach blends technical SEO with practical sales wisdom to deliver real, measurable results. 🔗 Connect with Jeff: Website: First Rule Digital Marketing (Atlanta) LinkedIn: Jeff Alan Gray 🔍 Topics Covered: The evolution from First Rule Marketing to First Rule Digital Marketing. Lessons learned from video marketing that shaped his SEO-first focus. Why most small businesses don’t just need a website—they need visibility. Jeff’s scorched-earth policy: how to own multiple spots on page one. Using competitor research to uncover overlooked opportunities. The role of trust, retention, and long-term client relationships in agency growth. The biggest challenge in digital marketing today: low barriers to entry. The “digital real estate” model and how rank-and-rent strategies scale. Why near me searches are the future of local SEO dominance. 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on SEO, agency growth, and digital strategy that actually works. #LocalSEO #DigitalMarketing #LeadGeneration #JeffAlanGray #FirstRuleDigital #SEOAgency #ScopeShiftPodcast

    30 phút
  5. 14/10/2025

    Merging Data And Creativity For Business Results Ep 26

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Matt Lynberg, Vice President of Technology and Data at Modern Foundation. Matt has spent his career at the intersection of data and creativity, helping brands turn bold ideas into measurable business outcomes. From his work at The Thomas Group to leading new service lines at Modern Foundation, Matt is passionate about making sure creative strategies don’t just look good—they perform. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why creative work without measurable results falls short in today’s market. ✅ How pairing CRM data with ad platforms uncovers new audience opportunities. ✅ Real-world examples of data insights that transformed client campaigns. ✅ Why user comfort often beats “pretty” design in website performance. ✅ The challenges of attribution in long B2B sales cycles—and how to approach them. ✅ How Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and AI create the “holy grail” of marketing insights. ✅ Why agencies need to invest in data science talent to stay competitive. ✅ How zero-click searches, AI overviews, and Google’s evolving SERPs impact visibility. ✅ Matt’s vision for building client data warehouses with LLM-powered analytics. ✅ Why every agency should analyze its own data as aggressively as it does for clients. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Matt Lynberg – VP of Technology & Data at Modern Foundation Matt is an agency leader who bridges the gap between creative strategy and analytics. Known for his philosophy “Creative Strategy. Measurable Results.”, he helps brands integrate first-party data, ad platform insights, and AI-powered tools to discover hidden opportunities and drive growth. 🔗 Connect with Matt: Website: Modern Foundation LinkedIn: Matt Lynberg 🔍 Topics Covered: Why data and creativity must work hand in hand for true impact. How Modern Foundation helps clients tie marketing data to real business outcomes. The role of user experience vs. aesthetics in conversion performance. Attribution challenges in long, complex B2B buying cycles. AI’s role in analyzing data warehouses and uncovering insights. The rise of zero-click searches and what it means for agencies. How agencies can leverage client data across industries for better results. 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on digital strategy, data-driven marketing, and agency growth. #MarketingStrategy #DataDrivenMarketing #CreativeStrategy #MattLynberg #ModernFoundation #AgencyGrowth #ScopeShiftPodcast

    16 phút
  6. 07/10/2025

    3 Steps to Local SEO Dominance: Audit, Execution, Scale - Ep25

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Jonathan Rodriguez, Founder of The Search Specialists, a Utah-based agency helping businesses dominate local SEO. Jonathan’s approach stands out for its clarity—breaking down SEO into three digestible phases: Audit, Execute, and Scale. With a background in both entrepreneurship and SEO, he shares how specialization, overdelivery, and adapting to change have fueled his success in local search. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Jonathan grew from a cleaning business owner to a sought-after local SEO specialist. ✅ Why niche-focused microsites help position agencies as true industry experts. ✅ The three-step Audit, Execute, Scale framework and how to apply it to clients. ✅ The importance of executing fast—why the first 30 days matter most. ✅ Using VAs and processes to scale client results and agency growth. ✅ How referrals, speaking, and community groups fuel Jonathan’s client pipeline. ✅ Why retention often comes from overdelivering and building long-term trust. ✅ The evolving face of Google’s first page—LSAs, Maps, snippets, and AI. ✅ What ChatGPT looks for when recommending local businesses (and how to optimize for it). ✅ Why reviews, transparency, Reddit mentions, and citations are more important than ever. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Jonathan Rodriguez – Founder of The Search Specialists Jonathan is an SEO strategist with a talent for turning complex tactics into simple, actionable steps. With nearly a decade of helping businesses win in local search, he’s known for his “extra mile” philosophy, strong niche positioning, and practical insights into the future of SEO in the age of AI. 🔗 Connect with Jonathan: Website: thesearchspecialists.com LinkedIn: Jonathan Rodriguez 🔍 Topics Covered: Niche specialization and why industry-specific positioning builds authority. The value of fast execution and early wins in SEO campaigns. Retention strategies that turn clients into evangelists. Using community groups and referrals to grow an agency without ad spend. How AI and large language models are influencing local search visibility. What SEOs can learn from ChatGPT’s criteria for local recommendations. Why marketing and operations must align as growth puts pressure on systems. 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on local SEO, agency growth, and the future of digital marketing. #LocalSEO #SEOAgency #AuditExecuteScale #DigitalMarketing #BusinessGrowth #JonathanRodriguez #TheSearchSpecialists #ScopeShiftPodcast

    21 phút
  7. 03/10/2025

    Merging Storytelling And Strategy To Cut Through The Noise Ep24

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Stephanie Armstrong, Co-Founder and CEO of Moxie Creative Studios. Stephanie has built a brand storytelling agency that blends creativity with strategy, helping businesses cut through the noise, attract the right audience, and scale with authenticity. With 15 years in marketing and brand leadership, Stephanie shares how she’s merged data-driven strategy with emotional storytelling to create real business impact. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ Why storytelling and strategy must be integrated, not siloed. ✅ How consumer profiling and psychographics drive authentic brand connections. ✅ The shift from “spray and pray” marketing to attraction and inbound approaches. ✅ Why today’s consumers make decisions before they ever speak with sales. ✅ How branding can make your business the “non-negotiable” choice. ✅ The evolving relationship between marketing and sales in the digital era. ✅ Underutilized tools like marketing automation and how they act as a 24/7 “money machine.” ✅ Why creative excellence reduces costs and accelerates growth. ✅ How AI is disrupting marketing—and why Moxie is building its own proprietary AI. ✅ The importance of aligning marketing with operations to prevent growth from breaking your business. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Stephanie Armstrong – Co-Founder & CEO of Moxie Creative Studios Stephanie is a visionary leader who combines creative intuition with analytical rigor. She specializes in brand storytelling, growth hacking, and building authentic consumer connections. At Moxie, she’s leading the charge in integrating AI, systems, and creative strategies to help clients grow sustainably and meaningfully. 🔗 Connect with Stephanie & Moxie Creative Studios: Website: moxiecreativestudios.com Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn: @MoxieCreativeStudios Stephanie’s Social: @iamstephaniearmstrong 🔍 Topics Covered: The evolution of consumer expectations and “voting with their dollars.” Why digital-first strategies are no longer optional. Marketing automation and AI as force multipliers for agencies and brands. How to reposition an agency to attract better-fit clients. Building operational resilience alongside marketing growth. The future of AI-powered brand strategy with Moxie’s proprietary platform. 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on brand storytelling, agency growth, and the future of digital marketing. #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #InboundMarketing #DigitalTransformation

    24 phút
  8. 01/10/2025

    Digital Experiences That Make an Impact - Ep23

    In this episode of the Scope Shift Podcast, host Brian Saemann sits down with Josh Lowery, Co-Founder of Make Way, a creative digital agency known for building digital experiences that truly make an impact. From brand design to custom development, Josh and his team have partnered with major brands like Purina, Nestlé, and the Columbus Blue Jackets to create platforms that not only look great but perform at the highest level. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Make Way evolved from “We Make Nice Websites” into a full-service strategic partner. ✅ Why brand design and technology must be fully integrated to deliver real results. ✅ How to define “impact” beyond metrics—thinking about community, culture, and purpose. ✅ The role of rebranding in aligning vision, values, and future growth. ✅ How expanding into new markets helped shift Make Way’s mindset from regional to national and global. ✅ Strategies for managing scope creep and why expectation-setting is critical. ✅ The lessons learned from projects that went sideways—and how they ultimately unlocked new growth opportunities. ✅ How AI and emerging technologies are shaping Make Way’s services and operations. ✅ The importance of hustle, resilience, and never getting too comfortable in agency life. 🧠 Guest Spotlight: Josh Lowery – Co-Founder of Make Way Josh is a creative agency founder who has spent 15+ years at the intersection of design and technology. With a passion for building digital platforms that drive real-world results, Josh has led Make Way from its early days as a scrappy web studio into a nationally recognized digital partner. His journey highlights what it takes to evolve, adapt, and stay hungry in a fast-changing industry. 🔗 Connect with Josh & Make Way: Website: makeway.is 🔍 Topics Covered: The evolution from local web shop to national digital partner. Why culture and impact drive Make Way’s client and employee relationships. Navigating agency rebrands and positioning shifts with confidence. Expanding services into AR, VR, and touchscreen experiences. How AI is being used internally (hiring, reporting) and externally (personalization, automation). Lessons from the early hustle years—and why discomfort is the key to growth. Balancing ambition with clear communication and process discipline. 📌 Resources & Links: GoBeyond SEO Digital Marketing: gobeyondseo.com Transform your revenue generation with GoBeyond Data: gobeyondseo.com/daas Get a free Google Maps Audit with Archer: audit.archer.gobeyondseo.com Connect with Brian here: Brian Saemann on LinkedIn 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on agency growth, digital experiences, and building businesses that last. #DigitalExperiences #AgencyGrowth #BrandStrategy #AI #WebDesign #MakeWay #JoshLowery #ScopeShiftPodcast

    23 phút

Giới Thiệu

Scope Shift is the podcast where digital marketing leaders and agency owners pull back the curtain on what’s actually working in ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Hosted by Brian Saemann, a 16 year agency vet, each episode dives into the pivots, power moves, and “oh crap” moments behind building a successful and profitable marketing team and business. How do you survive your next Scope Shift? Tune in to get some ideas!