Endless Coffee Cup: Digital Marketing Education (Matt Bailey)

Long time friends Matt Bailey and Greg Jarboe are partnering on an upcoming book from Wiley, "Digital Marketing Fundamentals: OMCP's Official Guide to OMCA Certification." The core of the book is defining each area of digital marketing and outlining the critical skills and knowledge necessary to achieve the OMCA Certification. Of course, when Matt and Greg get together, there are no lack of stories, statistics, and sarcasm. Enjoy part 3 as Greg and Matt wrap up this series by covering social media marketing analytics and KPI's, social selling, social media advertising and Part 3 of "Defining Social Media Marketing" covers: Social Commerce and China's astounding numbers Single's Day Reputation Management & Crisis Communications US Air Force and Social Media Response Elon and Twitter, again Social Media Advertising YouTube ad campaigns Social Media audience targeting Social Media marketing analytics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime associate Ashley Schweigert joins Matt to talk SEO. Recently, Matt ran across a training video that claimed that SEO Best Practices have changed over the years, and he has some dispute with that claim. Join Matt and Ashley as they discuss what HASN'T changed over the years in SEO! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Czarnecki joins me to talk about issues that marketers face. As we both train for the Association of National Advertisers, we see a lot of similar issues in marketing departments across the spectrum. We've found that most of the problems are not unique! In fact, the vast majority of problems, frustrations, and difficulties are universal experiences. So lay back on the couch with a cup of coffee and listen in to a bit of therapy. Things will get better! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the single shot episodes, Matt will respond to listener questions, comment on past guests, and bring up news beyond the headlines. In this single shot episode, Matt talks about online engagement, the nature of podcasting as a medium, and answers a listener questions about podcasting in both personal and data terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long-time agency owners Sue Grabowski and Matt Bailey have a conversation about the work they love. Having owned agencies for more than a decade, they've made mistakes and would change a lot of things. But, what's the one thing neither would change? Going out on their own. So, what does a first time entrepreneur need to know about starting a business and marketing? How about learning to manage what you love instead of actually doing what you love? Sit back with a cup of coffee and listen in. Just a word of warning, you might need to get a few refills in this extended-length conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt brings these observations to Linguist and Educator, Norah Jones, to get an outsider's view of what happens to language when there is no shared meaning or context. Norah introduces educational concepts that are critical to the business success, such as negotiation of meaning. Listen in as we examine the language that is used so flippantly in marketing, and how someone outside of marketing responds to traditional marketing-speak phrases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creating Arabic Influencers Meet Rashid Al Awadhi, who is leading New Media Academy in Dubai to transform the Arabic region through digital skills and developing influencers. But it's not the typical "influencer" that you might think. They've developed influencers who are changing the region in areas of women's rights, economics, sport, environment, and many other areas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Augustine Fou, Ad Fraud expert, joins Matt once again to talk about the increasing awareness of ad fraud. Nearly every day there are reports and articles detailing how ad fraud funnels millions of dollars away from publishers and supports everything from hate speech to international espionage. Dr. Fou provides actionable steps that you can take - using your own analytics - to spot fraud and wasteful spending. Sit back as he provides a cold dose of reality that counters the wishful rainbows and unicorns world of programmatic advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Google removed keyword referral data from analytics in Sept 2013, the SEO industry took a big hit. You can debate about the merits of this move, as many have. I certainly did - I hated it, and still do. What Google did was effectively transform the SEO industry. Without seeing how nuances of wording and phrases affected behavior, it was now a blind strategy to reach the right people with the right content. When I read an article from LongTailUX's Millie Davis, 'Why no one talks about the LongTail anymore'. I was brought back to my happier keyword days. We started up a conversation about the article and it eventually led to this podcast with LongtailUX, Co-founder Andreas Dzumla. Andreas is a former Googler who learned the power of the long tail during his time at Google and applied it to many other businesses. Enjoy this conversation as we extol the amazing world of the long tail and how it can and should be mined for organic rankings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting a business right now is not only a great idea, more people are doing it than ever before! Business Coach, Mary Czarnecki, joins Matt to talk about the changing face of entrepreneurship in these amazing times. Matt and Mary provide practical steps of researching, preparing, and developing your own business. Mary provides the questions that potential start-ups need to ask and the guidance that many of us wish we had when we started. The technology today provides amazing resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs at very low costs, compared with decades past. So if you are thinking about starting up, research what's available to you that will make your life as a business owner easier and more efficient. Then, don't be afraid of failures. You won't be perfect, and that's OK. Jump in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt interviews Adjunct Instructor and PdD student Joshua Nieubuurt about his research into Internet Memes. His research paper, Internet Memes: Leaflet Propaganda of the Digital Age caught our attention. We break down what makes memes so effective, and how they engage our brains on multiple levels. There were some audio connection issues early in the episode, your patience is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For any business professional, burnout can be just around the corner. There are many warning signs, but we seem to be able to suppress them, ignore them, and make excuses. Dr. Tomi Mitchell walks us through some of those signs, which can’t be ignored. Not only will burnout reduce your productivity, but it will also affect your performance, your attitude, and relationships. Recognize burnout early, and you can avoid it and the bigger problems that come as a result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YouTube is dominated by creators, instructors, and seemingly everyday people. As opposed to major media platforms such as AppleTV, Netflix, Amazon, and others, YouTube has enabled people to create and develop content that is consumed by audiences around the world. How were creators able to grasp and develop this platform, while the brands lagged behind? Even today, only a handful of brands create consistently good content on YouTube and use it effectively in their marketing strategy. Author, lecturer, industry expert Greg Jarboe joins Matt to talk about the power and influence of YouTube. From the beginnings of curated video to the explosion of content that is uploaded every day, Greg provides the essential ingredients to engage and enchant audiences through video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt interviews Mark Schaefer about his recent article, "Emphasis on celebrity over authority is blowing up influencer strategy." Mark explains how influencers are made up of the top tier of celebrities, then the next tier of authorities or content experts. Finally, the "minor leagues" which is made up of aspiring influencers. However, aspiring influencers are adept at curating their celebrity, but not their expertise or authority in any specific content. Will this limit their commercial viability or the ability of an advertiser to find a relevant partner? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stéphane Hamel has given data and privacy a lot of thought, If you are concerned about data and privacy issues, then listen in as Stéphane outlines critical ownership issues of data and the consumer expectation of privacy. In the last half of the show, Matt and Stéphane discuss the problems with Google's G4 Analytics rollout and development. Does Google really know their audience? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Michael and I dig into the competencies required for digital marketing. We discuss training practices, standards, and core skills necessary for this industry. How does one go about developing a standard competency for a young industry? Most of the digital marketing skills have between 15-5 years of accepted skills, and some have yet to be formalized. We discuss the importance of companies assessing employee skills and knowledge in order to enhance their teams and reach their marketing goals. Michael brings up many of the methods of evaluating new hires and what hiring managers seek out in new employees. Have you ever wondered what hiring interview questions have to do with the job? You may be surprised at how seemingly irrelevant questions provide insight into the character and thinking of a new hire. Whether you are a hiring manager, marketing manager, or looking to enhance your personal skills, this conversation will provide insight into the hiring process, knowledge assessments, and more. You can find out more about OMCP Certifications and Training programs at OMCP.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ben joins Matt again as they discuss something that is very dear to many of us - Music. How do we value music? Our value of music has changed as the medium of music has changed. From large vinyl records that were difficult to transport to CD’s, MP3’s and now streaming music services, music has become more portable, but less tangible. Because of that, our value of music and how much we are willing to pay has diminished as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nolan Higdon, author of The Anatomy of Fake News, joins Matt again to talk about the post-election analysis of clickbait, fake news, and issues of digital literacy. This conversation reaches into many related facets, such as critical thinking, content marketing, ad fraud, and logical fallacies. Listen in to hear why Matt speculates that the “straw-man” fallacy no longer exists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Words are central to this episode. How words are used, interpreted and abused. Words are powerful influencers and invite us to participate, or words can be repelling - pushing us away. Our discussion starts from Agency practices; the evolving “advertiser” from Mad Men to today. Creative processes, design, and review structures have to change with the commoditization of many typical agency practices. A particular side conversation erupts when we bring up the type of advertising that attempt to be relevant to anyone at any time. For example, we examine attempts by major brands attempting to make themselves relevant as a Mother’s Day option. You may have some to contribute as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Matt and Ashley discuss Google’s latest major algorithm update, Algorithm Bert.  Here’s the interesting part: There is nothing that anyone performing search engine optimization can do to optimize for this algorithm. However, if you have been regularly publishing helpful information to educate your audience and provide helpful content, you’ll probably benefit.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sue Grabowski joins Matt to discuss how to approach social media. With all of the negative press about social media, trends and attitudes are changing quickly. So, how can businesses react and approach this dynamic, yet volatile channel? Facebook’s changes have exposed social media for what they are - ad platforms! because they have to make money, their product is people. Of course, people’s data is a significant means to target - and get highly targeted! Finally, how do you create a content strategy that incorporates these dynamic changes, but yet provides valuable information to your customers?  Sue and Matt explore practical uses of social media and challenges to agencies providing social media services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sue joins me again as we explore the modern difficulties of communicating through electronic media. What makes it so difficult and how does it create so many miscommunications? We explore the science behind human communications and how electronic media exploits the worst of communication’s faults. However, we also try to identify means of dealing with electronic communication and overcoming its nuances to make both life and business better.  Some of the issues we talk through in this episode: What is the purpose of Email? How can we use it more effectively? What expectations do you have of others, and are you setting for yourself? When is texting for work acceptable? Who can text you and why? Of course, the conversation takes another level up as soon as we talk about the place of humor in electronic communication. In a word, no.  Finally, we talk through practical steps to improve your communications in email, text, and social media. Hopefully, these steps can help you be more effective and aware of the inherent issues in electronic communication.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Classes are moving online! But is that a good thing? Many are complaining that instructors don’t know how to use the technology, and it might be leaving a bad impression of online/distance learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social Media Marketing Careers: What to Expect We dive into the ever-spinning world of social media marketing—where timing is everything, and evergreen is king. We discussed how repurposing content not only keeps your feed fresh but educates and engages your audience. Repurpose with Purpose: Jennifer and Matt dissect the art of breathing new life into evergreen content. Discover ways to serve your audience effectively with timeless treasures in your content vault. Community & Collaboration: We highlight the invaluable benefits of joining a network like NISM, where social media marketers unite for support, learning, and professional growth. Education, Empathy, and Evolution: This episode serves up a blend of insights on the importance of digital literacy, addressing mental health in the industry, and embracing the ceaseless tide of change inherent to social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes the simplest of changes can increase your website's effectiveness. Matt Bailey interviews Kim Krause-Berg in the latest installment of his Endless Coffee Cup podcast. Kim is a recognized industry expert on usability testing. In our conversation you'll hear dozens of ideas to improve your online business! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing is one of the fundamental skills of human communication. Online, writers are challenged by the unavoidable nuances digital media. Content must be concise, arranged for speedy consumption, and presented to impatient users and search engine spiders. Do you want to guarantee yourself a skill that'll never go out of style? Sharpen your writing skills to create quality content that answers questions, guides action, and persuades . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sit down for virtual coffee with LeTip CEO, Kim Marie Branch-Petit to discuss the value of networking. If I could point to one piece of advice that I would give to any business, entrepreneur, salesperson, student - or anyone who wants to further their career, it's to build a network. Networking tends to be dismissed, as we have social networks that can extend your reach all over the world. However, there is a value to getting to know a group of people and building relationships with mentors, coaches, co-workers, and others who can provide a substantial boost to your career. But, you have to be willing to put in the meantime commitment that is needed. The three words that will ring in my head forever. People do business with people that they like, know, and trust. Actively building a network of trusted people that you can help and can help you is one of the most important things that you can do for your career. Don't dismiss an opportunity to build a life-long friendship that may also come back to help you someday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nolan Higdon and Mickey Huff are the featured guests as they bring us commentary on their new book, "Let's Agree to Disagree: A Critical Thinking Guide to Communication, Conflict Management and Critical Media Literacy." The book is part textbook, part guidebook, and full of inspirational examples of people who made an effort to listen, learn, and create communication rather than disagree and walk away. Huff and Hidgon challenge us to step away from these external forces, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with others. By providing examples and clear steps to create dialogue, they show us that our democracy is dependent upon the everyday citizenry to engage and understand. We must participate to make a difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcasting enables voices to be heard. Podcasting is naturally anti-establishment, as it enables under-represented peoples to be heard. Though this medium, listeners can easily access a variety of viewpoints, sources, and opinions without restriction. In many cases, podcasts offer alternative views than are presented in traditional news and entertainment media. The stories and information provided are from those actually living the life, directly experiencing oppression, or presenting a specific cultural context. This type of content rarely makes the "Big Media," but provides immediate, personal access to the listeners.  Get the real stories from those living them. Drs. Nolan Higdon and Nicholas Baham III connect contemporary podcasting to the broader history of the use of radio technology in the service of anti-colonial struggle and revolution. By organizing the book’s analysis of decolonization through podcasting via three distinct activities—interrogation and critique, counter-narrative, and call to action—the authors create a lens through which they analyze and evaluate the decolonizing potential of new podcasts. The book also critiques the threat to the decolonizing efforts of some modern podcasts by the growing phenomena of surveillance capitalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long time friends Matt Bailey and Greg Jarboe are partnering on an upcoming book from Wiley, "Digital Marketing Fundamentals: OMCP's Official Guide to OMCA Certification. As a major part of digital marketing, social media becomes the most difficult to define. Greg and Matt discuss the definitive practices in social media, and define the difference between core skills and changing tactics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long time friends Matt Bailey and Greg Jarboe are partnering on an upcoming book from Wiley, "Digital Marketing Fundamentals: OMCP's Official Guide to OMCA Certification." The core of the book is defining each area of digital marketing and outlining the critical skills and knowledge necessary to achieve the OMCA Certification. Of course, when Matt and Greg get together, there are no lack of stories, statistics, and sarcasm. Enjoy part 2 of this delightful romp through our modern social media age. Part 2 of "Defining Social Media Marketing" covers: Kim Kardashian Social Media as a content distribution platform History of Social Media channels Loss of distinctive characteristics among platforms WordPress and Blogging Connected TV and YouTube Ted Turner and old movies Elon Musk and Twitter Donald Trump and TikTok Creating your own platform and using social media marketing to build it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The nature of online marketing has forced a dramatic increase in content. Everyone has become a publisher, as content drives views, shares, and even rankings. But what has this produced? Matt and Sue cover headlines that attempt to assign a value to content, describe reader behavior, and assign responsibility for measurement.   A variety of content models are covered, and the discussion ultimately comes down to one important factor - what was the payoff? Did it deliver what the reader wanted? Of course, when two Journalism majors get together, a discussion about the importance of writing will always come up.  Any comments about content? Please leave us a note in the comments, or drop us a line through the contact form. We’d love to know what you think!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professed "Space Nerd," Izzy House joins the podcast to talk about the exciting realm of space and how she is working with companies to tell their stories to the public. We maybe know a tiny fraction of what is happening in space, as the launches get the media attention, but Izzy helps to market the research, development, manufacturing, and medical breakthroughs that are happening as a result of space exploration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the beginning of each analytics training, I ask the group their questions about analytics, and the answers are surprising similar: What data is important? Can I trust the data? How do I turn data into actions or insights? How can we get past basic reports and find something meaningful? What surprises me even more is that these are very foundational questions about analytics. So, what is involved in becoming a data-centric organization? What skills do marketers need to excel at analytics? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My good friend, Mohtab Arabiat had the amazing opportunity to manage one of the world's biggest events. Still named Expo 2020, it was delayed for a year (for obvious reasons) and took place for 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022, drawing more than 24 million visitors to the expo, and an equal 24 million to the online portal! Mohtab managed the social media team, and they produced an average of 200 content posts a week! That's 28/day - a rate of more than 1 post per hour for 6 months! And that's just the start of the amazing stories from this event. Listen in to hear the challenges of managing, marketing, and producing the social media content for a long-term, worldwide event. Expo 2020 Dubai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's Get Nice! Dave Delaney, CEO of FutureForth, joins the show to discuss his book, the ROI of Nice. Dave conducts training and workshops at companies around the world, enhancing communication and workplace happiness - by teaching how to be nice. Dave gives us his NICE method for managing or working within teams, and we debate the work from home, return to office, and hybrid options in light of efficiency and teamwork. For listeners of the Endless Coffee Cup Podcast, use the discount code: NICECOFFEE to download Dave's book for FREE, The ROI of Being Nice at www.nicemethod.us, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A website is never done. This is the disconnect between website development and marketing. Your agency or designer may want to sign off and say it is done, but in reality – it should always be tested, improved, and adapted to your audience. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on sales, leads, registrations – whatever your goal. The skill of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) – are not only a critical skill now but will be in great demand in the future as more people in more places rely on digital interfaces to conduct nearly all of their affairs online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Government communications and public information has a lot in common with marketing, as it aims to inform, educate and persuade the public. In this delightful conversation with National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) president, Tabitha Clark, we explore the role of communicators in local governments. It's a different form, but still marketing as they must create, distribute, and measure the content they produce for the press, the public, and private industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this single shot episode, Matt compares the popularity and emphasis on trends to the skills that are in demand, and have always been in demand. Both employers and job seekers can build powerful, sustainable marketing teams when they focus on the essential skills, rather than the current or "next" tactic. In this episode, Matt brings his #5 skill, Business Acumen I share a few examples of how business acumen and marketing principles are critical to success. Too many times, we equate "digital marketing knowledge" with experience, or even basic business knowledge! But the two couldn't be further apart. My best analysts were ones that focused on increasing profitability – not visits. They looked for things that inhibited the user experience and tied them to revenue and profitability, not engagement. They understood that what happens in the CRM was just as critical to business success as the SEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Schwartz has been reporting on search and search engines since 2003, and is one of the most recognizable personalities in the industry. As the founder of Search Engine Roundtable, he's developed a reputation for his in-depth reporting of all things search. When looking for anything about Google or search technology, you'll find Barry's articles. Barry and I met at the SES conferences in the early 2000's and it was a fun conversation to catch up and get his perspective on the SEO industry, Google, and the major changes over the past 20 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The beauty of America has always been its cultural diversity. There is much that we can learn from each other and celebrate among each other. Gabriella Alcantara-Diaz joins me at the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage month to discuss the evolving, culturally diverse landscape. The Hispanic community is becoming increasingly affluent, which has significant implications in economic growth, lifestyle preferences, entrepreneurs, and community identity. Gabriella shares her exciting #CultureRunsDeep campaign which highlights the impact culture in Latin communities, small businesses, and corporate openness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Question are the best tool we have for accessing information, yet this skill is most likely the most underutilized and under-valued skill of all. Why? Because questions can be bothersome. Questioning can be perceived as subversive, and questions create accountability. Let's face it: Questioning is dangerous! In organizations where questions are discouraged, poorer decisions are made, and there is less accountability. Questions lead to discovery, they lead to improvement, they lead to understanding. Developing a skill in question-asking naturally creates an atmosphere of testing, curiosity, and value. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Metaverse is in all of the headlines, but to describe what it is - that's another story. Just as the internet evolved into HTML and browsers, so the shift into immersive technologies will challenge marketers, content creators, brands and just about anyone else who wants to reach people. But is Meta's vision what we really want? Do we really want to have a virtual coffee with someone while wearing a 500 gram headset? 500 grams is the weight of a hedgehog! Or, to be more precice - a little more than a pound. Will we attend virtual conferences, Zoom showed us that we would attend meetings - if we had to... What is hype, what do people actually want, and what are some tangible promises of the Metaverse? Come along for the conversation as Raquelle Zuzarte gives us a guided tour of what we can expect in Web 3.0. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the value of a certification? I teach over a hundred classes a year. I've seen the spectrum of seasoned marketers and those just embarking on their careers. The backgrounds are as diverse as any occupation could be. Marketing is such a broad subject, and it attracts people with a wide variety of skills and experiences. From journalism to rocket science. From design to copyrighting, programming to music. but with this wide variety of experiences and backgrounds, how can you validate what people really know? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ability to stand in front of people and relate data, information, a pitch, or any type of persuasive content is one of the most highly prized skills in an organization. Yet this valuable and prized skill is not taught! Yes, it can be learned and it can be improved. Speaking in front of others does not have to be a scary experience! However, for some reason, marketers - the ones that study audiences and develop creative, emotionally connected messages to motivate action...when they present internally, default to a left-bran presentation of charts, graphs, and data tables. How does this marketing-ability change so dramatically when resenting in-house? Matt presents the 4 levels of reporting data and information and how marketers can not only improve their credibility, but also their effectiveness when communicating to managers and the C-suite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So why don't we emphasize learning history, especially in this fast-moving, ever-changing world of digital media? I am amazed at how many people who are excited about Metaverse, but have never heard about Second Life. Without history, without the context of history and the lessons we learn, then all new technology is in a vacuum - absent of any lessons we can learn from the past! The more our culture uses and relies on social platforms, the more we need to have a deeper understanding of the impact and past lessons of these platforms. Until then, we will be always be "users." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From all of the teaching and training courses I have in digital marketing, I get a lot of career-oriented questions. Today’s question: I am just starting out in my digital marketing career, and I want to be a freelancer and eventually start my own agency, what career advice would you give me? That is a great question, and a lot of people ask this, which is why I want to address it in the podcast. However, I'm not going to give an answer that you would expect? There is a value to working for other companies. Yes, you'll learn valuable skills and other methods of marketing. But you'll also learn the most valuable thing: experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow the adventures of Greg Jarboe and Matt Bailey as they take on Dubai and attend the 1 Billion Follower Summit! After attending and speaking at conferences for the past 15 years, we finally get the chance to sit back and watch one of the most amazing conferences we've ever seen! However, this was not a business-as-usual conference. Greg explains that while most conferences are about getting "butts-in-seats," this approach was very different, starting with the application process to attend the conference! One of the best part was seeing our past students now leading and speaking on panels and leading the conversations! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can we really expect with Ai? Will it replace humans? Will it take over the world? With the recent hype and excitement about ChatGPT and AI, Matt talks with an AI expert, Cal Al-Dubaib, about the realities (and limitations) of AI technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fellow MPN podcaster Izzy House interviews Matt about his experiences in the UAE. The UAE is a young nation, having recently celebrated it's 51st anniversary, yet it is one of the global leaders in space. Matt Bailey and Izzy House talk about this exciting program, as Matt has been living in the UAE for the past few months. Matt relates some of his experiences, with Izzy adding the background and technology aspects to this amazing and innovative space program. We also look at the marketing of these programs and how successful they have been in inspiring a young nation to achieve so much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Bailey talks with linguist and educator, Norah Jones about the importance and value of learning to ask questions. Questions enable us to give voice to our curiosity and “tap into humanity.” Unfortunately, in too many environments (home, school, work) we are discouraged from asking questions, as they delay meetings, challenge assumptions, or create additional work. Questions can be seen as disruptive or challenging, yet they create clearer definitions, develop learning and understanding, and enable innovative approaches to solve problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keywords are the foundation for digital marketing. They provide in-depth marketing data of searcher intent, word associations, and buying factors. So why is this important tool so overlooked? And why is Google slowly taking keyword data away? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content marketing is a huge buzzword, but what it stands for really isn’t all that new. Strip away the buzz and you have attention-grabbing content. That’s it. As every piece of content, it’s about leveraging marketing channels in a smart and strategic way to make sure that content gets in front of the right people at the right time. So, what is content marketing truly at its core, and why is there so much hype? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holiday Marketing Trends After the billions of dollars spent each day in the 2016 Holiday season, what were the big winners and losers in terms of marketing? It may surprise you. Some older, channels have become incredibly reliable at producing an incredible ROI. Some new channels have not lived up to the promise. In a different format, Matt provided a "single serving" of content, as he is busy working in the studio producing a new SEO course. In getting away from the busy-ness of the course, he sat down to give a wrap-up exclusively for his podcast subscribers.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the world events have forced us to do business through the internet, the only external personal interaction is through our webcams. In this episode, Stewart Bewley joins Matt to talk about how we can master our personal presence through the webcam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monique Russell returns to the Endless Coffee Cup to share her insights on the power of up-skilling and re-skilling, and how it can lead to growth, differentiation, and improved workplace dynamics. We explore the importance of creating a culture of learning and the role that leadership plays in modeling desired behaviors. Monique also highlights the value of disruptive thinking to assess true goals and outcomes. From the digital transformation of organizations to the rise of entrepreneurship within corporate roles, we delve into the changing landscape of the corporate workspace. Monique shares incredible perspectives on cross-functional training, knowledge retention, and leveraging historical data. Beyond that, we discuss the impact of the pandemic on workplace dynamics and the need for organizations to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees. Ultimately, the role of learning and development professionals in changing as they need to partner with individuals who understand the science of learning and how it can transform organizations. Join us as we explore the power of learning, the importance of strategy beyond the corporate organization, and the role of technology in an ever-changing workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google’s new update hit in May, Core Web Vitals or Page Experience. This update focuses more on technical aspects of the site than content. However, at the same time, Google discontinued AMP, in which publishers had to invest heavily to maintain their presence in the search results. These changes will strain the Google-publisher relationship even further. Even more, because of the technical nature of the update, many businesses are simply unable to do much to accommodate this. Either legacy code that can’t be changed or 3rd party Content Management Systems that all have their own nuances, it is mainly on them to accommodate this update.  But is Google's influence waning? Many signs point to an industry that is tired of being forced to react to Google's decisions and whims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sit down with long-time friend and business associate Michael Stebbins to interview him about his new book, Backward Entrepreneur. Together, we explore the concept of shaping your business around your natural tendencies and the power of customer feedback. Mike has "been there, done that" by taking multiple businesses from idea, to growth, to acquisition! Learn the "real-world advice" that the textbooks don't tell you. Michael shares valuable insights, drawing on personal experiences and successful strategies. From understanding customer needs to creating adaptable business models, get ready to gain practical tips and inspiration to take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we uncover the secrets of the backward entrepreneur! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim and Matt continue the conversation from the last show, as they delve into further testing and usability concepts. While the obstacles to good usability are well documented, Kim and Matt work through the common objections, difficulties and solutions. While suggesting testing plans and constant reviews, they maintain the focus on the bottom line of testing - improved business. It all comes down to making your website easy to use. If it is easy, people will do more and your business will benefit. Sit back and listen to the instruction, the advice and experiences of two people that have been in the website business for over 20 years - each! We’re sure that you’ll learn something that will benefit your business or that you can put into practice - immediately! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a (digital) world of fakes, frauds, and filters. From inflated user counts, to clickbait headlines and filtered influencers, how can we know what is true? Growing up, we said that we "had to see it to believe it." Later it became "trust, but verify." Unfortunately, in this age the mantra is "assume everything is false, until proven otherwise." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Schweigert returns to talk through the many details of setting up a Google Ads account. From targeting keywords, understanding keyword match types, setting budgets and then dealing with the Quality Score. There is a lot to unpack when it comes to Google Ads, and Matt and Ashley attempt to help people navigate through the confusing layers of setting up a campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Shehata joins me on the latest edition of the Endless Coffee Cup podcast. We look into the impact of search generative experiences, AI, and the changing landscape for publishers. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: 1. Artificial Intelligence and SGE Impact on Publishers Publishers are seeing a shift in their revenue streams due to Google's focus on AI-generated content, especially affecting ad revenue and display ads. To counter these challenges, publishers are exploring alternative revenue models, such as subscriptions, commerce revenue, and building direct relationships with users. 2. The Changing Landscape for Publishers The industry is experiencing significant shifts, and publishers need to adapt to new methods and tools to stay ahead of trending topics and seize opportunities effectively. Real-time SEO tools, like Newsdash, are helping publishers identify missed opportunities and low-hanging fruits, aiding them in creating content that resonates and drives traffic. 3. The Future of Publishing and SEO As publishers navigate through these transformative times, the next 5-10 years will be crucial in shaping the future of the industry. Direct relationships with users, leveraging email marketing, and tracking Google Discover feeds are becoming essential strategies for publishers to build and retain their audience. John and I explored these topics, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for publishers in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Grab a cup of coffee and join us on this episode of the Endless Coffee Cup. More about Matt Bailey Watch the Endless Coffee Cup on YouTube Become an OMCA Certified Marketer Explore Our Digital Marketing Masterclasses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEO is Changing...But How? Welcome to the Endless Coffee Cup podcast, where we freshly brewed insights on Digital Marketing. Matt Bailey is joined by long-time industry friend and SEO expert, Greg Jarboe. In the latest espresso shot of wisdom, Matt and Greg dive deep into SEO's evolving landscape, from leveraging news links and press releases to the subtleties of keywords and how they are used by audiences. Greg presents his content marketing matrix, a tool crucial for audience-tailored strategies. They unpacked the importance of marketing and market research in SEO. So if you're looking to keep pace with the relentless changes and optimize your online presence, stir in these tips and let your strategy percolate to success. Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to share and rate this blend for more robust conversations. Keep brewing excellence! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or a full-time employee, you'll deal with contracts that affect content ownership and how you can use what you create. Our guest, IP lawyer Sharon Toerek, highlights the critical elements every content creator needs to consider when drafting contracts, from intellectual property rights to defining deliverables, deadlines, and payment specifics. For those dealing with brand sponsorships, influencer agreements, or creating digital courses, Sharon explains the growing complexities of comparative advertising and the legalities of using memes and other pop culture references in marketing. Website: https://SiteLogic.com Learn SEO: Learn Search Engine Optimization Online (sitelogic.com) See all Coached Digital Marketing Courses: https://learn.sitelogic.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you use AI to generate content, but that content plagiarizes someone else's work - can you be held liable? We answer that question and more with intellectual property attorney, Sharon Toerek. As AI technology evolves at breakneck speed, so do the complexities around the ownership of AI-generated content. We cover the difference between copyright and registered copyrights, and the rights of content creators and their works. Sharon outlines the implications of using AI tools in our creative endeavors. How much can you rely on AI if you plan on protecting your work? Also, can you trust AI not to plagiarize from other protected works? Don't miss Sharon's valuable framework for ensuring your intellectual property is protected. Plus, we'll tackle how international copyright enforcement poses challenges for creators and why social media sharing isn't as straightforward as it seems. So grab your coffee and join us as we dissect the legal intricacies that could save you time and money, and learn why human judgment is irreplaceable in our ever-advancing digital world. All this and more on this episode of the Endless Coffee Cup. Learn Digital Marketing with our personalized, coached courses: https://learn.sitelogic.com/ Meet Matt Bailey: https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com/about/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Analytics is swiftly evolving, and staying ahead requires not just keeping up, but also understanding the challenges and opportunities this evolution creates. Enter Piwik PRO, a company that is no start-up, but an established analytics solution with a long history. By focusing on a privacy-centric model that adheres to EU's GDPR and HIPPA in the US, Piwik PRO has been able to gather a sizable market, which is increasing by the day. With Google's announcement to migrate everyone to change to GA4, I took the opportunity to research new analytics solutions. Very quickly, Piwik PRO established itself as a leading option, as it met my requirements for my business. I challenge anyone that is feeling frustrated with GA4 to do one thing first: write down your specific needs for analytics. What questions do you want to answer? Then, with that list, evaluate your options, such as Piwik PRO. You may find a solution that is easier to use, great customer support, and a clear focus on data security and privacy. SiteLogic SiteLogic Learning: Coached Courses on SEO, Analytics, Content, and Digital Marketing Piwik PRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Bailey tackles the intricacies of social media careers, mental health, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. Joined by Jennifer Radke, CEO of the National Institute of Social Media, they explore the findings of NISM's latest social media job study, the importance of ongoing education, and the impact of certification on career advancement.   The study reveals many challenges and rewards of working in social media; the mental health struggles faced by professionals, the complexities of measuring ROI, and the influence of personal bias on consumer behavior. Fundamental marketing problems of strategic planning, support, and compensation persist in this industry. But there are many external factors coming into play, such the growing backlash against social media and “influencers.”   Tune in as Jennifer and Matt provide invaluable insights into the professional and emotional landscape of social media roles, the necessity of community support, and the significance of continuous learning in staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you're a seasoned social media strategist or just starting out, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to enhance your career and well-being in the digital marketing world.   SiteLogic SiteLogic Learning: Coached Courses on SEO, Analytics, Content, and Digital Marketing National Institute for Social Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shiny Things Headlines dominate the early part of the show, as we begin with a study that reveals that the majority of Fortune 500 marketers are looking for the next “silver bullet” market shifting technology.  This serves up the rest of the show as we talk about why people tend to get distracted by shiny things. We then move into one of the shiniest things - the Internet of Things! We also move into how smartphone technology has influenced our behavior, millennial behavior, and parenting behavior. Has technology caused us to disconnect from people while we are connecting to things? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few months after Google's "big leak," Matt and guest Ashley Jones discuss the fallout and conclusions. Needless to say there are some surprises, but for many in the SEO community - it is business as usual. It is still all about marketing your business - beyond Google. With Ashley, the discussion always comes back to content. Whether it’s link building or content creation, the emphasis should be on quality. Unique, well-thought-out content resonates more with users and achieves better SEO results than mass-produced, mediocre content – an important distinction in the age of AI. Good writing is born of good thinking. Ashley reminds us that while tools like SEO and AI are indispensable, they should never replace the unique touch and depth humans bring to content creation. Matt Bailey: https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com Learn SEO & Digital Marketing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt welcomes Sarah Panus, a content strategy consultant and the voice behind the "Marketing with Empathy" podcast. Sarah shares her process for identifying powerful content themes and provides actionable insights into creating consumer-centric content by leveraging empathy and data. Sarah discusses her three pillars for content strategy, which include an emphasis on consumer behavior. She highlights the importance of infusing personality and empathy into content, using various filters like SEO, data, human connections, and nostalgia. Together, Sarah and Matt dive deep into the intricacies of effective content creation. They explore the balance between empathy and authority in storytelling, the strategic use of data sources, and the essential practice of saying no to ideas that don't align with your brand's core pillars. Join us as we also delve into the practical aspects of content strategy, such as utilizing customer loyalty programs, segmenting lead lists, and prioritizing quality over quantity. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode is brimming with valuable insights and practical advice straight from industry experts. Learn Content Marketing: The Art and Science of Content Marketing with Social Media, SEO, and Analytics (sitelogic.com) Learn more about Matt Bailey & SiteLogic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt welcomes Time Management Coach, Anna Dearmon Kornick. Anna shares strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks. We have fun looking at time management myths, as Anna debunks a few that you might believe! Learn how to get dopamine kicks from getting things done! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Anna’s got the blueprint to help you regain control and spend your time on what truly matters. Don't miss it—take charge and transform your work-life balance today. Matt Bailey: https://sitelogicmarketing.com/ Anna Dearmon Kornick: https://annadkornick.com/ Learn Digital Marketing: https://Learn.SiteLogic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Endless Coffee Cup podcast, we look into a critical but often overlooked topic in the world of digital marketing: when it's time to fire your SEO agency. Matt and Ashley tackle the telltale signs that your SEO company is holding back your business and what you should look for in a new partner. They discuss the core of search engine optimization (SEO), emphasizing that it's no longer just about rankings and backlinks. Have you ever asked these questions? What's the difference between activity and results in SEO reporting? How much of your reports do you understand? How many reported charts or metrics are simply irrelevant to your day-to-day marketing? Are you getting customized reports tied to your specific business goals? It comes down to the critical role of analytics and conversion optimization in modern SEO strategies. SEO companies that only focus on rankings without evaluating how users behave on your site are missing a huge part of the digital marketing equation. Its essential for your SEO efforts to drive conversions, not just traffic. SEO should always be integrated into your broader digital marketing strategy. Whether it's paid advertising, content marketing, or social media, SEO complements these efforts for maximum impact. If your agency isn’t collaborating with other areas of your marketing strategy, you might not be getting the full value from their services. Tune in to learn the red flags, key questions to ask, and how to ensure that your SEO agency is delivering meaningful results that align with your long-term business goals. This episode will give you the tools and insights you need to assess whether your SEO agency is a help or a hindrance in achieving success. Matt Bailey: SiteLogic Ashley Jones: MarCom Content by Ashley Learn how modern SEO works: Learn SEO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Bailey welcomes back Nolan Higdon, a professor of history, media studies, and education. Nolan discusses his journey into media literacy. They discuss the state of digital literacy in education and how the U.S. lags behind Europe in integrating media literacy into schools, examining the challenges of decentralized systems, budget cuts, and corporate influence. The conversation shifts to free speech and the increasing polarization in the digital era. Nolan shares his perspective on why upholding free speech is vital, even when it involves defending views we disagree with. They also touch on the importance of teaching students to think critically about the media they consume. The episode highlights the growing relevance of certifications over traditional degrees, as well as the challenges universities face in preparing students for the real world. Nolan emphasizes the value of local journalism in media literacy, encouraging students to focus on local issues often overlooked in mainstream media. Finally, Matt and Nolan discuss the rise of platforms like Substack, which provide independent journalists with a space to share in-depth, algorithm-free content. Nolan shares his experience with Substack and how it has allowed him to reach a broader audience. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of social media algorithms on free speech and the media landscape. Learn more about Matt Bailey at: SiteLogic Nolan Higdon's Substack: Learn Digital Marketing Skills at: Learn.SiteLogic.com Get Your Online Marketing Certification at: SiteLogic's OMCA Test Prep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie Schneider joins Matt to discuss the challenges and strategies of managing social media in the healthcare sector. Robbie stresses the importance of planning time off, setting expectations within teams, and being intentional with social media content to add meaningful value rather than just frequent posts. We'll hear personal anecdotes about the struggle to detach from work communications, and practical steps to regain control over digital engagement and improve overall mental health. They'll also touch on the critical role of empathy in healthcare communications, navigating legal considerations, and how social media managers can prepare for and respond to real-time events like a newsroom. Most importantly, Robbie shares the impactful lessons and personal growth she experienced while writing her book, "Social Media Sanity and Your Guide to Mental Wellness for the Digital Marketer," exploring the balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. If you're in the industry or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of healthcare social media, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories to help you navigate this demanding field. Find Matt at SiteLogic Get Your Digital Skills Certification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt welcomes Google Ads expert Sarah Steeman. With over 17 years of experience developing, managing, and optimizing paid search campaigns, Sarah shares valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of managing campaigns in today’s competitive environment. Having both seen the entrance of paid ads into Google's results, Matt & Sarah debate the balance of automation and human expertise. Sarah shares her journey from web development to SEO, and eventually paid search, giving listeners a unique perspective on the shift in digital advertising over the years. You'll learn about the increased role of AI in Google Ads, the impact on budgets, and the struggles small businesses face as they try to navigate the often-confusing landscape of digital advertising. Throughout the episode, Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding Google’s algorithms, mastering data analysis, and maintaining a personal touch when it comes to client management. She also offers advice to those considering a career in paid search and how to stay ahead in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Whether you’re an experienced marketer or just starting, this episode is packed with tips on maximizing your advertising spend, keeping up with the latest Google Ads features, and understanding the impact of AI in paid search. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to adapt to the ever-changing world of paid search. More about SiteLogic & Matt Bailey SiteLogic Learning: Learn SEO Meet Sarah Stemen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many in the digital marketing industry think that a formal education is unnecessary. T. Adeola Osinubi not only disagrees with that thought but is also taking action to remedy the situation.  In his book, Straight Outta Context, he explains how he was taken in by bad actors who were more than happy to take his money and teach outdated, questionable and even dangerous techniques to gain rankings in Google.  It wasn’t until he enrolled into a degree program that he learned the marketing principles, formal approaches, and industry best practices. He now teaches others not to be taken in by the “just Google it” crowd as an alternative to education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Jarboe joins Matt to talk about the "undervaluing" of SEO. Both long-time experts see search engines providing the bulk of visits to websites through analytics. Yet, despite the evidence, companies are spending more and applying more resources to social media and new unproven platforms! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a training manager measure the effectiveness of their training? There are significant obstacles. Most notably competing priorities, lack of data, or simply not knowing where to start. Beyond that, what type of assessments should be used to show that the training was effective?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into the latest developments in the ever-evolving world of social media. Joined by regular guest Greg Jarboe, we explore the revolutionary changes happening on YouTube, from the introduction of shorts to the rise of new content creators. We dissect the decline of Twitter, its impact on advertisers, and question the branding change to "X". Threads came on strong, but finished weak. Reddit had a revolution, but it's over now. Google Analytics forced a change on everybody - who's happy? Don't miss this, but connected TV is a major player in the content competition. And who is bigger? Netflix or YouTube? As always, we give our opinions on data analytics, digital marketing, and navigating the ever-changing social media landscape. So grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for another episode of the Endless Coffee Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My brother Ben joins me again to talk about analytics, testing, and usability. I ask Ben to provide specific "where to start" advice for anyone wishing to improve their business through user experience. We discuss analytics to start, but we move quickly into the areas of user testing. We talk about low-cost, highly efficient methods to improve the website experience, increase conversions, and find problems. The point Ben makes is that most testing does not have to start with analytics, rather it should start by simply working through the website and discovering problems. Of course, we relate plenty of our examples from working together and talk about how the simplest tests provided the greatest amount of results. Those companies didn't need data scientists or Big Data, rather they simply needed to see the experience from the user's point of view. Doing so, drastically increased their revenue. Finally, we leave you with practical steps to take for testing your own business' website. Our infamous "Mom Test," task-based user testing and gathering data are explained for you. As always - thank you so much for listening! Please drop us a line if you have found the podcast to be helpful, inspiring or if we have simply provided a bit of valuable info.         Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can we trust studies that claim to decode Google? Many SEO companies employ tests and studies to understand the nuances of Google's algorithm. However, are these studies valid or do they have any statistical significance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Matt is on his "UK Speaking Tour.” One of the highlights of his time in the UK is meeting up with one of his best friends in the business, Brian Mathers.  Brian is one of the most respected marketing voices in the Scottish business community. He regularly teaches seminars around the country and consults with businesses about their online marketing.  Brian spent over 20 years in the Royal Navy. He explains how he translated his experience of navigating submarines to navigating websites and businesses.  Just as an aside, the air conditioning in this venue was running a full blast. It makes the sound a bit sketchy, as it may sound like the building is ready to launch at a few points. In this episode, Brian is drinking tea, Matt is drinking the "conference coffee." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Influencer Marketing has heated up over the past years as one of the latest, shiniest objects in marketing. But does it deliver? Matt and Ashley delve into this topic and provide examples of influencer marketing done well and done poorly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Jim discuss the shifting landscapes of technology and how it affects sport marketing. Data has become the new frontier of fan measurement and marketing. They discuss how the fan experience has changed dramatically with the rise of e-sports leagues, immediate video highlights and in-game experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build a real-world customer journey?  After reading a well-known source that claimed that people "don't just wake up and decide to buy," Matt takes issue with the formulaic and template-driven journey. Because people really do wake up and buy things without traveling the marketer's well-planned journey. Mary Czarnecki joins in to provide practical advice about the development and considerations of building realistic and usable customer journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive deep into the art of effective communication. Our guest, Monique Russell, is an expert in teaching, training, speaking, and coaching individuals to communicate more effectively at work and at home. With her wealth of experience, Monique focuses on helping leaders keep top talent engaged, fulfilled, and motivated. She shares insights on how to connect with others, understand communication styles, delegate effectively, and navigate intercultural communication. We discuss the challenges teachers face in implementing comprehensive communication instruction, and how debate clubs in schools can help develop critical thinking skills. One of the key takeaways from our episode is the importance of being comfortable with discomfort. Monique explores how addressing internal noise, such as fear of judgment, can dramatically enhance communication effectiveness. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In large part, B2B sellers have not developed virtual selling skills. A recent survey showed that the B2B virtual selling process is broken - but it is not because of the technology! Rather, when virtual presentations remove the sizzle, buyers don't see much substance. In the world of B2B sales, personality, charm, and instincts tend to rule the day and win customer's hearts and minds. However, when forced to move to virtual meetings and presentations, many salespeople have simply fallen flat. Despite the challenges, the inability to transition to a virtual selling format has set back many salespeople, but it isn't because of the technology! A recent eMarketer survey showed that there are some issues with using technology and managing a virtual meeting. Of the top Virtual Selling Mistakes in this list, responsiveness, preparation, presentation skills, and writing skills are noted as being consistent mistakes displayed by sellers. While the pandemic isn't to blame for a lack of these skills, it does expose the B2B sales experience. These issues didn't just appear, but they have become more noticeable and harder to hide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this series, I am explaining the 7 digital media skills that will never go out of style. I am doing this series, as there are many job postings that focus on the applicant knowing tactics. However, when looking at the purpose of the tactics, the skills are what enable people to adopt, refine, and adapt tactics according to the need. Knowing how to do this requires skills that are beyond the tactical application and are based in strategic maturity. The first digital marketing skill that’ll never go out of style is digital and media literacy. Or, as I like to call it, Media Maturity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my brother, Ben Bailey, drops by and joins me in a conversation about analytics. Ben is a well-known analyst in his own right. He has consulted with some of the world's biggest brands, as well as with Analytics companies. And (as I tell people) he may be my brother, but he is the best analyst I've ever worked with. The discussion centers around a recent eMarketer survey on measurement and cross-device attribution. This article exposes a dramatic disconnect between marketing priorities and capabilities of both very simple and very complex issues. From simple conversation tracking to complex multi-device matching. Ben brings his perspectives on data, targeting, and Google Analytics. Do you know how much information about you and your browsing behavior is available to companies? Beyond that, Ben informs us of other targeting data, of which you may not be aware, is used to personalize ads and website content specifically for you. We discuss some of the limitations of Google Analytics, but also the benefits of this free service. Ben answers the question of how to know when you've "outgrown" Google Analytics as a service and need to upgrade to a paid analytics solution. If you would like to know more about Ben, you can visit him at 2nd Beach Strategy.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt talks with Google Ads expert Brad Geddes about the recent changes to Google Ads. Increasingly, advertising is becoming more complex, creating difficult choices for SMB's. Budgets, technology, confusing language, and G4 or Universal?!? Who can handle all of this? This is why we talk to Brad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this single shot episode, Matt compares the popularity and emphasis on trends to the skills that are in demand, and have always been in demand. Both employers and job seekers can build powerful, sustainable marketing teams when they focus on the essential skills, rather than the current or "next" tactic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multiculturalism is not just a good idea in marketing, but good practice in life to understand and relate to the rich experiences brought by other cultures. In marketing, we can be very tone-deaf with messaging if we haven't considered or researched our message with other cultures and their values.  Understanding the needs, attitudes, and values of others enables you to create, market, and build a better product for a wider audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Ben read through the latest marketing headlines and discuss the reality behind the articles. They point out blatant contradictions from the same writers or publishers and guide you as to how to insulate yourself from over-hyped sensationalism.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Sue are often asked to speak to university students and provide career advice. We both found the college experience built a foundation to do many things in life, and not just a single career. Those experiences centered around specific classes or subjects, and we both attribute our love of rhetoric to our professor, Dr. Kim Phipps. We answer frequent questions we receive in this episode, such as: What is valuable about the college/university experience today? What skills do two business owners think are the most important?  How did college/university prepare us for what we do today? How do you know when it is time to go out on your own? How do you prepare for starting your own business?  We get a little personal in talking through some of our job history, stress of starting a business and how to survive a start-up.  Issues of credit, office space, taxes, hiring, making payroll and the wonderful memories of a cat walking in front of the camera during a webinar come up in our start-up experiences. We invite you to listen in on one of our more candid and personal discussions on the subject of owning a business and managing success, failure and personal fulfillment.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt delves into the controversial and often misunderstood world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He reflects on his own journey and the evolution of SEO, addressing the criticism it often receives. He discusses the divide in the industry between those who focus solely on rankings and short-term tactics, and those who take a holistic approach, optimizing for user experience, business goals, and long-term success. Matt questions whether it's time for a split in the industry and invites listeners to join the conversation. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of SEO and how it can truly benefit businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Ashley met up and recorded a socially-distanced podcast a few weeks ago. Of course, the conversation turned to the overwhelming amount of fake news surrounding COVID-19. But beyond fake news, there is a substantial problem in people’s ability to discern what is true and what is false information online.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Marshall joins Matt to follow up on his previous appearance on Endless Coffee Cup, where he talked about his new book, Free is Bad. They talk about the reception of the book and the prevailing opinions about online privacy. John shares about his upcoming series of videos, “Can I Trust It?” which brings up another line of discussion about the value of trust in the Digital Economy. With social media suffering failures, hacks, scrapes, and investigations weekly, how do you know who or what to trust? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt welcomes Jason Bruckner, Social Media Manager at Sanctuary Marketing Group. Matt and Jason share about what makes a great Social Media Campaign. Matt and Jason both share about campaigns they’ve worked on as well as campaigns that have their attention as an example of great execution. They talk about the common elements that come together to develop, define and execute a strategy. They wrap up a discussion about how to working market in the Social Media world, offer different views of content as examples, and look to the future as to “what’s next."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We examine the recent changes and moves within Google Search Ads, from changing keyword targeting to automatic Smart Ads to dealing with recommended "upgrades" to the account. We look at what real account improvements involve and compare these to Google's recommendations. There is some Google bashing, but it is also countered by the honest appraisal that Paid Search Ads is still one of the most effective methods of reaching a targeting audience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Falls joins Matt to discuss the power of influence in marketing, rather than the emphasis on influencers. Most of what is called influencer marketing misses the mark, according to Jason, as it focuses on the wrong things.  Gaining partners that align with your message and your objectives are much more important. Jason points us in the right direction with his 4 methods of creating and measuring influence from his latest book, Winfluence: Reframing Influencer Marketing to Ignite Your Brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices