IN THIS EPISODE…
From the boom in AI-generated content to Google’s rapidly changing search algorithms, the SEO and SEM space is overburdened with fleeting trends that threaten to throw brands off track. How can you cut through the noise to establish a brand presence that truly resonates with your audience?
In the latest episode of Matters of Creative, join Matt Hirsch as he interviews Blake Denman, the Founder and President of RicketyRoo, about SEO and content trends impacting brands. Blake offers actionable insights for leveraging Google Business Profiles, improving website user experiences, and forging a powerful local brand identity.
When Blake Denman started his agency in 2009, SEO was still in its infancy. Since then, he has pivoted to align with relevant industry trends and customer demands. When improving your SEO for modern branding strategies, focus on establishing a basic presence by enhancing your Google Business Profile with a cover photo and basic company information. You can reference competitor profiles for inspiration on what you should include. Other fundamental strategies include optimizing your website for mobile devices, showcasing genuine customer reviews on your site, and engaging with your local community through events and sponsorships to establish organic backlinks.
For more SEO strategies that break through the noise, give this episode a listen today.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Blake Denman is the Founder and President of RicketyRoo, an internet marketing agency for small- to medium-sized businesses. With over 17 years of SEO experience, he specializes in inbound marketing, PPC advertising, and website design and development. Blake and his team speak at popular digital marketing conferences, including MozCon and LocalU, and contribute to recognized SEO publishing sites like Semrush and Search Engine Journal.
Learn more about Blake:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakedenman/
Here’s a Glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [2:23] Blake Denman’s journey into SEO, the founding story of RicketyRoo, and his philosophy on client service
- [9:11] How SEO trends have evolved and AI’s influence on content creation and search
- [15:16] The evolution of Google Maps Pack and its future developments
- [17:47] Can optimizing your Google Business Profile impact search results?
- [22:14] Evaluating links to establish a local brand presence
- [25:01] Advice for improving SEO rankings
- [28:47] Key considerations for Google’s algorithm changes
- [32:19] The future of AI and its use as a content creation tool
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Quotable Moments:
- “I had no interest in any of this when I first got started.”
- “Going out on my own was mainly to focus on school and just pay my bills with a couple of clients.”
- “It’s not about money; it’s about the value and impact you can make.”
- “Focus on building a better local brand and become top of mind in your community.”
- “With AI, the bar for content has been raised substantially.”
Action Steps:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile to provide a rich, user-friendly experience: This is effective because it sets the foundation for visibility and relevance in local searches.
- Ensure your website content is easily accessible and mobile-friendly: Mobile optimization is key due to Google’s mobile-first indexing, which impacts rankings and the user experience.
- Create and continuously implement a reputation strategy focusing on genuine customer reviews: Customer reviews contribute to the business’ prominence and trustworthiness in online searches.
- Produce high-quality, focused content that reflects your main area of expertise: High-quality content is more likely to be indexed and ranked by Google, which is crucial following recent algorithm updates.
- Apply AI tools for content ideation while ensuring human oversight in content creation: This blend of AI and human intelligence leverages technology for efficiency while maintaining content authenticity and quality.
SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE…
This episode is brought to you by M Agency, a full-service creative marketing agency in Tacoma, Washington.
We are a strategic partner for companies wanting to build memorable brands, websites, and marketing campaigns.
Our team of creative professionals leverages their unique talents and skills to provide various branding, design and development, marketing, and creative services.
If you’re ready to take action with your marketing, visit https://whatisyourm.com/.