E-Coffee with Experts

Elizabeth Carter: Think Like This If You Want Clients to Actually Trust You

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

4 days ago

32 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, we sit down with Elizabeth Carter, Account Director at RED66 Marketing, to explore the human side of digital marketing.

Elizabeth shares what it's really like to be on the front lines, translating client goals into actionable strategies and aligning internal teams around outcomes that matter. She dives into how Red 66 nurtures long-term client relationships, some lasting over a decade, and the key role in-person connection still plays in a digital-first world.

We discuss her process for onboarding, maintaining engagement during long SEO cycles, and why trusting relationships beat vanity metrics every time. Elizabeth also offers a look into how AI and automation are being integrated without sacrificing personalization.

Whether you're an agency owner, SEO strategist, or just want to understand what makes clients stay, this episode is packed with real talk, proven strategies, and a refreshing perspective on marketing in 2025 and beyond.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:39: Introduction

00:39 - 02:08: What It’s Like Leading a Marketing Agency Team

02:08 - 03:46: Why Every Team Member Learns SEO Basics

03:46 - 05:58: When Elizabeth Steps In With New Clients

05:58 - 08:35: How They Keep Clients Happy for 10+ Years

08:35 - 12:03: Why In-Person Meetings Still Matter in a Digital World

12:03 - 14:47: Turning Client Talks Into Team Actions

14:47 - 17:03: How AI and SEO Are Changing in 2025

17:03 - 20:42: Smarter Systems – Tools That Save Time and Energy

20:42 - 22:34: Her Best Advice for Marketers in 2026

22:34 - 24:01: Where to Find Elizabeth & Red 66 Marketing

Connect with Elizabeth Carter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-carter-a70631175/

http://red66marketing.com/

Website: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digiwebsol

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dws_global

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions./

5 days ago

24 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

Gints Gailis: Price Tags, Not Proof: What Really Converts During Black Friday

In this episode of E-coffee with Experts, our host Austin sits down with Gints Gailis, Head of Marketing at Confect, a design-focused ad tech platform, to unpack what really works during Black Friday.

With access to 44.3 billion impressions and over 2,000 advertisers across 73 countries, Gints breaks down what makes Black Friday ads convert, why consumer behavior shifts so dramatically in Q4, and why most brand rules get thrown out the window.

They explore everything from price anchoring, discount thresholds, and why black design dominates social feeds in November, to creative tactics like showing prices upfront, bundling offers, and making use of novelty to drive impulse purchases. Gints also explains how smaller advertisers can outsmart big-budget brands during high-competition weeks.

If you're running E-commerce ads or preparing for year-end sales, this is the data-backed strategy guide you’ve been waiting for.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:40: Introduction

00:40 - 01:20: What Black Friday Means for Marketers

01:20 - 02:10: Why Black Friday Starts Earlier Every Year

02:10 - 03:00: How Consumer Behavior Is Changing

03:00 - 04:30: Turning Ads “Black” – What It Really Means

04:30 - 06:00: Why Black Design Works So Well

06:00 - 07:30: What Type of Ads Perform Best

07:30 - 09:00: Inside Confect’s Data – 44 Billion Impressions!

09:00 - 10:40: How Brands Spend During Black Friday

10:40 - 12:00: The Real Cost of Black Friday Ads

12:00 - 13:40: Are Higher Ad Prices Worth It?

13:40 - 15:00: What Discounts Work Best (and Why)

15:00 - 17:00: Creative Offers That Sell More

17:00 - 18:30: Best Regions and Countries for Black Friday Sales

18:30 - 20:00: Can Small Brands Still Compete?

20:00 - 21:30: What Happens After Black Friday Ends

21:30 - 23:00: Switching to Christmas Ads Overnight

23:00 - 24:00: What Consumers Look for in December

24:00 - 25:30: Why “Shipping Info” Doesn’t Always Help

25:30 - 27:00: What Data Surprised Gints the Most

27:00 - 29:00: 3 Things That Boost Ad Results

29:00 - 30:10: Advice for Marketers

30:10 - 30:49: Final Thoughts

Connect with Gints Gailis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gintsgailis/

https://confect.io/learn/black-friday-2025

Website: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digiwebsol

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dws_global

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions./

6 days ago

30 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

Helga Zabalkanska: How She Built 4 SaaS Products Without External Funding

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, we sit down with Helga Zabalkanska, Co-founder and CMO at Solva, a SaaS company building multiple products without external funding.

Helga opens up about wearing many hats, from leading marketing to overseeing product development, and shares her no-nonsense approach to prioritization, delegation, and scaling efficiently with a lean team.

She discusses how her company identifies product-market fit, validates ideas through user interviews, and launches new features with precision.

Helga also dives deep into her cutting-edge SEO strategy for 2025, emphasizing AI search engines, brand-building, and link quality over quantity.

Plus, she reveals how she hires and cultivates A-players, the underrated power of long-tail keywords, and why building a brand can sometimes beat having the best product.

Whether you’re an agency owner, startup founder, or growth marketer, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration from someone truly in the trenches.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:40: Introduction

00:40 - 01:30: Who Helga is and what her company does

01:30 - 03:00: Balancing CEO, CMO, and product roles

03:00 - 04:40: Handling “fires” and staying focused

04:40 - 05:50: Building trust and teamwork with her partners

05:50 - 08:00: Finding and growing A-players in her team

08:00 - 09:40: Creating a strong, no-micromanage company culture

09:40 - 10:30: How her team works with Agile and sprints

10:30 - 12:00: How they find and test new product ideas

12:00 - 13:30: Validating MVPs and using user interviews

13:30 - 14:30: Launching new products and go-to-market tips

14:30 - 15:30: Power of community, Reddit, and SEO for growth

15:30 - 17:20: Founder brand vs company brand discussion

17:20 - 19:40: How AI is changing SEO and link building

19:40 - 22:30: SEO for small brands with low domain authority

22:30 - 24:20: Using long-tail keywords to build relevance

24:20 - 26:00: Brand vs service quality — what really matters

26:00 - 27:30: Advice for startups and small teams

27:30 - 27:53: Final Thoughts

Connect with Helga Zabalkanska

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zabalkanska/

https://solva.io/

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Timothy A. Zercher: Why This CEO Chose One Niche and Never Looked Back

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

1 week ago

27 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Timothy A. Zercher, CEO of A-Train Marketing Communications and Host of Tim Talks Podcast, reveals the gritty reality behind acquiring and scaling a marketing agency in the behavioral health space.

He shares how the early days post-acquisition were pure chaos, firefighting issues, rebuilding internal systems, and winning trust. But through laser-sharp specialization and ethical partnerships, Tim turned A-Train into a powerhouse agency dominating a misunderstood and underserved niche.

He unpacks why focusing on behavioral health was the smartest—and scariest—move, how the wrong language in content can kill results, and why most agencies fail because they refuse to say hard truths to clients.

If you’re struggling to scale or considering niching down, this is your roadmap to surviving the pivot and thriving beyond it.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:40: Introduction

00:40 - 02:00: The Start – Buying an Agency

02:00 - 03:50: Early Chaos and Learning

03:50 - 05:20: Why He Chose Behavioral Health

05:20 - 07:00: The Fear of Specializing

07:00 - 09:00: How Focusing Changed Everything

09:00 - 10:30: Understanding the Language of Clients

10:30 - 13:00: Building Real Partnerships

13:00 - 15:00: Using Data to Add Value

15:00 - 18:10: Strategy-First Marketing Approach

18:10 - 20:20: Telling Clients the Hard Truths

20:20 - 22:50: Competing in a Small Niche

22:50 - 23:50: Why Cheap Marketing Costs More Later

23:50 - 26:00: Smart Ways to Use AI

26:00 - 28:00: Gathering Real Stories from Clients

28:00 - 30:10: Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned

Connect with Tim Zercher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyazercher/

atrainmarketing.com

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Dom Fuentes: B2B Marketing Mistakes: Why No One Trusts Your Brand Yet

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

1 week ago

30 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, host Austin Willman sits down with Dom Fuentes, Marketing Director at Media Quest, a full-spectrum marketing agency putting video first.

Dom dives deep into why video is the most powerful tool for building trust with B2B customers, particularly mid-sized companies in sectors like oil and gas.

He explains how strategic video unlocks not just clearer messaging, but deeper internal discovery within organizations. From driving recruiting success to improving SEO and conversions, Dom breaks down how MediaQuest integrates video into every touchpoint, from landing pages to social campaigns, and why audio quality may matter more than visuals.

Dom also shares insights into brand building in the AI era, why the discovery phase never ends, and how to identify the “domino” that moves everything forward.

If you’re a B2B business looking to level up your brand authority and customer engagement, this conversation is a masterclass in modern marketing.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:22: Meet Dom Fuentes from MediaQuest

00:22 - 01:26: Why video is always the first step

01:26 - 02:20: Discovery keeps going through video

02:20 - 03:52: Audio matters more than you think

03:52 - 05:05: Making emotional videos that really connect

05:05 - 06:13: Where and how they use video content

06:13 - 07:50: How video boosts job fair results

07:50 - 08:52: Why video helps SEO and page ranking

08:52 - 11:16: Using AI to improve SEO strategy

11:16 - 13:38: What results and KPIs really matter

13:38 - 16:36: Building trust and brand reputation

16:36 - 18:26: Smart marketing moves that actually work

18:26 - 20:18: Custom video content for each job role

20:18 - 23:31: How to guide people through the buyer journey

23:31 - 26:57: The one big move that changes everything

26:57 - 28:20: Where to follow Dom and MediaQuest

Connect with Dom Fuentes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-fuentes-833217107/

https://mediaquestweb.com/

Website: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digiwebsol

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dws_global

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions./

1 week ago

28 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

David Schneider: ChatGPT vs Gemini: Which AI Actually Helps You Rank on Google?

In this episode of E-Coffee With Experts, Austin Willman sits down with David Schneider, Senior AEO & SEO Strategist of Earned Media and Ambassador at Semrush, to break down exactly how modern agencies should be using AI in SEO.

From building client-specific GPTs to optimizing for AI overviews and Google’s changing landscape, David shares practical strategies that go beyond surface-level tips.

You’ll hear how his team uses AI to create content briefs, identify duplicate or outdated content, and personalize SEO strategies at scale, all while keeping human creativity at the core. They discuss the difference between Gemini and ChatGPT, AI personalization for ICPs, and the future of dynamic websites driven by data and behavior.

Whether you're a CMO, SEO manager, or just trying to understand where AI fits into your growth strategy, this episode delivers real-world applications, not hype. Learn how to turn AI from a buzzword into your competitive advantage.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:33: Introduction

01:33 - 02:15: Inside the Semrush Ambassador Program

02:15 - 04:21: How Agencies Should Be Using AI (Hint: Not for Writing)

04:21 - 07:44: Training Custom GPTs with Client Interviews & Guidelines

07:44 - 11:14: Using AI to Stay On-Brand Across All Content

11:14 - 14:37: What Gets You Featured in AI Overviews

14:37 - 17:27: How LLMs Read Your Site (URLs, Headers, Footers)

17:27 - 23:41: Long-Form vs. Single-Topic SEO Content – What Works Now?

23:41 - 26:43: Using AI for Market Segmentation & Personalization

26:43 - 28:54: Creating Dynamic Websites That Adapt to the User

28:54 - 31:00: Using AI to Find Outdated, Conflicting, or Duplicate Content

31:00 - 35:02: How AI Helped Cut Content Production Time in Half

35:02 - 37:06: AI Won’t Replace You—But This Person Will

37:06 - 38:28: Final Thoughts

Connect with David Schneider

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davschneider/

earnedmedia.com.au

Website: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digiwebsol

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dws_global

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions./

1 week ago

38 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

Cori Shirk: The Hard Truth About SEO: Why Rankings Don't Matter Anymore

In this episode of E-coffee with Experts, Cori Shirk, Director of SEO at Seer Interactive, sits down with Austin Willman to reveal how AI, search behavior, and content strategy are evolving, and why traditional traffic-focused SEO is no longer enough.

Cori shares what it takes to win in 2025 and beyond: visibility over vanity metrics, clarity over complexity, and a deep understanding of how users actually search in a world shaped by ChatGPT and LLMs.

She dives into real data, SEO culture, leadership insights, and the surprising role your website footer plays in AI-driven rankings. Whether you're running enterprise campaigns or leading SEO teams, this conversation is packed with hard truths, actionable strategies, and a fresh perspective on where search is headed next.

If you're serious about staying relevant in the next era of digital marketing, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:22: Introduction

00:22 - 01:36: How Seer Interactive Has Grown Over Time

01:36 - 02:26: Evolving from SEO to Full-Service Marketing

02:26 - 03:55: What It Means to Be a Certified B Corp

03:55 - 05:16: Retention Through Trust, Clarity & Communication

05:16 - 06:40: Seer’s Culture: Rigor vs. Structure Explained

06:40 - 08:36: Cori’s Leadership Style: Clarity, Empathy, and Experimentation

08:36 - 09:55: The Big SEO Challenge: AI and Visibility

09:55 - 11:44: Google Traffic Decline and AI Search Trends

11:44 - 13:14: Brand Visibility & Search Behavior from AI Tools

13:14 - 14:51: Budgeting for Top-of-Funnel & Standout Content

14:51 - 16:39: Using AI Prompts to Find Content Opportunities

16:39 - 17:43: SEO Reporting in 2025: New Metrics That Matter

17:43 - 18:59: Comparing Traffic Quality: AI vs. Traditional SEO

18:59 - 19:52: Attribution Challenges in the AI Search Era

19:52 - 21:21: Turning Curiosity into SEO Case Studies

21:21 - 23:14: How Your Website Footer Impacts AI Rankings

23:14 - 24:59: Simple SEO Wins with Big Impact

24:59 - 27:12: Final Advice: Curiosity Is Your Superpower

27:12 - 28:22: Final Thoughts

Connect with Cori Shirk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cori-shirk-graft-b5769332/

https://www.seerinteractive.com/

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Steve Knapp: Why 90% of Agencies Will Fail in the Next 12 Months

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

1 week ago

28 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Austin sits down with Steve Knapp, President at Seedless Media, a cannabis-only digital marketing agency that’s rewriting the rules in a highly regulated space.

Steve shares why he fired over 15 marketing agencies (including one he co-owned) and how that painful journey inspired him to build a radically different agency model—one rooted in integrity, results, and relentless efficiency.

He dives deep into the importance of automation with tools like N8N and AI agents, his strategic approach to client success management, and why most SEO agencies are still getting it wrong.

From understanding localized SEO to leveraging Shopify for cannabis eCommerce, Steve lays out a blueprint for scaling in industries full of red tape.

He also gives a rare look into Seedless Media’s internal incentive structures, onboarding processes, and leadership philosophy that turns team members into future leaders.

If you’re growing an agency, working in SEO, or marketing in regulated industries, this episode is a must-listen.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:18: Introduction

01:18 - 03:35: Why Most Agencies Fail Their Clients

03:35 - 05:14: AI & Automation - The Agency Game-Changer

05:14 - 08:07: The 16-Client Rule - A New Standard in CSM

08:07 - 10:51: Building a Culture of Accountability & Incentives

10:51 - 14:31: High-Stakes Sales - Incentives, Competition & Ownership

14:31 - 18:14: Gutting the Company - Steve’s First 30 Days as CEO

18:14 - 20:27: SEO in Regulated Industries – What Actually Works

20:27 - 21:57: LLMs, AEO & The Future of SEO With AI

21:57 - 23:37: Cannabis Ecommerce & Shopify’s New Power

23:37 - 24:50: Owning the Data - Why This Agency Wins

24:50 - 27:20: Link Building in a Gray Market

27:20 - 28:17: What He’s Betting On in the Next 12 Months

28:17 - 29:05: Final Thoughts

Connect with Steve Knapp

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-knapp-722229153/

https://seedless.media/

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Ryan White: How AI Is Changing SEO (And Why Most Teams Aren't Ready)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

1 week ago

29 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Austin chats with Ryan White, Head of SEO Strategy at Glass Atlas, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to align technical SEO with client KPIs.

From building roadmaps that stop the rot to using AI tools like Claude and Google NLP API for competitive analysis, Ryan shares tactical insights every SEO strategist, manager, and agency leader needs to hear.

We talk about the challenges of time tracking, managing resources across teams, and balancing priorities when chaos hits the roadmap. Ryan dives into how squads operate within Glass Atlas to keep technical, content, and digital PR teams aligned, and why buy-in from clients and developers is key to long-term success.

He also shares his experience prepping for his BrightonSEO talk, lessons from horror stories, and how to avoid making the same mistake twice.

If you’re struggling to get SEO tickets across the line or bridge the gap between your strategy and the client’s bottom line, this episode is your blueprint.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: https://www.digitalwebsolutions.com/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:35: Introduction

00:35 - 02:00: What Ryan actually does at work

02:00 - 03:45: How he explains SEO to clients

03:45 - 05:10: Making tech SEO help the business

05:10 - 07:30: Using AI to work smarter

07:30 - 09:00: Automating reports to save time

09:00 - 11:00: Managing budgets and hours

11:00 - 12:30: Why time tracking matters

12:30 - 14:00: Learning time (PDP) explained

14:00 - 15:15: LLMs.txt – worth it or not?

15:15 - 16:40: When it’s time to hire someone

16:40 - 18:00: SEO plans that actually work

18:00 - 19:30: Getting clients and devs on board

19:30 - 21:00: Sneak peek at his SEO talk

21:00 - 22:30: How their SEO teams are set up

22:30 - 24:00: How often they talk to clients

24:00 - 25:00: Don’t forget to celebrate wins

25:00 - 26:30: Smarter link building tips

26:30 - 27:30: What’s next in digital PR

27:30 - 28:20: Handling info overload in SEO

28:20 - 28:31: Final Thoughts

Connect with Ryan White

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-w-ba126138/

glassatlas.com

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Juls Scores :Why Most Client Onboarding Fails, And How To Fix It

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.

2 weeks ago

28 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Austin Willman sits down with Juls Scores, Director of Marketing & Operations at Nehmedia, to break down how AI is reshaping digital marketing and operations, especially for small businesses and pet resorts.

Juls shares how her agency uses AI agents to streamline reporting, optimize internal workflows, and help clients make data-backed decisions faster.

They dive into how onboarding bottlenecks can be solved with proactive communication, how to make your brand visible in AI-driven search results, and why traditional SEO is no longer enough.

She also gives behind-the-scenes insights into campaign structuring using the marketing funnel, why Meta ads outperformed Google Ads for some clients, and how to build custom dashboards that connect the dots between strategy and data.

If you're a digital marketer, agency owner, or operations lead looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing AI landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juls-scores/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:30: Introduction

01:30 - 03:00: How Juls Uses AI in Operations & Marketing

03:00 - 04:10: Fixing Bottlenecks & Streamlining Tasks

04:10 - 06:00: AI-Powered Reporting That Saves Time

06:00 - 07:30: Smoother Client Onboarding Process

07:30 - 09:00: How Pet Resorts Became Their Niche

09:00 - 10:30: Helping Clients Track Revenue & KPIs

10:30 - 12:15: Preparing for Business Expansion with Data

12:15 - 13:30: How Involved Business Owners Really Are

13:30 - 15:00: Managing Seasonal Campaigns & Services

15:00 - 16:30: How Juls Uses the Full Marketing Funnel

16:30 - 18:00: Why Meta Ads Beat Google for Some Clients

18:00 - 19:30: How All Channels Work Together to Convert

19:30 - 21:00: AI Search Visibility & LLM Conversions

21:00 - 22:45: Using Hidden Pages to Help AI Find You

22:45 - 24:30: Traditional SEO vs AI SEO (What’s Changed)

24:30 - 25:30: Proving Authority with Real Human Content

25:30 - 26:30: New AI Tools Juls Is Excited About

26:30 - 28:00: Using Zip Code & Census Data for Marketing

28:00 - 29:30: SEO in Social & Why Video Content Wins

29:30 - 30:30: Where to Learn More About Juls & Nemedia

30:30 - 31:06: Final Thoughts

Connect with Juls Scores

https://www.nehmedia.com/

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Dean Steinman :He Built A Call Center To Fix This ONE Marketing Mistake

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

2 weeks ago

31 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Austin interviews Dean Steinman, founder and president of Ortho Marketing, a digital agency helping dental and orthodontic practices grow in highly competitive markets.

Dean shares how he stumbled into the dental industry, built a thriving niche agency, and eventually launched a call center to solve the #1 problem plaguing his clients: speed to lead.

You'll hear how his team uses AI, automation, and relentless follow-up to turn cold leads into booked appointments — even when it takes 5+ touchpoints.

Dean unpacks how competition from DSOs and corporate dental chains is changing the game, why personalization matters more than ever, and what differentiates a high-performing marketing campaign in today's landscape.

If you're in the healthcare space, work with local businesses, or want to learn how to scale your service with systems, this one’s for you.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deansteinman12

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:04: Introduction

01:04 - 02:47: How it all got started

02:47 - 04:45: Why dental marketing is tougher now

04:45 - 05:38: The big mistake practices make

05:38 - 06:56: Fixing it with a call center

06:56 - 08:00: 40% of leads need 5+ follow-ups

08:00 - 10:23: Using AI to respond faster

10:23 - 11:41: Custom messaging for each client

11:41 - 13:02: Matching the right tone

13:02 - 14:59: Human vs AI calls

14:59 - 17:29: Talking cost with patients

17:29 - 18:49: Getting more visibility online

18:49 - 20:19: What makes you stand out

20:19 - 21:27: Why Dean turns down clients

21:27 - 22:40: How Dean gets new clients

22:40 - 24:26: Filming 6 months of content in 1 day

24:26 - 25:12: Letting AI guide your content

25:12 - 26:05: Repurposing one blog 30 ways

26:05 - 27:41: Tools Dean’s excited about

27:41 - 28:53: Final Thoughts

Connect with Dean Steinman

orthomarketing.com

Subscribe to Digital Web Solutions

Ryan Ricketts :What Most Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Marketing ROI

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

2 weeks ago

28 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Ryan Ricketts, Search Engine Optimization Consultant at Slicketts Digital, joins us for a real, no-fluff conversation about the biggest marketing struggles small business owners face today.

With 14+ years in the industry and a background in improv comedy, Ryan brings a unique mix of humor and hard-earned insight as he talks about everything from setting realistic expectations and managing tight budgets to how AI is reshaping modern agencies.

He shares why honest communication (even when the data’s not great) builds stronger client relationships, and how telling the right story with your numbers can make all the difference. You’ll also hear smart analogies, like why SEO is more like going to the gym than getting plastic surgery, that simplify complex decisions like choosing between SEO and PPC.

Whether you're a marketer, agency leader, or small business owner, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and proven strategies that actually work.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickettsryan/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:00: Introduction

01:10 - 02:40: What Ryan Does at Slickits Digital

02:40 - 04:00: Why Small Businesses Struggle With Marketing

04:00 - 06:10: The Real Cost of SEO and Setting Expectations

06:10 - 08:00: How Ryan Talks to New Clients Honestly

08:00 - 10:30: Lean Agencies & The Power of AI

10:30 - 11:30: Why Being a Good Communicator Matters

11:30 - 12:40: Speaking at Brighton SEO: A Dream Come True

12:40 - 14:30: How to Tell the Truth With Bad Data

14:30 - 17:00: Handling Tough Conversations With Clients

17:00 - 18:30: Why Consistency Pays Off in Marketing

18:30 - 20:00: How to Tell Stories With Data

20:00 - 21:30: SEO vs PPC: The Plastic Surgery Analogy

21:30 - 23:00: Explaining SEO Without Confusing Jargon

23:00 - 25:00: Client Case Study: Ranking High With Jogging Content

25:00 - 27:00: Why Long-Tail Keywords Convert Better

27:00 - 28:10: The Problem With Vanity Metrics in SEO

28:10 - 29:10: What Ryan Is Focusing On This Year

29:10 - 30:20: Why SEO Basics Still Matter Most

30:20 - 31:44: Where to Find Ryan + Final Thoughts

Connect with Ryan Ricketts

https://www.linkedin.com/company/slicketts-digital/

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Zach Huffman : Everyone's Talking About AI, But They're Missing This...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions

2 weeks ago

31 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Zach Huffman, Head of Marketing Operations at Summit Media Solutions, pulls back the curtain on what actually drives results in today’s AI-driven marketing world.

From SEO myths to leadership strategies, Zach shares how embracing the “learn, unlearn, relearn” mindset transformed his approach to operations, hiring, and experimentation. He discusses why traditional metrics like backlinks are becoming less relevant in the AI era, how lean, high-intent content is outperforming bloated SEO guides, and what brands need to do to show up in AI search.

Whether you’re a CMO trying to scale or an SEO specialist fighting outdated best practices, this episode delivers hard-earned insights and operational gold.

Zach also predicts where autonomous marketing systems are headed—and why trusting your AI might be the next competitive edge.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-huffman-76bb3215a/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 01:05: What Zach Does at Summit Media Solutions

01:05 - 02:16: How One Comment Shaped His Leadership Style

02:16 - 03:18: Why “Learn, Unlearn, Relearn” Drives His Success

03:18 - 05:03: Building a Team Culture Around Experimenting

05:03 - 06:13: When Ideas Fail: How His Team Learns From It

06:13 - 07:01: Being Open With Clients About Testing and Results

07:01 - 08:30: What Zach Looks For When Hiring New Marketers

08:30 - 09:14: Letting the Team Prove Themselves With Autonomy

09:14 - 11:13: Rolling Out New Ideas and Getting Team Buy-In

11:13 - 13:00: How AI Is Changing SEO and Content Strategy

13:00 - 14:06: Why Short, Clear Pages Perform Better in AI Search

14:06 - 15:35: How AI and SEO Are Two Separate Channels

15:35 - 17:02: What Clear Messaging Means in the AI Era

17:02 - 18:47: Helping Clients Understand Their Brand Identity

18:47 - 19:27: What Website Structure Matters Most in 2025

19:27 - 20:12: Why TL;DRs Help With Google and AI Ranking

20:12 - 22:06: The Future of Autonomous Marketing Systems

22:06 - 22:25: Final Thoughts

Connect with Zach Huffman

summitmediasolutions.com

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Flynn Zaiger : Why Most Agencies Fail at Reddit (And How to Do It Right)

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

3 weeks ago

22 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Austin talks with Flynn Zaiger, CEO at Online Optimism, about one of the hottest yet most misunderstood marketing platforms, Reddit.

Flynn shares hard-won lessons from building long-term Reddit strategies for clients, why most brands get banned quickly, and how patient, ethical engagement wins citations, trust, and even AIO visibility.

He dives into what Reddit’s algorithm actually rewards, how Reddit threads influence AI Overviews (AIO), and the nuanced art of creating brand and topical subreddits. You’ll also hear why YouTube Shorts are rising, how agencies can’t rely on vanity metrics, and why building a loyal online community still starts offline.

If you’re an SEO, marketer, or agency owner trying to future-proof your strategy and show up where LLMs are pulling data, this is a must-watch.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/flynnzaiger

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:35: Introduction

00:35 - 02:20: Flynn’s Agency Origin Story & Evolution of Services

02:20 - 04:00: Reddit & Video Marketing: What's Changing for Agencies

04:00 - 06:30: Why Brands Fail on Reddit (And How to Avoid It)

06:30 - 08:20: Building Brand & Topical Subreddits for Long-Term Impact

08:20 - 10:15: Reddit Threads as AIO Fuel: What You Need to Know

10:15 - 12:45: How to Track AIO Citations with Reddit Threads

12:45 - 15:00: Fixing Negative Reddit Threads Without Getting Banned

15:00 - 17:00: Why Gaming Reddit Backfires (And What Works Instead)

17:00 - 19:00: Doing Reddit Keyword Research That Actually Works

19:00 - 21:00: Community Building: From IRL Events to Reddit Strategy

21:00 - 23:00: YouTube Shorts vs Long-Form: Which Should You Use?

23:00 - 26:00: Vanity Metrics vs True Business Outcomes for Agencies

26:00 - 29:45: Sentiment Per Impression: Flynn’s Favourite Reddit Metric

29:45 - 31:15: Final Advice: Don’t Ruin Reddit for Everyone

31:15 - 31:45: Final Thoughts

Connect with Flynn Zaiger

onlineoptimism.com

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Dana DiTomaso : This SEO Mistake Could Destroy Your Agency

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

3 weeks ago

31 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Ranmay chats with Dana DiTomaso, Founder & Lead Instructor of Analytics Playbook and President of Kickpoint.

Dana shares how she got started in the early 2000s, what’s changed (a lot), and why she’s now laser-focused on analytics over rankings.

She opens up about common mistakes agencies make when scaling, how to spot red flag clients early, and why obsessing over being “#1 on Google” doesn’t make sense anymore. They also dive into how AI is shaking up search results, why your metrics might be lying to you, and what brands should really focus on in 2025 and beyond.

It’s insightful, honest, and packed with wisdom for anyone in SEO, marketing, or running an agency.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dditomaso/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:33: Intro – Meet Dana DiTomaso

00:33 - 01:39: How Dana Got Started in SEO

01:39 - 02:20: Shifting from SEO to Analytics

02:20 - 02:58: Why SEO Is Still Alive

02:58 - 04:03: Speaking at Conferences & Building Your Voice

04:03 - 05:53: Biggest Mistake Agencies Make When Scaling

05:53 - 07:32: Knowing When to Say “No” to Clients

07:32 - 08:44: Why Ranking #1 Isn’t the Goal Anymore

08:44 - 11:21: What Metrics You Should Actually Trust

11:21 - 12:29: How AI Is Changing How People Search

12:29 - 13:27: Teaching AI to Understand Your Brand

13:27 - 14:34: The Future of Analytics & Less Data

14:34 - 15:46: Fun Rapid Fire with Dana

15:46 - 16:00: Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Connect with Dana DiTomaso

https://kpplaybook.com/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=showcase+page

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Chad De Lisle : Why Marketing Never Stays the Same

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

3 weeks ago

16 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Chad De Lisle, Wizard & VP of Marketing at Disruptive Advertising, reflects on the evolution of marketing since 2007, highlighting key trends and lessons learned along the way.

From the increasing importance of AI in marketing to the rise of short-form video, Chad shares how marketing strategies have shifted to focus more on data-driven decisions, content quality, and connecting metrics to business outcomes.

He discusses the crucial role of ownership and accountability in client relationships and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and experimentation within teams.

If you’re looking to elevate your marketing strategies, understand the human side of client relationships, or embrace the evolving role of AI in your campaigns, this episode is packed with valuable insights for marketers, agency owners, and business leaders.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-de-lisle

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 The Evolution of Marketing: A Journey Back to 2007

02:46 Lessons from the Trenches: Overcoming Early Career Challenges

05:44 The Importance of Ownership in Marketing

08:28 Building Relationships: The Human Side of Marketing

11:32 Leadership Lessons: Guiding Teams Through Mistakes

14:08 AI and Marketing: Adapting to New Technologies

17:02 The Enduring Importance of Quality Content

18:23 Navigating AI in Content Creation

20:25 Establishing Brand Voice with AI

22:27 Sharpening the Marketing Ax: Continuous Learning

24:53 The Rise of Short-Form Video Content

28:25 Connecting Marketing Metrics to Business Outcomes

CONNECT WITH CHAD DE LISLE

http://disruptiveadvertising.com/

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Natasha Burtenshaw-deVries : If Your SEO Isn't Making Money, You're Doing It Wrong

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

1 month ago

31 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Ranmay sits down with Natasha Burtenshaw-deVries, Director of Organic Growth at Flywheel Digital, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of SEO. Natasha shares her unconventional journey from a background in childhood studies to becoming a leading voice in SEO, recently speaking at Brighton SEO.

She unpacks why better reporting trumps better math, especially in the age of AI, and explains why understanding user journey and revenue impact is crucial for modern SEO. Natasha also explores how Google’s E-E-A-T framework is more than just a ranking factor, it’s essential for user trust and brand credibility.

As an educator, she emphasizes teaching critical thinking in SEO over checklist-based execution and offers a bold prediction: AI adoption will be slower than expected.

Whether you're an SEO practitioner or a CMO trying to decode organic strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and future-facing strategies.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaburtenshawdevries/

In this episode, we discuss:

00:00 - 00:29: Introduction

00:30 - 02:01: Natasha’s Journey Into SEO

02:02 - 03:48: First SEO Role and Early Lessons

03:49 - 05:15: Speaking at Brighton SEO

05:16 - 07:14: Smarter SEO Reporting in 2025

07:15 - 09:05: The Power of E-E-A-T in SEO

09:06 - 11:11: Teaching SEOs for the AI Future

11:12 - 12:14: AI Predictions and Industry Trends

12:15 - 12:58: Fun Rapid Fire Questions

12:59 - 13:43: Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Connect with Natasha Burtenshaw-deVries

https://flywheel.digital/

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Emily Murrah :How She Runs SEO for 300 Clients Without Burning Out

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-web-solutions.]

1 month ago

13 minutes

E-Coffee with Experts

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Emily Murrah, Director of SEO & Communications at Neon Canvas, breaks down how her team manages SEO for 300+ orthodontic and dental clients, all in the same niche, without falling into content or link-building duplication.

She explains how AI is transforming search behavior, why context is now critical in content, and how her team fosters creativity and differentiation in an industry that’s traditionally seen as “boring.”

Emily also reveals how she’s preparing her clients for AI Overviews, the role of social SEO in the future, and the truth about what’s really working for local link-building in 2025.

If you're a dental professional, marketer, or SEO specialist, this episode is your blueprint for staying ahead in an era of fast-evolving algorithms and generative search engines.

Get access to 250k+ link connections and build your website authority with us: