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 [https://www.sitelogic.com]



SiteLogic Learning: Learn SEO [https://learn.sitelogic.com]



Meet Sarah Stemen [https://www.thesarahstemen.com/]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Can Google Ads Survive?

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 [https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com]

Nolan Higdon's Substack [https://nolanhigdon.substack.com/]:



Learn Digital Marketing Skills at: Learn.SiteLogic.com [https://learn.sitelogic.com/]



Get Your Online Marketing Certification at: SiteLogic's OMCA Test Prep [https://learn.sitelogic.com/courses/DM-Core]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Mastering Media Literacy in a Digital World

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 [https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com]

Ashley Jones: MarCom Content by Ashley [https://www.marcomcontentbyashley.com/]



Learn how modern SEO works: Learn SEO [https://learn.sitelogic.com/courses/learn-seo]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

When to Fire Your SEO Agency

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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Beat Burnout and Boost Productivity

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) [https://learn.sitelogic.com/courses/content-marketing]



Learn more about Matt Bailey & SiteLogic [https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com/]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Marketing with Empathy

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 [https://Learn.SiteLogic.com]







Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

AI, SEO and Google's Big Leak

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 [https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com]

SiteLogic Learning [https://learn.sitelogic.com]: Coached Courses on SEO, Analytics, Content, and Digital Marketing

National Institute for Social Media [https://nismonline.org/]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Future of Social Media Careers

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 [SiteLogic.com]

Learn SEO: Learn Search Engine Optimization Online (sitelogic.com) [https://learn.sitelogic.com/courses/learn-seo]

See all Coached Digital Marketing Courses: https://learn.sitelogic.com/



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Protecting Your Content

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 [https://www.sitelogicmarketing.com]

SiteLogic Learning [https://learn.sitelogic.com]: Coached Courses on SEO, Analytics, Content, and Digital Marketing

Piwik PRO [https://piwik.pro]



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Meet the New Analytics: Piwik PRO

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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

AI, Generative Works, and Copyright Laws

Endless Coffee Cup is a discussion of marketing news, culture, and media for our complex digital lifestyle. With a wide range of marketing topics, we bring insights beyond the headlines, and a challenge to "ask why." Hosted by Matt Bailey, CEO & Founder of SiteLogic.

Endless Coffee Cup: Digital Marketing, Caffeinated