Marketing in the Age of AI: Why the Funnel is Dead and Content is King with Sara Faatz

Sales and marketing are becoming increasingly interconnected, with the most successful businesses breaking down silos between departments. Digital marketers must expand their skill sets beyond specialized areas like SEO or content creation to embrace analytics, client communication, and sales principles.• Modern marketing requires understanding that different social platforms have unique algorithms and audience expectations• Focus on mastering one platform before expanding to others – content that goes viral on one platform may fall flat on another• We're experiencing a "trust recession" where cold outreach is less effective than in previous years• Live events and webinars are outperforming traditional video sales letters as they build relationships and establish trust• The two biggest problems facing sales teams are culture and skillset issues• AI is transforming sales processes through call analysis and highly targeted advertising• Data-driven targeting can reduce customer acquisition costs by 40-70%• The most effective sales approach today is consultative rather than aggressive• Building trust is more important than being liked – customers need to trust that you can deliver results-------Guest Contact Information: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffketterer/—---More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Email marketing still converts better than most digital channels, yet many businesses overlook this powerful tool because of misconceptions about its effectiveness or complexity. • Email is definitely not dead – it's been generating millions in revenue for over a decade• Design doesn't matter in email – focus on consistency and authenticity instead• The sweet spot for email frequency is 2-4 times per month• DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are now essential for good deliverability• Different platforms serve different needs – MailChimp for beginners, Active Campaign for automation, GoHighLevel for all-in-one• Lead magnets should provide genuine value worth at least a couple hundred dollars• Perfectionism kills results – "good enough to get it out there" is a winning philosophy• Structure emails with curiosity in subject lines, a hook at the beginning, storytelling in the middle, and a clear CTA• The 7-11-4 principle: prospects need 7 hours of content, seeing your message 11 times, across 4 channels• Being "unapologetically authentic" builds stronger connections than polished marketing-----Guest Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/https://subjectline.com/https://guruconference.com/https://outcomemedia.com/------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

The customer journey has transformed from a linear path to a chaotic "choose your own adventure" experience as AI becomes increasingly embedded in search processes and content discovery.• Zero-click search has fundamentally disrupted traditional marketing as users get answers without visiting websites• Quality content with unique insights and authentic perspectives remains essential despite AI advancements• The traditional marketing funnel concept is outdated – customers enter and exit at various points across multiple channels• Attribution modeling is increasingly challenging with significant "dark social" interactions influencing buying decisions• B2B purchases involve complex buying committees with different stakeholders at various stages in their journey• AI propensity scoring helps predict customer behavior and personalize content experiences effectively• Accessibility principles align closely with AI-friendly content practices – clear, concise, well-structured content wins• Sales and marketing integration is evolving toward revenue operations with deeper collaboration between teams• Core SEO tenets remain crucial even as search technology evolves• Content must ultimately connect with humans, regardless of how it's discovered or delivered—------Guest Contact Information: https://www.progress.com/sitefinity-cmshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-faatz-b67213/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes Only.Support the show

Alisha Conlin-Hurd shares powerful insights on creating effective marketing funnels using psychology, economics, and technology as the foundation for persuasive online marketing.• Understanding that persuasion differs from manipulation when your product genuinely helps people• Recognizing the five levels of awareness in marketing and how they affect customer decisions• Approaching funnels as a series of micro conversions rather than one big knockout punch• Creating landing pages that function as digital appointment setters with clear offers• Using qualification systems to filter leads and improve sales conversion rates• Ensuring your marketing message matches your platform (Facebook vs Google)• Tracking ROI rather than just ROAS to include agency fees in performance metrics• Focusing on qualified leads that convert rather than a high volume of unqualified leads• Using thank you pages strategically to continue engagement rather than ending the conversation• Avoiding over-complicating funnels with unnecessary steps or excessive technologyGuest Contact Information: persuasionexperience.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alishaconlinhurd/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHost: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Digital marketing is shifting fast, like the leap from directories to Google. AI is reshaping search, favoring unique, personal content over generic blogs. Traditional SEO fades, while personal brands rise. Human creativity now beats corporate content. Guest contact information: https://billricestrategy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@billricestrategyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billrice/---More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Ted Ted DeBettencourt from Juvo Leads shares how human-powered chat services capture significantly more leads than AI alternatives for businesses with high-value customers. Data shows that human operators outperform chatbots by at least 200% in converting website visitors to qualified leads, particularly for law firms, elective medicine, home services, and retirement communities.• Human-powered chat services capture 50-60% more leads compared to websites without chat functionality• Businesses should consider chat services when they have 1,000+ monthly visitors, $2,000 in monthly ad spend, or $1,000+ customer lifetime value• The "12-second rule" reveals that 40% of potential leads are lost when chat responses take longer than 12 seconds• While AI bots excel at answering complex questions, humans significantly outperform in converting inquiries into leads• Proactive chat (video or pop-up) generates substantially more engagement than reactive chat that requires visitor initiation • For businesses in regulated industries, using AI to collect sensitive information may create legal vulnerabilities• Human operators should communicate with prospects through their preferred channels rather than forcing them into specific communication methods--------Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodoremdebettencourt/https://juvoleads.com/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Tyler Dunigan shares how he built a platform of brands providing turnover services to the largest property managers in the US, growing from painting to flooring, bathtub refinishing, and patented products.• Understanding your target audience is critical – Tyler discovered property managers were his key clients, not property owners• Data-driven marketing decisions are more effective than relying on assumptions• Analyzing client budgets revealed opportunities for additional services within the same customer base• The "Edge Strategy" concept helps identify adjacent business opportunities within arm's reach• Looking at the market size and potential before developing products helps validate business ideas• Testing different marketing messages and website versions shows what resonates with different customer segments• Personal branding is becoming increasingly important as "social capital."• Only 4-5% of LinkedIn users post weekly, creating an opportunity for those who consistently share content• Network effects within your own business ecosystem can drive exponential growth• Baby boomer businesses changing hands create massive opportunities in traditional industriesGuest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdunagin/ https://www.liquidliner.com/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Nate Woodbury shares his powerful "Leaf Strategy" for YouTube marketing that generates predictable leads and revenue for businesses by targeting specific long-tail search queries.• YouTube is now the #1 way to grow your brand, especially before you're ranking at the top of Google search• Nate pivoted to YouTube after discovering videos getting 50X more views than #1 ranked Google pages• The "Leaf Strategy" involves identifying ultra-specific 8-10 word questions your audience is asking• Focus first on questions with lower search volume to build authority in a specific niche• Videos answering specific questions can rank at the top of YouTube within 1-2 days• Create 10-12 minute videos that thoroughly answer questions without scripts• Include hooks at the beginning and strong call-to-action at the end directing to another video or lead magnet• Case study: Real estate coach grew from $1M to $6M business by switching from Facebook ads to YouTube• Use SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool to find specific question-based queries• Create content based on what people are actively searching for to future-proof your strategy-----Guest Contact Information: https://theleafstrategy.com/https://www.youtube.com/c/natewoodbury—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Digital marketing is undergoing a transformative shift where understanding fundamentals while leveraging AI offers companies unprecedented advantages that may become insurmountable for those who fail to adapt. This golden opportunity period for digital transformation requires immediate action before the landscape dramatically changes in the next 18-36 months.• Marketing fundamentals remain critical as the foundation for all digital strategies• Companies must optimize for multiple platforms, including Bing, social media, and Reddit• Visibility in large language models (LLMs)is  becoming an essential ranking factor• Review generation is crucial for building trust and shortening sales cycles• AI transitioning from content creation to having agency and decision-making ability• Early adoption of new technologies provides substantial competitive advantages• Businesses face a "Netflix or Blockbuster" moment in their marketing evolution• Customer acquisition costs are rising while competition intensifies across channels• Marketing packages that provide foundational elements help businesses scale faster• Mastermind programs and fractional CMO services bridge expertise gaps—----------------Matt’s Contact Information: https://matthewbertram.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbertramlive/—-----------------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

The influencer marketing landscape has transformed dramatically, with Open Sponsorship evolving from a platform connecting pro athletes with brands to a tech-enabled agency helping businesses maximize content across all marketing channels. Athletes and influencers now provide exceptional ROI when their content is strategically amplified beyond social media posts.• Influencer partnerships work best when integrated across your existing marketing channels (email, website, paid ads)• Athlete content can be repurposed for 6 months in your marketing with proper rights agreements• College athletes now represent a massive opportunity for local business partnerships• Female athletes and WNBA players have seen exponential growth in influencer value• Service-based and B2B businesses see surprising success using athletes for humanizing technical offerings• Testing multiple smaller influencer partnerships helps identify which personalities truly resonate with your audience• Even "mundane" industries benefit from influencer partnerships that add storytelling elements• Internal employee engagement represents an overlooked opportunity for influencer collaborations• Micro-influencers with highly engaged communities often outperform celebrities for specific target audiences----Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishveenjolly/https://opensponsorship.com/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes Only.Support the show