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Ep 221: How To Turn A Niche Audience Into A Loyal Brand Community

Ep 221: How To Turn A Niche Audience Into A Loyal Brand Community

by | The Digital Slice

How To Turn A Niche Audience Into A Loyal Brand Community

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

Are you investing in marketing but still feel like your niche audience isn’t turning into a truly loyal, engaged community?

Join Brad Friedman and Ondar Tarlow as they break down how to differentiate a “commoditized” business, build trust through your digital and in-person experience, and use data and AI to turn attention into long term customer relationships.

Ondar Tarlow is a marketing strategist and brand partnerships leader with more than 20 years of experience helping small, medium, and corporate businesses grow. He has built brands and customer experiences across financial services, lifestyle, and sports, and has led marketing as Chief Marketing Officer at Pacific Premier Bank.

As CMO, Ondar helped forge a major partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers as they moved from San Diego to LA, integrating the bank into everything from game day experiences to digital campaigns while also serving as the team’s primary banking relationship. Today, he runs marketing consulting for Zero Nation, a youth culture focused brand and talent collective that connects companies with Gen Z and Gen Alpha across action sports, gaming, fashion, and entertainment.

In this Episode:

  • Ondar explains why he always starts with the fundamentals—what your product or service is, who your competition is, what your market looks like, and what makes your business truly unique.
  • Ondar shares how to treat your website as a real digital storefront, and why mobile usability is non negotiable.
  • Ondar discusses how your website content (what the business is, who works there, and your background) helps establish legitimacy and immediate trust with potential customers.
  • Ondar stresses why data and attribution are critical for small business owners, and how to think about funnels, budgets, and tracking so you don’t spread your marketing too thin.
  • Ondar describes how AI has long been used in marketing for things like propensity models and segmentation, and how generative AI can now assist with ideation, drafting, and faster creative work.

Quotes from this Episode:
“And if you cannot use them on an iPhone or an Android, you're gonna lose business immediately.” – Ondar Tarlow
“Trust and marketing and customer experience are really all connected at the hip.” – Ondar Tarlow
“It's about the company, it's about you. It's about how you support your customers.” – Ondar Tarlow
“Whether you're a small business or you are a corporate business, the data is what is going to really identify what's working and what's not.” – Ondar Tarlow
“If something isn't working, but you believe in it. Give yourself time to test it, tweak it, and see if you can make it work. If it doesn't I wouldn't hang onto it.” – Ondar Tarlow

Resources:

Ondar Tarlow:
LinkedIn: Ondar Tarlow
Website: Ondat Tarlow Marketing & Strategy

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse. Please contact me to learn more about Agorapulse and allow me to connect you with my contact at the company.

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

Ep 220: The Truth About AI-Generated Content: Spam, Slop & SEO Survival

Ep 220: The Truth About AI-Generated Content: Spam, Slop & SEO Survival

by | The Digital Slice

The Truth About AI-Generated Content: Spam, Slop & SEO Survival

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

Google is at war with AI spam. Is your website in the crossfire?

Join Brad Friedman and Jon Gillham as they chat about AI and your website and social media content. They dive into definitions of plagiarism, how AI detection tools work, and much more.

Jon is the Founder / CEO of Originality.ai, they provide a complete toolset that helps Website Owners, Content Marketers, Writers and Publishers hit Publish with Integrity in the world of Generative AI as well as specializing in AI detection technology. He is also the Co-Founder of Motion Invest where they help you buy and sell content sites quickly.

Jon has been involved in the SEO and Content Marketing world for over a decade. His career started with a portfolio of content sites, recently he sold 2 content marketing agencies. Through these experiences he understands what web publishers need when it comes to verifying content.

Having been one of the earliest adopters of generative AI through his agency, Jon understood the wave of plagiarism problems that was coming, even before Chat GPT and GPT-4 were released.

In this Episode:

  • Jon warns against letting AI write your website content entirely from scratch.
  • Jon highlights a psychological phenomenon where humans believe they can spot AI writing 90-95% of the time.
  • Jon contrasts how different platforms handle the influx of AI content.
  • Jon touches on the legal and ethical definition of plagiarism. He notes that AI almost never meets the “traditional” definition of plagiarism (copy-paste), but it is entirely “derivative.”
  • Jon suggests that because the cost of producing words has dropped to near zero, businesses need to compete on utility rather than just text.

Quotes from this Episode:
“All known human data sets for the rest of humanity have been created right now. Any other new set of human writing will have some amount of AI influence in that creation.” – Jon Gillham
“There's pockets of your life and your business where the use of AI content is potentially an existential threat to your business.” – Jon Gillham
“Adding unique information, unique knowledge, genuine insight, making sure everything's factually correct and not publishing at a spammy rate.” – Jon Gillham
“[LinkedIn and YouTube] don't care whether it's AI generated or human generated as long as it drives engagement.” – Jon Gillham
“About 60% of the time people can identify AI generated content themselves, but they think they can do it at about 90 to 95% of the time.” – Jon Gillham

Resources:

Jon Gillham:
LinkedIn: Jonathan Gillham
X: Jonathan Gillham
Website: Originality.ai
Website: MotionInvest

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse. Please contact me to learn more about Agorapulse and allow me to connect you with my contact at the company.

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

Ep 219: Your Financial Advisor Will Be Better Because Of AI (Not Replaced By It)

Ep 219: Your Financial Advisor Will Be Better Because Of AI (Not Replaced By It)

by | The Digital Slice

Your Financial Advisor Will Be Better Because Of AI (Not Replaced By It)

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

Are you worried one day your financial advisor with be an AI bot? This is not going to happen. But it will help them remember everything about you.

Join Brad Friedman and Bill Rice as they chat about the current state of FinTech and the future we can expect.

Bill Rice is a veteran Air Force counterespionage officer who became marketing expert who's been in the lead gen game since before social media existed! As the creator of Kaleidico and Bill Rice Strategy Group, he's produced over 500,000 leads per year for clients, creating and exiting multiple successful companies along the way, while producing more than 9 figures for clients.

But Bill's not your average marketing specialist. His transition from developing information warfare centers in the Air Force to launching one of the first mortgage lead management systems gives him a distinctive perspective on consumer psychology and company scaling. Through economic downturns and the emergence of AI, Bill has continuously stayed ahead of the curve, even recently selling his own agency for a 7-figure exit! (Here's something cool: Bill was also a member of the founding team of the first internet bank back in 2000 and scaled it to $1B in home equity loans, eventually exiting to a PE firm).

Today, he's on a journey to share his strategies for developing sustainable demand-generation programs that drive real outcomes. From producing content that performs to developing automated lead systems that grow, he brings actionable strategies that get results.

In this Episode:

  • Bill chatted a bit about how his work in military counterintelligence exposed him to the early internet, including IRC chats and steganography, marking his first experience with transformational technology.
  • Bill describes creating dedicated AI agents trained on regulatory compliance to review content and campaigns, producing scorecards that ensure consistency and speed up approval processes.
  • Despite technological advances, Bill believes says humans still prefer dealing with humans for complex financial decisions, and traditional relationship-building (dinners, events) remains effective.
  • Bill recounts a developer showing him Google for the first time—a simple box on a white page that would revolutionize digital marketing and lead generation.
  • Bill draws a parallel between the emergence of Google and ChatGPT, arguing we're entering another transformational moment that will reshape how leads are generated in financial services.

Quotes from this Episode:
“They said, sure, we'll be happy to send you leads. We have people that are interested in home equity and we'll start faxing them to you on Monday.” – Bill Rice
“The Google search box was just the first one, and now we've got this other one. That's really changing the way that we generate leads.” – Bill Rice
“At the end of the day humans still like to deal with humans and often as they get close to the final decision it's always a little bit comforting to be able to talk to a human.” – Bill Rice
“I think this is the sneaky little thing that always creeps in at the last minute and blows up our innovation and products.” – Bill Rice
“What I'm really hoping happens as we create some more margin there, it gives us more time for the humans to interact with humans.” – Bill Rice

Resources:

Bill Rice:
LinkedIn: Bill Rice
X: Bill Rice
YouTube: Bill Rice Strategy
Website: Bill Rice Strategy Group
Website: Kaleidico

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse
https://friedmansocialmedia.com/agora

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

Ep 218: How To Create Visuals Bots Can’t Replicate

Ep 218: How To Create Visuals Bots Can’t Replicate

by | The Digital Slice

How To Create Visuals Bots Can’t Replicate

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

If you need a reminder about the power of images and video in marketing and brand identity, you'll want to hear what Stewart Cohen has to say in today's slice of the digital marketing news, tools and tactics you need to succeed.

Join Brad Friedman and Stewart Cohen as they chat about collaboration, storytelling, and the innate curiosity it takes to create digital content that differentiates brands while generating revenue.

In today’s competitive world of art as commerce, Stewart Cohen has established a boutique production company dedicated to delivering amazing work while having enjoyable and productive client experiences.

Stewart is on a mission to educate others on the important role that images and video play in marketing, brand identity, and client retention. Whether tackling a large-scale TV production or a small, intimate still project, Stewart approaches every endeavor as an adventure, infused with the same passion. He thrives on collaborating with people from all walks of life, fueled by his innate curiosity about their stories and what drives them. His ability to understand his clients’ needs transforms each project into a collaborative partnership. The lasting relationships he cultivates come from his understanding of their expectations and commitment to exceeding them.

For years, when people asked, “Why Dallas?” Stewart would joke that it was a direct flight away from anywhere. Today, he recognizes Texas not only as a vibrant production market but also as a wonderful place to call home. Outside of his commercial business, Stewart can be found working on his own projects, including a monograph titled “Identity”, a biopic project featuring well-known and unusual people. His latest work, “Seeing Red,” takes a fun jab at the urban myth of the extinction of redheads.

In this Episode:

  • Stewart discusses how content creation has dramatically increased from creating 2 photos per day to 10-12 photos plus video clips in multiple formats.
  • Stewart emphasizes the critical role of thorough pre-production in understanding client needs and ensuring everyone is on the same page before a shoot.
  • Stewart explains how they create different setups for different demographics (seniors vs. 20-somethings) and adapt content for various platforms (Facebook vs. TikTok).
  • Stewart describes their modern casting approach, throwing a wide net nationally (LA, New York, Nashville, Houston) and receiving 300+ applicants per role.
  • Stewart also talks about the reality of AI in content creation, acknowledging it's coming and will likely eliminate lower-end content creation.

Quotes from this Episode:
“Now the appetite that everybody has for content is crazy. The volume of content that we have to create now is so much more than it used to be, and I enjoy that.” – Stewart Cohen
“The way I look at it is if I could give them what they need to be successful, I'm happy.” – Stewart Cohen
“You don't want them to see you stressed. Because that just makes the process all the harder.” – Stewart Cohen
“The AI effect is real. It is going to happen. It is coming. People are using it, and we're trying to embrace it. At the same time, I'm trying to run as fast as I can to stay one step ahead of it.” – Stewart Cohen
“If you could get a consumer to really identify with your company because of your messaging, I think that's when you have a customer for life.” – Stewart Cohen

Resources:

Stewart Cohen:
LinkedIn: Stewart Cohen
Stock Footage, Images: Super Stock
Website: Stewart Cohen Pictures

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse
https://friedmansocialmedia.com/agora

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

Ep 217: How To Escape The Groundhog Day Routine And Work Anywhere

Ep 217: How To Escape The Groundhog Day Routine And Work Anywhere

by | The Digital Slice

How To Escape The Groundhog Day Routine And Work Anywhere

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

Do you ever dream about being a digital nomad? Is traveling the world while running your successful business something you’ve always hoped to do?

Brad Friedman and Karen King talk about doing just that during this week’s The Digital Slice Podcast.

Karen King is a visionary entrepreneur, world traveler, and founder of Gold Star Pro, a platform and coaching program designed to help solopreneurs and coaches build scalable, location-independent businesses. With over a decade of experience in technology coaching and marketing, Karen specializes in simplifying business automation so her clients can focus on creating freedom, not just revenue.

After leaving corporate burnout behind, Karen sold everything to travel the world with her family, embracing a “world schooling” lifestyle for nearly a decade. This journey inspired her to launch Worldschooling Central, a 13,000-member community helping families educate their children through travel. Now, she merges her expertise in business automation with her passion for freedom through The Escapreneur Movement—a program teaching entrepreneurs how to design businesses that fund their ideal lifestyles.

Karen’s approach goes beyond tools; she offers 24/7 support, live coaching, and actionable strategies to help clients transition from overwhelmed solopreneurs to confident, tech-savvy business owners. Whether it’s skiing in Bulgaria or working remotely from Mexico, Karen lives what she teaches and empowers others to do the same.

As a podcast guest, Karen shares inspiring stories, practical advice on business automation, and actionable steps to create a life of flexibility, travel, and purpose.

In this Episode:

  • Karen shares her experience helping people realize there is more to life than the 9 to 5 and the groundhog day type existence.
  • Karen says that many people don't want to be chained to their laptop 24/7 and want to live their life while running a business.
  • Karen tells us we need to take advantage of the digital assets we own and not rely on the ones we don't.
  • Karen discusses the eye-opening question that changed her life.
  • Karen also talks about how being diagnosed with ADHD explained a lot of things to her.

Quotes from this Episode:
“Travel slow. Enjoy the places that you are in. Spend at least a month in each location to really be able to enjoy the life and experience of things.” – Karen King
“The first thing that I always recommend people do is map out your processes.” – Karen King
“If money was no object, what would you do for the rest of your life? And that question is so important.” – Karen King
“Growing a mailing list. With an automated system, with a freebie that you can give out automatically in exchange for someone's email address. That's, in my opinion, that's one of the most important things that you can have.” – Karen King
“We don't want to be chained to our laptop 24/7. So using software in the right way to allow you to service your customers, create an amazing product, but also to be able to live your life.” – Karen King

Resources:

Karen King:
LinkedIn: Karen King
Instagram: Gold Star Pro
YouTube: Gold Star Pro
Website: Gold Star Pro
escapepreneur: escapepreneur

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse
https://friedmansocialmedia.com/agora

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

Ep 216: From The Google Gravy Train To AI Search

Ep 216: From The Google Gravy Train To AI Search

by | The Digital Slice

From The Google Gravy Train To AI Search

The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by The Friedman Group, LLC

Do you wake up in the middle of the night, wondering if your business is in the #1 position in AI searches?

Join Brad Friedman and Andreas Voniatis as they discuss whether today's SEO playbook is becoming obsolete as people increasingly use AI to research their needs and solutions. They discuss using data science to decode what AI wants to uprank your business everywhere your customers are searching.

Andreas Voniatis is the founder of Artios, helping business leaders in ambitious B2B and technology companies achieve breakthrough website results. He’s the author of Data-Driven SEO with Python and has been featured in Search Engine Watch. By combining advanced math, data science, and proprietary AI, Andreas says he delivers 3–5x more non-brand organic traffic and guarantees a 2x ROI—far beyond what traditional SEO and content marketing can provide.

His journey began when he began thinking that traditional SEO and content marketing were becoming guesswork. Rather than leave the field, he retrained in data science. That shift changed everything — like Neo seeing the Matrix. With Python and new mental models, he began approaching organic growth with scientific precision and scale.

This led to the creation of Artios Technology, an AI system that mines online conversations to model ideal customers. It powers content strategies that connect deeply, rank consistently, and drive real business growth in an AI-first world.

In this Episode:

  • Andreas explains that the easy traffic marketers used to get from Google is drying up and being overtaken by zero-click searches and AI results.
  • With “empty calorie clicks” vanishing into the “walled gardens” of LLMs (like ChatGPT), Andreas argues that tracking brand searches is now a more vital metric for measuring marketing success than traditional click-throughs.
  • Andreas says, for AI to recommend you, your content must be “data-rich” and offer something unique.
  • Andreas contrasts the old SEO playbook (writing generic “What is Ransomware?” articles) with the new AI approach (creating reports based on interviews with CTOs). The latter builds trust and gets cited; the former is ignored.
  • Andreas also says, a specific strategy to future-proof content is to mine data from forums and online discussions. This aligns your content strategy with the same data sources the LLMs use, increasing the likelihood of passing their “fact-checking” algorithms.

Quotes from this Episode:
“I think most marketers will wholeheartedly agree that the traffic that they were getting from the Google gravy train is drying up extremely fast and is being overtaken by AI search results.” – Andreas Voniatis
“Your content has to be data rich in order to succeed in the AI search era. If your content doesn't have proprietary insights, there's no reason for AI to recommend or prefer you.” – Andreas Voniatis
“It is not that SEO is dead, it is just that traditional SEO is dead. And the SEO best practices that we see today are dead too.” – Andreas Voniatis
“AI does not want to rehydrate by drinking its own sweat.” – Andreas Voniatis
“Stop using keyword tools. Right? And if you want to try and DIY this yourself start data mining forums online.” – Andreas Voniatis

Resources:

Andreas Voniatis:
LinkedIn: Andreas Voniatis
Book: Data-Driven SEO with Python
Website: Artios

This podcast is brought to you by Magai. The tool we use for our AI needs. Magai is 12 AI apps in one. There's just one subscription to access all the best AI models. Get Magai right here, https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai. And, if it’s your first time purchasing, use BRAD30 at checkout to get 30% off your first 3 months.

Our favorite Social Media Management Tool is AgoraPulse
https://friedmansocialmedia.com/agora

Libsyn is the Host of The Digital Slice Podcast. Just use our Libsyn code SLICE at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/libsyn to get up to 2 months of free podcasting service with Libsyn! Get your show on Apple Podcasts, get critical show-building stats—Libsyn even does video!

Streamyard is the tool we use to stream to all major platforms simultaneously directly from a browser. We also use Streamyard to record The Digital Slice Podcast because of its ability to provide us with crystal clear audio and 1080p video. Sign up today for free at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/streamyard

Are you looking for an email service provider that has stood the test of time? Be sure to look at Constant Contact, the provider we use. Constant Contact

Are you looking for a CRM for your business? We suggest taking a look at a few different ones before making your decision. Be sure to look at Nimble, one of our favorite CRMs, and take advantage of a 14-day free trial.

And, here's the link to my calendar for the two slots I have open to give you a sample coaching session: Coaching Session With Brad

Brad Friedman

X:

@BradFriedman

@FriedmanGrp

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

LinkedIn:

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-friedman-group-llc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/friedmansocialmedia

Website: https://friedmansocialmedia.com

Books
“Brad Friedman on Digital Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“The Small Business Owner's Guide To Inbound Marketing,” by Brad Friedman
“100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions,” by Ross Brand with a chapter by Brad Friedman

Here's the equipment we use and recommend:

Heil PR-40 Dynamic Studio Recording Microphone http://amzn.to/2hWshL8

Heil Sound PRSM Champagne Shockmount http://amzn.to/2hUMVen

Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom http://amzn.to/2hXTvB1

RODE Videomic Shotgun Microphone https://amzn.to/3cZp2fD

Logitech C920 Webcam http://amzn.to/2hNhiQk

Roland R-05 Digital Recorder http://amzn.to/2zZ2vN4

Neewer 6×9 foot Green Screen https://amzn.to/35G4K6u

Elgato Key Light https://amzn.to/3ial9Fg

LED Lighting Kit https://amzn.to/35GBPiW

Desk Mounting Stand https://amzn.to/3qanNxM

These products and more can be found at our Amazon Store Front
https://www.amazon.com/shop/bradfriedman

We highly recommend you use TubeBuddy to up your YouTube game!
TubeBuddy https://www.tubebuddy.com/TheFriedmanGroup

Launch your video Membership course or subscription website community with Uscreen. Uscreen helps creators like you build and grow their online video business with membership sites. See what you can do with Uscreen! https://friedmansocialmedia.com/uscreen

AFFILIATE LINKS
Thank you for trusting me with my honest opinion on future purchases you may make after listening to this podcast. I am always completely transparent with you. As a friend of The Friedman Group, LLC you allow me to be able to use affiliate/referral links when suggesting items for purchase. Please know I am a customer myself or have done sufficient research to feel comfortable sharing these links with you. When you click on a link and purchase the item I may receive a small “commission.” This allows me to continue to provide you with quality content and doesn't affect you in any way at checkout.

Not every link is a referral link and some appear here because my guest spoke about them and I want to make it easy for you to check 'em out. Thank you!

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