Ben Lund is a former Google Ads principal who managed major brand campaigns and now runs Rise Digital. In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts happening in digital marketing for 2025, from Google's strategic pivots to AI-powered client acquisition strategies that separate winning agencies from the rest.

Ben brings insider perspective from his years at Google, Yahoo, and Monster, where he managed massive advertising budgets and witnessed platform evolution firsthand. Now as an agency owner, he's applying those insights to build sustainable growth systems and future-proof strategies that help agencies thrive in an AI-first marketing landscape.

🔑 What We Cover:

• Inside insights from Google's advertising evolution and platform changes
• Why SEO and AI integration are no longer optional for agencies
• The shift toward full-service offerings and what clients actually demand
• Advanced AI prompting techniques for data analysis and strategy
• LinkedIn personal branding strategies that drive real business results
• How to future-proof your agency in an AI-first marketing landscape
• Google's scaling back of ads focus and what it means for marketers
• SEO strategies that get you found in ChatGPT and AI search tools

🎯 Key Frameworks:

• The "Runway Strategy" for sustainable client growth and retention
• SEO best practices for AI tool visibility (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.)
• Authentic LinkedIn content systems for founder-led brands
• Community building approaches for lead nurturing at scale
• The "People Buy From People" principle in B2B sales
• Portfolio approach to agency service expansion

⏰ Timestamps:

• 00:04 – Intro: Jason Hunt & Ben from Google
• 00:30 – Ben's Background: Google, Yahoo, Monster
• 01:03 – Managing Major Brands at Google Ads
• 01:58 – Leaving Google for Entrepreneurship
• 03:29 – Growing Clients & Runway Strategy
• 05:16 – Expanding Services: From Ads to SEO & Web
• 06:57 – Full-Service Agency Benefits
• 09:55 – Lead Generation & Google Ads for Rise
• 10:59 – SEO + GPT Leads & ChatGPT Referrals
• 12:00 – SEO Best Practices to Appear in AI Tools
• 14:45 – Google Scaling Back Ads Focus
• 16:09 – AI Marketing Tools Used at Rise
• 18:05 – Using AI for Data Analysis & Significance
• 20:00 – Prompting Right: Advanced AI Use Tips
• 22:00 – Authentic LinkedIn Content Strategy
• 23:30 – Founder-Led Personal Branding on LinkedIn
• 25:00 – LinkedIn Comments Strategy for Reach
• 26:49 – Avoiding Automation & Shadowban Risks
• 28:10 – Personal Posts vs Business Content Impact
• 29:46 – People Buy From People: Sales Principle
• 33:25 – Building Community for Lead Nurturing
• 34:03 – Future of Agencies in the AI Era
• 36:25 – Agency Agility: Winning with Tools & AI
• 37:00 – SEO Isn't Dead: Just Evolving
• 38:02 – In-Person Events & Networking Strategy
• 39:20 – Long Game of Sales Attribution
• 40:11 – How to Contact Ben & Wrap Up

🔗 Connect with Ben Lund:

Rise Digital

Ben's LinkedIn

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