Gert Mellak Podcast

In episode 114 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak discusses the "top-down focus" approach to SEO, emphasizing the importance of placing key information at the top of web pages to align with user and search engine expectations. He uses the analogy of supermarkets placing products at eye level to explain content optimization strategies.

In this episode, Gert provides a very good analogy for SEO optimization, using the supermarket's eye-level strategy for users to find what they are looking for. If you are expecting your content or article to rank on the first page, you should follow Gert's recommendation of the top-down approach.

Users usually look at the top to find the answer to their queries and questions and if they don't find it there, they would most likely swipe back, and find the answers from others. For more information on the Top-Down approach, listen to the very end of episode 114.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:44 Podcast INTRO

00:53 Introduction of the episode topic

01:58 The two parties that are present in every Search Query

02:42 The analogy of supermarkets' eye-level strategy to sell their products which is similar to how users and search engines function with queries or questions.

04:20 Optimizing for SEO and User Experience

05:49 The top-down approach

06:51 End

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 113 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak emphasizes the importance of managing your brand's online reputation by ensuring it appears prominently in Google search results. He discusses how to handle situations where competitors or negative content overshadow your brand, and the role of an SEO agency in optimizing brand presence.

How would you react if you attempted to search for your brand name on Google and discovered that it doesn't appear on the first page of search results? The last thing you want is for potential customers to click on your competitors' URLs that specifically target your brand name. All the money you've invested in running ads would essentially go to waste, right?

Is there a solution to this problem? Absolutely! All you need is an experienced SEO agency that specializes in managing and enhancing your brand's reputation to take action on your behalf.

If your brand is facing this issue, I encourage you to tune in to this episode and gain insights from SEO expert Gert Mellak.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:51 Podcast INTRO

01:01 Introduction to the episode topic

01:38 The research phase is an important part of the customer journey.

02:59 Why is online reputation management important?

03:52 How can an SEO campaign ensure that your brand achieves a Google ranking on the first page, outperforming your competitors?

05:25 Invitation to have SEOLeverage check out and do an audit on your brand reputation.

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 112 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Joe Fier joins Gert Mellak to discuss effective strategies for monetizing podcasts. They cover building a podcast workflow that leads to profit, using guesting and sponsorships, and engaging audiences through various platforms. They also delve into using AI tools and building a community around audio-only content.

Returning as the guest expert in this episode of the SEOLeverage Podcast is Joe Fier from Hustle & Flowchart. The time between his previous appearance is remarkably short due to the tremendous feedback received after Episode 109. Gert believed it was fitting to have him back for a more extensive conversation about podcasting.

When your aim is to convey your message and you're clear about your intention, purpose, and underlying motivations, your audience will naturally connect with what you're saying. It delves into a more profound exploration of your journey, comprehensively charting the process of executing a swift podcast launch. Then monetization naturally follows. There are effective ways to monetize directly on your show, either through guesting, sponsorship, membership and forums.

Find out more by listening to this episode. you wouldn't want to miss.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:53 Podcast Intro

01:53 Welcoming back Joe Fier to the show

03:03 Leverage your intention to create a deeper connection with your audience through your podcast.

05:08 The guesting approach

07:37 How can you prepare for guesting?

10:10 What is a cheat sheet and how does it help guests on a show?

11:51 How has podcasting changed with the onset of AI?

14:29 When starting a podcast, what are some of the things that can be postponed so as not to worry too much?

17:54 How to use your podcast as lead generation for your business and vice-versa as a guest on other shows?

23:32 Ways to get your podcast off the ground.

28:49 Effective ways to monetize directly on your show.

31:54 How do you use your podcast to be a direct line for people to become a customer?

34:58 How to create a community around a podcast even if it is only available in audio version?

37:42 The value in connecting listeners in a community, like a Facebook Group, membership platform or forums.

41:21 How does Joe Fier's team go about helping people who want to succeed in podcasting?

47:51 Where to connect with Joe Fier?

49:01 End

Resources:

Chat GPT - https://chat.openai.com/

Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai/

Google Cloud AI - https://research.google/teams/cloud-ai/

Overcast - https://www.overcast.com/

Community Platform App, Skool - https://www.skool.com/

Connect with Joe Fier:

Website - Hustle and Flowchart - https://hustleandflowchart.com/

Get the PDF of the Cheat Sheet on how to leverage a podcast - hustleandflowchart.com/seoleverage

Email - [email protected]

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 111 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on starting with SEO. He covers the basics, including the importance of an onboarding call, creating a strategy document, and conducting SEO audits. The episode also introduces the ERICA Framework for prioritizing SEO tasks.

Like any endeavour, it's crucial to understand the what, why, and who before embarking on a project. This holds true for SEO campaigns. During the initial phases of the campaign, these aspects should be thoroughly considered. Once you're in the midst of the campaign, whether handled in-house or by an external agency, seeking an outside perspective or conducting an audit becomes paramount to ensure you're headed in the right direction.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:44 Podcast Intro

00:54 Introduction to the episode topic

01:28 Why is there a need to put a big focus on the initial phases of a new project?

02:02 What is an onboarding call? (...What are the two reasons why it is important?

02:44 The onboarding process

04:07 How does SEO Leverage ensure that their process brings you closer to your goals?

04:46 Why is an external audit necessary when you are doing SEO in-house?

06:17 Focus on high-priority items with the team and resources.

07:24 Recap

08:03 End

Resources:

The ERICA Framework: Your Answer to the Toughest SEO Challenges - https://www.amazon.com/ERICA-Framework-Answer-Toughest-Challenges/dp/8409212595

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 110 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and Jeff Mendelson discuss strategies for podcast monetization, emphasizing the importance of understanding your "Why" behind podcasting. They explore the challenges of making money with podcasts, the significance of quality content, and using podcasts as networking tools. The conversation also covers pre-call and post-call stages, leveraging content, and making lasting impressions on your audience.

When venturing into the world of podcasting, it's common for newcomers to fixate on monetization as their primary goal. But whether you are just starting or have already published 10, 20 or more episodes, there's more to it than just monetization. Prioritize exploring your underlying 'Whys' and defining your true aspirations in podcasting. By remaining receptive to strategies that resonate with both you and your target audience, the path to monetization naturally unfolds.

Join us in this enlightening 110th episode as Gert engages once again with Jeff Mendelson, the Podcast Superhero, for an insightful continuation on the topic of Podcast Monetization. If you've already committed to podcasting and identified your niche, this episode is tailor-made for you.

Get ready to embrace valuable insights and enriching perspectives!

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:39 Podcast Intro

00:49 Introduction to the episode and welcoming back Jeff Mendelson

02:32 Nailing down your WHYs first before putting out your own podcast.

04:38 What is the main challenge when it comes to making money with a podcast?

10:29 The win-win scenario that happens during the pre-call and post-call of an episode.

18:52 What preparations do you need so that even after a podcast episode there will be continuity of the networking propositions?

21:39 Leveraging what you can bring to the table and the importance of questionnaires.

23:09 The value in additional services, leaving a call to action and coming prepared to talk on someone's show.

27:18 Gert recaps the conversation

29:52 Knowing your avatar and finding more value in networking

31:58 Where to connect with Jeff Mendelson?

32:43 End

Resources:

Past episode mentioned - Episode 101 - Podcast Monetization with Jeff Mendelson

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/101-podcast-monetization-with-jeff-mendelson/id1535906923?i=1000613621651

Connect with Jeff Mendelson:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmendelson/

Website - https://jeffmendelson.com/

The One Big Tip Podcast - https://jeffmendelson.com/onebigtip/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/onebigtip

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 109 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and Joe Fier discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting with the rise of AI tools. They explore how AI can enhance podcast production and post-production processes, maintaining the human connection while leveraging new technology. They also discuss strategic podcast guesting, the "Dream 100" strategy, and the importance of intentionality in podcasting.

In light of the continuous emergence of new AI Tools, one might wonder if joining the podcasting bandwagon is still a viable option. Well, the answer to this question obviously was discussed in this episode, Episode 109 of SEOLeverage Podcast with Gert having Joe Fier of Hustle & Flowchart, as his guest.

In the episode, they explored the potential benefits of leveraging these new AI tools into podcast post-production, aiming to streamline the process while retaining the essential human touch. Regardless of whether you are an experienced podcaster or just starting, there is considerable value in listening to this episode. It provides insights that can prove valuable in enhancing your podcasting endeavors.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:26 Podcast Intro

00:37 Joe Fier joins Gert as a guest.

03:23 Does it still make sense to start a podcast today with AI now becoming prevalent?

05:21 Where does a podcast fit into an overall digital marketing strategy?

09:00 Some podcast strategies do not bring impact at all according to Gert.

10:21 The Dream 100 Concept strategy

14:26 Step two strategy to leverage your podcast - The Google Cheat Sheet

19:11 How is it that Joe Fier's first podcast shows are still getting downloads?

22:26 With the new AI technology, how does podcast post production look now?

24:49 How do you decide which podcast you want to work with as a guest? (...consistency is the key.)

26:33 In Joe Fier's team, how many people account for doing post production using AI new tools? (...What are the tools they use?)

29:26 How can you actually leverage your podcast to your biggest advantage?

32:35 Why should intentionality be your purpose or your North Star whether in podcasting, business or SEO?

33:51 Is it possible to change the intentionality of the podcast and still gain traction?

38:50 The recap

42:26 Joe Fier's perspective on ads as a direct response marketer, a business owner and most of all as a podcaster.

44:40 End

Resources:

PDF of Cheat Sheet on how to leverage a podcast - hustleandflowchart.com/seoleverage

Matt Wolfe's YouTube Channel on AI, Future Tech and Digital Marketing - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChpleBmo18P08aKCIgti38g

AI Tools:

Cast Magic - https://www.castmagic.io/

Chat GPT - https://chat.openai.com/

Cleanvoice - https://cleanvoice.ai/

Pretty Links - https://prettylinks.com/

Connect with Joe Fier:

Website - Hustle and Flowchart - https://hustleandflowchart.com/

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 108 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and John Henny, a voice coach, share tips for podcasters and YouTubers to become more compelling speakers. They discuss the importance of using voice to connect emotionally with audiences, techniques to re-engage listeners, and the significance of audio in conveying emotion. They also explore the role of voice vibration and the benefits of voice training.

This is another episode where Gert tackles something that is not SEO related but equally important for speakers, podcasters and YouTubers. His guest on the show is John Henny, an expert in voice coaching and training.

It is interesting to learn from their conversation that voice is the ultimate tool that a person has, no matter what it is that they are doing. The key to creating a compelling voice and becoming an engaging speaker is being aware and intentional about what message you want to convey to the audience or listeners.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:21 Podcast Intro

00:31 Introduction to the topic and introduction of the guest

02:19 The difference between speaking and singing?

04:21 How do we use our voice to connect emotionally and engage with our audience?

07:30 What are the ways to re-engage our audience when their attention span dwindles? (...How do singers reawaken the attention of the audience?)

09:30 After having some sessions with John, what were the noticeable results in Gert's speaking? (...How was Gert able to find his optimal speaking range?)

13:07 The audio component, not the visual component, is the one that truly connects with the viewer.

15:59 Even with AI technology, the human component does not go away.

17:35 Why is the vibration of the voice important?

18:48 Recap

20:21 How does John Henny work with people in either a masterclass or one-to-one? (... What's the Compelling Speaker Formula?)

23:46 John Henny's fascination with the human voice.

25:12 End

Resources:

Past episode - Episode 106 Cross-Channel SEO with Stephan Spencer

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/106-cross-channel-seo-with-stephan-spencer/id1535906923?i=1000618829716

Connect with John Henny:

Website: https://johnhenny.com/

To Get the Compelling Speaker Formula - https://www.compellingspeaker.com/

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 107 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak delves into SEO strategies for brick-and-mortar businesses. He covers key tactics such as optimizing websites for local search, claiming Google Business Profiles, and generating online reviews. The discussion also emphasizes creating localized content to enhance visibility and relevance in local markets.

Local SEO work is important for local businesses especially if your business is a brick and mortar like a car repair shop, a salon or any kind of service provider.

So how do you optimize your website or the content you are putting out for local search? There are various strategies that you can do especially if your business is located in smaller towns with less population.

Listen to this episode and hear Gert Mellak's tips for overcoming local SEO challenges.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:36 Podcast Intro

00:46 Introduction to the topic

01:33 Optimizing your website for local search

02:16 Why is it better to check out groups, forums that are relevant for a specific region e.g. Facebook Groups?

02:50 Claim your Google business profile listing

03:29 Another strategy is to generate online reviews from your customers and act on negative reviews right away.

4:29 Why is it important that the content you are putting out has some elements that are of local relevance?

06:01 End

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 106 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and Stephan Spencer discuss cross-channel SEO strategies, emphasizing the integration of various platforms to enhance website rankings. They delve into the use of AI in content creation, the ethical considerations, and the importance of maintaining human creativity. The conversation also touches on influencer marketing, link building, and optimizing content for different audiences.

This conversation of Gert with Stephan Spencer in this episode is kind of different from other episodes because of the inspiration and soul included in it. Aside from Stephan Spencer's expertise in SEO, he delved deeper into the morality of how AI is quickly integrating into the works of content creators, thus taking away the credit from the originators who created their works intuitively.

For Stephan AI can be used for generating ideas for your content, but to have AI write your articles is like crossing a slippery slope.

Listen to this episode and be inspired by the perspectives on the best use of cross-channel SEO.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:48 Podcast Intro

00:48 Introduction of the guest, Stephan Spencer

02:54 How does Stephan leverage intentionality in the work that he does?

04:11 What brought about Spencer's change from being agnostic to being intentional?

06:27 The challenges of working with six or seven-figure brands or organizations vs billion dollar brands.

09:47 Why does Stephan like to work with small, nimble, hungry companies and leverage social platforms that actually yield SEO benefits?

13:32 How does the involvement of influencers in social media create intrigue and stir among people, and how does this impact SEO?

19:21 Google seems to not penalize links anymore - how do they even know when a penalty or algorithmic adjustments are even happening?

21:44 Link building is going to be important again with the onset of AI getting more advanced.

24:38 How is Google going to respond to AI generated content? (..Where is the credit to the originators who actually created their content intuitively?)

27:08 Expectations with Chat GPT and other AI tools. (...The thin line of inspiration and theft.)

29:11 What Stephan thinks about the future of AI, the dead internet theory which means that most of the internet is fake.

33:03 Who are the three audiences that you write for? (...What is a curiosity gap and why is this style of writing hard to accomplish?)

37:50 Balancing quality and quantity: How to tap into that universal intelligence and create an article that is remarkable?

39:17 Why does Stephan not spend time on Facebook and even deleted the app from his phone? (...Why does he think that FOMO is part of an illusion?)

41:27 Where to connect with Stephan Spencer?

41:55 End

Resources:

Past episode - Episode 96

https://seoleverage.com/podcast/096-ai-content-detection-with-jonathan-gillham/ or

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/096-ai-content-detection-with-jonathan-gillham/id1535906923?i=1000600096089

Connect with Stephan Spencer:

Website - https://www.stephanspencer.com/

Marketing Speak Podcast - https://www.marketingspeak.com/

Get Yourself Optimized Podcast - https://www.getyourselfoptimized.com/

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]

In episode 105 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Daniel Pope discusses effective strategies for optimizing paid ads funnels to enhance profitability. He covers the seven profit levers, including fixing pricing, eliminating unnecessary expenses, and leveraging other people's audiences (OPA). The conversation also highlights the importance of automated follow-ups, upselling, cross-selling, and building the right team.

Making your business profitable can be as simple as using the seven basic levers, which a lot of business owners most often overlook and neglect to review. Often you need somebody from the outside looking in, because business owners are engrossed with the day-to-day operations of the business. They think they are doing everything right because they cannot see the label from inside of the jar.

One of the basic foundations of a profitable business is having the right team at the right time. If you have someone who is running a certain department, let's say the tech side and that someone has been doing this for 10, 20 years, yet he may not have upgraded himself to learn about the latest trends. When this happens, it decreases your bottom line.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00 Prologue

00:28 Podcast Intro

01:27 Seven Profit Levers that makes businesses more profitable

02:01 A quick side story of Daniel's client Michelle who needed help with increasing her profit.

04:55 How Michelle was able to more than 10x her profit using the seven profit levers all throughout?

08:06 Another story about another client of Daniel on 'eliminating unnecessary expenses'.

12:52 What is automating your follow-up?

15:34 For business without a product, why does one-on-one conversations make sense instead of automating follow up?

18:50 How do you leverage your profit with upsells and cross sells?

21:53 Gert's story about a client's tourism to the United States website.

22:57 When people land on your website but did not take action, will they buy or are never going to buy in the future? (...What are the two tools used in deploying remarketing?)

28:02 What is OPA, Other People's Audience and how to leverage on those?

32:41 How does building the right team help increase profits?

38:46 The importance of going back to the basics and having a strong foundation in your business.

40:00 A recap of the conversation with Daniel Pope.

41:25 Where to connect with Daniel Pope?

43:08 End

Resources:

MailChimp - https://mailchimp.com/

ConvertKit - https://convertkit.com/

Pipedrive - https://www.pipedrive.com/

HubSpot - https://www.hubspot.com/

Active Campaign - https://www.activecampaign.com/

"What Got You Here, Won't Get You There"by Marshall Goldsmith - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q9J128?ref=knfdg_R_hard_pew

Connect with Daniel Pope:

Website - https://beknownonline.com/

Website - https://www.daniel-pope.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielapope/

Connect with Gert Mellak:

Website: https://seoleverage.com/

Email: [email protected]