In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, host Lewis Vandervalk sits down with Darcy Cudmore, founder of RepuLinks, a boutique digital PR and SEO agency that has secured over 5,000 organic backlinks for clients since launch.

Darcy, a journalism graduate turned PR expert, reveals his proven strategies for landing high-authority backlinks from major publications like Forbes, USA Today, and CBS News without buying links. He demonstrates the Featured.com platform live, showing exactly how home service companies can pitch journalists and secure valuable media coverage.

The conversation covers both reactive PR strategies (responding to journalist queries) and proactive campaigns, with specific tactics for plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, and other home service businesses. 

Darcy emphasizes the importance of creativity and persistence in 2025's competitive PR landscape, sharing real client success stories including a $10,000 sale directly attributed to CBS News coverage. 

This episode provides actionable insights for any home service business looking to build authority, improve SEO rankings, and gain credible media mentions through organic link building strategies.

00:00 Introduction to Marketing Without Rules

05:44 Creative PR strategies for home service companies

11:56 Live demonstration of Featured.com platform

16:45 Client success story: CBS News coverage leads to $10,000 sale

18:47 Home service opportunities on Featured.com

23:15 Proactive PR campaigns and finding story angles

25:51 Building media lists and finding journalists

32:15 Final advice and connecting with Darcy

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