Shows
Human Friend DigitalThe Great PPC BalloonThis week, Jacob and Jeff are in the same room for once, reflecting on how Google Ads—once a nimble tool for testing ideas—has become something heavier. Costs are up. Control is down. Running a campaign feels less like steering and more like nudging a massive, sluggish system that doesn’t always respond.Pay-per-click didn’t break all at once: it just got crowded. What used to be cheap is now expensive, and no one seems to blink. The hands-on feel has faded, replaced by dashboards, defaults, and hoping the algorithm gets it right. It’s not a scan...2025-07-0129 min
Human Friend DigitalOn the Journey: Being Intentional with Advertising KeywordsIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeff start with a simple question: how do you make digital ads that actually work? What follows is a practical conversation about pay-per-click advertising, touching on Google Ads, cost-per-click, and long-tail keywords. But at its core it’s about something much more general: how people decide to buy things.They walk through the three stages of the buyer’s journey—awareness, consideration, decision—using examples like shopping for a car or grabbing a Snickers bar at checkout. It’s not a theory-heavy conversation, more an exploration of how eve...2025-05-2938 min
Human Friend DigitalDetecting AI in a World Flooded With FakesIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeff tackle the growing challenge of detecting AI-generated content—images, text, and everything in between.Starting with the viral trend of AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style portraits, they explore the ethical gray areas around using AI to imitate human art. From there, the conversation widens: how AI-generated content is becoming harder to spot, and why tools like Hive Moderation are now necessary to catch subtle digital fingerprints left behind by AI models.Jacob and Jeff also dive into the bigger picture—the responsibility of government regulation, the dangers of d...2025-05-1436 min
Human Friend DigitalIs SEO Dead? Or Just Not In-Charge Anymore?In this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeff take on a question that’s been echoing across the marketing world: is SEO dead?The answer, it turns out, is complicated. They explore how the landscape has changed—from the early days of keyword stuffing and link farms to today's crowded, AI-inflated search space. Jacob reflects on his roots in “white hat” SEO, a strategy focused on long-term trust and quality, and how that’s becoming harder to sell in a world hungry for instant results.They talk black hats, gray hats, and why so many SE...2025-04-0822 min
Human Friend DigitalMiddle-Earth, Missed Opportunities, and Multi-Million Dollar Fan FictionIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeff wander far from digital marketing and deep into the hills of Middle-earth. What begins as a friendly debate about The Rings of Power becomes something more: a meditation on storytelling, adaptation, and what gets lost when myth is compressed for streaming.Jacob, steeped in Tolkien lore, explains why the Amazon series falls short—not because it lacks budget, but because it lacks the soul of the original works. He compares the First and Second Age to a slow simmer, full of long arcs and mythic scale, something a...2025-03-3134 min
Human Friend DigitalThe Internet Is Disappearing: A Look at Link RotThis time on Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeff explore link rot, the slow decay of the internet as web pages vanish and URLs break over time. Websites may feel permanent, but in reality, they’re as fragile as a pamphlet—easily deleted, lost, or restructured, leaving broken links in their wake.They discuss the impact of link rot on everything from SEO rankings to Supreme Court opinions, where nearly half of referenced links are now dead. Tools like the Wayback Machine offer a glimpse into lost pages, but most websites aren’t archived, meaning crucial information disapp...2025-03-0722 min
Human Friend DigitalThe (Continued) Rise of Zero-Click SearchesIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeff explore the growing impact of zero-click search, where Google answers queries directly in search results—without users needing to click through to a website.Jacob explains that while this trend helps users find quick answers, it reduces traffic to informational websites. Businesses that rely on blogs or educational content may see fewer visitors, while commercial and transactional websites remain less affected since Google can’t complete purchases on their behalf.They discuss strategies for adapting to this shift, such as optimizing content for SERP...2025-02-2116 min
Human Friend DigitalA Soup of Image Formats: Understanding JPEG, PNG, WebP, and SVGIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeff explore the impact of image file formats on website performance. They break down the strengths and weaknesses of JPEG, PNG, WebP, and SVG. JPEG is versatile but loses quality with compression, while PNG offers sharp transparency but has larger file sizes. SVG excels for scalable graphics, and WebP combines all benefits—compression, transparency, and animations—but isn’t yet universally supported.Jacob emphasizes the importance of optimizing images for faster load times and better user experience. Whether using Photoshop, online tools, or server-side solutions, selecting the right format...2025-01-2929 min
Human Friend DigitalBuilding Websites for Humans and RobotsIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeffrey explore how to structure websites for both users and search engines. Using Simon Sinek’s Start with Why framework—what you do, how you do it, and why you do it—they discuss creating logical site outlines that balance user experience with SEO optimization.They highlight cornerstone content as key to organizing a website and the importance of targeted keyword research using tools like SEMrush. Jacob explains when to create standalone pages versus embedding content, emphasizing quality over quantity to avoid low-value pages.The takeaway: start...2025-01-1434 min
Human Friend DigitalAcronym Soup Episode 05: Understanding HTML, CSS, JS, and… PHPIn this anniversary of the first year of the founding of Human Friend Digital, Jeffrey and Jacob celebrate with another edition of Acronym Soup, a dive into the trio of tools that power the internet: HTML, CSS, and JS (and don’t forget PHP!). These aren’t just technical terms—they’re the foundation of how websites look, feel, and function.Jacob breaks it down simply: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the structure, the bones of any website. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) adds beauty, controlling colors, fonts, and layouts. JavaScript is the nervous system that creates interactivity, like com...2024-11-1937 min
Human Friend DigitalThe Fighter and the Filmmaker: Our Conversation with Olivia CurryIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jeffrey and Jacob are joined by Olivia Curry, a commercial director and professional boxer. Olivia’s career in film has taken her from small-scale productions to directing large commercial spots. She shares what it’s like managing the complexities of a commercial set, working with everyone—from cinematographers to lighting and sound designers—to bring a vision to life.But Olivia’s story doesn’t end on set. As a professional boxer, she also trains rigorously and has even fought on major televised cards. She talks about the reality of boxing train...2024-11-0750 min
Human Friend DigitalDesigning the ‘Happy Path’: Lessons in UX and UIIn this episode of Human Friend Digital, Jacob and Jeffrey sit down with Marquez White, a UI/UX designer who’s worked with companies like Grubhub and Kroger. Marquez doesn’t just design screens or logos; his job is to shape entire user experiences—every click, every scroll, and every interaction.Marquez breaks down the complexities of his work, explaining how good design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about solving real problems, anticipating what users need, and making their digital journeys smoother. He shares his journey from graphic design into product design, navigating the blurred lines between UX and UI...2024-10-2953 min
Human Friend DigitalThe Website Development Process, ExplainedIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeff dig into the complex world of website development. Jacob, a veteran in the field, shares his hard-earned insights from over a decade of experience. The conversation revolves around how creating a website is much like building a house: from laying the foundation (defining goals and buyer personas) to crafting the blueprint (site design and content strategy) and finally, to the construction itself (coding and development).Jacob highlights how the process is invisible to most people—unlike a house, you can’t drive by and watch your...2024-10-1847 min
Human Friend DigitalInside Life on Tour: Stories from the Road with Caleb HickmanIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey welcome Caleb Hickman, a touring musician who's spent years on the road Houndmouth and other bands. Caleb shares a candid and often humorous look into the life of a musician on tour—beyond the spotlight.The conversation explores the realities of being on the road: hours of waiting between shows, long drives in cramped vans, and the logistics of gear set-up. Caleb describes the highs and lows of tour life, from the thrill of playing iconic venues like Red Rocks to less glamorous moments, like th...2024-10-0838 min
Human Friend DigitalGetting Found Online: Understanding Keyword DifficultyIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the world of keyword difficulty—a crucial concept for anyone navigating SEO. Jacob breaks it down: keyword difficulty measures how hard it is to rank in Google’s top search results for a specific keyword, with tools like SEMrush offering a score from 0 to 100.The conversation highlights the importance of competition in determining keyword difficulty. It’s not just about how relevant your content is—it’s about how many others are vying for the same spot. Ranking for a competitive term like "SEO market...2024-09-2923 min
Human Friend DigitalGetting Found Online: Search Engine IndexingIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey break down one of the most essential aspects of SEO: Google indexing. They discuss how Google’s “spider bot” crawls the web, visiting sites to gather information, and the importance of being indexed—because if Google can’t find your site, it won’t show up in search results.Jacob explains the key factors that impact whether or not a site gets indexed. Things like “no index” tags, technical issues, or even slow Google response times can affect how quickly (or if) your site gets added to Google’...2024-09-1314 min
Human Friend DigitalAcronym Soup Episode 04: Understanding DNS, CMS, CDN, and SSLIn today’s episode of Human Friend Digital, we’re diving deep into the acronym-packed world of website launches. You’ve heard of DNS, CMS, CDN, and SSL, but do you really know what they mean? Jacob and Jeffrey are here to make sense of it all, keeping things laid-back while tackling some essential topics. From the basics of the Domain Name System (DNS) to how a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare speeds up your website, we’re covering it all without getting too technical.We also give a special shoutout to the little-known heroes of internet...2024-09-0822 min
Human Friend DigitalBackpacking with JeffIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey venture into the wilderness—literally. Jeffrey, an experienced backpacker, shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of multi-day hikes. He talks about the essential gear—like water filters and bear bags—and the lessons learned from years on the trail, including the importance of proper preparation and the occasional misstep, like forgetting your hiking boots.Through personal stories, Jeffrey highlights the beauty of remote trails and the unique bond formed with friends who tackle the wilderness together. It’s a refreshing departure from their usual te...2024-08-3023 min
Human Friend DigitalProtecting Privacy and Keeping AnalyticsBreaking Free of the Cookie EmpireIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the challenges and opportunities of moving toward a cookie-less world in online advertising. Building on last week’s conversation, they explore how cookies have evolved from simple trackers to invasive tools that gather extensive user data, raising serious privacy concerns.Jacob reintroduces Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics that avoids cookies by using temporary user IDs based on device and behavior data. The discussion also covers the use of UTM tracking, an...2024-08-2329 min
Human Friend DigitalwebXray and the Fight for Digital PrivacyWatch Out: Not All Cookies Are Good for Your Digital HealthIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the world of online privacy, sparked by a revealing Wired article about webXray. This tool, developed by former Google engineer Tim Libert, uncovers the hidden ways our data is tracked across the web. It’s a powerful resource that gives users– and regulators– a clearer view of how their information is being collected and used.As they discuss the article, the conversation turns to the troubling reality of how bi...2024-08-1630 min
Human Friend DigitalHTTP Response Codes 404, 502, 301Understanding the Hidden Language of HTTP ErrorsThis week on the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Acronym Soup Edition, Jacob and Jeffrey unpack something we’ve all encountered but few of us understand: HTTP error codes. We’ve all seen that dreaded “404 page not found,” but what does it really mean? And what about all those other cryptic numbers that sometimes flash across our screens?Jacob kicks things off by explaining that HTTP error codes are like the language of the internet’s back-end, letting us know when things go awry. These codes are grouped by...2024-08-1415 min
Human Friend DigitalCommercial Photography with TJ VissingIn this latest Human Friend Digital Podcast episode, Jacob and Jeffrey talk to a commercial photographer whose work you are probably well acquainted with but had no idea - TJ Vissing. As a photographer and part owner of OMS Photo, TJ has worked with notable brands such as Hershey’s, Wendy’s, and P&G.In our discussion, TJ walks us through the nature of commercial photography and delves into the meticulous planning and collaboration required to produce these visuals. It's not just about snapping a photo; it involves a whole team – photographers, food stylists, retouchers, and more –...2024-08-0833 min
Human Friend DigitalAcronym Soup, Episode 2: PPC, CPC, and CTRIn the latest episode of Acronym Soup, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey delve into the essential acronyms of digital marketing: PPC, CPC, and CTR.Firstly, PPC, or Pay-Per-Click, is a model where businesses pay for each click on their ads, commonly seen in Google Ads and social media platforms. Secondly, CPC, or Cost-Per-Click, indicates the cost incurred for each click, which can vary depending on keyword competitiveness. Lastly, CTR, or Click-Through Rate, measures the percentage of ad impressions that result in clicks.Jacob and Jeffrey stress the importance of understanding these metrics for successful digital marketing...2024-08-0116 min
Human Friend DigitalFriend Episode: Dune and AIIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the fascinating world of Dune and its parallels with today’s AI advancements. They chat about the Spice Melange, a substance in the Dune universe that grants superhuman abilities, replacing advanced AI tech that was banned long ago. This spice is crucial for everything from space travel to the abilities of the Bene Gesserit and Mentats.They draw intriguing comparisons to modern AI, discussing its potential and the ethical dilemmas we face as it becomes more integrated into our lives. The conversation wr...2024-07-2631 min
Human Friend DigitalFriend Episode: Dune and Artificial IntelligenceIn this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey dive into the fascinating world of Dune and its parallels with today’s AI advancements. They chat about the Spice Melange, a substance in the Dune universe that grants superhuman abilities, replacing advanced AI tech that was banned long ago. This spice is crucial for everything from space travel to the abilities of the Bene Gesserit and Mentats.They draw intriguing comparisons to modern AI, discussing its potential and the ethical dilemmas we face as it becomes more integrated into our lives. The conversation wr...2024-07-2611 min
Human Friend DigitalThe Rabbit R1 for Business… Just Kidding, for Your Kids!Reviewing the Rabbit R1: An AI tool that is enjoyable, but still in the early days.In this mini-episode, hosts Jacob and Jeffrey explore the Rabbit R1, a new AI pocket device. Jacob, an early adopter, praises its minimalist design, physical scroll wheel, and privacy features. The Rabbit R1 can play music, summon Ubers, translate languages, and more—all without traditional apps.However, it lacks functionalities when compared to Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Despite its shortcomings, Jacob finds it innovative and fun, especially for his kids, who love its AI-generated images and vo...2024-07-1911 min
Human Friend DigitalAcronym Soup, Episode 1: SEO, SEM, and SERPExplaining what SEO, SEM, and SERP stand for.Hello there; we invite you to listen to our new series, "Acronym Soup." Join Jacob and Jeffrey as they navigate the often-confusing world of digital marketing acronyms: SEO, SEM, and SERP.Jacob starts by demystifying SEO --Search Engine Optimization -- the ways to get your site to show up on search engines. Then, Jeffrey jumps in, sharing his early escapades with SEM --Search Engine Marketing -- which can feel like paying tolls on the digital freeway. Lastly, they break down SERP -- Search Engine Results...2024-07-1208 minHuman Friend DigitalTimelines for Outcomes in SEOMastering SEO Timelines: Navigate Competition, Build Presence, and Enhance Rankings.In this episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob and Jeffrey discuss the timelines involved in SEO. They explain that SEO is an organic process influenced by market competition. Results can vary from quick improvements to a longer, more challenging journey. Key points include the importance of understanding competition, having realistic expectations, and integrating SEO into a broader marketing strategy. For small businesses, combining quality content creation, community engagement, and tools like Google Search Console is essential for building a strong online presence and...2024-07-0320 minHuman Friend DigitalAn Intro to Website Analytics ToolsAnalytics Can Help Unlock Data and Provide InsightsIn the latest episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob Meyer and Jeffrey Caruso discuss the importance of analytics tools for businesses. They highlight Google Analytics and compare it with the more privacy-friendly Plausible Analytics, examining their usefulness in small vs large businesses. They also discuss SEMrush for search engine positioning and Microsoft Clarity for heat-mapping. Additionally, they touch on the future role of AI in enhancing data sampling and simplifying data interpretation.Tools mentioned:...2024-06-2615 minHuman Friend DigitalBeer and Wine and TennisballsExploring the Bizarre Phrases and Complex World of Our Favorite BeveragesIn this “Friend” episode of the Human Friend Digital Podcast, Jacob turns the tables on Jeffrey, and grills him on some of his areas of expertise: chemistry, wine, and beer. We dive into the intriguing world of wine and beer, exploring the role of Sommeliers and Cicerones, and the quirky descriptions of flavors within the industry.Overall, this episode sheds light on the complexities of wine and beer tasting, emphasizing the importance of sensory training, and the fascinating chemistry behind our favorite beve...2024-06-1819 minHuman Friend DigitalAnalogies in BusinessIn a world that increasingly encourages deeper and deeper expertise, it’s no surprise that dialogue between industry experts may reach an impasse: This is where analogies can help people understand. In this episode, we discuss several analogies that we use to bridge the knowledge gap with our clients, who may be brilliant engineers, but have no framework for understanding the digital marketing space.While we explore our use of analogies, their pitfalls and unintended consequences– plus how we go about creating them– we will also delve into some concepts around digital marketing that feel consistently obscure to our...2024-06-1025 min
Human Friend DigitalUnderstanding KPIs: The Key to Digital Marketing SuccessKey Performance Indicators are the data you need to gauge your investments.In the digital marketing landscape, KPIs play a crucial role in measuring the success of marketing strategies and the overall health of a website.In today's episode, Jacob and Jeffrey explore KPIs and their usefulness, and how your company can identify good ones, and avoid those that can be misleading.To ask questions, or submit topics you'd like us to cover in the future, visit us at humanfriend.digital/pod/2024-06-0413 min