Shows
Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferHow AI Forced Me to Rewrite My Entire LinkedIn StrategyNote: This is Episode 442, published January 6, 2026.You published a book, it hit #1, and the reviews were phenomenal. In the digital marketing world, that’s usually where you take a victory lap. But then the AI revolution happened. Over the last year, the fundamental ways we build relationships and create content on LinkedIn have shifted so dramatically that I knew a simple "tweak" wouldn't cut it.I’ve spent the last several months obsessively updating Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth to reflect the 2026 landscape. This isn't just a minor update—it's a 70% expansion featuring five entirely new ch...
2026-01-0619 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferAI Slop and the Long-Long-Tail: Your Biggest Missed OpportunityMost marketers and creators agree on one thing: “AI slop” is bad for the internet. From hallucinated facts to soulless clickbait, low‑quality AI content is blamed for ruining search results and polluting the web. But what if that narrative is missing the bigger strategic picture—and quietly putting your business at risk of becoming invisible in an AI‑first world?In this solo episode, digital marketing author and consultant Neal Schaffer makes a contrarian case: a specific, ethical form of AI‑assisted content may actually be your only path to discoverability in 2026 and beyond. As search be...
2025-12-0824 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferRanking in ChatGPT & AI Overviews: The Ultimate AEO vs. GEO GuideIs your business ready for a world where 50% of search queries involve AI?The digital landscape is shifting fast. We are moving from a world of traditional Google rankings to a "Zero-Click" environment dominated by AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Voice Search. If you are still relying solely on old-school SEO playbooks, your content is at risk of becoming invisible.In this episode I break down the confusion between AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). I reveal why these aren't just buzzwords, but the two sides of the same...
2025-12-0134 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferI Just Solved Marketing's Biggest Time-Waster (12 Curated Marketing Agency Directories)Tired of spending hours researching agencies only to end up more confused than when you started? In this episode, I reveal my solution to one of marketing's biggest time-wasters: finding the right agency partner.After years of getting asked "Neal, who would you recommend?" for everything from SEO to video production, I decided to do something about it. I partnered with Clutch, the leading B2B service provider platform, to personally curate 12 specialized directories of agencies I actually recommend.These aren't just random lists—each directory has been carefully vetted based on proven results, verified cl...
2025-09-0421 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferThe $0 Content Strategy That Generated 2.5 Million Reach (Employee Creator Secrets)Struggling to compete with content creators for attention on social media? What if I told you that one innovative company decided to turn their entire team into creators instead of hiring expensive influencers?In this revealing episode, I break down how Buffer revolutionized employee advocacy by moving beyond "please share our company posts" to "please build your own personal brand." The results? 90% participation, over 2.5 million total reach, and a cultural shift that's making competitors take notice.This isn't your typical employee advocacy program - it's the future of user-generated content strategy, and it perfectly illustrates...
2025-08-2820 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer400 Episodes, 7 Themes: The Digital Marketing Playbook for the FutureThis 400th episode of this podcast revolves around insights into 7 pivotal digital marketing themes that have emerged from the top 25 episodes of my recent 100 over the last 2 years. You will learn how to integrate essential aspects like artificial intelligence, content creation, branding, and influencer partnerships to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.• Embracing AI for enhanced marketing efficiency• Importance of authentic content in social media • Developing strategic influencer partnerships for brand credibility• Psychological principles shaping effective branding • Maximizing customer experience through marketing automation • Fostering business growth through leadership and collaboration• Ensuring...
2025-02-1533 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferMarketing Automation Simplified: How to Level Up Your Digital BusinessWelcome to another enlightening episode of Your Digital Marketing Coach. I'm your host, Neal Schaffer, and today we're diving into the exciting world of marketing automation to help level up your digital business. Today we have a sponsored episode with our special guest, Amanda Northcutt of Level Up Creators, brings her extensive expertise in digital recurring revenue models to demystify marketing automation and share strategies for exponential growth.In this episode, "Marketing Automation Simplified: How to Level Up Your Digital Business," Amanda unveils the secrets behind successful email sequences, the significance of serving with a sales mindset...
2024-03-1953 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferUnveiling My AI Toolkit: 11 Must-Have Marketing ToolsI'm your host, Neal Schaffer, and today's episode is a special one that I'm particularly excited about. In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing, AI tools have become indispensable for driving efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy in our strategies. And I'm here to pull back the curtain on the AI tools that I personally rely on.In this episode, we'll delve into the revolutionary changes that AI has brought to content creation, from intuitive platforms like Jasper, which I use to craft blog outlines and FAQs, to the emerging AI search engine, Perplexity AI that's changing how...
2024-02-2232 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferIf I Were Your Fractional CMO: Where to Invest in Digital Marketing for 2024 SuccessReady to transform your digital marketing playbook for 2024? In this episode, which I could also name "If I Were Your Fractional CMO 2024 Edition," I take you through the essential strategic digital marketing investments to make for 2024. From search to email and social media, I offer my advice on where to focus your resources for the biggest impact.On this episode I play the role of navigator to guide you through the ever-shifting digital landscape, as we chart the course towards maximized investment returns. In this episode, I'll guide you through the maze of search engine d...
2024-02-0920 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferFrom Selfies to Sales: Growing Your Brand with UGC featuring Kathryn McCauleyHello, digital marketers, and welcome to another information-packed episode of Your Digital Marketing Coach! Today, we're thrilled to have Kathryn McCauley with us, a wizard of user-generated content—those powerful, authentic gems that brands dream of. Kathryn's insights are game-changing; imagine using photo-worthy opportunities at every turn, prompting customers to snap, tag, and rave about your business. She discusses how something as simple as a chocolatier placing flags in ice cream can ignite social media buzz.We'll delve into success stories where UGC has propelled businesses forward and discover how hosting events with an eye for user-generated co...
2024-02-061h 15Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferRevolutionizing Your Marketing Strategy: Embracing AI with a Human Touch for the New YearHappy New Year, digital marketers and go-getters! The time is ripe for a mindset revolution, and I'm here to guide you through it. Imagine embracing AI in your marketing strategy while keeping that irreplaceable human essence alive and at the forefront. That's exactly the journey we're embarking on in this latest episode of the Digital Marketing Coach podcast. From resetting our digital tactics to welcoming a fresh perspective on content creation, you're invited to explore the transformative power of AI without losing your brand's authentic voice—think 'AI on the inside, human on the outside.' Plus, I've got a...
2024-01-1017 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferDid the Google Helpful Content Update Help You?Ever experienced a sudden drop in website traffic due to Google algorithm updates? You're not alone. I, Neal Schaffer, was right there with you, witnessing a decline in my site's traffic. Let's embark together on this episode of the Digital Marketing Coach, as we navigate the tumultuous sea of SEO changes brought about by the recent Google algorithm update. We'll venture deeper into how this has impacted user experiences, particularly concerning ads and pop-ups. Brace yourself for some philosophical pondering about your website's content, and whether search engines are here to stay or destined to fade into oblivion.
2023-12-1127 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer11 Takeaways from Content Marketing World 2022I was honored to be able to speak - and thus attend - Content Marketing World for the first time this year. There were a TON of golden nuggets dropped at this event that I wanted to share with you, so these are the 11 takeaways I got from all of the amazing sessions I saw that I think you should know about.Key Highlights[13:17] Developing Your Own Unique Brand Voice[15:32] The Upside Down Pyramid of Personality[22:18] Why Your Content Workflow Should Start With Live Video[25:13] 3 Recommended Tools...
2022-10-061h 10Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferYour Digital Marketing Coach Podcast Introduction TrailerHi! My name is Neal Schaffer and I am Your Digital Marketing Coach! If you haven't subscribed yet, please listen to my trailer to find out more about what this podcast is about! You can also learn more about me here by clicking any of these links:WebsitePodcast WebsiteAmazonLinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https...
2022-09-1001 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferHow to Easily Find Influencers for Your Business (Without Using Expensive Tools)With the growing importance of influencer marketing, I still often get asked: Neal, how exactly do we go about finding influencers for our brand?While there are tools that can definitely help you, hear me out as I explain how to search for influencers yourself using the social networks themselves.This episode is actually a snippet from a new class I am teaching at UCLA Extension on influencer marketing. Hope you enjoy it!Key Highlights[02:08] How I Teach Influencer Marketing[03:29] How to Find Influencers[05:55] Where...
2022-08-0820 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferWhy Digital and Experimenting Go Hand in HandDigital and social media are the field of dreams for every business. The problem is that you first need a roadmap to get started, but even with that roadmap you will have your successes and failures, new discoveries, and learn a lot both about your target audience as well as your product and branding.This is why a mindset of never-ending experimentation is critical for success in digital and social media marketing as well as if you have a digital product or service. But its not just experimentation that is important: Equally important is understanding when you...
2021-09-3023 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferHow to Go from Content Ideas to SEO Results Faster and Easier [Bill King @ Frase Interview]Ranking in google searches requires much effort and skills that can be time-consuming. From learning the Google algorithms, doing keyword research, working on links, and on-page optimization, you surely have a lot to do. But with the help of AI tools such as Frase, you can make your work faster, easier, and ultimately better.In this episode, Neal Schaffer speaks with Bill King, the Director of Marketing at Frase, an end-to-end SEO content creation that helps you “go from content ideas to SEO results faster and easier.” Bill has also worked with HubSpot as t...
2021-08-0238 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer7 Steps to a Million Dollar Virtual Event [Liam Austin Interview]Looking to make a splash in your industry? Virtual summits might just be the best way to do so toady. Perhaps you have registered for such a summit which had one or two dozen speakers, or maybe you have spoken at one.If you have done webinar marketing before, a virtual summit can help provide exponential value to attendees and benefits to your business.If you are intrigued by the potential or running a virtual summit or event for your business, this episode is for you. I interview one of the thought leaders in the...
2021-06-1151 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferBusiness Success Begins by DOINGIf you're listening to this podcast, you're doing so in hopes of implementing my advice or that from my guests in your company or own business.As a content creator, the greatest respect you can pay me is in implementing what I teach.In launching my group coaching membership community Digital First, I realize that many people get stuck with their digital marketing and simply don't execute. You can listen to as many podcasts and read as many blog posts and watch as many YouTube videos as you like - the information you need is...
2021-06-0319 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferThe Importance of Influencer Collaboration in Building Influence [Amanda Russell Interview]Amanda Russell, author of The Influencer Code and Professor of Influencer Marketing at the University of Texas, Austin, joins me for a special interview about building influence in today's digital world. Amanda has an amazing life story of competing at a global level and then starting over from scratch, but her trained skills combined with intuition in seeking relationships with influencers and capitalizing on the opportunities that they brought her has led her to a successful career that my listeners can learn a great deal about influence from.Our New Podcast!The School of...
2020-12-3148 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferMy Guide to Help You Maximize LinkedIn for Your BusinessSocial networks come (TikTok) and go (Google Plus), and some merely borrow the best features of other social networks to continue innovating (Instagram). The one thing about social media that has NOT changed since I began my career in social media marketing is that LinkedIn continues to be the best place for professional networking and B2B social media marketing.Every year or two "newbie" marketers wake up to the potential that LinkedIn has for your marketing, but since I wrote two books on the subject in 2009 and 2011, I would argue that the potential has always been...
2020-08-1225 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferNavigating the Marketer's World of Constant Change: How to Thrive During a Pandemic [Ken Fitzpatrick Interview]While the current coronavirus pandemic has provided us some urgency in which we need to tweak our marketing, the fact of the matter is that anyone in charge of marketing their business always need to pivot amidst the constant change that existed before we first heard the term "COVID-19." I can't think of anyone better to help guide us through this change than Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Digital Marketing Institute, who provides:an insight into how c-19 is bringing even more change to marketingsome perspective on marketer's fear of becoming irrelevantwhat are the skillsets marketers need in...
2020-08-0639 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferInfluencer Marketing before the Internet: A Personal Case Study to Help Guide You Towards Success TodayToday is a very special episode dedicated to a very special personal, my father, who recently passed away at the age of 93. By sharing his life story, not only will you better understand my DNA as an educator and entrepreneur, but you will learn how to take the same holistic approach like I do to influencer marketing so that you can find influential collaborators and distributors that can help you scale your business to the next level.Key Highlights [01:30] The Concept of Influencer Marketing Before The Internet[02:52] My Father's Life
2020-04-3018 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferHow to Pivot Your Marketing During the Coronavirus PandemicThis is the 3rd in a series of episodes helping you make sense of what the coronavirus pandemic means to your business. This episode will be focused on the marketing aspect of your business. Is it OK to publish content on social media now? Is it OK to advertise? What should I be posting about? What marketing activities should and shouldn't we be doing? These questions will all be addressed in hopes of inciting you to action to show up and help your own community by pivoting your marketing in these continued uncertain times.As mentioned in...
2020-04-1516 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferWhy Your Business Needs to be More Human Than Ever During the Coronavirus Pandemic [Mark Schaefer Interview]Today's episode is a special interview I had with a special friend, Mark Schaefer. Mark is one the true few thought leaders in the marketing space, whose most recent book Marketing Rebellion talks about how the most human companies will win in the marketing of tomorrow. While we planned to talk about a lot of issues, as you can imagine the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic weighed over our conversation. However, this current pandemic only served as a poignant reminder for Mark's message, which now has more urgency to it because of the situation we are in today. You can...
2020-04-0932 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferCOVID-19: What Your Business Needs to Do to Survive During the Coronavirus PandemicToday's episode is a special edition broadcast because so many clients and others have asked what our businesses should do in the midst of the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. I want to offer my own perspectives not because I am an expert per se in managing pandemics (I don't know of any marketers who are!), but because you need to listen to a lot of different perspectives to navigate the best path forward, and I want to be one of the voices that you tune into. It is this same concept that I bring up as advice in this...
2020-04-0115 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferHow to Become a Published Author [Lee Constantine from Publishizer Interview]Did you know that my new book on influencer marketing, The Age of Influence, began as a test market on a crowdsourcing platform for authors called Publishizer? It's true! You can even see my original proposal page here: https://publishizer.com/the-business-of-influence/. Today's podcast is looking at the personal side of influence for those that want to yield more influence by becoming a published author. If it wasn't for Lee, my new book wouldn't have been written, so I hope today's episode inspires YOU! For those interested in my pre-order campaign for The Age of Influence, make s...
2020-02-2957 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferLinkedIn Ads: A Comprehensive Look (AJ Wilcox Interview)Everybody talks about Facebook and Instagram Ads, but what about LinkedIn Ads? If you are targeting a lucrative demographic or are a B2B company, LinkedIn should be one of the focus points of your marketing. Join me in this interview with one of the world's foremost experts on LinkedIn Ads, AJ Wilcox, as he teaches you all of the different options you have and how to make the most of them for effective advertising on LinkedIn.For those of you interested in my Amazon pre-order campaign for The Age of Influence, please purchase a paperback copy...
2020-02-1130 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferPinterest Marketing for Those Who Still Don't Get ItI have published 3 other episodes about Pinterest marketing, but because Pinterest continues to deliver results for me, I wanted to share you with my latest thoughts on the platform for those that have yet to take Pinterest seriously. Pinterest is a very different social network, but for those business and influencers that are content creators, Pinterest just might be the gold mine you have been searching for in social media. For those of you interested in my Amazon pre-order campaign for The Age of Influence, please purchase a paperback copy here and then send me an email o...
2020-02-0529 minYour Digital Marketing Coach with Neal SchafferFree PR: How to Leverage the Media to Amplify Your Brand Exposure and Increase Credibility without Spending Money [Adrian Salamunovic Interview]Join me for an interview with Adrian Salamunovic, Founder of Earned.co and Author of FREE PR, where we discuss all of the free things you can do to get media exposure. This includes learning how to differentiate yourself, identifying the right media targets and channels, and how to amplify and leverage the media you get after it's published by using social media and paid social. If you want to take advantage of the pre-publishing campaign for my book The Age of Influence on Amazon, make sure you buy the book here and then send me a receipt of...
2020-01-3057 min