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SmithDigital
Welcome to SmithDigital Insights, the podcast where we unravel the strategies and tools powering digital marketing success. Join Eric Smith, founder of SmithDigital, as we dive deep into the world of inbound and outbound marketing, buyer intent data, SEO, HubSpot solutions, and more.
Each episode features actionable insights, industry trends, and expert discussions designed to help businesses maximize ROI, generate high-quality leads, and drive sustainable growth. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or sales professional, this is your go-to resource for elevating your digital marketing game.
All Episodes
Gaming AI Visibility and Search Rankings
In Gaming AI Visibility and Search Rankings, we explore how generative AI systems are being influenced — and in some cases, exploited — to shape what users see and believe. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini increasingly mediate access to information, a new form of “algorithmic optimization” has emerged, where repetition, freshness, and strategic phrasing can determine what rises to the top of AI-generated results. This episode examines how these tactics are redefining credibility online, from the vulnerabilities of large language models to the real-world fallout of reputation manipulation — including the story of a company that lost most of its revenue after coordinated attacks on social platforms were amplified by AI systems. We’ll also look at shifting user behaviors, where AI answers are trusted more than verified sources, and what this means for publishers, marketers, and brands trying to maintain visibility in the age of machine-mediated search.
How Outsourced SDRs & BDRs Drive Scalable, Predictable Pipeline Growth
Want to build pipeline faster—without growing headcount? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about SDR and BDR outsourcing, including how to align with your GTM strategy, what tools to use, how to measure success, and how to run a pilot program that proves ROI. You’ll learn: Why more SaaS and B2B companies are outsourcing SDR/BDR functions How to retain control over messaging and brand voice What KPIs actually matter And how outsourced teams help drive full-funnel growth
The Great Decoupling of Clicks and Impressions
In this episode of SmithDigital, titled "The Great Decoupling of Clicks and Impressions," I delve into a seismic shift in digital marketing. Imagine spending countless hours perfecting your content, only to find the rules have changed. We're exploring the phenomenon where Google search impressions have surged by 49%, yet clickthrough rates have plummeted by 30%. This "great decoupling," as coined by Darwin Santos, is largely driven by the rise of AI overviews in search results, which often answer user queries directly. I discuss the implications for content creators and business owners, emphasizing the need to optimize for zero-click scenarios and focus on brand visibility. As the link between visibility and engagement shifts, we must rethink how we measure success and value our online presence. Join me as we navigate this new landscape and explore strategies for thriving in a world where brand awareness may outweigh immediate clicks.
Core Web Vitals: NP Digital's Speed Paradox
In this episode, we break down the sharp contradiction between what digital marketing leaders preach and what they practice—focusing on NP Digital’s failure to meet Core Web Vitals, despite Neil Patel’s vocal advocacy for fast websites. We’ll examine: Why even top marketing agencies struggle with page speed How bloated design, conversion tools, and poor technical hygiene sabotage performance The disproportionate impact of slow sites on mid-market and growth-stage companies Actionable strategies for improving Core Web Vitals, from LCP and CLS to performance budgeting and RUM tools Why website speed is no longer a technical detail—it’s a business growth lever You’ll also hear why small businesses can’t afford to ignore these issues the way big brands can—and how firms like SmithDigital are helping clients turn performance into pipeline. Whether you're a marketer, web designer, or SaaS leader, this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you with the insights needed to build faster, more conversion-ready digital experiences.