SEOLeverage - The SEO Podcast for Online Business Owners

In Episode 139 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, host Gert Mellak sits down with Lloyd Thompson, founder of VirtualDOO, to unpack the chaos of business operations and how founders can stop being the bottleneck in their own companies. Lloyd shares his insights on how to transform operational disorder into smooth, scalable systems through fractional operations management, helping business owners free up time and energy while driving growth. From defining clear accountability and crafting a vivid vision, to streamlining SOP ownership, team rhythms, and introducing feedback loops, Lloyd reveals the keys to building a well-oiled business machine. They also explore the rise of Revenue Operations (RevOps), leveraging CRM data to maximize ROI, and dive into the exciting world of AI agents and how they’re reshaping operations today. Whether you’re drowning in tasks or looking to level up your team’s performance, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples that can help you reclaim your time and scale your business effectively. In this episode, you'll learn about: How to get out of daily operations with a fractional COO The 4-step method to assess and fix operational bottlenecks How to reclaim your time with a simple Task Audit Tips for creating smooth team workflows and feedback loops An intro to Revenue Operations (RevOps) for better CRM use How to leverage AI tools and agents to boost efficiency   Podcast Highlights: 01:24 – What is VirtualDOO? Lloyd explains how his company helps founders delegate operations through flexible, fractional COOs. 05:29 – Diagnosing Operational Chaos The importance of an operational health assessment and how it uncovers key business inefficiencies. 12:17 – Reclaiming Founder Time Lloyd shares a simple Task Audit method to free founders from day-to-day tasks. 19:54 – Creating Operational Smoothness How rhythms, dashboards, and feedback loops lead to smoother team operations and growth. 27:02 – Introduction to Revenue Operations (RevOps) Connecting sales and marketing in the CRM to maximize lead and customer value. 38:09 – Leveraging AI in Operations How businesses are starting to use AI agents and automation to increase efficiency and reduce workload.   Links: VirtualDOO Website: https://virtualdoo.com Free Resources & RevOps Self-Assessment: https://virtualdoo.com/resources Guest Website Info: Lloyd Thompson Founder of VirtualDOO Helping founders escape operational chaos with fractional COOs and streamlined systems. 🌐 Website: https://virtualdoo.com 📄 Free Resources & RevOps Self-Assessment: https://virtualdoo.com/resources 📧 Email: lloyd@virtualdoo.com   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

17 Mar 48min

In episode 138 of SEOLeverage Podcast, host Gert Mellak sits down with Nick Penev, founder of Extreme Power Brands and expert in partnerships and e-commerce growth strategy. They explore the art of leveraging partnerships to scale your business, create meaningful connections, and dominate the Amazon and e-commerce landscape. Nick shares his fascinating journey from a young entrepreneur in Bulgaria to running multimillion-dollar businesses and his shift to building a thriving partnership model. Learn about his innovative "Partnerships as a Service" approach and how connecting with the right partners can outperform paid marketing. This episode covers: The power of partnerships in growing e-commerce brands How to build and monetize a community of engaged followers Practical steps for creating impactful collaborations like webinars, content swaps, and proactive referrals Why newsletters and communities are vital assets in today’s competitive digital space Insights into modern tools and processes for partnership management Whether you're just starting your e-commerce business or looking for advanced strategies to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Guest Website Info: Nick Penev Founder of Extreme Power Brands and the partnership agency Hello Tax, Nick Penev is an expert in partnerships, e-commerce strategy, and community building. With over 15 years of experience in the e-commerce space, Nick has developed innovative approaches to partnership management and scaling businesses through strategic collaborations. Learn more about Nick and his initiatives: Website: Extreme Power Brands LinkedIn Profile: Nick Penev Partnership Platform: Hello Tax Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

2 Jan 51min

In episode 137 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and guest Joe Fier talk about Delphi, an innovative technology that lets you create an AI clone of yourself. Additionally, they explore how AI tools can transform workflows, boost productivity, and enhance daily life. From writing content to making phone calls, these advancements are reshaping what's possible. Tune in to uncover the future of AI and how it transforms the way you live and work. Can you imagine having an AI clone of yourself that can answer questions, write content, and even talk to people on the phone? In this episode, I talk to Joe Fier about the latest advancements in AI, including a new technology called Delphi that allows you to create an AI clone of yourself. We discuss the possibilities of this technology, as well as other AI tools that can help you automate your workflows and live a better life. In this episode, you'll learn about: The Delphi AI technology that allows you to create an AI clone of yourself How AI can be used to automate your workflows and live a better life The latest advancements in AI, including tools that can help you write content, answer questions, and even talk to people on the phone Tune in to learn more about the future of AI and how it can help you achieve your goals. Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue 1:14 Gert introduces Joe Fier 3:04 Joe discusses the current state of AI 8:15 How AI is changing the way we learn 16:20 How AI can give you superpowers 20:37 Joe introduces the Delphi AI technology 29:53 The importance of consistent synchronization with AI 37:51 How to create enhanced versions of AI bots 42:36 How to clone your voice with AI 56:28 The future of AI 1:02:27 How to be a first mover in AI   Links: Delphi Future Tools Hustle and Flowchart Joe Fier on YouTube Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell   Guest Website Info: Joe Fier is an AI advisor and fractional worker who helps businesses automate their workflows and create better engagement with their brands. You can find Joe on social media or email him at joe@hustleandflowchart.com. Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

13 Des 20241h 7min

In Episode 136 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak delves into the concept of custom GPTs and their utility for business owners. He introduces custom GPTs as specialized AI tools tailored to specific roles, such as SEO tasks or social media content creation. By creating GPTs with detailed instructions and examples, users can save time and achieve consistency, avoiding the need to repeatedly explain tasks. Mellak emphasizes the ease of setting up these custom tools using the premium version of ChatGPT, making them invaluable for tasks like LinkedIn post creation or content optimization. Mellak discusses the strategic advantage of custom GPTs in business processes, particularly in marketing and SEO. He describes breaking down workflows into smaller tasks that can be trained into GPTs, ensuring high efficiency and precision. For instance, an SEO-focused GPT can analyze top-ranking articles to identify missing terminology or semantically relevant topics. This helps businesses create optimized, competitive content while avoiding irrelevant or cluttered information. The approach streamlines operations and leverages AI to focus on what truly matters in content creation. The episode concludes with Mellak encouraging listeners to experiment with custom GPTs and seek expert help if needed. He highlights the benefits of professional guidance for businesses looking to integrate AI seamlessly into their workflows. Additionally, Mellak directs listeners to a detailed written summary on his website and invites them to share their own GPT creations, reinforcing the collaborative potential of these tools in advancing business success. Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com AI Tools mentioned: ChatGPT

2 Des 20245min

In episode 135 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak discusses the need to convert website traffic into buyers. He stresses understanding search intent and how other platforms influence user behavior and purchases. Additionally, Gert talks about the value of a multi-platform strategy, researching audience habits, and engaging effectively. In today’s episode of the SEOLeverage podcast, Gert discusses the importance of not just attracting traffic to a website but ensuring that traffic converts to buyers. He emphasizes the significance of understanding search intent and how platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and Quora are increasingly influencing user behavior and purchases.  Gert also highlights the need for a multi-platform strategy, including audience platform research to identify key platforms where the audience spends time, and a platform strategy to engage effectively on these platforms. He also mentions the use of tools like ClickUp to manage tasks and maintain consistent visibility.   Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue 00:49 SEOLeverage Podcast Intro 01:11 Discussion on the challenges of finding buyers in a crowded online space 02:05 Explanation of how search engines are surfacing content from various sources 04:08 Real-world examples of how users find and choose products/services online 05:49 The importance of brand presence on platforms beyond Google 06:56 Introduction to the Platform Leverage program 08:15 Overview of creating a multi-platform strategy for consistent online engagement 09:40 Closing thoughts and invitation to learn more about leveraging multiple platforms   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com   Resources: Platform Leverage - A new project focusing on essential marketing strategies in the AI era   AI Tools mentioned: ChatGPT Perplexity CoPilot

27 Sep 202410min

In episode 134 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak delves into the SEO value chain, presenting it as a versatile framework that can be applied to SEO and broader business and life scenarios. The episode also highlights a new project called Platform Leverage, designed to help businesses navigate the changing landscape of AI and evolving user behaviors. In this episode, Gert explores the concept of the SEO value chain, a powerful thinking framework that can be applied to various aspects of life and business. Gert explains how this framework helps organize thoughts, focus on crucial steps, and achieve desired outcomes in SEO and beyond. He also introduces a new project called Platform Leverage, designed to help businesses navigate the changing landscape of AI and user behavior. Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue 00:45 SEOLeverage Podcast Intro 00:55 Introduction of Platform Leverage, a new project focusing on marketing essentials 01:59 The importance of controlling brand narrative across platforms in the age of AI 02:33 Explanation of the SEO value chain and its role in achieving organic revenue 03:39 The importance of Site Audits in establishing a position within the SEO value chain 04:22 How the value chain concept applies to various life situations 05:58 Closing message   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com   Resources: Platform Leverage - A new project focusing on essential marketing strategies in the AI era   AI Tools discussed: ChatGPT Perplexity Claude

6 Sep 20246min

In episode 133 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak and guest Mario Peshev break down the key strategies used to grow a seven-figure business. Beyond quick fixes, this episode focuses on building a sustainable, long-term business. If you’re aiming to grow your digital business, the actionable advice in this episode is a must-listen for success.  In this episode of SEOLeverage, host Gert Mellak interviews Mario Peshev, CEO of DevriX and Growth Shuttle, and author of "MBA Disrupted." They explore strategies for growing successful digital businesses in today's rapidly evolving market. Mario shares insights on effective client acquisition, emphasizing the value of personal connections in an AI-dominated landscape.  The discussion covers key topics such as long-term business thinking, the importance of market research and customer feedback, and the benefits of maintaining long-term client relationships. Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue 01:01 SEOLeverage Podcast Intro 01:44 Gert introduces Mario Peshev and his extensive experience in digital entrepreneurship 02:36 Mario discusses his background in software engineering and his passion for learning 06:05 The importance of balancing art, craft, and science in digital specialties and entrepreneurship 08:41 Mario explains the concept behind his book "MBA Disrupted" and the need for practical business education 17:00 Discussion on effective client acquisition models for service businesses in the current market 20:57 The value of personal, direct conversations in client acquisition and the rise of events and communities 22:34 Mario shares insights on the declining efficiency of traditional outbound marketing and PPC campaigns 26:35 The importance of playing the long game and having a long-term focus in business 30:30 Gert and Mario discuss the significance of framing expectations and building brand affinity 35:25 The crucial role of market research and gathering customer feedback in product development 41:07 Mario emphasizes the importance of adapting to enterprise clients' needs in SaaS businesses 45:15 Discussion on the value of long-term client relationships and retaining institutional knowledge 49:55 Mario provides information on how listeners can reach out and learn more about his work and book   Connect with Mario Peshev: Website: https://mariopeshev.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeshev/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/no_fear_inc Book Website: mbadisrupted.com Mario's Companies: DevriX: devrix.com Growth Shuttle: growthshuttle.com   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

23 Aug 202451min

In episode 132 of the SEOLeverage Podcast, Gert Mellak explains the detailed steps necessary to understand what caused your rankings to drop. A Google update impacting your website can be stressful, but you're not alone in dealing with it. Here, Gert breaks down the process of evaluating your site's performance and shares strategies to help you bounce back. Tune in to get actionable advice for ranking recovery. Has your website been hit by a Google update? In this episode, Gert breaks down the steps to diagnose, analyze, and recover from ranking drops. Learn how to distinguish between update impacts and other factors, understand the nuances of core updates, and discover the long-term strategies for bouncing back. Don't miss these crucial insights for navigating the ever-changing SEO landscape!  Podcast Highlights: 00:00 Prologue 00:37 SEOLeverage Podcast Intro 00:47 Episode overview and reminder about show notes at SEOLeverage.com/podcast 01:43 Analyzing the cause of ranking drops 02:34 Importance of thorough analysis to identify affected pages and keywords 03:26 How Google core updates work and their impact on search results 05:27 Helpful Content Update: Its impact and recovery process 06:00 What steps to do when hit by a Google update 06:49 Call to action: Reaching out to SEOLeverage for assistance with Google update recovery   Connect with Gert Mellak: Website: https://seoleverage.com/ Email: info@seoleverage.com

16 Aug 20247min