8 - Steve Krull - How Missteps in SEO Catapulted His Career to New Heights

Bad Decisions With Jim Banks

Today we're diving into the intersection of bad decisions, digital marketing, and the power of connections with the CEO of Be Found Online, Steve Krull.

Steve's journey from exploiting a business's website weaknesses to becoming an SEO expert unfolds a tale of liberation and the birth of his agency Be Found Online (or BFO as it is better known).

We explore the raw reality of running a digital agency, touching on the importance of trust in client relationships and why sometimes, smaller is better.

We get personal about our experiences of being taken advantage of in business and our preference for the personal touch versus the allure of luxury items.

We discuss the need to stay authentic in the ever-changing landscape of social media and the shifting demographics on platforms like TikTok.

As we grapple with the latest Google core update and the role of AI in digital marketing, Steve shares his innovative approach to creating short, informative content for LinkedIn.

We dive into some tech tips and tools for podcasting and video analysis, so be sure to check the show notes to learn more about the tools discussed.

Join us as we reflect on the significance of personal connections made at conferences like Hubspot Inbound and how face-to-face interactions define our growth.

So buckle up, as we unpack the lessons learned from the missteps and the strategic moves that shape success in the digital marketing world.

This is "Bad Decisions with Jim Banks," and you're about to find out how bad decisions have paved the way for better ones for Steve Krull.

• Castmagic
• Opus Clips
• TikTok Chrome Extension for TikTok Creators & Brands
• AIPRM: Your Cheat Code for AI like ChatGPT
• Be Found Online - Chicago Digital Marketing Agency

Episode Timestamp

00:00 "Bad Decisions" podcast featuring digital marketing mistakes.

04:38 Lost business due to sharing too much.

09:16 Building lasting connections, not just networking.

11:01 Confidence in socializing helped close business deals.

15:30 Networking without expectation leads to success.

18:48 Sales manager discovers employee pretending to work.

21:49 Tech conference topics and Google updates in Vegas.

25:42 Podcast host discusses guest promotion and tools.

27:56 Struggles with writing led to blog transcription.

32:23 Respect for elders, concern about industry future.

33:23 Efficiency, growth, and diversification in agency business.

38:52 Interest in digital marketing and reaching new audience.

42:08 Chrome plugin, analyze TikTok profiles, stats summary.

42:56 Virality doesn't guarantee financial success for creators.