Marketing That POP's!

Is AI Taking Over SEO? Matt Bertram Weighs In

Written by Michele Ringelberg | May 9, 2025 4:00:00 PM

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson host Matt Bertram, Head of Digital Strategy at EWR Digital, to talk about building adaptive digital marketing strategies. Matt discusses AI’s role in marketing, how to avoid common ad mistakes, and Google’s shift toward semantic search.

Matt Bertram is the Head of Digital Strategy at EWR Digital, a digital marketing agency for industrial, energy, and B2B companies. He is also the Chief Marketing Officer at Oil and Gas Global Network, the largest network of podcasts for the oil and gas industry. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Matt has led initiatives across various industries, including energy, healthcare, and Web3. He co-hosts The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing, a top-rated SEO and digital strategy podcast.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [0:50] Matt Bertram explains how he helps brands grow through technical marketing strategies
  • [7:12] Why many brands misunderstand marketing analytics and how Matt uses data to clarify performance
  • [10:45] Matt debunks the myth that SEO is just about keywords and explains Google’s shift toward semantic search
  • [19:39] How websites with minimal copy can rank high through factors like core web vitals and click traffic
  • [27:24] The role of brand performance, PR, and domain authority in SEO performance
  • [36:38] Matt’s storytelling process for creating marketing campaigns that emotionally connect with audiences
  • [46:14] How Liquid Death and other innovative brands are outperforming through bold marketing strategies
  • [52:16] Common mistakes in digital advertising, including poor targeting and lack of personalization
  • [1:07:40] Final advice for marketers: know your audience

In this episode…

With evolving SEO algorithms, shifts in paid advertising, and the need for authentic brand storytelling, many businesses either waste marketing resources or fall behind on their strategies. How can companies adapt their marketing strategies to remain effective and competitive?

Digital marketing and SEO strategist Matt Bertram recommends embracing data-driven strategies, focusing on storytelling to build brand trust, and tailoring marketing tactics to evolving algorithms and audience behaviors. He has developed the “7-11-4” formula, which involves ensuring prospects consume seven hours of content, encounter a brand 11 times, and see it across four platforms. By prioritizing strategic alignment, continuous learning, and targeted experimentation, companies can generate impactful results.

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson host Matt Bertram, Head of Digital Strategy at EWR Digital, to talk about building adaptive digital marketing strategies. Matt discusses AI’s role in marketing, how to avoid common ad mistakes, and Google’s shift toward semantic search.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

  • “Really, what I do all day is help solve problems, but I can’t help everybody.”
  • “Good marketing costs money and is an investment, and you have to stand out today.”
  • “SEO is not just about keywords anymore; it’s about fully answering the question properly.”
  • “People remember the stories, and that’s what moves them forward in the sales process.”
  • “The ‘7-11-4’ formula means seven hours of content, 11 touches, and four different platforms.”

Action Steps:

  1. Prioritize data-driven decision-making: Using analytics to guide marketing strategies ensures efforts are targeted, measurable, and adaptable. This prevents wasted resources and builds confidence in campaign effectiveness.
  2. Develop a storytelling framework for your brand: Crafting stories that position your customer as the hero creates emotional connections and engagement. This approach fosters trust and makes your message more memorable.
  3. Apply the “7-11-4” marketing rule: Aim for seven hours of content consumption, 11 brand touches, and visibility across four platforms. This builds familiarity and trust, which is essential for moving prospects toward conversion.
  4. Continuously adapt SEO strategies to algorithm changes: Staying current with evolving SEO trends keeps your content competitive in search rankings. This adaptability protects against traffic loss and maximizes visibility.
  5. Evaluate client fit before engagement: Taking time to assess whether a client aligns with your services improves long-term satisfaction and results. This prevents resource drain and creates space for ideal partnerships.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by ThrivePOP, the #1 cannabis marketing agency for B2B and B2C companies. 

We are a women-led team of strategists, graphic designers, social media specialists, and web developers who work with dispensaries and cannabis service businesses to implement marketing strategies in a regulated industry. 

ThrivePOP creates unique marketing campaigns to inspire, create, and grow cannabis-focused businesses.

To learn more, visit https://thrivepop.com/ or book a meeting with a dedicated marketing strategist at https://thrivepop.com/contact-us.