2 - Jason Barnard - How a Billion-Pageview Dream Survived Digital Marketing Disasters

Bad Decisions With Jim Banks

Welcome back to another episode of "Bad Decisions with Jim Banks".

Today, in episode two, we have an exceptional guest, Jason Barnard, also known as the Brand SERPs Guy and easily recognizable in his signature red shirt.

I'm your host, Jim Banks, and together we'll dive into the intricacies of written processes, the crucial balance of freedom and support in teams, and the evolution of Google’s role in personal and business branding.

In this episode, Jason shares his journey from musician to digital marketing maestro, highlighting the billion page views milestone his strategies helped achieve.

We'll also discuss the backbone of successful businesses—systems, processes, and templates—and why remaining flexible within their structure is key.

Jason discusses the power of machine learning to automate and streamline within his company, Kalicube, and the overall shift from being a hands-on SEO expert to leading a dynamic team that’s steering his company forward.

He emphasizes Google's fickle nature and the need for businesses to avoid over-reliance on the search engine by diversifying their traffic sources.

We also take a personal turn, where Jason reveals how overcoming school challenges led to aspirations of reuniting with former bandmates, and how he and I reflect on the importance of school reunions for reconnecting with our past.

Get ready for a candid conversation about the importance of carving out individual brand identities, the transformation from individual contributor to CEO, and the empowerment that comes from having a strong, supportive team behind you.

Don't forget, we want to hear from you—so be sure to leave us a review, subscribe, and share "Bad Decisions with Jim Banks" with your friends.

Let's get started.

Timestamp Overview

00:00 - Changing clothes, gig, Manu Chao's shirt story.

04:30 - 25 years musician turned digital marketing SEO.

07:43 - Google aims to promote authoritative sites, despite changes.

12:49 - Received negative feedback, challenges in maintaining brand image.

15:14 - Transformation from individual to CEO, delegating responsibility.

17:55 - Focus on all aspects of business for success.

20:50 - Team helps keep me focused and productive.

23:40 - Elisa leads Kalikube Pro, solving digital marketing.

27:21 - Leading and managing teams is challenging yet rewarding.

31:00 - Remaining flexible in updating outdated processes constantly.

35:42 - End in mind, never stop thinking, work.

36:53 - Mission: Simplify digital presence through confidence and control.

39:56 - Reconnecting at a school reunion is cathartic.