In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the President of SEO National, Damon Burton. A client's question about Google sparked Damon's foray into SEO. He offered to help them with SEO, but with a unique twist - he would only get paid once they achieved a specific benchmark. This unconventional approach was a game-changer, leading Damon to offer the same arrangement to other clients. Fast forward 17 years, Damon now runs a successful agency with a team of 60 specializing in SEO. While Damon's initial success was built on offering services for free, he has since shifted his focus. He now concentrates on giving away valuable content for free through social media and his book on SEO. According to Damon, giving value for free has been the most profitable thing he has done. It has helped him build trust and relationships with his audience, which is a testament to the power of free value. When asked about the role of AI in SEO and content creation, Damon offered a unique perspective. He views AI as an amplifier and magnifier of what was already there. If someone had a strong work ethic and integrity before AI, they would be even better with AI. However, AI would only magnify those shortcomings if someone relied on cutting corners. Damon humorously pointed out the difference between what Google says they're looking for and what they want. He believes that Google is likely working on improving AI detection to counter the abuse of content creation. However, he also cautions that Google's statements about AI usage should be taken with a grain of salt.   Key Points from the Episode: The challenges and benefits of offering services for free The role of AI in SEO and content creation Damon's perspective on AI as an amplifier and magnifier of existing qualities Damon's entrepreneurial journey and current day-to-day activities The importance of self-reflection and personal growth for Damon Damon's focus on team management and process improvement Damon's thoughts on what Google is looking for in the next year The potential improvements in AI detection by Google to counter content creation abuse   About Damon Burton: Damon Burton is a renowned search engine marketing expert whose expertise makes businesses thrive online. Over a decade ago, he achieved a remarkable feat by outranking a billion-dollar company on Google, which inspired him to establish his own international search engine marketing company. His company, SEO National, has worked with prominent clients, including NBA teams and businesses featured on Inc5000 and Shark Tank. In today's digital landscape, with increasing number of people seeking online content, Damon's knowledge is more relevant than ever. He understands that more than simply having a website is required. As a result, he has helped numerous high-profile clients drastically increase their revenue, some even earning more in a month than they previously did in a year. Damon Burton's expertise has earned him recognition as a Forbes contributor, and his accomplishments have been featured in various publications, such as Entrepreneur Magazine, BuzzFeed, and USA Weekly.   About SEO National: SEO National is a personalized and results-driven search engine optimization (SEO) company that goes beyond merely focusing on rankings. Their primary objective is to boost revenue for their clients, considering top rankings a valuable bonus. With an impressive portfolio, they have collaborated with recognized companies featured in the Inc. 500/5000 list in New York, high-profile attorneys in Florida and New Jersey, retail outlets in California, and various other businesses nationwide. At SEO National, every SEO campaign is dynamic and tailored to each client's specific goals and desired outcomes. Their approach involves creating customized strategies to increase return on investment (ROI) while keeping costs low. Their ultimate aim is to secure top placements on major search engines and provide clients with measurable progress reports to track the success of their SEO efforts.   Tweetable Moments: 07:35 - "If you had a little work ethic before AI, then you're going to have a little work ethic after AI." 16:34 - "So if you're willing to put in the time, have the patience, and it'll pay off."   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out SEO National website at https://www.seonational.com/ Check out SEO National on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/seo-national/ Check out SEO National on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/seonational/ Check out SEO National on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SEOnational Check out Damon Burton on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonburton/ Check out Damon Burton on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EntrepreneurDB Check out Damon Burton on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurdamon/ Check out Damon Burton on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/damon.burton Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. 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