Digital PR, the state of the industry, and what’s next for Authority Hacker with Mark Webster

Welcome to Market Movers: Building Brands and Links with Linkifi! Your ultimate destination for learning how to transform your business into an unforgettable brand. Hosted by Chris Panteli and Nick Biggs, Co-Founders of Linkifi, this podcast bridges the worlds of branding, SEO, and link-building to help you stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

 

This Week’s Guest: Mark Webster, Co-Founder of Authority Hacker, joins us to discuss the seismic changes in affiliate SEO, navigating Google’s recent updates, and the future of digital PR and AI in online marketing. Mark shares insights into building sustainable businesses, pivoting post-affiliate crash, and Authority Hacker’s strategies for 2025 and beyond.

 

Key Takeaways:

Affiliate SEO: The Decline and Pivot

• State of Affiliate SEO: Mark confirms that affiliate SEO is "99% dead" for beginners due to Google’s core algorithm and helpful content updates.
• Shift in SERPs: Google now prioritizes direct sellers and large publications, eliminating many ranking opportunities for affiliate sites.
• Authority Hacker’s Response: Transitioning away from affiliate-focused content and creating broader, more diverse offerings.

Building Brands Beyond SEO

• Diversification: Success today demands multi-channel marketing: podcasts, YouTube, LinkedIn, and a robust social media presence.
• Digital PR Dominance: Authority Hacker has systematized digital PR strategies to secure high-quality links, a crucial tactic in modern SEO.
• Link Building Strategies: Emphasis on linkable assets, data-driven campaigns, and creative storytelling tailored to trends and media interest.

AI Integration in Marketing

• AI for Efficiency: Tools like Claude.ai are revolutionizing content creation and system automation.
• Innovative Uses: Authority Hacker’s AI-enhanced processes include transcript analyzers, meeting summaries, and scalable data processing.
• Future-Proofing: Mark advises businesses to prioritize AI adoption to save time, reduce costs, and avoid falling behind competitors.

Digital PR Training with Marketing Pros

• Partnership: Authority Hacker collaborates with Marketing Pros to train and place digital PR specialists.
• Curriculum: Comprehensive link-building training, including digital PR, designed to prepare professionals for industry roles.
• Key Strategy: Data-driven campaigns are most effective, particularly those tapping into the current cultural or economic sentiment.

About Mark Webster:

Mark is the Co-Founder of Authority Hacker, an online marketing education platform helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses. Starting with SEO agencies, Mark transitioned to teaching and training through Authority Hacker after identifying the need for structured, accessible resources.

Achievements:

• Over 15,000 courses sold.
• Co-host of the Authority Hacker Podcast with 360+ episodes.
• Pioneering new approaches in digital PR, SEO, and AI integration.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Authority Hacker:  AuthorityHacker.com
• Authority Hacker Podcast: Available on major platforms.
• Marketing Pros: Specialists in link-building and digital PR recruitment.

Linkifi Can Help You Win Big! Linkifi secures high-authority backlinks and media coverage through digital PR, helping businesses boost visibility, search rankings, and traffic. 🚀

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