In this episode of Time to Thrive, host Bethany Meadows sits down with Rich Brooks, founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast and conference. With nearly three decades of digital marketing expertise, Rich unpacks what it really takes to create a digital presence that not only attracts attention—but actually converts.
From the early days of dial-up to the AI-driven landscape of today, Rich shares tried-and-true strategies for small business owners to get results online without breaking the bank. Discover why content marketing remains king, how to choose the right platforms, and what most businesses are missing when it comes to lead generation and SEO. Plus, you'll hear practical tips on how to make your website your best salesperson—even if you're just starting out.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by tech or trying to figure out your next marketing move, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and a few laughs along the way.
🎯 Topics covered:
- Building a website that drives results
- The underrated power of SEO (and how to get started)
- Why "set it and forget it" doesn’t work for lead generation
- Creating content that actually builds trust
- How to stay human in a world full of AI
If you're a small business owner ready to cut through the noise and start seeing real traction online, this is your episode.
00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ridge Brooks
00:38 Random Question: Qualities of a Great Parent
01:31 Digital Marketing Strategies: Then and Now
03:52 Starting Digital Marketing on a Small Budget
05:39 The Role of Social Media in Digital Marketing
10:30 Effective Lead Generation Tips
13:45 SEO Strategies for Small Businesses
18:43 Adapting to Market Shifts and AI
19:46 Leveraging AI for Marketing
20:44 Embracing Change and Authenticity
22:09 Conversion Optimization Strategies
22:43 Building Trust and Authority
26:00 The Role of Social Proof
29:58 Balancing AI and Human Touch
34:45 Remarkability in Business
37:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Discover the strategies, systems and skills that lead to success in business. Visit TimeToThriveInBusiness.com to learn more.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.