No man is an island, and I just wanted to say a very public “thank you” and “atta boy/girl” to the digital marketing leaders and brands that inspire me to stretch as an entreprenuer and digital marketing professional. As a child I grew up in a household where my father and mother emphasized technology use. My father and mother were my first inspiration(s). I was the first kid in my elementary school classes to turn in typed papers. In my household STEAM for me stood for Science, Technology, Entreprenuership/Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. So when I reflect on those professionals and brands who inspire me and have the most influence, that are NOT my parents, I compiled the following list (in alphabetical order):
1. Amazon
Amazon has pivoted in the market place a ton of times since it started in February of 1994. Amazon started out as just a website selling books. Now you can buy cars, and even hire a plumber or electrician on amazon.com. The reason why this brand is so inspiring is because it really has a wonderful backlink and on page optimization strategy. Amazon has created one of the most amazing affiliate programs on the planet, and in addition to getting valuable traffic and profit sharing with bloggers that generate traffic for them, they are also getting backlinks to all of their product pages which is brilliant. Finally I love how they really make sure that all of their website has a tremendous amount of rich content. When consulting businesses, I like to use Amazon as an example because their website is the perfect example of search engine optimization perfection.
My Take Away: Optimize like crazy, and don’t be skimpy on the content.
2. Beyonce
Beyonce is one of three artists/brands on this list. As a violinist and digital marketing professional I definitely take notes from Beyonce for two reasons. Beyonce is an artist who started as a singer in the group Desiny’s Child. This group’s first album was released on May 1, 2001. Since then Beyonce has become a solo artist, wife, mother, international superstar, and the first black woman to ever headline Coachella. From a marketing standpoint she is one of the few brands with a branded fan base called the Beyhive. Even McDonald’s has never ever achieved this feat. When you think about maintaining your authentic voice as a brand, company, website, Beyonce definitely takes it the next level. Beyonce I admire because she has taken and developed the best social media strategies and digital technology by leveraging forums to organize her fan base on a deep level, and her music is very vulnerable with addressing her pain and family drama like in the song, “Flawless” she shares some intimate moments in her life. She has also been known to get political via her choice of costumes for her dancers by drawing from the black panthers, and inserting snippets from Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and notorious historical figure, Malcolm X. She uses a snippet from one of his speeches in her album, Lemonade, “”The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman.” Even the extremely accomplish British vocalist Adele continues to publicly rave about everything that is Beyonce. It’s rel
My Take Away: Be intentional about speaking in your authentic voice. Develop your branded hashtags and share your “pain” as appropriate. Establish a real connection to your fan base, and always say thank you!
3. Daryl Rosser
Daryl Rosser is amazing Digtial Marketing expert based in Asia. He started a blog for digital marketing professionals called, “Lion Zeal”. At one time he was a broke struggling SEO, but he started to gather blogs, and sought out advice, and he has been able to grow his business to very successful one, and he travels to 7+ countries a year. I subscribe to his daily tips newsletter, and I really like his brand’s voice. His brand’s voice is relaxed, down to earth, and full of value. He is very approachable, and shares some valuble insight. He definitely has shared some great strategies, software tools and more via his website and YouTube channel. You can check out his website here.
He has been featured on Search Engine Journal, Diggity, GotchSEO, and ahrefs.
My Take Away: If you don’t know ask, and you will learn, and achieve your goals!
4. Fraser Hay
If you are not new to following me, then you probably have heard of Fraser Hay. Fraser Hay has been my business mentor for almost a decade now. He is a Marketing and Business coach from Aberdeen, United Kingdom. I met him online years ago when I was working at a digital marketing agency based out of Novi, Michigan. He has coached me on topics as diverse as a business plans, sales, closing techniques, lead generation, and roi determination. In addition, he was a featured panelist for 2016’s first ever THE SEO Queen Virtual Summit which will be coming back in 2019. Fraser Hay is very approachable, a prolific author, and consumate digital marketing and business professional. For years I would not share how I really felt about Fraser, for fear of the competition getting a leg up on me, but I think Fraser is too good to keep a secret. I highly recommend his expertise. Get his books at a minium if you can’t afford to hire him as a coach. His books are featured in the SEO QUEEN BOOK Club.
My Take Away: Read any and everything by Fraser Hay, your profit margins will not regret it.
5. Marvel Comics
In February 2018, Marvel Comics released a movie called, Black Panther. This movie was talked about on social media extensively (myself included) using the hashtags #wakandaforever #blackpanther. Black Panther reached the $1Billion Dollars milestone worldwide by its 26th day of release. Black Panther became one of those movies that people bragged about seeing multiple times (myself included). This is Walt Disney’s 16th title and Marvel’s 5th to exceed $1Billion Dollars in revenue.
My Take Away: You cannot afford to ignore the power of social media. Branded hashtags pay. Developing an online buzz creates profits. Finally, telling your unique story is a good thing.
6. Neil Patel (SEO)
This man never sleeps. He is always working hard to research the changes in Google’s Algorithm so you don’t have too. When he started out in SEO he did not know what he was doing, but over time he has launched multiple 7 figure busiensses. Crazy Egg, Kissmetrics, and Neil Patel Marketing to name a few. I have taken his advice to the bank. He is also friends and colleagues with expert number 9 on this list, Tai Lopez. Neil Patel knows everything about SEO. Link Building, On page, Google Webmaster tools. You name it, he is my continuing education go to for all things SEO. As a mom and artist I really admire his determination and dedication to his company. His motto is to work longer and harder than your competition and you will win everytime.
My take away: SEO is not easy, but it is worth the time and investment to get on Google Page 1.
7. Rihanna
According to Billboard.com, Rihanna spoke out about SnapChat in March 2018, and SnapChat’s stock value plunged by $800 Million dollars. That is influence! Just like Beyonce, Rihanna’s fan base is branded. Her fan base is called #RihannaNavy. Rihanna has been interviewed by Tai Lopez, and she also has her own foundation that helps finance, encourage education for young people globally. She has been acknowledged by Harvard University for her activism, and her Diamond Ball fundraiser is legendary. Rihanna is a force to be reckoned with. She has created a brand that included global activism, music, clothing, and beauty. I admire her brand because it shows the power of being passionate about helping others through her activism, and her creativity as a business woman with her branded fan base, and her influence with the recent developments with SnapChat.
My take away: Establish an authentic voice and connection to your fan base and you will go far!
8. Snoop Dogg
The Master of Instagram, Rap, TV Shows and more! This music and media mogul is one of the most notorious graduates from my High School Alma Mater, Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Go Jackrabbits go! My High School has put the #2 most draft picks in the NFL. He put the LBC on the map in the music world. It is no wonder that Snoop Dogg is passionate about community, music, weed, fashion, and media. When BET recently had their social media awards he was snubbed, but not here on TheSEOQUEEN.NET. I give credit where credit is due. I went through college listening to his music, and now he has put out a gospel music album that has been at the top of the charts for over a month! The Bible of Love is still getting rave reviews. Personally I have to shout out the song Blessed and Highly Favored by the Clark Sisters. Snoop Dogg remixed that song and re-recorded it with the clark sisters and it blessed my soul. with that he remixed I highly recommend!) He put the LBC on the map in the music world. I could say more about Snoop Dogg, but I will just say that his media empire continues to grow, surprise and delight.
My take Away: Maile Ohye of Google was right about surprising and delighting the masses when she talked about the importance of this at Search Engine Journal’s Day of Keynotes in Santa Monica on April 13, 2016. Snoop Dogg has taken this strategy and strengthened his brand influence, reach, and revenue.
9. Tai Lopez
Tai Lopez (l) Zhe Scott, The Seo Queen (r)
I have been following Tai Lopez for a few years. I had the opportunity to go see him in October 2017 at his Santa Monica conference. That picture on the left is a selfie of me and Tai together. If you watch videos on YouTube, chances are that you have seen one of his videos. He has spent millions on paid ad marketing to advertise the Knowledge Society’s events, 67 Steps, and more. Like Snoop Dogg, Tai Lopez has lived in Long Beach, and traveled the world. He has even interviewed Rihanna, Mark Cuban and more. What I like and admire about Tai Lopez is that he really cares about his clients and prospects. Although his company that focuses on coaching and online business is huge, he live streams every night great content to add value to all who tune in. I think Tai is a big inspiration and because of one of his videos, I will be launching a new book and vlog in the near future.
My take away: Be yourself, care about your clients, and get help. There is no shame in asking questions and getting advice.
10. TeeJ Mercer
I was introduced to the fabulousness that TeeJ by one of my mentors and friends, Dr. Deena Brown. I admire TeeJ Mercer, also known as the Chief Noise Maker because she has really broken down Public Relations in a phenomenal way. She teaches valuable strategies such as News Jacking, Press Release Marketing, Branding and more. Like Beyonce and Rihanna her community is branded and called, Media Mavericks. In a coaching business community where others may choose to limit your focus and voice, TeeJ teaches her media mavericks to be unapologetically awesome, combine and leverage their strengths to take their business and visibility in the media to the next level. Developing meaningful celebrity is her speciality, and her tactics work! Through the advice and consulting of Dr. Deena Brown and TeeJ I have found a way to merge my two seemingly disparate interests and expertise areas of marketing and music.
My take away: Use your authentic voice, expect to be someone’s unexpected blessing in business. Be unapologetically awesome and you. Speak up!
Wow! In conclusion I hope you enjoyed this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing this and reflecting on all of the amazing brands and individuals that have inspired my professional endeavors along the way. I do want to share a bonus before I end this post:
Bonus: My favorite digital marketing conference: DigiMarcon
I HIGHLY recommend this for digital marketing professionals and businesses who want cutting edge strategies, technology, and tools to drive value for their online marketing. It is at this conference that I have learned about one of my current hosting companies that I use, viral marketing tools, and more. If you want to meet Digital Marketing professionals from all over the world and get connected to remendous value, I highly recommend this conference. you will not be disappointed!
Early Bird Rates now through May 4th! Click here for more information.
