You were told to "get a website" and "be on social media"—but what if the way you invested is what's holding you back? In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, Rich Haik pulls back the curtain on how businesses mess up their digital presence and what it’s really costing them.

We dig into why your website isn’t just an online brochure—it’s a 24/7 sales engine, a lead magnet, and a recruiter for top talent. Rich breaks down how most business owners treat social media like an afterthought, and why ignoring your digital assets means giving away market share to competitors who won’t.

You’ll learn why websites and social aren't expenses—they're high-yield investments that build equity, authority, and brand power when done right. From SEO mistakes that kill momentum to social strategies that actually move the needle, we’re talking about how to turn "being online" into building an unstoppable business footprint.

In today’s economy, visibility is currency—and trust is leverage. Tune in and find out how to fix your foundation before your competitors do it better.

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

AI was supposed to be your content superpower—but what if it's quietly destroying your rankings instead? In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, Rich Haik exposes the hidden downside of AI-generated content and why your blog posts, despite being faster and more frequent, might be tanking your site’s SEO.

We dive into how 2025’s wave of AI tools—though powerful—often produce regurgitated, low-value content that Google’s smarter-than-ever algorithms are beginning to de-prioritize. From rising bounce rates to robotic writing that readers won’t stick with, Rich breaks down the red flags that signal your AI strategy might be doing more harm than good.

You’ll learn why editing isn’t always the fix, how AI still fumbles with fast-moving industries, and why authenticity, originality, and human insight are your real ranking edge. Plus, get tactical tips on using AI the right way: as a brainstorm partner—not your ghostwriter—and how to build SEO-rich content that actually connects and converts.

In a sea of sameness, it’s not the loudest who win—it’s the realest. Tune in to learn how to stand out by leaning into what makes your voice human.

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

One million users in one hour. That’s how fast the new AI image generation tool inside ChatGPT took off—and it’s a sign that the visual content game is changing fast. In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, Rich Haik dives deep into the rise of generative AI and how it’s reshaping digital marketing, brand visuals, and content creation as we know it.

We break down the good (speed, scale, storytelling), the bad (ethics, copyright gray areas, creative saturation), and the ugly (AI bias, mediocre content flood, overreliance on tools). Whether you're a marketer, business owner, or creative, this episode explores how to use AI image generation effectively—for social media graphics, ad mockups, email banners, and more—without losing your brand’s authenticity.

You’ll also learn tactical tips on AI prompting, building visual brand kits, and how to stay ahead as tools like ChatGPT, Canva, Adobe Firefly, and Sora begin to dominate content workflows.

In a world where anyone with a keyboard can become a creative director, your edge comes from knowing how to use these tools strategically, ethically, and with originality.

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

S5E9: The Dark Side of Influencing

We all love a good influencer success story—but what happens when the spotlight reveals something darker? In this eye-opening episode of Let’s Talk Social, Rich Haik pulls back the curtain on the not-so-glamorous side of influencer culture. From fake followers and bot engagement to deceptive sponsorships and full-blown scams, we’re exposing the shady tactics that are costing brands big and misleading audiences everywhere.

Whether you’re a business owner diving into influencer marketing or a creator trying to do things the right way, this episode breaks down how to spot the red flags, vet partnerships, and build trust over hype. Get ready for real talk on fake followers, influencer fraud, and what it actually takes to succeed ethically in the digital space.

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

In today’s hyper-connected world, one bad post or brand misstep can spiral into a full-blown PR crisis. In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, Rich Haik dives into the world of cancel culture and what it really means for brands, business owners, and marketers trying to protect their reputation online.

From real-world examples like Honey’s affiliate link scandal and Balenciaga’s controversial campaigns to small-town business backlash, Rich explores how cancel culture operates—and more importantly, how to navigate it. You’ll learn why authenticity matters, how to monitor your brand mentions, and how to respond (not react) when things go south. Plus, tips on building long-term brand resilience that can help you weather any storm.

If you're looking to protect your brand and thrive in the age of digital accountability, this one’s a must-listen.

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to Let's Talk Social! In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the biggest digital marketing debates: Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads. Which one gives you the best return on investment, and more importantly, which one is the right choice for your business?

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Google Ads target users with high intent
• Why social media ads are great for brand awareness and engagement
• The pros and cons of each platform
• The power of combining both for maximum results
• Budgeting strategies for small businesses

Whether you're a service-based business looking for immediate leads or a brand building long-term loyalty, this episode will help you make the best advertising decision.

Listen now and let us know your thoughts. Have you found success with Google Ads or social media ads? Share your experience in the comments.

Follow us for more marketing insights:
Instagram & Facebook → @LetsTalkSocialPod
Podcast → Available on all major platforms

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow business owner!

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

Is Bluesky the Next Big Thing or Just Another Social Media Experiment?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, we’re diving into Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform backed by Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey. Is it just a Twitter clone, or could it be a game-changer for businesses in 2025? 🤔

We break it all down:
🔹 What is Bluesky? (Hint: It’s not just another social network.)
🔹 How businesses can use it to build authentic, algorithm-free communities
🔹 Key features like custom algorithms & data privacy
🔹 The challenges & potential hurdles—including the learning curve and user adoption

Is Bluesky worth your time? Will it survive in the crowded social media space? Tune in to hear my honest take.

📢 What do you think—will Bluesky take off, or is it just another social media experiment?

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!

Is the internet still the chaotic, human-powered space we remember, or has it been quietly taken over by AI, bots, and scripted interactions? In this episode of Let’s Talk Social, we dive into the Dead Internet Theory—the idea that much of today’s online content isn’t created by real people, but by artificial intelligence and algorithms shaping our digital experiences.

We explore the rise of bots, the decline of organic communities, and what this could mean for the future of social media. Is this just another tech conspiracy, or is there something to it? Tune in to find out—and maybe question that comment section a little more carefully.

🎧 Listen now and stay social (with real humans, hopefully).

Support the show

• Make sure to check out more episodes at www.ltspod.com/
• Find Let's Talk Social on Instagram here www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/
• For marketing, web design, branding and much more, check out our agency over at www. alphasocial.media/
• Find Rich on Instagram here www.instagram.com/rah.creative/

Thanks for listening!