Business
In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Austin sits down with Steve Knapp, President at Seedless Media, a cannabis-only digital marketing agency that’s rewriting the rules in a highly regulated space.
Steve shares why he fired over 15 marketing agencies (including one he co-owned) and how that painful journey inspired him to build a radically different agency model—one rooted in integrity, results, and relentless efficiency.
He dives deep into the importance of automation with tools like N8N and AI agents, his strategic approach to client success management, and why most SEO agencies are still getting it wrong.
From understanding localized SEO to leveraging Shopify for cannabis eCommerce, Steve lays out a blueprint for scaling in industries full of red tape.
He also gives a rare look into Seedless Media’s internal incentive structures, onboarding processes, and leadership philosophy that turns team members into future leaders.
If you’re growing an agency, working in SEO, or marketing in regulated industries, this episode is a must-listen.
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In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 - 01:18: Introduction
01:18 - 03:35: Why Most Agencies Fail Their Clients
03:35 - 05:14: AI & Automation - The Agency Game-Changer
05:14 - 08:07: The 16-Client Rule - A New Standard in CSM
08:07 - 10:51: Building a Culture of Accountability & Incentives
10:51 - 14:31: High-Stakes Sales - Incentives, Competition & Ownership
14:31 - 18:14: Gutting the Company - Steve’s First 30 Days as CEO
18:14 - 20:27: SEO in Regulated Industries – What Actually Works
20:27 - 21:57: LLMs, AEO & The Future of SEO With AI
21:57 - 23:37: Cannabis Ecommerce & Shopify’s New Power
23:37 - 24:50: Owning the Data - Why This Agency Wins
24:50 - 27:20: Link Building in a Gray Market
27:20 - 28:17: What He’s Betting On in the Next 12 Months
28:17 - 29:05: Final Thoughts
Connect with Steve Knapp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-knapp-722229153/
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