The Future of Search: SEO, AI, and Answer Engines with Drew Harden
Description
In this episode of Founders Future, with host Ammar Elm, we sit down with Drew Harden, the visionary founder and CEO of Blue Compass. Drew takes us back to the genesis of his premier digital marketing agency, recounting how a combination of a shifting workplace culture and a passion for the dynamic potential of the web led him and a colleague to take a leap of faith in 2007. He shares the foundational lessons learned from his early career in graphic design and animation, and how the desire to build meaningful, long-term client partnerships—not just execute one-off projects—became the core of Blue Compass's philosophy.
Drew delves into the agency's strategic approach, which centers on a powerful one-two punch: first, building a highly strategic, SEO-first website designed for maximum user conversion, and second, supporting it with an ongoing retainer focused on active monitoring, optimization, and transparent client relationships. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of digital marketing, including the impactful rise of AI and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Drew provides his expert insight on why high-quality, generously shared content is more crucial than ever and how meeting users where they are—whether on traditional search or new AI platforms—is the key to future-proofing a digital presence.
United States
