Search Marketing Group, a leading Australian digital marketing firm, has been awarded a 2024 Global Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to digital marketing. The award highlights the company's effective strategies, measurable results, and industry influence, particularly in SEO and Google Ads campaign optimization.

Founder Deepak Verma credits the firm’s success to its data-driven methodologies, which have consistently delivered above-industry-average results across key market sectors, including retail, professional services, and technology.

Growth and Performance Metrics

1. Strong Year-Over-Year Growth

• 40% annual growth compared to previous fiscal periods.
• Expansion into new industry sectors driven by increased client demand.

2. The ‘Velocity Growth Formula’ – A Data-Driven Approach

• Combines SEO with Google Ads landing page development.
• Integrates advanced analytics, conversion tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Delivers a 35% average increase in ROI within six months.

3. High Client Retention & Success Rates

• 90% client retention rate, reflecting consistent results.
• Average search visibility improvement of 45%.
• 60% increase in qualified lead generation within the first three months.

“Our methodology creates predictable outcomes for businesses investing in digital marketing,” explains Deepak Verma, emphasizing systematic campaign optimization as a core strength.

Client Portfolio and Market Position

1. Over 500 Clients Served

• Diverse client base in healthcare, education, trades, and professional services.
• Recognized by the City of Melbourne Awards and the APAC Search Award 2024 for digital marketing innovation.

2. High-Quality Service Delivery

• Five-star client ratings for customer support and transparent reporting.
• Competitive pricing with consistent delivery of results within 90 days.
• 40% increase in new client acquisitions year-over-year through referrals.

Industry Impact

1. Pioneering Digital Marketing Best Practices

For over 13 years, Search Marketing Group has developed efficient, measurable digital marketing processes, focusing on:

• Advanced analytics integrated with real-world implementation strategies.
• Clear reporting structures ensuring clients understand performance metrics.
• Adoption of emerging technologies to stay ahead of digital trends.

“Search Marketing Group demonstrates consistent performance and reliable results for their clients,” notes Alex Sterling from Global Recognition Awards.

2. Setting New Industry Standards

• Proven repeatable success across multiple industries.
• Establishing benchmarks for digital marketing performance measurement.
• Continued innovation through strategic refinements and technology adoption.

Winning the 2024 Global Recognition Award underscores Search Marketing Group’s commitment to measurable success, innovation, and client-focused digital marketing strategies. With strong growth, high retention rates, and industry-leading results, the firm is poised to expand its influence and redefine best practices in digital marketing.

Code and Theory, a leading technology and creative network under Stagwell, has been recognized as Ad Age's inaugural Business-to-Business (B2B) Agency of the Year. Known for its 50% creative and 50% engineering balance, the agency is redefining B2B customer experiences, demystifying martech stacks, and pioneering AI applications that drive business growth and long-term value.

This recognition comes amid a year of high-impact projects that have transformed major global brands, redefining their digital strategies, customer engagement, and industry positioning.

Transformative B2B Impact

1. Revolutionizing Amazon Ads

• Transformed Amazon Ads into an SMB-friendly advertising powerhouse.
• Achieved +66% unaided awareness among small-business advertisers.

2. Qualcomm’s Industry Shift to Developers (B2D)

• Led Qualcomm’s transition from B2B to B2D (Business to Developer).
• Built the largest developer ecosystem in the world, increasing developer website visits by 540%.

3. Thomson Reuters’ First Rebrand in 16 Years

• Shifted perception from a legacy content provider to an AI-driven technology company.
• Awareness campaign led to +40% increase in unaided awareness.

4. Volvo Trucks’ Fleet-First Digital Transformation

• Launched an innovative fleet-first digital experience, surpassing competitors.
• Achieved a 350% increase in visitors at launch.

5. ETS’s Global Expansion into Workforce Solutions

• Transformed ETS from an education company into a workforce solutions leader.
• Increased B2B leads by 78% through ETS Solutions.

Expanding Capabilities: Media and Leadership Growth

1. New Media Experience Practice

• Led by Jessica Giles, former Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief.
• Focused on helping publishers adapt and grow in the digital age.

2. First Global CMO Appointment

• James O'Brien named as Global Chief Marketing Officer.
• Tasked with strengthening Code and Theory’s global client service offerings.

Industry Recognition & Awards

In addition to Ad Age's B2B Agency of the Year, Code and Theory has received multiple high-profile industry honors in 2024, including:

• Ad Age's Business Transformation Agency of the Year
• ANA’s B2B Agency of the Year
• Digiday’s Most Innovative Agency

Driving the Future of AI and Digital Transformation

1. AI as a Driver of Customer Engagement

• AI is more than a tool—it enables real personalization, efficient communication, and data-driven insights.
• Code and Theory’s approach anticipates user needs, deepens customer relationships, and drives engagement, conversion, and loyalty.

2. Commitment to Innovation and Digital Evolution

Michael Treff, CEO of Code and Theory, emphasizes the agency’s passion for solving complex digital problems:
"Nothing is more rewarding than creating solutions that deliver real results. This recognition from Ad Age reinforces our dedication to helping clients transform their businesses in an AI-first landscape."

Code and Theory’s AI-driven, tech-enabled, and creative-first approach has made it a pioneer in B2B digital transformation. As the first-ever Ad Age B2B Agency of the Year, the agency continues to set new benchmarks in martech, AI integration, and customer experience innovation, proving that the future of B2B marketing lies in the balance of creativity and technology.

Creatopy, the AI-powered digital ad platform, has named Tammy H. Nam as its new CEO and Board Member. Nam, a seasoned leader with nearly 30 years of experience scaling global tech startups, joins Creatopy at a time of exponential growth and AI-driven transformation in digital marketing.

Already trusted by brands like AstraZeneca, NASCAR, and The Economist, Creatopy simplifies digital ad production and delivery, enabling marketers to achieve faster results and improved ROI. With Nam at the helm, the company is poised to scale its business globally and disrupt traditional digital advertising models with AI.

Rapid Growth and Market Momentum

• 400% revenue growth in midmarket and enterprise segments in just one year.
• Series A $10 million funding in 2023, led by 3VC and Point Nine.
• Expansion from SMBs to enterprise clients, increasing market share among larger brands.

"Tammy is one of the best operators I know; I have every confidence that she will lead Creatopy through this tremendous time of AI innovation and disruption in the marketing space." – Eva Arh, Board Member, 3VC

Tammy H. Nam’s Track Record of Success

1. Leading Picsart to Unicorn Status

• Scaled Picsart to over 100 million users.
• Led the company to profitability, a unicorn valuation, and expansion into 10+ countries.

2. Transforming Viki into a Global Streaming Powerhouse

• Served as CEO and CMO of Viki, later acquired by Rakuten.
• Spearheaded global expansion and market dominance in streaming.

3. Expertise in High-Growth Tech Startups

• Held executive leadership roles at Scribd and Slide (acquired by Google).
• Deep expertise in scaling marketing, AI-powered platforms, and consumer engagement.

The Future of AI-Powered Digital Advertising

1. Disrupting Traditional Digital Ad Creation

• AI is revolutionizing ad design, deployment, and optimization.
• Creatopy provides a seamless alternative to fragmented AI tools and bloated enterprise software.

"Marketers today face a choice between costly, complex software or disconnected AI tools. Creatopy bridges that gap by leveraging AI to transform how digital ads are created, published, and measured." – Tammy H. Nam, CEO, Creatopy

2. Strengthening Creatopy’s Global Presence

• Expanding operations across the U.S., Romania, and Western Europe.
• Aggressive push into enterprise markets, strengthening Creatopy’s competitive position.

With Tammy H. Nam’s leadership and expertise, Creatopy is set to redefine digital advertising through AI-driven efficiency, scale, and innovation. As brands increasingly seek cost-effective, AI-powered solutions, Creatopy is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital marketing transformation.

Marketer.co, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and link building, is expanding its offerings with Link Gap Analysis and Backlink Audits. These new services will help businesses:

• Identify missed link opportunities by analyzing competitor backlinks.
• Improve backlink health by detecting and removing toxic links.
• Strengthen domain authority through strategic link-building efforts.

"As search engines continue to evolve, a strong, high-quality backlink profile remains one of the most critical factors for ranking success." – Nate Nead, CEO, Marketer.co

Enhancing SEO Strategies with Data-Driven Link Building

1. Link Gap Analysis: Uncovering Competitive Opportunities

• Identifies authoritative websites linking to competitors but not to the client’s site.
• Helps businesses bridge the link gap and gain high-quality backlinks.
• Enhances organic search visibility and ranking potential.

2. Backlink Audits: Strengthening Backlink Profiles

• Evaluates existing backlinks to detect toxic or low-quality links.
• Ensures only valuable, high-authority links contribute to SEO rankings.
• Reduces risk of Google penalties and algorithmic downgrades.

"Backlinks are the backbone of SEO, but not all links are beneficial. A well-executed backlink audit ensures that our clients’ websites gain strong links while eliminating harmful ones." – Timothy Carter, CRO, Marketer.co

Delivering Competitive SEO Advantages

• Increases organic traffic by securing high-value backlinks.
• Improves search rankings with a cleaner, more authoritative link profile.
• Provides actionable insights to enhance SEO performance and resilience.

"In today’s competitive digital landscape, success requires a strategic, analytical approach. Our new offerings give clients an edge by capitalizing on the best link-building opportunities while mitigating risks from poor-quality backlinks." – Samuel Edwards, CMO, Marketer.co

With Link Gap Analysis and Backlink Audits, Marketer.co empowers businesses to refine their SEO strategies, close link gaps, and maintain a high-quality backlink profile. These services ensure that companies stay ahead of competitors and achieve sustainable search visibility.

OPIC Technologies, Inc., a leader in Spatial Live Technology, is redefining how fans experience live sports. By combining real-time 3D streaming with immersive engagement, OPIC’s cutting-edge technology allows viewers to feel like they’re inside the stadium, delivering a dynamic and interactive perspective on live events.

A New Dimension in Sports Viewing

Limitations of Traditional Sports Broadcasts

• Fixed camera angles restrict the viewer’s experience.
• Limited interaction reduces fan engagement.
• The stadium atmosphere is lost through passive viewing.

How OPIC’s Spatial Live Technology Enhances the Experience

• 360° Game Viewing – Fans can shift perspectives, watching from the sidelines, behind the net, or even from a player’s point of view.
• Stadium Atmosphere Simulation – Viewers feel the crowd’s energy, enhancing emotional connection to the game.
• Real-Time Engagement – Interactive features let fans connect, access exclusive content, and engage with live events.

"Sports have always been about more than just the game—they’re about the atmosphere, the emotions, and the shared experience. With Spatial Live Technology, we’re bringing fans closer to the action, no matter where they are." – Bob Douglas, CEO, OPIC Technologies

Enhancing the Fan Experience with 3D Livestreaming

• Customizable Viewing – Choose from multiple angles and perspectives.
• Immersive Presence – Watch a race from the driver’s seat or a championship game from courtside.
• Seamless Digital Interaction – Engage with other fans and enhance the social aspect of live sports.

The Future of Live Sports

As technology transforms entertainment, OPIC Technologies leads the way in bridging the gap between digital access and real-world presence. By making live sports more immersive, engaging, and interactive, Spatial Live Technology is revolutionizing how fans experience their favorite teams and athletes.

OPIC Technologies is not just changing how fans watch sports—it’s elevating how they experience them. As immersive streaming evolves, Spatial Live Technology ensures that fans remain closer to the game than ever before.

IZEA Worldwide, Inc., a leading influencer marketing solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Frank Carvalho as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With over three decades of experience in marketing, sales, and digital transformation, Carvalho brings a wealth of expertise to further IZEA’s mission of driving innovation in the Creator Economy.

Frank Carvalho’s Background and Expertise

• Over 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and digital transformation.
• Previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Foap, where he played a crucial role in global expansion and strategic partnerships.
• Held leadership roles at renowned agencies like Leo Burnett and Publicis Groupe.
• Worked with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Merck, and Vodafone, leading impactful marketing strategies.
• Recognized for driving brand innovation, consumer engagement, and large-scale digital transformation.

Carvalho’s Role at IZEA

• Will oversee sales and marketing efforts to accelerate business growth.
• Aims to strengthen IZEA’s client partnerships and expand its industry influence.
• Leverages deep expertise in social platforms and the Creator Economy to enhance engagement.
• Committed to fostering collaboration between brands, creators, and platforms.

Leadership Perspectives on Carvalho’s Appointment

• Patrick Venetucci, CEO of IZEA: Emphasizes Carvalho’s expertise in marketing, sales, and agency leadership as key to IZEA’s continued growth and success.
• Frank Carvalho: Expresses excitement about joining IZEA and driving innovation to strengthen brand engagement within the Creator Economy.

Frank Carvalho’s appointment as EVP of Sales and Marketing marks a strategic move for IZEA. His experience in marketing, sales, and digital strategy positions him as a pivotal leader in IZEA’s efforts to expand its influence and empower brands, creators, and platforms worldwide.

GetResponse, a leading email marketing and automation platform, has announced the relaunch of its Affiliate Program. The program now features higher commission rates, a simplified structure, and a more user-friendly management platform. These updates aim to provide affiliates with greater earning potential and an improved experience.

Enhancements in the Affiliate Program

• New Management Platform: The program is now hosted on PartnerStack, offering affiliates a seamless experience with improved tracking and management tools.
• Simplified Commission Model: The program moves to a single commission structure, eliminating the previous choice between recurring and bounty models.
• Higher Base Commission: The base commission rate has increased from 33% lifetime to 40% for the first 12 months on new referrals.
• Tiered Incentives for Top Performers:
  • 50 referrals in 12 months → Earn 50% commission for 12 months.
  • 100 referrals in 12 months → Earn 60% commission for 12 months.

What Remains Unchanged?

• Ongoing Affiliate Support: GetResponse continues to invest in its affiliate community, ensuring access to tools and resources.
• Continued Earning Potential: Affiliates can still generate revenue by referring new customers.
• Legacy Commissions Protected: Current affiliates on the legacy platform will retain their lifetime commission structure until further notice.

Industry Perspectives on the Relaunch

• Erica Grodin, Head of Affiliate and Partnerships, GetResponse:
  "We’re excited to introduce these updates, making it easier than ever for affiliates to succeed and maximize their earnings."
• Leslie Samuel, Business Coach & Entrepreneurial Biologist:
  "GetResponse has empowered me to build a sustainable business while helping others. This program relaunch will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve long-term success."

With an enhanced commission structure, a simplified approach, and a transition to PartnerStack, the GetResponse Affiliate Program is set to deliver greater opportunities for affiliates. These changes reflect the company’s commitment to fostering a strong partner ecosystem and helping affiliates succeed.

Adcom, a leading Midwest-based integrated marketing agency, has announced its acquisition of Spark Your Brand, Inc., a specialized branding and merchandising agency. This acquisition strengthens Adcom’s expertise in wholesale, retail, and eCommerce merchandising, further solidifying its position as a full-funnel marketing solutions provider.

Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition

• Expanded Industry Expertise:

  • Spark* brings specialized knowledge in the tools and building products industry, aligning with Adcom’s core focus areas.
  • The acquisition enhances Adcom’s branding and merchandising capabilities.

• Enhanced Service Offerings:

  • The merger integrates high-quality branding, merchandising, and full-funnel marketing solutions under one roof.
  • Clients will benefit from a more comprehensive suite of services across digital, retail, and wholesale marketing.

• Strengthening Talent & Culture:

  • Randy Golenberg, CEO of Spark*, will continue leading Spark* as a business unit within Adcom.
  • The combined team will drive innovation, creativity, and measurable impact at every stage of the customer journey.
  • A shared business and cultural alignment ensures a seamless transition.

Leadership Insights on the Acquisition

• Craig Martin, Chief Growth Officer, Adcom:
  "This acquisition strengthens our full-funnel marketing capabilities, allowing us to drive measurable impact for our clients."

• Randy Golenberg, CEO, Spark Your Brand:
  "Joining Adcom enables us to scale our expertise and deliver even greater results for our clients while maintaining our brand identity."

• Justin Morcelle, President & COO, Adcom:
  "Spark*’s talented team enhances our ability to create top-tier marketing programs, making this partnership a perfect fit."

• Joe Kubic, CEO, Adcom:
  "This move reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation within the region’s marketing landscape."

With Spark* operating as a business unit within Adcom, the integration ensures continuity for existing clients while unlocking new growth opportunities. Adcom remains dedicated to delivering high-impact marketing solutions and enhancing the creative marketing ecosystem.