Brandon O’Connor is the Founder and CEO of Trustworthy Digital, a full-service digital advertising and analytics agency committed to delivering industry-leading results with integrity, transparency, and measurable outcomes. He launched the company in 2018 to transform digital marketing by eliminating unethical practices such as manipulated data and hidden pricing. Since beginning his digital marketing career in 2001, he has overseen more than $2 billion in ad spend and helped generate over $10 billion in client revenue.
About the Episode
Digital marketing is flooded with agencies that overpromise and underdeliver, leaving businesses frustrated with hidden markups and incomplete strategies. This episode explores how honesty, adaptability, and AI-powered innovation can differentiate an agency in a crowded space. Tyler Lane hosts Brandon O’Connor as they discuss strategies for building a transparent digital agency, the evolution of SEO in an AI-driven world, and how integrity creates sustainable client relationships.
Key Moments
Early Digital Career
- First exposure to online business while working at a clothing retailer in 2001 [2:05].
- Developing e-commerce and analytics expertise at Pacific Sunwear and Ticketmaster [4:50].
Why Transparency Matters
- Unethical agency practices that inspired the launch of Trustworthy Digital [6:06].
- Making client-first decisions even at short-term cost [8:03].
AI as a Strategic Partner
- How AI enhances efficiency while keeping human judgment at the center [15:46].
- Using agentic workflows to improve reporting, campaign optimization, and SEO insights [19:41].
Evolving SEO in the Age of LLMs
- Why brand reputation and community forums are key ranking signals in LLM-driven search [22:24].
- Adjusting deliverables to reflect shifts in how people find and trust information [26:13].
The Future of AI Platforms
- Predictions on analytics, monetization, and advertising inside LLM platforms [40:53].
- How AI will reshape consumer experiences like restaurant searches and reservations [45:56].
Top Insights
- Prioritize transparency in client partnerships – Openly sharing pricing, data, and results builds long-term trust and credibility in agency relationships.
- Integrate AI tools into workflows – Leveraging AI for analysis and efficiency frees up teams to focus on strategy and creativity.
- Adapt SEO strategies for LLM-driven search – Shifting focus toward brand reputation and community forums ensures visibility as traditional search rankings evolve.
- Emphasize integrity in decision-making – Recommending what’s best for clients, even at short-term cost, fosters sustainable growth and referrals.
- Prepare for new attribution models – Anticipating data loss from privacy laws helps agencies refine KPIs and maintain accurate performance reporting.
Notable Quotes
- “I really wanted to create an agency where we’re partner focused first and client success driven.”
- “The human aspect will never go away, no matter how advanced AI tools become in marketing.”
- “As long as every recommendation is in the client’s best interest, our business will thrive.”
- “I would not call myself an expert in AI, and I’m learning every single day.”
- “It would be a disservice to our clients if we ignored AI and buried our heads.”
Resources
Industry Experts
- Tyler Lane on LinkedIn
- Brandon O’Connor on LinkedIn
- Brian Kato on LinkedIn
- Kacie Jenkins on LinkedIn
Companies and Organizations
Tools and Platforms
The Transparency Mindset That Builds Trust
If you’re working with agencies that hide fees, manipulate numbers, or fail to evolve with AI, you’re leaving growth on the table. At Session Interactive, we help businesses cut through the noise with transparent strategies in SEO, paid media, and analytics that drive measurable results. Let us help you scale with integrity, efficiency, and smarter decision-making.
For more insights on digital trust, AI strategy, and marketing innovation, subscribe to the Built to Convert podcast. Ready to build campaigns that actually convert? Contact Session Interactive to see how we can help you grow with clarity and confidence.
