Most agencies are selling you smoke. I'll show you what's real.
Twice a week, I break down what's actually working in digital marketing and SEO; and call out the tactics agencies use to bill you for nothing. No fluff, no guru talk. Join 200+ BC business owners already getting it straight in their inbox.
What arrives in your inbox every Tuesday & Thursday
No recycled LinkedIn clichés or regurgitated beginner guides. We dive straight into what moves rankings, phone calls, and revenue in the real world.
1. Agency Smoke & BS Exposed
We dissect the exact smoke screens agencies use to justify $3,000/mo retainers without moving the needle: vanity keyword reports, automated AI spam, and useless metric padding. Learn how to audit your agency in 10 minutes.
2. Battle-Tested SEO Case Studies
Real teardowns from active campaigns in Metro Vancouver and Canadian markets. See exact keyword clusters, internal linking architectures, and local map-pack strategies that took real clients to position #1.
3. AI Search & Algorithm Truths
Google's AI Overviews, Perplexity, and Core Algorithm updates explained in plain English without the panic. We show you how to structure your brand and entities so AI search engines cite your business first.
4. Actionable Growth Hacks & Quick Wins
Practical, high-impact growth hacks you or your team can test right away. From conversion rate tweaks and high-intent keyword steals to smart optimization playbooks that accelerate lead generation without bloated budgets.
Carlos Ramon
Founder & SEO Strategist · Get First Position
Metro Vancouver, BC
"I got tired of watching good businesses get burned by agency jargon."
Over the past 8 years optimizing SEO and digital growth campaigns across diverse international markets and competitive industries—and now based here in Metro Vancouver—I’ve seen firsthand how business owners get burned by slick agencies promising the world while delivering vanity charts and zero real revenue.
The Honest Marketing Letter is my personal commitment to transparency. It’s not a pitch machine, and it’s not written by a generic AI bot. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I share real numbers, exact strategies, and unfiltered breakdowns from our trenches at Get First Position.
"If you want to know what actually makes your phone ring and your cart fill up, you’re in the right place."
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will you email me?
We send exactly two emails per week: Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Each edition takes 3 to 4 minutes to read and contains one primary insight or breakdown with immediate practical application.
Is it really 100% free?
Yes. There is no paid subscription tier, no gated paywalls, and no hidden fees. We write this newsletter because educating business owners builds long-term trust.
Who is this newsletter written for?
Business owners, founders, general managers, and in-house marketing professionals in Metro Vancouver and Canada who want to understand how organic customer acquisition actually works without getting lost in technical jargon.
How easy is it to unsubscribe?
Every email contains a one-click unsubscribe link at the bottom. If the newsletter ever stops being valuable to you, you can leave instantly with zero hard feelings.
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