SmartFinds Marketing B2B Strategy is built on adaptability, innovation, and deep industry insight. In today’s fast-evolving digital environment, a strong B2B marketing strategy goes beyond websites and keywords—it requires integrated campaigns, AI-powered tools, and a focus on lead generation that aligns with how modern decision-makers actually buy. At SmartFinds, we help B2B companies—from industrial manufacturers to technology firms—build scalable marketing programs that drive visibility, trust, and results. In this blog, we explore the strategic principles behind our approach, as shared by CEO Melih Oztalay during his appearance on the Biz Builder Spotlight podcast.

In a recent episode of the Biz Builder Spotlight, host Jonathan Sherman sat down with Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, to discuss digital marketing, lead generation, and what it really takes to stay competitive in today’s B2B landscape. The conversation, full of stories, insights, and actionable strategies, covered everything from AI-powered funnels to the generational shift in B2B decision-making.

🎧 Listen to the episode: Biz Builder Spotlight featuring Melih Oztalay

From Netscape to Now: Melih’s Early-Adopter Mindset

While the corporation has been in business since 1987, the digital journey began back in 1994, just after witnessing Netscape and Yahoo for the first time. That moment marked a turning point—and the start of what would eventually become SmartFinds Marketing, a pioneering digital agency.

Fast-forward nearly four decades, and SmartFinds is still ahead of the curve. As digital marketing has evolved from static brochure websites to AI-powered customer experiences, Melih and his team have continued to embrace change—from the Dot-Com boom to Google’s seismic algorithm shifts.

SmartFinds Marketing B2B Strategy: The 4 A’s of Change

One of the most impactful parts of the episode was Melih’s 4 A’s framework—his strategic approach to navigating change:

• Anticipate Change – Recognize that change is inevitable.
• Accept Change – Let go of old strategies and budgets without resistance.
• Adapt to Change – Adjust processes, content, and technology.
• Adopt the Changes – Implement and move forward before the competition pulls ahead.

This mindset proved crucial in moments like Google’s 2013 Hummingbird algorithm update, which caused one large client to abruptly pull back from search engine strategy. Rather than reacting emotionally, Melih reframed the setback as an opportunity—and developed strategies that moved beyond relying solely on Google.

Modern B2B Buyers: Target the Recommenders, Not Just the Decision-Makers

Melih raised a powerful point that many B2B companies overlook today’s buyer journey often starts with younger professionals—not C-suite executives. While the CEO may sign off on the final decision, it’s the younger team members who are tasked with doing the research, shortlisting vendors, and building the initial case for who gets considered.

“Executives are telling their teams, ‘Find me a company that does X,’” Melih explains. “And those teams—often in their 20s or 30s—are the ones diving into Google, LinkedIn, and ChatGPT. If your brand doesn’t show up in the right way, you’re off the list before you ever knew you were being considered.”

This generational divide was never clearer to Melih than during a chance encounter in a sub sandwich shop. After a long Friday, he stopped in to grab a quick dinner. The young man behind the counter, noticing Melih looked tired, asked what he did for a living.

“I said, ‘We do internet marketing,’” Melih recalls. “And he just stared at me like I spoke another language.”

The employee eventually asked, “What is internet marketing?”—a question that caught Melih off guard. After a brief explanation, the young man responded with something that’s stuck with him ever since:

“If you had just said ‘marketing,’ I would’ve known what you meant.”

To that generation, marketing is inherently digital. There’s no need to distinguish it from traditional methods. This moment of clarity didn’t just make an impression—it reshaped how Melih communicates with executives and marketing departments alike.

He now uses that story to help companies reframe their approach. If your website, social presence, and brand messaging don’t resonate with a younger audience, you’re likely losing ground before a decision-maker even enters the picture.

That’s why SmartFinds emphasizes:

• A clean, modern website, continually updated
• Cross-platform visibility (Google, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram)
• Active engagement that reflects a current, relevant brand

Because in today’s world, it’s not just about being found—it’s about being recommended by the generation that’s actually doing the search.

Lead Generation in the Age of AI and GEO

In today’s digital marketing landscape, static CTAs and generic websites fall short. Businesses need more than just visibility—they need dynamic engagement. That’s why SmartFinds Marketing B2B Strategy incorporates AI-powered journey funnels that adapt in real time to each website visitor.

Melih Oztalay explains how this tool tracks visitor behavior across pages, then proactively delivers personalized calls-to-action based on where they are in the buyer’s journey. For example, a first-time visitor might see a pop-up prompting them to watch a short intro video. A returning user might get a direct invitation to book a meeting. This subtle yet powerful approach drives higher engagement and conversion rates.

Equally important is the shift from traditional SEO to GEO—Generative Engine Optimization. Instead of just ranking on Google, content must now be recognized by AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. These tools aren’t pulling static lists—they generate responses on the fly based on trusted, well-structured, and AI-readable content.

“We’re entering a world where buyers ask AI to recommend vendors,” Melih explains. “If your business isn’t known to those platforms, you’re invisible.”

GEO ensures that your brand becomes part of the AI knowledge base—positioning you to be recommended, not just found.

SmartFinds Marketing B2B Strategy: Spotlight Client Successes

The episode featured a B2B tech client that had minimal U.S. presence. SmartFinds executed an omnichannel marketing strategy that included SEO, email marketing, LinkedIn, blogging, AI optimization, and more. Download the full lead generation case study.

• Daily leads doubled from 5 to 10
• U.S. leads grew from 3 to 5 per day
• Global leads increased 198% year-over-year

A separate campaign for a healthcare client drove 824,000 site visitors in 4 months using social sharing, freelance content creators, and geo-targeting.

Three Key Takeaways from the Podcast Episode

Whether you’re a marketing executive, a business owner, or a curious listener exploring how to stay relevant in today’s digital landscape, this episode of the Biz Builder Spotlight delivers lasting insights. These aren’t just soundbites — they’re strategic truths that reflect the real challenges and opportunities businesses face in 2025 and beyond.

• Change is emotional—but necessary. The real ROI is in continuous action.
• AI isn’t the future—it’s now. B2B companies must evolve to stay visible and competitive.
• Consistency drives compound growth. Momentum is built through frequency and relevance.

These takeaways echo the broader themes of the interview — from generational shifts in buying behavior to the role of data, automation, and adaptability in successful marketing. As Melih noted throughout the discussion, you can’t afford to stand still while your competition moves forward.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Keep Up—Lead the Way

The Biz Builder Spotlight episode featuring Melih Oztalay is more than a marketing interview—it’s a roadmap for sustainable growth in unpredictable times. Regardless of your B2B company type, the message is clear: adapt quickly, embrace AI, and stay visible online.

• Full episode: Listen on Spotify
• Connect with host: Jonathan Sherman on LinkedIn
• Connect with Melih Oztalay and SmartFinds: And if you’d like to optimize your digital strategy with a proactive team, reach out to SmartFinds Marketing or tag Melih Oztalay on LinkedIn—he has 22,000+ close friends who might just help your message travel further.
• Download the SmartFinds AI SEO GEO Guide or book a meeting.

Not sure what your next move in digital marketing should be? Let’s talk it through. Schedule a meeting with us or fill out the form below to reach us. We’re here to offer clarity, not pressure.