In this episode of Strategic Thinkers, Sean Atkinson sits down with SEO and digital trust strategist Wendell Jordan for a brutally honest conversation about how small businesses make hiring decisions—and why so many of them go wrong.

They explore the hidden pitfalls of vendor selection, the illusion of “top search results,” and why trust signals must go beyond visibility. From proximity-based search confusion to smart outsourcing strategies, this episode is packed with insight for business owners looking to grow without getting burned.

Whether you’re building your brand or bringing in help, this is a masterclass in protecting your business from costly mistakes.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between visibility and credibility (and why both matter)
• How search results can lie without context or proximity filters
• The truth about SEO rankings and paid ads
• How to vet partners before they cost you time and trust
• Common red flags in vendor selection—and how to avoid them
• Real-world stories of missteps and turnarounds in digital marketing

🔁 Featured Topics:

• Building trust through online presence
• The SEO illusion: When top search doesn’t mean best fit
• Why proximity changes everything in local search results
• Mistakes to avoid when outsourcing marketing and SEO
• Strategic hiring for small business growth
• Collaborating with aligned experts for long-term success

📝 Sound Bites:

"There’s a headache tax when you choose the wrong vendor."

"Paid ads introduce you—credibility earns you the sale."

"Proximity isn’t just about maps, it’s about mindset."

"Search results tell you who’s visible, not who’s right for you."

Resources & Tools:

• 📝 Article Recap: Search, Trust, Hire — Fixing the Broken Way We Choose Business Partners
• 🧪 SEO Trust Audit™ (Free Lead Magnet)
• 🧠 Explore the Trust360™ Framework Bundle
• 📬 Newsletter Signup
• 🌐 More from Sean Atkinson