Marketing has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Search engines have evolved, artificial intelligence is reshaping how customers find businesses, and service companies face more competition than ever before.
Through all of those changes, one thing has remained constant: Businesses that consistently build visibility, earn trust, and provide value are the ones that continue to grow.
That’s the philosophy behind everything I do.
I’m Ian Gattie, a marketing strategist, business owner, and university professor with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their marketing, generate qualified leads, and build sustainable growth.
Today, I help service businesses improve their visibility through SEO, AI Search Optimization (AEO), Local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, websites, content marketing, branding, and integrated marketing strategies.
I believe marketing has the power to transform businesses, careers, and lives. Whether it’s helping a small business owner connect with their audience or empowering a marketing professional to reach new heights, my goal is to make success accessible—and AI is a big part of that. By simplifying complex strategies, I help my clients and students spend less time worrying about the “how” and more time enjoying the results.
I don’t believe businesses need more marketing tactics.
They need a marketing system.
Too often, businesses invest in individual activities—social media, websites, SEO, paid advertising, print, email, or direct mail—without a strategy connecting them together.
The result is inconsistent growth and wasted marketing dollars.
I help businesses build integrated marketing systems where every activity supports the next. The goal isn’t simply higher rankings or more website traffic. The goal is attracting the right customers, building trust, and creating long-term growth.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries and organizations.
My experience includes:
Unlike many consultants who specialize in only one discipline, my background includes SEO, AI Search Optimization, website strategy, branding, print, direct mail, content marketing, and business development. That broader perspective allows me to recommend marketing strategies that work together instead of isolated tactics.
The way people search for businesses is changing.
Customers still use Google, but they’re increasingly asking questions in ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini, Perplexity, and other AI-powered search tools before making purchasing decisions.
Modern marketing requires more than ranking well in search results. It requires creating clear, trustworthy, experience-driven content that both people and AI systems recognize as authoritative.
Helping businesses prepare for that shift has become a major focus of my work.
While I provide strategic guidance, consulting, and marketing leadership, client implementation is delivered through the experienced team at Allegra Marketing Print Mail.
This allows clients to benefit from personalized strategy while gaining access to a full-service team specializing in:
It’s a model that combines personal expertise with the resources needed to successfully execute marketing initiatives.
Creativity has always been part of my life.
Before marketing became my career, I spent years behind a camera producing photography and video. I’ve explored graphic design, maintained a pottery studio, and continue to enjoy creative projects whenever I can.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, hiking, camping, skiing, cooking, or exploring Western New York and the Adirondacks.
I believe curiosity and creativity make better marketers—and better problem solvers.
Marketing shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
It should be understandable.
Measurable.
Practical.
And built around helping real businesses solve real problems.
Whether I’m teaching students, working with a local business owner, or helping an established organization improve its marketing strategy, my goal is always the same:
Help businesses become easier to find, easier to trust, and easier to choose.
If you’re looking for practical marketing guidance—not buzzwords or one-size-fits-all solutions—I’d love to learn more about your business and your goals.
Whether you’re exploring SEO, AI Search Optimization, Local SEO, website improvements, or a broader marketing strategy, let’s start with a conversation.