Cracking the SEO & Social Growth Code With Matt Diamante

Digital marketing is constantly evolving, but one thing remains the same—attention is currency.

Few people understand this better than Matt Diamante, founder of Hey Tony, an agency that helps small businesses master SEO and social media to drive real business growth.

With over 250,000 Instagram followers and a thriving SEO business, Matt has cracked the code on how to rank on Google, create viral content, and turn engagement into revenue—all without spending a fortune on ads.

In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Matt breaks down his step-by-step approach to scaling a brand organically, what SEO looks like in 2024, and the key content strategies that have fueled his success.

This podcast is sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, a web design and SEO agency focused on helping home service businesses.

How “Hey Tony” Became a Brand Built on Connection

Most agency owners pick generic, corporate names that blend into the sea of marketing firms. Matt wanted something different—something that felt personal, memorable, and human.

The inspiration struck while he was running a business in downtown Toronto. He overheard two construction workers talking, and one of them said:

“Hey Tony, you always know how to put a smile on my face.”

That phrase stuck with him. It wasn’t just words—it was a feeling. A connection. A moment of genuine appreciation between two people.

That’s exactly what Matt wanted his agency to embody. Marketing that creates real, human connection—not just another SEO or social media service.

“I didn’t want a generic marketing agency name. I wanted something that made people smile, feel connected, and actually remember it.” — Matt Diamante

Mastering Short-Form Content: How Matt Creates Reels That Go Viral

Creating content is one thing. Creating content that sticks? That’s another game entirely.

Matt’s Instagram Reels don’t just rack up views—they drive engagement, leads, and sales. And the secret isn’t just posting often—it’s how he structures every piece of content.

How Matt Creates Viral Reels

• Strong Hook in the First 3 Seconds: If you don’t grab attention immediately, people scroll past.
• Fast-Paced Editing: No long pauses, no fluff. Every second matters.
• Conversational & Relatable: His tone feels like a direct conversation, not a corporate ad.
• Dynamic Camera Angles: Different shots keep people visually engaged.
• Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Every video has a next step—comment, follow, or grab a freebie.

“It’s not about just posting content. It’s about making people remember you, even when they don’t need you yet.” — Matt Diamante

SEO in 2025: What Actually Works and What’s a Waste of Time

SEO isn’t just about ranking—it’s about getting found by the right people and turning that traffic into business.

Most businesses either overcomplicate SEO or rely on outdated tactics that no longer work. Matt’s agency focuses on what actually moves the needle.

What Works in SEO Today

• User-Focused Content: Google prioritizes helpful, well-structured answers over keyword stuffing.
• Strategic Internal Linking: Websites that link relevant pages together improve rankings and user experience.
• High-Authority Local Backlinks: Getting trusted, relevant websites to link to you is one of the fastest ways to boost rankings.

“Google is smarter than ever—ranking isn’t about tricks, it’s about providing the best answer.” — Matt Diamante

What No Longer Works

• Keyword Stuffing: Cramming in keywords hurts rankings and credibility.
• Buying Low-Quality Links: Google penalizes spammy backlink practices.
• Over-Focusing on Meta Tags: While title tags still matter, content quality is what ranks pages now.

Action Steps

• Write detailed content that actually answers customer questions.
• Use internal links to connect related pages and improve navigation.
• Earn backlinks naturally by building relationships and offering real value.

The Charity Backlink Strategy: A Smarter Way to Earn High-Authority Links

Most agencies charge thousands for backlinks, but Matt has a proven, ethical method to get powerful local links for free (or almost free).

How to Get Backlinks from Charities

1. Find local charities with sponsorship pages.
2. Offer a small donation in exchange for a backlink.
3. Gain a high-authority, local backlink that improves SEO while supporting a good cause.

“Backlinks should add value—not just be a numbers game. The best ones come from relationships and real contributions.” — Matt Diamante

Why It Works

• Charities have strong domains that pass SEO value to your website.
• Google values local links. These improve rankings faster than generic backlinks.
• You’re giving back while growing your business.

Email Marketing: The Most Overlooked Growth Tool

Social media platforms change. Algorithms shift. But one thing you own is your email list.

Matt has built high-converting email sequences that nurture his audience and drive consistent sales—something most businesses fail to do.

Why Email Marketing Still Works

• You control the audience. Unlike social media, you own your list—no algorithm blocks your content.
• Emails convert at higher rates. Direct email marketing outperforms social media ads in sales.
• It builds long-term relationships. Regular emails keep your brand top-of-mind.

“Email isn’t outdated. It’s your direct line to customers—without fighting algorithms.” — Matt Diamante

Final Thoughts: Winning in Digital Marketing Without Ads

Matt’s success isn’t just luck—it’s a result of consistent, high-value execution.

The key takeaways?

• Provide insane value first. People follow those who genuinely help them.
• Master SEO & content. Organic growth outperforms paid ads over time.
• Stay consistent. Daily content, weekly emails, and ongoing engagement win every time.

“If you show up consistently, provide real value, and genuinely help people, success will follow.” — Matt Diamante

This Podcast is sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, a marketing agency offering website design, branding, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services for Home Service businesses.

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