How Using AI Transformed Onboarding, Insights, And Campaign Decisions

In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Ranmay sits down with James Starkey, Director at Black Lab Digital, to unpack how he has built a stable, sustainably growing digital agency and the performance marketing strategies that genuinely drive results for automotive, finance, and multi-location brands.

James walks through his journey from early Shopify projects to leading Black Lab, why the agency doubled down on performance marketing and the automotive sector, and the operational frameworks that keep growth controlled and profitable.

He also breaks down two powerful client wins: eliminating wasted geo-spend for a national car retailer, and rolling out full-funnel HubSpot tracking that increased approved finance applications from roughly 37% to 68%.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• – Why SEO and PPC only work when they support each other.
• – Why brand visibility is becoming the key metric in an AI/zero-click landscape.
• – How geo data and local targeting can instantly improve paid media efficiency.
• – Real AI workflows for agencies, transcripts, internal LLMs, and onboarding automation.
• – Proven retention tactics built on relationship depth, communication, and strategic guidance