Bring Digital Performance: Matt Hodgson’s Story and Lessons Learned

Transparency and resilience are key to building a successful business, and Matt Hodgson knows this better than most. As the founder of Bring Digital Performance, Matt has navigated the ever-changing world of digital marketing while staying true to his principles. His journey started long before Google existed, working in SEO when the industry was in its infancy. After leaving Similar Web, he saw an opportunity to create a business that focused on honesty and clear communication, addressing gaps in the market.

Like many entrepreneurs, Matt faced challenges early on. Hiring the right team, dealing with financial setbacks, and learning how to manage work-life balance all played a role in shaping his approach to business growth. One of the biggest lessons he learned was the importance of diligent invoicing and managing client payments, something every business owner must master to ensure long-term stability. Despite these hurdles, Bring Digital Performance has built a strong reputation, with a solid base of retainer clients and a focus on delivering real value.

AI has become a huge part of digital strategy, but Matt and his team use it strategically rather than relying on it for everything. They leverage AI for building business plans, analyzing data, and streamlining administrative tasks, but they stay away from using it to generate SEO content. Instead, they prioritize high-quality, human-driven content that aligns with their transparency-first approach.

Matt’s biggest piece of advice for business owners? Stay honest with your clients, focus on what you can control, and don’t let setbacks define your journey. Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but with the right mindset, sustainable growth is always within reach.