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    Dave Burnett Headshot 2026
    I help people make more money online. Over the years I’ve had lots of fun working with thousands of brands and helping them distribute millions of promotional products and implement multinational rewards and incentive programs. Now I’m helping great marketers turn their products and services into sustainable online businesses. How can I help you?

    About Dave Burnett

    Dave Burnett is an AI entrepreneur, investor, and digital marketing strategist who has spent more than 25 years building and scaling businesses online. He’s best known as the founder of AOKMarketing.com and PromotionalProducts.com, and as co‑founder of Achievers.com (originally I Love Rewards), which was acquired in 2015 in a deal valued at roughly $110 million.
    From Toronto, Canada, Dave now focuses on AI-driven SEO, paid media, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): helping brands show up accurately in search results, AI answers, and assistant-style tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

    Early entrepreneurial spark

    Dave studied business at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he launched one of his first ventures: B&P Management Group, a liquor and beer sampling company that hired dozens of students and taught him how to sell, manage people, and handle logistics.
    Shortly after graduation, he founded what would become PromotionalProducts.com, building a promotions and branded merchandise company at a time when most sales were still door‑to‑door and local.

    From early SaaS to major exit

    In the early 2000s, Dave co‑created the concept behind I Love Rewards, later rebranded as Achievers.com, an employee recognition and engagement platform that helped companies reward and retain top talent. The company evolved into a major enterprise SaaS vendor and was ultimately acquired in 2015 for $110 million USD.

    The recession, a crisis, and a pivot to digital

    When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, corporate marketing budgets were slashed, and Dave’s promotional products business suddenly found itself losing roughly $70,000 per month.

    Instead of shutting down, he went all‑in on digital:

    • Acquired 3,000+ domain names across North American cities and verticals
    • Launched 500+ lead‑generation websites targeting specific local searches
    • Learned SEO by necessity and turned those sites into a major source of inbound business.

    As competitors started asking how he was outranking them, Dave formalized that expertise into an agency now called AOK Marketing.

    AOK Marketing & the rise of AI-driven SEO

    AOK Marketing began as a search-focused agency, then expanded into Google Ads, paid social, and full-funnel optimization. Over time, Dave and his team shifted from “ranking websites” to building measurable growth systems that connect marketing activity to sales outcomes.
    In the mid‑2020s, Dave became one of the clearer voices on how AI and large language models were changing search itself, moving from ten blue links to conversational answers. He popularized the idea of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) as a framework for earning presence inside AI-generated responses, not just traditional SERPs.

    Credentials & Recognition

    FAQ About Dave Burnett

    Who is Dave Burnett?

    Dave Burnett is a Toronto-based entrepreneur, investor, and digital marketing expert. He founded AOKMarketing.com and PromotionalProducts.com and co-founded Achievers.com, an employee-recognition platform that exited in a ~$110M acquisition.

    What companies has he founded or led?

    Dave has founded or led several ventures, including AOKMarketing.com (digital marketing agency), PromotionalProducts.com (promotional products e-commerce), and Achievers.com (employee recognition SaaS, originally I Love Rewards). He also invests through Valleywood Capital and mentors leaders via Bloom Growth.

    What is Dave Burnett known for in marketing?

    He’s known for blending traditional SEO and paid media with AI search and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), helping brands become the “source of truth” AI tools quote. He has trained 1,000+ professionals through CMA, PRSA, and other orgs.

    What is LLMtel and how is Dave involved?

    LLMtel is a tool that analyzes how AI chatbots talk about your brand, producing a score and checklist to improve AI visibility. It’s one of Dave’s latest innovations in AI search and GEO.

    Where is Dave based, and who does he work with?

    Dave lives in Toronto, Ontario, and works with B2B companies, agencies, and growth-focused founders across North America and beyond by helping them turn marketing into leads, opportunities, and revenue.

    If you’d like to reference Dave on your site, podcast, or event page, you can safely use any of the short bios above and link to:

    Blog Posts

    ron shoes case study

    May 23, 2026

    Dave Burnett

    How Ron White Shoes Achieved a 21.5x ROI with PPC Marketing AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 THE CHALLENGE: STARTING FROM ZERO Ron White Shoes, a renowned luxury footwear brand, faced a tough challenge. Their Instagram marketing efforts weren’t delivering any returns—$0 ROI. Additionally, the closure of a key distribution partner left them without representation in Vancouver and several U.S. states. They needed a solution that could: Acquire new customers to fill the gap left by the distribution partner. Deliver measurable, trackable results to guide future strategies. THE SOLUTION: PARTNERING WITH AOKMARKETING Ron White Shoes partnered with AOKMarketing, drawn to the performance-based payment model where the agency only earns when the client succeeds. What We Did AOKMarketing crafted a customized PPC strategy focused on: Geographical Targeting: Reaching customers across all of Canada and the U.S. E-commerce Optimization: Driving online purchases through strategic campaigns. Real-Time Adjustments: Continuously refining ads to maximize performance. Why PPC? The shift to PPC gave Ron White Shoes a direct, data-driven way to connect with high-intent shoppers and track every click, impression, and sale. THE RESULTS: BLOWING EXPECTATIONS OUT OF THE WATER AOKMarketing’s PPC campaigns delivered exceptional results: Total Sales: $322.9K Ad Spend: $15.05K ROI: 21.5x Total Clicks: 23.7K Impressions: 302.2K Conversions: 312.1 ROI Highlight: For every $1 spent on ads, Ron White Shoes earned $21.50 back in sales. This 21.5x return demonstrates the power of a strategic, performance-based approach. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 THE TRANSFORMATION: A THRIVING E-COMMERCE STRATEGY Thanks to the partnership with AOKMarketing, Ron White Shoes has: Rebuilt its presence in critical markets across Canada and the U.S. Gained thousands of new customers through optimized PPC campaigns. Shifted to a trackable, results-driven marketing strategy with confidence in scaling their online presence. WHAT RON WHITE SHOES SAID   “We were blown away by the results. AOKMarketing’s performance-based approach delivered measurable success and helped us fill the gaps in our market.” READY TO ACHIEVE RESULTS LIKE THIS? Contact AOKMarketing today and see how our performance-based PPC strategies can drive unparalleled results for your business. Related Links Grow Your Business with Expert Paid Social Media Services AOK Marketing AI SEO Services High-Performance Google Ads Services LEAD GENERATION REVENUE CASE STUDY Britannica Case Study

    How Ron White Shoes Achieved a 21.5x ROI with PPC Marketing AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 THE CHALLENGE: STARTING FROM ZERO Ron White Shoes, a renowned luxury footwear brand, faced a tough challenge. Their Instagram marketing efforts weren’t delivering any returns—$0 ROI. Additionally, the closure of a key distribution partner left them without representation in Vancouver … Continue reading Ron White Shoes Case Study

    Top Draw case study

    May 20, 2026

    Dave Burnett

    White-Labeled PPC Success for Top Draw and Their Clients AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 BACKGROUND Top Draw, a well-established digital marketing agency, has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven campaigns for its clients. Their services included managing PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns, which were a critical part of their offering. CHALLENGE The agency faced an unexpected challenge when key team members responsible for PPC campaigns left the company. This created a significant service gap, jeopardizing their ability to maintain campaign performance and risking client trust and satisfaction. SOLUTION Top Draw partnered with AOK Marketing, a trusted provider of white-labeled PPC services. AOK seamlessly integrated into Top Draw’s workflow, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. They provided transparent communication, detailed performance reports, and actionable strategies, aligning with Top Draw’s high-quality standards and exceeding client expectations. RESULTS HVAC Company: Achieved a 66% increase in leads in one year, growing from 408 to 677 leads in December alone, with campaigns optimized for cost-efficiency and lead quality. Debt Consolidation Company: Improved lead quality, resulting in higher conversion rates and significant ROI. Financial Services Firm: Successfully scaled campaigns to meet seasonal demands while maintaining cost-effective conversions, consistently achieving business goals. Overall, AOK not only maintained but elevated campaign performance, strengthening client relationships and reinforcing Top Draw’s reputation. CONCLUSION For agencies like Top Draw, partnering with AOK Marketing offers numerous advantages. From seamless integration and transparent reporting to proven results and scalability, AOK acts as an extension of the agency’s team. This partnership not only alleviates operational stress but also creates opportunities for growth and improved client satisfaction. Top Draw’s collaboration with AOK Marketing highlights the transformative power of strategic partnerships. With AOK’s support, the agency overcame a critical challenge, emerged stronger, and reinforced its position as a trusted leader in the digital marketing space. For any agency seeking a reliable white-label partner, AOK Marketing delivers the expertise, reliability, and results needed to succeed. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Related Links Grow Your Business with Expert Paid Social Media Services AOK Marketing AI SEO Services High-Performance Google Ads Services Lead Generation Profit Case Study Britannica Case Study

    White-Labeled PPC Success for Top Draw and Their Clients AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 BACKGROUND Top Draw, a well-established digital marketing agency, has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven campaigns for its clients. Their services included managing PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns, which were a critical part of their offering. CHALLENGE The agency faced an unexpected challenge when key … Continue reading TopDraw Case Study

    Strategyzer In-Person Training

    May 20, 2026

    Dave Burnett

    Amplifying Strategyzer’s Training Sales Through Targeted Facebook Advertising AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Conclusion Through strategic Facebook advertising, AOK Marketing effectively enhanced Strategyzer’s in-person training sales, attracting participants from prestigious companies and significantly increasing revenue. This case exemplifies the power of targeted digital marketing in expanding the reach of educational programs. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Background Strategyzer, renowned for its innovative business model and value proposition design tools, sought to expand the reach of its in-person training programs. These programs are pivotal in equipping teams with the skills to design, test, and master innovation using Strategyzer’s methodologies. Challenge Despite the high quality of their training, Strategyzer faced challenges in attracting a broader audience to their in-person sessions. Traditional marketing efforts were not yielding the desired attendance rates, prompting the need for a more effective strategy to boost enrollment. Solution Strategyzer partnered with AOK Marketing to leverage the expansive reach of Facebook advertising. The campaign focused on promoting their high-value training bundles, including the “Mastering Business Models” and “Mastering Value Propositions” courses. Implementation AOK Marketing developed a targeted Facebook ad campaign with the following components:Ad Spend and Strategy: A total of $66.96 was allocated towards retargeting individuals who had previously engaged with Strategyzer’s webinars, aiming to convert this warm audience into paying customers.Creative and Messaging: The ads highlighted the value and benefits of Strategyzer’s training programs, emphasizing the practical skills participants would gain.Audience Targeting: The campaign specifically targeted professionals from leading companies, resulting in enrollments from organizations such as Bayer, MasterCard, Schreiber, and MSD. Results The Facebook ad campaign yielded significant results:Sales Increase: Total sales for the online product rose from 13 to 32, with the following breakdown:24 bundle sales4 sales of “Mastering Business Models”4 sales of “Mastering Value Propositions”Revenue Generated: The campaign generated $81,000 in total revenue, with 24 bundle sales worth $72,000 and 8 “Mastering” course sales worth $9,000. This marks a substantial increase in revenue.Return on Investment (ROI): The retargeting effort alone achieved 9 sales from a $66.96 ad spend, demonstrating a highly efficient use of resources. Total Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) With a total ad spend of $4,500, the campaign generated $81,000 in revenue. This results in a Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) of 18:1, highlighting the remarkable efficiency and effectiveness of the targeted Facebook advertising strategy. Conclusion Through strategic Facebook advertising, AOK Marketing effectively enhanced Strategyzer’s in-person training sales, attracting participants from prestigious companies and significantly increasing revenue. This case exemplifies the power of targeted digital marketing in expanding the reach of educational programs. Related LinksGrow Your Business with Expert Paid Social Media ServicesAOK Marketing AI SEO ServicesHigh-Performance Google Ads ServicesSEO for AI, National SEO, and Local SEO ServicesBritannica Case Study

    Amplifying Strategyzer’s Training Sales Through Targeted Facebook Advertising AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Conclusion Through strategic Facebook advertising, AOK Marketing effectively enhanced Strategyzer’s in-person training sales, attracting participants from prestigious companies and significantly increasing revenue. This case exemplifies the power of targeted digital marketing in expanding the reach of educational programs. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Background Strategyzer, renowned … Continue reading Strategyzer Case Study

    May 20, 2026

    Dave Burnett

    Achieving the Elusive One-Cent Click with Merriam-Webster Dictionary AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Background Merriam-Webster, a prestigious name in language resources, partnered with AOK Marketing to explore cost-efficient solutions for driving website traffic. The goal was to leverage digital advertising to increase page views while maintaining profitability. The challenge was clear: could one-cent clicks still be achieved in an era of escalating digital advertising costs? Challenges Merriam-Webster’s business model relied heavily on Google AdSense revenue, earning approximately $0.009 per page view. With an average of two page views per visitor, each visitor generated $0.018 in revenue. To sustain profitability, the cost-per-click (CPC) needed to be under $0.018. Achieving this level of efficiency required precision, strategy, and deep expertise in PPC management. The Strategy AOK Marketing implemented a multi-faceted approach that included: Site Authority: Merriam-Webster’s strong SEO performance and established brand presence were leveraged to enhance site authority. This played a pivotal role in reducing CPC by signaling relevance and credibility to search algorithms. Quality Score Optimization: High alignment between keywords, ad copy, and landing pages resulted in maximum Quality Scores (10/10). This directly lowered CPC, ensuring ads were cost-efficient and effective. Keyword Targeting: Non-branded, broad-match keywords with high search volume and low competition were identified. This ensured that the campaign reached a wide audience while keeping costs low. Ad Relevance: Ads were carefully crafted to resonate with search intent, increasing click-through rates (CTR) and reinforcing the Quality Score advantage. Landing Page Alignment: Keywords, ad copy, and landing pages were seamlessly aligned to provide a cohesive and relevant user experience. This not only improved Quality Scores but also enhanced user satisfaction. Tracking and Reporting: Comprehensive tracking and reporting systems were set up to monitor performance, enabling data-driven adjustments to maximize ROI. Conclusion Through a combination of expertise, data-driven strategies, and relentless optimization, AOK Marketing demonstrated that the elusive one-cent click is not only possible but can also be a cornerstone of profitable digital advertising campaigns. Merriam-Webster’s success underscores the potential for businesses to achieve significant results with the right PPC approach. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Results Over a 30-day period, the campaign delivered exceptional results: Total Spend: $2,931.94 Total Clicks: 233,314 Average CPC: $0.0126 Revenue Per Visitor: $0.018 Profit Per Click: $0.0054 The campaign generated a net profit of $1,259.90 solely from AdSense revenue. This figure excludes additional revenue streams such as display ads, product sales, and increased brand engagement, further amplifying the success. Key Takeaways Leveraging site authority and optimizing Quality Scores are essential to achieving low CPC in competitive digital advertising landscapes. Strategic alignment of keywords, ads, and landing pages ensures high relevance and cost-efficiency. Comprehensive tracking enables precise measurement of campaign performance and profitability.   Interested in discovering opportunities for your brand? Contact AOK Marketing to explore how we can help you achieve unparalleled results in your digital advertising campaigns. Related Links Grow Your Business with Expert Paid Social Media Services AOK Marketing AI SEO Services High-Performance Google Ads Services HPT Case Study Britannica Case Study

    Achieving the Elusive One-Cent Click with Merriam-Webster Dictionary AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Background Merriam-Webster, a prestigious name in language resources, partnered with AOK Marketing to explore cost-efficient solutions for driving website traffic. The goal was to leverage digital advertising to increase page views while maintaining profitability. The challenge was clear: could one-cent clicks still be … Continue reading Merriam Webster Case Study

    Digi Case Study

    May 20, 2026

    Dave Burnett

    Elevating Digi’s B2B Lead Acquisitionwith AOK Marketing AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Conclusion AOK Marketing’s expertise in PPC strategy enabled Digi to overcome its lead acquisition challenges. The collaboration delivered measurable improvements in lead quality and overall business growth. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 BACKGROUND Digi, Brazil’s leading incentives and rewards company, sought to enhance its PPC campaigns to attract high-end B2B leads in a competitive market. AOK Marketing collaborated with Digi to design and implement a tailored PPC strategy conducted in Portuguese, targeting decision-makers within large corporations. The result was a significant increase in high-quality leads, improved ROI, and strengthened market position. CHALLENGES Internal Situation:Digi’s marketing team faced challenges in attracting high-end B2B leads. While their existing efforts delivered moderate success, they struggled to reach decision-makers within large corporations effectively.External Observations:Brazil’s incentives and rewards market is highly competitive. To stay ahead, Digi needed a more impactful digital marketing strategy to capture attention and secure business from top-tier clients. THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Catalyst for Change:Digi recognized the need for a specialized PPC strategy to penetrate the high-end B2B segment effectively.Concerns and Considerations:The marketing team worried about the effectiveness of PPC in targeting such a niche audience. Budget allocation and ROI were also significant concerns.Decision to Proceed:Digi chose AOK Marketing based on their proven expertise and a strategy that aligned with Digi’s objectives. The Strategy Customized PPC Campaigns:AOK Marketing developed ad copies and creatives tailored to the Brazilian market. These materials were crafted in Portuguese to resonate with local audiences and emphasize Digi’s value proposition.Audience Targeting:By leveraging advanced targeting options, AOK Marketing pinpointed decision-makers within large corporations, ensuring that campaigns reached the right audience.Continuous Optimization:Through regular performance analysis and A/B testing of ads and landing pages, the campaigns were continuously refined to improve engagement and conversion rates. Implementation Collaboration:Close coordination between Digi and AOK Marketing ensured that branding and messaging remained consistent.Execution:Campaigns were launched across platforms frequented by the target audience. Real-time monitoring allowed for swift adjustments, maximizing effectiveness. The Results Quantitative Outcomes:Substantial increase in high-quality B2B leads within the first three months.Significant improvement in conversion rates.Enhanced ROI across all PPC efforts.Qualitative Outcomes:Strengthened brand visibility and reputation among corporate decision-makers.Solidified Digi’s position as the top incentives and rewards provider in Brazil. Conclusion AOK Marketing’s expertise in PPC strategy enabled Digi to overcome its lead acquisition challenges. The collaboration delivered measurable improvements in lead quality and overall business growth.Related LinksGrow Your Business with Expert Paid Social Media ServicesAOK Marketing AI SEO ServicesHigh-Performance Google Ads ServicesLEAD GENERATION REVENUE CASE STUDYBritannica Case Study

    Elevating Digi’s B2B Lead Acquisitionwith AOK Marketing AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 Conclusion AOK Marketing’s expertise in PPC strategy enabled Digi to overcome its lead acquisition challenges. The collaboration delivered measurable improvements in lead quality and overall business growth. AOKMARKETING.COM 646.453.7550 BACKGROUND Digi, Brazil’s leading incentives and rewards company, sought to enhance its PPC campaigns to … Continue reading Digi Case Study