In today's competitive landscape of digital marketing, few professionals have carved out a niche quite like Randy Rohde. As the founder of The News Guy and 38 Digital Market, Rohde has built a reputation as a nationally recognized PR expert who assists companies strengthen their online presence, dominate search rankings, and secure coverage on over 900 media outlets.
A Journey From Retail to Digital PR
Rohde's road to success has been far from traditional. Holding degrees from schools such as Michigan Ross, he launched his professional life in retail operations — overseeing large-scale retail operations, supervising multi-unit teams, and eventually overseeing operations at two national retail companies.
However, Rohde always had the drive to build something of his own. With a team of partners, he launched a national service provider, sold it, started another, then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he built operations spanning five states — and sold that company also. Somewhere along the way that he discovered the power of digital marketing.
The News Guy: Strategic PR Distribution
Currently, Rohde operates 38 Digital Market, a digital marketing agency headquartered in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Under the banner of "The News Guy," he provides a full range of services built to drive real results for businesses.
At the heart of his business is press release distribution, securing placements across prominent news platforms including AP News, Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, and Business Insider. Beyond press releases, Rohde also provides expert guest posts on prestigious platforms, SEO and local SEO strategies, strategic link building, and PPC advertising.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to AI and PR
Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of his work is his pioneering approach to AI search visibility. He treats press releases as a form of strategic input for AI platforms — helping brands shape what AI tools including Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity communicate about their business. This innovative strategy gives businesses a competitive edge in today's shifting digital landscape.
More Than Marketing: A Multi-Talented Professional
Rohde's reach goes much further than just his marketing services. He hosts dual podcast shows — "Hot Off The Press," a daily show focused on press releases, SEO, and digital PR that has surpassed 400 episodes, and "Running the Bases with Small Businesses," an interview series featuring small business stories and insights.
As a sought-after speaker, Rohde has taken the stage at major events across the globe, including SEO Rockstars, the YACSS SEO Conference in Aalborg, Denmark, and Digital Unfiltered. He's appeared as a guest on popular more info podcast programs like The Virtual CMO Podcast, the Million Dollar Agency Podcast, and the SEO Video Show.
And if that weren't enough, Rohde carries IMDB credits as a producer, actor, and director — proving he can bring stories to life both in film and in business.
Building Digital Trust, One Press Release at a Time
In his own copyright: "Visibility without credibility is a missed opportunity." For brands that want to establish trust, rise in the search results, and lead in the age of AI, Randy Rohde and The News Guy offer a proven path forward.