Within the ever-evolving field of digital marketing, few professionals have carved out a niche quite like Randy Rohde. Leading the charge as founder of The News Guy and 38 Digital Market, Rohde is widely recognized as a nationally recognized PR expert who assists companies establish credibility, dominate search rankings, and land placements across more than 900 media outlets.
A Journey From Retail to Digital PR
Rohde's career path is anything but conventional. With educational credentials from institutions including Michigan Ross, he started out in retail operations — overseeing large-scale retail operations, handling multi-unit management, and eventually directing more info operations for two national retail companies.
But the entrepreneurial spirit was always there. Alongside business partners, he launched a national service provider, exited successfully, started another, then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he built operations spanning five states — and sold that one too. It was during this time that he became captivated by digital marketing.
Press Releases With a Purpose
Currently, Rohde runs 38 Digital Market, a digital marketing agency operating out of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Via his signature brand "The News Guy," he provides a full range of services designed to generate measurable outcomes for businesses.
At the heart of his business is press release distribution, placing stories across major media outlets like AP News, Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, and Business Insider. In addition to PR distribution, Rohde also provides expert guest posts on prestigious platforms, SEO and local SEO services, white-hat link building campaigns, and PPC advertising.
Where PR Meets AI
One area where Rohde is particularly innovative is his expertise in AI search visibility. He treats press releases as a form of influence over AI systems — allowing companies to control what AI systems like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity say about a given brand. This innovative strategy positions his clients a distinct advantage in today's shifting digital landscape.
A Renaissance Man of Media and Marketing
Rohde's influence extends far beyond client work alone. He hosts a pair of podcasts — "Hot Off The Press," a daily show dedicated to 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 conference presenter, Rohde has shared his expertise at major events across the globe, including SEO Rockstars, the YACSS SEO Conference in Aalborg, Denmark, and Digital Unfiltered. He's lent his expertise to numerous podcasts such as The Virtual CMO Podcast, the Million Dollar Agency Podcast, and the SEO Video Show.
On top of all that, Rohde carries IMDB credits as a producer, actor, and director — demonstrating his ability to tell compelling stories both behind the camera and in the boardroom.
The Bottom Line
As Rohde himself puts it: "Visibility without credibility is a missed opportunity." For businesses looking to build authority, rise in the search results, and future-proof their marketing, Randy Rohde and The News Guy offer a proven path forward.