In the fast-moving world 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 is widely recognized as a nationally acclaimed PR expert who helps businesses establish credibility, achieve top search visibility, and secure coverage on over 900 media outlets.
From Retail Operations to Press Release Powerhouse
Rohde's career path took several unexpected turns. After earning a business education from institutions including Michigan Ross, he started out in retail operations — managing national retail locations, leading multiple store locations, 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, exited successfully, started another, then settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew a business across five states — and sold that one too. It was during this time that he discovered the power of digital marketing.
What The News Guy Brings to the Table
Now, Rohde operates 38 Digital Market, a digital marketing agency based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Under the banner of "The News Guy," he provides a full range of services built to move the needle for businesses.
His core offering is press release distribution, placing stories across high-authority publications including AP News, Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, and Business Insider. Beyond press releases, Rohde offers featured article placements on top-tier media outlets, SEO and local SEO strategies, authority-boosting backlink services, and PPC management.
Where PR Meets AI
One area where Rohde is particularly innovative is his focus on AI search visibility. He treats press releases as a form of AI prompt engineering — enabling businesses to influence what AI tools including Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity report about a given brand. This innovative strategy gives businesses a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
A Renaissance Man of Media and Marketing
Rohde's influence extends far beyond just his marketing services. He hosts two podcasts — "Hot Off The Press," a daily show covering press releases, SEO, and digital PR that has surpassed 400 episodes, and "Running the Bases with Small Businesses," an interview series spotlighting founders and business leaders.
On the speaking circuit, Rohde has taken the stage at notable gatherings across the globe, including SEO Rockstars, the YACSS SEO Conference in Aalborg, Denmark, and Digital Unfiltered. He's appeared as a guest on several well-known shows including The Virtual CMO Podcast, the Million Dollar Agency Podcast, and the SEO Video Show.
Adding yet another dimension, Rohde holds IMDB credits as a producer, actor, and director — showing his creative range both behind the camera and in the boardroom.
The Bottom Line
As he's fond of saying: "Visibility without credibility is a missed opportunity." For brands that want to website establish trust, improve their visibility online, and stay ahead of the curve, Randy Rohde and The News Guy offer a proven path forward.