Burkan Bur
With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and agency work, I’ve led projects for major clients like Amazon, Hilton, Doordash, OWN, SC Johnson, Sharp Healthcare, Intel, American Express, and Experian.
As the Managing Director and Head of SEO at The Ad Firm, my role involves leading client relationships, managing project deliverables, and expanding accounts to provide an exceptional customer experience. I’m responsible for setting strategic direction in various aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, content marketing, digital PR, social networking, and keeping up with the latest trends and algorithm changes.
What I like most about my role
I love collaborating with businesses to help them achieve their sales goals. My role allows me to work closely with my team, focusing on mentoring, training, and running a department that promotes efficiency and value. I enjoy the challenge of communicating complex strategies to technical teams and executives alike, ensuring that everyone is aligned toward our common goals.
Additionally, I take pride in effectively bridging communication between technical development teams and top-level executives, including CMOs and CEOs, which is crucial for cohesive strategy and execution across all levels.
Past Work Experience
Starting my career as a programmer and developer, I have a unique perspective combining technical expertise and strategic acumen. I hold an MBA from Bilgi University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Istanbul, and proud to have started and taught the first-ever SEO and analytics courses at UCSD.
My extensive experience includes leading and developing teams. I’ve been in this industry since the early days of Internet marketing, witnessing its evolution and the emergence of new trends firsthand.
Certifications:
- Business Management in Marketing, UCSD
- Web Development, UCSD
- Project Management, UCSD
- Google AdWords certification, Google
- Google Analytics certification, Google
- Advanced Search Engine Strategies, Search Engine Workshops
Hobbies outside work
Outside of my professional life, I’m an avid world traveler, martial artist, basketball player, and dancer. These activities not only keep me physically active but also foster a sense of creativity and balance in my life.
Articles Written by Burkan Bur
Local SEO review responses that improve conversions
Most businesses treat review responses as a box to check. A quick “Thanks for the feedback!” and they move on. That approach leaves money on the table because every review response is a public sales
Using Local Trust Signals to Strengthen GEO for AI Search
AI search platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews do not cite every business that shows up in traditional results. They filter sources through a trust evaluation process, and local businesses that lack strong
Scaling Multi-Location SEO with GEO and AI Optimization
AI-powered tools like Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT now provide direct answers to local queries, pulling from brands recognized for consistency, authority, and well-structured information. For multi-location businesses, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities.
Building a Local Authority That GEO and AI Search Trust
AI search has transformed how customers discover local businesses. Platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI no longer simply provide a list of links for users to sift through. Instead, they analyze content across the
Optimizing Local Landing Pages with GEO for AI Visibility
Search is changing at a pace that most local businesses have not caught up with yet. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot are now answering local queries directly, pulling business
Google Business Profile Posts: A Strategy for Steady Traffic
Most businesses claim their Google Business Profile, fill in their hours, upload a few photos, and then forget about it. That is a mistake. Your GBP is not a static listing — it is an
Google Business Profile Services: Menu Setup That Ranks
Your Google Business Profile is a powerful local ranking asset, and the menu section is one of the most underused opportunities within it. At The Ad Firm, we strategically structure and optimize your GBP menu
Entity Optimization for Local SEO in GEO and AI Search
The way people search for local businesses has fundamentally changed. Visibility now depends on being recognized as a clear, authoritative entity in your industry and location. This guide explores how entity optimization impacts local SEO,
Local SEO Internal Linking to Lift Map Pack Visibility
Most businesses focus on optimizing their Google Business Profile, generating reviews, and building citations. Those efforts matter, yet many companies still struggle to break into the top three local results. In many cases, the issue
Google Business Profile Q&A Guidelines to Win Leads Today
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is more than a listing with your hours and address. The Q&A section inside your knowledge panel influences how prospects evaluate your business before they ever click your website. When
Winning Near-Me Searches with GEO Signals in AI Search
Today’s consumers expect fast, locally relevant results when they search online. Near-me queries like “coffee near me” or “plumber nearby” signal strong intent and readiness to act. Businesses that leverage Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) signals
Local SEO Backlinks That Influence Recommendations
As a leading local SEO agency, we’ve determined that backlinks remain one of the most powerful ranking signals in local SEO. But their role has evolved beyond traditional search engine rankings. Today, backlinks influence which