Why I Joined Meritus Media

That’s why I hung my hat there. That’s why I chose to contribute decades of SEO, ORM, and digital strategy to a team led by Mike Falkow and forged in the pioneering ethos of Sally Falkow.

I’ve known Sally Falkow for over twenty years. Long before digital PR was a buzzword, she was shaping its foundation. She experimented with online storytelling when press releases still traveled by fax and understood that influence isn’t bought—it’s earned.

Social Media News Release (SMNR): a press release designed to be shared, linked, and indexed online, optimized for both journalists and search engines.

As Founder and Former CEO of Meritus Media, and publisher of The Proactive Report, Sally’s contributions to the field are legendary. With over 30 years in PR, APR accreditation from PRSA, and the title of PR Trainer of the Year, she authored SMART News, teaching brands to craft content that gets found in search and shared socially. Her philosophy—build relationships, earn coverage—still guides everything we do.

When Sally and I first worked together at Social Ally on Mizuno Running, we created a campaign that defied the pay-to-play model. We sent influencers shoes to test, wear, and give away. We trusted them to tell their own stories. The result? Authentic voices, real influence, and measurable impact.

Q: Why does authentic outreach matter?
A: Because relationships outlast transactions, and trust drives influence.

At Meritus Media, campaigns are ecosystems. Digital PR is rooted in storytelling. Reputation Management becomes narrative engineering. SEO is both technical and human. Influencer marketing is relationship-driven. Web development and UX amplify every message. Social media has a voice, and content strategy is crafted for both people and algorithms.

Reputation Management: shaping and protecting a brand’s online narrative through strategy, content, and technical control.

The agency treats every brand challenge like a living puzzle, assembling pieces that range from influencer outreach to schema markup to high-level strategic consulting. It adapts, innovates, and integrates—never relying on templates but creating bespoke strategies to meet each client’s needs.

Under Mike Falkow, a former professional surfer, art director, actor, and now CEO, Meritus has expanded across LA, Tampa, and the UK. Mike brings creative instincts sharpened by design and performance, blended with a strategist’s eye.

Then there’s Cokey Falkow, our President, whose experience as an actor, writer, and voice artist injects narrative power into our campaigns. Known for roles and voice work in projects like Metal Gear Solid and Uncharted 4, Cokey channels his storytelling abilities into leadership and business development.

We are powered by a team that’s as diverse as our strategies. Franki Falkow draws on her modeling background with Abercrombie, Guess, Levi’s, and Vogue to create visually stunning content. Shiloh Pettyjohn keeps our technology sharp and secure, ensuring our infrastructure runs flawlessly. Cheyanna Zubas blends PR expertise with creative marketing and performance insight. Rebekah Iliff adds unmatched perspective as a seasoned PR and media strategist, bringing depth to every campaign.

Q: What makes Meritus different?
A: We merge old-school PR and modern AI-driven SEO into campaigns that influence across every channel.

Every person here adds a layer of mastery. Together, we defend brands in crises, craft content that ranks and resonates, and drive campaigns that blend art with analytics. Whether it’s a journalist’s inbox or Google’s index, we know how to be seen and remembered.

The future of visibility is not a choice between old and new—it’s a hybrid reality. Organic and engineered. Earned and owned. Built with the precision of SEO and the heart of journalism. That’s why I’m here, with this extraordinary team, shaping narratives that matter.

If you’re ready to stop piecing together disconnected services and start creating true digital influence, you’re in the right place.

This vision extends into every service Meritus Media offers. The agency is a full-service B2C and B2B digital marketing powerhouse built to deliver end-to-end brand growth. From strategy and storytelling to execution across every major platform, the team helps brands launch, scale, and reimagine their presence.

Content strategy begins with research and intelligent analysis because knowing before you go is essential. Expert content writing transforms ideas into messages that elicit the desired response, while design ensures the look is as powerful as the words. Web development focuses on delivering value and guiding visitors toward meaningful actions. Social media blends organic and paid content to build loyal communities.

Reputation management is treated as a special skill, protecting images and bottom lines from damaging content. Executive thought leadership programs position leaders as experts with by-lined articles in relevant outlets. SEO strategies are robust and essential, making brands visible where 81% of consumers begin their journey—on Google.

Q: Why is this breadth of service valuable?
A: Because Meritus doesn’t just offer tactics; it provides integrated solutions that amplify your brand’s impact across every channel.

The agency combines creativity, innovation, and data-driven insights to deliver results that matter. Every service is connected, every effort intentional. With a proven track record—including award-winning campaigns—Meritus Media stands out as a creative ally that tells your story and drives measurable success.

If you’re ready to move beyond disconnected efforts and embrace a model where every action strengthens the next, you’ve found the right partner.

Let’s get to work.