One small advertising firm in Bellevue, Washington is running in front of the pack and rapidly becoming a unique success story in the tech sector.  VC firms and Entrepreneurs alike are running to the firm for a helping of the firm’s “magic sauce” it applies to their apps.

Julian Valentine, VP of Seattle Advertising, has developed a solution for his clients that works so well it's morphing the agency into one of the most sought after advertising firms on the planet attracting clients as far away as China and Dubai.

Until now, Seattle Advertising has been a small Internet firm well known for its ability to blow up web-developments, apps and pushing out amazing marketing ideas but was never considered a rival to national brands.

That’s all about to change.

Miami Business Magazine first heard about this story when one of Valentine's former clients, wa  plastic surgeon in Miami, had a "wee bit too much" to drink down at the Blue Martini in Miami. The bar is a favorite IT hang-out in Miami and often you find it filled with VC guys, Internet Geeks, and coding gurus.

The surgeon, according to the bartender, began showing his iPad to some Google guys just how Valentine had managed to get his medical app ranking at the top of Google and Apple.

When called for a comment, Adam Shiffman, the bartender who tends bar at the Blue said that the Doc began egging on the three engineers from Google sitting at the bar. He asked the three to explain why he had wasted "55K a year with Google" using adwords when Seattle Advertising did the task for less than “9K as a one-time shot.”

The conversation escalated, and the surgeon was asked to leave. By then the 20 or so SEO engineers who were left the pub until the wee hours enjoyed a spirited discussion about Valentine's method and how he helps his clients rank.

"It's really nothing short of genius," Seth Milton, CEO of 180 said coming out of the MOZCON conference. "It's good that someone finally broke the color code because we knew it existed and we knew it worked. I hope he never tells a soul, except for me of course!"

Old fashioned enciphering (also known as cryptography) has been used since Roman times and has turned into a hot topic now that Valentine's method works. Valentine developed the method by watching human interaction on Google and Bing.

Valentine has observed what consumers search for based on their gender, age, and even the times of the day that they searched. Before long, Valentine began to see patterns in the searches. In  2009 he took these patterns, mixed them with his proprietary code and for the last 7 years has expanded it, combed it, and maintained it. It was then that something wonderful happened. He began to improve click-through traffic on websites that he builds for his clients by as much as 200%.

We're not talking about a few visitors either.

Valentine is taking an app from page 40 on Google to the first page within weeks, which seems impossible. That's why the surgeon was bragging, and that's why the Google engineers were speechless.

“As a result of his new cryptography algorithm,Valentine has found a way for his clients to not only rank #1 on organic search results for ANY set of keywords, but Valentine also paints the apps with his color coding which keeps consumers engaged on the site’s 45% longer.

The color coding paints websites he creates for his clients the exact colors that consumers subliminally want to see when they hit the website" said Charles Anderson, the former CEO of Northwest SEO. "This color code that can be searched by industry increases sales for Valentine's clients by an average of 45% and that is why so many professionals are beating down the door. They all want to be #1."

Anderson, used to own Northwest SEO, but now heads up the new advertising post at Seattle Advertising.

He continued, “If you’re self-employed, you need more than anything to advertise on Google and Bing, right? As a matter of fact, it's your lifeblood. But who really looks past page one?”

Whether you sell flowers or run a law firm, you want to have the coveted top three spots underneath the Google ads. Because 88% of consumers click on those top three organic results, they are the most sought after area on the page. Businesses want those spaces because consumers will click on them 88% of the time.

According to Valentine, it's really about stages-of-position psychology.

"If you are in the top three spots on the first page of Google doing a search for let's say ‘San Diego Trial Attorney’ and you’re #1, your link will get hit 88% of the time because consumers subliminally think that if you are #1 on Google organically, then you must somehow be the best. Consumers know the ads at the top and to the right are paid ads" Valentine told Miami Business Magazine.

Search engines will never tell you this, but only 12% of consumers ever click on the paid spots at the top or to the right. They are clicking on the top three spots on the organic results which are known in search engine circles as the "Golden Links."

Let’s say you sell watches in Dallas, consumers are typing in "Dallas watches."

If you are #1 on the organics, you’re getting 25-100 clicks a day with no advertising costs to you. The problem is, most businesses don't know how to get those spots. Instead, they are paying the search engine giant 5, 10, 25K a month for clicks that do not guarantee a client will even call.

To make matters worse, some small businesses are paying SEO firms to chase page one using a method that no longer works.

Seattle Advertising has learned to not only deliver #1 for their clients, but it's the color code that is getting all of the attention. Valentine’s app and software clients that use this coveted color code are hailing him as the new Internet marketing guru.

Yours truly managed to Skype with some of the developers at Valentine's company, Seattle Advertising. While I was chatting, one of Valentine's developers, and ex-Google drop-out who wants to remain nameless, showed me literally 100's of apps and .com developments that they have ranked #1 on Google and Apple, which is everything in the internet world if you're delivering an App to market.

In addition, each website, app, or development is painted and colored according to subliminal cues that Valentine noticed in his 18 years of coding and watching.

Light and color can influence how people perceive the area around them. Different light sources affect how the colors of websites, contact pages, and even the phone numbers on a website are seen. On the Internet, colors may appear to be more orange or "brownish" and darker colors may appear even darker. Light and the color of a send or contact button can affect how one perceives its positioning. Valentine has learned what colors people want to see based on specific industry and that results in improved click-through rates.

Valentine has it down to a science of percentage “per” color and so far, it's working. His typical charge for building one website, ranking that website to #1 for a set of keywords, and sprinkling his magic dust color code will run you around $7,800. Blowing up a new App will run you around 35K and to own the market an easy six figures.  That equates to about one month’s worth of advertising costs paying for the spaces at the top.

"Getting #1 on Google is great, but what good is that if your website or App colors are horrible? Consumers will just click out. However, when the website is visually stunning, and the color code is present that consumers want to see for your industry, that buys you another 20 seconds where the consumer is searching your website, and that means business." Valentine continued "I'm not a genius, I've just figured out exactly what people want to see from the second they hit your homepage to making contact with you on the “Contact Us” page. I've figured out what makes them want to email and call you, and I am keeping it a secret!"

Seattle Advertising is located in the heart of Olde Towne Bellevue, WA. You can check them out at their website www.seattleadvertising.com.

If you're anything like me, you love shopping but don't want to break the bank. I'm sure I've wasted the equivalent of time-as-money hunting for bargains, but something about the thrill of finding an expensive item for less really delights me. Of course, I'll spend money on things I really want, or items I need to last, but when possible, I can't resist a deal.

My friends are always amazed by the scores I find at places like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. Like I tell them, it's all about what you're looking for. I'd never expect to find a multi-year winter coat or my favorite skincare products, but I know exactly where to splurge and where to use these savings-havens.

Ready to learn my secrets?

1. Planters, pots, and garden tools

Everyone is obsessed with succulents and indoor plants these days, but have you looked at the price tags they fetch in boutiques? I've seen tiny terrariums for $30-$50! Instead of shelling out your hard earned pennies to hipsters, comb the garden shelves at discount stores--and don't neglect the kitchen aisle! I've found beautiful glass serving dishes perfectly suited for my miniature gardens, priced at $2-$5. Add in a couple of tillandsia from a garden shop, and you'll still spend a tenth of what the cool kids charge. I've scored amazing pottery for my outdoor plants for a fraction of what you'll pay at garden shops. I consistently see name brand spades, shovels, rakes, and trowels for a couple bucks, and have even found leather gardening gloves for a quarter of what you'll pay elsewhere. You can even find adorable garden accessories, like wind chimes, yard stakes, outdoor twinkle lights, patio furniture, and grill accessories. In fact, last summer I gave myself a budget of $400 to re-do my patio. When I put together a set-up I liked on Amazon, it came in slightly over budget. I challenged myself to see what I could put together in a weekend, checking between Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I found a similar chair and table set, a lounge chair, throw pillows, a firepit, string lights, a BBQ cover, and new pots for only half of what I set out to spend.

2. Storage pieces

When I wanted a new shelf set-up for my make-up, I thought I could DIY something cute I'd seen on Pinterest. As it turns out, I'm not all that crafty, and what I thought I could pull together ended up turning into a mess. I decided to check my usual haunts for some pre-made shelving but was delighted to find a small apothecary style cabinet instead. While it was being labeled as a nightstand, I knew it would be the perfect thing for my cosmetics--and it was only $30! I have amazing luck with smaller storage pieces, too, like Rubbermaid tubs for seasonal items, cloth and wicker baskets for cabinet storage, and even full closet organization kits. If you've spent any time at Ikea or The Container Store, you know how easy it can be to drop a bundle on basics. While you might have to make a few trips, you'll definitely save a ton of money and find versatile storage items. And don't forget to stock up on things for your kitchen, like drawer liners, lid sorters, and cabinet trays, all of which I've found for less than the price of a fancy coffee. The best part? When they get too nasty or too worn out, I don't feel bad recycling them and replacing them with a new piece!

3. Linens and towels

I absolutely adore luxury sheets, and have splurged on a few sets for myself--but I also appreciate fun, quirky colors and the bold patterns I find at my beloved discount stores. You might be surprised to find high-end brands like Betsy Johnson, Ralph Lauren, Jessica Simpson Home, and Martha Stewart hiding in their shelves. I've brought home $75 sheet sets for $15, and honestly? They absolutely stand up to my uber fancy luxury sets. I also love stocking up on hand towels, wash cloths, and bath sheets, all of which I see for double the cost in big box stores. It's nice to have a selection of colors and sizes, especially when I have guests over, and I have a ton of fun grabbing seasonally appropriate themed sets. In the spring and summer, be sure to check their seasonal displays for enormous beach towels, which can cost nearly $30 in most stores but will set you back between $8-$10. They make awesome gifts, and it's always nice to throw one in your car for spontaneous picnics or trips to the beach.

Nothing makes a long day at work more difficult than not having fuel to get through your projects, meetings, and presentations. While it's easy enough to start your day off with coffee and nervous energy, it's isn't the right kind of nutrition to sustain you throughout a robust workload. After a very frustrating winter of stressful days at the office, I realized one thing I was doing wrong was forgetting to eat breakfast and outright skipping lunch in lieu of putting in another hour at my desk. But why? My company doesn't expect me not to take care of myself, my boss would be horrified if she knew I wasn't taking breaks--so why did I allow myself to succumb to the temptation of doing more? In the end, I know it was a product of feeling pressure of holiday time off and a sense of being short-staffed, but truly there's no good excuse to skip meals. So my New Year's resolution was to spend Sundays planning, shopping, and preparing breakfast and lunch for my work week! After the initial learning curve, I found my stride as well as some amazing recipes that keep me feeling satisfied, energized, and excited about practicing self-care during the workday.

Check out some of my favorite simple to-go breakfasts and lunch, featuring the laziest lunchbox ever: the Mason jar! Be sure to add your favorite work-week meals in the comments, so we can keep encouraging each other to work smarter and safer.

Breakfast: Fruit, Yogurt, and Honey Parfait

-6oz Greek yogurt
-1/3 cup old fashioned oats, uncooked
-1 teaspoon chia seeds
-2 tablespoons milk (almond, cow, soy, nut, etc.)
-1.5 cups frozen mixed fruit and berries
-1 teaspoon honey

In a bowl combine yogurt, oats, chia seeds, and milk. Make sure the oats are well-coated, and sprinkle the honey on top. Stir to combine. Next, layer half in a mason jar or container (I like Mason jars because they're cheap, easy to store, and have unique lids I can always find in a cabinet.) Next, add half of the fruit and berries--frozen is important because as they defrost, they will permeate the other ingredients with their delicious flavor! Now, layer in remaining yogurt mixture and berries. Refrigerate overnight, and up to three full days. Tip: make four on Sunday and bring them all to work on Monday so you can have a go-to breakfast in your work fridge!

Breakfast: Brunch Casserole in a Jar

1 tsp bacon fat (bonus: you get to cook bacon to get the fat!)
2 sweet Italian sausage links
1 small Yukon Gold potato, peeled and shredded
1 yellow onion, finely diced or shredded
6 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Heat your oven to 375 degrees and grease 2 16-oz mason jars with bacon fat. Melt remaining bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and dice the sausage to brown in the skillet. While it's browning, beat the eggs and milk, adding nutmeg, salt, and pepper once blended. Stir in shredded Yukon Gold potato, onion and browned sausage and continue to cook for a few minutes. Next, set up a water bath for your Mason jars in a large baking dish, adding the water until it sits just about half an inch high on the Mason jars. Now, bake for 45-55 minutes until the inside of your delicious casserole is firmly set. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before putting on the lid.

Lunch: Ginger Sesame Noodle Jars

For each Mason jar:
2 teaspoons chicken stock concentrate or bullion
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons soy sauce
½ teaspoon ginger, finely grated
1 cup white or whole wheat spaghetti, cooked al dente and cooled
1 cup veggies either cooked and cooled or from frozen (prefer fresh)
¼ cup shredded chicken
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Add ingredients into your Mason jar, replacing the lid immediately. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready for lunch, fill the jar with boiling water up to an inch below the top of the jar. Place the lid back on and allow to steep for 2-3 minutes. Stir and add your choice of garnish, like hot sauce, cilantro, or red pepper flakes.

Lunch: Brussels Sprouts and Beets Layered Salad

1 cup walnut halves (or your favorite nuts)
1 cup pearled barley
2 large pink grapefruits
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cooked and peeled beets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 10 ounces)
8 cups baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Now, spread the walnuts (or preferred nuts) out on a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake until golden and toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow them to thoroughly cool and coarsely chop. Next, make the barley: Bring saucepan of water to a boil, then add the barley, and simmer for 20 minutes, until barley is plump.

Now prepare the grapefruit by peeling and cutting into wedges with the seeds removed. Set aside and prep the vinaigrette by whisking vinegar, mustard, honey, shallots, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Drizzle in the oil.

Assemble the salads: Using four 32-ounce wide-mouthed glass jars with lids, divide the beets evenly among the jars, then add the following in separate layers: the spinach, Brussels sprouts, barley and grapefruit. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and pomegranate seeds on top. Pack the vinaigrette in a separate container and enjoy!

1. Prep two days before

No one wants to walk into a job interview feeling uncomfortable, so do a test run of your outfit, have your resume printed and ready to go, and make sure your purse or bag has the essentials (including bottled water and a small snack, just in case the interview runs long.) This isn't the time to experiment with a new style. Instead, pick a reliable outfit you feel happy, confident, and most importantly--fidget free while wearing. Make sure it's clean, pressed, and free from rips or tears (including tights!) and that your shoes are easy to wear. Interviews are awkward enough without limping to accommodate blisters, right?

2. Get plenty of rest the night before

It may seem cliche, but a good night of sleep can go a long way toward helping you feel relaxed, confident, and prepared for the adrenaline rush of a job interview. These days, companies get the most out of their interviews by generally having a candidate see three or four different hiring managers--that's an hour or two of conversation, introductions, and often repeating yourself. You want to do everything possible to have the stamina to stay energized and focused. Getting a good night's rest is really pretty simple. Start by making sure you get twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity: walking, swimming, cardio, weights, even gardening or dancing around your living room. This will help burn excess energy and physically relax your body. Next, eat a low-carb dinner, preferably before six pm. I know, I know--early bird special, right? But digestion can exhaust the body in a negative way, and trying to sleep on a full stomach is just downright uncomfortable. Make the rest of your evening relaxing. Turn screens off by eight pm, and instead read an actual book or listen to an audiobook to help fall asleep. If you're into pampering, consider doing a face mask or giving yourself a scalp massage to relax even further.

3. Have a quality breakfast

Make sure you fill up on nutritious, delicious breakfast with balanced carbs and protein. We love making a fruit smoothie with protein powder and munching down on a slice of whole wheat toast, slathered in crunchy organic peanut butter and sliced banana. If you prefer something of the grab-and-go variety, fix yourself an english muffin topped with scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, and salsa. Consider limiting your caffeine intake to just one or two cups of coffee or tea, that way you won't feel like a jittery mess by the time you arrive to your potential future employer. It's a good idea to get up a little earlier, just in case you need time to prepare a meal, but do make time for food--no one can put their best foot forward when their stomach is growling, and you don't want to risk grabbing something on the road, in case it sloshes down your slick interview ensemble.

4. Use the commute to loosen up

Don't psych yourself out--you're well rested, relaxed, and fed. Put on your favorite mix or podcast to get you in a positive frame of mind. Pick upbeat, energetic tunes to get your blood pumping. That kind of energy is contagious, and if you walk into your interview happy, full of life, and excited to be there, it's going to put your interviewer in a similar mindset. Don't waste time pouring over every detail of your resume--it's a conversation, not a pop quiz, and you need to let your best qualities shine. If you need to calm down, call a friend or family member for a quick pep talk. Ask them to remind you what you're great at, get the conversation flowing, and hang on to the easy, conversational mojo that begins to flow.

5. Just breathe

Before you walk in to the office, take a moment to center yourself. Pop a mint, check your lipstick, and turn off your cell phone. Take a few deep, calming breaths to relax. Close your eyes and picture yourself nailing the interview. Entering with a clear, fresh mind is half the battle and everyone you meet is going to be impressed by your demeanor. It may seem like common sense, but the more pressure you take off yourself, the easier it will be to find your greatness.

6. Smile, shake hands, and sip water

Smile at everyone you meet and introduce yourself with confidence. Say yes when the recruiting coordinator offers you a bottle of water (hey, dry mouth is the worst!) and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Be sure to take bio breaks as needed, but stay focused and present on your interviewer. When making introductions, repeat the person's name back when you greet them--it will help you keep all of the names straight.

7. Close with a thank you

Another common sense moment, but don't neglect to send a sincere thank you email after your interview. It should go to the recruiter, and request that it be sent along to the hiring managers. Be sincere, succinct, and timely.