Strategic Media Technology Consulting

Helping media businesses evolve and scale with expert CTO leadership, intelligent content solutions, and cutting-edge AI visibility optimization.

Explore Our Services

Our Services

CTO Services

Strategic technology leadership without the full-time commitment. We provide fractional CTO expertise and system integration project management to guide your technical decisions.

  • Fractional CTO Leadership
  • System Integration Projects
  • Technology Strategy & Roadmapping
  • Team Mentorship & Development

Content Data Services

Transform your content into intelligent, actionable data. We run your content through proprietary systems to enable precise classification, vectorization, and funnel stage alignment for maximum impact.

  • Content Classification & Taxonomy
  • Vectorization & Embeddings
  • Funnel Stage Alignment
  • Personalized messaging APIs
  • Vector-powered related content & site search

AEO/GEO Services

Stay ahead in the age of AI-powered search. We optimize your content for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to ensure visibility.

  • Baseline Site Audit
  • Target Prompt Development
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Brand Visibility Monitoring
  • Citation Tracking

About Paperbak Labs

We are a boutique media technology consulting firm dedicated to helping media businesses navigate the complexities of today's media landscape. Our expertise spans strategic leadership, data-driven content solutions, and emerging search technologies.

Whether you need executive-level technology guidance, want to unlock the value hidden in your content, or need to prepare for the future of AI-powered search, we bring the expertise to make it happen.

Joel Hughes

More about Joel Hughes

Most know me professionally as an experienced B2B media tech exec & entrepreneur. I help mid-market media companies with CTO services including systems implementation, cost containment, fractional CTO/CIO, audience strategy, and process automation.

A self-described builder, I apply business analysis, software, and AI tools to support publishers and marketers.

Companies I've worked for or with include:

Scranton Gillette Communications, Farm Journal, SGC Horizon, CFE Media Group, Endeavor Media, Omeda, Credspark, EnsembleIQ, Lebhar-Friedman, Edgell Communications, Northstar Travel Group, Arkaea Media, Watt Global Media, Allured Media, Equine Network, Active Interest Media, Vance Publishing, Cloudbakers, Reilly Communications, Rogers Media

I am a Folio: Top 100 recipient and recognized authority on audience, data, and digital strategy.