If you’re running a professional services firm, a manufacturing company or a nonprofit with an operating budget up to $35 million, you already know the truth about having a partner.

You’re carrying a lot. You’re managing operations, people, budgets, compliance, customer expectations and the never‑ending swirl of “urgent” things.

And somewhere in that chaos, you’re also supposed to build a brand, create marketing that actually works, modernize your digital presence, generate consistent demand among other things branding and marketing. That’s usually when leaders look up and say: “We need a marketing partner.”

Then we have to swoop in and define what a true partner is. Working together is a two-way street. And we don’t work with everyone. We are only as good as our Clients. They have to truly want to grow, learn, collaborate and let go of marketing strategy and execution.

But most leaders underestimate the real value of partnering with a branding, marketing and advertising team. It’s not just outsourcing tasks. It’s unlocking clarity, growth and momentum that changes the trajectory of your organization. Let’s get down to it.

A Marketing Partner Gives You More of Your Most Expensive Resource

Professional services firms and manufacturers run lean. Nonprofits run leaner. You don’t have extra bandwidth sitting around waiting to be used.

A strong marketing partner gives you:

• Time back in your day
• Relief from the constant “we should be doing more marketing” guilt
• Confidence that your brand is being managed with intention

This isn’t delegation. It’s about freedom!

It is Not Random Acts of Marketing. You Get Seasoned, Proven, Strategic Partners

Most organizations under $35M operate on instinct, urgency or habit. A post here. A brochure there. A campaign when someone remembers.A real partner brings structure and strategy:

• Clear brand positioning
• Defined audiences and messaging
• A marketing roadmap aligned to revenue or fundraising goals. This map must also be something leaders understand and follow.
• A consistent rhythm of initiatives and communication

When your marketing is intentional, everything becomes more effective and more predictable.

Partners Give You a Full Team Without Hiring a Full Team

Branding, content, design, digital advertising, SEO, analytics and storytelling are all different disciplines. And no single hire can do them all well. A marketing partner gives you fractional access to an entire team of specialists.

For professional services firms, that means stronger thought leadership. With manufacturers, that means better product storytelling and sales enablement. For nonprofits, that means donor‑centered messaging and campaign consistency. It’s the smartest way to scale without adding headcount.

You Get Outside Perspective From a Partner — the Kind You Can’t Create Internally

When you’re inside your organization, everything feels urgent. Everything feels important. Everything feels like it needs to happen right now. A partner brings clarity and objectivity:

• What actually matters
• What’s noise
• What’s missing
• What’s possible

Professional services leaders often need help simplifying their message. Manufacturers often need help modernizing their brand. Nonprofits often need help telling their story in a way that moves people. Fresh eyes change everything.

From a Partner, You Get Accountability That Drives Momentum

Marketing only works when it’s consistent. A partner keeps the rhythm:

• Deadlines get met
• Campaigns get launched
• Content gets published
• Strategy stays on track

Momentum is the difference between “we’re trying” and “we’re growing.”

You Get a Brand That Actually Represents Who You Are

Your brand should feel like you — your values, your personality, your promise.

A strong partner helps you:

• Clarify your identity
• Strengthen your messaging
• Modernize your visuals
• Show up consistently across every channel

For manufacturers, this often means elevating a brand that’s been neglected. In professional services firms, it means standing out in a crowded market. For nonprofits, it means inspiring donors, volunteers and partners. Your brand is your reputation. It deserves to rock.

You Get a Partner Who’s Invested in Your Success

The best marketing partnerships feel like an extension of your leadership team. We celebrate your wins. We push you when you need it. Sometimes too much, too be honest. We protect your brand like it’s our own. We show up with ideas, solutions and energy.

The melody and rhythm that make a marketing partnership:

1. Let your marketing team do what they do best.
2. Share your goals, challenges and data. Be transparent.
3. Keep the communication stream steady.
4. Be collaborative. Engage.
5. Be willing to evolve and modernize.
6. Marketing is a system, not a magic trick. Have realistic expectations.

When both sides show up fully, the results are electric. Grow faster, communicate better and build a stronger brand. Ready to stop being a one-person band and start growing? The porch is open. Pull up a rocking chair. Let’s build something unforgettable. When strategy meets storytelling, your brand will rock.

It’s about to be Fourth Quarter, so grab your favorite porch chair, pour something warm, or something with a little kick if that is your jam. Let’s talk about the most underrated, over‑complicated, absolutely critical stretch of the year: Fourth Quarter. Side note, anyone else here waxing lyrical because NFL football is back, baby! Let’s goooo!

Q4 is where brands either coast, under deliver or make magic happen. Whether you’re leading a business or a mission‑driven nonprofit, this is your moment to tighten the strategy, amplify your voice and set the stage for a powerhouse new year. Let’s break down what you should be focusing on before the end of the year.

Re‑Center Your Brand Story Before Fourth Quarter Ends

Your brand story is the heartbeat of your organization. But here’s the truth: stories drift. Messaging gets diluted. Teams get busy. Suddenly your brand sounds like a committee wrote it after three cups of lukewarm coffee. Or, you have added new initiatives and events, and all of a sudden, you are off plan. Uh oh. Q4 is the perfect time to:

• Revisit your mission, values and differentiators
• Ensure your messaging still reflects who you really are
• Tighten your elevator pitch so it sings
• Align your team so everyone is telling the same story

For nonprofits: make sure your story is donor‑ready, impact‑forward and emotionally resonant. Year‑end giving depends on clarity and heart.

For businesses: sharpen your value proposition. Buyers are making decisions fast. Your brand needs to sing and sing on key.

Audit Your Digital Presence in the Fourth Quarter Like a Rock Star

Your website, social channels and email marketing are your stage. If the lights flicker or the sound system cuts out, the audience notices. And if you are a real pro, your heel breaks off of your shoe, you rip it off and make the show rock even more. IYKYK. Q4 digital tune‑ups include:

• Website performance and mobile optimization
• Updated service pages or program descriptions
• Fresh photography – no more 2019 stock images
• Social media consistency and engagement
• SEO updates to capture year‑end search traffic

Think of this as your pre‑tour equipment check. You wouldn’t walk on stage with a broken amp. Don’t walk into Q4 with a broken website.

Plan Your Year‑End Fourth Quarter Campaigns with Intention

The zone where ideas ignite, sorry, NFL influencing the language here.

For nonprofits: Year‑end giving is your Super Bowl. Build campaigns that are heartfelt, urgent, and crystal clear about impact. Donors want to know exactly how their gift changes someone’s life.

For businesses: Holiday promotions, customer appreciation and Q4 sales pushes should feel authentic, not desperate. Lean into gratitude, community and value. Across the board:

• Map out your content calendar
• Build multi‑touch campaigns
• Use storytelling, not shouting
• Make your calls to action unmistakable

Fourth Quarter Is the Time to Strengthen Community Connections

Front Porch Marketing believes in showing up where people actually live, figuratively and literally. Q4 is the perfect time to lean into community, authenticity and connection. Ideas that rock:

• Show up at a nonprofit event, host a table, buy a VIP ticket
• Share behind‑the‑scenes stories
• Celebrate your team and clients publicly
• Show your face, your heart, your humanity
• People may not remember ads. They remember how you showed up

Set Your 2027 Strategy Before January

Don’t wait until the new year to plan the new year. Use Q4 to:

• Review what worked and what did not
• Set goals rooted in data and reality
• Build your content and campaign roadmap
• Identify gaps in brand, messaging, or audience

Budget for marketing that actually moves the needle. January should feel like a launch, not a scramble. Even though 2026 has been a long year for small businesses and nonprofits, do not take January off as a month to regroup. Own the month. Engage, inspire and connect. Set the stage for the new year.

Protect Your Brand Consistency Like It’s Your Favorite Vinyl

Brand consistency is the difference between noise and music. The Fourth Quarter is time for you to take stock, make adjustments and get your brand aligned for success. Check for:

• Visual alignment across platforms
• Tone consistency in all communications
• Unified messaging across departments
• Brand guidelines that people actually follow

If your brand feels scattered, your audience feels confused. And confused clients and consumers don’t buy, donate or engage.

Show Up With Heart: It’s the Front Porch Way

At Front Porch Marketing, we believe marketing is an act of care. Behind every decision is a real person:

• A customer trying to solve a problem.
• A donor wanting to make a difference.
• A survivor looking for safety.
• A leader trying to build something meaningful.

Q4 is your chance to show up with authenticity, strategy and heart. Remind your audience why your work matters.

Fourth Quarter isn’t just the end of the year. It’s the moment you set the tone for everything that comes next. Tighten your brand. Strengthen your story. Show up for your community. And rock your strategy like you mean it.

Want to finish out the year with a plan that sings? Determined to line dance right into Q1 2027? We are right here on the porch, guitar in hand, strategy in mind, ready to rock with you.

You might have a love/hate relationship with summer when you’re in marketing. Either you’re working six months ahead and now is your busy season ramping up for the holidays. Or, your clients are on vacation, you’re on vacation, your kids are at home with you and it feels like nothing is getting done. Time to manage everyone’s expectations.

If you’re in the latter camp, then you’re probably looking for ways to do less but still be effective while everyone is most definitely not on a regular schedule. At Front Porch Marketing, most of us are this person. So we’ve gotten really good at being efficient AND effective in the summer. So we’ve rounded up all our summertime tips from the past few years for you, and hopefully this will help.

Summer-fying Your Brand

Maybe you want to change things up slightly for the summer? Make your brand colors lighter and brighter, or brand voice more laid-back? Try this article for tips on making your brand have more summer feels.

And hey, you’ve done A LOT of work, visually and verbally, on your brand this year. So we’re thinking “What can you re-use, re-work and re-up for the summer?” One way to do more with less in summer marketing, is to rework the assets you already have into something fresh, instead of starting from scratch. Who has time for that!

Reaching Your Audience in the Summer

It’s not just you and your clients that are in a summer frame of mind, your customers are too! Whether that’s a B2B customer or a consumer, it helps to put yourself in their shoes when planning your marketing in the vacay months. There’s definitely a psychology to summer shopping so keep that in mind.

If you’re in PR, your audience is the media and believe it or not, this is a hot time to pitch your PR stories. And you’ve probably got more time to do it, and less competition. Fine tune your strategy in the summer time to get the most response from your efforts.

And for service-based businesses, we’ve got a whole cheat sheet of summer strategy tips to keep right on growing your business right through this season and into fall. You can never go wrong focusing on your customers’ needs and answering their summertime questions.

Keep it Steady, Rockin’ the Summer Season

Ready for a successful summer of marketing? Slow down, get done what you have to, and if you need help with any of it, let us know!

In branding, there are many processes that agencies adopt. The foundation of the models that agencies use are often centered on a brand vision or promise. After your brand’s vision and promise comes the personality or character that your brand uses to express itself, as if it were a person. Remember that inconsistency in delivering on the promise dilutes customer or client faith in the competency in your organization. Thirdly, your brand needs positioning. Call me and I’ll be happy to share more detail about this important part of the exercise.

Affiliating With Your Brand

Lastly comes the brand affiliation. What do your clients or customers want others to think about them because they are affiliated with your brand? Affiliation is key and starts with your internal team. After all, they are the closest to your brand. So if you have recently rebranded, and your current marketing partner isn’t telling you to start engaging your internal team first, you should think again about your brand’s priorities.

Branding is Alchemy

These important marketing exercises can seem like a magical process of transformation for a company. An alchemy of sorts. Successful branding makes everything you do make sense, and gives you a clear path of where to go next. So who are we to fight the alchemy?

In order to deliver consistent messaging, business leaders and owners need to remember a few things when they rebrand. First of all, you, dear business owner, cannot create your brand in a vacuum. Context matters. The market matters. And, again, we say this often as a reminder of how to come away from a brand exercise with strong results.

The Three Cs of the Branding Process

Of course, difficult conversations sometimes happen during this process. And, on the Porch, we are here for it. We believe in and practice these three pillars in our marketing: Conviction, connection and consistency. We’ve talked about these before. And we will talk about them again, and again. Because building your brand around these pillars works.

Conviction

We know business owners and leaders have conviction about their company and their brand. It’s the passion, the energy and the will to be successful. It’s a growth mindset. When you are convicted about your brand and absolute about a growth mindset, the magic will happen. When we work with companies, we talk on their conviction as our own. We want the success to happen as much as they do.

Connection

Connection is about building a space where communication is genuine with branding and connection to your audience. It’s about reaching your customers and clients on a 1-to-1 basis. Meeting their needs. Solving their problems.

Remember, you are not your customer or your client. Your personal preferences may not be the needs of your customer. One of the hardest things to do for a business owner is to step out of their own shoes into the shoes of their customers and clients. Recognize and meet their needs. Don’t talk at them, talk with them. Connect.

Consistency

Consistency is where we see sometimes really strong business fall short. The business leaders want to jump in and get hands on. Maybe they LOVE the creative side of the business so they want to design their own logo, letterhead, website etc. And, the result in our several plus years of experience, is that this is a disaster.

I myself love the creative side of the business; however, I am not a graphic designer, so I let the trained professionals do their job. If you’re a business owner thinking about consistency yet trying to do parts of the branding process that are out of your wheelhouse, question yourself: Is this the right way for me to spend my time?

Growing Your Brand

On the Porch, we are so grateful for business leaders and owners who are open to defining their look and their voice with us. We love working with owners and leaders who want to grow their brand beyond their comfort zone, realizing business success comes from this eye-opening, defining process. Together we can accomplish great things throughout the branding process and into all the marketing work beyond that!

Stepping onto the “Front Porch” for the first time, I knew I was entering a space dedicated to storytelling and strategy. But as I look back on my internship, I realize that the most impactful lessons didn’t come from a textbook; they came from watching how brands live and breathe in the real world. As well as personal branding and connection.

Marketing isn’t just about the “what” it’s about the “who” and the “why.” Reflecting on my time here, three things stand out as the foundation of everything I’ve learned: the intentionality of branding, the depth of brand loyalty, and the necessity of knowing your audience. 

Branding: More Than Just a Logo 

During my time at Front Porch, I’ve seen firsthand that a brand is a promise. It’s the consistent thread that runs through every social media post, every email, and every client interaction. A brand isn’t a static image; it is a living reputation. 

I’ve learned that successful branding requires: 

• Vulnerability: Being honest about a brand’s journey. 

• Consistency: Delivering the same message across every touchpoint. 

• Clarity: Knowing exactly what strengths and weaknesses you solve for your client. 

When a brand is built with intention, it stops being a service and starts being a solution.

The Weight of Branding and Loyalty 

We often talk about “getting” customers, but my internship taught me the importance of “keeping” them. Brand loyalty is the difference between a one-time transaction and a lifelong advocate. I’ve observed that the most successful clients we work with are those who don’t take their community for granted. 

Loyalty is earned in the quiet moments: when a brand responds to a difficult situation with grace, or when they choose quality over a quick fix. During my time here at Front Porch, I’ve realized that people don’t just stay loyal to a product; they stay loyal to how a brand makes them feel. When you stay true to your brand promise, your audience rewards you with the most valuable currency in marketing: trust. 

The Art of Connection to your Audience 

If branding is the “voice,” then the audience is the “listener.” One of my biggest takeaways from Front Porch is that you cannot speak effectively if you haven’t first listened. 

True audience connection involves: 

• Data with Soul: Looking beyond the numbers to see the people behind the clicks. 

• Empathy: Understanding the daily challenges and joys of the consumer. 

• Evolution: Recognizing that as your audience grows and changes, your strategy must as well. 

Marketing is a two-way conversation. My internship here at Front Porch has shown me that the “lucky” brands are just the ones that have done the hard work of truly understanding the person on the other side of the screen. Personal branding needs the priority of connection and loyalty.

Final Reflections on Branding and Connection 

As I wrap up this chapter, I’m leaving with a new perspective on how businesses connect with the world. Authentic marketing doesn’t shout at the crowd; it speaks to the individual. 

The “Front Porch” philosophy isn’t just about business; it’s about building a space where communication is genuine with branding and connection to your audience. These are the lessons that will guide me long after I’ve left the porch. 

You’ve just completed a big project — you’ve rebranded your business. Congrats! The brand is new and sparkling. It resonates with your team, clients and advocates. Your team and you, business owners and leaders, have all invested many resources, time and money and other things into this company. There is momentum after you rebrand, and internal teams are ready to communicate the new brand. Those whom you have announced the rebranding to are applauding.

Rebranding Is an Investment

Remember, you have invested in a new logo, so make sure that you show it off in all the right places. You’ll want to champion your brand to not just employees, but to advocates, associations and other external allies.

• Launch event for internal team to get the team excited about the rebrand
• New branding materials for internal and external  presentation of your brand
  • Collateral materials including business cards and letterhead
  • Team uniforms and swag
  • Building and conference room signage and materials
  • Website
  • New networking groups and associations to join
• A marketing plan and new messaging plan to communicate the new brand

What’s Next After You Are Rebranded?

For heaven’s sake, don’t stop there. Marketing is what’s next. Just because you have built it doesn’t mean they will come. Don’t pull back on marketing efforts. It’s time to really put that rebranding effort to work!

At a minimum, if you have updated your brand, enable your marketing and advertising partner to do the following:

1. Internal Engagement — Continue to foster your brand advocates. Investigate new ways to infuse your brand into your company culture and daily activities, i.e., invoices, customer communication, etc.
2. Digital Marketing
   1. Website — After your initial website build, continue to add new content
   1. Content Strategy — Include organic social posting and blog posting at a frequency your agency recommends
   1. Email Marketing — Clients and advocates want to hear from you. Do you have an email tool, template and plan to deploy? Remember, content should be news to use, not all about you. Help your audience.
   1. Paid Digital Strategy — Continue to challenge your existing digital partner to deliver on your investment. Listen to your marketing partner, as this world moves fast and they have their fingers on the pulse of the market.
3. Collateral — New opportunities beyond your basic package after you’ve rebranded, and will be identified as you move forwarded if your team and agency are in sync and communicate on a weekly basis.
4. New Opportunities —  These will be based on feedback from your team and you on what is working and what isn’t. There will always be new opportunities to explore. Decide what fits your brand and timing.
5. Monitor & Optimize — Our world is changing at the speed of light. Your marketing team is at the forefront of this and monitoring new opportunities. Ask them to provide continuous feedback on how your business can benefit from the latest and greatest advances.
6. So much more — With your agency you might explore traditional marketing, PR and Media Relations, Activations, Promotions and more.

Being Rebranded is Just the Beginning

Overall, please do not invest in rebranding if resources do not exist to execute on it for the long term. A new logo isn’t the end-all-be-all for your business success.

Want to learn more? Then we are happy to chat. Email julie@itsfrontporch.com.

How Small Surprises Build Lasting Brand Loyalty

The brands we love most rarely win us over all at once. Instead, they unfold over time. They reveal thoughtful details, unexpected moments, and small surprises that make the experience feel personal. Like finding an Easter egg hidden in plain sight, these moments create a sense of discovery. And more importantly, they give customers a reason to keep coming back.

In marketing, those “Easter eggs” aren’t accidental. They’re intentional touchpoints designed to surprise, delight, and deepen connection.

What Is a Brand “Easter Egg”?

A brand Easter egg is any unexpected detail, feature or moment that adds value beyond the obvious. It’s something a customer discovers rather than something you loudly promote.

It might be:

• A clever line of copy hidden on packaging
• A personalized follow-up email that feels human, not automated
• A thoughtful freebie included in an order
• A subtle visual detail that rewards repeat viewers
• An inside joke or reference your audience recognizes

These moments don’t need to be big. In fact, the smaller and more organic they feel, the more impactful they can be.

Why Easter Egg Moments Matter

Easter eggs work because they tap into emotion. They create a feeling of being “in on something”. It’s a quiet connection between brand and customer.

When done well, they:

• Encourage repeat engagement (“What else have I missed?”)
• Build emotional affinity, not just awareness
• Make the brand feel more human and thoughtful
• Turn passive customers into active fans

In a crowded marketplace, that kind of connection is what sets brands apart.

Where to Hide the Magic

The best part? Opportunities for these moments exist everywhere in your marketing.

In Your Messaging

Look beyond the headline. The body copy, subject lines, and even disclaimers are all chances to add personality and warmth. A well-placed, unexpected line can turn standard communication into something memorable.

In Your Customer Experience

From onboarding to follow-up, think about where you can exceed expectations. A simple thank-you note, a check-in that isn’t sales-driven, or a resource shared “just because” can leave a lasting impression.

In Your Design

Visual Easter eggs like subtle illustrations, hidden icons or layered details reward customers who take a closer look. These touches show care and craftsmanship, even if not everyone notices them right away.

In Your Process

Sometimes the “Easter egg” is how you work. Being unusually organized, communicative or thoughtful as a partner or provider can feel like a surprise in itself, especially in industries where that’s not the norm.

Practical Ways to Add Easter Eggs to Your Brand

If you want to start building these moments into your marketing, keep it simple and intentional:

• Think beyond the main message. Where are the overlooked spaces you can enhance?
• Reward loyalty. Give repeat customers something new to discover over time.
• Stay true to your voice. Surprises should feel natural, not forced.
• Focus on the audience. What would they find delightful or useful?
• Be consistent. One great moment is nice, but many small ones build a reputation.

The Long Game of Delight

Brand loyalty isn’t built through one campaign or one interaction. It’s built through a series of small, meaningful moments that accumulate over time.

When customers feel like there’s always something new to discover they don’t just engage. They stick around. So as you think about your next campaign, email or piece of content, ask yourself: Where can we hide a little Easter egg? Because sometimes, the smallest details are what people remember and what they come back for again and again.

The digital marketing world is a crowded space, but brand loyalty is always a priority. Between flashy social media ads and endless influencer “must-haves,” consumers are constantly being told what to buy. But today’s shoppers have an internal authenticity filter. They can tell the difference between a brand that truly shares their value and one that is just wearing a green hat for the day. 

Marketing isn’t about finding a “lucky” viral moment. It’s about building a brand foundation that stays solid long after the festivities are over. 

Brand Loyalty is the Real Treasure 

Your core values shouldn’t just be a decorative clover. They need to be the roots: 

• Product quality 

• Customer transparency 

• Social responsibility 

• Community engagement 

• Long-term vision 

When a company uses values as a temporary costume of brand loyalty, people notice the inconsistency. Think about your favorite local store. If you love them because they support “local craft,” but they suddenly start sourcing cheap, low-quality materials to save money, the charm disappears. That disconnect doesn’t just lose you a sale; it loses you a supporter. 

The Test of the Rainbow in Your Brand

Todays consumers don’t just buy “stuff.” They buy an identity. They want to support brands that act as a mirror of who they are and what they care about. 

The real test of a brand isn’t how it acts when things are easy. It’s what happens when the “luck” runs out. When faced with a supply chain crisis, public mistake, or another business challenge, a company has two paths: 

• Take the shortcut to protect this month’s profit. 

• Take the long road that stays true to their brand promise. 

The brands that choose the long road are the ones that build a loyal community. When a company sticks to its word even when its the longer or more expensive route, consumers realize those values weren’t just a public relations stunt, but they were real – authentic and true to the brand. 

Marketing That Grows Brand Loyalty

Great marketing shouldn’t be a separate department from your mission. It should be the voice of that mission. 

When your brand values are non-negotiable: 

• Your ads feel like a conversation. 

• Your brand voice sounds genuine. 

• Your customers become your best advocates. 

In a world full of noise, being authentic is your biggest advantage. The brands that lead with their heart and stand their ground are the ones that find the real pot of gold: long-term, unbreakable trust and brand loyalty. 

When you are 15, you have found who you are supposed to be — your strengths are shining. And at 15, you’ve found the clients, team and partners that help you thrive. Not just survive. It’s true!

Front Porch Marketing is so honored to be in business for 15 years. So we are celebrating this month. To that end, we’d like to share some super-secret strengths in the branding and marketing world right now. Maybe some of these will help you move your business forward this year.

Here are five strengths to consider for our Crystal (15^th) Anniversary. And for the rest of 2026. Cue the Mirrorball!

Your Business Strengths Shine in 2026

Branding Strength

Branding continues to give companies a leg up, and even more so. We are so grateful that businesses recognize that brand strategy and a clearly defined value proposition differentiate them. These businesses are seeing results for being strategic and mindful.

AI For Good

Use the strength of AI for good, not as a distraction — Business leaders and owners are spending time researching, building their own tools for their websites, or saying that AI is going to eliminate their company in the future, and other things.

Don’t use AI as a distraction. We have heard from CEOs and Presidents of companies they have spent more than half their day asking Large Language Models (LLMs) all the things. While you are doing this, who is minding the gap of your business, leading your company and inspiring your people?

AI can be an advantage to all of us. We can use it as a tool to free ourselves up to spend time on more strategic, creative work.

Strong Content Marketing

Choose authentic humans sharing storytelling for the win. Want to learn more? We are here to share.

Short-Form Video For The Win

Short form is a strength in 2026. In fact, video leveraged a strong ROI by 93% of marketing firms that used it, according to HubSpot, and its where more marketing teams are going to in 2026. We can help build your strength in video. Think about those that are looking at Instagram stories and YouTube videos.

Benchmarking Your Efforts

It’s important to measure results. Benchmark your marketing and advertising results and your marketing and advertising spending. How? Adopt weekly and monthly KPIs. Quickly understand and benchmark what is working and what isn’t.

Business owners and leaders we work with typically don’t have the bandwidth to do this. So, we do this for them. This valuable information can steer the year. Question your marketing partners if what you are investing in isn’t returning the results expected.

Your Success Is Our Strength

Back to our 15^th year — Hooray! Thank you to our team, clients and advocates past, present and future. We couldn’t do this without y’all. We have had the time of our life fighting dragons with you. Wearing all of the friendship bracelets. Continuing to celebrate the wins and grow our businesses together.

Confetti falls to the ground.

Since the start of the new year, I have noticed business owners posting on LinkedIn daily or several times a week. Yay for being more active! Boo for the frequency and overall execution. Double boo for the AI-generated content and visuals. It is riff-raff. Please just stop making mistakes on LinkedIn — you can do better!

Instead, Connect With Other Business Owners and Leaders

Right now, LinkedIn is the only place to connect with like-minded professionals, business owners, industry leaders and potential leads. This is the only social network where you can get updates from your industry’s leaders on what’s happening in their career or company. In addition to that, it is a platform for professional development — hello LinkedIn Learning — and to get the heads-up on industry trends, emerging technologies, the state of the economy and more.

Personally, I love seeing updates from my connections on awards they have won, events they have attended, professional milestones and shout-outs about what is happening in their business or with their people. Please, get back to that.

LinkedIn Builds Professional Credibility

So hey, business owners and leaders: Let’s harken back to the three Cs of successful brands. Conviction, consistency and connection should be your guidance on how to use LinkedIn successfully.

Focusing on connection and the relevancy of your content are the things that matter. If your target doesn’t care about what you stand for and if it isn’t authentic and purposeful, no one will pay attention. The stronger the emotional connection, the more likely your target or your connections will be positively pre-disposed to your organization.

Business Owners and Leaders Build Connection on LinkedIn

Trusted relationships develop into emotional bonds. And this is true for LinkedIn. Loyalty to your brand or to you as a business leader means greater business success for you, and reduced competitive threat.

While you may think staged photography of you behind your computer or with a team member, belongs on your personal LinkedIn timeline, think again. It is not enough to just show yourself working. Let your followers know what you’re thinking. Don’t weaken connections with your professional network you spent decades to build. Keep connecting with your network in ways that help them.

Balance helpfulness, expertise and relatability to boost engagement on LinkedIn without excessive self-promotion. Please and thank you. Again, for the love of Pete, keep your audience interested by providing value. Establish your authority by sharing your expertise.

And above all, build connection.

Front Porch Marketing can help if you need additional thoughts on how to use LinkedIn, how to build and maintain connection with your network, or just some counsel on your LinkedIn brand or personal page. We know you can rock it in 2026!