Looking back at Q3, we feel very fortunate to have talked to more small to midsize businesses and nonprofits than in Q1 and Q2 combined — there have been a lot of marketing questions asked. However, some of it isn’t good news for them.
Some prospects are seeing a decline in revenue vs the first part of the year. Others are not seeing the return on their digital ad spend they saw in the first part of the year.
And, then there are some of our favorite conversations. We love meeting new entrepreneurs ready to rock their next business venture. This audience has a different set of questions.
For those that fall into the categories above, here are some insights of our conversations, that might help you, if you are experiencing similar opportunities. Even for those business owners and leaders who aren’t in the middle of one of these scenarios, there may be a nugget to learn or ponder here.
Marketing Questions for 2025
Why are my Google fill in the blank ads not performing?
Overwhelmingly, prospective clients are coming to us because of this and asking relevant marketing questions. Note to all: Business leaders and consumers alike are now starting their searches with AI platforms like ChatGPT. Generative AI is taking over the discovery phase.
Whereas consumers used to start with a keyword search on Google, 68% of shoppers across the world have used AI tools like ChatGPT to shop, according to a report published by creative agency VML. So, now the lines are blurred between search as a brand marketing function and a performance marketing one.
Also, if your Google Local Service Ads (LSA) are not working, why did you notice this and not your current agency? There are a myriad of reasons why they are not performing. And your agency should fix this problem. Not you. Ask them this marketing question.
Are your clients seeing a decline in revenue this year vs. last year?
This marketing questions is an important one. This is where you get the open, direct conversations that happen on the Front Porch. The U.S. economy has been in the s*&^ for quite a bit. Longer than most will admit. (Time to take off those orange-colored, not rose-colored glasses, which is a tip of the hat to Taylor and the release of The Life of a Showgirl.)
About a third of our clients have seen a decline. Of that third, the decline has been less than others in their industry. Why? Our clients market onward. These business owners and leaders haven’t cut the marketing budgets. And it’s showing!
Reality check, people. The spending on all the things: consumer goods, professional services, hospitality, travel, etc., after the pandemic was fabulous. But, as hopefully most of you have realized, it is time we normalize. And now, driven by macroeconomic uncertainty, tariffs and other factors, businesses and consumers are holding on to their cash.
How do I distinguish my business in an oversaturated category?
Recently, a prospect launching a business consultancy emailed this marketing question to us — after our initial meeting and several discovery calls.
My response, thank you for asking, was this: We take you through a branding process to ensure that your brand is both differentiating and emotionally relevant to your best target customer or client in this case.
As a famous person recently said, “I’m in the business of human emotion.”
All of us as business owners, leaders and champions of our brands are in the business of human emotion. Human connection, along with clarity and conviction of your brand will make you rise above. Even in an oversaturated category.
At the end of the day, automation and AI are happening whether you want them to or not. However, if your brand isn’t defined, your business is way behind the curve. And if it is and you are not delivering on it at every touchpoint, we can help you get there.
Want Your Own Answers to These Three Marketing Questions?
Whether your marketing questions are about ads, revenue or branding, or something else entirely, you deserve to have someone help you find the answers. Knowing is the first step down a new, more successful journey on your company’s marketing path.
An influencer is someone who acts as a mutual friend, and connects your brand with your target consumers. In today’s technological world, people are exposed to an abundance of purchasing choices, yet they don’t have the time to research them. Instead, buyers rely on friends, acquaintances, and fellow consumers to inform their purchasing decisions. The rise of social media has made it easier than ever for people to find other people who will help give them the information.