Smarter, Not Harder: How AI & Automation Are Revolutionizing Small Business

The 12 Hottest Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025 (And How to Leverage Them) Are you ready for the future of marketing—or will you get left behind? The world of marketing is changing at a breakneck pace, and 2025 is set to redefine how small businesses connect, convert, and grow. Before you dive in, ask yourself: Am I leveraging AI, personalization, and answer engine optimization—or am I still marketing like it’s 2015?Are my customers already shifting their attention to new places and platforms (like short-form video, social commerce, or voice search) without me?Which trends are all hype, and which ones are actually making small businesses money right now? In this must-listen episode, our Marketing Guides break down the 12 most impactful trends for 2025—including: The game-changing power of generative AI and agentic marketingHyper-personalization: delivering the right message, in the right place, at the right timeAnswer engine optimization and the rise of platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and voice assistantsShort-form video dominance—and why YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok aren’t optional anymoreMicro and nano influencers, AR/VR for immersive experiences, social commerce, AI-driven paid media, and more! You’ll hear: Real stats and stories proving what works (and what to avoid)Where to focus if you have a small budget but big ambitionsBest practices for staying ahead—even when the digital landscape feels overwhelming Meet Your Marketing Guides: Ken Tucker — Changescape WebPaul Barthel — Changescape WebJeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing SystemsIan Cantle — Outsourced Marketing Inc. Every week, your Marketing Guides deliver field-tested insights to help small businesses thrive—no jargon, just practical advice that gets results. Ready to future-proof your marketing and crush it in 2025? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your business network. Then visit our Guides’ websites for more resources, personalized strategy sessions, and actionable marketing toolkits. Don’t stand still—grab these trends and get growing. Listen now!

THINK LIKE A MARKETER, HIRE LIKE A PRO Are you treating hiring as strategically as you market your services or products? More importantly—is your business attracting the right talent, or repelling them before they even apply? Before you hit play, ask yourself: Would your dream employee be excited to work for your company based on what’s visible on your website, Google listing, and social media today?Are you making the critical mistake of only “marketing” your business to customers—while great candidates just breeze by?How could applying your customer marketing playbook to hiring result in better people, less stress, and faster growth this year? In this episode, we reveal how to think like a marketer and hire like a pro: Why your employer brand matters as much as your customer brand, and how to align both for authenticity that attracts—not just applicants, but the right people.Proven ways to “out-story” your competition and use reviews, social proof, and candid team content to build trust and culture.The marketing funnel approach to hiring: from nurturing a talent pipeline and optimizing job pages for SEO, to automating touchpoints with CRM and email lists—so you’re never scrambling when that critical position opens up.Real stories from the front lines (including a few hiring misadventures) that highlight what works, what doesn’t, and how marketing tactics can build a sustainable, scalable hiring process. Meet Your Marketing Guides: Ian Cantle – Dental Marketing HeroesKen Tucker – Changescape WebPaul Barthel – Changescape WebJeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems Each week, your Marketing Guides bring you hard-earned wisdom and practical tools you can use right now to outsmart your competition—whether you’re building a customer base or a team. Ready to build a brand that attracts top talent—not just more customers? 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with your fellow business leaders. Visit our Guides’ websites for more exclusive tips, resources, and a custom marketing/pipeline assessment. Don’t just fill seats—build a company people want to join. Hit play and let’s make hiring your new secret weapon!

LOCAL SEO – A DEEPER DIVE Are you truly leveraging the power of local SEO, or just scratching the surface? This episode takes you beyond the basics—unpacking the strategies, hidden features, and common pitfalls that determine whether your business shows up (or stays invisible) in your local market. Whether you’re a service-area business, brick-and-mortar retailer, or local professional, the rules are changing and the competition is only getting sharper. Before you listen, ask yourself: Do I really know how Google decides which businesses appear at the top of local results—and what’s holding mine back?Am I making critical mistakes with my Google Business Profile, or missing out on simple tactics that drive more calls and visits?With AI and changing search habits, am I prepared for the next wave of local SEO, or am I about to be left behind? In this episode, you’ll learn: The truth behind “near me” searches versus geo-targeted queries—and why your content needs to serve both.Why Google Business Profile (GBP) is more than just a listing—and how to optimize every corner of it (categories, Q&As, reviews, and ongoing engagement).How proximity, relevance, and prominence drive results—and practical steps to improve all three for your business.The critical role of reviews, reputation, and ongoing profile management—plus what to do when you get hit by fake reviews or platform glitches.What’s new with local search in the age of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)—and why SEO fundamentals aren’t dead (yet).Agency-level tips for grid reporting, heat maps, multiple branches, and troubleshooting why you’re not ranking. Meet your Marketing Guides: • Ian Cantle – Dental Marketing Heroes • Ken Tucker – Changescape Web • Paul Barthel – Changescape Web • Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems Together, they bring decades of hands-on local SEO and digital marketing expertise, helping small and midsize businesses outsmart competitors and get found where it matters most. Ready to stop guessing and start winning at local SEO? Smash that subscribe button, share the show with your colleagues and local business friends, and connect with our Guides at their websites above for more resources, free tips, and a custom SEO review! LISTEN NOW to unlock the strategies that drive local leads and revenue in 2025/26—and keep your business a step ahead.

🎙️ Episode 240 – The Top Reasons Your Marketing Isn’t Working—and What to Do About It Is your marketing falling flat? 🚫📉 You’re not alone—and there are real reasons behind it. In this no-fluff episode, the Marketing Guides break down the most common (and costly) marketing mistakes small businesses make—and what you can do right now to fix them. Whether you’re doing it yourself, managing vendors, or working with an agency, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to ignore. You’ll learn: ❌ Why “doing more” isn’t always the solution🎯 How lack of strategy kills results📉 The hidden cost of poor messaging and weak calls-to-action🔍 Why visibility without conversion is just noise💡 Simple shifts to boost your ROI fast🧠 Real examples of what does work for small businesses Plus: 🚫 The myth of overnight success—and how to create momentum that lasts⚙️ How to align your marketing with your customer’s journey This is the marketing reality check every small business owner needs. If you’re tired of wasting time and money, this episode will help you get clarity, control, and results. 👉 Listen now and get your marketing working smarter—not just harder. 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #MarketingFails #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #FixYourMarketing #ROI #DigitalMarketingTips #MarketingGuidesPodcast

🎙️ Episode 239: 2025 Video Trends — What Small Businesses Must Do to Stay Relevant Video is no longer optional—it’s essential! In this forward-looking episode of Marketing Guides for Small Business, our expert panel explores the emerging video marketing trends for 2025 and what small businesses must do to stay ahead of the curve. From the rise of short-form content to AI-generated video and new distribution strategies, we break down what’s changing—and how to leverage these shifts to grow your brand and connect with customers. 💡 You’ll discover: Why authenticity will win over perfection in 2025How AI tools are reshaping video production and personalizationThe growing dominance of short-form and vertical videoWhy silent video (with captions) matters more than everWhere to post your videos to get the most impactTools and tips to streamline your video content creation Whether you’re new to video or ready to level up your strategy, this episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to create compelling video content that works. 🎯 Don't Just Listen, Act On It: Connect with our expert Marketing Guides and take your video marketing to the next level: Jeff Stec – Strategic marketing systems expert🔗 https://tylericasystems.com/Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel – SEO, local marketing & analytics experts🔗 https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle – Fractional CMO & video-first content strategist🔗 https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 📣 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone looking to modernize their marketing in 2025 and beyond! #MarketingPodcast #VideoMarketing #2025MarketingTrends #SmallBusinessMarketing #VideoContentStrategy #ShortFormVideo #AIinMarketing #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #MarketingGuidesPodcast #VideoForBusiness #VideoTrends2025

🎙️ Episode 238 – Which Marketing Model Is Right for Your Small Business? With so many marketing options out there, how do you know which model fits your business best? In this essential episode, the Marketing Guides break down the pros and cons of today’s most popular marketing delivery models—from hiring in-house staff to working with agencies, managing multiple vendors, or engaging a Fractional CMO. Whether you’re overwhelmed by options or considering a change, this episode will help you choose the right path based on your goals, budget, and bandwidth. In this episode, we cover: 🧠 In-House Marketing Teams: When control is key—but costs are high🤝 Marketing Agencies: Scalability, strategy, and subject-matter expertise🧩 Multi-Vendor Models: Why juggling freelancers can work—or fall apart🎯 Fractional CMOs: Executive-level guidance without the full-time cost📉 The biggest pitfalls to avoid when outsourcing or building internally💡 How hybrid models are helping businesses get the best of both worlds Plus: 📊 Key questions to ask when evaluating your current setup🛠️ How to align your marketing model with your business stage and objectives If you’re ready to eliminate the confusion and make a confident decision about how to structure your marketing, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Tune in now and build a smarter, more effective marketing engine for your business! 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #MarketingStrategy #FractionalCMO #MarketingAgency #InHouseMarketing #OutsourcingMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingModels #MarketingGuidesPodcast

🎙️ Episode 237 – Empowering Solopreneurs to Build Fulfilling Businesses and Lives Being a solopreneur can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be. In this inspiring highlight episode, the Marketing Guides dive into the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that come with running a business of one. From setting smarter goals to creating systems that free up your time, this episode is packed with real-world advice designed to help solopreneurs thrive both professionally and personally. You’ll discover: 🌱 How to build a business that supports the life you want to live🧩 Systems and automation strategies that scale you🧠 The mindset shifts that successful solopreneurs embrace🛠️ Tools that make it easier to run a business solo—without burning out👤 Why personal branding and community matter more than ever Whether you’re just starting out or looking to revamp your solo journey, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and encouragement to build a more fulfilling business—on your terms. Check out Carly Ries and Lifestarr at: https://www.lifestarr.com/ 👉 Listen now and take the next step toward a more empowered solopreneur life. 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #Solopreneurs #SmallBusinessLife #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeBalance #MarketingAutomation #SoloSuccess #MarketingGuidesPodcast

🎙️ Episode 236 – Smarter, Not Harder: How AI & Automation Are Revolutionizing Small Business AI and automation aren’t just buzzwords—they’re rapidly transforming how small businesses operate, market, and grow. The question is: Are you keeping up? In this forward-thinking episode, the Marketing Guides explore how artificial intelligence and automation tools are making small businesses more efficient, more competitive, and more profitable. Tune in to discover: 🤖 What AI is really doing for small business marketing (and what it can’t do)🧠 How to train AI to sound like your brand✉️ Real examples: AI-written debt collection emails and proposal drafts🛠️ Free and low-cost AI tools to get started with today🔁 Workflow automation: From lead nurturing to scheduling to follow-ups📞 AI voice assistants vs. traditional call centers—who wins?📊 Why your CRM is the bedrock of automation and AI integration Plus: ⚠️ The most common mistakes small businesses make with AI & automation💡 How to build a future-ready stack without overwhelming your team🌐 The rise of AI-powered websites that adapt in real-time Whether you’re an early adopter or just getting your feet wet, this episode will guide you through practical, affordable ways to start working smarter, not harder with AI and automation. 👉 Don’t get left behind—learn how to leverage the tools that will shape your business’s future. 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #AIforSmallBusiness #MarketingAutomation #CRMStrategy #SmallBusinessTech #MarketingTools #WorkSmarter #MarketingGuidesPodcast

🎙️ Episode 235 – Building a Community of Brand Advocates Wouldn’t it be amazing if your customers did your marketing for you? In this powerful episode, the Marketing Guides reveal how small businesses can turn satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates—and even build a thriving community around their business. You’ll discover: 👥 What a brand advocate really is—and why you can’t grow without them🔥 The difference between accidental word of mouth and intentional advocacy🧠 How to find your hidden fans using reviews, staff input, and CRM insights🧱 Strategies for building a community from scratch (even with a tiny budget)🎁 How to reward loyalty without cheapening the relationship🚫 What not to do—like treating your advocates as just another marketing list Plus: 💸 Free and low-cost tools to start building your community📈 Why advocacy boosts lifetime customer value by 16% or more✅ One simple action you can take this week to move from customers… to champions Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your customer relationships, this episode will help you foster authentic advocacy that grows your business and builds long-term trust. 👉 Listen now and subscribe for future insights that help your business thrive! 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #BrandAdvocacy #CustomerExperience #SmallBusinessMarketing #CommunityBuilding #CustomerLoyalty #MarketingStrategy #MarketingGuidesPodcast

🎙️ Episode 234 – Consumer Search Behavior: Where Are Your Customers? Search behavior is changing—but is your business keeping up? In this eye-opening episode, the Marketing Guides break down key insights from BrightLocal’s latest Local Consumer Review Survey and explore where consumers are really searching in 2025. Spoiler alert: Google still dominates—but there’s more to the story. We dig into: 🔍 Why 80% of local searches still start on Google🤖 The real (and overhyped) impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on search📱 How Gen Z, Millennials, and Boomers actually search differently🎥 Why YouTube and video content are a trust-building goldmine📞 The one mistake that’s silently killing your leads: slow or no response Plus: ✅ Why having accurate contact info beats price and reviews🌟 How recent and replied-to reviews build buyer trust⚠️ Why optimizing for AI search doesn’t mean abandoning classic SEO Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a small business owner trying to get found online, this episode will help you understand where your customers are looking—and how to make sure they find you. 👉 Don’t miss this essential breakdown of search behavior trends that could make or break your visibility in 2025. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more expert insights each week! 📎 Visit our websites: Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.comPaul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.comIan Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔖 #SearchBehavior #SmallBusinessMarketing #LocalSEO #MarketingTips #GoogleSEO #AIandSearch #YouTubeMarketing #GenZMarketing #ConsumerTrends #MarketingGuidesPodcast