Bridging the Gap Between Creativity & Execution

Get Traction with Vision + Executable Steps

If you’re like me, you like brainstorming to come up with juicy marketing ideas that will resonate with your target market. But the buck doesn’t stop there. Great marketing is a blend of creativity plus strategy. One without the other typically falls flat. And when the two work together seamlessly, the results are often fantastic—and measurable! The key to success isn’t just having bold ideas or executing flawlessly—it’s about fusing them into a cohesive strategy that drives real impact—something measurable.  Here’s some steps on how you can make your own creativity work for you, and some examples you can follow when you get those tasty little ideas and you want to bring them to fruition. 

Where Creative Vision Meets Step-by-Step Action

Great marketing starts with a powerful vision. And ideas don’t always pop in from out of nowhere. It takes throwing all the darts on the wall until the best one sticks. 

The greatest and most memorable campaigns are fueled by creativity, inspiring people to engage with brands in new and exciting ways that people talk about. What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial? SEE! Something came to mind, yes? My favorite commercials were all things Matthew McConaughey and Uber Eats. 

Today’s marketing is a bit challenging because we’re in flux somewhere between paying homage to the simpler times by creating vintage graphics to super sleek AI-generated graphics. Not only are the good old days resonating with people, but the kids these days are curious about what living with a corded phone must’ve been like. Now’s your chance to give them that visual! In fact, I’m looking for a client who wants to introduce a corded phone into their brand messaging. I have some ideas I’d love to play around with. 

All that to say: what sets successful marketing apart is the ability to turn whatever vision you have into reality through structured execution. Because when creativity and execution are in sync, marketing efforts build meaningful connections with your audience, deliver measurable and lasting impact, and create brand consistency and recognition.

 

How to Make Creativity Work for You

Creativity is the spark that ignites a campaign, but it needs a well-crafted strategy to shine. By designing a clear execution plan, you ensure that every brilliant idea reaches its full potential. In my experience, here’s how to bring creativity to life:

1. Define the Destination

Before launching a campaign, get crystal clear on the end goal. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving conversions, or deepening engagement, defining success gives creativity a roadmap.

Example: A fitness brand wants to launch a new product line of eco-friendly workout gear. Instead of simply promoting it, they define their goal: to position themselves as the leader in sustainable fitness apparel within six months. This clarity helps shape their messaging, partnerships, and promotional strategies.

2. Build an Actionable Plan

Every strong marketing strategy outlines steps to bring an idea to life. Deadlines, team responsibilities, and performance checkpoints help keep execution on track.

Example: A boutique coffee brand wants to increase online sales. They break their goal into actionable steps: launching a social media campaign, collaborating with influencers, offering limited-time specials or daily discounts, and setting weekly performance reviews. This structure ensures that creativity leads to measurable progress.

3. Adapt and Evolve

And here’s one of my other favorites: embrace the power of optimization. If something isn’t working, adjust it. Creativity thrives in flexibility, and data-driven insights guide smarter decisions. 

Example: A travel agency launches a digital campaign to promote adventure tourism. Midway through, they notice that engagement is highest on their behind-the-scenes videos rather than traditional ads. They pivot their strategy, focusing on immersive storytelling and real customer experiences to maximize impact. And if you’ve read my previous blogs, you know I’m all about experiential marketing in 2025! 

4. Create a Seamless Brand Experience

From social media to email campaigns to website messaging, every touchpoint should feel connected. A cohesive marketing plan ensures that your brand speaks with one voice across all platforms. This includes your URLs. All too often I see one brand using a variety of names on their social sites, their video channels, and their domain. Round ’em up! Sure, you might have to abbreviate a name for Instagram but try to match your names across all channels, just like you maintain the same voice, colors, fonts, and message. 

Example: A skincare brand ensures that its website, social media, and email marketing carry the same look, tone, and message, emphasizing its natural approach to anti-aging. Their voice and tone are mature, optimistic, and helpful. Their colors and soft, and of course, must incorporate Pantone’s color of the year: mocha. Whether a customer visits their Instagram page, their website, or open a newsletter, they experience a cohesive journey, reinforcing brand trust and recognition.

5. Marry Creativity with Analytics

Numbers don’t stifle creativity—they enhance it. Use data to shape your marketing approach, ensuring that bold ideas translate into tangible success. Let Google Analytics be your friend. For my WordPress fans, I recommend installing Site Kit on the backend of your website. 

Example: A nonprofit runs a fundraising campaign with a heartfelt video message. They use A/B testing on different messaging styles and track engagement rates. By analyzing which version drives more donations, they refine their storytelling approach for future campaigns.

Bringing It All Together

Marketing isn’t about choosing between creativity and execution—it’s about uniting them into a dynamic force that captivates, inspires, and converts. When brands intentionally bridge the gap between ideas and action, they unlock the full potential of their marketing efforts.

Looking to bring creative ideas to life with a keen marketing strategy? Let’s collaborate to design marketing that works—not just in theory, but in reality. Because when vision and execution move together, that’s when the real marketing journey begins.

 

How to Get More Leads!

How to Get More Leads!

What’s the Quick Fix to Get More Leads?

Ah yes, the million-dollar question. If I had a dollar for every time a client asked me how to get more leads, I’d be sipping something fizzy in a hammock somewhere. But here I am, still in the trenches with you—and honestly? I love it here. But here’s the deal: There’s no quick fix to get more leads!

The truth is, lead generation isn’t a single tactic. It’s a layered, strategic process that depends on your brand, your offer, your ideal client, and yes—your follow-through. So if you’re here hoping for a magic wand or a one-size-fits-all answer, sorry friend. But if you’re ready for a clear, creative strategy backed by data and a little marketing muscle? Let’s talk. In the meantime, follow this clear list of steps you can take and if you stick to it – you should get new leads!

Step One: Want More Leads? You’ve Got to Know Who You’re Talking To!

You can’t attract what you haven’t defined. Getting more leads starts with getting crystal clear on your ideal client—what they need, what they value, and what keeps them up at night. Your content, your offers, even the colors you use—everything should speak directly to them. When that connection is dialed in, leads come easier. Promise.

Step Two: To Get More Leads, Your Website Needs to Work Harder Than You Do!

Your website isn’t a digital brochure. It’s your 24/7 salesperson. It should tell your story, answer questions, build trust, and offer something of value before someone ever books a call. Whether it’s a free download, a quiz, or simply clear, compelling copy—your site should be doing the heavy lifting. If it’s not? Let’s fix that.

Step Three:  Show Up Where It Matters

You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be in the right places. That might mean finally getting serious about LinkedIn, or maybe it’s time to dust off your email list. Maybe your dream clients are scrolling Instagram stories while sipping their matcha. Wherever they are, you need a consistent, intentional presence that reminds them you exist and that you can help.

Step Four:  Offer Value Before You Pitch

This is where most people get it wrong. You don’t just show up with a megaphone shouting, “Buy from me!” You build trust by sharing insights, solving small problems, and creating content that makes people feel smarter, seen, or supported. When you consistently add value, people start coming to you.

🐝  tip: Find what you love to do best and DO IT! I love to blog, so I write articles answering people’s most frequently asked questions.

Step Five: Keep the Funnel Moving

So many leads fall through the cracks because there’s no system in place to nurture them. Follow-up matters. Whether it’s an automated email sequence, a personal DM, or a calendar reminder to check in, have a plan for what happens after someone raises their hand. Interest without action = lost opportunity.

Step Six: Track What Works.

Creative is great. Strategy is necessary. But data tells the truth. Pay attention to what’s converting. Where are leads coming from? What content gets the most clicks? If something’s working—do more of that. If it’s not—rinse, adjust, repeat. Marketing is a living, breathing thing. Give it some love and it will grow!

🐝  tip: Note how I tossed in a little “living breathing” reference into the article? That’s my brand—I’m all about nature. You can do the same!

And Finally: Turning Leads into Long-term Term Clients

Make sure you’re not losing your leads along the way. Check out my post on Understanding the Customer Journey for tips on building trust and keeping your audience engaged from first click to final conversion.

You don’t need a gimmick. You need a smart, sustainable strategy and a message that resonates.

And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just tired of doing it all alone? That’s what I’m here for.

🐝 Click here and send me an email!  Let’s create some buzz!

Calling all Marketing Strategy Book Readers! Here’s a list of my favorite books that helped me out immensely:

 

Fanatical Prospecting
Jeb Blount’s guide offers strategies for opening sales conversations and filling the pipeline through social selling, telephone, email, and cold calling.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Robert B. Cialdini explores the psychology behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these understandings in various aspects of marketing. ​

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable (my personal fave)
Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of creating remarkable products and marketing strategies to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen (2nd fave)
Donald Miller provides a framework for crafting compelling brand stories that resonate with customers and drive engagement.

The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation
Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson present a new approach to sales, advocating for teaching customers new perspectives and tailoring sales messages to their specific needs.

Marketing Meme Trends in 2025

Marketing Meme Trends in 2025

Top Meme Trends for 2025 in B2C Marketing Campaigns

You’d have to be totally off the grid to have not seen a clever meme or two over the past few years. These bite-sized nuggets of humor and relatability allow brands to build cultural relevance, engage consumers, and stand out in an oversaturated market. As we step into 2025, the meme game is evolving, blending nostalgia, technology, and hyper-specific humor. Memes continue to reign supreme as one of the most effective tools for connecting with audiences. Here are the top meme trends we believe will dominate B2C marketing campaigns this year.

 

Retro Tech Nostalgia Memes

As we embrace the digital future, many consumers including myself are craving a touch of the past. Memes that celebrate retro tech, such as old-school flip phones, CRT monitors, and Windows 95 aesthetics, are on the rise.

This trend taps into millennials’ and Gen Z’s collective nostalgia while serving as a playful contrast to today’s ultra-connected lifestyle. Brands can use these memes to sell products that evoke simpler times or highlight their timeless appeal.

 

true inventor of the flip phone meme

AI-Generated Memes

Artificial intelligence has entered the chat—literally. With tools like DALL-E and ChatGPT capable of generating text and images, brands are leaning into AI to create hyper-customized memes. These memes allow for rapid responses to cultural moments, with humor that feels fresh and innovative. Bonus points if the meme plays off the meta-awareness of being AI-generated—self-referential humor continues to resonate.

 

Text-Heavy Memes

Minimalist imagery paired with maximalist text is gaining traction. These memes read almost like short-form storytelling, often recounting exaggerated scenarios or spiraling tangents that land with a punchline.

The approachable and DIY feel makes them shareable, and their longer format ensures higher engagement—perfect for brands wanting to communicate more nuanced messages. X has a plethra of these types of memes.

 

Humor and Self-Awareness

Consumers are more media-savvy than ever, and they love brands that are in on the joke. Memes that play with the absurdity of corporate marketing or poke fun at themselves tend to build trust and authenticity. Think Wendy’s roasting its own menu or a brand’s Twitter page sharing a meme about the difficulty of writing clever tweets. Meta-humor helps humanize brands in an age where audiences value transparency.

Memes as Merch

Some memes transcend the digital space and become physical. Whether it’s a viral catchphrase printed on tote bags or an iconic image turned into a sticker, memes-as-merch is a creative way to extend a campaign’s lifespan. This trend also ties into consumers’ love for tangible experiences, creating opportunities for brands to build loyalty through limited-edition products.

Interactive Memes

Memes that invite user participation—polls, “tag a friend” prompts, or remixable templates—are a hit for boosting engagement. In 2025, expect brands to experiment with formats that blur the lines between memes and interactive content. For example, a “choose your own adventure” meme carousel on Instagram or a TikTok meme challenge that ties back to a campaign theme.

Crossover Memes

Collaboration is key. Expect to see more brands teaming up to create crossover memes that combine their audiences’ interests. Picture a fast-food chain partnering with a gaming brand for a meme that pokes fun at late-night cravings during marathon sessions. These partnerships allow brands to tap into new demographics while keeping the content fun and surprising.

 

Low-Fi, High-Impact Content

In an age of often overly polished content, deliberately low-fi memes that look like they were made in MS Paint or on a decades-old meme generator stand out. This trend signals a return to the roots of meme culture and reinforces a brand’s relatability. Low-fi doesn’t mean low effort, though—clever messaging is crucial for making this style work.

 

Memes: the New Cultural Currency!

Memes are more than just a quick laugh—they’re a cultural currency that can drive real engagement and brand loyalty. In 2025, successful B2C marketing campaigns will be those that embrace memes not just as content but as a conversation with their audience. By staying ahead of trends and tapping into the zeitgeist, your brand can turn humor into a powerful marketing tool.

So, what’s your meme strategy for 2025? We would love to help you brainstorm on something creative and fitting for your brand. 

Security Insecurity Meme 2025

A few more fun memes that many of us can relate to. What meme could you use for your brand? Does anything relatable come to mind? Email me and let me know! 

SEO in 2025

SEO in 2025

SEO in 2025: Still Crucial, Yet Evolving

In the ever-changing world of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains a foundational strategy. Even in 2025, when social media and paid ads dominate headlines, SEO continues to drive organic traffic and long-term visibility. Some folks may claim it’s outdated. I say: not even close.

Why SEO Still Deserves a Seat at the Table in 2025

Organic Search Is Still a Heavy Hitter

Yes, social media is noisy. Yes, paid ads have their place. But organic search is still one of the top traffic drivers to websites across industries. Over 50% of web traffic still starts with a search. So if your SEO isn’t pulling its weight, you’re likely missing a big slice of the pie.

Trust Starts at the Top (of Google)

Ranking well in search results isn’t just about clicks—it builds trust. Users are more likely to engage with and buy from brands they find at the top of search pages. SEO helps you show up consistently and credibly, which is half the battle in today’s attention economy.

It’s Cost-Effective (in the Long Run)

Unlike ads that stop working the moment your budget runs dry, good SEO keeps working long after you hit publish. Once you’re ranking, maintaining that spot is far more budget-friendly than a never-ending ad campaign.

User Experience = SEO Gold

Search engines have gotten smart. They reward sites that are clear, fast, easy to navigate, and actually helpful. Great SEO and great UX now go hand-in-hand. If your site delivers a smooth, engaging experience, your bounce rate goes down—and your rankings go up.

What’s Changed in SEO in 2025? A Lot.

AI Is Running the SEO Show (Sort Of)

With AI and machine learning more deeply integrated into algorithms, Google can now better understand user intent. That means content needs to be relevant, useful, and written like a human (not a keyword-stuffing robot). This is a good thing. It pushes us to write better, think smarter, and focus on actual value.

Core Web Vitals Are Non-Negotiable

Google’s Core Web Vitals—LCP, FID, and CLS—measure how fast your page loads, how quickly it responds to clicks, and how stable it is visually. Basically: if your site feels clunky, your rankings will suffer. Technical SEO isn’t optional anymore—it’s foundational.

E-A-T Is the New Standard

Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) are critical, especially if you’re sharing information that affects someone’s health, finances, or well-being. This isn’t fluff. It’s Google’s way of rewarding credibility. If you’re the real deal, show it. Credentials, bios, clear sourcing—these details matter.

Voice Search is Growing Up

With the rise of smart speakers and digital assistants, more people are searching with their voices. That means your SEO strategy should include natural, conversational language and long-tail keywords. Think less “best skincare serum” and more “what’s the best anti-aging serum for sensitive skin?”

Local SEO Is Having a Moment

Local search has exploded—especially for small and service-based businesses. Features like Google Business Profile, customer reviews, and accurate local listings have major influence. Want to show up in “near me” searches? Local SEO needs your attention.

Content Still Reigns, But the Bar Is Higher

Thin, generic content doesn’t cut it anymore. Google wants content that’s thorough, engaging, and actually answers the user’s question. It’s not about publishing more—it’s about publishing better. So yes, content is still king, but now it needs a crown and a strategy.

Mobile-First SEO Is the Default in 2025

Mobile-first indexing is officially the norm. If your mobile experience isn’t dialed in—think fast load times, easy navigation, and clear calls to action—Google will notice. So will your visitors.

So, Is SEO Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. But only if you’re doing it right.

SEO is evolving, but it’s not going anywhere. It’s still the best way to build long-term visibility, authority, and trust—without throwing your entire budget into ads. Staying ahead of SEO trends (and staying human while doing it) is what separates forgettable content from high-performing strategy.

Great Resources for More SEO Info for 2025

Google Search Central – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide
This is Google’s own guide, and linking to it shows you’re offering value backed by the source itself. Great for readers who want to go deeper into technical best practices. Read it here.

Moz – What is SEO?
Moz remains a trusted authority in the SEO space. Their beginner-friendly content breaks down complex topics in a way that’s accessible and reputable. This would be a perfect complement to your post’s friendly tone and smart strategy. Read it here. 

If you’re not sure how your website measures up, let’s talk. I’ll help you uncover opportunities, clarify your content, and create an SEO plan that actually converts. Click here to email me. I’d love to hear from you.

Want to go deeper? Explore these next:

🐝 What’s AEO and how does it fit with SEO?

🐝 Evergreen Content & Featured Snippets: Long-Term Wins

🐝 Quick-Start Guide: Master Your SEO

🐝 Understanding Keywords (Without the Overwhelm)

Understanding the Customer Journey

The Customer Journey From Awareness to Advocacy

In today’s competitive marketplace, understanding the customer journey is more important than ever. Why? Because it gives you insight into how your customers experience your brand—from the moment they first hear about you to becoming loyal advocates telling their friends about you.

If you’re a business looking to grow, mastering the customer journey can be the key to standing out and building long-term relationships. Let’s take a few minutes to explore the concept, share a real-world example, and provide actionable tips to enhance your customer journey and build loyal fans of your brand.

What is the Customer Journey?

At its core, the customer journey is the path a customer takes when interacting with your brand. It covers every touchpoint—from discovery to purchase and beyond. This journey isn’t always linear, but understanding its stages helps you better meet your customers’ needs and create a seamless experience.

5 Typical Stages of the Customer Journey:

Awareness: When customers first learn about your brand. This is where first impressions count. Through ads, social media, or word-of-mouth, you need to spark curiosity and create a memorable introduction to your business.

Consideration: When they’re weighing their options. At this stage, customers are comparing you to competitors, so providing helpful content like case studies, reviews, and free resources can position you as the best choice.

Decision: When they choose to buy from you. Here, you need to simplify the buying process. Clear calls-to-action, limited-time offers, and exceptional customer support can help seal the deal.

Retention: When you focus on keeping them happy. A happy customer is a returning customer. Focus on personalized follow-ups, loyalty programs, and ongoing value to maintain strong relationships.

Advocacy: When satisfied customers become your biggest cheerleaders. Encourage reviews, referrals, and testimonials. When customers love your brand, they’ll naturally spread the word and bring in new business.

Why Does the Customer Journey Matter So Much?

Imagine walking into a store where no one greets you, the shelves are unorganized, and no one helps you find what you need. Frustrating, right? Your customers feel the same way when their experience with your brand isn’t intentional or consistent.

Optimizing the customer journey ensures that every interaction builds trust, meets expectations, and leaves customers feeling valued. This creates loyal customers who return to you time and time again.

Forbes wrote a great article with a slightly different approach (or verbiage), including a good visual map which is highlighted here. It breaks down how businesses can visualize the path their customers take, making it easier to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

The Customer Journey in Action

Awareness:
Let’s say a mid-sized company invests in SEO-driven content (like blogs and case studies) and launches targeted social media ads to attract potential clients searching for their services.

Consideration:
Once leads arrive on their website, The company offers free downloadable resources and live webinars. They also implemented a chatbot to provide real-time answers to customer inquiries.

Decision:
To support leads in the decision phase, The business provides personalized consultations and showcases detailed case studies of their previous successes.

Retention:
After a project is complete, they send a follow-up survey, offering discounts on future services and personalized thank-you notes.

Advocacy:
The mid-sized company encourages happy clients to leave reviews and refer friends through a referral program—rewarding them with exclusive perks,

By optimizing its customer journey, the company sees somewhere between a 20% to 35% increase in customer retention and gains several new leads through word-of-mouth referrals within an average of a month or two! Sometimes it takes less time, sometimes it takes more. There’s no magic wond. But if you’ve optimized your site, written content using keywords, keep your content fresh by providing useful information or great product photos and descriptions, by the time you get to the customer journey, you’re set up for success!

3 Tips to Optimize Your Customer Journey

Ready to level up your customer journey? Start with these actionable steps:

Map It Out:
Take time to visualize every step of your customer’s experience. Identify key touchpoints and ask yourself: Where can we make this better?

Gather Feedback:
Your customers are your best resource. Use surveys, reviews, and interviews to understand what’s working and what’s not.

Be Consistent:
Consistency is key. Whether it’s your website, social media, or customer service, every interaction and everything you do should reflect your brand values and brand voice; and naturally, meet customer expectations.

Final Thoughts

The customer journey isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for building a thriving, customer-centric business. By understanding and optimizing every stage, you’re not just winning sales; you’re building relationships that drive loyalty and growth.

Start by mapping out your customer journey and identifying ways to improve. Your customers (and your bottom line) will thank you.

Need help refining your customer journey? Let’s connect and make sure your customers have an experience worth raving about!.

Next Up:

If you’re interested in learning more about branding and the art of creating an emotional connection, read my aritlce here. 

Do you like to write as much as I do? Read about blogging to build your brand right here.

And if you’d like to learn about the importance of using the right keywords to create brand awareness and site optimization, click here.