13 | Fun Marketing News January: How to Show Up in AI Search + Stay Ahead in 2025

13 _ Fun Marketing News January 2025_ How to Show Up in AI Search & Stay Ahead in 2025 on Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

AI & SEO: The Big Question for 2025

With AI becoming a major player in search and content discovery, business owners and marketers are asking: “How do I show up in AI search results?” Whether it’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or AI-powered search tools, the key to ranking remains the same—strong SEO foundations and smart content strategies.

The biggest mistake we see? People assume AI will replace traditional SEO and marketing strategies. The truth is, AI is a tool, not a shortcut. If you’re not already doing SEO well, AI won’t magically make you rank. In this blog (based on our latest Marketing Duo Podcast episode), we break down how to optimize for AI search without ditching the fundamentals of SEO.

Why AI Search Matters in 2025

Search engines are evolving, with AI now curating recommendations, snippets, and direct responses to queries. Businesses need to rethink their content strategy to align with these changes.

Key shifts happening in AI-driven search:

✔ AI-generated answers are prioritizing high-quality, authoritative content.
Schema markup, FAQ sections, and structured content are crucial for AI visibility.
✔ AI is pulling information from multiple sources—meaning backlinks and mentions matter more than ever.

5 SEO & AI Optimization Strategies for 2025

1. Strengthen Your Topical Authority

AI prefers sources that demonstrate expertise over time. That means regularly publishing high-quality content on your core topics—whether it’s through blogs, podcasts, or video content.

2. Optimize for AI Chatbots & Search Assistants

Search assistants like Google Bard and ChatGPT are using structured data (like FAQ schema and featured snippets) to find the best answers. Make sure your website includes clear, structured content that AI can easily pull from.

3. Leverage AI Tools for Content Creation

Tools like Notebook LM (a new AI-powered research assistant by Google) can summarize content, generate ideas, and even create scripts for podcasts and videos. AI won’t replace creativity, but it can save hours of work when used strategically.

4. Build Stronger Backlinks & Brand Mentions

AI search engines prioritize trusted sources. Make sure your business is getting:
Mentioned on other websites and blogs
Tagged in guest podcast appearances
Featured in relevant industry discussions

5. Use AI as a Productivity Booster, Not a Replacement

AI tools can help with content creation, social media planning, and automation—but they should enhance your marketing, not replace it. Human creativity is still essential for engagement and connection.

The Future of AI, SEO & Marketing

AI is evolving fast, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for digital marketing. While AI will continue to change how we discover content, the fundamentals of SEO, branding, and authority-building remain the same.

Want to learn more? Tune into the Marketing Duo Podcast for monthly AI, SEO, and marketing insights. Follow us on Instagram at @marketingduopodcast and let us know how you’re adapting to the AI-driven future!

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11 | Planning, Visioning, and Goals – Oh My! Setting Your Business Up for Success in 2025

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As 2025 begins, entrepreneurs everywhere are setting intentions, reflecting on the past year, and strategizing for a successful year ahead. In our latest podcast episode, we explored the importance of planning, visioning, and goal-setting to build a sustainable and thriving business.

Here are the highlights from our conversation and practical tips to help you create a roadmap for success in 2025.

Lessons from 2024: Challenges and Wins

The past year presented unique challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. From economic uncertainty to increased scrutiny over expenses, business owners tightened their budgets and refined their priorities. While it was a tougher year to win new business, many entrepreneurs found that consistency and intentionality led to unexpected growth.

One key takeaway: hard work pays off over time. The snowball effect of years of effort often becomes apparent during challenging times. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent blog, repurposing content, or refining workflows, staying committed to your strategy builds momentum.

What Worked in 2024: Consistency and Focus

1. Content Creation

Consistently publishing weekly blogs, videos, and emails was a game-changer. Regular content not only nurtures your audience but also builds authority and trust over time. Many business owners found success by revisiting old content, repurposing it, and giving it new life.

2. Email Marketing

Email continues to deliver strong results. By nurturing your audience with consistent emails and valuable content, you can drive more engagement and conversions. Cleaning up email lists and maintaining a clear, intentional strategy made a noticeable difference.

3. Simplified Workflows

Breaking down processes and focusing on efficiency saved time and energy. By streamlining content creation workflows, business owners reclaimed hours that could be reinvested into growth-oriented activities.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Goals for 2025

1. Embrace Planning and Flexibility

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid. Instead of locking in an annual plan, consider setting high-level monthly themes and goals. This approach allows flexibility while providing a clear focus for each month. Use tools like Asana or Trello to centralize your plans and stay organized.

2. Prioritize Intentionality Over Hustle

2025 is about working smarter, not harder. Block out time for deep work, creative thinking, and rest. Schedule intentional breaks, family time, and even personal self-care activities like hair or lash appointments to create balance and clarity.

3. Commit to Selling

One of the most significant insights from last year was the realization that consistent selling drives revenue growth. Whether you’re launching a new service, offering an evergreen course, or promoting products, plan regular campaigns to keep your business top of mind.

Practical Steps for Planning in 2025

Start with Your Calendar

Begin by marking personal priorities, like vacations and family commitments. Then, add key business events such as product launches, campaigns, or live events. Use a large visual calendar for brainstorming, then translate it into your preferred digital tool.

Batch Content Creation

Dedicate two days each month to content planning and creation. Whether it’s blogs, videos, or social media posts, batching ensures you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Refine Your Offerings

Look at your services and products. Is there something new you’d like to launch? Could you refine an existing offering to make it more appealing or accessible? Focus on creating value and aligning your offerings with your audience’s needs.

Simplify Workflows

Evaluate your tools and processes. Are there areas where you can improve efficiency? For example, using project management tools like Asana can keep your team aligned and reduce the chaos of juggling multiple priorities.

2025: A Year for Intentional Growth

2025 is the year to lean into clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Whether you’re building on momentum from 2024 or starting fresh with new goals, the key is to create a system that works for you. Stay consistent, embrace flexibility, and don’t be afraid to refine your strategies along the way.

How are you planning for success in 2025? Share your goals and strategies with us on Instagram at the Marketing Duo Podcast, and let’s build a thriving community of business owners who support and inspire each other.

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How to Create a Weekly Marketing Workflow That’s Smarter, Not Harder (with Pinterest)

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If marketing feels like an endless to-do list, I hear you. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify your marketing, save time, and get more eyes on your business? It all starts with a weekly content plan that is smarter, not harder. This step-by-step workflow will help female service providers create one piece of content and repurpose it across multiple platforms. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Step 1: Start with a Blog

Your blog is the foundation of your content plan. Write about a topic that speaks directly to your ideal client and solves a problem they’re struggling with.

For example, if your audience is overwhelmed by marketing, you could write a blog titled, “5 Easy Marketing Workflows to Simplify Your Week.” Share actionable tips that are valuable and easy to implement.

This blog sets the tone for your entire weekly marketing workflow by giving you a starting point to create additional content that’s focused and intentional.

Step 2: Repurpose into Social Media Captions

Once your blog is live, break it down into bite-sized pieces for social media. Aim for 3-5 captions that pull key points from the blog.

For instance:

  • Caption 1: “Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Try this simple workflow: 1) Start with a blog. 2) Repurpose for social media. 3) Use Pinterest to drive traffic. Get the full breakdown on the blog [link in bio].”
  • Caption 2: “What if I told you one blog could create all your content for the week? It’s possible! Read the blog to learn how [link in bio].”

Want more options? Use ChatGPT to generate additional caption ideas tailored to your brand voice.

These captions allow you to reach your audience where they already are while keeping your message consistent across platforms.

Step 3: Create a Short-Form Video

Film a quick, behind-the-scenes video. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Show yourself working at your computer, sipping tea, or scrolling on your phone. Use text overlays to highlight your tips:

Text Overlay Option 1:

  1. Write a blog for your ideal client.
  2. Repurpose it for social media.
  3. Use Pinterest to amplify your reach.

Text Overlay Option 2: “How I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest.”

Text Overlay Option 3: “Content planning made easy: Start with a blog, repurpose it, and share on Pinterest!”

Caption Example: “Here’s how I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest. Ready to simplify your marketing? Read the full breakdown on the blog! [link in bio]”

Use ChatGPT to generate 1-3 more text overlay and caption options for variety. Short-form videos are quick to create, engaging, and highly shareable—perfect for boosting your reach.

Step 4: Design Canva Covers for Reels

Create eye-catching covers for your short-form videos. Use Canva Pro for fresh designs that stand out. Options include:

  • A photo of you with bold text overlay.
  • A professional stock photo with your tips highlighted.

These covers will double as Pinterest pins, saving you even more time.

Step 5: Publish Pinterest Pins

Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic to your blog and other content. Use an SEO-optimized title and description for each pin. For example:

Pin Title: “Simplify Your Marketing with This Weekly Content Workflow”

Pin Description: “Discover an easy weekly content workflow to grow your business. Learn how to write a blog for your ideal client, repurpose it for social media, and use Pinterest to drive traffic and increase engagement. Perfect for female service providers looking to save time while scaling their marketing efforts.”

Publish one pin as the blog header image and add the others at the bottom of your blog with the title: Don’t Forget to Pin It. This encourages readers to save your blog to Pinterest for future reference and helps grow your Pinterest account by increasing engagement.

Step 6: Publish and Schedule Content

  • Blog: Publish your blog with one pin as the header image.
  • Pins: Upload the remaining pins to Pinterest and link back to the blog.
  • Reels: Schedule your short-form videos with engaging captions.

Step 7: Measure and Adjust

It takes time to build momentum. Stick to this process weekly and refine as you go. Think of it like driving to a new destination for the first time—it takes effort initially, but soon, it’ll feel second nature.

Bottom Line

This smarter, not harder weekly marketing workflow lets female service providers turn one piece of content into multiple touchpoints for their audience. With consistent effort, you’ll save time, expand your reach, and grow your business. Ready to give it a try? Let me know how it works for you in the comments below.

Happy content planning—see you next week!

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Social Sessions

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Elevate Your Online Presence with Social Sessions by Jen Vazquez Photography! Is Your Social Media Feeling Stale? Are you tired of using the same images repeatedly on your social media? Does your profile lack excitement and fail to capture your audience's attention?...

How to Transform Influencer Marketing into a Customer Acquisition Powerhouse with Yuliya Gorenko

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and drive tangible results. But how can businesses, including those with less glamorous products, thrive with influencer marketing?

Let’s dive into the insights shared by Yuliya Gorenko of Mishka Agency Agency on how to craft a successful influencer program that goes beyond awareness and becomes a powerful customer acquisition channel.

The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

Many believe influencer marketing is a modern phenomenon, but the concept has existed for centuries. Influencers have always shaped opinions, from local leaders to global celebrities. With the rise of social media, influencers now have a platform to reach millions worldwide. This shift has made influencer marketing a cornerstone for businesses looking to scale.

Why Businesses Should Leverage Influencer Marketing

At its core, influencer marketing capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers trust people they relate to more than ads. Collaborating with influencers—whether they’re niche micro-influencers or global powerhouses—can give your brand credibility, visibility, and, most importantly, sales.

Key Steps to Build a Winning Influencer Program

  1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve—whether it’s awareness, lead generation, or direct sales.
  2. Select the Right Influencers: Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Assess metrics like engagement rates, audience demographics, and previous brand collaborations.
  3. Provide Clear Guidelines: Outline the messaging and objectives while giving influencers creative freedom to connect authentically with their followers.
  4. Track Performance: Use custom URLs, coupon codes, or affiliate links to measure the success of your campaigns.

Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with a few influencers, analyze what works, and gradually expand your program based on data-driven insights.

Overcoming Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring Audience Insights: Ensure influencers’ followers match your target market in terms of location, age, and interests.
  • Lack of Tracking: Always track campaign performance through measurable KPIs.

Overpaying Influencers: Develop a fair compensation structure based on metrics like engagement rates and ROI.

TikTok Influencer Partnerships: Challenges & Opportunities

TikTok offers unique opportunities for brands to reach highly engaged audiences. However, challenges like fluctuating video views and platform-specific algorithms require brands to approach TikTok influencer campaigns strategically. Focus on storytelling, allow creative freedom, and consider performance-based compensation models to maximize ROI.

When to Hire an Agency

If you’re just starting out, you can manage influencer marketing in-house. But if you’re scaling or need expert guidance, an agency like Mishka can streamline processes, manage relationships, and help maximize your ROI.

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