All Posts by Justin Rankin

Ideas are Cheap

Everyone Has Marketing Ideas (And Ideas Are Cheap) Every business owner thinks they’re a marketing genius. You’ve got ideas—big, bold, brilliant ideas—ready to shake up the world. And we love that energy, really. But here’s the thing: ideas are cheap. Seriously, everyone has ideas. Your neighbor, your cousin, that guy who cuts your hair—heck, even […]


Why BNI and Local Networking Still Work (No, This Isn’t a Paid Partnership)

Alright, let’s get one thing straight from the jump: this isn’t a paid ad for BNI, and they’re not sliding me a crisp hundred-dollar bill under the table. Nope, this is just some real talk about why local sales networking—yes, including those early-morning, coffee-fueled BNI meetings—are still a big deal in 2024. In a world […]


Connected TV Ads: The Smartest Marketing Move You’re Not Making Yet.

Picture this: Your potential customers are snuggled up on the couch, remote in one hand, a bowl of popcorn in the other, and they’re ready to dive deep into their favorite show. The lights are dimmed, the atmosphere is perfect, and guess what? You’ve got their undivided attention. Now imagine if, instead of the usual […]


Digital Marketing for Government and Defense: Easier Than Hiding UFOs (And Way More Effective

Hey, government agencies, social advocacy campaigns, and defense contractors—let’s get real for a second. If your digital strategy is still stuck in 2010, you’re about a decade behind. The internet isn’t just a place for cat videos and dance challenges; it’s where people live, learn, and make decisions. And if you want to be heard, […]


ROAS Unleashed: Boost Your Return on Ad Spend Like a Pro

Let’s cut to the chase. ROAS (that’s Return on Ad Spend for those playing catch-up) is either your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s that brutally honest friend who tells you when you’re about to make a colossal mistake—like blowing your budget on ads that bring in less ROI than a lemonade stand in […]


Why Cheap Marketing Can Cost You More Than You Think

I get it. You’ve got a budget tighter than your favorite jeans after the holidays, and along comes a provider offering you a deal that’s too good to be true. And guess what? It probably is. According to some fancy Deloitte report (yes, I did my homework), 70% of businesses are suckered in by the […]


The Burnout of Plug-and-Play Marketing Solutions: Why Quick Fixes Don’t Cut It

When it comes to digital marketing, too many businesses get suckered by plug-and-play solutions. These quick-fix tools—like pre-packaged email campaigns, automated social media tools, and templated content strategies—promise easy wins and cost savings. But here’s the truth: they often crash and burn, leaving you with disappointing results and wasted money. Let’s break down why these […]


Full-Service Digital Marketing vs. Specialized Services: Why It’s Not an Apples-to-Apples Comparison

If you’re reading this, you’re likely at a crossroads, trying to decide between going all-in with a full-service digital marketing agency or opting for a specialized service like SEO. We get it – this decision isn’t easy, and many of you might have been burned by agencies before. That’s why we’re here to help you […]


The New Era of Professional Authenticity

LinkedIn is evolving. What was once a straightforward platform for professional networking and career progression is now a dynamic space where the lines between professional achievements and personal experiences are increasingly blurred. This shift is driven by a surge of user-generated content (UGC), challenging our traditional notions of what LinkedIn should be. The platform is […]