All Blog Posts - Schaefer Marketing Solutions: We Help Businesses {grow}

The AI Easy Button imperils the future of marketing research

My friends are losing their marketing jobs as companies opt for the AI Easy Button. But as we cut costs, we might be missing out on the future of our companies.

The heritage moat: Why nostalgia marketing dominates today

Nostalgia marketing is everywhere on even startups capitalize on history to create a “heritage moat.” Why is nostalgia so powerful today and how can any business use these ideas?

How to overcome Content Shock in a world of AI slop

It’s never been more difficult to become the signal against the noise in our digital content world. But there is a way to overcome this new wave of Content Shock You will need to think like an artist.

My Fond Farewell to The Marketing Companion

Mark Schaefer beat the odds by hosting a podcast continuously for 13 years. In his final show as host, Mark tells the inside story of the The Marketing Companion — the world’s most entertaining business podcast.

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The Top Blog Posts of 2025

It’s hard to keep up with the best writing on the web but here’s one view of the Top Blog Posts of 2025.

The critical distinction between Human versus Humane marketing

In this episode of The Marketing Companion, Mark Schaefer and Mathew Sweezey discuss the foundational role of relationships in business and successful marketing. They make a distinction between human marketing and humane marketing.

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Your personal brand isn’t a project, it’s a lifestyle

A series of short observations on personal branding, AI, creativity, and modern marketing—why showing up matters, why efficiency can be overrated, and where real advantage is emerging.

Target’s $100 million Word-of-Mouth Marketing Fail

Target was lined up to create a great customer success but turned it into a word-of-mouth marketing fail, according to expert Sarah Neely.

Research points to the “Attention Equation” behind measurable content success

While most content success has been determined by audience size and engagement, a new “attention equation” looks at consumer focus and commitment to drive marketing value.

Secrets of the Sustainable Personal Brand

Mark Schaefer has often said that your personal brand is your last line of defense AI. But a sustainable personal brand isn’t a project. It’s a lifestyle and he discusses his secrets with Jay Acunzo in this podcast episode.

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Is it time to embrace ethically-sourced marketing?

Marketing is a wonderful career that changes the world in positive ways. But indirectly, it is contributing to some of the world’s biggest problems. It’s time to start a conversation about ethically-sourced marketing.

When There’s No More “Up.” Lessons from the Top of the Mountain

The highlight of a career prompted dark new emotions and lessons on what it means to follow your curiosity.

The Marketing Companion Podcast: Beginning of a New Era

In this special show, Mark Schaefer makes an announcement about the future of The Marketing Companion podcast. Co-host Sandy Carter reveals three big ideas marketers should be leaning into.

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The most important “soft skill” in the AI Era

AI is re-wiring our psychology and personalities in real time. But there is one soft skill that will overcome the AI crush.

This Chatbot re-humanized the conversation

Guest post by Linda Rolf There’s never been a website chatbot I’ve been willing to waste my time on. You know those perky non-humans that are here to answer all […]