Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The Four Pillars of a Known & Trusted Brand: Marcus Sheridan's Blueprint for Endless Customers

About this Episode:

In a world where platforms and marketing tactics change at lightning speed, one desired skill remains constant—your ability to stand out. Whether you’re running a SaaS company or managing a local landscaping business, the principles that drive trust and visibility are universal.

On this episode of Endless Customers, Marcus Sheridan, partner at IMPACT and renowned author of They Ask, You Answer, joined us to share a framework from his new book “Endless Customers” called: The Four Pillars of a Known and Trusted Brand. These pillars are designed to help businesses navigate today’s challenging landscape by focusing on what truly matters—standing out, building trust, and driving sustainable growth.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by changing algorithms, the proliferation of AI, or just the sheer volume of competition, this framework offers clarity and direction.

Why Standing Out Is Harder Than Ever

Business owners today face an uphill battle. Gone are the days when throwing money at advertising guaranteed results. Marcus emphasized that today’s buyer is more discerning, skeptical, and self-reliant than ever before.

“Trust deficits are real,” Marcus explained. “People are slower to convert, slower to fill out forms, and they’re doing more research before they even reach out.”

This trust deficit, combined with the overwhelming noise in the marketplace, makes it harder to rise above the competition. Marcus argued that businesses often misinterpret their challenges as tactical problems—like not ranking high enough on Google—when in reality, the issue lies in how they’re connecting (or failing to connect) with their audience.

That’s where the Four Pillars come in. These aren’t just strategies—they’re the foundation for becoming the most known and trusted brand in your market, no matter what industry you’re in.

Pillar 1: Say What Others in Your Space Aren’t Willing to Say

Honesty isn’t just the best policy—it’s also one of the fastest ways to build trust. Yet, so many businesses shy away from addressing topics that might make them uncomfortable. Marcus explained that this hesitation often stems from fear: fear of scaring off potential customers, fear of upsetting competitors, or fear of revealing too much.

But here’s the truth: buyers are already asking these questions. And if you’re not answering them, someone else will—or worse, they’ll assume the answer isn’t in their favor.

“You’ve got to be willing to address the questions, fears, and concerns that others in your space won’t touch,” Marcus said. “That’s how you build trust.”

For example, let’s say you’re in an industry where pricing is notoriously opaque. Your competitors might avoid discussing costs because they think it gives them leverage. But by being upfront—even if it’s just sharing a range—you immediately position yourself as transparent and trustworthy. Buyers appreciate that.

Marcus shared a story about a pool company he worked with. The company was initially reluctant to discuss pricing on their website, fearing it would drive customers away. Instead, it had the opposite effect. Transparency turned them into a trusted resource and significantly increased their leads.

This pillar is about more than just pricing, though. Think about the tough questions your customers are asking: “What are the downsides of your product?” “Why should I choose you over a competitor?” By answering these head-on, you’re not just meeting their expectations—you’re exceeding them.

Pillar 2: Show What Others in Your Space Aren’t Willing to Show

Video is no longer optional. It’s essential. And yet, many businesses treat it like a nice-to-have rather than a must-do. Marcus believes this is a critical mistake.

“Video gives people a sense of who you are before they ever meet you,” Marcus explained. “It’s not just about selling; it’s about building a relationship.”

This pillar isn’t about creating flashy, high-budget videos. It’s about authenticity. Buyers want to see the real you: your team, your process, and your product in action. It’s the ultimate way to humanize your brand.

Imagine a buyer visiting two websites. One has a page full of text explaining their services. The other features a short video tour of the company, complete with introductions to the team and a behind-the-scenes look at how the product is made. Which one do you think they’ll trust more?

Marcus highlighted the importance of video in answering common customer questions. “If a customer asks it, you should have a video for it,” he said. “That’s how you make them feel seen and heard.”

Pillar 3: Sell in a Way Others in Your Space Aren’t Willing to Sell

When was the last time you really evaluated your sales process? Many businesses like to think they have a unique approach, but the truth is, most sales processes look the same.

“Too often, businesses are following the same playbook as everyone else,” Marcus said. “True differentiation comes from rethinking how you sell.”

One way to do this is by embracing self-service tools. For example, a pricing calculator on your website can empower buyers to explore their options without feeling pressured by a salesperson. It’s a small change, but it can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive your company.

Marcus also stressed the importance of simplifying the buyer’s journey. “Buyers today don’t want to jump through hoops,” he said. “If your sales process feels like a hurdle race, you’re losing them before they even start.”

Rethinking your sales process might feel risky, especially if it means stepping away from traditional methods. But Marcus reminded us that the greatest rewards often come from taking bold steps.

Pillar 4: Be More Human Than Others in Your Space are Willing to Be

In an era dominated by AI and automation, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes your business truly unique: your people. Marcus argued that technology should enhance the human experience, not replace it.

“Your ability to show empathy, authenticity, and care will always be your greatest asset,” he said. “That’s what buyers remember.”

This pillar is about going beyond the transaction. It’s about making customers feel valued and understood. Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note or a personal follow-up call, these small gestures can have a massive impact.

Marcus shared an example from his own experience. After delivering a keynote speech, he sent personalized video messages to attendees thanking them for their engagement. The response was overwhelming. Many attendees said it was the highlight of their event experience.

Being human doesn’t mean rejecting technology—it means using it to amplify your humanity. For example, AI can help you personalize email campaigns or analyze customer data. But the tone and approach should always reflect genuine care and understanding.

Why Principles Outlast Platforms

One of the most compelling parts of the discussion was Marcus’s emphasis on principles over tactics. While tools and platforms will continue to evolve, the principles behind buyer behavior remain consistent.

“People will always want to do business with companies they trust,” Marcus said. “The way we deliver that trust may change, but the need for it never will.”

This is why Marcus believes the Four Pillars are universal. Whether you’re a B2B enterprise or a local business, these strategies can help you navigate change while staying true to what matters most.

Stand Out by Being Brave

The Four Pillars aren’t easy to implement. They require courage, introspection, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But as Marcus reminded us, the discomfort of change is far less painful than the discomfort of staying stagnant.

“Rule breakers become the rule makers,” Marcus said. “If you want to stand out, you’ve got to be willing to break the rules that no longer serve your industry.”

For businesses ready to rise above the noise, the Four Pillars offer a roadmap to not just survive but thrive in an ever-changing market.

Connect with Marcus

Marcus Sheridan is a writer, speaker, and business expert who’s worked with companies all over the world. Marcus is the author of They Ask, You Answer and Endless Customers.

Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn

Learn more about Endless Customers and pre-order the book!

Keep Learning



Author: awinter@impactbnd.com (Alex Winter)

* This article was originally published here

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Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Today's Buyer Has Changed: How They Ask, You Answer Became Endless Customers [Endless Customers Podcast Ep. 81]

About This Episode

The world of business has seen seismic shifts in recent years. If you’re like most business owners, you’ve felt these changes firsthand. You’re navigating a marketplace that’s noisier, faster, and more competitive than ever. You’re likely asking yourself: How do I rise above the noise and stay relevant in this era of AI, trust gaps, and shifting buyer behavior?

If you’ve read Marcus Sheridan’s iconic They Ask, You Answer, you already know how transformative his principles can be. But here’s the thing: buyers—and the way they make purchasing decisions—are evolving at lightning speed. To address this, Marcus has written a new book, Endless Customers, which takes everything he’s learned and reshapes it for today’s market.

We recently had Marcus on the Endless Customers podcast to break down why this book isn’t just an update to They Ask, You Answer—it’s a complete reimagination of what it takes to attract, convert, and retain customers in 2024 and beyond.

Why Endless Customers Was Born

Since its release in 2017, They Ask, You Answer has sold more copies every single year, driven largely by referrals. Marcus admits that the book’s success speaks for itself. So why the need for a new book?

“AI has completely disrupted the way businesses need to approach sales and marketing,” Marcus explained. “We’ve seen more change since late 2022 than we did in the previous 15 years.”

He’s not exaggerating. The introduction of ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools has changed the way buyers search for information. They’re getting instant answers from AI instead of visiting company websites. That means fewer Google searches, less organic traffic, and more competition for attention.

While They Ask, You Answer taught companies how to build trust by answering customer questions online, Endless Customers takes it a step further. It focuses on how to:

  • Rise above the AI-driven content noise
  • Build unshakable trust in a world with a growing trust deficit
  • Disrupt your industry by being bold, human, and innovative

“This book is all about helping businesses create systems that turn them into the most known and trusted brands in their market,” Marcus said.

Why the Title Change Matters

One big shift is the name itself. Marcus shared that the original title, They Ask, You Answer, didn’t pass the “I want/I wish” test for great book titles.

“Nobody says, ‘I wish They Ask, You Answer,’” he explained. “But when you hear Endless Customers, that’s something everyone wants. It immediately clicks.”

This change isn’t just cosmetic. It reflects the evolution of the book’s core message. They Ask, You Answer focused on how to approach buyer questions, while Endless Customers shifts the focus to the payoff: building a system that ensures a steady stream of loyal customers.

The Four Pillars of Building a Known and Trusted Brand

At the heart of Endless Customers are four pillars that define how to stand out in today’s market:

  1. Say what others won’t. Address questions, fears, and objections that your competitors avoid. Buyers value transparency more than ever.
  2. Show what others don’t. Video remains an unparalleled tool for building trust. If you’re not leveraging it effectively, you’re falling behind.
  3. Sell in a way others can’t. Many companies think they have a unique sales process—but do they really? Endless Customers challenges you to rethink how you sell.
  4. Be more human than anyone else in your space. In a world increasingly dominated by AI and automation, doubling down on humanity is your ultimate differentiator.

“These pillars are designed to help businesses disrupt their industries,” Marcus explained. “To be known and trusted today, you can’t play by the old rules. You have to break them—and create your own.”

What Makes This Book Stand Out

What sets Endless Customers apart is its practical, system-based approach.

“Too many business books are heavy on theory and light on action,” Marcus said. “With Endless Customers, we give you a clear roadmap to follow. It’s not just ideas—it’s a system you can implement right now.”

For example, the book introduces a modern evolution of transparency. Whereas They Ask, You Answer focused on discussing pricing online, Endless Customers explores the importance of tools like pricing estimators. Marcus predicts that by 2029, over 90% of service-based businesses will need these tools to remain competitive.

This interactive approach to selling is just one example of how businesses can meet buyers where they are while building trust and credibility.

Disruption Is The Key to Survival

A recurring theme in Endless Customers is disruption.

Most industries are stuck in their ways. But history shows us that the leaders of one era often fail to adapt to the next. Think Kodak, Blockbuster, or even early SEO companies that dismissed AI’s impact.

“The rule breakers become the rule makers,” Marcus said. “If you’re not willing to disrupt your industry, someone else will.”

This isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset. Marcus encourages businesses to lean into their unique intellectual property (IP) and use it to create new standards within their industries.

He shared a personal story from his early days in the fiberglass pool industry, where his company redefined how pools were installed. By highlighting the flaws of sand-based installations and advocating for gravel bases, Marcus changed an entire industry standard.

“You have to drive a stake in the ground,” Marcus said. “Show the market why your way is better, and then own that narrative.”

Why This Book Is Perfect for Today’s Business Owners

If you’re a fan of They Ask, You Answer, you’ll find familiar principles in Endless Customers, but with updated strategies for today’s world. Marcus has written this book to help businesses of all sizes—whether you’re a local landscaper or a global SaaS company.

“This is about becoming the most known and trusted brand in your market,” Marcus emphasized. “When you do that, you’ll have an endless flow of leads, customers, and revenue.”

With its clear frameworks, practical advice, and visionary approach, Endless Customers isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for growth in a rapidly changing world.

Ready to Build Endless Customers?

Marcus’s new book officially releases in Spring 2025, but you can preorder it now at endlesscustomers.com. Whether you’re looking to attract better leads, build trust, or redefine your industry, this book will show you how.

“The goal is simple,” Marcus said. “Read the book, follow the plan, and watch your business transform.”

Don’t wait—get your copy of Endless Customers today.

Connect with Marcus

Marcus Sheridan is a writer, speaker, and business expert who’s worked with companies all over the world. Marcus is the author of They Ask, You Answer and co-author of The Visual Sale.

Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn

Learn more about Endless Customers

Keep Learning



Author: awinter@impactbnd.com (Alex Winter)

* This article was originally published here

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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

3 Ways You Can Use AI in the Home Services Industry

The home services industry has always been about rolling up your sleeves, putting in the hard work, and delivering great results for customers.

Whether you’re repairing a roof, installing a new HVAC system, or beautifying a backyard, it’s easy to focus entirely on the job at hand and push "new technology" to the back burner. After all, when you’re busy running a business, how can you find time to adopt tools you’re not even sure will help?

This hesitation is common, but it can come at a cost. Customers are changing how they make decisions, gravitating toward businesses that offer faster responses, transparent pricing, and educational content online. As competitors adopt tools like artificial intelligence (AI), they’re gaining ground—and leaving behind businesses that stick to “the way things have always been.”

So, how can you stay competitive without overhauling your entire operation? AI doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. In this article, we’ll show you three practical, actionable ways to use AI to transform your home services business:

  • Streamlining competitive analysis to outpace your competitors.
  • Simplifying content marketing to attract and educate customers.
  • Enhancing customer experiences through trust-building tools.

 

1. How AI Tools Simplify Competitive Analysis for Home Services Businesses

The home services industry is competitive, but knowing exactly where your business stands can feel overwhelming. Keeping track of competitors’ pricing, marketing strategies, and online presence requires hours of research. AI tools like ChatGPT can turn this time-consuming process into something manageable.

Practical Applications of AI in Competitive Research

Start by providing an AI tool with details about your business—your services, location, and website. Then, ask it to identify local competitors and analyze their digital presence. It can assess their website content, customer reviews, and social media strategies, flagging opportunities for improvement.

For instance, an AI-generated report might show that a competitor has more Google reviews, or that their blog posts rank higher for local keywords like “affordable landscaping in [city].” Armed with this data, you can adjust your strategy—perhaps by prioritizing review collection or publishing content that’s even more detailed and useful.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Conducting Competitive Analysis with AI

Understanding your competitors is a critical step in positioning your home services business for success. AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude make this process faster, easier, and more actionable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting an effective competitive analysis using AI:

Step 1: Gather Information About Your Business

Before analyzing competitors, give the AI some context about your own business. Open a tool like ChatGPT and provide details such as:

  • Your business name, services, and location.
  • Your target audience and key selling points.
  • Your website URL and any social media profiles.

Example Prompt:
"Here’s information about my business: [Business Name], located in [City, State]. We provide [list services] and focus on [key differentiators, like quality, affordability, etc.]. Analyze competitors in this area who are succeeding in the same industry."

Step 2: Identify Your Competitors

Ask the AI to generate a list of competitors in your industry and region. If you already know some competitors, share their names and websites to refine the results.

Example Prompt:
"Who are the top competitors for a roofing contractor in [City]? List their websites and a brief overview of their online presence."

The AI will scan public information to provide a starting point.

Step 3: Analyze Competitor Websites

Once you have a list of competitors, dig deeper into their websites. Use AI to evaluate:

  • Content: What topics do they cover in blogs or FAQs?
  • Design: Is their website visually appealing and easy to navigate?
  • Calls-to-Action: Do they offer pricing calculators, free estimates, or guides?

Example Prompt:
"Here are the websites of three competitors: [URLs]. Analyze their blogs, homepage design, and calls-to-action. What are they doing well that I’m not?"

Step 4: Compare SEO Performance

Ask the AI to analyze the keywords competitors are ranking for and how they drive traffic. AI can identify which local search terms (e.g., “best HVAC company in [City]”) they’re dominating.

Example Prompt:
"Compare the SEO strategies of these competitors: [Competitor Websites]. Which keywords are driving the most traffic for them, and how can I optimize my website to rank for similar terms?"

Step 5: Review Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are goldmines for understanding competitor strengths and weaknesses. AI can summarize recurring themes from Google or Yelp reviews, helping you identify areas where you can outperform.

Example Prompt:
"Summarize common themes from Google reviews for [Competitor Name]. What are customers praising, and what complaints do they have?"

Pro Tip: Keep the Analysis Ongoing

Competitive landscapes change. Use AI tools regularly to update your analysis, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.

By following these steps, you’ll turn raw data into a clear strategy for growth—and position your business as the leader in your market.

 

2. Building Trust and Visibility With AI-Driven Content Marketing

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Content is king,” but in the home services industry, content marketing often feels like an afterthought. After all, writing blog posts or filming videos doesn’t seem as urgent as responding to a customer call.

But here’s the truth: customers today turn to the internet for answers. Before picking up the phone, they’re searching for information about costs, processes, and the best providers in their area. Businesses that provide those answers build trust and win more customers.

How AI Can Help With Content Marketing

AI tools like ChatGPT can make content creation faster and easier than ever. Start by asking the AI to generate ideas based on common customer questions such as:

  • “What should I expect to pay for a roof replacement?”
  • “How do I choose the best water heater for my home?”
  • “What’s the difference between vinyl and wood windows?”

Once you have a list of topics, you can ask the AI tool to create detailed outlines or even write a first draft. From there, it’s up to you to personalize the content, adding your unique voice, expertise, and local context.

Creating a Seamless Content Workflow

AI doesn’t stop at ideation—it can help you organize your efforts, too. For example, you might ask ChatGPT to turn your list of topics into a six-month editorial calendar. You could schedule three blog posts and two videos per month, ensuring a steady flow of content without feeling overwhelmed.

Using AI to Come Up With Content Ideas Through ‘The Big 5’

Marcus Sheridan’s Big 5 is a cornerstone of effective content marketing, designed to answer the critical questions your customers are already asking. These five content categories are proven to drive the most traffic, leads, and sales because they align with the natural buying process. The Big 5 include:

  1. Cost and Pricing: Customers want to know how much they’ll need to budget.
  2. Problems: People research potential challenges before making a decision.
  3. Comparisons: Buyers often compare products, services, or brands to make informed choices.
  4. Reviews: Customers rely on reviews to gauge quality and credibility.
  5. Best-of Lists: Many want to know what’s considered the best option for their needs.

By addressing these topics directly, you become a trusted resource in your industry, building trust and driving conversions.

Example Prompt for AI:

"I own a [type of business] company in [City, State] that provides [specific services, e.g., HVAC installation, roof repair, landscaping]. Please generate 10 blog or video content ideas for each of Marcus Sheridan’s Big 5 categories (Cost, Problems, Comparisons, Reviews, and Best-of Lists). Focus on topics that would attract homeowners searching for home service solutions."

Here’s an example of what you might get for a roofing company:

Cost and Pricing

  1. “How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost in [City]?”
  2. “The True Cost of DIY Roof Repairs vs. Hiring a Professional”
  3. “What Factors Affect the Cost of a New Roof?”

Problems

  1. “5 Signs Your Roof Needs Immediate Attention”
  2. “Common Problems With Asphalt Shingles and How to Fix Them”
  3. “What to Do When You Spot a Leak: A Homeowner’s Guide”

Comparisons

  1. “Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Right for Your Home?”
  2. “The Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials”
  3. “Roof Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide”

Reviews

  1. “Our Customers Share Their Roofing Experience in [City]”
  2. “Top Roofing Materials Ranked by Homeowners”
  3. “A Review of the Most Popular Roof Warranty Options”

Best-of Lists

  1. “The 5 Best Roofing Companies in [City]”
  2. “Top 10 Roofing Materials for Durability and Style”
  3. “The Best Seasonal Roof Maintenance Tips for [City’s Climate]”

Why This Prompt Works

This prompt encourages AI to consider your specific industry, services, and location, generating hyper-relevant ideas. By specifying the Big 5 categories, the output ensures a balanced mix of content that addresses your audience's top concerns and decision-making needs.

You can repeat this process for different services or niches within your business to build a robust content strategy.

 

3. Enhancing Customer Experiences with AI-Powered Tools

In home services, trust is everything. Customers need to feel confident that they’re making the right choice, and one of the biggest hurdles is pricing. Many customers hesitate to reach out because they’re unsure if a service is within their budget.

That’s why AI-powered tools like pricing calculators can be transformative.

The Power of Pricing Transparency

A tool like PriceGuide.ai allows you to build a pricing calculator for your website in under 30 minutes. Customers simply input details like square footage or project type to receive an instant estimate.

Here’s what makes this so effective:

This is particularly valuable in an industry where pricing is often opaque. With a calculator in place, you’ll generate more leads and set the stage for better customer conversations.

Expanding Beyond Calculators

Pricing calculators are just one way to use AI to enhance customer experiences. You can also deploy chatbots to answer common questions, send personalized follow-ups, or track customer satisfaction trends. For example, AI can analyze post-service feedback to identify areas where you can improve.

When used strategically, these tools make your business feel more approachable and professional—without losing the human touch.

 

How AI Complements Hard Work

The home services industry has always been built on hard work, and that’s not going to change. But AI offers you the ability to work smarter, not harder.

Whether you’re analyzing competitors, creating educational content, or providing transparent pricing tools, AI helps you deliver more value to your customers, and stand out in a crowded market.

Ready to take the next step? Explore tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and PriceGuide.ai to see how they can transform your business. 

For more ideas, check out this episode of our Endless Customers Podcast.



* This article was originally published here

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Social Media Spring Cleaning [Infographic]

Some pointers on how to review and refine your brand's social media presence. * This article was originally published here How to mak...