Another way to encourage engagement in the app.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, January 31, 2025
LinkedIn Expands Top-of-Feed News Banner Test
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Thursday, January 30, 2025
Threads Reaches 320M Monthly Active Users
Meta’s Twitter clone continues to gain momentum.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Threads Rolls Out Image Tagging
A simple, but handy addition for Threads.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025
LinkedIn Updates ‘Top Voice’ Badge Requirements
Top Voices will now be subject to regular reviews.
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Monday, January 27, 2025
How Will AI Impact the Global Workforce? [Infographic]
A look at how people from different nations feel AI will impact the workforce.
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, January 26, 2025
TikTok Launches Automated Ad Campaign Creation for UK Retailers
A new automated ad offering to help boost product sales on TikTok.
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Saturday, January 25, 2025
Friday, January 24, 2025
Threads Rolls Out Mobile Analytics to All Users
Users will be able to access info on top-performing posts, follower growth and more.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025
Meta Plans to Launch New Smart Glasses Ahead of AR Expansion
Meta's path to AR glasses could be a key consideration in its latest strategic shifts.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Trump Grants TikTok 75 Day Extension on US Sell-off
TikTok is available in the U.S. for now, but it's not in the clear yet.
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025
How to embed social listening into your social media strategy—without breaking the bank
Here’s how to incorporate social listening into your social media strategy in cost-effective, scalable ways.
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Monday, January 20, 2025
Instagram Updates Profile Grid With Vertical-Aligned Thumbnails
Your IG profile has a new look, and more changes are coming.
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, January 19, 2025
TikTok Warns US Users of ‘Temporary’ Ban Beginning Sunday
It looks like TikTok will be taking a holiday from the US.
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Saturday, January 18, 2025
Instagram Will Now Show Your Friends Which Reels You’ve Liked
Seems a like a high-risk low-reward approach, but...
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Friday, January 17, 2025
Social Media Spring Cleaning [Infographic]
Some pointers on how to review and refine your brand's social media presence.
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Thursday, January 16, 2025
Are We Set for a Major Shake-up of Social Media?
Will the latest changes in the social media landscape reshape our usage?
* This article was originally published here
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
X’s Usage Data Suggests a Decline in Time Spent Throughout 2024
X chief Linda Yaccarino has shared another revealing stat on X's usage.
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Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Will Elon Musk’s Interest in German Politics End up Harming X?
Elon Musk is looking to get more involved in regional politics, which is a high-risk strategy.
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Monday, January 13, 2025
How To Use Social Media To Find Out What Content Followers Want [Infographic]
Some handy tips to assist in your social media listening efforts.
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Sunday, January 12, 2025
X Considers Charging All New Users to Sign-up to the App
X is still looking for options to make up for its ad revenue losses.
* This article was originally published here
Saturday, January 11, 2025
20 Predictions for Social Media in 2025 [Infographic]
Some key social media marketing predictions for the year ahead.
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Friday, January 10, 2025
X Is Considering Removing Time Markers on Posts in the Main Feed
X is considering some significant changes to its UI.
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Instagram Shares Tips on What To Avoid To Maximize Post Reach [Infographic]
Some pointers to keep in mind when posting on IG.
* This article was originally published here
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
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Read: How To Convince Your Boss It’s Time For a New Marketing Direction
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Watch: More Leads Isn't The Answer: The Hidden Bottleneck Killing Your Growth
Author: awinter@impactbnd.com (Alex Winter)
* This article was originally published here
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Online Shopping Reached New Highs in 2024 [Infographic]
The online sales opportunity is now greater than ever.
* This article was originally published here
Monday, January 6, 2025
What App Features Are People Willing To Pay For? [Infographic]
A look at the add-on elements that people are willing to pay extra for.
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, January 5, 2025
TikTok Shares Tips for Valentine’s Day Campaigns
Some tips for your Valentine's Day campaign planning.
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Saturday, January 4, 2025
X Plans to Launch ‘Money’ in Limited Form This Year
Elon's grand vision for an 'everything app' still seems to be a long way off.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, January 3, 2025
X Tests Dedicated Video Tab in Lower Function Bar
Another step in its efforts to become a video first platform.
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Thursday, January 2, 2025
Bluesky Adds Trending Topics, Exceeds 25M Users
Bluesky continues to gain traction and add new features.
* This article was originally published here
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:
- Say what others won’t. Address questions, fears, and objections that your competitors avoid. Buyers value transparency more than ever.
- Show what others don’t. Video remains an unparalleled tool for building trust. If you’re not leveraging it effectively, you’re falling behind.
- 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.
- 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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