In this episode, host Vera Shafiq returns to the podcast with a fresh focus on franchise marketing. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities within the franchise sector, highlighting the importance of consistent branding, local marketing strategies, and data utilization. Vera emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming marketing practices, sharing actionable tips on implementing AI effectively and ethically. The episode also delves into recent social media developments, including TikTok's brief ban and Meta's removal of fact-checking, offering strategic advice for franchise marketers to adapt and pivot in response to these changes.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast

00:27 Focusing on Franchise Marketing

01:32 The Role of AI in Franchise Marketing

02:55 Ethical Implications of AI

04:23 Social Media Developments in 2025

04:51 The TikTok Ban: What Now?

06:35 Meta's Free Speech Shift

09:02 Final Thoughts and Action Plan

09:30 Closing Remarks