Organic search traffic is down 25% and 60% of searches now end without anyone clicking to a website.

AI is answering questions directly on Google, ChatGPT, Claude, and other platforms.

What does that mean for local businesses?

In this episode, Shannon and Krystal dive deep into what's happening with AI search and why traditional SEO is no longer enough. They discuss the difference between traditional blog content and AI Answer Blogs, explain how AI platforms decide which businesses to cite as authoritative sources, and share the exact strategies local businesses need to implement now to show up when potential customers are asking AI for recommendations.

If you're wondering why your website traffic is dropping or how to adapt to this massive shift in search behavior, this conversation provides the roadmap to staying visible and competitive in the AI search era.

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The digital marketing landscape is undergoing its biggest transformation yet, and 2026 is the year businesses need to make critical decisions about where to invest their budgets.

Shannon and Krystal break down the seismic shifts reshaping the industry: the complete dominance of Connected TV over traditional cable and broadcast, the rise of AI-powered search that's killing organic website traffic, and why attribution and ROI tracking are no longer optional for businesses that want to stay competitive.

If you're planning your marketing strategy for the year ahead, this episode reveals exactly where the money is moving and why getting your numbers right matters more than ever.

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The year is wrapping up, and Shannon and Krystal are looking back at their favorite podcast episodes of 2025.

From balancing work and motherhood with the FDS team to understanding the streaming TV tipping point that changed advertising forever, they share which conversations resonated most and why.

Hear about the power of data storytelling in reporting, the untapped potential of local influencer marketing, and how social media algorithms actually work. This behind-the-scenes reflection highlights the biggest lessons learned and sets the stage for even more valuable content coming in 2026.

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Social media is more crowded than ever, and the rules are changing fast.

In this episode, Krystal Vivian takes over the podcast with the FDS social team—Joe Kuharic and Melissa Weirick—to reveal what's really working (and what's not) as we head into 2026. They tackle the AI paradox that's flooding feeds with soulless content, explain why chasing follower counts is a waste of time, and share exactly how to capture attention in a world where you're competing with everyone from wedding photos to sponsored ads.

If you're wondering how to make social media actually work for your business next year, this behind-the-scenes conversation with the team managing it all is essential listening.

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The digital marketing landscape is shifting faster than ever, and 2026 will separate businesses that adapt from those left behind.

In this episode, Shannon Allen and Krystal Vivian explore the three critical trends reshaping how consumers discover and engage with brands: the AI search revolution that's driving organic traffic down 25% nationally, the streaming video tipping point where connected TV now dominates traditional cable, and the evolution of privacy-first targeting strategies that deliver better results than outdated cookie-based methods.

Whether you're a local business owner or marketing professional, this conversation reveals exactly what you need to know to stay competitive and drive real ROI in the year ahead.

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This week Shannon Allen sits down with Krystal Vivian to discuss her new role as Director of Client Services at FDS. In this candid conversation, Krystal reveals what most digital marketing agencies won't tell you about ROI reporting—and why tracking impressions and reach doesn't actually prove results.

Discover the critical questions business owners should ask their marketing agency to ensure they're getting real ROI, not just vanity metrics. Learn how to connect campaign data to actual revenue, calculate true customer value, and hold your agency accountable for measurable results.

Krystal shares insider insights on what goes into strategic digital marketing campaigns, from SEM and CTV optimization to the importance of data-driven storytelling. Whether you're evaluating your current agency or planning your marketing budget, this episode gives you the tools to stop leaving money on the table.

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It's Tip Tuesday! This week, Shannon shares a tip from Rory Kemerer, senior digital marketing consultant, about how programmatic display ads can help businesses build stronger connections with their target audience.

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Welcome back to Part 2 of Digital Marketing RoWhy's budget planning series!

Shannon Allen and Krystal Vivian continue their deep dive into the biggest trends reshaping digital marketing in 2026 and what they mean for your budget.

If you've been hearing buzzwords like AI search, connected TV, and content optimization but aren't sure how they actually impact your bottom line, this episode cuts through the noise. Shannon and Krystal explore how consumer behavior is fundamentally changing the way people find and research businesses, why certain marketing channels are becoming more critical while others are evolving, and what it really takes to build an integrated strategy that follows your customers wherever they are.

They also tackle the real question every business owner should be asking: how do you actually measure success and calculate ROI in this new landscape?

Whether you're rethinking your entire marketing approach or just trying to figure out where to invest next, this episode will help you separate what's actually worth your time and money from what's just hype. Listen for straight talk, real examples, and the strategic thinking you need to make 2026 your best year yet.

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This Tip Tuesday, Shannon shares a tip from Hannah Purucker, campaign specialist at FDS, about why choosing your target audience as opposed to a specific program can drive more ROI for businesses.

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Happy Tip Tuesday!

This week, Shannon shares at tip from Joe Kuharic, social media specialist at FDS, about why blogs written for people tend to get more traffic, both from search and AI tools.

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