It’s hard to believe that 2026 is almost here. With marketing experiencing what may go down as one of its most transformational eras, we must continue looking forward. Advancements in AI and shifts in consumer expectations are reshaping how brands and businesses reach consumers. At JSK Marketing, we’re keeping a close eye on these changes and how they’ll impact marketing strategies both now and in the near future.  

We’ve broken down some of the top trends we expect to dominate 2026, including two of the most influential forces of the year: E-E-A-T and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). 

E-E-A-T Becomes the Benchmark for Trust and Visibility 

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) has evolved from an SEO best practice into a brand-wide strategy. With the rise of AI-generated content across the web, audiences and search engines prioritize credibility more than ever. 

In 2026, E-E-A-T isn’t just influencing search rankings, it’s shaping all areas of marketing.  

Why E-E-A-T Matters Now More Ever

• AI has made content more abundant 
• Consumers expect proof of expertise before they trust a brand 
• Search engines heavily reward validated, expert-driven content 
• Authenticity boosts conversions and long-term loyalty (a little typoe isn’t going to hurt anyone is it?) 

What Brands Should do to Showcase E-E-A-T 

• Showcase authorship and real-world experience 
• Incorporate testimonials and case studies into your content 
• Strengthen brand storytelling with human perspective 
• Maintain transparent sourcing and human review of AI-assisted content 

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Redefines Content Strategy 

As AI-powered search and answer engines become mainstream, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as a new frontier in content strategy. Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking within search engines, GEO prepares content to be discovered, cited and summarized by generative AI platforms.  

In other words: If SEO is about being found by humans, GEO is about being found by AI systems that humans rely on. 

How GEO is Transforming Marketing: 

• AI assistants are becoming primary information gateways for many people 
• Users increasingly rely on direct answers, summaries and conversational results instead of scouring through articles and sites like Wikipedia 
• Brands need content structured for AI retrieval, not just human reading (it’s not going away) 
• Context-rich, authoritative and concise content performs best in AI outputs 

GEO Optimization Tactics for 2026: 

• Create clear, fact-based, well-structured content 
• Use strong E-E-A-T signals to increase AI trust in your brand 
• Answer questions directly and concisely 
• Build topic clusters to strengthen contextual authority 
• Use schema and metadata to help AI interpret content accurately 

GEO and E-E-A-T go hand in hand: authoritative content increases AI visibility, and AI visibility amplifies brand reach. 

AI-Powered Personalization Takes Center Stage 

Personalization has evolved from simple segmentation to real-time, AI-driven experiences. In 2026, will see an increase in tailored interactions across every channel including content, recommendations, ads and even customer support. 

Expect to See: 

• Dynamic webpage content that adapts to individual behavior 
• AI-powered chat experiences that feel human and intuitive 
• Personalized video and email campaigns at scale 

Brands that blend personalization with privacy transparency will gain significant competitive advantage. 

Video Continues to Dominate, Now It’s AI-Enhanced 

Short form video remains the most consumed content type. In 2026, AI will accelerate production, improve targeting and expand creative possibilities. 

Video Trends to Watch: 

• AI-assisted scripting, editing and post-production 
• Shoppable video integrated into more platforms 
• Live and interactive formats that boost engagement 
• Creators using AI copilots to increase output without losing authenticity 

Community-Led Brands Outperform Transactional Ones 

In 2026, marketing momentum comes from community trust. Users want connection, transparency and engagement, not a hard sales pitch.  

Brands will Build: 

• Private community hubs 
• Expert-led discussion groups 
• Loyalty programs driven by shared values 
• User generated content initiatives 

Community reinforces E-E-A-T by showcasing real people, real experiences and real credibility. 

Here’s to 2026! 

With E-E-A-T ensuring trust and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) shaping how content is surfaced by AI, brands must evolve to meet users where they are, and where technology is going. 

At JSK Marketing, we’re helping brands stay ahead in 2026 by combining strategic insight, cutting-edge technology and authentic storytelling to drive measurable results. Get in touch if you want to stay ahead for the new year.  

Over the past six years, TikTok has evolved from a quirky app nobody knew anything about to a global marketing phenomenon. But with growing discussions about a potential ban in the U.S., marketers are left wondering: What does this mean for us and our business? 

The U.S. government’s concerns center on TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Critics argue that TikTok could pose national security risks, citing data privacy and influence concerns. While TikTok has repeatedly denied these claims and taken steps to address U.S. security concerns, the debate has reached its boiling point. 

TikTok is currently under orders from the Supreme Court to split from ByteDance by January 19, 2025, or a national ban will be put into place. TikTok is set to appear in front of the Supreme Court on Friday, January 17, 2025, in a final attempt to overturn the ban.  

What a Ban Means for Marketers 

While we await this timely decision, the uncertainty has left marketers in limbo. As of today, there are over 7 million active U.S. businesses currently on the app. They have even said they have seen an 88% increase in sales since advertising on TikTok. This means, losing TikTok could disrupt strategies for businesses that rely heavily on the platform for brand awareness, community building and direct conversions. But that’s not all. 

Diversification Becomes Non-Negotiable 

We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” However, TikTok’s dominance has made it very tempting not to go all-in. If TikTok disappears, brands will need to lean more on the other social media platforms we’ve come to know and love, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even emerging platforms like Lemon8. 

Ad Budgets are Shaken Up 

TikTok’s ad platform is one of the fastest growing in the world, and if TikTok ceases to exist, those ad dollars will need to be reallocated. Expect platforms like Meta and Google to see this benefit, with ad costs potentially rising due to increased competition. 

Owning Your Media 

A TikTok ban would push brands to start building communities on channels they own, like email newsletters or blogs. Owned media ensures that your audience doesn’t disappear when a platform does.  

The End of an Era for Influencers? 

Many creators have built their entire careers on TikTok. If TikTok were to be banned, it would force those creators to find a new outlet, taking their audiences – and branded collaborations – with them. Brands will need to be agile in following their target influencers to new spaces.  

What You Can Do Now 

While a TikTok ban might feel like a setback, it could also be a huge opportunity. Marketers will be pushed to think more creatively, explore other platforms and reconnect with audiences in new ways. Here are three ways to prepare for whatever comes next: 

Social Strategy Audit 

How much of your strategy depends on TikTok? Identify the gaps and think about how they can be applied to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.  

Stay Adaptable 

As marketers, we understand the digital landscape is always changing. Build a team culture that embraces flexibility, keeps an eye on emerging trends and can think on their feet. 

Invest in Your Brand 

While it’s still available, use TikTok to your advantage and drive traffic to your other media channels that you have complete control over.  

Whether TikTok sticks around or not, marketers will adapt – they always do.  

Jacksonville, FL – March 26, 2024 – JSK Marketing is proud to announce the agency’s President and Founder, Jenn Kjellman, is recognized amongst Jacksonville’s brightest young leaders.

The Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 awards are given each year to rising stars in the local business world who have distinguished themselves in their companies, their communities and their industries. Jenn’s inclusion in this year’s list is a testament to her dedication to excellence and her significant impact on the First Coast’s business landscape.

“This has been a goal of mine since founding my agency in 2019,” says Jenn. “I am so thankful for my talented team, valued clients and my entrepreneurial husband for supporting me in my business endeavors.”

Under Jenn’s guidance, JSK Marketing has distinguished itself as a leader in the digital marketing industry for its innovative campaigns, client-focused approach and commitment to delivering measurable results.

Jenn has received multiple awards and recognitions for her community involvement and exceptional leadership. Her list of recognitions includes being named among the Jacksonville Jaguars Professional Leaders in JAX, Jacksonville Chambers’ Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellowship and receiving the Bold City Best’s Best New Business award. Additionally, she has been recognized as a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center Advisory Board, Jacksonville Women’s Network, and most notably, as the 2023 Jax Chamber Health Council Small Business Leader of the Year.

Jenn earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a focus in public relations from Georgia State University in 2012. Following graduation, Jenn became the College Development Director for CARE for AIDS. She then advanced her corporate career from intern to Marketing Communications Project Coordinator for Chick-fil-A at their corporate headquarters in Atlanta. Jenn relocated to Jacksonville, where her career continued as she became the National Marketing Director for Dream Finders Homes before becoming the Vice President of Marketing for Quorum Health Resources. Jenn left the corporate world and founded JSK Marketing in 2019.

About JSK Marketing

JSK Marketing is a national digital marketing agency founded in 2019 by Jenn Kjellman. It was established out of a passion for helping brands create loyal fan bases by bridging the gap between company and consumer. JSK Marketing exists to help organizations increase their brand visibility and drive influence by fostering authentic relationships with their audiences. They serve clients across various industries, delivering tailored solutions to help them succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. For media inquiries or more information about JSK Marketing, please contact info@jskmarketing.com.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become linked to customer experience in the modern business world. Let’s take a closer look at how. 

What is AI Customer Experience? 

AI customer experience is the practice of using AI technology – like chatbots and machine learning – to make every customer touchpoint as seamless and hassle-free as possible. Below are a few ways this technology can improve your buyer’s journey.  

24/7 Customer Support 

AI provides the advantage of giving your customers 24/7 assistance. According to customer service professionals, this is the most significant benefit of AI. When customers ask questions, chatbots can recommend help articles, guides and other resources they may find helpful. While many believe that AI chatbots are replacing humans, they’re actually working together to complete repetitive tasks and expedite workflows. AI can help answer simple questions while humans are able to spend more of their time resolving complex issues.  

Reduce Errors 

When things are manually handled, there is bound to be a mistake made. Whether it’s a typo or forgetting to include important information, we are only human. AI can minimize human error by capturing customers’ details automatically. It can also help make more accurate predictions about customer churn, offer personalized recommendations and better anticipate customers’ needs.  

Boost Sales 

AI makes it easier to alert customers with upcoming deals, offers, new products and anything else that encourages them to buy. Let’s say a customer is using a chatbot to learn more about your company’s products or services before making a purchase. Based on how the customer is answering questions, the bot could highlight certain promotions or upgraded features that would be a good fit for their needs. This conversation comes across more naturally and feels less like an up-sell and more like a genuine recommendation.  

Reroute Requests to the Right Agents 

Smooth background operations help deliver top-tier customer experiences. AI uses keywords found in messages and calls to direct the customer in the right direction to the right agent. This is called “skills-based routing.” You can define your algorithm to be as unique and elaborate as you want. Some examples would be based off time zones, working hours, languages spoken or department. This creates a seamless and more positive experience for the customer.  

Combining customer experience management and AI enables your businesses to curate the entire customer journey. Good account management makes customers feel valued, leading to better customer experiences. If you’re looking to improve how your customers feel after engaging with you, consider implementing AI technology into your daily operations.  

Advertising in media prior to the digital age was often a guessing game for buyers and sellers. Today’s technology has made it exponentially easier to deliver targeted ads to the right people with the messages they want them to see. Google announced in 2020 that they would be phasing out third party cookie tracking by year end of 2023. What does this mean for marketers and how can they adapt? 

Understand the Change  

Google’s decision to phase out cookies (no, not the chocolate chip ones) in its Chrome browser reflects an industry shift toward enhanced privacy measures. While the shift to this privacy blocker is ethically commendable, it does put marketers in the position to reevaluate their current ad targeting strategies.  

Adapting to the Change 

Reincorporate First-Party Data 

Instead of relying on cookies to deliver multiple ads on a pair of socks someone clicked on once, otherwise known as third-party cookie tracking, marketers will need to prioritize rebuilding their first-party data. This includes collecting data directly from users through interactions on your website, social media and other owned channels. When you foster direct relationships with your audience, you can create more personalized and targeted campaigns. 

Utilize Contextual Targeting  

Contextual targeting involves delivering ads based on the content of a webpage rather than relying on individual user behavior. Taking this approach respects the user’s privacy while still providing relevant ads. Marketers can creatively align their messaging with the context of the content being consumed.  

Strengthen your SEO Strategies  

Now more than ever, brands need a strong SEO strategy. While searchability will not be touched with the upcoming privacy changes. A well-optimized online presence will help users find your content without the use of third-party cookies. An SEO Audit (will tag our landing page) is a great first step to creating an SEO strategy that will yield great results.  

As Google takes another step toward removing third party cookies in its entirety, marketers are presented with the opportunity to adapt. Find the balance between delivering personalized messaging and respecting user privacy to be successful with the end of the cookie era.  ` 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most important tools in modern society, with an increasing number of businesses using it in their day-to-day operations. AI is being used in industries such as finance and retail to automate routine tasks and enhance customer experiences. Chatbots are an example of how businesses can interact with their audience more effectively. There are also language-based models, like ChatGPT, that have changed the way humans work. While ChatGPT has been released for quite some time now, its first real competitor has just been released, Google AI’s “Bard”. Let’s look at the differences between the two. 

What is ChatGPT? 

ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It was specifically designed for natural language understanding and generation in conversational contexts. It can comprehend context, generate coherent responses and engage in conversations with users. 

What is Google Bard? 

Bard is a conversational AI developed by Google and was powered by LaMDA (Language Model for Dialogue Applications) until recently when the Gemini large language model took it over this December. Like ChatGPT, it was designed to simulate human conversations using natural language processing and is designed around search.  

What are the Differences? 

Although ChatGPT and Google Bard are both language-based models, they have some key differences in their design and intended use.  

Recency Bias

Google Bard can draw information from the data and sources already available on the internet, while ChatGPT can only access information and data until January 2022.  

Pricing

ChatGPT has multiple versions ranging in prices from free to $20 a month. The free version allows up to 100 questions to be asked daily. Google Bard, on the other hand, is free with an unlimited number of questions. Google’s products remain to be free to the public. 

Context

ChatGPT collects information from previous questions asked and can output responses that make sense, meaning it can use contact context when engaging with a chat user. Bard also has this capability but has notably struggled with picking up where the user left off. 

Images

With Bard, users can upload an image with their inquiry and interpret the message and the image. ChatGPT does not have this ability but can, however, interpret images when given a URL.  

Real World Understanding

Based on the limited dataset it was trained on, it can only produce responses with what is available on the internet, lacking real-life human experience. This also poses the question, “Can ChatGPT cause copyright issues for marketers?” Find out here. Bard, while similar, was trained on an even larger dataset which uses more computational resources, but also still lacks the human touch of real-world understanding.  

So, which AI chat model do you choose for your business? Both AI models have several features that help them stand out, but it’s up to you. However, it’s important to remember that both AI chatbots can be prone to error and bias and collect your personal data – not just the information you input.  

Inflation isn’t just a word economists throw around – it affects how you spend your money. As prices rise, consumers may have to spend more on the same goods and services, which can lead to a decrease in purchasing power. Inflation is driven by supply and demand. When demand is higher than the supply, or the prices increase, consumer spending increases. However, consumer spending in the US has remained resilient despite rising inflation, according to the latest data.  

In a recent survey, many people said they were cutting costs in food and beverage, fun/impulse buys, in-person entertainment and leisure travel. This research also says that a strategy people are putting into place to save money is buying things on sale. This has been a common response to rising costs in the past as people are reaching for less-expensive and no-name brands. Online shopping helps with this. You can compare prices, read reviews and find the best deals all with just a few clicks. Marketers need to adapt their strategies in response to this. 

As prices rise, consumers will rely on their budget as the primary factor in their purchasing decisions. Brands need to showcase their products’ price and value to bring new customers in and foster existing ones. Here are some ways to show your value without lowering your prices: 

Be Different 

Look at where you are in your market and what your competitors are doing. Take note, especially if they are pulling back on their spending dollars. By doing the opposite of what your competitors are doing, investing your dollars while they’re slowing down, you now have the opportunity to own your market. 

Utilize Loyalty Programming 

Offering exclusive rewards for essential purchases, communicating transparently about economic challenges and providing flexible redemption options helps retain your audience and builds trust. This strategy helps with protecting your audience from competition and decreasing your market share.  

Monitor Consumer Behavior 

Do your research and stay informed on the recent trends and strategies to make sure your business stays ahead of the curve and can respond to what’s happening to your most influential and important customers. 

Don’t Make Rash Decisions if Sales Decline  

When sales start to decline, many businesses’ cut the marketing budget. Before pausing your media spend, take a closer look at what’s causing your sales to drop. Consistency and visibility are crucial to your brand. Cutting off the assets that make your brand visible could aid in the decline of your sales.  

With no end in sight for inflation, there’s no other choice but to adapt to changing consumer preferences. It’s not easy to do in a challenging economic environment, but with the right tools and strategies, it is achievable. 

We know that creating successful campaigns and strategies can be time consuming, so let us do the work for you. At JSK Marketing, we become your strategic partner and extension of your team in creating campaigns that go together with your business’ goals. Don’t let your business fall behind, reach out to us today to get started.  

‘Tis the season for holiday ad campaigns! The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means that shoppers are working on their lists (and checking them twice). It also means it’s time to ramp up your advertising efforts. Google Ads have released and unwrapped some exciting new features that will help your campaigns be merry and bright. Let’s dive into these updates so you can create a campaign that will become a special gift to your audience.  

Ad Customization 

Personalization is to ads as the Hallmark channel is to the holiday season. Google Ad’s Ad Customizers is a new feature that can help you personalize and create intentional connections with your audience. This feature allows you to insert special offers, prices and promotions into your ads. For example, if you’re running a holiday ad campaign, the Ad Customizer feature will automatically update your ad copy with a countdown to show how many days are left until the offer expires. This promotes a sense of urgency and motivates your audience to take advantage while they still can. Personalization will make your ads feel like a warm and inviting holiday card. 

New Customer Acquisition Goal 

The new customer acquisition goal feature allows you to efficiently deck the halls with new customers while also engaging existing customers through your Google Ads campaigns. The primary perks of this new feature include more customer conversions and giving your business a jolly boost in revenue. Plus, it helps you manage your budget wisely, keeping costs in check and tracking new vs. returning customer conversions. It’s as simple as enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.  

Local Inventory 

For brick-and-mortar businesses, Local Inventory ads act as Santa’s GPS, guiding shoppers to you during the holiday rush. With the new update, Local Inventory Ads have dramatically reduced the onboarding time, almost as fast as Santa and his reindeer get around the world on Christmas Eve. They’ve also unwrapped a brand-new local store unit ad format that blends inventory data from your local product feeds with imagery and details from your business profile. It’s the perfect gift to make your store shine brighter this season.  

Videos and Performance Max  

We can’t forget about videos. Now is the time to strategically share holiday gift guides and create video content that will spark ideas for Christmas wish lists. Advertisers that used at least one video in their Performance Max campaigns saw an average increase of 12% of total new conversions. To convert consumers from YouTube, Performance Max will start using images from your feed to unlock more inventory and formats. These images will also help to improve the quality of your videos.  

Included with the new update, the Performance Max expanded access to the top search slots! This enhancement comes with a new format that not only shows business hours but also encourages customers to do their Christmas shopping locally. It prompts them with helpful directions and phone numbers for when they’re searching for holiday goodies near them. 

With all these new updates, Google Ads continues to be your trusty holiday companion, and staying up to date with the latest features and tools will help you sleigh your campaigns this holiday season. Don’t forget, just like any holiday planning, early strategizing and smart implementation are key to a successful holiday campaign season.  

Not sure where to start? We’re experts in lighting up our client’s holiday ad campaigns like a Christmas tree! When you partner with us, we help you unwrap your business’ full potential. Don’t miss out on making this season truly special for your business. Message us today! 

YouTube is the most popular video sharing platform in the world. With its endless stream of videos spanning across every topic imaginable and over 2 billion active monthly users, it has become an integral part of users’ daily online experience. While the platform is mostly known as a video-sharing site, its other features like polls, comments and community sharing entices user interaction. So, the million-dollar question is: Is YouTube a search engine or a social channel? Keep reading to find out.

The Social Side

YouTube’s social dimensions are undeniable. It holds all the key characteristics of a social media platform – content creation, personalization, interaction, networking and the potential for posts/videos to go viral. Creators engage and interact with their audience through comments, shares, likes and subscriptions. They can do this through commenting on the video itself or through YouTube’s Community post feature. This feature allows users to share polls and GIFs to their community tab, which is a form of subscriber engagement. Another reason YouTube classifies as a social media channel is because of user generated content. Users who are registered on YouTube can upload their videos to the platform however many times they want and whenever they want. Registered or not, the audience can view them for free. The integration of all these features into a single platform gives rise to YouTube, resulting in a familiar vibe similar to traditional social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Search Engine Side

Consider this: every day, people view over a billion hours of video content, driven by their search for information, tutorials, entertainment and more. The search bar at the top of YouTube’s webpage is the gateway to an expansive list where users can explore an array of topics. Users’ personal algorithm curates recommendations based on past searches, guiding users through a plethora of video content. Just as Google’s search results guide us to web pages, YouTube’s guides us through a sea of videos, highlighting its search engine-like functionality.

Why It’s the Best of Both Worlds

The line between search engine and social channel is blurred when we see videos being uploaded that mirror the content style of social media updates but are delivered to us through search results. What truly sets YouTube apart from other platforms is its ability to balance both. It thrives on easy content discoverability and community engagement. It offers creators a platform to simultaneously share their content creations while viewers seek that information and entertainment they’re looking for. This balance defines YouTube’s character and purpose as a platform.

It’s safe to say that YouTube is not a one size fits all and refuses to be put into a box. It is unlike any other platform because it delivers a truly unique online experience, thriving as both social media channel and search engine that evolves with each interaction.

At JSK Marketing, we specialize in optimizing YouTube to boost your SEO and effectively run ads for lead generation. As a true extension of your team, together we can unlock the full potential of this dynamic platform and give your brand the recognition we know it deserves. Send us a message today if you’re ready to amplify your online presence through YouTube!

ChatGPT has been a hot topic since its release in November of 2022. For those who are unfamiliar, ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text and conversations. Although ChatGPT offers numerous possibilities and practical applications, it also presents a potential risk when it comes to copyright infringement. However, it is important to remember that copyright law protects the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves. While ChatGPT might be subject to copyright protection, the ideas and concepts it generates may not have the same level of protection.

How Does ChatGPT Work?

ChatGPT is a highly advanced language model that went through many tests to become what it is today. It has been trained on a large scale of content including books, articles and social media posts. With the technology and techniques developed into it, it can analyze the data in that content and learn patterns and structures of the human language. Once it has learned, ChatGPT can create new text based on input, allowing it to hold conversations, answer questions and generate original content. While ChatGPT is highly intelligent and an advanced AI model, it is important to remember that it is not a human and therefore does not have the same capabilities of understanding or the same level of intelligence, resulting in outputs that may not necessarily be fully accurate or complete. While it tries to generate original content, there may be times where the content it creates is similar to existing works. Remember to acknowledge these limitations when using ChatGPT.

Copyright Concerns

ChatGPT is like a musician who borrows from another artist’s song but makes slight modifications to the lyrics, melody or notes to avoid legal repercussions for plagiarism. Copyright laws were created for scenarios to keep people from stealing someone else’s work and claiming it as their own. Plagiarism has been around for thousands of years, but thanks to the internet, it is easier to notice. Since ChatGPT was trained on existing content, its output will likely be similar. Additionally, in Open AI’s terms of use policy, it states that for anything that is produced, the user has the right to use. The only issue with this is duplicate content that could already be on the internet.

How to Prevent Copyright with ChatGPT

There are a variety of technical measures you can take that will help prevent ChatGPT from being used for copyright infringement. Some software and tools can block copyrighted text, images and audio content. It is also smart to not rely on copy and paste methods when using ChatGPT. If you plan to use it for content creation, we recommend that you only use it for inspiration. The best way to avoid any legal issues with copyright and ChatGPT is to create your own original content. ChatGPT can make content writing easier, but it is better used as a tool for inspiration than a tool to write all your content for you. Creating your own unique and original content will always be better.

If you’re looking for support in the content creation department, we can help! We can help you develop a strong brand identity that will resonate with your target audience. Whether you need help with social media posts, blog articles or content for your website, we will provide you with support to help you succeed and you stand out from the competition. Contact us today to get started!