Every year, HubSpot releases its State of Marketing report, packed with data on what’s working right now. But here’s the thing—it’s mostly aimed at big marketing teams and CMOs. So in this episode, we’re breaking it down for freelancers, small agencies, and marketers working with clients.

We sifted through all 45 pages of insights and pulled the five biggest takeaways that can help you get more reach, drive real engagement, and make more money in 2025. From AI’s growing role in content creation to why short-form video and podcasting are bigger than ever, this is your shortcut to staying ahead of the curve.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is your unfair advantage: How small teams can use AI to scale content and marketing efforts without extra headcount.
• Traffic doesn’t matter—attention does: Why reach is meaningless without engagement and what to do about it.
• Branded content is king: How to stand out in 2025 by creating intelligent, visual, and brand-led content.
• Podcasts are blowing up: 91% of marketing teams are doubling down on audio—here’s why you should too.
• The most in-demand marketing jobs for 2025: If you’re a freelancer or job-seeker, this is where brands are hiring.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Why we’re breaking down the HubSpot report for freelancers & small teams
02:55 - AI’s role in smarter, faster content creation
05:12 - How to stop chasing traffic and start capturing attention
08:34 - Why Millennials still dominate marketing spend
11:20 - The 5 most in-demand marketing jobs in 2025
14:02 - Video content is still king—but podcasting is rising fast
18:45 - The power of personalization in marketing campaigns
21:11 - Lessons from Jaguar’s bold rebrand
25:05 - The shift to quality over quantity in content
28:32 - Closing thoughts & how to apply this to your business

Resources Mentioned:

• HubSpot’s 2025 State of Marketing Report
• AMA Columbus Events

Connect with Marketing by Design:

• LinkedIn:Follow us here
• Email List:https://www.mmgdesign.net/podcast

In this episode of Marketing by Design, Andrew Hulse breaks down why traditional outreach no longer works, how AI is reshaping sales and marketing, and why authenticity is the key to standing out.

What We'll Learn:

• Why most people fail at networking (and how to stand out)
• The secret to authentic marketing in a world full of noise
• Why the old go-to-market playbook is dead
• AI’s impact on sales and outreach strategies
• How social media changed the “smell test” for brands
• The hidden constraints killing creativity in corporate marketing
• Why most outreach feels robotic—and how to fix it

• [00:00] The power of LinkedIn networking (and why most people miss out)
• [01:55] The truth about imposter syndrome in marketing
• [04:44] Authenticity as a superpower in personal branding
• [09:26] The corporate vs. startup marketing mindset shift
• [14:23] Why go-to-market strategies from 2012 don’t work anymore
• [18:24] How AI is reshaping marketing faster than expected
• [21:17] The future of hyper-personalized marketing and advertising
• [27:04] How to structure your environment for success

• Connect with Andrew Hulse on LinkedIn: Andrew's Profile

• Learn more about Huckle Insights: HuckleInsights.com

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives 🙏🏻

Marketing by Design Showpage

Turn Your Site ROI-Positive Asset:https://www.mmgdesign.net/start-a-pro...In this episode of Marketing by Design, we speak with David Young, MBA, who I've affectionately dubbed as "The Linkedin Scientist".David breaks down the biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn and shares proven strategies to optimize your posts, attract leads, and build a powerful personal brand.Key Takeaways:- What most people get wrong on LinkedIn- How to structure posts for mobile viewers- Simple strategies to increase your LinkedIn engagement- Tips for building warm connections and inbound leadsTimestamps:0:00 Intro to David2:15 LinkedIn morning routine explained5:30 The #1 LinkedIn post mistake9:00 Turning content into business opportunities13:45 Why warm engagement outperforms cold DMs22:30 How to write posts for LinkedIn's algorithm28:00 Analytics that matter for LinkedIn successResources Mentioned:David's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-you...

David's Website:

https://www.davidjyoung.me

Connect with Marketing by Design:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/Help us grow:If you found this episode valuable, please like, comment, and subscribe! Share it with someone looking to improve their LinkedIn strategy. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

🌟 📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database 🌟

In this entry, we sit down with Allison, a content strategist and career marketer turned freelancer. Allison shares her journey from a 15-year corporate marketing career to building a thriving freelance business specializing in SEO content for health and wellness brands.

Learn why most marketers are actually using Linkedin as "Social Media" rather than the connection engine it can be used as if utilized properly.

Allison's Website: AllisonDitmer.com

The Organic Freelancer Newsletter: A weekly newsletter for strategic content and SEO tips.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Allison and her background in marketing and freelancing. 00:25 – Why your personal story is your biggest asset. 01:06 – Overcoming the struggles of transitioning from corporate to freelance. 01:55 – The key habits that help Allison land clients. 03:30 – Balancing content creation with client work for financial sustainability. 05:12 – How to optimize your LinkedIn profile for maximum visibility. 08:45 – Niching down and targeting the right audience on LinkedIn. 12:10 – Allison’s daily LinkedIn routine and tips for engagement. 20:05 – The importance of consistency and building relationships. 30:22 – Advice for young marketers looking to go freelance. 50:18 – Allison's vision for the future and what excites her the most.

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review "Marketing by Design" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design:

LinkedIn: Andy Milligan

In this episode of Marketing by Design powered by AMA, we break down the upcoming TikTok ban and what it means for marketers. With the platform set to go dark, we outline a four-step action plan to help you pivot and come out ahead

Resources Mentioned:

Timestamps:

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

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🌟 📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database 🌟

In this episode of Marketing by Design, host Andy Milligan, in collaboration with the Columbus American Marketing Association (AMA), shares 5 AI tools that will revolutionize marketing in 2025, offering actionable insights on how these innovations can enhance productivity, streamline content creation, and personalize learning for marketers.

From a PowerPoint alternative that simplifies professional presentations to an AI-powered learning assistant that turns documents into podcasts, these tools will help you stay ahead of trends, grow your network, and maximize your earning potential—all with free versions available to get started today.

🎯 Resources Mentioned

1. Gamma (Productivity)
   Make decks, docs, and basic sites to present your ideas with AI. Ideal for quick drafts with customizable formatting.
   Learn More

2. ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode (General Assistance)
   An intuitive voice assistant that remembers past chats and enhances productivity.
   Learn More

3. HeyGen (Audience Building)
   AI avatars for content production and video translation.
   Learn More

4. PhotoRoom (Product Building/Creative)
   AI image editor with powerful tools for product photos and visual designs.
   Learn More

5. Google Notebook LM (Learning)
   Turn documents into podcasts, lectures, or personalized learning experiences.
   Learn More

   
   

   ⏰ Timestamps

• 00:00:07 - Introduction to the 5 AI tools for 2025
• 00:01:21 - Overview of the Andreessen Horowitz AI trends list
• 00:02:01 - Gamma AI: Enhancing productivity with better presentations
• 00:03:11 - HeyGen: Exploring AI-generated videos and avatars
• 00:05:03 - ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode: Voice-enabled AI for marketers
• 00:06:24 - PhotoRoom: Revolutionizing product photos with AI
• 00:07:50 - Google Notebook LM: Personalized AI-powered learning
• 00:09:43 - Recap and closing thoughts

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design:
LinkedIn: Marketing by Design

Explore more marketing resources with Columbus AMA: Columbus AMA

🌟 📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database 🌟

In this episode of Marketing by Design, host Andy Milligan chats with Dilara Casey, a marketer, writer, and workforce consultant.

Dilara shares how she balances her career, personal branding, and helping others with career advice.

Be sure not to miss her new book, Wherever You Go, which launched last month!

Resources Mentioned:

1. Totally Employable – Workforce Consultancy
2. Jason Fried's "The Power of No"
3. The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
4. TikTok and LinkedIn content strategies

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - 5:00: Morning routines, fitness, and community.
• 5:01 - 15:00: The intersection of personal branding and professional identity.
• 15:01 - 20:00: Building Totally Employable and career insights.
• 20:01 - 28:00: Overcoming cancer during COVID and reshaping life priorities.
• 28:01 - End: Empowerment through authenticity and balancing passion projects.
• 
  

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• Apple Podcasts
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We Want to Help You Make More Money as a Marketer.
The AMA is here to help. Learn more at: https://amacolumbus.org/