B2The7 News & Blog
Marketing Insights & Trends
The B2The7 News & Blog is where Louisville-based marketing strategist Bernie Fussenegger shares weekly insights on digital marketing, SEO, AI search, social media strategy, and marketing trends that help businesses grow smarter and faster. With 25+ years of experience including senior roles at Papa John's and Confluent Health, Bernie publishes practical, data-driven articles every week covering what's actually moving in marketing right now — from Generative Engine Optimization and Google algorithm updates to lifecycle marketing, local SEO, and content strategy. Browse the latest posts below or subscribe to the weekly Trend Brief newsletter to get these insights delivered to your inbox.
Discover the latest insights, strategies, and trends with the B2The7 News & Blog—your resource for actionable digital marketing tips, SEO strategies, and AI-driven marketing insights. We cover everything from social media marketing and content optimization to brand growth tactics that help businesses increase visibility, engagement, and conversions. Each article is crafted to provide practical, data-driven takeaways you can implement right away. Whether you’re looking to improve your search rankings, strengthen your digital presence, or stay ahead of emerging marketing trends, our blog gives you the tools and knowledge to grow smarter and faster.
10 Digital Marketing Mistakes Small Businesses Make That Kill Growth
Bernie Fussenegger breaks down the 10 most costly digital marketing mistakes small businesses make and the practical fixes that actually drive growth.
Top 5 Trending Marketing, Digital & Social Topics — Week of February 23, 2026
This week's top marketing and digital trends cover Generative Engine Optimization, algorithm shifts, first-party data ROI, YouTube's rise in AI search, and what's changing in the creator economy.
Why Your Content Is Visible but Not Driving Revenue (And How to Fix It)
Many brands are publishing more content than ever, yet revenue impact feels unclear. This guide explains why visibility is no longer enough and how to fix the gap between traffic and business results.
Top Marketing & Digital Trends: Week of February 16, 2026
Explore the biggest marketing and digital trends shaping the week of February 16, 2026. From AI-powered SEO and Generative Engine Optimization to social search behavior and short-form video dominance, this breakdown highlights what brands need to know to stay competitive and visible in 2026.
Trending Marketing, Digital and Social Topics for the Week of February 9
A breakdown of the most important marketing, digital, and social media trends for the week of February 9, including AI driven ads, retail media, TikTok discovery, and influencer marketing shifts.
Top Marketing, Digital & Social Media Trends for the Week of February 2, 2026
A breakdown of the most important marketing, digital, and social media trends for the week of February 2, 2026, with insights, takeaways, and FAQs for modern marketers.
Top Marketing, Digital and Social Media Trends for the Week of January 26, 2026
A breakdown of the biggest marketing, digital, and social media trends shaping 2026, from YouTube’s shift into TV ads to social commerce, TikTok storytelling, and AI advertising.
AI in Branding and Marketing in 2026: Key Applications, Strategic Shifts, and What Brands Must Do
From brand voice to real-time personalization, AI is reshaping marketing in 2026. This guide breaks down applications, strategic shifts, and what's next.
First‑Party Data Explained: What It Is, How Brands Capture It, and Real Examples of Use
Understand first-party data's value in 2026. This guide breaks down what it is, how to collect it, and how top brands use it to personalize and grow.
What DTC Brands Are Aiming For: Owning the Digital Customer Journey
DTC brands are redefining customer relationships by taking full control of the buyer journey—from discovery to delivery. Learn the winning strategies.
From Clicks to Conversations: Why Immersive & Personalized Experiences Are the Future of Digital Marketing
From virtual try-ons to voice-activated search, learn how immersive and personalized marketing is reshaping digital strategy in 2025 and beyond.
Lifecycle Marketing: Reach, Retain & Reactivate
Discover how to build a high-impact customer lifecycle strategy that drives retention, reactivation, and long-term revenue. Includes tips, tools & real-world examples.
Marketing Help for Small Businesses
B2The7 helps Louisville small businesses grow with expert, affordable marketing services including social, email, and local SEO support.
Marketing Audit Guide: Boost ROI with This Proven Checklist
Learn what a marketing audit is, why it matters, and how to execute one using a strategic, data-driven checklist for better marketing performance.
The New SEO Reality: No Clicks, Still Wins
Over 50% of searches now end without a click. Discover how marketers can dominate SERPs, optimize for AI summaries, and build brand visibility in a zero-click world.
SEO vs. GEO: Building for Visibility and Trust in the AI-Driven Search Era
SEO still drives traffic, but GEO—Generative Engine Optimization—builds trust in AI search. Learn how to optimize for both and stay visible everywhere users search.
Why You Need a Separate Analytics Channel for AI Search Traffic
Marketers are losing visibility by misclassifying AI-driven discovery traffic. This post breaks down why GA4 needs a dedicated AI search channel, complete with examples, stats, and actionable metrics.
Generative AI and the New Frontier of Marketing Strategy
AI isn't just another tool—it’s redefining how we approach marketing. In this blog, Bernie Fussenegger of B2The7 breaks down what generative AI means for marketers today, from faster content production to evolving SEO and the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Backed by industry stats and firsthand insight, this post is a practical roadmap for marketers ready to lead with purpose—not just follow trends.
Top 10 Digital Marketing Trends for 2025
I have been in the digital landscape for the past 25+ years, and it continues to change each year (sometimes each month), driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behavior, and increased competition. Staying ahead of the trends is necessary for businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving market.