Something will go viral on Tuesday, we’ll scramble to create our version by Wednesday, and by Thursday, it’s already over. We’re running faster and faster. In the end, we feel like we’ve ended up in the same place.

But there’s honestly a better way.

Success can actually be found by doing less, with a renewed focus on vibe instead of virality. Some are calling this the Vibe Economy, where consistent resonance matters more than viral reach. 

Instead of “What’s trending with the masses?” people are remembering to ask “What does our unique audience want and need to feel right now?”

It’s a subtle shift, but it can change everything.

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What you need to know:

AI Overviews Now Reach 1 Billion Users – Major SEO Strategy Shift Required Google’s AI Overviews have expanded to over 1 billion users across 100+ countries, fundamentally changing how search results appear. Traditional SEO strategies need adaptation as AI-generated summaries keep users on Google longer, requiring optimization for natural language queries and AI-digestible content. Read More

40% of Gen Z Now Use Social Platforms as Primary Search Tools Gen Z is bypassing traditional search engines, with 40% now using social platforms like TikTok and Instagram as their go-to search tools. Marketers must optimize content for social search with keywords in captions, alt text, and video subtitles. Read More

Zero-Click Searches Dominate: 58.5% of US Google Searches Don’t Leave the Platform More than half of all US Google searches now end without a click to an external website, as featured snippets and AI Overviews provide immediate answers. This makes ranking for featured snippets critical while emphasizing the need for diversified traffic strategies beyond organic search. Read More

Threads Hits 400 Million Users – Alternative to X Gaining Serious Momentum Meta’s Threads has surged to 400 million monthly active users and is rapidly closing the gap with X’s 500-600 million users. With ad options now available, marketers should test Threads as part of their 2025 social strategy, especially as the platform offers less competitive ad inventory. Read More

Social Commerce to Exceed $1 Trillion by 2028 – Time to Build Shopping Features Social commerce is projected to surpass $1 trillion globally by 2028, with 46% of consumers now purchasing products directly through social media. Brands need to integrate shoppable posts, live shopping events, and seamless in-app purchasing across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Read More

LinkedIn Becomes Third Most Important Platform for Marketers – Gen Z Drives Change LinkedIn has emerged as the third most important social platform for marketers, driven by Gen Z entering the workforce and brands shifting to more authentic content. The platform is evolving beyond B2B networking into a powerful tool for brand awareness and website traffic. Read More

Email Marketing Automation Remains Top Priority – 35% of Marketers Focus Here Creating more email marketing automations is the top priority for 35% of marketers, driven by the need to do more with less. Automation enables one-to-many communication at scale, from welcome sequences to abandoned cart recovery and behavior-triggered campaigns. Read More

Email Marketing ROI: Average 36:1 Return Makes It Most Profitable Channel Email marketing delivers an impressive average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent, making it one of the highest-returning marketing channels available. Marketers should prioritize list growth, segmentation, personalization, and automation to maximize this proven channel’s revenue potential. Read More

Short-Form Video Delivers Highest ROI of Any Content Format – 21% of Marketers Confirm Short-form video on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts now provides the highest ROI of any content type, with 21% of marketers confirming it as their top-performing format. Brands that haven’t invested in short-form video are missing a critical opportunity to reach highly engaged audiences. Read More

Experience-Based Content Wins in 2025 – Google Rewards Authentic Expertise Google’s algorithm updates increasingly favor content created by people with genuine, hands-on experience over generic AI-generated content. Marketers should focus on documenting real experiences and demonstrating authentic expertise through case studies, personal stories, and unique perspectives. Read More

Content Marketing Budgets Rising: 54.5% of Businesses Plan to Spend More Over half of businesses are planning to increase their content marketing budgets, signaling continued confidence in content as a growth driver. This reflects the proven effectiveness of quality content in building trust, generating leads, and supporting long-term SEO efforts. Read More

Google Search CPCs Up 45% Year-Over-Year – Budget Optimization Critical Google Search cost-per-clicks have surged 45% year-over-year, making budget optimization and conversion rate improvement critical for profitability. Advertisers need to tighten campaign targeting, improve quality scores, and maximize the value of existing traffic rather than simply increasing ad spend. Read More

Google’s US Search Ad Market Share Falls Below 50% for First Time Google’s dominance in US search advertising has slipped below 50% market share for the first time, with Amazon capturing 22.3% and other platforms gaining ground. Advertisers can no longer rely solely on Google and should diversify budgets across Microsoft Bing, Amazon, and emerging platforms. Read More

Mobile Drives 70% of Search Ad Impressions in the US Mobile devices now account for 70% of all search ad impressions in the United States, with 52% of all clicks also coming from mobile. Advertisers must design campaigns mobile-first, prioritize site speed, and ensure landing pages provide flawless mobile experiences. Read More

91% of Businesses Report Surge in Marketing Automation Demand An overwhelming 91% of businesses report increased demand for marketing automation capabilities, reflecting the growing need to scale personalized marketing efficiently. Automation has shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have for competitive marketing operations as customer expectations rise. Read More

Marketing Automation Returns $5.44 for Every Dollar Spent Marketing automation delivers an impressive return for every dollar invested, making it one of the most profitable technology investments. This strong ROI comes from improved lead nurturing, better segmentation, and the ability to deliver personalized experiences at scale. Read More

Omnichannel Marketing Automation Essential: Customers Use 3+ Devices Simultaneously Modern consumers regularly use three or more devices simultaneously throughout their customer journey, making omnichannel marketing automation essential. Marketers must implement automation tools that track customer interactions across all touchpoints without losing context for seamless brand experiences. Read More

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MARKETING STRATEGY

Why You May Not Be Getting the Best ROI with Your Current Digital Marketing Agency

You signed on with your digital marketing agency because you wanted results — more leads, more sales, more growth. But here you are, months (maybe years) later, wondering: “Am I really getting the most out of what I’m paying for?” If that question has crossed your mind, you’re not alone.

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SEARCH MARKETING

The Importance of Consistency in Online Listings for Local SEO

While a strong website and an active social presence are essential, one often-overlooked factor in local search engine optimization (SEO) is consistency in online business listings. Learn more about why consistency in online listings matters and how it can strengthen your local SEO strategy.

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STRATEGY

Grow Your Organization’s Revenue with a Comprehensive Digital Marketing Plan

Do you need a digital marketing strategy but you’re not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re unhappy with the results from your current plan? At Sanctuary, we focus on strategies that get results and help you grow your business. We’re leaders in marketing, and partners in growth. Learn more today!

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