Insights and musings all things brand and marketing
How to Show Up in AI Search (Even Without a Big SEO Budget)
The search landscape is changing, so I wanted to share an article with you that is practical and helpful. Here’s how to stay visible in the age of ChatGPT, Google AI, and smarter search engines.
There’s a shift happening in how people discover businesses online, and if you’re a small business owner, agency or founder, this is something you’ll want to understand.
The Everyone Trap That Makes Brands Invisible
Your product could help everyone. That's probably true.
Your service has universal benefits. Also likely accurate.
But you see, when you market to everyone, you actually end up connecting with no one. Over the years, this is where I’ve seen most brands lose their way.
I see this pattern constantly. Businesses convinced their offering has universal appeal, crafting messages so broad they become invisible. It’s like they’re speaking, but nobody's listening.
The shift happens when they get really clear on who they are for. A sense of purpose appears, and you can see them move from confusion to clarity.
Why Every Brand will Become a Community
We're the most digitally connected generation in history, yet paradoxically, we're experiencing unprecedented levels of isolation and loneliness.
As I observe this contradiction, I'm noticing how it's creating an entirely new category of business. The School of Life recently launched a membership program that I believe signals where every industry is gradually heading.
Rather than just creating content anymore, they're beginning to facilitate genuine human connection.
What we're witnessing represents something much bigger than a simple business pivot. There's a movement towards movements happening right now, with community and belonging at the heart of it. Sound familiar?
The Brand Architecture Decision That's Make-or-Break for Growing Businesses
Here's the thing about brand architecture that no one talks about: it's not just about organising your offerings—it's about creating space for your business to breathe and grow.
I've watched brilliant founders hit invisible walls because their brand structure couldn't support what they were building. They'd launch new services or products, only to confuse their existing customers and dilute their marketing efforts.
Sound familiar?
Why Thought Leadership Is Really Self-Leadership
I avoided LinkedIn for years.
You know how it is…the platform just sat there, waiting. My profile gathering digital dust while I told myself I wasn't ready to share my thoughts publicly.
But if I'm being honest? I was nervous. Worried of being judged by people I looked up to and respected.
What I learned along the way completely shifted how I think about thought leadership. It's not really about having all the perfect ideas or being some kind of flawless expert. It's more about doing the quiet inner work—learning to trust yourself through the doubt before you try to guide others with your ideas.
Why Good Brands Are Built From the Inside Out
You know when you meet those people who are so grounded and real, yet interesting, that they’re a pleasure to be around? They engage in meaningful conversations. They know what they care about and live accordingly. They’re the kind of people you invite into your life time and time again, because each interaction deepens your understanding of them, a reveal of another layer.
What Your Body Knows That Your Mind Has Forgotten
Somewhere along the way, we stop listening to ourselves.Society teaches us that success means climbing ladders, accumulating titles, acquiring status symbols—the luxury car, the impressive salary, the curated life that signals we have everything perfectly under control. We absorb these lessons so completely that by adulthood, we mistake other people's definitions of achievement for our own deepest knowing. I lived this way for years…
ChatGPT Just Became Your New Storefront
Your next purchase might happen mid-conversation. While you're asking ChatGPT about weekend dinner ideas, you could end up buying the ingredients. While discussing workout routines, you might purchase the equipment. The line between conversation and commerce is dissolving. The 800 million users who chat with AI weekly are about to become shoppers without realising it.
The Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing
In today’s fast-paced digital world, we’re constantly bombarded with content. Whether it’s on social media, emails, or websites, it can be hard for a brand to cut through the noise and truly connect with its audience. So, what’s the secret to standing out? It’s storytelling.
Building Your Brand on Instagram: From Zero to Engaged Community
Starting a business is hard enough, but when it comes to marketing, many business owners find themselves feeling overwhelmed—especially when it comes to social media. Instagram, in particular, can feel daunting. The platform is constantly evolving, and it can seem like there’s always something new to learn or another trend to follow. But what if I told you Instagram doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems? With the right foundation, Instagram can become a meaningful tool to grow your brand, build a loyal community, and ultimately acquire customers.
5 Common Marketing Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them)
Let’s face it—marketing can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling so many other things in your business. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget the basics. But trust me, avoiding a few common marketing mistakes can make a world of difference. In this blog, Tyneal shares five marketing mistakes many small business owners make—and more importantly, how to fix them so you can start seeing real results.
When Your Business Outgrows You
As a business owner, you've poured countless hours into building and growing your brand. You’ve gotten your business this far with hard work, determination, and a keen understanding of your craft. But now, something’s shifted. Your business has matured, and while you’ve made great strides, you're beginning to feel like your marketing efforts just aren’t keeping up with the growth you’ve experienced.
2025 Marketing Trends in Action
In Part 1 of our 2025 Marketing Trends series, we explored five key trends that are shaping the way brands connect with their audiences this year. From AI animations to personal storytelling, these trends may sound like big-budget moves for major brands, but here’s the truth: small businesses, freelancers, and coaches can absolutely tap into these strategies too.
2025 Marketing Trends
Ever feel like marketing strategies are reserved for massive companies with endless budgets and entire teams? Think again. Crafting a thoughtful, strategic plan isn’t just for industry giants—it's a powerful step for businesses of all sizes. When done with intention, it can help you genuinely connect with your audience, stand out in a crowded market, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
5 Mistakes You Might Be Making That Impact Your Ability to Attract the Right Clients
As a business owner, attracting the right clients is essential for building a sustainable and thriving business. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hold you back from creating the kind of meaningful connections that lead to long-term success. Here are five common mistakes you might be making that impact your ability to attract the right clients—and how to avoid them.
Planning Is Not Just for the Pros
Ever feel like marketing strategies are reserved for massive companies with endless budgets and entire teams? Think again. Crafting a thoughtful, strategic plan isn’t just for industry giants—it's a powerful step for businesses of all sizes. When done with intention, it can help you genuinely connect with your audience, stand out in a crowded market, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
Crafting Meaningful Messages Across the Customer Journey
In today’s fast-paced digital world, marketing is often seen as a race for attention. But truly impactful marketing goes beyond grabbing eyeballs—it’s about creating connection. It’s about crafting messages that resonate with your audience, meet them where they are, and guide them through their journey with your brand.
At Ritual Consulting, we believe that the heart of marketing lies in fostering meaningful relationships. To do that, you need to understand the customer journey—and tailor your messaging to each stage. Let’s explore how to create messages that not only convert but also build trust and loyalty.
Creating an Intentional Marketing Strategy and Plan
For small businesses, having a well-crafted marketing strategy and plan provides clarity, purpose, and direction. It’s an intentional approach that ensures every marketing effort is meaningful, connecting with your audience in ways that build trust and loyalty. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, a marketing plan serves as a reliable guide to help you grow with purpose and achieve long-lasting success.
By investing the time to create a thoughtful marketing strategy, you’re not just setting yourself up for short-term gains. You’re building a brand that customers will connect with and return to time and time again. And for any small business, that’s the ultimate foundation for sustainable growth.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn - How to Create Viral Content
Social media went wild over the weekend with Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn (aka Raygun) causing quite the stir over after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. If you've somehow managed to miss this, check out TikTok or YouTube and search "Raygun". Actually, you only need to type the letter "R" into your YouTube search bar and her name will come up. That's how popular she is right now.
Digital Marketing Trends 2020 & Beyond
It’s of no surprise that our future, and our not too far off future, is going to be driven by digital disruption and advancements in tech.
As a marketer, we live in a time that’s seeing changes at a size and scale we have never experienced before. And at a pace that most companies and people are struggling to keep up with.
With great advancements in digital and tech, comes great opportunities for marketers and consumers alike.