Posts by Callis Team
Why LinkedIn is a Secret Weapon for B2B Marketers and HR Recruiters
LinkedIn has transformed into one of the most valuable advertising platforms for connecting with business professionals, HR decision-makers and job seekers. While it began as a networking tool, LinkedIn now also serves as a powerful solution for targeted business-to-business (B2B) advertising and recruitment marketing, especially in specialized or professional fields where finding the right fit…
Read MoreWhat is Programmatic Advertising and When Should You Use It?
Fishing is a lot like digital advertising. Sometimes you get bites, sometimes you don’t. So, what makes the difference between a nice catch and coming home empty-handed? It’s about strategy … finding the right time of the day, the right spot and the right bait. Digital advertising works the same way. You choose when to…
Read More7 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing continues to be one of the most effective ways for brands to build trust online, connect with the right audience and drive measurable results. Whether it’s a well-known creator with millions of followers or a local voice with a small but loyal community, influencers can help deliver your message in ways that feel…
Read MoreStep On In to the Best of the Fair
OUTdrive Episode 253 | Solocast Step on in and celebrate the spirit of the Missouri State Fair! In this Best of the Fair episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis shares highlights from six memorable interviews that show how this beloved event blends agriculture, tourism, entertainment and community. Whether you come for the livestock shows, the food…
Read MoreWhy Rural Businesses Shouldn’t Skip on Short-Form Video
Short-form video is the star of social media. Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat or even LinkedIn, chances are you’re seeing vertical videos that are quick, engaging and hard to ignore. These videos have transformed how people consume content online, and they offer a major opportunity for rural businesses looking to…
Read MoreHow Rural Brands Can Win With Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers are transforming marketing strategies for brands of all sizes, and rural businesses are in a strong position to benefit. With their ability to build trust and spark engagement, these smaller-scale social media creators are helping brands reach specific audiences in creative, affordable and authentic ways. If your brand wants to grow awareness, build loyalty…
Read MoreCould Your Customer Service Be the Secret to Better Marketing?
What if your most powerful marketing strategy isn’t an ad, but a satisfied customer? In rural communities especially, word-of-mouth can carry more weight than a billboard or website. How your business treats people can have a bigger impact than how you promote it. Word-of-Mouth Still Drives Business in Rural America When neighbors talk, businesses can…
Read MoreCustom Content, Real Results
OUTdrive Episode 252 with Jessica Embree Print isn’t dead, and Jessica Embree proves it. Hear how Tulip Media Group blends traditional and modern marketing to create high-impact campaigns. With insights on answer engine optimization, content strategy and the timeless power of storytelling, this episode offers inspiration for marketers at every level.
Read MoreUsing Local SEO to Grow Your Business
Today, most consumers use search engines, AI tools or social media platforms when looking for local products and services. According to BrightLocal, approximately 80% of consumers search online weekly to find local businesses, highlighting the importance of having a strong local search presence. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on optimizing your online presence so…
Read MoreUsing Human-Guided AI for Smart Content Marketing
Artificial intelligence is expanding what’s possible in content marketing, helping businesses maintain consistency and efficiency in their outreach. Yet, it’s important to remember that while AI can enhance workflows, it cannot replace the human creativity and expertise required to connect with audiences and build brands effectively. Why Human Input is Non-Negotiable AI can produce content…
Read MoreWhy Reddit Should Be On Your Radar
Reddit has quietly become one of the most influential sources for AI-powered online search results. As tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity pull from Reddit posts more frequently, it’s reshaping how brands appear (or disappear) when customers search. If you’re not actively monitoring Reddit, your business could be misrepresented or simply missed altogether.…
Read MoreHow Public Relations Impacts Rural Business Reputation
In a world of fast-moving media and constant noise, public relations (PR) remains one of the most trusted ways to build a brand. For rural businesses, where word of mouth and local trust carry significant weight, PR is more than promotion; it’s a relationship-building strategy. Whether your company serves agriculture, manufacturing, health care, or rural…
Read MoreMarketing Insights from the Heartland
OUTdrive Episode 251 with Amy Roraback How do you market business-to-business (B2B) in rural America? Join Cliff in this OUTdrive episode as he sits down with Amy Roraback, marketing lead at KMW Loaders, a Kansas-based equipment company. They explore the day-to-day of rural B2B marketing, including the tools and strategies Amy uses to support sales…
Read MoreStop the Scroll: Building Stronger Social Media Engagement for Your Business
Strategies to capture audience attention across saturated social media platforms Today, it is harder than ever for businesses to stand out in social media feeds filled with fast-paced content, all fighting for user attention. With platforms evolving rapidly through algorithm changes, AI-enhanced features and shifting user habits, companies, especially those targeting rural markets, need fresh…
Read MoreHow AI is Rewriting the Rules of SEO
Shifts in Search Behavior The way people search for information is evolving rapidly. Traditional search engines like Google are no longer the sole starting point. Instead, users are turning to platforms like Reddit, TikTok, Instagram and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. At the same time, Google’s introduction of “AI Mode” is transforming the…
Read MoreCelebrating 250 OUTdrive Episodes: Stories, Successes and the Road Ahead
OUTdrive Episode 250 | SOLOCAST In this special 250th episode of OUTdrive, host Cliff Callis takes the mic solo to reflect on five years of podcasting and the many guests who have helped shape the show. From business owners and marketers to rodeo announcers and rural leaders, Cliff revisits some of the most memorable conversations,…
Read MoreThe Power of Voice in Rural Communities
OUTdrive Episode 249 with Melanie Rice In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis visits with Melanie Rice, National Account Executive for Learfield News & Ag and President of the National Agri-Marketing Association. Growing up on a Missouri farm and now raising her family in rural Iowa, Melanie shares how her agricultural roots shaped her career…
Read MoreInside Alaska’s Health Care Frontier
OUTdrive Episode 248 with Bruce Richards OUTdrive host Cliff Callis sits down with Bruce Richards, External Affairs Director for Central Peninsula Hospital, to talk about delivering health care in rural Alaska. From his start in the family paving business to navigating politics and now leading key legislative efforts in the health care space, Bruce’s story…
Read MoreShould You Keep Marketing During Economic Uncertainty?
Avoid a Common Marketing Mistake by Pushing Ahead When the economy feels shaky, especially with uncertainty around tariffs and market slowdowns, many business owners start looking for places to cut costs. And often, marketing is one of the first things on the chopping block. It might seem like a smart, conservative move; however, in reality,…
Read MoreCrafting the E-Commerce Experience
OUTdrive Episode 247 with Sarah Gallagher What makes someone click “buy” online? Sarah Gallagher has been chasing that answer for over 20 years. As the leader of Gamma Waves, a Shopify-focused e-commerce agency, she’s helping brands grow with smarter strategy, faster sites and more human experiences. In this episode, Sarah and Cliff talk about how…
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