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How to Measure Thought Leadership ROI

How to Measure Thought Leadership ROI

Key takeaways: Thought leadership ROI goes far beyond likes, impressions and website traffic. The most effective measurement strategy tracks awareness, buyer engagement and revenue together, giving marketing leaders a clear view of the business results. When you also measure the value generated for every hour your experts invest, you gain the evidence you need to […]
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Why More CEOs See Marketing as a Cost Center

Why More CEOs See Marketing as a Cost Center

Key takeaways: The marketing cost-center problem is old, but it’s accelerating. The share of CEOs who see marketing as a cost rather than a profit center jumped from 35% to 60% in one year. The cause is measurement. Only 13% of CEOs feel confident that marketing can show financial benefits, and producing more content with […]
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The Double AI Lie: You’re Losing Time and Your Edge

The Double AI Lie: You’re Losing Time and Your Edge

Key takeaways: AI and critical thinking have an increasingly complicated relationship. Research shows that heavy reliance on AI can reduce critical thinking, weaken independent judgment and make ideas more alike. AI can help with efficiency, but marketers still need to question assumptions, challenge outputs and focus on original thinking. AI has incredible power and potential, […]
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The Lab Results Are Fine: When B2B Marketing Data Hides a Sick System

The Lab Results Are Fine: When B2B Marketing Data Hides a Sick System

Key takeaways: Healthy B2B marketing data can make a broken system look fine. Isolated metrics, such as organic traffic, cost per click and lead volume, can hide problems with buyer intent, sales trust and pipeline movement. When sales cycles exceed historical norms or sales teams stop trusting marketing leads, marketing teams need to look at […]
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Why AI Is Ignoring Your B2B Customer Case Studies

Why AI Is Ignoring Your B2B Customer Case Studies

Key takeaways: When B2B customer case studies bury customer problems and measurable results beneath company background and product details, AI systems can’t identify the information buyers need. As a result, many case studies never appear in AI-generated answers. Most B2B customer case studies make it hard to identify the problem, the solution and the results. […]
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The Thought Leader’s Shortcut: Build a Content Bank From 1 Asset

The Thought Leader’s Shortcut: Build a Content Bank From 1 Asset

Key takeaways: Break one anchor asset into a Content Bank of articles, social posts, carousels, videos and sales tools. Use a content repurposing strategy and employee advocacy to distribute those assets and support a 90-day, multichannel campaign. This allows you to reach buyers throughout their research process. In the last Expert-Led Content Engine article, we […]
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The Trust Gap: Why Human Content Wins in an AI Market

The Trust Gap: Why Human Content Wins in an AI Market

Key takeaways: Human-first content in B2B is grounded in experience, a clear point of view and informed judgment. It helps buyers build trust before they with speak with sales. For years at The Simons Group, our North Star has been “content-first.” It’s how we keep the focus where it belongs: on the message rather than […]
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Stop Asking Experts to Write: The Two-Touchpoint Content Workflow

Stop Asking Experts to Write: The Two-Touchpoint Content Workflow

Key takeaways: A two-touchpoint content workflow concentrates expert involvement into two focused moments that support speed, cost discipline and buyer expectations. By structuring participation around an input session and an accuracy review, organizations share insights while buyers are evaluating options. In addition, this workflow reduces inefficient use of expert time, supports consistent execution and aligns […]
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Create a Quarterly Content Planning Sprint

Create a Quarterly Content Planning Sprint

Key takeaways: Quarterly content planning gives B2B teams a clear, repeatable way to set direction before execution. Rather than reacting to scattered requests, teams align on priorities, themes and proof points during a focused planning sprint that brings marketers and experts together at the right moment. Experts contribute insight once per quarter, while marketers carry […]
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B2B Trust Has Turned Inward. Thought Leadership Gets You In

B2B Trust Has Turned Inward. Thought Leadership Gets You In

Key takeaways: B2B trust now forms early and close to home. Buyers place greater confidence in familiar people and proven judgment. New research shows that thought leadership content plays a role in helping buyers assess expertise and reduce perceived risk. However, today, merely showing up with content isn’t enough. Organizations that pair expert-led insights with […]
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A human eye represents insights into digital marketing trends for 2025.

Digital Marketing Trends To Watch for in 2025

As 2025 nears, B2B marketers are asking how to keep up with the fast-changing digital world. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation offer news ways to work, but the need for real human connection remains strong. The future will belong to those who can balance cutting-edge tech with empathy and creativity.

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A graphic of smiling, neutral and frowning faces represents customer testimonials in B2B marketing.

Customer Testimonials Are Marketing Rocket Fuel

In B2B marketing, customer testimonials are vital for winning business. Prospects need proof that real customers achieved results from your products and services. In other words, they want to make sure you’re worth it. But here’s the thing: Just because you have testimonials, doesn’t mean you should use them. The

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A row of stars represents the importance of customer feedback and managing your B2B brand's reputation.

Ignoring Customer Feedback Can Sink Your Brand’s Reputation

B2B buyers want to see customer feedback about your brand before they invest in your products and services. Reviews help them make informed decisions before they commit. B2B purchases can involve large financial commitments. Thus, it stands to reason buyers conduct independent research. They want to know if your solutions

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An image of a smiling woman represents the good impression that B2B case studies can make on buyers.

Proven Approaches for B2B Case Studies (With Examples)

B2B case studies are among the most valuable forms of marketing for buyers. When researching prospective purchases, they want to know what problems your business solved for other customers and the positive results. Case studies show them that they can achieve similar outcomes. Trust is key in B2B buyers’ decision-making.

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A handshake represents working with subject experts.

How to Work with Subject Experts and Boost Brand Trust

Buyers want and need to trust brands more than ever before. They’re educating themselves and researching online before they buy. Trust is among the top three reasons that drive purchasing decisions, according to the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer. Fifty-nine percent of survey respondents said they’re more likely to buy from

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A photo of a woman being interviewed represents how customer advocacy programs help drive content.

Fuel Business Growth and Content with Advocacy Programs

Top B2B brands know customer advocacy is the ultimate way to retain customers, win buyers’ hearts and minds and grow their businesses. Brands prioritize advocacy because it works. It’s not unusual for businesses to have strong customer connections. Advocacy programs take these relationships a step further. They turn loyal customers

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This image represents how B2B trade show participation is making a comeback for 2024.

In-Person B2B Trade Shows Rebuild Momentum

If you’re planning to attend a B2B trade show this year, you’ll likely have a lot of company. The industry is coming back after pandemic shutdowns and lackluster attendance, data shows. In-person business-to-business (B2B) shows in the U.S. are recovering from their pre-pandemic levels as exhibitors and attendees are eager

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Male hand holding a camera lens representing looking towards B2B digital marketing trends for 2024

5 B2B Digital Marketing Trends for 2024

From voice search optimization to content marketing diversification, digital marketers can look forward to new technologies and opportunities in 2024. Here are five B2B digital marketing trends that will reshape content marketing in 2024 and beyond. 1. Voice search optimization B2B decision-makers are always on the go. The way they

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