Telling Your Story Amidst AI, Zero-Click Search and Tough Competition
Release Date: 06/29/2026
AI Ad Mistakes, Smarter Local Search and Customer Listening
OUTdrive
Meta's AI ad tools are creating embarrassing, brand-damaging mistakes for advertisers who aren't reviewing the output. New survey data shows AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini recommend local businesses using different signals than Google. And Burger King's president personally answered 1,800 customer phone calls and used what he heard to change how the company runs. Tune in to this month’s OUTdrive episode, where President and CEO Megan Hartman breaks down the insights behind each story and how they can apply to your brand’s marketing strategy. Find more insights through our articles,...
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Telling Your Story Amidst AI, Zero-Click Search and Tough Competition
OUTdrive
Consumers are holding brands to a higher standard when it comes to AI-generated content. Search traffic is reaching fewer websites than ever. And standing out in a market where larger competitors have more resources takes a sharper story, not just a bigger budget. These aren't entirely new challenges, but they're becoming more pressing. In this episode of OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman walks through what brands can do about each one: New York's new AI performer disclosure law and the consumer expectations driving it, and what both mean for how brands handle AI in their creative...
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Lessons From Google’s Search Overhaul, Email Marketing And The World Cup
OUTdrive
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three timely marketing topics impacting how brands show up and connect with their audiences: Google just announced its biggest change to search in 25 years, and it affects how every business gets found online. Email remains one of the strongest marketing channels you can build, and AI is starting to change what it takes to stand out in the inbox. With the World Cup coming to Kansas City, there's a clear lesson in why showing up locally and personally is what wins. Find more insights through our articles, podcast episodes...
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Marketing in Uncertain Times, Online Reviews and Campaigns That Connect
OUTdrive
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman tackles three insights for business owners and marketing leaders to consider: How to keep your brand visible when economic pressure makes it tempting to cut back How to turn your online reviews into a competitive advantage And what three recent campaigns, from outer space to expired medicine, can teach us about marketing that resonates. If your business is navigating economic uncertainty or looking for practical ways to strengthen your brand right now, this episode is worth your time. Find more insights through articles, podcast...
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AI Copyright Risks and TikTok's Growing Role in Search
OUTdrive
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers two aspects of digital marketing we’re discussing right now: What brands need to understand about AI-generated content and copyright, and why human involvement in your creative process matters more than ever How TikTok is growing as a search and discovery tool, and where things stand with the platform's U.S. ownership Whether you're leaning on AI to produce content or deciding if TikTok belongs in your social media mix, this episode gives you the context to make smarter marketing decisions.
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Stay Visible with Video, AI Ads and Web Accessibility
OUTdrive
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three trends we’re discussing with clients right now: Why long-form video is a valuable content format for search visibility and brand trust What early ads inside AI search and chat tools could mean for brands Why website accessibility is a must-have for compliance and user experience Avoid getting caught off guard in the fast-paced world of marketing. Tune in to this episode to keep your business ahead of the curve.
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Smarter Marketing with AI, Search and Social Trends
OUTdrive
OUTdrive is kicking off the year with a refreshed video format and quick, actionable insights from Callis President and CEO Megan Hartman. In this episode, Megan highlights three major AI trends shaping marketing today. Learn how AI is influencing ad creative, changing how people search online and shifting what users see on platforms like Instagram. Walk away with practical takeaways to help your brand stay relevant, visible and trusted.
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A New Chapter for OUTdrive: Reflecting on the Journey
OUTdrive
In this final episode of OUTdrive with Cliff Callis at the mic, Cliff and agency president Megan Hartman reflect on the evolution of the podcast, the growth of Callis and what lies ahead. From its launch in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic to 250+ episodes later, OUTdrive has shone a spotlight on rural American voices. Now, as Cliff steps into a new chapter and Megan takes over as host, this monthly touchpoint is evolving as well, bringing fresh insights and a continued commitment to clients and our community.
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A Mission Fueled by Sacrifice
OUTdrive
Rocky Sickmann has lived a life few can imagine. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the 52 Americans held for 444 days during the Iranian hostage crisis, Rocky's story is one of faith, endurance and purpose. In this episode, he reflects on his time in captivity, the values that sustained him and the lives lost that continue to inspire his work. Now serving as Director of Anheuser-Busch accounts for Folds of Honor, he shares how his journey led him to a mission that helps provide scholarships for families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. It’s a conversation...
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Marketing Trust in Missouri Hospitals
OUTdrive
Farrah Fite of the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) joins Cliff to discuss the challenges and opportunities in communicating health care issues across rural Missouri. From open enrollment to Medicaid funding cuts, Farrah explains how MHA helps hospitals navigate a complex landscape while building trust with patients, providers and policymakers. Tune in for insights on messaging, member engagement and the shared mission of keeping Missourians healthy.
info_outlineConsumers are holding brands to a higher standard when it comes to AI-generated content. Search traffic is reaching fewer websites than ever. And standing out in a market where larger competitors have more resources takes a sharper story, not just a bigger budget.
These aren't entirely new challenges, but they're becoming more pressing. In this episode of OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman walks through what brands can do about each one:
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New York's new AI performer disclosure law and the consumer expectations driving it, and what both mean for how brands handle AI in their creative work
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New research on zero-click search and bot traffic, and how brands should think about visibility beyond Google clicks
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Etsy's new “Shop Other Jeffs” campaign as a sharp example of competing on craft and quality rather than scale, with a strategy smaller brands can apply in their own markets
Find more insights through our articles, podcast episodes and case studies at ecallis.com.