3 Things For June 3rd, 2025
A simple definition of marketing., Believing in your team., AI’s impact on search and your website.
“Here I am, here’s what I offer, please pick me.”
Marketing can be defined in many different ways and I am definitely a fan of complexity, nuance and defining something in a myriad of ways.
I’m also a fan of simplicity.
And simply put, marketing can be defined as showing up and asking to be chosen: “Here I am, here’s what I offer, please pick me.”
If you’re not showing up, you’re not an option. If you’re not asking to be chosen, you’re not making a sale.
Yes, tell us how you are different, better, quicker, cheaper….whatever that differentiating factor is. Describe how you solve problems and make lives better because of it. Be fun, be interesting, be colorful, be likeable, be sexy, be any and all the things that are uniquely you.
Be genuine, be vulnerable, be brave. Be ready to be liked by some and disliked by others.
Where are your people? Be there. Show up and ask.
Trust Your Team: Lessons from the Track to the Marketing World
As a high school track coach, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about trust, communication, and believing in your team. Whether it’s a relay race or a marketing campaign, the principle remains the same: you chose this team for a reason. Now, it’s time to trust them.
The Relay Race Analogy
On the track, a relay team’s strength isn’t just in the speed of its fastest runner. It’s in the seamless handoff, the unspoken communication, and the unwavering belief that each member will do their part. If one runner tries to do it all, the team falls apart. The magic happens when everyone trusts each other to play their role.
Trust in Marketing Teams
The same holds true in the world of marketing. You can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. You hired experts for their unique skills—whether it’s social media strategy, content creation, or campaign analytics. Trusting your marketing team means giving them the space to do what they do best, knowing that their expertise will drive results.
Communication is Key
Just like on the track, communication is at the heart of a successful marketing campaign. As a coach, I make sure every runner knows their role and feels empowered to ask questions or share ideas. At Strategy 3, our commitment to integrity, transparency, and open communication ensures our clients are always informed, confident in our process, and inspired by our creative, results-driven approach.
You Don’t Have to Know It All
One of the hardest lessons—both in coaching and in business—is realizing you don’t have to know it all. It’s okay to lean on others who have dedicated their careers to mastering their craft. That’s why you hire a marketing agency: to tap into a team that lives and breathes marketing every single day.
Trust Us With Your Next Campaign
If you’re ready to take your marketing to the next level, let Strategy 3 be the team you trust. We’ll bring the same dedication, communication, and teamwork that I bring to my track athletes—helping you cross the finish line ahead of the competition.
Our Approach at Strategy 3
At Strategy 3, we manage and maintain WordPress websites for small to medium-sized businesses across Tacoma and beyond. When we design and build websites, we keep plugins to a minimum — using them only when truly necessary to support core functionality. Fewer plugins means fewer problems, better performance, and a cleaner experience for your visitors and your team.
Ready to hand off the baton? Let’s run this race together.
AI & Your Website: What Small Businesses Need to Know (and Easy Wins You Can Use)
Has Search Felt Different Lately
You’re not imagining it. If you’ve noticed fewer people landing on your website or a drop in inquiries, you’re seeing the impact of search engines evolving. AI is leading the charge. Let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what you can do (without a full overhaul) to keep your business front and center.
Why Search Is Changing (and Why It’s Harder to Get Noticed)
In the past, getting found online mostly meant ranking well in Google. Now, with tools like ChatGPT and new search features, people are getting answers instantly. Summaries, directions, even full service lists often appear before they ever visit a website. That means a lot of traditional SEO advice just doesn’t move the needle like it used to.
The challenge is this: If your core services, hours, or contact details aren’t obvious, potential customers might never even see your site. Search engines now prioritize clarity and speed, surfacing businesses that make information accessible at a glance. Those who adapt will stay visible. Those who don’t get skipped.
What Can You Actually Do About It?
You don’t need to rebuild your site from scratch. Instead, focus on making it super clear who you are, what you offer, and how people can reach you. Here’s how.
- Review your homepage. Can someone instantly tell what you do and how to contact you?
- Put your core services front and center. Think like a customer who’s in a hurry.
- Check your contact info. Make sure it’s up to date and visible without scrolling.
Make Your Website AI-Friendly (and Still Human-Friendly)
Search engines aren’t just scanning your site, they’re actually reading and interpreting it. If your site is organized and clear, it’s easier for both people and AI to figure out what you do. A few simple tweaks can make a big difference.
- Use clear section headings. Examples: “Our Services,” “Book an Appointment,” “Meet the Team.”
- List your location and service area. Put this on your homepage. For example, “Serving businesses throughout the region.”
- Break up long paragraphs. Use bullet points for lists or FAQs.
- Show you’re real. Add photos of your team or workspace. Skip the stock photos. They don’t build trust the same way.
Techy Stuff: Small Upgrades, Big Impact
There are a few behind-the-scenes upgrades that can boost your visibility. Don’t worry, you don’t have to handle this alone. Ask your website manager (or us!) about these.
- Schema markup. Extra info for search engines, added behind the scenes to help AI understand your business details.
- llms.txt. A new type of file that lets you manage how AI tools use your site’s content. This is an emerging practice and hasn’t been standardized yet. Think of it as similar to how robots.txt started out for search engines. It’s becoming more common, but best practices are still evolving. Worth asking about, especially if you want a say in how AI interacts with your website.
Let’s Chat and Grow Together
We help local businesses untangle all the changes in search and AI, and we’re happy to answer your questions or just talk strategy. No pressure, no obligation. If you’re ready to boost your online presence or want real support beyond the basics, our SEO services might be a good fit. Let’s connect and see how we can help you grow online. Work at your pace, with real people, and no runaround.
