The DL: US advertisers are projected to spend over $25 billion into AI powered search results by the year 2029. This news comes from Emarketer, citing big leaps already in 2025. Many platforms are working on their own AI-powered integrations into search marketing, including Google, Amazon, and Shopify. All with the goal of converting through LLM interfaces with integrated product feeds and the ability to checkout purchases right through generative AI platforms like ChatGPT. What does this mean for your current search marketing strategy? These generative AI tools are looking for quick and sufficient answers to populate their results. SEM providers like Google are already rolling out test ads through Gemini that integrate naturally into user’s search results. The best way to prepare before official product launches from Google or Amazon is to make sure your current website and product feeds are already set-up to be easily accessible to programs like ChatGPT. Doing the AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) work now will pay off big in the next few years as these programs are used more and more by users.

Read More: Forbes

The DL: In the growing world of B2B influencers, small-scale content creators can offer significant value—especially for brands new to the space. Walker Sands’ experience highlights the effectiveness of microinfluencers in engaging niche audiences and fostering authentic connections. Their recent campaign targeting small-business owners revealed that valuable conversations occur not only on LinkedIn but also on Instagram and TikTok. By identifying influencers who resonated with their target audience, they successfully enhanced brand awareness. Metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic, and follower growth demonstrated success, but early missteps—such as overly long briefs—underscored the importance of clear, concise communication. Additionally, the campaign showed the organic impact of earned media, as influencers independently incorporated brand insights into their content, further extending reach and influence.



Read More: PR Daily

DL: As a full-service integrated media agency committed to strategic, data-driven paid media, we recognize both the potential and the pitfalls of AI, especially as it becomes more integrated in everyday life. The recent Pew Research finding that over 90% of U.S. consumers are concerned about AI-driven misinformation highlights the need for transparency and integrity in all AI-enabled processes managed. While younger audiences tend to trust AI more, this data reinforces the importance of rigorous oversight and intentional trust-building across all demographics, an imperative for our agency and the broader media industry as we work to inform and engage with integrity.

Read More: EMarketer