As digital pure-plays continue to remove friction from the ad-buying process for small businesses, it becomes even more critical for us to not only lean into the strong relationships our sellers have with current clients, but also to streamline our sales process to make it faster, more flexible, and higher-quality than what’s being offered by Silicon Valley for our future clients.
Consider this: just two months ago, Spotify launched an AI-powered, self-service ad portal that lets small businesses create audio ads and target listeners by geography, demographics, and interests. A busy business owner can log in, build an ad, and launch it – all in less time than a Pacers/Thunder halftime show.
On the video front, Amazon just rolled out similar innovations. Their video ad generator, now out of beta, is tailored for small businesses. As Amazon VP Jay Richmond puts it, the tool aims to “democratize access to rich media.” How kind of them.
With tech giants now setting their sights on small businesses, we need to examine every part of our digital sales workflow. Is it easy for the client to place ads through us? Does it respect their time? Is it priced competitively? Why should a local business choose us over going directly to Amazon, Spotify, Peacock, or Google? Ask your clients. Get honest answers.
If we’re serious about staying competitive, we can’t rely on relationships alone—we must modernize the way we serve. Our clients are busy, and tech platforms are offering them convenience and speed. Let’s offer them something better: simplicity with strategy, automation with authenticity.
AI Headlines from around the web
- Apple Adds ‘Meh’ AI Features at WWDC New features coming to the new iOS include live, real-time language translation on FaceTime calls, The ability to easily send screenshots to CharGPT, an AI Fitness coach, and an advanced Shortcuts app.
- Sam Altman Hints at a More Creative ChatGPT – The head of OpenAI is a master of the tease, using his blog to promote future releases. In this week’s post, he hinted that his AI engine’s output will begin to formulate “novel insights” beginning next year.
- AI-Powered Barbie? OpenAI and Mattel announced a strategic partnership this week. Although the brand hasn’t picked a brand to start with, it most likely will be one catering to the teenaged-and-older crowd to comply with Federal child privacy laws.
Threads Launched DMs
Initially, messages will not be encrypted, but the move addresses long-standing user demand for standalone DMs and helps position Threads as a standalone social platform. This update aligns with Meta’s strategy to boost engagement on Threads, which now has over 350 million monthly active users. [details]
June – Public Radio Techsurvey begins
June 19 – New TikTok deadline for divestment
August – Back to School campaigns
September 17 – Meta Connect
October – Renewals / Annuals
October 22-23 NAB Show New York
January 6-9, 2026 – CES
Originally published by Jacobs Media
