Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Bond. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Megan, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

However, there’s a caveat to this trend that I believe is essential to address. The surge in AI reliance brings forth a concern: losing the genuine human connection that resonates with audiences, especially on platforms like social media where personal engagement is key. While AI can produce content at a speed and volume unmatched by humans, it’s the authenticity, emotion, and relatability — the very essence of human communication — that forms the backbone of effective marketing strategies.

Recently, I attended a talk with a representative from a local chamber, an advocate for utilizing AI in crafting social media content. She shared how she’s been encouraging business owners to use this technology, leveraging it herself extensively. Indeed, her platforms were brimming with posts, a testament to AI’s capabilities in content generation. However, a closer look revealed a startling miss — the engagement and reach on these posts were virtually non-existent.

This scenario encapsulates my concern: while we’re in an age where content creation is more accessible and prolific than ever, the human element intrinsic to marketing’s DNA is irreplaceable. Content isn’t just about quantity; it’s the quality, relevance, and human touch that strike a chord with the audience. The strategy behind what’s posted is critical. AI is a remarkable aid, but without the fundamentals of marketing driving it, even the most sophisticated tech might fail to resonate.

So, as we navigate this digital era, my stance is clear: by all means, embrace AI’s prowess, but let it be the instrument, not the conductor. Let us not lose sight of the authentic human connection that no algorithm can replicate, ensuring our content not only reaches audiences but also truly engages.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Ithink I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and just didn’t know it until 25. From wanting to start a jewelry company out of my parents living room at age 5, to teaching tennis lessons at 13 and setting up a hot chocolate stand over Christmas, the desire was always there I just didn’t realize exactly what it was. I remember reading “Freakonomics” in 8th grade and I think that made that spark come to life. I never had that typical “teenage job” of waiting tables or working a register. That just never really appealed to me. Following TCU, I went into finance. After a few years I finally realized I wanted to invent and be creative in the business space for myself, thus Panther City Marketing was born.

One of the biggest things that I hear from my customers is the responsiveness that they see from us. A lot of times people will come to me and they cannot get a hold of their marketing person or they haven’t responded for days, weeks, or even months. I usually respond to my clients within an hour and always get a response within a day. Sometimes that just means that I understand their problem and I’m working on it but don’t have a solution yet. I find that good communication has led to great client satisfaction and long-term relationships.

Have you ever had to pivot?

At the end of 2019 I really put my head down to work on niching down within my business. I had a few clients within the multi family industry and I wanted to continue growing there. I spent a lot of time building a new website, adding a new brand to my portfolio called 98% occupancy, building a marketing plan to target owners of apartment complexes and bringing in new clients. Fast forward to March 2020 and every single one of my apartment clients called and I let them out of their contracts. They were no longer able to evict tenants who stopped paying and could not maintain a marketing budget in this uncertainty. I pivoted to working with businesses to build their websites and help them with their online presence. For a lot of companies, the pandemic was a push that they needed to focus on their online presence that had been ignored thus far.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The cornerstone of Panther City Marketing’s growth has undeniably been our commitment to exceptional customer service. In the digital marketing arena, technical acumen is invaluable, but what truly sets us apart is our dedication to the client experience. We understand that our work directly impacts the livelihoods of business owners, and this recognition fuels our pursuit of excellence in every campaign, strategy, and interaction.

This focus on customer service has transformed our clients into our most powerful advocates. The majority of our business growth has sprouted from referrals, an organic testament to the quality of our work and the trust we’ve established. When clients know they’re heard, supported, and valued, they become collaborators in your success. They share their experiences with peers, igniting a chain reaction that extends your reach further than any advertisement could.

Achieving this kind of growth requires more than just satisfying clients; it’s about exceeding expectations, being proactive in communication, and showing genuine care for their business outcomes. This ‘clients-first’ ethos has not only been effective for our sustained growth but also incredibly rewarding, as it has fostered long-term relationships and a thriving community around our brand. In my view, there’s no greater measure of success than clients so happy with your service that they become your most fervent promoters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.panthercitydigitalmarketing.com
• Instagram: @panthercitymarketing
• Facebook: MB Marketing LLC
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in-megan-brown-marketing