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AI in Marketing: The Stats & Why It’s Changing the Game

Companies using AI see 2x the conversion rates. So, what AI-driven strategies are actually worth it?

If you’re running a business, you know the pressure: grow your company and manage your digital marketing strategy. That alone can take more time than you have. The good news? AI in marketing is now accessible and proving effective for businesses of every size.

Let’s break it down clearly.

The numbers speak for themselves

You no longer need a massive team or budget to put AI to work. In fact, small and mid-sized businesses are seeing major benefits.

Why?

  • AI-powered marketing helps you work more efficiently

  • It helps you make better decisions with real-time data

  • You reach the right customers, faster

Recent reports show companies using AI in their marketing are doubling their conversion rates. That includes local service providers, retail stores, and healthcare offices, not just tech giants.

Why small businesses are getting serious about AI

Let’s say you run a dental practice or a local shop. You don’t have time to manage low-performing ads or content no one sees. AI helps by:

  • Learning what performs well and what doesn’t

  • Putting your message in front of the right audience

  • Giving you faster insights and more control over your strategy

In short, it helps your business digital marketing work smarter.

5 AI-Driven strategies that actually work

Here are a few top digital marketing strategies that use AI — because they deliver results:

1. Smarter Targeting

AI identifies people most likely to buy from you and serves them the right message at the right time.

2. Ad Campaign Optimization (Google & Instagram)

AI tools adjust bids and placements automatically, so your ads perform better and cost less.
Interested in growing your reach? Look into instagram ad campaign planning and advertising on instagram cost estimates.

3. Content and SEO Support

From keyword research to blog outlines, AI helps speed up content creation while helping you rank for current marketing trends and more.

4. Chat Automation

AI can answer questions, set appointments, or collect lead information automatically, saving you time.

5. Email Personalization

Send emails based on customer behavior, improving open rates and results.

AI is only as good as your strategy

No tool will fix a poor plan. That’s why your marketing needs to be clear and goal-driven from the start.

At Spectruss, we use AI to help our clients work smarter. Whether it’s paid ads, SEO, branding, or other support, we tailor everything to the business and goals.

We’ve helped local companies move from page 3 to page 1 on Google, double their monthly leads, and clean up confusing ad accounts.

Common misunderstandings about AI in marketing

Some business owners think AI is too expensive or hard to use. The truth is:

  • AI tools are now affordable and easy to scale

  • You stay in control — it just makes things more efficient

  • You don’t have to do it alone — the right agency can help manage it

How to Get Started With AI in Your Business

Start by reviewing your current marketing efforts. Where are you spending too much time or budget with little return?

Next, look at what can be improved or simplified with better tools or support.

And finally, find a team like Spectruss that understands your business and can help put the right systems in place.

What’s Next?

AI isn’t just a buzzword. It’s part of how smart businesses run their marketing today, and do it with less stress and better results.

When used with a clear plan and the right support, it can help you reach more people, improve performance, and use your time and budget more effectively.

Visit spectruss.com to see how we help businesses like yours grow with confidence.

FAQ: AI in Marketing for Small Businesses

  1. Do I need a big budget to start using AI in my marketing?
    No. Many AI-powered tools are affordable and built for small to mid-sized businesses. From ad automation to email tools, you can start small and scale as needed.
  2. Will AI replace my marketing team?
    Not at all. AI supports your team by handling repetitive tasks like data analysis or ad adjustments. It allows your team (or agency) to focus on strategy, creative, and growth.
  3. What’s the difference between AI in ads and traditional ad tools?
    AI uses real-time learning to adjust your ads while they run, improving targeting, timing, and budget allocation based on what’s actually working, not just fixed rules.
  4. Can AI help with local marketing?
    Yes. AI tools can focus on location-specific keywords, audience behavior, and even local ad delivery, making it easier to compete in your area, especially if you’re targeting searches like “marketing companies Chattanooga.”
  5. How do I know which AI tools are worth using?
    Start by identifying your biggest pain point: leads, ad costs, content, etc. Then look for tools (or an agency) that specializes in solving that. Better yet, work with a full-service team like Spectruss that can recommend and manage the right tools for your goals.
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Spectruss Speakeasy with John Wiygul: From Climbing Walls to Building Business Grit

When a business and a lifestyle merge, it creates something unforgettable. That’s exactly what happened when John Wiygul, founder and CEO of High Point Climbing and Fitness, sat down with Sam Silvey on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy. It wasn’t just a chat about climbing or fitness, it was about real ambition, smart risk-taking, and building something that reflects what you believe in.

Chattanooga roots, national reach John grew up in Chattanooga and built something local that now spans eight climbing gyms across three states. He started with a love for climbing, skipping elementary school to hit the rocks with his brother, and turned that into a brand that’s now one of the most respected climbing names in the Southeast.

The gyms are more than places to work out, they’re hubs for people who want a better way to move, connect, and grow. From digging a pit under a parking garage for their first downtown gym to developing a massive 49,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, John’s story is built on commitment, smart thinking, and relentless consistency.

Coffee, culture, and community John didn’t stop with gyms. He and his team launched Trail Town Coffee, a café right next to High Point’s downtown Chattanooga gym. It wasn’t just about caffeine. It was about creating an experience that matched the energy of the community. Sandwiches, specialty drinks, and a direct pass-through to the gym turned it into a local favorite.

This episode wasn’t only about climbing walls and workout routines. Sam and John talked about burnout, discipline, and what it takes to stay grounded while growing fast. From hard races in Puerto Rico to the grind of managing over 150 employees, the theme stayed the same, you can grow a strong business without losing your identity.

For small businesses: lessons from the wall John’s story hits close for any small to mid-sized business owner. Why? Because he started with a niche, went all in, and built it brick by brick, literally. And he did it while keeping his team close and his mission clear.

If you’re building something that matters, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to play by outdated rules. You can shape something new, something exciting, and something that really reflects your values.

Want to hear how he did it, mistakes, milestones, and all? Listen to the full episode of Spectruss Speakeasy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And check out more about what we do at Spectruss.com.

FAQ: What You Might Still Be Wondering

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    It’s a podcast from Chattanooga-based agency Spectruss, hosted by Sam Silvey. Each episode brings real conversations with business owners, creatives, and people shaping their industries.
  2. Who is John Wiygul and why is his story helpful?
    He’s the founder of High Point Climbing and Fitness. He’s grown a small local idea into a multi-location brand without losing its soul. His experience is relatable for any business trying to scale while staying true to their values.
  3. What can other industries take from this episode?
    Whether you run a coffee shop, creative agency, or retail space, John’s focus on clear branding, smart expansion, and customer connection applies across the board.
  4. How does Spectruss help brands like High Point?
    We help businesses build websites, create brand strategy, manage digital marketing, and deliver results through paid ads, content, and design. Learn more at spectruss.com.
  5. What’s the biggest message from the episode?
    You don’t have to be corporate to be successful. Being involved, staying consistent, and doing things differently still works, and it’s working for High Point.
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Dermatology Meets Digital: Skincare and Strategy with Dr. Emily Brewer

Running a business is hard. Running a dermatology clinic in the age of TikTok trends and “I saw this on Instagram” diagnosis? Next level.

That’s why we kicked back with Dr. Emily Brewer, Founder and CEO of https://thedermcentertn.com/ (and honestly, one of the sharpest minds in skincare) in our latest Spectruss Speakeasy episode. This one? It’s part real-world medicine, part marketing therapy, and 100% no fluff.

Listen to the episode here!

Welcome to Modern Dermatology

Dr. Emily Brewer didn’t build a brand on hashtags and hope. Her clinic The DERM Center is a go-to spot in Chattanooga because she knows her practice, and knows how to talk about it online without sounding like a robot.

Dr. Brewer’s story hits home for any small to mid-sized business in Chattanooga trying to grow in a competitive field. Her clinic was built on the idea of simplicity and accessibility, no insurance, no rushed appointments, just real results. But with that kind of shift comes its own set of hurdles.

So What’s the Real Issue?

  1. Trust Isn’t Clickable
    Marketing healthcare is like building a relationship, except you have about 0.2 seconds before someone scrolls past you for a dog reel. Dr. Brewer chats about how hard it can be to show expertise and warmth… all in a square image.

  2. Content That Doesn’t Feel Cringe
    She is showing up on socials with smart, honest, helpful posts. Working with the Spectruss team, she’s figured out how to balance her brand tone with engaging social content that doesn’t scream “We paid someone $2K for this Canva post.”

  3. The Tech Stress is Real
    Ads? Meta? Pixel tracking? For a doctor trying to help people, learning the Facebook Business Manager is like the last thing in her priority list. That’s where our Spectruss crew comes in. From Instagram ad specs to targeting the right audience, we’ve helped bring Dr. Brewer’s message to the right audience.

From the Exam Room to Entrepreneurship

Opening her own dermatology clinic wasn’t just a business decision, it was personal. Dr. Brewer was tired of the red tape and five-minute patient visits, so she created a direct-pay model that puts patient experience first. That meant building a brand from scratch. No hospital support, no referral pipeline—just her name and a belief that people deserve better care.

That’s where smart marketing steps in.

Why Dermatologists (and All Businesses) Need a Clear Brand

Your services might be top-tier, but if your online presence looks outdated, potential patients (or customers) might scroll right past. Dr. Brewer talked about the effort it took to get her website, social media, and messaging to reflect what actually makes her clinic different. Her success reminds local business owners that having the right digital marketing strategy really matters.

What Other Business Owners Can Learn

Whether you’re running a med spa, fitness studio, or your grandma’s biscuit empire, authenticity + smart content + actual strategy still wins. Don’t just chase trends. Build trust. Talk like a real person. And find a marketing agency that actually gets you.

Got Questions? Pull Up to Our Open Mic

Dr. Brewer did. You can too. Every Wednesday at 1PM EST, our Open Mic Sessions let business owners bring their challenges, questions, or just hang with Sam (our CEO, marketing madman, and podcast host).

Ready to Build Your Brand with a Real Strategy?

No buzzwords. No BS. Just smart moves, good people, and marketing that works.

Check out the full podcast, and let us know what you think. And, if your ads are stressing you out? Let’s fix them.

FAQ: Marketing for Dermatology Clinics & Local Businesses

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    Spectruss Speakeasy is a podcast hosted by Spectruss, a Chattanooga-based agency helping small and mid-sized businesses grow through smarter digital marketing. Each episode features business owners and creatives who share their stories and what’s working for them.
  2. Who is Dr. Emily Brewer?
    Dr. Emily Brewer is the founder of The Derm Center, a clinic offering personalized dermatology care without insurance hassle. Her model focuses on quality care and patient connection.
  3. How does Spectruss help clinics like hers?
    We help clinics design clean websites, improve their SEO, and run smart, targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Google and Instagram. It’s not about spending more, it’s about using your budget wisely.
  4. I’ve never run paid ads. Can Spectruss help me start?
    Absolutely. We’ll help you set up Instagram ads, track results through Ads Manager, and make sure your campaign fits your goals and budget.
  5. Can this approach work for businesses outside of healthcare?
    Yes. Whether you’re in landscaping, tech, or food service, these same marketing and advertising strategies apply. If you want to grow your audience and increase sales, we’re here to help.

Check out more resources and updates from our team at spectruss.com, or follow us on Instagram @spectrussllc.

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Lucky Number 13: The Beginning of Spectruss

What does it take to build a business from scratch? Hard work, long nights, a little luck, and maybe even cutting down a few hundred trees (literally).

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, shares his experience from racing bicycles to launching a creative agency in Chattanooga, TN.

If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner or entrepreneur looking for insights on business, marketing, and creative problem-solving, this episode is for you.

From Racing Bikes to Building Brands

Sam’s story doesn’t start in an office, it starts on a bike.

Long before Spectruss, Sam was a competitive cyclist, pushing himself to the limit. But after dropping out of college to focus on racing, reality hit hard when he got his ass handed to him in his first pro race.

So, what do you do when your plan doesn’t work out? You adapt.

His background in computer science (the one subject in college he actually liked) led him to building websites for small businesses. His first gig? A local coffee shop website, paid partly in coffee and a few hundred bucks.

That’s when he realized businesses didn’t just need websites, they needed branding, marketing, and a plan to grow.

The Start of Spectruss

Before Spectruss, there was Silvey Development, a scrappy operation where Sam juggled coding, photography, and design to help businesses build their online presence.

But if you’ve ever started a business, you know money is tight in the early days. So, when an opportunity arose to clear a tornado-hit property (225 trees, to be exact), he took it.

With zero tree-cutting experience and a couple of chainsaws, he and his crew completed the job for $75,000, enough to fund Spectruss’ first office, new equipment, and a proper start.

From living in the back of his office on a futon to growing a creative agency, Sam built Spectruss with hard work, adaptability, and a vision to help businesses succeed.

Why Spectruss?

The name Spectruss is more than just a brand.

  • “Spectr-“ comes from spectrum, representing the wide range of creative and digital solutions they offer.
  • “-Truss” refers to a strong structural beam, symbolizing the solid foundation businesses need for growth.

At its core, Spectruss helps companies stand out through branding, marketing, and digital strategy.

Learn more about Spectruss here.

Lessons for Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, take notes. Here’s what Sam’s experience teaches about starting and growing a business:

Adaptability matters – Your first idea might not work, and that’s okay. Shift, learn, and find the right opportunity.
Success takes time – It took years of effort for Spectruss to become what it is today.
Solve real problems – Whether it’s a website, brand strategy, or marketing campaign, helping businesses grow is what makes the difference.
Work with the right people – Business is tough. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values.

Where Spectruss is Today

From coffee shop websites to full-scale brand strategy, Spectruss has grown into a well-established digital marketing agency in Chattanooga.

They now help businesses with:

  • Brand Strategy & Creative Design
  • Website Development & SEO
  • Social Media & Digital Advertising
  • Marketing Campaigns & Business Growth Strategy

And they’re not slowing down. Spectruss continues to help brands grow and create real impact through digital marketing.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just love real stories about starting a business from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Catch the full episode on:

Need a Marketing Partner? Let’s Talk.

If you’re a small business in Chattanooga or beyond looking for:
Branding that makes an impact
Websites that actually convert
Digital marketing strategies that work

Spectruss can help. 

Get in touch with us today