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The Digital Bloom: Digital Marketing Trends & Growth Strategies
Your Go-To Guide for Digital Marketing & Business Growth
Discover the latest in digital marketing trends with Rose & Thorn Creative. Our blog is your comprehensive guide to innovative strategies and business growth. Dive into actionable insights and expert advice designed to elevate your brand. Stay ahead of the curve with key trends and tactics shaping the future of marketing. Join us today and transform your digital presence!



All Posts


YouTube SEO Strategy: Why Smart Brands Are Going All In Right Now
If YouTube isn't part of your brand's content strategy right now, you're leaving serious money and visibility on the table. We're not talking about going viral or chasing brand deals. We're talking about building a compounding content asset that drives search traffic, nurtures leads, and positions your brand as the undeniable authority in your space. Whether you're a B2B SaaS company mapping out your go-to-market strategy, an e-commerce brand scaling through paid media, or a

Tessa Preston
Apr 66 min read


Social Media Audit Checklist: Diagnosing and Fixing Low Engagement
You're posting consistently, your content looks good, but you're not seeing results. You're not alone. Most business owners we talk to are stuck in this frustrating cycle, wondering why their social media strategy isn't working. Here's the truth: Low engagement isn't a content problem. It's a strategy problem. And if you're trying to DIY your social media while running your business, you're fighting an uphill battle against algorithm changes, platform updates, and competitors

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Apr 35 min read


UGC Creator Rates 2026: The Real Cost of High-Converting Content
Let’s be real for a second: if you are still treating User-Generated Content like a hobby or a "favor" from fans, you are leaving money on the table. In 2026, the brands that are actually winning aren't the ones with the biggest production budgets—they’re the ones that know how to source, script, and deploy high-converting creator assets at scale. If you’ve noticed your paid ads are flopping or your organic reach feels like a ghost town, it’s probably because your creative is

Tessa Preston
Mar 103 min read


Stop Wasting Ad Spend: The Power of Boosting Organic Social
Let's talk about something that's probably draining your marketing budget: throwing money at social media ads that go absolutely nowhere. You set up a campaign, write some ad copy, pick a pretty image, set your budget, and hit publish. Then you watch your money disappear while your engagement stays flat and your leads are nonexistent. Here's what nobody's telling you: you're doing it backwards. Most businesses are creating content specifically for ads, cold content for cold a

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Mar 65 min read


Turn Your Team into Your Best Creators - Employee Advocacy Program Benefits
It is time to be honest about why your corporate social media feels like a ghost town. You are likely dumping thousands into polished ads that people scroll past in a heartbeat, while your own employees have untapped networks of people who actually trust them. In 2026, the era of the "faceless brand" is officially dead. If you want to stay relevant, you need to understand that your staff is your most powerful distribution channel. As a Phoenix digital marketing agency that de

Tessa Preston
Mar 32 min read


Your Content is Great, but Nobody is Finding It: Your Social Media SEO Checklist
Let’s have a heart-to-heart. You’re spending hours editing Reels, obsessing over trending audio, and writing captions that belong in a literary journal—only for your post to die a quiet death with 242 views. It’s not the algorithm "shadowbanning" you. It’s that you’re treating social media like a billboard when you should be treating it like a search engine. In 2026, TikTok and Instagram are the new Google. If you aren't optimizing your content to be searched, you’re basicall

Tessa Preston
Feb 232 min read


Are You Ghosting Your Own Leads? Why Your Ad Campaigns Need Automated Workflows, Like, Yesterday.
Stop lighting your ad budget on fire. If you aren't using automated workflows to catch your leads the second they click, you’re basically ghosting your own growth. Learn how to bridge the "lead gap" with instant follow-ups and nurturing sequences that do the heavy lifting for you. It’s time to work smarter, not harder!

Tessa Preston
Feb 113 min read


The Anatomy of a Successful Email Campaign
Let's cut through the noise: email marketing isn't dead. In fact, it's one of the highest-ROI marketing channels available to small businesses. But here's the thing - most business owners are doing it wrong. They're treating email like a digital flyer instead of a strategic conversation with their audience. At Rose & Thorn Creative, we've dissected hundreds of email campaigns to figure out what actually works. Today, we're breaking down the exact anatomy of a successful email

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Jan 274 min read


Social Media Analytics Reports: What Should I Track for Social Media Management?
Have you been tracking vanity metrics that don't actually move the needle for your business? Follower count? That’s cool, but does it pay your bills? If you're running a small business in Minneapolis, Scottsdale, or anywhere in between, it's time to start measuring what actually matters in your social media management strategy. Most Small Businesses Are Paying Attention to the Wrong Social Media Management Marketing Analytics Here's the reality, most small business owners are

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Dec 29, 20254 min read


Marketing Industry Trends Shaping Creative Services in 2026
The creative services landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead means understanding not just what's changing, but why it matters for your business. As we move through 2026, Rose and Thorn Creative has identified the key trends transforming how agencies and businesses approach marketing, and how smart companies are adapting to stay competitive.

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Dec 16, 20253 min read


Serious Marketing Strategy in 2026: The Top 5 Platforms to Dominate Online
The marketing landscape is ever-evolving, and 2026 is no time for a "set it and forget it" strategy. If you're ready to truly grow your brand, capture more leads, and convert more customers, it's time to get serious about where and how you show up online. This isn't just about presence; it's about strategic impact. Why 2026 Demands a Serious Marketing Strategy The digital noise is louder than ever. AI is reshaping content creation, personalization is no longer a luxury but an

Tessa Preston
Dec 7, 20254 min read


The 5 Questions Every Business Should Ask Before Hiring a Creative Agency
The 5 Questions Every Business Should Ask Before Hiring a Creative Agency Choosing the right creative agency can transform your brand, but choosing the wrong one can waste time, money, and momentum. Whether you're a startup building your first brand identity or an established business ready for a refresh, asking the right questions upfront will help you find a partner who truly understands your vision. Here are the five essential questions every business should ask before sig

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Dec 4, 20253 min read


Mastering Generative SEO: How to Win in the Era of AI-Powered Search
Learn the 4 pillars of Generative SEO to ensure Google's AI (SGE) cites your content as the definitive source. Future-proof your content strategy now.

Tessa Preston
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Marketing Agency Solutions for Small Businesses
Growing a small business online can feel like navigating a maze. You want to reach more customers, build your brand, and boost sales. But where do you start? How do you make your marketing dollars count? That’s where smart small business marketing plans come in. And sometimes, the best move is to team up with a professional marketing agency. Let’s dive into how a marketing agency can help you create a winning strategy that fits your unique needs. I’ll share practical tips, ex

Tessa Preston
Nov 24, 20255 min read


Effective Strategies for Branding and Design
Building a strong brand is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan. It’s about creating a lasting impression that connects with your audience and sets you apart from the competition. If you want your small business to grow online, mastering effective branding strategies is essential. I’m here to walk you through practical steps that will help you craft a brand identity that resonates and drives real results. What Are Branding Strategies? Branding Strategies Explained Brandin

Tessa Preston
Nov 21, 20254 min read


What SEO Actually Means And Why Your Business Needs It More Than Ever
Have you been hearing the phrase SEO but are not totally sure what it means or why it matters? You are not alone. Many business owners know SEO is important, but the details feel complicated or overwhelming. The truth is that SEO does not have to be mysterious. And once you understand what it can do for your business, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your marketing strategy. Let’s break it down clearly, simply, and in a way that actually makes sense. What Is SEO R

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Nov 17, 20253 min read


Why Social Media Engagement Decreases in December and What You Can Do To Avoid a Major Dip
Why social media engagement decreases annually. Get expert tips from our creative advertising team on adjusting your digital marketing strategy for Q4 and Q1 success.

Tessa Preston
Nov 10, 20253 min read


MedTech Leaders: If I Had $5,000/Month to Spend on Outsourcing Marketing, Here’s How I Would Invest It to Get the Best ROI
In highly specialized industries, like healthcare, biotech, or technology, marketing isn’t just about visibility. It’s about building trust, educating your audience, and positioning your organization as a credible leader in your field. With limited budgets, the challenge becomes clear: how do you make every dollar count? If I had $5,000 per month to allocate toward marketing, here’s how I’d strategically invest it for measurable impact and long-term growth. 1. Social Media Ma

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Should You Outsource Social Media Management?
Social media is no longer optional for businesses; it’s where customers discover, engage with, and build trust in brands. One of the biggest questions companies face is whether to manage social media in-house or outsource it to professionals. Here are the key questions you should be asking yourself: 1. Do You Have The Time To Stay Consistent? Social media success isn’t about posting when you remember; it’s about showing up consistently. If your team is already stretched thi

Kaitlyn Anderson, M.S.
Oct 22, 20252 min read


UGC vs. EGC vs. Branded Content: Understanding the Content Landscape for Your Social Media Strategy
Learn the key differences between UGC, EGC, and branded content for effective social media management. Discover how content creators and advertising agencies use each type to build authentic brand connections and drive engagement.

Tessa Preston
Oct 1, 20253 min read
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