Douglas Karr's Articles on Martech Zone
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Why Silence Is Sometimes the Strongest Brand Strategy in a Divisive Digital World
In a digital environment where controversy drives clicks and algorithms reward outrage, brands face increasing pressure to weigh in on every politically or culturally charged topic. Yet not every brand is equipped—or even obligated—to speak publicly in these moments. Thoughtful silence is a valid and… sometimes the strongest choice. The modern attention economy, fueled by social media platforms and search…
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Observation: Top 5 Online Marketing Mistakes in 2025
Marketers have more data, more channels, and more tools than ever before; yet, many still fall into critical traps that prevent campaigns from reaching their full potential. The landscape has undergone a fundamental shift over the past decade—organic reach is in steep decline, AI-generated content is raising audience expectations, and customer journeys are becoming increasingly complex and non-linear. Below are…
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The State of E-Commerce Personalization in 2025: Where Brands Are Succeeding, Falling Short, and How AI Is Shaping the Future
We’ve come a long way from the days when Hello %%first_name%% passed for personalization. In today’s e-commerce landscape, consumers expect brands to deliver dynamic, relevant experiences tailored to their needs and behaviors across every touchpoint. Yet while technology — especially AI — has unlocked powerful new capabilities, many organizations are still grappling with how to scale these efforts effectively. This…
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It’s Time For Retailers To Honor the United States’s 250th Birthday (Semiquincentennial)
In 2026, the United States of America celebrates an extraordinary milestone: its 250th birthday. Known formally as the Semiquincentennial, this historic anniversary marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is more than a typical Fourth of July. This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our freedoms,…
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The Goals of Automation Tools and Marketing Efforts in an AI World
The marketing and service functions in companies are increasingly shaped by automation and AI tools. Yet for many teams, this evolution creates tension. The hype surrounding AI-driven automation often evokes fear—fear of job loss, fear of becoming obsolete, or fear of losing control over one’s creative work. That does not have to be the reality. At its best, automation and…
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How to Build a Re-Engagement Campaign for Inactive Subscribers
Every marketer knows the pain of a slowly decaying email list. No matter how diligently you work to collect subscribers and grow your audience, inactivity creeps in over time. An average email list decays by about 25 percent every year. As much as 75 percent of email subscribers may eventually become inactive. This decline isn’t simply a numbers game—it directly…
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The Expanding State of Mobile Search in 2025
Mobile search is no longer just a browser feature—it’s an intent-driven action that can begin from almost anywhere on a smartphone: the operating system, a mobile app, a voice assistant, a website’s internal search, or even a question posed to an AI chatbot via smartphone. As mobile devices have become the primary interface to digital life, the definition of search…
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The New Blueprint For Social Media Marketing Strategies in 2025
Social media has undergone a seismic shift in the last decade. What began as an open, democratic environment where brands could authentically engage with their audiences has transformed into a complex, often expensive landscape dominated by algorithms, advertising, AI-driven content, and competitive bidding. For today’s businesses, especially those seeking to drive tangible results throughout the entire customer journey, rethinking their…
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Not All Marketing Leaders Are Created Equal: Why Hiring Must Match the Stage of Your Business
I’ve spent my career building marketing and sales stacks, developing GTM strategies, training teams, and implementing processes that drive sustainable growth. If there’s one hiring mistake I’ve seen more than any other, it’s this: too many executives think a great marketing leader is a great marketing leader — full stop. They fail to account for the business’s current stage. A…
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Why Your “Collaborative Culture” Is Killing Productivity — And How to Fix It
Collaboration is one of today’s most misunderstood workplace concepts. Many businesses claim to have a collaborative culture, but few create the conditions where it truly thrives. Too often, collaboration is mistaken for endless meetings, consensus-driven decisions, or simply asking for feedback. In reality, a collaborative work environment is about something deeper: a shared commitment to solving problems, improving outcomes, and…
