Content Matters

Trends To Keep You Visible Beyond 2026

How do you build a 2026 marketing strategy when every week brings a new AI tool, a new “channel is dead” hot take, and pressure to do more with less? Mike Leonhard, Compose.ly’s Co-Founder and CEO, joins Nicole to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Mike explains why no channel is truly dead, how AI is lowering the barrier to omnichannel execution, and why curiosity and experimentation matter more than any single tactic.  Nicole and Mike  discuss how AI tools are democratizing sophisticated strategies, enhancing content quality, trust, and reputation. They explore AI's impact on SEO, the importance of a holistic campaign approach, and how mindset can determine a team's success or failure. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to think about “dead” channels (ex. email) through the lens of evolution instead of abandonment * How AI and new tools are unlocking true omnichannel marketing and why strong content and clear positioning still sit at the core * Why your team’s curiosity and willingness to experiment will make or break your 2026 marketing strategy Things to listen for (00:00) Introduction (00:58) Current marketing trends and predictions (01:46) The evolution of marketing channels (03:47) Omnichannel marketing strategies and AI tools (05:21) The role of AI in marketing and automation (08:55) Personalization, customer segmentation, and AI (11:11) SEO, reputation management, and digital PR (19:02) Challenges and risks in marketing: adapting to change (28:21) Embracing change in marketing Resources: * Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-leonhard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-leonhard/]  * Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/]  * More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters [https://compose.ly/content-matters] * Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.comhttps://shareyourgenius.com/ [https://shareyourgenius.com/] * Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/ [https://www.apollo.io/]

Turning Founder Conversations Into Strong Content with Imelda Wistey, Compound Content Studio

How do you execute founder-led content without losing the founder’s voice? Imelda Wistey, Content Editor at Compound Content Studio, joins Nicole to break down the real work behind producing founder-led content that feels human and not manufactured. She explains why the magic starts with deep conversation and how to pull out the stories, quirks, and insights founders don’t even realize they’re carrying. Imelda shares how she captures a founder’s authentic voice, why overthinking slows the process, and how AI can support (but never replace) the nuance needed to make founder content resonate.  In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to run content interviews that uncover real stories, strong takes, and the founder’s natural cadence * Why capturing a founder’s voice is part psychology, pattern-recognition, and continuous refinement * Practical ways to streamline founder-led content using AI for efficiency while keeping the execution distinctly human-led Things to listen for: (00:00) Introduction (01:32) Imelda’s journey into content marketing (04:06) Imelda’s career transition to founder-led content (06:36) The key elements of effective founder-led content (11:18) How to capture the founder's voice (14:14) The role of AI in content creation (17:20) Challenges and misconceptions in founder-led content (24:46) Advice for aspiring content writers Resources: * Connect with Imelda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imelda-wistey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imelda-wistey/] * Learn more about Content Compound Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compoundcontent/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/compoundcontent/about/] * Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/]  * More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters [https://compose.ly/content-matters] * Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.comhttps://shareyourgenius.com/ [https://shareyourgenius.com/] * Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/ [https://www.apollo.io/]

Balancing AI Trends and Human Creativity with Collin Belt, Veza Digital

What can scaling content in an AI-driven world teach us about adaptability and focus? Collin Belt, VP of Growth at Veza Digital and Founder of Belt Creative (acquired), joins Nicole to share how he’s helping agencies stay nimble in a market where SEO is shifting and AI is changing how teams work. He unpacks what “nimbleness at scale” really means, how accessibility, SEO, and AI can work together to drive better results, and why clarity from clients leads to stronger creative partnerships. Collin also shares how AI can act as an operating system for growth, not just a tool for faster content. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to keep “nimbleness” when work moves from one-person sprints to multi-team processes * Where AI truly helps (meeting capture, synthesis, second-brain workflows) vs. where human craft still wins (original, useful content) * Why accessibility boosts SEO and AI visibility, and how to prioritize it without killing creative polish Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro (01:29) Collin's entrepreneurial journey (04:43) Transitioning to a corporate role (07:19) Challenges of scaling a business (09:36) The impact of AI on marketing (11:02) Defining good content (12:43) Client challenges in a fast-paced market (14:50) Leveraging AI for efficiency (17:22) Shifts in marketing team structures (18:16) The role of agencies in modern marketing (19:29) Building your dream team: in-house vs. agency (20:55) Key considerations when choosing an agency (25:56) The impact of AI tools on content creation (29:10) The importance of accessibility in web design (35:15) The future of quality content in the age of AI Resources: * Connect with Collin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinbelt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinbelt/] * Learn more about Veza Digital: https://www.vezadigital.com/ [https://www.vezadigital.com/] * Learn more about Belt Creative: https://www.beltcreative.com/ [https://www.beltcreative.com/]  * Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/]  * More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters [https://compose.ly/content-matters] * Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.comhttps://shareyourgenius.com/ [https://shareyourgenius.com/] * Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/ [https://clutch.co/]

The Future of Child-Safe Technology with Taylor Cote, AngelQ

What can building a safer internet for kids teach us about responsible innovation in the age of AI? Taylor Cote, Senior Director of Marketing at AngelQ, joins Nicole to discuss the mission behind building technology that protects children online.  She shares how AngelQ is creating a safer, more intentional digital experience for kids, balancing the benefits of connection with the need for healthy boundaries. Taylor also opens up about the challenges of marketing a mission-driven product to parents, staying authentic in the age of AI content, and why trust is at the center of everything her team creates. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to build trust when marketing to parents in a sensitive space * Why authenticity matters more than ever in AI-generated content * The role of guardrails in designing ethical technology for children Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro (01:35) Challenges in the kid gaming space (02:03) The mission behind AngelQ (06:29) Balancing technology and safety for kids (07:16) Marketing to parents: strategies and challenges (22:12) The role of AI in marketing and operations (30:09) Future plans and exciting developments Resources: * Connect with Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorjohnston/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorjohnston/] * Learn more about AngelQ: https://angelq.ai [https://angelq.ai] * Check out Gumloop: https://www.gumloop.com/ [https://www.gumloop.com/] * Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/]  * Get 60 days FREE when you use the code ‘Composely60’ https://compose.ly/content-matters [https://compose.ly/content-matters]  * Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.comhttps://shareyourgenius.com/ [https://shareyourgenius.com/] * Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/ [https://clutch.co/]

What One Year of Content Conversations Taught Me with Nicole MacLean

What does it mean to celebrate one year of Content Matters in the middle of a marketing landscape transformed by AI, brand building, and shifting SEO? Nicole MacLean, host of Content Matters, flips the script for this special anniversary episode as she reflects on the first year of conversations, lessons, and favorite moments. Joined by Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly, Nicole shares why so many standout marketers come from journalism backgrounds, how proprietary data creates a powerful brand story, and why editing is becoming the most valuable skill in an AI-driven world. She also talks about the importance of authentic relationships, repurposing content with purpose, and why marketers who focus on strategy, not shortcuts, will continue to thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What one year of conversations revealed about journalism’s lasting influence on marketing * Why proprietary data and brand storytelling are essential in the age of AI search * How editing and human judgment keep marketers invaluable as AI evolves Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro (00:46) Celebrating one year of Content Matters (01:11) Flipping the script: Nicole gets interviewed (02:50) Memorable moments and lessons learned (05:57) The importance of journalism in marketing (07:20) Personal stories and influences (13:44) The role of data and AI in marketing (17:37) The future of marketing with AI (31:49) Encouragement for marketers (33:53) Looking ahead: what's next for Content Matters Resources: * Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/]  * Connect with Kaylee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kp3t3z/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kp3t3z/] * More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters [https://compose.ly/content-matters] * Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.comhttps://shareyourgenius.com/ [https://shareyourgenius.com/] * Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/ [https://clutch.co/]