Are marketing myths holding your brand back? In this episode of Life of the Brand, we break down some of the most common misconceptions in marketing and explain what actually works in today’s digital-first world.
From the belief that “more followers equals more success” to the idea that marketing is a quick fix instead of a long-term strategy, we’re calling out the myths that cost brands time, money, and momentum. You’ll hear real-world insights from agency pros on brand strategy, digital marketing, paid media, content creation, and why consistency and clarity still win every time.
Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or creative trying to make smarter decisions with your marketing budget, this episode delivers practical takeaways, honest perspective, and a few myth-busting moments you’ll wish you’d heard sooner.
What we cover:
Common marketing myths businesses still believe
Why strategy matters more than trends
How branding, content, and digital marketing actually work together
What to focus on if you want sustainable growth, not just vanity metrics
If you’re ready to stop chasing shiny objects and start building a brand that lasts, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Life of the Brand, we’re welcoming Megan Maldonado, GriffinWink Advertising’s new Social Media Manager. With nearly 10 years of experience as a content creator, Megan shares how social media evolved from a creative hobby into a career, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what it really takes to grow an engaged audience.
We also talk content days, branded social media strategy, TikTok vs. LinkedIn, and what Megan is most excited to build for GriffinWink clients in Amarillo, Lubbock, and beyond. If you’re a business owner or marketer looking to better understand modern social media marketing, this episode is for you.
AI can write a paragraph in two seconds… but can it build a brand with soul? Hard NO.
In this episode, Caylar and Rusty break down why AI is an incredible tool but a terrible replacement for real creative and strategic thinking. They dig into what machines can help with, where they fall flat, and why your marketing still needs actual humans behind the wheel.
If you’ve ever asked, “Can AI just do this for me?”, consider this your friendly (and slightly spicy) reality check.
In this episode of Life of the Brand, we sit down with Rusty Griffin, agency partner, creative director, and account executive in our Lubbock office. From licking stamps in the 1980s to leading high-tech campaigns today, Rusty shares how growing up in a family-run ad agency shaped his creative philosophy and work ethic.
In this episode of Life of the Brand, Caylar and Dakota Lynn unpack the ultimate showdown: Instagram vs. TikTok for businesses and brands. We dive deep into what each platform does best, what to watch out for, and how to align your social-media strategy with your brand goals.
We cover:
How Instagram continues to deliver value for brand building, community engagement, and visual storytelling especially for businesses focused on aesthetics, trust and long-term relationships.
Why TikTok is a powerhouse for viral reach, younger demographics, and trend-driven short-form video content.
Practical tips you can use this week: choose your platform based on your brand’s phase (awareness vs conversion), audience age / behavior, content strengths, and budget.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a brand-manager, or a creator looking to scale your social presence, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about where to show up, how to create, and how to measure success in modern social media.
Do you really need an ad agency…or can Brenda at the front desk keep posting TikToks forever?
In this episode, Brian and Caylar unpack the most-asked question in small business marketing: when DIY makes sense, when it stalls growth, and what a good agency actually does (hint: more than “make it pretty”).
We get real about the hidden costs of going in-house, why platforms hit diminishing returns, and how a holistic, cross-channel plan beats duct-taped vendor tactics every time. Plus, the part no one talks about: picking a partner who fits your culture, communicates clearly, and cares about ROI as much as you do.
If you’re juggling social, SEM, creative, and a million other hats, this is your sign to stop guessing and start scaling.
In this episode of Life of the Brand, we’re hanging out with our Albuquerque account executive, Dakota Lynn! She shares how she found her way into the world of advertising and what it’s really like working with clients in such a unique and vibrant market.
From the quirks of doing business in Albuquerque to the trends she’s spotting among local brands, Dakota Lynn brings a fresh perspective and tons of practical insight.
Whether you’re a new business trying to get your marketing off the ground or just curious about what an agency can do for you, Dakota’s got advice that’s down-to-earth, easy to understand, and ready to put into action.
The search game is changing FAST.
In this episode of Life of the Brand, we’re diving into how artificial intelligence is transforming search engines and what it means for your business. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), and AI-powered snippets, fewer users are scrolling through traditional search results. In fact, recent studies show that up to 65% of users never scroll past the AI-generated response. So, what does that mean for your SEO strategy, paid search campaigns, and digital visibility?
We break it all down in a fun, conversational format—because understanding AI in marketing shouldn’t feel like decoding the Matrix.
Topics We Cover:
Why AI-generated answers are disrupting traditional search behavior
The rise of zero-click searches and what it means for your website traffic
How to evolve your SEO and SEM strategy to stay visible in AI-driven search results
What keywords, content formats, and data structures matter most in 2025
How GriffinWink Advertising is helping clients future-proof their digital presence
Whether you’re a business owner trying to show up online, a marketing pro keeping up with trends, or just an AI-curious listener, this episode gives you the tools and takeaways you need to stay ahead.
SEO isn’t dead, but it is different. And if you’re not adapting, you’re disappearing.
Want to know how your brand stacks up in an AI-first search landscape? Head to griffinwink.com to connect with our team and start leveling up your digital strategy today.
Every brand has a story, so why not tell you ours first? In this kickoff episode of Life of the Brand, GriffinWink Advertising President, Brian Wink, and Account Executive, Caylar Brinkman, spill the beans on why we started this podcast, who we are as an ad agency, and what you can expect in episodes to come.
Think of us as your marketing pals who happen to know a thing or two about branding, SEO, social media, and what actually works when you’re trying to grow a business. We’ll be tackling big questions like “Do I need to hire an ad agency?” or “What marketing strategies actually move the needle?” but without the boring jargon.
If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing pro looking for straightforward guidance (with a little humor along the way), this is your spot. Consider this your backstage pass to how agencies think, create, and problem-solve in real time.