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In the latest episode of Marketing vs. the World, Abbie sits down with Jake, Managing Director of Curated, to tackle an intriguing yet daunting concept: Could 2025 be the year to take a step back before pushing forward?

From dissecting what makes a holistic marketing strategy tick to the challenge of finding moments to just “be” amidst life’s chaos, Jake shares raw, authentic and incredibly actionable insights. This episode isn’t just for marketers—it’s for anyone looking to navigate business challenges while juggling life’s relentless pace.

Read some of the highlights in this blog, or for the full scoop, listen to the full podcast episode using the links below.

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The Power of Stepping Back

Stepping back might feel counterintuitive in a world driven by speed, but as Jake shares, it’s often the most powerful move a business—or an individual—can make. When Jake joined Curated in 2020, his first priority wasn’t to push forward blindly but to pause, evaluate and reset.

He reflects on how a comprehensive review of Curated’s operations, positioning and client offering revealed gaps that needed addressing. With the help of his team, Jake implemented Curated’s three-phase framework: Enhance, Expand, Evolve, a structured approach designed to deliver both immediate wins and sustainable growth.

The Three E’s in Action

Enhance: Tackle quick wins and build a strong foundation. For instance, optimising site speed or identifying low-hanging SEO opportunities.
Expand: Dive deeper into customer insights, explore new markets and refine messaging to foster growth.
Evolve: Tackle broader business challenges and integrate scalable strategies for long-term success.

Jake’s journey with Curated underscores the importance of patience, collaboration and adaptability. As he says, “It’s not an overnight process—true transformation takes iterations and adjustments along the way.”

Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode below.

Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify

2025 Marketing Strategies to Watch (and Avoid)

Jake’s expertise in digital marketing offers unique insights into what businesses should prioritise—and steer clear of—in 2025.

On the Radar

Short-Form Video Content
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are here to stay. “It’s where attention lives,” Jake explains. Whether you’re a fitness brand sharing 15-second tutorials or a lifestyle brand leveraging trending audio, this format allows for quick, impactful engagement.
SEO That Prioritises Intent
The game isn’t just about keywords anymore. Jake highlights the importance of creating content aligned with search intent. “It’s all about meaningful, user-centric answers,” he says, pointing to examples like HubSpot’s resources and Sleep Foundation’s authoritative content.
Personalised Paid Campaigns
In 2025, successful paid media strategies will hinge on integration with organic content. “Ads alone won’t build trust,” Jake cautions, urging brands to connect paid campaigns with value-driven, authentic storytelling.

To Be Mindful Of

Jake is quick to warn against over-reliance on paid media without organic support. “It’s tempting to see paid campaigns as a quick fix,” he says. But without a cohesive, holistic strategy, businesses risk diminishing returns and wasted budgets.

Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode below.

Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify

Life Outside Work: Finding Time to Just “Be”

Beyond his role as MD, Jake opens up about the personal side of life. As a father of two young children, he reflects on the constant feeling of time slipping away and the challenge of finding moments to simply enjoy life.

“There’s always this fear,” Jake admits, “that by the time I can finally pause, all the fun stuff will be gone.” It’s a sentiment many of us can relate to in today’s hyperconnected, always-on world.

abbie shares her own recent efforts to set boundaries, like avoiding phone use before 9 am and carving out intentional moments for self-care. The key takeaway? It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trying, adjusting and finding what works for you.

Key Takeaways

Embrace the Power of Pause: Whether in business or life, stepping back can create clarity and purpose for moving forward.
Think Holistically in Marketing: Avoid silos and connect every strategy to a broader goal. Prioritise both quick wins and long-term growth.

Prioritise Self-Care: Time is precious. Make space for intentional moments that bring you joy and fulfilment.

Final Thoughts

Jake’s story is a reminder that transformation—whether personal or professional—isn’t about speed but strategy. By taking a step back to assess, reframe and refocus, we can all find the clarity needed to thrive in 2025.

Ready to take the leap? Tune into the full episode of Marketing vs. the World for more insights from Abbie and Jake.

Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify

Connect With Us

For more insights and updates on the world of marketing, follow Abbie Dando and Monday Clicks. Loved Jake’s story and want to follow him? Connect with Jake on LinkedIn and check out Curated's website.

DISCLAIMER

This article has been created using various AI tools, which transcribe raw audio and transform the content into a blog post. This helps us ensure each Marketing vs The World episode is released as quickly as possible. Monday Clicks does not use AI for any client content creation.

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