Episode 145: Applying Brand Journalism to AEC with Katie Wagner

AI-generated content is flooding the internet, making it harder for audiences to distinguish real from fake (deepfakes, AI-written articles, synthetic video/audio). People were already becoming skeptical of what they read on Google, websites, and social media, and now AI-content has driven consumer trust in online content to historic lows. For marketers, this means driving online leads and standing out as credible is much more difficult. In this episode, Katie and I talk about ways brand journalism and human-centered storytelling can help cut through the "AI Slop" by using things AI can't develop - real interviews, quotes, stats, anecdotes, and case studies. We also talk about how to approach this journalistic style of content creation in a way that facilitates meaningful connection. *About Katie Wagner: * Katie Wagner spent 15 years as a television and radio journalist, working for news outlets all over the world, including ABC, CBS, Fox, CNN & National Public Radio. As a professional storyteller, Katie knows how to engage an audience and build credibility, and she believes those skills are just as valuable for business owners as they are for journalists. Today, Katie owns a full-service digital marketing agency made up of journalists like herself. The agency, KWSM, was founded in 2010, and specializes in lead generation, content creation, social media management, digital advertising, website design, and SEO. They work with clients like Mitsubishi, Anthem Blue Cross, F45 Fitness Studios, Rakuten, Caesar’s Entertainment, Lorna Jane Active Wear, and small to mid-sized companies across the country. KWSM has offices in Orange County, CA, San Diego, CA, Atlanta, GA and Las Vegas, NV. Katie also works as a consultant, helping businesses integrate digital marketing into their traditional marketing plans. She is a popular speaker, and regularly gives keynote presentations and leads workshops and breakout sessions for both corporate and small business audiences. Katie lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and their 6 rescue dogs. Links: Website: https://kwsmdigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewagnerkwsm/