AI is changing the way customers find local businesses, and small business owners in South Georgia need to adapt. In this episode of Marketing the 912, Jan Southern shares practical marketing advice on how to improve your visibility in AI search results, strengthen your Google Business Profile, and make sure your website and social media are working together.

Drawing on 35 years of marketing experience and her work with businesses across Pooler, Effingham, Bryan County, and the Savannah area, Jan explains why clarity, trust, and consistency matter more than ever. She also breaks down simple action steps business owners can take right now to improve their marketing foundation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is changing local search and customer discovery
• Why your Google Business Profile matters more than ever
• What your website needs in order to support AI visibility
• How social media has shifted from social media to interest media
• Why clear messaging beats flashy marketing
• What to fix before spending money on ads

If you own a business in Savannah, Pooler, Effingham County, Bryan County, or anywhere in South Georgia, this episode will help you understand what to update now so your marketing keeps working.

Learn more about J. DelSUR Marketing here:
https://jdelsurmarketing.com

#MarketingThe912 #SouthGeorgiaBusiness #SavannahMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #AIMarketing #LocalSEO #GoogleBusinessProfile

How does a Savannah-born actor end up in Hollywood blockbusters alongside Tom Cruise and Captain America? In this episode of Marketing the 912, we uncover what South Georgia businesses can learn from his story.

Episode Summary

Mark McCullough grew up near Savannah and worked his way from Effingham County to the big screen. Today, he shares lessons from Hollywood that every business owner in South Georgia can apply — from consistent marketing to finding your authentic brand.

Host Jan Southern and Mark explore how the acting business mirrors entrepreneurship: building a personal brand, networking the right way, and turning rejection into momentum. With over 35 years of marketing experience, Jan connects Mark’s story to what works right here in Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham County.

If you’re growing a business in the 912, this episode is full of powerful takeaways about risk-taking, persistence, and knowing your value.

Key Takeaways

• Why personal branding matters for both actors and business owners

• The power of consistent marketing — even when results take time

• How to handle imposter syndrome and keep moving forward

• The importance of mentorship and learning from successful people

• Why authenticity is your biggest marketing advantage

Guest Bio

Mark McCullough is a Savannah native and Hollywood actor known for roles in Captain America, American Made, and Free State of Jones. He also founded The Working Actor’s Lab, coaching actors across the U.S. and abroad.

Resources Mentioned

J. DelSUR Marketing Website

Effingham Magazine

Pooler Magazine

Bryan County Magazine

#MarketingThe912 #SouthGeorgiaBusiness #SavannahMarketing #912Marketing #EffinghamCounty #PoolerBusiness

Host Jan Southern sits down with Peter Brougham-Cook of the local chapters of The Alternative Board (TAB) to unpack what actually moves a business forward when times feel uncertain. Peter leads TAB boards in Savannah Georgia, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Charleston South Carolina. He shares how to help owners get out of their own way, lead teams, delegate the right work, and plan a successful exit. Jan and Peter talk about mindset, accountability, knowing your numbers, and why growth is a must—plus a few can’t-miss book recs.

Connect with Peter: LinkedIn (search “Peter Cook, TAB Lowcountry”) or tab-lowcountry.com.

Books mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Pumpkin Plan, Simple Numbers, Thou Shall Prosper.

Welcome to Marketing the 912 where we focus on the South Georgia area and provide marketing insight and interviews with local leaders and business owners.

In this episode, Jan Southern addresses how businesses can navigate today’s economic uncertainty while continuing to grow. Drawing on her 35 years of marketing experience, she explains why cutting back on marketing is the wrong move and how to stay visible even in challenging times.

Jan shares strategies for maintaining brand presence, building customer loyalty, and being “strategically loud” when competitors go quiet. She also highlights the value of email marketing, community involvement, and omnichannel approaches that keep businesses top of mind with customers.

Takeaways

• Cutting back on marketing during tough times puts your business at risk.
• Consistency builds trust and keeps your brand top of mind.
• Economic uncertainty can create opportunities for visibility if you stay present.
• Strategic, value-driven messaging stands out in a crowded market.
• Omnichannel marketing — online and offline — is key for long-term success.
• Being “loud” when competitors are quiet gives you a competitive advantage.

Welcome to Marketing the 912 where we focus on the south Georgia area and provide marketing insight and interviews with local leaders and business owners.

In this episode of Marketing the 912, Jan Southern discusses the significant growth occurring in South Georgia and how local businesses can leverage this opportunity through effective marketing strategies.

Emphasizing the importance of targeted marketing, understanding the audience, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, Jan outlines several key strategies for business growth. She highlights the necessity of having a solid marketing plan, being open to change, and utilizing both online and offline marketing channels to reach potential customers.

The conversation also touches on the value of community involvement and collaboration among local businesses to enhance visibility and engagement.

Takeaways

Growth in South Georgia presents a unique opportunity for businesses.
Targeted marketing is essential in a crowded market.
A solid marketing plan can significantly improve business efficiency.
Understanding your audience leads to more effective marketing strategies.
Brand identity and messaging are crucial for standing out.
An omnichannel approach is necessary to reach potential customers.
Creating a welcoming environment for newcomers can enhance customer loyalty.
Collaboration with other businesses can expand reach and visibility.
Community involvement is key to building local relationships.
Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer engagement.

In this episode of Marketing the 912, we’re diving into the growth we’re seeing across South Georgia. From new businesses opening to major developments in our communities, there’s a lot happening, and it’s impacting how we market, build, and grow.

I talk with business owners, community leaders, and others who are directly involved in the changes shaping our region. Through my work with J. DelSUR Marketing and our local publications, I’ve seen how important it is to stay ahead of these trends and understand what they mean for your business.

We hope you find the information in this episode useful as you grow your business or career in the South Georgia market. If you do, please subscribe and share it with someone who would also benefit. A quick review goes a long way. Thank you for your support!

Now let’s get into it.

Have you tried posting to your social media accounts or dancing to the latest TikTok craze and it didn’t lead to more sales? In this episode we break it down and offer some tips to get it working again.

When was the last time you took time to really think about your goals and what excites you about your business? Maybe you want to:

- Open an additional location?

- Be prominent in your community so you can make a difference

- Have more free time

- Leave a legacy or create generational wealth

I know it’s tough but start by slowing down a little. Take the time now to get clear on where you want to go and how you are going to get there.

I hope you enjoy my musings about how I slowed down and accelerated my business.