AI Search is Already Influencing Customer Decisions

Artificial intelligence is no longer just shaping how people research. It is beginning to influence which businesses they contact first.

A new analysis from CallRail reviewed nearly 20 million inbound phone calls and identified early signals that AI search tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini are already part of the customer discovery process. While AI-driven calls currently represent a small share of total volume, the trend is meaningful, particularly for legal services, agencies, and other high intent industries.

The most important takeaway is not volume. It is behavior.

According to CallRail’s findings, leads influenced by AI search tend to bypass traditional browsing and comparison steps. In many cases, the phone call is the first meaningful interaction. These callers are highly motivated, further along in the decision process, and expect clarity and responsiveness immediately.

For firms investing in SEO, paid media, and local search, this shift introduces new considerations:

Attribution models must account for AI-influenced discovery paths
Response time and call handling matter more than ever
Visibility across trusted digital sources is becoming just as important as rankings

This moment closely mirrors earlier shifts like the rise of mobile search. Early adopters who adjusted their strategy gained a lasting advantage, while others had to catch up later.

AI-driven discovery is still emerging, but the direction is clear. Firms that align brand presence, analytics, and lead capture today will be better positioned as this channel continues to grow.

We are excited to share that our Founder and CEO, Darcy K. Neighbors, was recently featured on the Traffic to Leads podcast hosted by Ted DeBettencourt, founder of JuvoLeads.

In the episode, Darcy discusses the marketing framework that has helped firms across the country grow with greater efficiency and confidence, combining brand strategy, relationship-driven campaigns, and data-informed decision-making.

Key insights from the conversation include:

Why Strategic Marketing Summits are replacing traditional discovery calls
How firms can build long-term brand equity while lowering acquisition costs
How one organization achieved tenfold growth using CIM’s integrated marketing model

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE

If you would like to discuss how these shifts impact your marketing strategy, our team is always happy to connect.

30 Years of CIM Marketing Partnership!

Like any recipe worth sharing, our 30-year journey has been built on care, patience and the right mix of ingredients. Strategy, creativity and collaboration have always been part of the mix — but the most important ingredient has been you.

For three decades, our clients and partners have trusted us to help their brands rise and thrive. That trust has given our team purpose, joy and the opportunity to do meaningful work every single day.

As we celebrate this milestone, our hearts are full of gratitude. And as we look ahead, we’re excited to keep baking up new ideas, fresh strategies and results that matter. The best is still in the oven.

30 years of partnership behind us — and endless new recipes for growth ahead.

Thank you for being our most important ingredient!

Happy New Year from CIM

As we step into 2026, we’re grateful for the partnerships that drive meaningful work and measurable results. This year offers a fresh opportunity to refine your goals, strengthen your strategy and build momentum toward the growth you want to achieve.

We look forward to supporting your marketing initiatives and being a trusted partner throughout the year.

Happy Holidays and Meaningful Moments

As the year winds down, we want to take a moment to thank you — our clients, partners and friends — for being part of our journey.

We’re grateful for the relationships we’ve built, the growth we’ve shared and the trust you’ve placed in our team. None of the strategy, creativity or impact we aim for would be possible without you.

To spread a little holiday cheer, we asked our team to share their favorite holiday memories — the small moments that stuck with them and continue to bring joy.

This Holiday, Reach Out the Old-Fashioned Way

Relationship marketing is more relevant than ever this holiday season.

In a season full of noise, sometimes the smallest gesture makes the biggest impact.

At CIM Marketing Partners, we believe that relationship marketing isn’t just a tactic – it’s a mindset. And few things reflect that better than a handwritten note.

A short message
A thoughtful sentiment
A moment of pause in someone’s busy day

That kind of authenticity stands out – not just during the holidays, but year-round.

We talk a lot about strategy, metrics and performance. But the truth is, some of the most powerful marketing moments can’t be tracked in clicks. They’re felt. And remembered.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to reconnect:

Thank clients for their trust
Celebrate your team
Acknowledge referral partners
Reinforce the relationships that built your business

Whether you’re sending a note, supporting a local nonprofit or simply showing appreciation in a more personal way, these touchpoints are what build loyalty – not just awareness.

Looking to build a marketing approach that’s both meaningful and strategic? Let’s make sure your brand connects on every level.

Turn Clicks into Conversions Through Retargeting

Don't Let Potential Clients Slip Away.

Most website visitors leave without converting – but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good.

Retargeting brings them back.

Website Retargeting — Show ads to past visitors who didn’t convert
Email Retargeting — Re-engage users with personalized follow-ups
Social Retargeting — Stay top-of-mind with strategic placements

It takes multiple touchpoints to drive conversions.

We can help to make sure you're reaching potential clients when it matters most.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Print

With inboxes overflowing and digital ads everywhere, print marketing offers something unique – tangible, lasting impact.

Higher Credibility – People trust printed materials more than digital ads.
Less Competition – Stand out in a less crowded space.
Longer Lifespan – Emails get deleted, but brochures, magazines and postcards stick around.

A well-placed, strategic print campaign can reinforce your digital efforts and drive real results.

Let’s talk about how print fits into your marketing mix.

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads – Which Drives Better ROI?

Not sure whether to invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads? It all comes down to your objectives.

Google Ads – Best for intent-driven searches. Ideal for lead generation and high-intent buyers.
Facebook Ads – Great for brand awareness and audience targeting. Perfect for engagement and remarketing.

A winning strategy often includes both, but the right mix depends on your goals.

Let’s create a campaign that delivers results.

Your Website Might Be Driving Customers Away

Your website is often the first impression of your brand, making it a crucial part of your digital presence. If it’s slow, outdated or not mobile-friendly, visitors may leave before they even engage with your business.

Slow Load Times: Studies show that 53% of users abandon a site that takes more than three seconds to load.
Mobile Optimization Matters: With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a site that isn’t mobile-friendly can drive potential customers away.
User Experience Impacts Conversions: A confusing or cluttered design can make it harder for visitors to take action.

A well-optimized website enhances user experience and boosts engagement. Is yours working as effectively as it could be?

The Role of PR Has Changed — Here's How to Keep Up

You’ve heard the claims — “PR is dead.” But the reality? PR isn’t disappearing; it’s evolving. And those who adapt are seeing stronger results than ever.

Media relationships still matter. Reporters need credible sources, and strategic PR positions you as the go-to expert.
Earned media builds trust. A feature in a respected publication carries weight that paid ads simply can’t match.
Visibility is everything. With today’s fast-moving news cycle, a proactive PR strategy ensures your brand stays relevant.

The question isn’t whether PR works — it’s whether your strategy is keeping up.