How Businesses Can Prepare for AI-Driven Changes in Marketing

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari, where we explore the strategies helping Canadian businesses drive measurable and sustainable growth. In a digital landscape filled with noise, data has become the most powerful tool for replacing guesswork with confident, informed decision making.

In this episode, Warren Thompson, Co Founder and Managing Director of Ollo Metrics, breaks down how SMBs can use analytics, strategy-first thinking, and clarity-driven frameworks to fuel real growth. The conversation covers marketing priorities for 2026, the evolution of search and AEO, and a real-world example of how data-led strategy delivers lasting results.

Key Highlights

1. Turning Data into Decisions: How small businesses can focus on meaningful metrics instead of wasting budget.
   
2. Why Strategy Comes First: The difference between running tactics and building sustainable growth engines.
   
3. Marketing Capabilities for 2026: Preparing for AEO and AI-driven search changes.
   
4. Real Growth in Action: A Canadian SMB case study powered by data and strategy.
   
5. Leadership and Vision: Building resilient, clarity-driven marketing systems for the future.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.