The Future of Local SEO in the Age of AI with David Hunter written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing
Listen to the full episode: Episode Summary In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch interviews David Hunter, CEO of Local Falcon and Epic Web Studios, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of local SEO. With over 15 years in digital marketing, David brings a grounded and tactical perspective on how businesses […]
Why AI Is Reshaping Every Stage of the Buyer’s Journey written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing
Listen to the full episode:
Episode Overview
In this solo episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, marketing expert John Jantsch dives deep into the ways artificial intelligence is reshaping the customer journey. He revisits the foundational concept of the Marketing Hourglass and explores how every stage—from awareness to referral—requires fresh thinking in a world where AI tools are now a part of the everyday buying process.
About John Jantsch
John Jantsch is a veteran marketing strategist, speaker, and author of several bestselling books including Duct Tape Marketing, The Referral Engine, and Marketing Rebellion. As the founder of Duct Tape Marketing, John has been guiding small businesses and marketing professionals for decades through proven, strategic marketing systems. His focus is on practical, sustainable marketing strategies that build trust and grow businesses.
Key Takeaways
- AI is changing how customers research, evaluate, and make purchasing decisions.
- The traditional linear buyer journey is obsolete; today’s buyers bounce among touchpoints.
- The Marketing Hourglass—Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, Refer—is more relevant than ever, but each stage must be adapted for today’s AI-savvy buyer.
- Content must become answers; modern SEO prioritizes question-based queries over keyword ranking.
- Self-service and frictionless buying options are critical, but human touchpoints like real stories, community, and personalized experiences are irreplaceable.
- Businesses must test and re-map their customer journey based on how AI tools are impacting buyer behavior.
Highlight Quotes
“Buyers are using AI just as much as marketers—what does that mean for how your content shows up during their research?”
“AI is not just another tactic—it affects the entire marketing system.”
Great Moments and Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome and episode theme: the evolved buyer journey
- 02:30 – Why marketers focus too much on tools and not enough on how buyers are using them
- 05:40 – Reintroducing the Marketing Hourglass as a flexible customer journey model
- 09:22 – How AI interrupts and reshapes journey stages like know, like, and trust
- 12:00 – Recommendation engines and the rise of self-service experiences
- 15:10 – The need to rethink SEO: focus on questions, not keywords
- 19:52 – Combining digital efficiency with emotional, human-centered marketing
- 24:30 – Final thoughts: the journey is already changing—are you adapting?
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the Marketing Hourglass
- Use Answer the Public to power your SEO questions
- Visit John’s blog and resources
Join the Conversation
How are you adapting your marketing strategy for AI-driven buyers? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to John directly at john@ducttapemarketing.com.
Duct Tape Transcript
Recommended Story For You :
How To Make $3493 Commissions Without Doing Any Selling
Successful dropshippers have reliable suppliers.
People Think I Use A Professional Voiceover Artist. NO! I Just Use Speechelo!
Make Money Testing Apps On Your Phone Or Tablet
Make More Money or Lose Everything
Sqribble Is The ONLY eBook Creator You’ll Ever Need.
Work & Earn as an Online Assistant
Create Ongoing Income Streams Of $500 To $1000 Or More Per Day
It's The Internet's Easiest Side Business.
Leave a Reply