In this final episode of Season 1, we sit down with Leslie Klatt, Marketing Account Manager and Operations Expert at mrge Marketing, to unpack the biggest B2B marketing trends that shaped 2025 and the ones every marketer should be preparing for in 2026.
With 16+ years in project management, marketing, and business operations, Leslie brings a systems-driven perspective to marketing strategy. Together, we discuss what’s working for B2B businesses right now, from the rise of long-form content and expert-led storytelling, to smarter segmentation strategies, hybrid marketing models, and the growing importance of events as trust-building funnels.
Looking ahead, we break down predictions for 2026: how AI-powered automation, human-first branding, and the emergence of AI and LLM-driven SEO will transform how marketers create, optimize, and connect with audiences.
If you want to understand where B2B marketing is headed and how to future-proof your strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply today.
● Long-term marketing plans remain the foundation for focus and growth.
● Personalization and segmentation build trust and increase conversions.
● Long-form content (videos, articles, case studies) drives real engagement.
● Expert-driven content humanizes your brand and boosts credibility.
● Hybrid teams will define 2026: internal strategy + agency execution.
● In-person events are back and they’re driving serious ROI.
● Authentic branding and storytelling build loyalty in an AI world.
● Systems and automation enhance consistency, quality, and efficiency.
● AI search and advertising are the next frontiers in visibility.
00:00 — Intro: B2B marketing trends of 2025 and 2026 preview
02:00 — Meet the guest: Leslie Klatt’s background in marketing operations
03:00 — 2025 in review: Why long-term vision and planning drive results
04:40 — Segmentation & personalization: The key to trust and conversions
06:20 — Long-form content’s comeback: Real engagement beats quick clicks
08:10 — Thought leadership: How expert-driven content amplifies brand trust
11:40 — 2026 prediction #1: Rise of hybrid marketing teams
13:45 — 2026 prediction #2: Event marketing returns as a primary funnel
17:00 — 2026 prediction #3: Authentic branding and human connection
19:30 — 2026 prediction #4: Systems and automation for consistency
22:50 — 2026 prediction #5: The next evolution—AI and LLM SEO
Listen in!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/yQ--_QWmbFs
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/42rJ5CEl73BvZ5uet2E5BM?si=Vx3ZIUmWSDqgddnAnbpYpw
Reach out to mrge Marketing—the agency behind The Marketing Breakdown. From fractional CMO services to SEO, content, and marketing operations, we help B2B and professional services firms scale with strategy, clarity, and efficiency.
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