How Small Businesses Can Use Short Videos to Amplify Their Brand and Drive Engagement

Close-up of a smartphone screen displaying various app icons including TikTok, YouTube, and others, showcasing popular video content platforms.

In a world of endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, grabbing a viewer’s interest in the first few seconds is no longer optional. That’s where short-form video shines.

Short, punchy clips under 60 seconds are now the go-to format for content marketing. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even LinkedIn are boosting short videos through their algorithms, making them incredibly practical for brand visibility and audience reach.

In fact, according to HubSpot, short-form video has the highest ROI of any content type. Why? Because it’s easy to consume, highly shareable, and mobile-first, meeting your audience where they already are.

Hook Fast or Lose Them: The Key to Audience Engagement

Capturing attention quickly isn’t about luck; it’s about structure.

Within the first 3 seconds, your video must:

  • Spark curiosity or emotion
  • Present a clear benefit or outcome
  • Use visual motion or bold captions to stop the scroll

Emotion-driven content, unexpected visuals, or a strong question (“Are you doing this wrong?”) work particularly well. Plus, don’t underestimate the power of on-screen text—especially when many users watch with the sound off.

Transitioning viewers from passive scrollers to active engagers hinges on this initial impression. And once you’ve hooked them, consistency keeps them coming back.

Amplify Your Brand: Small Videos, Big Reach

Short-form content isn’t just entertaining—it’s a brand amplification powerhouse.

When done right, a 15-second video can:

  • Increase your organic reach through platform discovery feeds
  • Encourage shares that broaden your brand’s visibility
  • Build authority by delivering consistent, valuable content

Take, for example, a local brand that posts quick transformation reels or behind-the-scenes snapshots. These moments build authenticity and invite engagement, strengthening brand awareness and trust.

Even better, when viewers start interacting with your content, algorithms reward you by pushing your videos to a broader audience—no ad spend is needed.

How to Create Impactful Short-Form Videos That Convert

Ready to jump in? Use this simple 4-step process to create videos that capture and convert:

  1. Start with a strong hook
  2. Use motion, questions, or bold visuals to stop the scroll.
  3. Deliver one key message
  4. Don’t overload viewers—stick to a single idea or takeaway.
  5. Keep it short and clear
  6. Aim for 15–30 seconds. Use natural language, and speak directly to your viewer.
  7. End with a CTA
  8. Tell them what to do next: “Follow for more tips,” “Click to learn more,” or “Tag a friend.”

You don’t need expensive gear—just a smartphone and basic editing tools like CapCut, InShot, or Canva.

Pro tip: Repurpose long-form content by slicing it into bite-sized clips that drive curiosity and funnel viewers to your full offer or service page.

How to Measure Success and Scale What Works

Once you’ve posted a few videos, it’s time to analyze what’s working. Look beyond just likes and views—track:

  • Watch time and completion rates
  • Shares and saves (these signal value)
  • Click-throughs to your site or profile

Test different hooks, formats, and CTAs. Then, double down on what drives the most engagement and traffic.

Also, don’t be afraid to repurpose winning content across platforms. What performs well on TikTok may also resonate on YouTube Shorts or even LinkedIn.

Conclusion

Blu Ocean Innovations Video Marketing creates some of the highest-converting videos in the industry—from reputation videos and expert interviews to online offer promos.

👉 Let’s amplify your brand with powerful video content that speaks directly to your audience.

Top 5 Marketing Trends Shaping 2025: A Roadmap for Digital Success

 

The marketing industry is undergoing rapid changes, and 2025 promises to be a pivotal year. As technology evolves, so do consumer expectations, creating new business challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead, marketers must adapt quickly and embrace these transformative trends. Here are the top five marketing predictions for 2025 that will define the industry’s trajectory and help brands thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

1-AI-Powered Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how brands interact with their audiences. By 2025, marketers will use AI-driven tools to create hyper-personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences and behaviors. For example, dynamic content recommendations and predictive analytics will make customer interactions more relevant and engaging. Therefore, businesses that focus on keywords like “AI personalization,” “predictive analytics in marketing,” and “real-time customer engagement” will thrive in search rankings.

2-Voice Search Optimization Takes Center Stage

As smart speakers and voice-activated devices become household staples, optimizing for voice search will no longer be optional. In fact, natural language queries and conversational keywords will dominate SEO strategies. To stay competitive, marketers should focus on phrases like “how to optimize for voice search,” “voice search trends 2025,” and “voice-friendly content strategies” to capture this growing audience. Furthermore, creating content that mirrors the way people naturally speak will be crucial.

3-Video Content Reigns Supreme

Video marketing will continue its meteoric rise in 2025. With the increasing popularity of short-form videos, live streams, and interactive content, brands can captivate audiences across various platforms. To stand out, businesses should invest in engaging, high-quality video production. Additionally, targeting keywords such as “video marketing trends 2025,” “short-form video strategies,” and “interactive video content” will help maximize reach and engagement.

4-Digital Transformation and Automation

In 2025, digital transformation will take center stage as businesses streamline operations and improve customer experiences through automation. Tools like chatbots, automated email campaigns, and CRM systems will allow marketers to scale their efforts without compromising personalization. Moreover, integrating advanced technologies into workflows will drive efficiency and enhance decision-making. Keywords such as “digital transformation strategies,” “marketing automation trends,” and “AI-driven CRM tools” will be crucial for staying relevant.

5-First-Party Data Becomes Essential

The decline of third-party cookies is reshaping the marketing landscape, making first-party data more critical. In 2025, marketers must focus on building direct relationships with their audiences through email marketing, loyalty programs, and personalized experiences. Moreover, developing innovative strategies to collect and utilize this data effectively will be key. Keywords such as “first-party data strategies,” “cookie-less marketing,” and “data-driven personalization” will play a pivotal role in achieving success.

Conclusion

In 2025, personalization, innovation, and authenticity will define the marketing industry. To navigate this dynamic environment, marketers must embrace and integrate these trends into their strategies. Whether leveraging AI to create personalized experiences, optimizing content for voice search, or championing digital transformation, the path to success lies in staying agile and customer-focused. By preparing today, businesses can ensure they remain leaders in tomorrow’s competitive landscape.

SEO Tips for Beginners

 

Understanding SEO Basics for Beginners

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can initially seem daunting, but understanding the basics can significantly impact your website’s visibility. At its core, SEO involves optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This increased visibility can lead to more traffic, engagement, and potential conversions. First, focusing on keyword research, on-page optimization, and quality content creation is essential.

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. Begin by identifying relevant keywords that your target audience will likely use when searching for information related to your niche. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs can help you find these keywords. Once you’ve identified them, incorporate these keywords into your website’s content, titles, and meta descriptions. Remember, the goal is to make your content discoverable without compromising its readability.

Easy SEO Techniques for New Websites

Implementing easy SEO techniques can make a significant difference for beginners without overwhelming you. Start with on-page optimization, which involves tweaking elements on your website to make it more search engine-friendly. Ensure each page has a unique and descriptive title tag, ideally including your primary keyword. Similarly, meta descriptions should be compelling and keyword-rich, encouraging users to click through to your site.

Another crucial aspect of on-page optimization is creating high-quality, valuable content. Search engines prioritize content that provides genuine value to users. Focus on producing well-researched, informative, and engaging articles that address your audience’s pain points. Use your keywords naturally throughout the content, but avoid keyword stuffing, as it can harm your rankings. Additionally, ensure your content can be easily read using short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheaders.

Simple SEO Strategies to Implement

Implementing simple SEO strategies can set the foundation for long-term success. One effective strategy is building high-quality backlinks. Backlinks are links from other websites to your site, and they signal to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy. Reach out to reputable websites in your niche and offer to write guest posts or collaborate on content. This can help you earn valuable backlinks and increase your site’s authority.

Additionally, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. With the increasing number of users accessing the internet via mobile devices, search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites. Use responsive design to ensure your site looks and functions well on all devices. Moreover, improve your site’s loading speed, as slow websites can deter users and negatively impact your rankings.

In conclusion, starting with SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the basics, implementing easy techniques, and focusing on simple strategies, beginners can improve their website’s visibility and drive more traffic. Consistency and patience are key, as SEO results take time, but the effort will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

Top Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2024

 

The Rise of AI-Driven Marketing Strategies

As we look ahead to 2024, one of the most prominent trends in marketing will be the continued rise of AI-driven strategies. With the advancements in technology and data analytics, AI will play a crucial role in helping businesses better understand their target audience and deliver personalized marketing messages. From predictive analytics to chatbots, AI will continue revolutionizing how marketers reach and engage with consumers. By leveraging AI tools and platforms, businesses can improve their campaign performance, optimize their marketing spend, and ultimately drive better results.

The Importance of Personalization in Targeted Advertising

Personalization has long been a cornerstone of successful marketing campaigns, and in 2024, it will be more important than ever. Consumers are overwhelmed with marketing messages daily, so businesses need to cut through the noise and deliver personalized experiences that resonate with their target audience. By utilizing data and AI technologies, companies can create tailored content, product recommendations, and offers that are more likely to capture consumers’ attention. Personalization enhances the customer experience and drives higher engagement, conversions, and loyalty.

Leveraging Influencer Partnerships for Brand Growth

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for brands to connect with their target audience and drive brand awareness. In 2024, we expect to see more brands leveraging influencer partnerships to reach new markets and drive growth. Influencers can reach and engage with niche audiences in a more authentic and relatable way, making them valuable partners for brands looking to expand their reach. From sponsored content to brand collaborations, influencers can help businesses build credibility, trust, and loyalty among their target audience. As the influencer landscape evolves, brands strategically partnering with influencers will have a competitive edge.

By staying ahead of these key marketing trends in 2024, businesses can better position themselves for success in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Whether it’s harnessing the power of AI, embracing personalization, or leveraging influencer partnerships, businesses that adapt to these trends can effectively engage with their target audience, drive growth, and stay ahead of the competition. Ultimately, companies must be proactive in adopting these trends and staying ahead of the curve to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving marketing landscape.

 

 

Drive Your Business Forward: Diverse Traffic Sources Explored

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Understanding Organic Traffic:

Organic traffic is crucial when building a successful online presence for your small company. In fact, it is known to be the backbone of small business websites, as it brings in high-quality, targeted visitors actively seeking the products or services you offer without paying ads.

Organic traffic is acquired through search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, including optimizing your website’s content with relevant keywords, building high-quality backlinks, and improving your overall website user experience. By investing time and effort into SEO, small businesses can increase their visibility in search results, drive more traffic, and ultimately generate more leads and sales.

Discovering the Power of Referral Traffic 

Referral traffic refers to visitors who come to your website through external links from other websites. It is an important source of traffic for small businesses, as it allows you to tap into the existing online communities and networks that align with your target audience.

Aside from directing potential customers to your website, referral traffic also helps build brand awareness and credibility. When your website is mentioned on reputable websites or industry blogs, it boosts your reputation and can increase both direct and organic traffic.

Tapping into Paid Traffic

Paid traffic is an effective way to quickly generate visibility and drive traffic to your small business website. Platforms such as Google Ads and social media advertising allow you to target specific demographics, locations, and interests, ensuring the right people see your ads.

However, small businesses must approach paid traffic strategically to maximize their return on investment. It is essential to conduct thorough keyword research, set a budget, and continuously analyze and optimize campaigns to ensure they drive quality traffic and generate desired conversions. Paid traffic can be a valuable supplement to organic and referral traffic, allowing you to reach a wider audience and amplify your online presence.

In conclusion, small businesses must explore and utilize several traffic sources to maximize their online visibility and drive potential customers to their websites. While organic traffic remains the backbone, referral and paid traffic provide additional opportunities to target specific audiences and increase brand awareness. Ultimately, Small businesses can unlock their full online potential and achieve long-term success by adopting a strategic approach and investing in different traffic sources.

Optimizing Your Website for SEO: Best Practices and Techniques

 

Search engine optimization (SEO) remains a cornerstone for online success in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape. Your website’s visibility on search engines is directly linked to its overall performance. Knowing the importance of navigating the intricacies of SEO, here are some best practices and techniques to optimize your website effectively.

Understanding the Basics: SEO 101

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) improves a website’s visibility on search engine results pages. By optimizing your website, you make it easier for search engines like Google to understand its content and purpose, ultimately driving more organic (unpaid) traffic to your site. First, you need to do keyword research, as it plays a vital role in any SEO strategy. By identifying relevant keywords for your website, you can strategically incorporate them into your content, meta tags, and other key areas to improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

On top of keyword research, optimizing your website’s structure and navigation is essential. A well-organized website with clear menu labels and a logical hierarchy helps search engines crawl and index your site more easily. Finally, optimizing your URLs, meta tags, and alt attributes for images will make it easier for search engines to understand what your content is about.

Off-Page Optimization: Building Authority and Driving Traffic

Off-page optimization refers to actions taken outside your website to improve visibility and authority. Building external links, often called backlinks, is one of the most effective off-page optimization strategies.

Backlinks act as votes of confidence from other websites, indicating that your website is trustworthy and relevant to search engines. However, it’s crucial to focus on quality rather than quantity when building backlinks. Obtaining links from reputable, authoritative websites within your industry will positively impact your SEO more than acquiring numerous low-quality links.

Another important off-page optimization strategy is social media marketing. Engaging with your audience on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram helps drive traffic to your website. It also signals to search engines that your website has a solid online presence. Consequently, consistently sharing valuable content on social media can lead to more shares, likes, and organic traffic.

All in all, optimizing your website for search engines requires a combination of on-page and off-page strategies. Understanding the basics of SEO, incorporating relevant keywords, creating valuable content, and building a solid online presence through links and social media are all essential components of an effective SEO strategy. By implementing these proven strategies and best practices, you can improve your website’s visibility and authority and drive more organic traffic.

3 Tips for Small Business Revenue Growth in 2024

3d illustration of graph and bar chart in dark room with reflection

Importance of Market Research

Market research is the foundation of any successful marketing plan. Furthermore, businesses can gain insights into their target market, competitors, and industry trends. They can also create more targeted and effective marketing strategies by understanding customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviors.

One of the main reasons why market research is crucial for small business success is that it helps identify unique value propositions. By conducting thorough research, they can find gaps in the market and design products or services that meet untapped customer needs, allowing them to position themselves as industry leaders and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Additionally, market research helps small businesses understand their target audience better. It provides valuable demographic, psychographic, and behavioral data to segment the market effectively. By understanding their customers deeper, small businesses can create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their audience and drive sales.

Strategies for Effective Target Audience Segmentation

Market research was previously discussed, yet it would only be effective with proper target audience segmentation, as it is crucial to maximize marketing efforts and drive revenue growth. By dividing their target market into distinct segments based on demographic, psychographic, and behavioral characteristics, small businesses can tailor their marketing messages and strategies to specific audience groups.

One strategy for effective target audience segmentation is conducting customer surveys and interviews. By gathering customer feedback, small businesses can gain valuable insights into their preferences, needs, and motivations. This information can then be used to create customer profiles and segment the target audience accordingly.

Another strategy is leveraging data analytics to identify patterns and trends within the customer base. By analyzing purchase history, online behavior, and social media interactions, small businesses can uncover commonalities among their customers and group them into similar segments. This strategy allows for more targeted messaging and personalized marketing campaigns.

Lastly, small businesses can also use predictive modeling to identify potential customer segments they may have overlooked. Small companies can identify new opportunities and expand their target audience by analyzing data from similar industries or markets. This approach allows for growth and diversification, ensuring long-term revenue growth.

Leveraging Digital Marketing Channels

Digital marketing has become increasingly critical to maximize revenue potential. With the rise of social media platforms, search engines, and online marketplaces, small businesses can access a wide range of cost-effective marketing channels to reach a vast audience.

One effective digital marketing strategy is search engine optimization (SEO). Small businesses can increase their online visibility and attract organic traffic from search engines by optimizing their website and content for relevant keywords. This strategy leads to improved brand awareness and more qualified leads, ultimately driving revenue growth.

Additionally, social media marketing offers a powerful tool to engage with their target audience and build brand loyalty. Ultimately, businesses can foster a sense of community and establish themselves as trusted industry experts by creating compelling content and engaging with followers.

In conclusion, to succeed in 2024, small businesses will need a clear understanding of the importance of marketing research, applying effective target segmentation, and comprehending that increasing online visibility is essential to survive.

Small Business Solutions: Tackling 4 Tech Challenges with Digital Marketing Agencies in 2023

August 2023

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, small businesses face numerous challenges due to emerging technologies. As technology advances, it becomes crucial for small businesses to adapt and leverage these innovations to stay competitive. However, navigating these emerging technological challenges can overwhelm entrepreneurs with limited resources. Having stated that, we will explore four significant emerging technological challenges faced by small businesses in 2023 and highlight how digital marketing agencies can provide valuable support to overcome these hurdles.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation:

AI and automation have revolutionized businesses’ operations, enabling streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. However, small businesses often need more technical expertise and resources to implement and leverage AI effectively. Digital marketing agencies can play a vital role in helping small businesses harness the power of AI by:

· Providing consultation on AI tools and solutions that align with the business’s specific needs.

· Assisting in implementing AI-powered chatbots for customer support, enabling 24/7 availability.

· Utilizing AI algorithms to analyze customer data and optimize marketing strategies for better targeting and personalization.

2. Data Privacy and Security:

With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, data privacy, and security have become critical concerns for small businesses. Cyber threats, data breaches, and evolving privacy regulations pose significant risks. Digital marketing agencies can help mitigate these challenges by:

· Conducting thorough security audits to identify vulnerabilities and implement robust security measures.

· Assisting in implementing data protection policies and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

· Educating small business owners and employees about the best data security and privacy practices.

3. Voice Search and Natural Language Processing (NLP):

Voice search has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, thanks to the proliferation of smart speakers and voice-enabled devices. Small businesses must optimize their online presence to accommodate voice search queries effectively. Digital marketing agencies can support small businesses in this area by:

· Optimizing website content to include conversational keywords and phrases used in voice searches.

· Creating voice-friendly content, such as podcasts and audio advertisements, to engage with a voice-centric audience.

· Implementing natural language processing techniques to understand user intent and deliver personalized experiences.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):

AR and VR technologies can potentially revolutionize customer experiences, especially in the retail, tourism, and real estate industries. However, the cost and complexity of implementing AR and VR solutions often deter small businesses. Digital marketing agencies can assist small businesses in leveraging these technologies by:

· Develop AR/VR applications that provide immersive product experiences or virtual tours.

· Creating interactive AR/VR content for marketing campaigns to engage and captivate customers.

· Offering consultation on cost-effective AR/VR tools and platforms suitable for small business budgets.

As small businesses face various emerging technological challenges, digital marketing agencies serve as valuable partners in navigating these complexities. By leveraging their expertise and staying up-to-date with the latest digital trends, these agencies can empower small businesses to embrace emerging technologies effectively. Through strategic planning, implementation, and ongoing support, digital marketing agencies can help small businesses unlock new opportunities and thrive in the dynamic 2023 digital landscape.

Leveraging AI for Digital Marketing and Revenue Growth

It is common knowledge that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming integral to digital marketing, potentially revolutionizing the industry by driving growth and simplifying marketing activities. With intelligent tools and automation, businesses can quickly improve their marketing efforts to attract and retain customers. Consequently, they can gain competitive advantages and drive more significant revenue growth. (AI) is revolutionizing the world of digital marketing. Among the many benefits of integrating AI into your digital marketing strategy are the following: 

1-Automated Lead Generation: 

AI-powered lead generation tools help businesses acquire more leads faster. Moreover, AI algorithms can analyze customer data, identify patterns, and spot potential leads. They can then send personalized messages to each lead tailored to their specific needs, making it easier for businesses to turn prospects into buying customers. 

2. Improved Customer Experience: 

AI-powered chatbots can handle customer queries 24/7 without any human intervention. By providing immediate and accurate responses to customer queries, businesses can significantly improve the customer experience. Furthermore, AI Chatbots can also remember customer preferences and use that information to provide more personalized service, which can drive customer loyalty and repeat business. 

3. Better Targeting: 

AI can analyze customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history to create targeted marketing campaigns. This data can help businesses improve their targeting and increase conversion rates. Companies can drive more sales and increase revenue by providing customers with tailored messages that resonate with their interests. 

4. Optimized Ad Spend: 

AI can help businesses optimize ad spending by analyzing customer behavior and trends. Companies can create more effective campaigns that deliver more significant ROI by providing insights on what type of ads convert better, what channels to use, and what time to show them.

Ensuring Success with AI in Your Marketing Strategy

Businesses must approach AI-powered digital marketing strategies to get the most out of them. Below are some tips for ensuring success:

 1. Identify Goals: 

Clearly define the goals that AI is being used to achieve. This will help businesses focus on what matters and avoid getting sidetracked by AI-powered bells and whistles. 

2. Keep Learning:

 AI constantly evolves, so businesses must keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. AI-based tools must be used correctly to help enterprises to maximize their return on investment by utilizing the latest algorithms and data. 

3. Personalize with Care: 

Though personalization is a critical component of AI-powered marketing, businesses must be careful not to come across as too intrusive or creepy. The AI tool you use should be aware of privacy rules and regulations. 

4. Start Small: 

It is wise to start small for companies just beginning to integrate AI into their digital marketing strategies. Pick one area that needs improvement and test AI out in that aspect. By doing so, businesses can become comfortable using AI and scale their strategy in the right direction. 

THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MARKETING: TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS

 

Digital marketing has become increasingly important as more consumers turn to online platforms for purchasing decisions. As a result, businesses of all sizes and industries are investing in digital marketing strategies to stay competitive in the marketplace. However, the world of digital marketing is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies can be a challenge.

Hence, exploring some of the most promising trends and predictions for the future of digital marketing is crucial, helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and reap the benefits of this ever-changing landscape.

  1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) transform businesses’ digital marketing strategies. From chatbots and virtual assistants to personalized recommendations and predictive analytics, AI and ML enable companies to provide better customer experiences, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

     2. Voice Search Optimization

As voice search continues to grow in popularity, businesses must ensure their online content is optimized for voice search queries. This means focusing on long-tail keywords and conversational language and ensuring their websites are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.

     3. Visual Search

Visual search is another trend that is gaining momentum, particularly in e-commerce. With visual search, users can upload an image to a search engine and find similar products, finding what they are looking for easier. Businesses can use this trend by optimizing their images and product descriptions for visual search queries.

      4. Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming more common in digital marketing, particularly retail. AR allows customers to virtually try on clothes or see how furniture would look in their home before purchasing. This technology can also be used for gamification and brand experiences, making it a powerful tool for businesses to engage with customers.

      5. Social Media Commerce

Social media platforms are increasingly becoming e-commerce destinations, with businesses now able to sell products directly through platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This trend will likely continue, and companies must ensure they have a solid social media presence to take advantage of this growing opportunity.

      6. Privacy and Data Protection

As consumers become more aware of the data being collected about them, privacy and data protection are becoming increasingly important. Businesses must ensure transparency about collecting and using customer data and take steps to protect that data from breaches and other security threats.

Ultimately, the future of digital marketing is exciting, with new technologies and trends always emerging. Businesses that can stay ahead of the curve and embrace these changes will likely see tremendous success.