Terry Zelen: Why 95% of Agencies Will Fail Without Adapting This Strategy

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E-Coffee with Experts

Business


In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, we’re chatting with Terry Zelen, Owner of Zelen Communications, and the guy who went from studying marine biology to running a successful creative agency. His path into marketing wasn’t traditional, but that’s what makes his perspective so refreshing.


Terry breaks down how his team started using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney way before it was trendy. But for him, it’s not about replacing people, it’s about making his team faster, smarter, and better at what they do. From SEO to content strategy, they’ve found ways to use AI that actually move the needle.


We also dig into how they tell stories through content that people actually care about, and why using the right marketing channels for the right audience matters more than ever.


If you’re tired of hearing the same old marketing advice and want a behind-the-scenes look at what agencies are really doing in 2025, this episode is for you.


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In this episode, we discuss:


00:00 - 01:20: Introduction

01:20 - 02:56: How they became early adopters of AI in marketing

02:56 - 03:45: The scary stat that made Terry act fast on AI

03:45 - 04:40: How AI helps their SEO and content teams today

04:40 - 05:20: The #1 goal when using AI (and it’s not replacement)

05:20 - 06:00: Go-to tools: ChatGPT, MidJourney & building global remote teams

06:00 - 07:00: Writing for Forbes: What makes AI content not generic

07:00 - 08:10: Real estate content vs direct mail: What actually connects

08:10 - 09:15: What most businesses still get wrong about marketing

09:15 - 10:00: Why “one-trick pony” agencies hurt more than help

10:00 - 11:10: Omni-channel marketing: How offline still boosts online ROI

11:10 - 12:00: PR backlinks + SEO = hidden power move

12:00 - 14:20: Terry’s favorite client story: How they won Outback Steakhouse

14:20 - 14:48: Final Thoughts


 Connect with Terry Zelen

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-zelen-83989a/

 zelencommunications.com


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