Setup Blog

With agentic AI systems driving automation, fintech innovations setting new standards, and post-pandemic digital acceleration cementing permanent shifts in behavior, the financial marketing landscape is evolving at a rapid speed. So, how can financial brands stay ahead?

Is AI stripping consumers of excitement? Is there unconscious bias in AI? How can marketers stand out while using the same tech stack? 

In conversations with marketing leaders in the high-tech and innovation sector, adopting AI is not the challenge. The future belongs to teams who adapt to AI while investing in human elements like curiosity, connection, and inspiration. 

Advancements in AI over the last few years have shifted customer expectations. With all of this power and access, however, comes more responsibility on marketers to lead with intention and care. Explore the biggest shifts in High-tech + Innovation and how marketing leaders can act accordingly.

When it comes to picking an agency, chemistry between brands and agencies is often overlooked in the selection process, but it’s one of the biggest indicators of long-term success. Yes, you need a business partner with the right capabilities and experience, but when it comes down to the final candidates, chemistry is what truly sets long-term partners apart.

At Setup, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with some of the most influential women in marketing over the years—leaders who are driving change and making an impact in their organizations and beyond. Here’s what we’ve learned from their stories.

Great marketers never stop learning—so how are you investing in your team’s growth? From leadership coaching to AI-driven innovation, this blog explores the most effective professional development strategies to keep your marketing team sharp, engaged, and ahead of the curve.

Gratitude is the primary word I think of when reflecting on the 11th anniversary this month for Setup. This anniversary is not just a celebration of Setup—it’s a celebration of you. Whether you’re a client who has placed trust in our process, an agency that has joined our network, a partner who has supported our journey, or a friend who has cheered us on, your support has been invaluable.

The path to growth for marketing Agencies in 2025 is no longer about simply acquiring new Clients; it’s about scaling effectively. With evolving Client demands, technological advancements, and increasing competition, Agencies must focus on strategies that enable sustainable and efficient expansion. 

Based on insights from Setup’s research, expert advice, and industry trends over the last 10 years, here are five key strategies to help Agencies scale effectively in 2025.

The Setup Marketer Speed Dating event is one of our personal favorite longstanding #MarketersBreakfast events  because of the ease and quality of the connections fostered. Established Atlanta Brands and our Agency partners come together to mix, mingle, and enjoy one another’s company in a fast-paced, pitch-free environment where forming a genuine connection is at the core of the interaction.

Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just about football—it was a masterclass in marketing. Each year, brands gamble big (to the tune of $8 million per 30-second ad) for a chance to capture the nation’s attention. With such high stakes, the challenge isn’t just making a good ad—it’s making an ad that resonates long after the final whistle blows.

This year, amid a landscape of economic uncertainty and shifting consumer sentiment, many brands leaned away from risk-taking and played it safe. "Nowstalgia"—pairing rising stars with established icons—dominated, while humor, celebrity cameos, and absurdist comedy took center stage. And while some brands nailed it, others flopped despite their star-studded casts.