May 21, 2025

We all know it’s less expensive to keep customers than it is to get new ones. The same is true for employees. Unfortunately, many organizations don’t understand that. 

Startups, in particular, have a culture of overworking and under-supporting their workers. Especially when it comes to the “head of marketing,” who is expected to do everything a CMO does, without the authority or pay. Loren Shumate looks at why this happens and, more importantly, what can be done about it.

That lack of support is prevalent throughout marketing when it comes to everyone’s favorite new technology: AI. Sixty-two percent of marketers said lack of education and training is the biggest hurdle when it comes to AI, according to a new study from the AI Marketing Institute. At the same time, 51% of CEOs don’t see this as a problem. Now that’s a problem.

Constantine von Hoffman
Managing Editor

 
SEMrush AppCenter ad promoting video marketing tools. Text reads 'Grow your views faster with top video marketing tools.' Includes a woman smiling in front of a camera and an orange 'Try It Free' button.

Marketing management

AI promises a shortcut, but creative teams are taking the scenic route

 martech-may-2025-cella

AI is entering creative workflows, but the shift is cautious. Most teams are still exploring its role, not transforming their processes yet.

Marketing technology

Why ‘head of marketing’ is the most misunderstood title in startups

 Start-up-leaders-meeting-concept

Startups love to give flashy titles to hungry marketers — without mentorship, power or a seat at the table. This costs everyone.

Digital advertising

IAB releases draft of updated digital ad terms for public comment

 iab-logo-1920_agmhj1

This is the first major revision of the agreement in nearly 25 years and is designed to reflect how much the industry has changed.

MarTech webinar

Marketing scrutiny is rising—make your data a strategic asset

 MarTech-webinar.-Sign-up-here

Learn how standardized, reliable data helps marketing teams prove ROI, optimize performance, and stay agile in unpredictable environments.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Marketers have lots of AI, but not enough direction

 AI-B2B-marketer-using-AI

Most teams lack an AI roadmap or strategy, and most companies lack the policies and procedures needed to implement the technology effectively.
Search Engine Land 2025 Awards ad with the message 'Win big. Save big.' A green badge notes 'Best Rates End May 23'. A pink 'Begin Your Entry' button features a clicking cursor icon over a textured purple background.

Email marketing

Email is the most misunderstood channel in your digital stack

 Hand-holding-envelope-Email-marketing-concept

Email can be your brand’s most controllable growth lever — if you stop treating it like a last resort. Here's how to elevate its role.

B2C marketing

Your 2025 Marketing Playbook? Everyone else already has it

 Its-time-to-update-your-playbook

If your strategies still rely on last year’s playbook, you’re already behind. See what’s driving consumer decisions right now.

Marketing attribution

Why don’t martech vendors provide a tool for the metric that matters?

 Concept-of-marketing-analytics-and-attribution

We keep optimizing based on attribution, not impact. It’s time martech tools let us test what really drives incremental results.

What else we're reading
Good reads and conversations to help good marketers get better.
 

MarTech research
Surveys and research reports to make you a more-informed marketer
  • NEW! Get the 2025 State of Your Stack Survey report by downloading the PDF, flipping through a carousel, listening to a discussion of the results or watching the keynote session from the Spring 2025 MarTech Conference — all without registration.

MarTech Intelligence Reports are in-depth, independent and indispensable. They’re designed to help marketers navigate the martech landscape with questions to ask during the buying process, vendor profiles and more.

Download your Intelligence Report today:

 

What they're saying
  • “Creative professionals are intrigued by AI, but most are still figuring out where it fits. While the hype suggests a fast-moving revolution, the reality is more measured. Many teams are experimenting with new tools and exploring ways to boost efficiency, but at a measured pace.” – Steve Bevilacqua in AI promises a shortcut, but creative teams are taking the scenic route.
  • “Here is the unspoken story of early career professionals who are handed the keys to the marketing kingdom. They get the responsibility and expectation to lead without the support to succeed. Many step into these roles full of promise, only to walk away with deep wounds from feeling overwhelmed, underprepared and alone.” – Loren Shumate in Why ‘head of marketing’ is the most misunderstood title in startups.
 

From Search Engine Land

 

Reach the MarTech community. Learn about advertising/sponsorship here.

This email was sent to newsletter@newslettercollector.com. Unsubscribe.

This email was sent by MarTech - a Third Door Media publication with headquarters at 800 Boylston Street, Suite 2475, Boston, MA USA 02199
© 2025 MarTech.org is a Trademark of Semrush Inc.