In this episode of Franchise Fuel: Smarter Growth, host Vern Nicholson shares why franchisors should pause before renewing their marketing supplier agreements—and the five critical steps you must take first. Drawing on his experience with two of the leading marketing suppliers in the franchise industry, as well as working with national retailers and grocers, Vern explains how to evaluate agency performance, review year-over-year CPL and CPA data, and dig into historical lead sources that drive real sales pipeline results. You’ll also hear how video-first creatives, story-driven content, and funnel acceleration strategies are outperforming static assets, and why multiple RFPs are essential for finding the right long-term marketing partner. Finally, Vern outlines how AI-powered marketing strategies—using adaptive algorithms, real-time notifications, and CRM integration—are transforming cost per qualified lead and ensuring franchisors capture more conversions. If you’re considering signing another year with your current marketing supplier, listen first. This episode gives you the roadmap to make smarter, data-driven decisions and fuel your franchise growth heading into 2026.
About the podcast
Franchise Fuel: Smarter Growth explores how AI technology, smart algorithms, CRM integration, and quality lead generation drive modern franchise expansion. Tune in for expert insights, tools, and strategies to ignite scalable, data-driven growth.
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