Insights from Stimulus Tech Talk with Mark Wilder
Marketing a small business today isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being remembered. In a recent episode of Stimulus Tech Talk, our CEO Nathan Whittacre sat down with Mark Wilder, Creative Director at Wilder Two Agency, to explore how music and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping businesses stand out, connect with the right audience, and market more strategically.
Whether you’re a business owner who wears multiple hats or a marketing lead searching for your next edge, this conversation offers actionable insight on how to use modern tools without overwhelming your team—or your budget.
The Power of Music in Marketing
Mark Wilder brings a unique perspective: not just as a marketing strategist, but as a professional musician whose work has aired on Fox Sports and beyond. In the episode, he shared how sonic branding—the intentional use of music to evoke emotion—can help small businesses create memorable experiences.
“Music has the ability to create emotion immediately, and that emotion sets the tone for what you want the brand to feel like.” — Mark Wilder
You don’t need a jingle or a full audio identity to get started. Even short-form video content and phone system hold music can reflect your brand's tone. And thanks to affordable licensing libraries, small businesses can now access high-quality tracks without risking copyright violations.
AI as a Practical Marketing Partner
When the conversation turned to AI, Mark explained how he uses it—not to replace creativity, but to amplify it.
“I've used AI as a brainstorm partner, not a copywriter. I use it to analyze data, generate ideas, or summarize things quickly.” — Mark Wilder
He recommends AI as a time-saver for solopreneurs or small teams who need help sorting through analytics, researching topics, or organizing their messaging. The key takeaway? AI is a support tool, not a strategy on its own.
Don’t Start With the Tool—Start With the Audience
A recurring theme in the episode is the need for audience-first thinking. As Mark put it:
“The first step is knowing your audience. Don't start with the platform—start with who you’re trying to reach and what action you want them to take.” — Mark Wilder
That advice rings especially true for small business owners who feel pressure to “do it all”—be on TikTok, send email blasts, build landing pages. Without understanding your audience’s behavior and needs, you risk wasting effort on platforms that won’t convert.
The Right Tools Still Matter
Of course, some tools do make the job easier. Mark recommends starting with a solid CRM like HubSpot to bring visibility to what’s working. Combined with automation tools and project management systems like Basecamp or Asana, small teams can compete with larger ones by being more focused and more organized.
Final Thoughts from Mark and Nathan
The episode closes with one clear message: Marketing is about connection. Music and AI are two ways to make that connection faster, more personal, and more strategic.
Summary: What You’ll Learn from This Episode
- Why music still matters in a digital-first marketing world
- How to use AI without losing your voice or vision
- Tips for choosing the right platforms based on audience behavior
- The foundational tools that every small business should consider
- How to avoid overwhelm and stay focused on business growth
Want More Insights Like This?
You can watch the full interview with Mark Wilder on YouTube or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform by searching for Stimulus Tech Talk.
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