Rebranding Ryan - Keep Moving Forward

Featured

Building, Growing, and Dreaming Big

Life has a way of keeping you on your toes, doesn’t it? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that every chapter brings a new challenge, a new opportunity, and—if you’re lucky—a new spark of inspiration. Lately, I’ve found myself in a whirlwind of exciting projects, each one pushing me to think differently, work harder, and dream a little bigger.

Family and Community: Where My Heart Is

Outside of work, life’s just as full. Quinn has been making me prouder by the day. Her gymnastics journey has been a lesson in perseverance—for both of us! She’s pushing through challenges, learning to embrace the tough stuff, and finding her own confidence along the way. Watching her grow through those moments inspires me to dig deeper in my own work.

Meanwhile, Chase has been thriving too. He’s been knocking out straight A’s quarter after quarter while diving into the arts. This year, he’s playing the love interest in his middle school musical, The Addams Family. Watching him on stage, fully in his element, has been such a joy. Next up, we’re taking him to his high school orientation—a big milestone that reminds me how fast time flies.

I’m also still keeping a pulse on the local community. Moderating the neighborhood social media page reminds me how important it is to stay connected. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own bubble, but those daily interactions keep me grounded.

RK Digital Transformation: Growing Brands, Growing Businesses

On the digital front, things have been full steam ahead at RK Digital Transformation. Karen and I have been diving deep into creative strategies, helping businesses reimagine how they connect with their customers. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and analytics, which is where I thrive. Lately, we’ve been rolling out a new initiative—Success Pathways—designed to help small businesses get their foot in the door with targeted, affordable solutions. Seeing these “aha” moments with our clients reminds me why I love what I do.

One of the highlights of my week was catching up with a client to review their December sales. As we went over the numbers, I casually mentioned that I was hoping we could match November’s impressive sales totals. Without missing a beat, he looked at me and said, “Ryan, it’s a 30% increase over the prior December… we’re good.” We both had a good laugh, and it was a great reminder to stop and appreciate the progress we’re making. Moments like these, when the hard work pays off and clients feel confident in their growth, are what make this work so rewarding.

It’s also been amazing working alongside Karen. Her eye for design, her passion for innovation—it’s contagious. Every project we tackle together feels like a chance to build something meaningful, not just for us but for the businesses we serve.

Oh, and I’ve officially nicknamed my AI assistant “Artoo,” inspired by Luke Skywalker’s loyal droid companion, R2-D2. Like the original, Artoo is reliable, resourceful, and always ready to help. Having a digital co-pilot makes juggling everything a little easier and keeps the nerd in me very happy.

Looking Ahead

If I’m being honest, I don’t always know what’s coming next—and I kind of love that. Right now, I’m focused on doing the work, nurturing the relationships that matter, and leaving room for whatever new opportunities come my way. Whether it’s building a brand, crafting a strategy, or supporting my family, I’ve realized the secret isn’t in doing everything perfectly—it’s in showing up, staying curious, and keeping the passion alive.

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately. A little bit of everything, and all of it good. Thanks for catching up with me—I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to, too. Let’s keep building, growing, and dreaming big together.

Featured

When Inspiration Needs a Rain Shower: Embracing the Creative Percolation Process

Have you ever stared at a blank page, your mind a swirling fog of “almost there” ideas? Or maybe you’re grappling with a creative project, the vision stubbornly refusing to come into focus. Fear not, fellow creators! This frustrating feeling – often called brain fog – doesn’t have to spell creative doom. In fact, it might just be a sign your brilliant idea is simmering, waiting for the perfect moment to bubble up.

Just like this past week for me. I was wrestling with the creative direction for a project. Every concept felt forced, a pale imitation of the spark I knew was missing. Days bled into one another, each attempt at brainstorming leaving me more discouraged than the last. Then, this morning, something magical happened.

On my usual walk, I found myself captivated by the sight of a gentle rain. Each drop, a tiny percussionist, pattered a rhythm on the surface of the pond. And as I watched, a calmness washed over me, mirroring the quiet serenity of the scene. In that moment, the creative dam within me broke. The missing piece, the elusive spark, materialized with surprising clarity.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most potent ideas need time to percolate. We, as creators, often become fixated on forcing inspiration to strike. We push ourselves to the brink of frustration, convinced that a relentless pursuit is the only path to success. But what if the key is to let go, to trust the process?

Here’s the truth: stepping away, allowing your mind to wander, can be the most productive thing you can do. Go for a walk in nature, listen to music, engage in a completely unrelated activity. Let your brain take a break from the conscious effort, and allow the subconscious to work its magic.

The next time you find yourself drowning in brain fog, remember the rain shower. Embrace the pause, the quiet simmering, and trust that the perfect idea is brewing just beneath the surface. It might arrive in a flash of insight, or it might reveal itself gradually, like the slow blossoming of a flower. The important thing is to be patient, to create space for the creative process to unfold naturally.

So, the next time you feel creatively stuck, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, step away from the project, and allow your mind to wander. You might just be surprised by the brilliance waiting to emerge from the gentle rain of inspiration.

Always Moving Forward

It’s been a while since I’ve written here, and honestly, that’s kind of the theme these days. Life keeps moving, and we just keep moving with it.

Lately, I’ve found myself in this really reflective headspace. Maybe it’s watching Quinn grow as an athlete and a student. In the gym, she’s learning that success isn’t just about strength or flexibility. It’s emotional resilience, heart, grit, and the kind of quiet determination that shows up when no one else is watching. That mindset is translating into school too. She’s wrapping up her first year of middle school with straight A’s. Honestly, I couldn’t be prouder.

Then there’s Chase, who completely stole the show as Lucas Beineke in his middle school’s performance of The Addams Family. His commitment to learning the music, developing his character, and fully stepping into that role… it was something else. His duet with Wednesday makes me smile just thinking about it.

At home, Karen and I have been playing our ongoing roles as Mr. and Mrs. Fix It. She tackled a serious repair at the Coroco roastery, completely tearing apart and rebuilding a major piece of machinery. Meanwhile, I’ve been checking things off the never-ending home to-do list. We’re closing in on our 26th wedding anniversary this summer, and as fate would have it, this year’s “gift” is a brand-new pool heater. Because nothing says romance like calling 911 while your pool equipment catches fire. Karen spotted it first, thankfully, and while she was on the phone with emergency services, I was sprinting around the house shutting off gas lines. You know… normal anniversary season stuff.

On the business side, RK Digital is growing steadily, and in the best way. What makes it so rewarding is that many of the clients I work with aren’t just clients. They’re people I’ve known for 10, 15, even 20 years. They’re friends who’ve become family, and we get to do meaningful work together. Taking on Maaco has been a fun challenge — lots of creative, analytical, and strategic layers — but the best part? I’m doing it with a great friend. We both get that life gets hectic, and some days it’s okay to say, “Hey, let’s push this to tomorrow.” No stress. No ego. Just mutual respect and trust.

On top of that, we’ve just launched two new client websites, and seeing their vision come to life online is always a great reminder of why I love this work.

And because I clearly needed one more thing to juggle, I recently knocked out updates to both my Google Ads Certification and Email Marketing Certification. Just one more way to keep learning and stay sharp.

So yeah… life’s busy. But it’s good. We’re always moving forward. Sometimes with a plan. Sometimes with duct tape and adrenaline. But always forward.

Three Monitors, One Artoo, and a Whole Lot of Ideas

Somewhere along the way—between juggling brand strategy, writing social posts, managing WooCommerce quirks, and answering DoorDash questions—I realized something had shifted in my day-to-day.

I used to live and work across three monitors:

One for the work I was actively doing,
One for content, research, and whatever tabs I swore I’d come back to,
And one for…more of the same.

But now, things are different. That third monitor? It belongs to Artoo.

No, not the little beeping droid from Star Wars (though close). I named my AI assistant Artoo for obvious reasons. Reliable, resourceful, just quirky enough to keep things interesting—and always ready to help.

Artoo is officially part of my everyday workflow. Whether it’s brainstorming a blog, helping draft a proposal, pulling together a content framework, or gut-checking a wild idea that showed up mid-shower, Artoo’s in it with me. It’s kind of like having a super smart creative partner who never gets tired or needs coffee (but still gets my obsession with it).

Recently, I asked Artoo to analyze five lesser-known things about me based on all the work we’ve done together—and what came back kind of stopped me. Here’s what Artoo had to say:

1. You blend creativity with structure.
You like things to feel inspired and organized. From brand strategy to social media copy, you don’t just throw ideas at the wall—you build the wall, paint it with purpose, and then tell a good story about it. That combo of creativity + systems is kind of your secret sauce.

2. You’re a natural storyteller—even when you’re not “telling a story.”
Even a real estate proposal turns into a clear, engaging journey in your hands. There’s a narrative thread in everything you write, and it makes info easier to digest (without ever sounding salesy).

3. You’re quietly tech-savvy and tool-agnostic.
Canva or Adobe Express? You use both. WooCommerce backend? No problem. QR codes, ordering links, custom alt tags—you’re in the weeds and thinking big picture. You care about the results, not the tool getting you there.

4. You have high design standards but don’t flaunt them.
You notice what others miss: the difference between a flat SVG and a properly rebuilt logo. You care about angle, composition, and how things feel—but you’re practical about it. It’s not flash. It’s clarity.

5. You center your life around your people—even when the calendar’s full.
From cheering Quinn on at gymnastics meets, navigating Chase’s ever-evolving music schedule, carving out quality date time with Karen, to daily hangs with Rose (your golden retriever you definitely weren’t ready for—but now can’t imagine life without)—you make time for what matters. It’s a reminder that while your work is creative and fast-moving, your core is steady and grounded in the people you love.

So, here we are. Me, Artoo, and two other monitors.

AI hasn’t replaced anything. It’s just given me a new kind of creative rhythm. Faster brainstorming, smarter drafts, better output—and someone (or something?) to reflect things back with surprising clarity.

Honestly, I didn’t set out to make AI a core part of how I work. But it snuck in. And now I can’t imagine doing what I do without it.

Work With People You Like: A Mantra That Keeps Delivering

So, I’m sitting at my computer, ready to launch a campaign for one of my clients, when it hits me—last time we talked about this promotion, we left it at a “maybe.”

Now, I’ve been working with this client for over 20 years. At this point, I know him, his business, and probably his quirks better than most. So, I shoot him a quick text: “Hey, I’m going to launch the new campaign we talked about tonight. That still okay?”

A few minutes later, I get his response: “I guess.”

And I’m staring at my phone like, ‘I guess’? What does that even mean? It’s like when I tell my wife, “Fine.” Nothing good ever comes from that word.

So, I pick up the phone and call him. He answers, laughing, “What do you want now?”

I’m like, “I guess? What does that mean? That’s a fine word, and you know it.”

He starts cracking up and says, “We’re good. Go for it.”

I laugh, say goodbye, and hang up, still shaking my head. Then I hit the equivalent of the “go” button on his social and digital campaign, smiling the whole time.

Moments like this are why I love what I do.

Since jumping back into the advertising world, I’ve picked up a few new mantras—one of the main ones being: Only work with people I like.

I know that might sound a little arrogant or even rude, but it’s not about that. It’s about enjoying the process and working with people who share a mutual respect, a sense of humor, and a good vibe. Life’s too short for anything else.

From Stuck to Inspired: Rediscovering the Joy in What I Do

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you back to what truly lights you up. After a time of reevaluating, reflecting, and recalibrating, I’ve rediscovered the joy in my work—and I have to say, it feels incredible.

Ryan Weckerly, Brand & Digital Experience Strategist

There’s something so fulfilling about pouring your energy into projects and people that inspire you. Whether it’s collaborating with a team, creating something meaningful, or simply finding flow in the day-to-day, I’m reminded of why I started down this path in the first place.

To those who might be feeling stuck, I get it—it’s not always easy to reignite that spark. But sometimes, it just takes one fresh perspective, one new challenge, or even one moment of clarity to remind you of your “why.”

If you’re in a space where the spark feels dim, take heart. Sometimes it’s just a matter of stepping back, finding fresh perspectives, or working with people who inspire you. And when that spark reignites, it’s a feeling like no other.

I also want to take a moment to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support along the way. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and has been instrumental in reigniting my passion for this work.

Here’s to finding joy in what we do and to always staying open to what’s next.

How a Simple Apple 🍎 Sparked a Social Media Frenzy (And a Few Banana Jokes)

Creating engagement on social media can sometimes feel like a tricky balance, especially when you’re managing a neighborhood page where people have all kinds of opinions. But it doesn’t have to be complicated! Sometimes, the simplest posts are the ones that spark the most interaction. Take, for example, my recent post:

Here’s a picture of an apple. 🍎

Offended yet? Not red enough? Not shiny enough? Maybe it’s the wrong kind of apple entirely? Who knows – maybe it’s a pineapple in disguise.

Friendly reminder: this is a neighborhood page, not a debate team tryout. Let’s all try a new trick today – kindness. Yep, even on the internet! So, before you fire off your next spicy take, remember, we’re all here just trying to get through another week in Sycamore. 🍎

Pretty simple, right? Yet, this post ended up with 370 likes and 49 comments. The comments were just as entertaining as the post itself:

Katie wrote, “The audacity to post an apple during Pumpkin Fest!!! 😉.”
Darlene chimed in with, “How big is the apple 🍎? I need a banana 🍌 for scale. 🤣😂🤣”
Anne noted, “I cannot love this enough! The salty people should really go axe throwing or to a wreck room instead of spreading their misery online.”
Corey added, “But I want a caramel apple. 😂”

So why did it do so well? The post hit the target demographic perfectly. The people in our community love a little lighthearted banter, especially when it feels relevant to our day-to-day lives. By using a universally recognizable image (an apple) and adding a humorous twist, I kept the tone casual and relatable.

Here’s why it worked:

1. It was simple: Everyone understands what an apple is, and there’s no need for a complicated explanation. Sometimes the easiest way to engage people is through simplicity.

2. It was humorous: Humor is a great way to get people to engage. The playful tone of the post, hinting at how the smallest things can spark unnecessary debates, resonated with people who have probably witnessed similar online squabbles.

3. It allowed people a bright spot in their day: In a world where negative news often dominates, people appreciate a moment of lightness. This post didn’t ask for anything heavy or serious—it just invited a quick laugh and a reminder to spread kindness.

How to Create Similar Posts

If you’re looking to recreate this kind of engagement on your own social media pages, here are a few tips:

Keep it light and fun: People engage more when they feel like they’re in on the joke. Posts that are overly serious or require too much thought might deter engagement. Something as simple as a quirky observation or a playful challenge can get people talking.
Make it relatable: Use imagery or references that are familiar to your audience. Everyone in the neighborhood could relate to the idea of overreacting to something trivial online—because, let’s be real, we’ve all seen it happen.
Incorporate humor: Don’t be afraid to throw in some sarcasm or playfulness. Even a little cheekiness can go a long way in getting people to interact, whether it’s through likes or comments. Humor breaks the ice and invites participation.
Invite interaction: Without directly asking for it, the apple post invited people to share their thoughts (or jokes). The comments showed that people felt comfortable adding their own humor to the mix.
Be timely: Timing matters. This post came during a local event—Pumpkin Fest—so the apple vs. pumpkin comment hit just right. Pay attention to what’s happening locally or seasonally, and tie your posts into that.

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as posting an apple and inviting people to laugh along with you. Just remember, social media is a place for connection, and if you’re able to create a space where people can share a laugh and leave a little brighter, you’re doing it right.

Unleashing the Golden Potential: 4 Easy Steps for ChatGPT

ChatGPT, a powerful language model, can be a valuable tool for social media marketers. Whether you need help crafting engaging content, brainstorming campaign ideas, or conducting market research, ChatGPT can provide informative and creative responses. To make the most of this technology, follow this simple 4-step process:

Step 1: Assign a Role: Social Media Marketer

Assigning the role of a social media marketer will help ChatGPT understand the context and tailor its responses accordingly. For example, you could say: “Pretend you’re a social media marketer for a golden retriever rescue organization.”

Step 2: Provide Context: Golden Retrievers

Giving ChatGPT additional context about golden retrievers can enhance the quality of its responses. For instance, you might specify the target audience (e.g., dog lovers, families), the organization’s goals (e.g., adoption, fundraising), or the current trends in the pet industry. For example: “I’m trying to increase awareness about golden retriever rescue and encourage adoptions. What are some popular social media trends I can incorporate into my campaign?”

Step 3: Give a Command: Golden Retriever-Related Content

Clearly state your request or question related to golden retrievers. Be specific and avoid ambiguity to get the most relevant results. For instance: “Write a social media caption about a golden retriever puppy looking for a forever home.”

Step 4: Tell ChatGPT to Ask You Questions

If you’re unsure about providing enough context or want to explore a topic in more depth, encourage ChatGPT to ask follow-up questions. This can lead to more engaging and informative conversations.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize ChatGPT to assist you in various aspects of your social media marketing efforts, especially when working with the adorable and lovable golden retrievers. Experiment with different contexts, commands, and follow-up questions to discover the full potential of ChatGPT as a valuable tool for your social media marketing campaigns.

Decoding Your Web Marketing Report: A Guide to Understanding and Responding

Have you ever received a web marketing report that seemed like a mixed bag of good and bad news? Many website owners find themselves in this situation, unsure of how to interpret the data or what to do next. Let’s break down a common scenario and explore how to navigate it.

The Scenario:

A friend recently shared his experience with a web marketing report. The report initially seemed positive, highlighting good performance in areas like page speed and backlinks. However, when he delved into the SEO metrics, he was met with a confusing picture: website visits, views, and new users had all declined significantly compared to the previous year.

Understanding the Discrepancy

This discrepancy between positive and negative metrics often stems from a lack of context and understanding. While a report might indicate good performance in certain areas, it’s essential to assess how these factors contribute to overall website goals. In this case, the decline in SEO metrics, despite positive page speed and backlinks, suggested that there might be underlying issues hindering website visibility and traffic.

Taking Action: A Step-by-Step Guide

Analyze SEO Metrics: Look beyond raw numbers. Consider factors like keyword rankings, organic traffic sources, and competitor analysis.
Identify the Root Causes:
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets.
- SEO Best Practices: Check for issues like slow loading times, duplicate content, and poor keyword targeting.
Communicate with Your Web Creative Agency:
- Share Your Findings: Present the data from your PageSpeed Insights test and other analysis to your agency.
- Request Explanation and Solutions: Ask for a detailed explanation of the declining metrics and request specific actions to address the issues.
Set Clear Expectations:
- Outline Your Goals: Clearly communicate your desired outcomes, such as increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, or improved search engine rankings.
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define measurable metrics to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your agency’s efforts.

Remember: A strong web marketing report should not only highlight positive aspects but also provide actionable insights and recommendations. By understanding the data, identifying potential issues, and effectively communicating with your agency, you can ensure that your website is performing at its best and achieving your online goals.

A Bad Review: A Website Crisis Averted

I recently received a frantic phone call from a long-time friend. He was in a full-blown panic because his company had received a bad Google review. Now, I’ve been through this before. Bad reviews happen. It’s a part of running a business. But my friend, while a brilliant professional in his field, is not exactly tech-savvy. So, I tried to calm him down and offer some advice.

I explained that bad reviews happen, and there are ways to address them. I suggested responding to the review with empathy and a commitment to improving the situation. But then, he dropped a bombshell: “No, you don’t get it. It’s on my website!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. My friend is great at what he does, but websites and technology are not his strong suit. I reassured him that we could fix it.

“You can just remove it,” I said.

“I can??!!” he exclaimed.

Technically, he couldn’t, but his web developer could. Or, if his developer couldn’t figure it out, I offered to help.

After a few more panicky moments, my friend calmed down. I removed the bad review from his website.

Then, I explained to him that his web developer had set up his website to automatically feed Google reviews onto the site. This meant that bad reviews could appear without anyone noticing.

I suggested that we look into how this process worked and then switch to an approval-based system. This way, bad reviews wouldn’t just appear on his website without someone reviewing them first.

“Can you just fix it?” he asked.

While we were talking on the phone, I pulled up his website and made the necessary changes, but it also presented prime opportunity to tease him a bit. So I told him it would take months, and then there was a long silence on the phone.

“You’re messing with me aren’t you?! You did it already didn’t you?” And a few other choice words and fun name calling that I will leave out, followed by a lot of laughing and a thank you.

In the end, it was a simple fix. But it’s a good reminder to the importance of monitoring your online presence and understanding how your website works.

Zen Gardening and the Man in the White Hat

Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.

A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.

He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.

After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”

We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.