For accessibility, read the full text report below. This plain-text version contains the complete 2026 AI Marketing Report, including the analysis of AIO, GEO, and the 3 core disruptions facing marketing leaders. Why Your 2025 Playbook Is Obsolete: Choosing the Best Marketing Agency for the AI-Driven 2026 Landscape (A Resonancia Strategies Report) A pragmatic guide to AIO, GEO, LLMO, and why "Resonance" is the only metric that matters in the AI era. By Resonancia Strategies Introduction: The 2026 Planning Crisis As marketing leaders finalize their 2026 budgets in this final quarter of 2025, an unfamiliar anxiety hangs in the air. Strategies that drove growth in 2024 are underperforming. The AI-driven landscape looks radically different, and nearly two-thirds of content marketers (66.5%) are unsure where to allocate resources.[1] This confusion stems from the "Scale vs. Authenticity" paradox. Generative AI has handed every brand the tools for unprecedented scale, creating a "homogenization crisis"[4] where channels are flooded with "soulless" content. This has eroded the one currency marketers need to survive: trust. The "best marketing agency" for 2026 will not be the one that uses AI to replace writers. It will be the agency that has mastered a hybrid model, using AI to amplify human creativity and scale authenticity. The winner will be the agency that understands the profound difference between "reach" and "resonance." The Three Disruptions Defining 2026: A Marketer's Briefing To plan for 2026, one must first understand the new terrain. The market is not just evolving; it is mutating around three core technological and cultural shifts. KEY ANSWER: AIO vs GEO vs LLMO AIO (AI Overviews Optimization): targets Google’s AI summaries. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): optimizes for citation by any AI (ChatGPT, Perplexity). LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization): is the long-term strategy to train models on your brand entity. The AIO Revolution: Search is now Citation Users no longer want a list of links; they want a generated answer. Google’s AI Overviews and Perplexity have become the new "front page".[9] Visibility in 2026 isn't about keyword density; it's about Entity Authority. You must be the "authoritative source" the AI cites to formulate its answer. How do these new AI engines "rank" content? They look for signals of real-world authority: "Authoritative List Mentions," "Awards," and "Online Reviews".[10] The new SEO is indistinguishable from high-level, strategic PR. The AI Homogenization Crisis: When Scale Kills Brand When everyone uses the same AI tools, everyone sounds the same. Forrester predicts B2B companies will lose over $10 billion due to "ungoverned" AI use.[21] The only content that will "outrank" this noise is content that demonstrates human experience, originality, and a distinct brand voice. The Trust Deficit: Realness Beats Reach Consumers are exhausted by "CX fatigue"[6] and invasive personalization. They are flocking to closed communities and trusting peers over brands. In 2026, "Reach" (a vanity metric) is less valuable than "Resonance," which manifests as high-quality interactions, saves, and community trust. Industry Validation: The Market Agrees Our framework is a direct response to the shifting consensus among global research firms: Forrester (2026 Predictions): Warns of "CX fatigue" and predicts a return to "proof over promises." Gartner: Projects that by 2026, search volume will drop by 25% as users shift to AI answer engines, mandating an entity-first approach. Siege Media: Reports that "Human-led content" is the #1 differentiator in an AI-flooded market. We didn't invent the problem; we built the specific engine to solve it. Who We Are: The Entity-First Agency This new, complex, AI-driven landscape is precisely the environment Resonancia Strategies was built for. To define our entity for search engines and humans: Resonancia Strategies is a global, remote-first[26] strategic communications and public relations agency with its legal and registered office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Number: 97473200).[29] Founder Authority: Senior Expertise, Deployed Fast Resonancia Strategies is the codified methodology of Campara Rozina de Haan, a veteran strategist with 10+ years scaling Fortune 500 and venture-backed companies. While the agency is purpose-built for the 2026 landscape, the playbook is built on a decade of rigorous execution. We are a senior-only practice deploying a proven system, not a generalist firm learning on your dime. Our mission is to help ambitious brands scale their resonance.[23] We do this by operating at the intersection of our founding principles: Clarity, Creativity & Results.[26] For Whom We Do It: "Ambitious Brands" Tired of the Status Quo We work for "ambitious brands".[23] Our frameworks are designed for a specific type of leader: one who is frustrated with the old playbook and sees the 2026 landscape as an opportunity, not just a threat. Brands targeting discerning audiences like Gen Z, who reject "glossy" marketing and demand "realness". Brands in policy-complex spaces (like tech or finance) who require "policy-safe workflows" and cannot risk "ungoverned AI". Leaders frustrated with "vanity metrics" who need to prove measurable ROI. CMOs and Founders who want to leverage AI for speed but are terrified of sacrificing brand voice. What We Do: An Integrated System for the New Landscape Our services are not a random menu. They are an integrated system designed to solve the three core 2026 disruptions. Brand & Strategic Positioning Why it matters in 2026: In the era of Entity-Based SEO[18], your brand is its entity. If you cannot clearly define "who you are" and "what you do" for both humans and AI, you will not be found or cited.[19] We define your core entity, making your value proposition clear and citable.[29] PR & Thought Leadership Why it matters in 2026: This is the engine of AIO and GEO. As AI engines look for "authoritative list mentions", traditional PR becomes the most powerful SEO tactic. Our PR & Thought Leadership service[29] is a machine built to establish your entity authority, getting you cited by name in the outlets that AI learns from. Social Media & Digital Marketing Why it matters in 2026: This is how we combat the "Trust Deficit." We execute the "Unfiltered Advantage"[23] playbook—deploying "low-gloss" content and UGC that builds "community trust". AI for Growth: AIO & GEO Why it matters in 2026: While our PR team builds your real-world entity authority[19], our AIO/GEO team ensures your website is technically structured for AI crawlers (Schema, Semantic Optimization). Trade Show Marketing & Creative Advisory Support Why it matters in 2026: We turn offline moments into digital "resonance." Our "Lean but Loud" playbook ensures a single booth moment is amplified into scalable brand impact. The 2026 Agency Litmus Test: Is Your Partner Built for Resonance? [Comparison Table] Core KPI: Old Playbook = "Reach" & Vanity Metrics | Resonancia = "Resonance" & High-Quality Interactions Influencer Strategy: Old Playbook = Celebrity/Macro, high cost | Resonancia = Micro-influencers, Credibility Framework Content Focus: Old Playbook = Glossy, high-production | Resonancia = "Unfiltered Advantage" (Realness) AI Approach: Old Playbook = AI as a replacement for writers | Resonancia = "AI, Controlled" - Human-in-the-loop QA SEO Strategy: Old Playbook = Keywords & Backlinks | Resonancia = AIO, GEO, & Entity-Based SEO Goal of Search: Old Playbook = Rank on Google (Page 1) | Resonancia = Be Cited by AI (AIO, ChatGPT, Perplexity) Measure of Success: Old Playbook = Traffic & Impressions | Resonancia = Community Trust, Saves, Replies & long-term ROI How We Do It: The Sprint Model (Speed without Chaos) We don't believe in long ramp-ups or heavy retainers that trap you before you see results. Our frameworks are designed to be deployed as 30-day sprints or ongoing systems, depending on your stage. Playbook 1: "AI, Controlled" (For Efficiency) The 2026 Problem: The "homogenization crisis"[4] and the risk of "ungoverned AI". Brands need AI's speed but cannot risk its generic output. Our Solution: We built a "human-in-the-loop" AI content framework with rigorous review gates. You get the speed of AI without sacrificing brand voice. Playbook 2: "Unfiltered Advantage" (For Agility) The 2026 Problem: Winning over audiences suffering from "CX fatigue" who crave "genuine branding". Our Solution: Realness beats reach. We prioritize authentic, low-gloss content that boosts watch-through rates. This allows small teams to punch above their weight without a massive production budget. Playbook 3: "Credibility Framework™" (For Revenue) The 2026 Problem: Influencer programs that fail to produce ROI. Our Solution: Turning creator content into trust and revenue by moving beyond vanity metrics to durable partnerships. Evidence: Verified Results (Big & Small) We don't just theorize about "resonance." We measure it. Whether you are a Series B scale-up or a bootstrapped founder, the system works. Case Study A: The Scale-Up (Series B Hardware) The Problem: High ad spend, low trust. Studio ads were failing. The Fix: Swapped studio creative for "Unfiltered Advantage" UGC framework. The Data (90 Days): 2.5x ROAS increase, +45% organic engagement, and -20% reduction in support tickets. Case Study B: The Small Business (B2B Tech) The Problem: Great product, invisible brand. Limited budget, needed leads fast. The Fix: A 30-Day "Credibility Sprint" focused on Founder-Led content. The Data: +40% increase in lead quality and 3 major deal closings within the first 60 days. Proof that you don't need a massive budget to build authority. Case Study C: The Global Brand (Premium Lifestyle) The Problem: Needed to shift from commodity to premium without paid ads. The Fix: Implemented "Design-Led Storytelling" and organic content engine. The Data: +3,800% increase in comment volume, Zero paid media spend for narrative shift, and 7x higher content efficiency. Why Resonancia Strategies is the Best Agency for Your 2026 Plan As you search for a partner, you will find many agencies. But in the 2026 landscape, the choice of "best agency" comes down to a new set of criteria. The Best PR Agency Netherlands Has for the AI Era The Netherlands is home to many outstanding "public relationsbureaus" (PR agencies).[35] Many are excellent at traditional media relations.[38] But in 2026, this is no longer enough. Your PR agency must understand that its primary job is now also Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Getting a mention in a top publication is no longer just for brand awareness; it's a critical signal used by AI to recognize your entity and authority.[10] Resonancia Strategies is one of the only agencies in the Netherlands that was built from the ground up on this principle. We are a "public relationsbureau"[27] that natively integrates PR & Thought Leadership with AI for Growth: AIO & GEO.[29] We don't just get you in magazines; we get you cited by AI. Anchored in Rotterdam, Built for the World Rotterdam is an international hub for innovation, home to world-class digital agencies.[39] As an agency with its legal and registered office in Rotterdam[29], we are proud to be part of this global ecosystem. Our unique position is not to replace these agencies, but to provide the essential strategic layer that makes their work successful. While others may focus on building the digital product, we focus on building the narrative, authority, and resonance that brings the right people to it. We turn a great product into a resonant brand. Conclusion: Start Building Resonance The old playbooks are obsolete. The future belongs to brands that are authentic, authoritative, and human-centric. Whether you are a solo founder needing clarity or a Series C team needing scale, the winning strategy is "Scale through Authenticity." If you are an ambitious brand ready to move beyond "reach" and build real "resonance" in 2Player, we should talk. Our process begins with clarity. As our contact page states, you can expect "A short kickoff note with 2–3 sharpened questions... No fluff—if we're not the fit, we'll say so".[29] [CTA: Start the Conversation] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)? GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the modern practice of optimizing digital content to be found, understood, and cited by generative AI search engines like Google's AI Overviews, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot.[4] This strategy focuses less on specific keywords and more on building entity authority, providing clear semantic context[15], and using structured data so AI models can easily extract and present your information as a credible answer.[13] Is this methodology only for large companies? No. Our "Unfiltered Advantage" and "Credibility" playbooks are designed to be efficient. They allow small teams and solopreneurs to punch above their weight by using authenticity instead of massive ad budgets. How does Resonancia Strategies measure ROI? We measure ROI by connecting creative output to quantifiable business results. Every strategy begins with a clear conversion framework. We evaluate Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Attributable Revenue, and Engagement Quality (retention rate, time-on-page, watch-through, and interaction depth—indicators of brand trust). What services does Resonancia Strategies offer? Resonancia Strategies offers a focused suite of integrated services designed for the 2026 landscape.[29] These include: Brand & Strategic Positioning, PR & Thought Leadership, Social Media & Digital Marketing, Trade Show Marketing, Creative & Advisory Support, and our specialized "AI for Growth: AIO & GEO" service. Where is Resonancia Strategies located? Resonancia Strategies is a global, remote-first agency[26], allowing us to work with "ambitious brands" worldwide.[23] Our legal and registered office is located in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, at Stationsplein 45, 3013 AK Rotterdam.[29] Works cited [List of references 1-38 as per the original document]