Franchising isn’t slowing down, but how it grows is changing. At the 2025 Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (FLDC), the message was clear: Economic uncertainty, inflation and tightening returns are rewriting the rules. It’s a critical moment for marketing leaders to reimagine their franchise marketing strategy — one that isn’t just reactive but resilient. Unit … Read more
In franchising, brand equity isn’t built once. It’s maintained, adapted and re-energized as markets evolve, customers shift and competition closes in. Yet, many franchise brands wait too long to ask a crucial question: Is our brand still doing the job we need it to do? The answer isn’t always obvious. But as Michelle Rollins, Executive … Read more
In franchise brand marketing, trust is everything. To connect with consumers or future franchisees, your brand needs more than a catchy tagline; it needs proof. That’s where Reasons to Believe (RTBs) come in: real, tangible evidence that backs your brand promise. Think franchise success stories, performance data, customer testimonials — anything that adds credibility and … Read more
AI continues to be the hottest conversation topic in marketing. In today’s tech-driven world, consumers don’t just want tailored brand experiences, they expect them. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions and 76% get frustrated when it doesn’t happen. Companies that grow faster drive 40% more of their revenue from … Read more
In an industry crowded with competitors, franchise brand differentiation is harder than it sounds. Even seasoned CMOs and franchise marketing leaders struggle to articulate their brand’s unique edge. “It seems like a simple question that you would think a CMO could define in five minutes, but it’s not always that simple,” says Hot Dish Advertising’s … Read more
Search engines are growing brains — and they’ve graduated from old-school SEO. In an age where AI tools like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), Bing Copilot and ChatGPT are rewriting how users search, brands must rethink how they show up online. Traditional SEO still plays a role, but it’s no longer the full story. To … Read more
Franchise growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s driven by a strong, consistent franchise marketing strategy —one that resonates with modern consumers and delivers results both nationally and locally. But when there’s a breakdown between strategy and execution, that’s when franchisees lose momentum, customer loyalty fades and brand relevance starts to slip. At Hot Dish, we … Read more
The new year is off to a positive start for those in the business world, and investors are going into 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism. The combination of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates last year and the new administration’s business-friendly policies have industry insiders predicting “a flurry” of dealmaking activity in 2025. … Read more
The 2025 International Franchise Association (IFA) Conference in Las Vegas brought together franchisors, franchisees and their suppliers. Hot Dish’s own CEO and Co-Founder, Dawn Kane, participated in a panel discussion with other industry leaders entitled “Strategies from Top Franchise Visionaries.” The discussion was moderated by Catherine Monson, CFE, who serves as the CEO and President of Propelled … Read more
Team Hot Dish attended the annual International Franchise Association (IFA) conference in Las Vegas last week. The event was packed with powerful insights, forward-thinking strategies and a clear vision for the future of franchising. This year’s key theme? Responsible franchising = smart, sustainable growth. Industry leaders reinforced that success comes from strong leadership, strategic innovation … Read more
