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Gus Wagner - Comment (0)

Meta recently announced changes to its content moderation and fact-checking systems, signaling a shift toward a more community-driven approach to content review. While the full impact of this change remains to be seen, here’s a breakdown of what it could mean for users and advertisers on Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms.

A Return to “X-Type” Community Review?

Meta’s pivot seems to embrace a model resembling the one seen on X (formerly Twitter), where users have a larger role in reviewing and flagging content. For some users, this shift might even rekindle their interest in Meta platforms, increasing usage times.

The reality is that most Facebook users have already tailored their feeds to align with their preferences. If they prefer content that sparks controversy or heated debate, they’ll likely see more of it. The new system could amplify this by allowing users to provide feedback on the content they see.

Why the Old System Fell Short

The previous moderation system had its flaws, often returning a “does not violate our standards” response—even for obvious spam or harmful content. Many users and businesses, ourselves included, tested the system and found it lacking in nuance and accuracy. The move toward a more dynamic, community-influenced model could address some of these frustrations, but it also opens the door to new challenges.

At The Rocket Group, we’ve been working with Meta platforms from almost Day One, navigating their evolving systems to drive results for ourselves and our clients. Over the years, we’ve invested millions of dollars in Meta advertising, fine-tuning strategies and learning firsthand how shifts in content moderation affect both the user experience and ad performance.

What About Advertisers?

For advertisers, the changes present a potential double-edged sword. Community reporting could pose risks if users target ads unfairly. Currently, users can express dissatisfaction with ads by blocking them or leaving negative comments. However, the new system could escalate these actions if Meta decides to publicly brand ads flagged by users, similar to how X marks content deemed questionable.

At this point, Meta has not disclosed how flagged content will be visually marked or distinguished. This uncertainty leaves advertisers with questions about how such branding might influence their campaigns’ performance and audience perception.

At The Rocket Group, we’ve long understood the value of Meta’s advertising capabilities, and with our extensive experience, we know how to balance ad targeting, messaging, and community feedback. However, these changes could shift the landscape, requiring advertisers to adapt to new dynamics.

The Bottom Line

For now, the changes to Meta’s moderation system are unlikely to cause immediate disruptions for users or advertisers. However, the real test will come as the public begins to engage with this new approach. If the community-driven model fosters a fair and balanced environment, it could enhance the user experience and strengthen trust in Meta’s platforms.

Advertisers should keep a close eye on how these changes unfold, particularly if public labeling of flagged content becomes part of the system. Transparency and adaptability will be key to navigating this evolving landscape. At The Rocket Group, we’ll continue to monitor these developments closely and guide our clients through any shifts, leveraging our deep understanding of Meta’s platforms to maximize results.

TL;DR: Meta’s move toward community-driven content moderation could impact user engagement and advertising, but the extent depends on how the public responds. Time will tell if this shift improves the overall ecosystem or introduces new challenges. At The Rocket Group, we’re ready to help advertisers stay ahead of these changes and optimize their Meta strategies.

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Rose - Comment (0)

Sponsoring content related to rural economic development and rural healthcare, and more topics, presents a unique and impactful opportunity, particularly through the largest print publication network in rural America. By leveraging this extensive reach, sponsors can effectively connect with a diverse audience that is deeply rooted in their communities and eager for relevant, practical information.

The Rural Agency, in collaboration with SaveYour.Town, rural electric member-benefit publications, and various rural health associations, is at the forefront of this initiative. These organizations bring a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of rural challenges and opportunities, ensuring that sponsored content is not only informative but also highly relevant to the needs of 27 million total rural and suburban readers across the country.

Rural economic development is a critical area where communities seek guidance and support. Sponsorship of content that highlights successful case studies, innovative practices, and available resources can empower local businesses and entrepreneurs. It can also promote job creation, enhance local economies, and ultimately improve the quality of life in these areas. By showcasing real-world examples and providing actionable advice, sponsored content can inspire and motivate communities to take proactive steps toward economic growth and sustainability.

Similarly, rural healthcare is a pressing concern that demands attention. Sponsored content can address various aspects of healthcare, including access to services, advancements in telemedicine, and preventive care strategies. By providing valuable information and highlighting available resources, sponsors can play a pivotal role in improving healthcare outcomes for rural populations. This, in turn, can lead to healthier communities, reduced healthcare disparities, and a better overall quality of life.

The extensive reach of the largest print publication network in rural America ensures that sponsored content will effectively connect with the target audience. By partnering with The Rural Agency, SaveYour.Town, and rural health associations, sponsors can make a meaningful impact, helping rural and suburban readers find the answers they seek for their personal and community lives. This collaboration not only benefits the readers but also reinforces the sponsors’ commitment to supporting and uplifting rural America.

We are ready to answer any questions you may have, please feel free to use the contact form on this page to reach out and begin this wonderful success story!

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Rose - Comment (0)

In the world of rural America, few organizations are as integral to community success as electric cooperatives. These member-owned organizations power more than just homes and businesses; they energize entire communities. At The Rural Agency, we’ve spent decades working side-by-side with electric cooperatives to help them connect, communicate, and advocate for the members they serve.

From coast to coast, we’ve partnered with hundreds of electric cooperatives to develop strategies and solutions that engage member-consumers, strengthen community ties, and foster a sense of ownership. Whether through cutting-edge digital marketing, dynamic social media campaigns, or efficient communication strategies, we’ve been there every step of the way at the national, statewide, and local distribution levels of #RuralElectric!

Proven Experience, Evolving Solutions

Our track record in rural electric communications speaks for itself. For years, we’ve delivered results-driven services to cooperatives of all sizes, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each community. But we’re not resting on past achievements.

We understand that the communications landscape is constantly evolving. That’s why The Rural Agency has refined and expanded our offerings to deliver even greater performance, flexibility, and value than ever before. Our diverse communication services and affordable rates are built with the nonprofit world of electric cooperatives in mind, and they’re better for connecting with your membership than you may be currently outsourcing to other vendors. With a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, our updated services are designed to help cooperatives meet the challenges of today while preparing for tomorrow.

Why Digital and Social Connections Matter

In an increasingly digital world, it’s more important than ever for cooperatives to maintain a strong online presence. Your members aren’t just consumers; they’re owners. They want to feel connected and informed, and digital tools provide an unparalleled opportunity to foster that connection.

Here’s how we can help:

• Enhanced Digital Presence: We ensure your cooperative stands out online, offering user-friendly websites, engaging content, and robust analytics to track success.
• Strengthened Social Media Engagement: From Facebook to Instagram to emerging platforms, we help you reach your members where they are, building relationships that drive loyalty and trust, through content which will actually catch their attention.
• Streamlined Communication Strategies: Our experience means we can optimize your messaging for maximum efficiency and impact, ensuring every dollar spent delivers value.

Advocacy for the Future

Our commitment to rural electric cooperatives goes beyond marketing. We’re passionate advocates for rural America, championing the causes and concerns that matter most to your communities. From answering questions about renewable energy initiatives to explaining broadband access to driving attendance at your events, we stand with you as partners in progress.

Let’s Reconnect

The Rural Agency is ready to work with you again—or for the first time—to help your cooperative achieve its goals. Our solutions have been trusted by cooperatives across the country for years, and now, with even better tools and methods, we’re confident we can make an even greater impact.

Visit MeetGusWagner.com to learn more about our journey and schedule a quick call, Zoom, or personal visit. Let’s explore how we can support your mission to serve your members and strengthen your community.

Together, we can power the future of rural America.

Interested in learning more? Reach out today and let’s start the conversation!

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Rose - Comment (0)

At The Rural Agency, we’re thrilled to announce our latest partnership with Kansas Country Living, the largest print publication in the Sunflower State. This exciting collaboration brings new opportunities for our clients to connect with the vibrant and diverse readership of this highly respected magazine.

Kansas Country Living has been a trusted companion to rural and suburban Kansans for over seven decades. Each month, it reaches more than 136,000 homes and businesses, delivering a mix of original, relevant, and engaging content that resonates deeply with its audience. The magazine covers everything from local events and safety tips to energy efficiency, travel, and the best of Kansas culinary traditions.

Why Kansas Country Living?

This publication offers unparalleled access to rural and suburban Kansas. Whether your brand represents tourism, finance, insurance, or consumer goods, Kansas Country Living is a powerful platform to share your message. Their readers trust the magazine’s content and its advertisers, making it an ideal medium for anyone looking to build strong, meaningful connections.

Here are just a few features that make Kansas Country Living stand out:

• Energy Wise: Shares the latest energy efficiency tips and products.
• Cooking My Way Home: Celebrates Kansas’ culinary heritage.
• Travel & Outdoor Recreation: Encourages exploration of the state’s unique offerings.
• Safety: Promotes electrical and general safety for families.
• Gardening: Appeals to the 91% of readers who own lawn equipment and 56% with personal gardens.

With advertising options in both print and digital formats, Kansas Country Living caters to various marketing needs and budgets. Their media kit offers flexible rates for ads ranging from small inserts to full-page spreads, ensuring your brand gets noticed.

Ready to Reach Rural and Suburban Kansas?

This is your opportunity to connect with a loyal and engaged audience. Contact The Rural Agency today to explore how Kansas Country Living can help elevate your brand. Together, let’s make your message resonate across the Sunflower State!

Email:Gus@TheRural.Agency

Call/Text: 314-603-0923

Don’t wait—secure your space in this trusted publication and start reaching Kansas Country Living’s dedicated readers!

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Rose - Comment (0)

The December 2024 issue of Colorado Country Life magazine is here! If you haven’t had the chance to flip through it, you’re missing out on more than just great content—this edition features the beloved Sparkies adventure series, adding a dash of festive fun to your season.

But we’re here to share even bigger news: The Rural Agency is proud to announce our partnership with Colorado Country Life magazine! This award-winning publication has been a staple in Colorado households since 1945, connecting nearly 175,000 electric cooperative members each month with stories of adventure, local history, energy tips, and heartwarming community features.

Want to meet their huge and loyal reader base? Let’s connect!

Why Partner with Colorado Country Life?

With a total audience of 690,000 engaged and loyal readers, Colorado Country Life is more than a magazine—it’s a trusted voice across rural and suburban Colorado. Here’s why this matters for your brand:

• Reach and Influence: 90% of readers trust the magazine for news and information about their local electric cooperative, spending an average of 32 minutes with each issue.
• High-Quality Audience: The readership includes active community members with a median household income of $94.8K, 89% of whom attended college.
• Diverse Interests: From energy-saving tips to travel adventures, gardening advice, and unique Colorado products, the magazine caters to readers’ varied interests—making it an ideal platform for connecting with engaged consumers.

The Spark of the Holidays: Sparkies Adventure

The Sparkies adventure series exemplifies the engaging content that makes Colorado Country Life a reader favorite. And if you’re not in Colorado to grab a copy, don’t worry—we’d be happy to send one your way. Just drop us a line!

Let’s Create Something Together

As part of this exciting collaboration, The Rural Agency is here to help brands like yours tap into the unique storytelling power of Colorado Country Life. Whether you’re looking to place print ads, feature products in the Holiday Gift Guide, or share your brand’s story with a community that values authenticity, we’ve got you covered.

Contact The Rural Agency today to connect with readers across rural and suburban Colorado!

Let’s bring your brand to life in the pages of Colorado Country Life. The holidays are the perfect time to start making an impact.

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Rose - Comment (0)

It’s the perfect time to set new goals and breathe fresh energy into your community. If you’re looking for inspiration, actionable ideas, and proven strategies to make a real difference, I highly recommend the book Save Your Small Town by Deb Brown.

Deb and her organization, SaveYour.town, have spent years empowering communities across rural, suburban, and urban America. Together with Becky McCray, Deb has compiled uniquely do-able ideas, projects, and success stories to transform towns just like yours. Whether you’re revitalizing Main Street, starting a local initiative, or simply looking to spark momentum, this book is your roadmap to turning possibilities into reality.

Having been friends with Deb for years, I can vouch for her passion and expertise. Her work has inspired countless communities to take bold steps forward, and now it’s your turn.

We have even used the Idea Friendly Method here for our own hometown of Jefferson City, Missouri! 

Don’t wait—start your journey today. Check out Save Your Small Town and discover the tools and stories to make 2025 your most impactful year yet.

Get your copy now

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Rose - Comment (0)

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://vimeo.com/1033218412?share=copy” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Every time you share a message—be it a social post, email, or campaign—you need to address one critical question: What’s In It For Me? (WIIFM). This isn’t just a clever acronym; it’s the heart of effective communication.

Your audience, whether they’re customers, donors, or partners, isn’t reading or listening for your sake—they’re looking for a reason to care. If you don’t give them that reason upfront, your message risks being ignored.

Different audiences have different motivations. For customers, WIIFM might mean saving money, solving a problem, or enhancing their lives. For donors, it could be knowing their contributions make a tangible impact. Partners might want to see how collaboration benefits their brand or bottom line. The point is: you need to know what they value most.

Effective messaging starts with clarity and empathy. What does your audience care about? How does your product, service, or initiative align with their needs or goals? Instead of talking about your organization’s features, frame your message around their benefits.

For example, instead of saying, “We’re launching a new program,” say, “You’ll gain access to tools that make life easier.” Instead of, “Support our campaign,” try, “Together, we can create lasting change.” Speak their language, not yours.

Ignoring WIIFM is like trying to sell an empty box. No one cares about the effort behind your message unless it’s clear how it benefits them.

No matter your industry—business, nonprofit, or beyond—embracing WIIFM ensures your communication is engaging, relevant, and action-driven. Lead with what’s in it for your audience, and you’ll earn their attention, trust, and loyalty.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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Gus Wagner - Comment (0)

Every time you share a message—be it a social post, email, or campaign—you need to address one critical question: What’s In It For Me? (WIIFM). This isn’t just a clever acronym; it’s the heart of effective communication.

Your audience, whether they’re customers, donors, or partners, isn’t reading or listening for your sake—they’re looking for a reason to care. If you don’t give them that reason upfront, your message risks being ignored.

Different audiences have different motivations. For customers, WIIFM might mean saving money, solving a problem, or enhancing their lives. For donors, it could be knowing their contributions make a tangible impact. Partners might want to see how collaboration benefits their brand or bottom line. The point is: you need to know what they value most.

Effective messaging starts with clarity and empathy. What does your audience care about? How does your product, service, or initiative align with their needs or goals? Instead of talking about your organization’s features, frame your message around their benefits.

For example, instead of saying, “We’re launching a new program,” say, “You’ll gain access to tools that make life easier.” Instead of, “Support our campaign,” try, “Together, we can create lasting change.” Speak their language, not yours.

Ignoring WIIFM is like trying to sell an empty box. No one cares about the effort behind your message unless it’s clear how it benefits them.

No matter your industry—business, nonprofit, or beyond—embracing WIIFM ensures your communication is engaging, relevant, and action-driven. Lead with what’s in it for your audience, and you’ll earn their attention, trust, and loyalty.

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Rose - Comment (0)

If you want to reach and resonate with rural communities across America, The Rural Agency has an incredible sponsorship opportunity that could be just what you’re after. We’re offering a chance to support and sponsor content in the highly trusted member-benefit magazines of America’s Rural Electric Cooperatives. With a total reach of 27 million loyal readers each month, your brand’s message will go straight to the heart of communities working hard to thrive and grow.

Imagine your organization spotlighting stories of community revitalization, economic growth, and success—all designed to inspire and educate. Partnering with our friends at SaveYour.Town, we’re crafting meaningful, educational articles that show how ideas and efforts like yours can fuel real, positive change. These magazines have become a trusted source of information and inspiration for rural Americans, and through sponsorship, your brand can be a part of their stories of success.

Why Sponsor This Content?

Our audience isn’t just reading— they are actively looking for new ways to improve and uplift their communities. By sponsoring, you’re not just placing an ad; you’re connecting with people in towns across the country, sharing success stories, actionable tips, and sustainable ideas that resonate.

What to Expect:

• Inspiration-Driven Content: Each article will highlight real-life examples of economic development, showing readers how they, too, can bring these ideas to their hometowns.
• Educational Value: Our stories are designed to empower readers with knowledge, and they’re coming to this trusted source to get it.
• National Reach with Local Impact: With our vast circulation, your message will reach not just one community but thousands, each with unique needs and goals.

Sponsorship Rates

Sponsorships start at $5,000 a month, an investment that puts your brand directly in front of the people who power rural America. If you’re ready to make an impact and have any questions about sponsorship, we’d be delighted to discuss options that best suit your goals. Sponsorship plans are available in regional, statewide, multi-state, and national placement programs.

This is more than just a branding opportunity—it’s a chance to become a champion of rural success stories and a true partner in America’s rural revitalization. Let’s discuss how your organization can support these transformative stories and inspire millions.

Feel free to contact us; we’re here to help bring your brand to the heart of America’s communities.

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Gus Wagner - Comment (0)

We need to bring an important issue to your attention regarding your website(s.)

What’s the problem?

Many website owners, even small businesses, are receiving demand letters and lawsuits for violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The law requires that websites get user consent before using third-party cookies (from tools installed on your site like Google Analytics, YouTube, Google Ads, Facebook Pixels, etc.).

Violations can result in fines of up to $5,000 per visitor, regardless of business size or location. Damages often start at $50,000, so it’s critical to ensure your client sites comply.

***You’ve probably encountered pop-ups asking you to accept cookies while browsing the internet. It’s now time for your website(s) to do the same to stay compliant.

What should you do?

Our team can help safeguard your client sites. We’re partnering with Termly to provide an easy, cost-effective solution for privacy policies, cookie policies, and consent pop-ups. We’ll handle everything, including a Zoom meeting with you to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Cost:

Through our partnership, we can offer this service for $350 per site, which includes the implementation meeting, policy setup, and one year of cookie consent monitoring. Renewals after the first year are $208/year per site.

How to get started:

If you’re ready, simply reply with all of your website URLs – even if we didn’t build them, and we’ll begin the process. If you have any questions, feel free to book a quick chat with me here: MeetGusWagner.com.

FAQ:

Can I do this myself? Yes, but note we cannot support third-party tools without billable hours.

What if I already have a privacy policy? Check with your provider/attorney to ensure it meets current legal standards.

How else can The Jefferson City Web Design company help us digitally: Check out our digital services grid but what we are seeing the most inquiries about these days are Google Business Profiles, Google Reviews, and audience targeting in digital outreach.

THANK YOU and, please, let’s connect soon on this issue.

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