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New Industry Report: Franchise Demand Is Normalizing, but Advertising Engagement Is Surging

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Reshift Media’s flagship quarterly franchise development report reveals a 40.7% decline in ownership search demand from early-2026 highs, while advertising engagement rises 26.8%, inquiry conversion increases 166.6%, and lead generation costs fall 68%.

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Franchise ownership interest in the United States is returning to historic levels following an exceptional surge earlier this year, and new research suggests prospective franchisees are becoming significantly more responsive to recruitment advertising. According to The Franchise Development Outlook: Q3 2026, the flagship quarterly franchise development intelligence report from Reshift Media and Franify, active franchise ownership search demand has declined considerably from its February peak while advertising engagement and inquiry conversion rates have strengthened dramatically.

The full Q3 2026 Franchise Development Outlook report, available as a free download, includes proprietary franchise development indices, historical trends, advertising performance data, economic analysis, and forecasts through March 2027.

The report’s proprietary Franchise Development Demand Index (FDDI), which tracks U.S. Google search interest related to franchise ownership, reached 107.6 in September 2026, down 40.7% from its February peak of 181.4. Despite the decline, search demand remains 7.6% above its 2022–2024 historical baseline. Reshift Media forecasts a continued return toward normal levels through the remainder of 2026, followed by a modest seasonal recovery in early 2027.

However, the report reveals a contrasting trend in franchise recruitment advertising. Engagement with outbound social media franchise advertisements increased 26.8% compared with Q3 2025, while the rate at which advertising clicks generated franchise inquiries increased 166.6%. At the same time, the indexed cost per inquiry declined 68.0% year-over-year.

“The most interesting finding is the growing disconnect between active franchise ownership searches and advertising engagement,” said Steve Buors, CEO and Co-Founder of Reshift Media. “We’re seeing fewer people actively searching for franchise opportunities than we did earlier this year, but the people responding to franchise advertising are engaging at much higher rates. For franchisors, that suggests there is still considerable opportunity to generate interest and inquiries with the right advertising strategy, even as overall search demand returns to more typical levels.”

Franchise Ownership Demand Expected to Normalize Through Early 2027

The FDDI measures relative search interest across a basket of franchise ownership-related terms, indexed to a 2022–2024 baseline of 100. During Q3 2026, the index averaged 111.9, representing a 15.2% decline compared with the same quarter in 2025.

Although active search demand remains above historical norms, the report forecasts continued moderation through Q4 2026, with the FDDI projected to average 102.8. A modest seasonal rebound is expected in Q1 2027, when the index is forecast to average 111.0, considerably below the exceptional levels recorded in early 2026.

The research also identifies elevated financing costs, persistent inflation, weak consumer confidence, and broader economic uncertainty as factors that may continue to influence prospective franchisees’ investment decisions.

Advertising Performance Points to a More Responsive Audience

While the volume of active franchise ownership searches has declined, Reshift Media’s proprietary advertising indices suggest that people encountering franchise opportunities through outbound advertising are increasingly willing to engage.

The Franchise Advertising Engagement Index reached 117.4 in Q3 2026, its strongest third-quarter reading in the available dataset. The Franchise Advertising Inquiry Conversion Index climbed to 229.5, indicating that a substantially higher proportion of advertising clicks are generating recorded franchise inquiries compared with a year earlier.

These improvements have contributed to a sharp reduction in inquiry generation costs. The Franchise Advertising Cost Per Inquiry Index reached 40.2 in September 2026, down from 125.8 in Q3 2025.

The findings suggest that although fewer individuals may be proactively researching franchise ownership, there remains strong interest among prospective candidates who encounter relevant opportunities through advertising.

“For franchise development teams, this reinforces the importance of reaching beyond people who are already searching for a franchise,” added Buors. “Search marketing remains essential, but effective outbound advertising can introduce franchise opportunities to people who may be interested in business ownership without actively looking for it. The data suggests those audiences are responding particularly well right now.”

The report cautions that higher advertising engagement and inquiry conversion do not necessarily translate directly into qualified franchise candidates or completed franchise sales.

AI Is Emerging as Another Franchise Discovery Channel

Beyond advertising performance, the report examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence on franchise candidate research.

Research cited in the report indicates that ChatGPT usage among U.S. adults has increased substantially, reaching 44% in 2026. Additionally, a September 2026 study found that 27% of surveyed franchise prospects identified ChatGPT as one of their most useful tools when researching franchise opportunities.

These findings highlight the growing importance of ensuring franchise information is accessible, accurate, and discoverable across AI-powered research platforms, alongside traditional search engines, franchise directories, and digital advertising channels.

About The Franchise Development Outlook

The Franchise Development Outlook is Reshift Media and Franify’s flagship quarterly franchise development intelligence report, providing original research into U.S. franchise ownership demand, recruitment advertising performance, economic conditions, and emerging candidate research behaviors.

The Q3 2026 edition includes four proprietary franchise development indices, historical trend analysis, advertising engagement and inquiry conversion data, economic indicators, and forecasts through March 2027.

The complete Franchise Development Outlook: Q3 2026 report is available to download free of charge.

About Reshift Media and Franify

Reshift Media is an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in franchise and multi-location organizations. Serving more than 200 clients across 22 countries, Reshift Media provides digital marketing strategy, paid media, search engine optimization, social media marketing, website development, and proprietary marketing technology designed for the unique needs of franchise organizations.

Franify is Reshift Media’s proprietary franchise digital marketing platform, designed to help franchisors and franchisees coordinate, execute, and optimize digital marketing campaigns across multiple locations.

For more information, visit www.reshiftmedia.com.

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SOURCE Reshift Media

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As AI Speeds Up Marketing, Louisville’s RedTag Bets on Strategy

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Independent agency unveils new brand and website, and co-hosts Louisville’s PROOF AI Workshop

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedTag, an independent Louisville-based marketing agency, this month unveiled new positioning, marking its evolution from a digital performance agency into a strategy-first marketing partner. The move comes as AI makes execution faster than ever, and RedTag is betting that strategy, not speed, is what will set businesses apart. Clients can now choose from outcome-based programs that best fit their marketing needs. 

“Clients don’t come to us needing more tactics. They come to us needing a path,” said Russ Renbarger, founder and CEO of RedTag. “Our new brand says out loud what our work has shown for years: We start with strategy and build everything on that foundation.”

RedTag built its reputation on high-performing paid digital campaigns. Over the years, the agency expanded into strategy, creative, video production and website development, giving clients one partner for the full scope of their marketing. Most recently, a team of automation specialists has integrated AI across the agency to speed up production and analysis, guided by an internal AI policy that keeps people accountable for quality. The time AI saves goes back into strategy: knowing what to say, who to say it to and why.

“Our best client relationships have always been partnerships, where we’re in the room when the big decisions get made,” said Alison Conway, chief client officer at RedTag. “This evolution is about bringing that strategic partnership to every client.”

On Oct. 14, RedTag co-hosted the PROOF AI Workshop with Slingshot, Vsimple and Advanced Business Solutions. The hands-on event gave Louisville business leaders practical experience applying AI to their own work. RedTag led the event’s AI in Marketing and Branding track, with four sessions ranging from AI search optimization to a playbook for adopting AI across an organization.

“AI can produce hundreds of ads in an afternoon, but it can’t tell you which one your brand actually needs and why,” Renbarger said. “The faster the tools get, the more valuable human-led strategy becomes.”

RedTag was named the agency of record for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2025. Its client list includes PGA of America, Castle & Key Distillery, Bourbon Barrel Foods, ShopCaterpillar and American Beverage Marketers. Since 2023, RedTag’s work has received two Emmy Awards and more than 35 ADDY and AIGA awards. The agency is a four-time Louisville Business First Fast 50 honoree and was named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Kentucky.

To learn more about its outcome-based programs, visit RedTag Programs

About RedTag

RedTag is an independent, strategy-first marketing agency based in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 2008, the agency starts every engagement by understanding the goal before recommending tactics. With a foundation rooted in discovery, RedTag delivers full-scale marketing campaigns built around each client’s business goals. RedTag serves organizations across hospitality, sports, agriculture, government, retail and consumer packaged goods. Learn more at redtag.agency.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-ai-speeds-up-marketing-louisvilles-redtag-bets-on-strategy-302911869.html

SOURCE RED TAG LLC

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The National Association of Mortgage Brokers Announces its Launch of MORE, New Mortgage Education and Professional Development Platform

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NAMB MORE brings training, credentials, professional development and daily mortgage market information together in one place

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) the first and only national volunteer-led and membership-driven organization representing the interests of mortgage brokers and home buyers since 1973, today announced the launch of NAMB MORE(Mortgage Originator Resources and Education), a new learning and professional development platform designed to give mortgage professionals the education, resources and information they need to grow throughout their careers.

MORE officially launches today during NAMB National 2026, being held October 16–19 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The platform is designed as a long-term resource for mortgage professionals at every career stage, bringing training, credentials, professional development and timely industry information together in one place.

Mortgage professionals can learn more and access the platform at nambhasmore.org. Access to MORE will be free through NAMB Focus, January 7–9, 2027. Users must have a NAMB member profile to access the learning management system.

“NAMB MORE represents a significant investment in the future of mortgage professionals and the continued advancement of our industry,” said Michael Farrell, President of NAMB. “We wanted to create more than a collection of courses; we wanted to build a resource that professionals can turn to throughout their careers. NAMB MORE delivers valuable education, professional development and practical information members can apply to their businesses daily. ‘NAMB has MORE’ is a mantra the entire organization embraces, reflecting our commitment to providing the industry with innovative tools that support professional growth, strengthen advocacy and help foster our members’ success. “MORE was developed with the mortgage industry in mind, with NAMB and subject-matter experts contributing to the platform’s educational content.”

The platform is designed to support mortgage professionals from their first year in the business through experienced production, management and leadership roles. Educational resources span foundational mortgage knowledge, loan origination, mortgage programs and products, business growth, sales and marketing, borrower experience, professional development and more.

The MORE course library includes content across core categories such as:

Business Strategy & GrowthLoan OriginationMortgage FoundationsMortgage Programs & ProductsProfessional Development & Workplace SkillsSales, Marketing & Borrower ExperienceGeneral

Additional learning resources and credentials are designed to help mortgage professionals continue developing their skills as their careers evolve.

A key component of the new platform is the MORE Daily Dashboard, which serves as the home screen members see when they log into MORE. Rather than requiring members to visit the platform only when completing a course or pursuing a credential, the Daily Dashboard is designed to give mortgage professionals a reason to return every day.

The Daily Dashboard currently features:

Mortgage Rate Alert Widget: Provides information about the factors affecting mortgage rates and refreshes at least hourly.Upcoming Events: Highlights NAMB events and opportunities so members can stay connected to the association and industry.Daily Access to MORE: Provides a central starting point for accessing education, professional development and other resources.

“The Daily Dashboard is an important part of what makes MORE different,” added Farrell. “We want MORE to become part of a mortgage professional’s daily routine. Whether someone is checking the latest rate information, looking for an upcoming NAMB event or continuing their professional education, MORE puts useful resources in one place.”

About NAMB: The National Association of Mortgage Brokers has been the only national volunteer-led and membership-driven organization representing the interests of mortgage professionals and homebuyers since 1973. NAMB provides mortgage professionals with advocacy, education, and rigorous certification programs to recognize members with the highest levels of professional knowledge and education. NAMB’s active lobbying and advocacy efforts focus on national and state issues, protecting the interests of its members and borrowers. As the leading national trade association for the mortgage industry, NAMB is affiliated with state associations throughout the country and represents the interests of more than 546,800 licensed and registered Mortgage Loan Originators and 49,100 licensed Mortgage Broker and Mortgage Lender businesses throughout the U.S. www.namb.org

Media Contact

Joshua Steinfeld, Steinfeld Consulting, 1 339-225-1581, steinfeldconsulting@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-national-association-of-mortgage-brokers-announces-its-launch-of-more-new-mortgage-education-and-professional-development-platform-302910967.html

SOURCE The National Association of Mortgage Brokers

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The United States Golf Association Selects Gupta Media as Paid Media Agency of Record

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The appointment comes as the USGA looks to continue to strengthen brand equity and increase awareness and engagement with golfers nationwide

BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The USGA, the non-profit governing body of golf in the United States, has named Gupta Media its paid media agency of record following a competitive pitch process that began in February. Gupta Media will lead paid media strategy, planning, buying and reporting in support of the USGA’s Championship ticketing and broader commercial initiatives, while helping grow brand equity, awareness and engagement across the organization. Its work will span key USGA priorities, including golf’s official Handicap Index® and GHIN app; the Rules of Golf and the USGA’s governance of the game; Membership; and initiatives that advance golf through sustainability, research and innovation, and greater access and inclusion. The relationship expands beyond media execution to include audience strategy, first-party data integration, measurement and optimization.

“Gupta Media stood out for its ability to connect the dots between data, audience strategy, media and creative to real business outcomes, so we’re incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

The relationship comes at an important moment for the USGA, with the organization focused on continuing to expand its reach and deepening brand affinity across the ever-growing, diverse golf community. Gupta Media will help drive ticket sales for some of the sport’s biggest events, including the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the 2027 U.S. Women’s Open at Inverness Club, the 2028 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club and the 2028 U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont Country Club. The agency will also support the USGA in creating greater awareness and brand recognition for its corporate Partners through co-branded content and paid media.

Golf has an enormous network of people who love the game, creating a growing opportunity to build a deeper, more direct relationship between golfers and the organization. That challenge is exactly what Gupta Media is built to strategically address — from growing membership and promoting ticket sales for major live events to reaching new audiences and understanding customer lifetime value. By bringing together audience insights, first-party data and media performance, Gupta Media will help the USGA create more relevant, effective marketing that drives measurable business results while strengthening its connection with the next generation of golfers.

“We were looking for an agency that could bring a deep understanding of our audiences, a genuine enthusiasm for our mission and the strategic expertise to work with us through this next phase of golf’s growth,” said Lynn LaRocca, USGA’s Managing Director of Brand & Marketing. “Gupta Media stood out for its ability to connect the dots between data, audience strategy, media and creative to real business outcomes, so we’re incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

“There’s a personal element to this partnership that makes it especially rewarding. My golf journey began 30 years ago when I first visited Pebble Beach as a teenager, long before I could imagine actually playing on the course,” said Gogi Gupta, Founder, Gupta Media. “To now have the opportunity to connect that lifelong passion for the game with the work we’ve spent years building and fine-tuning our agency to do feels like kismet. We’re eager to bring our proficiency to an organization that plays a leading role in the great game.”

The relationship brings together Gupta Media’s deep experience in sports marketing with its data-driven approach to audience strategy, media and creative. The agency has developed a specialized set of tools and processes to address data and analytics challenges of sports and live events, including TallyTickets.com, its proprietary ticketing analytics platform that helps teams understand sales trends, forecast demand and make more informed marketing and media decisions. Gupta Media’s experience spans sports, entertainment, premium events, and pop culture, giving the agency a comprehensive understanding of the audience models and fan behaviors that shape the industry.

About the USGA:

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability.

About Gupta Media:

Gupta Media, a certified Minority Business Enterprise, is a strategic consultancy at the intersection of creative strategy, digital media, advanced analytics, and performance marketing. We drive growth for professional sports franchises, global tech leaders, DTC brands, major music labels, and other high-profile organizations by building intelligent media plans, best-in-class reporting tools, and custom enterprise technology. Founded 25 years ago by Cornell grad Gogi Gupta, the agency is known for developing new methods of maximizing advertising efficiency in a digital-first world. Harvard Business School’s case study on Gupta Media was taught to all incoming students for three years and is still taught around the globe.

Media Contact

Carly Carioli, Gupta Media, 1 617-682-3733, ccarioli@guptamedia.com, guptamedia.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-united-states-golf-association-selects-gupta-media-as-paid-media-agency-of-record-302911621.html

SOURCE Gupta Media

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