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ANNAPOLIS, Md., Nov. 4, 2025 – Women-owned creative agency Palm + Pine Marketing and Design, based in Annapolis, is helping Maryland’s small businesses use artificial intelligence to strengthen their digital presence and stay competitive in the 2025–2026 market.
With the U.S. small business landscape rapidly adopting AI, nearly 58% of small firms say they now use generative AI tools – up from about 40% just a year earlier. At the state level, Maryland ranks 11th among U.S. businesses in AI adoption, with 5.7% already using AI and another 7.6% planning to adopt it within 6 months. Amid these adoption levels, Palm + Pine positions itself to bridge the gap for local businesses seeking to harness AI’s benefits without large budgets.
“AI is changing how people search, shop, and interact online,” said co-founder and marketing strategist Diana Rapine. “Our goal is to make these advanced tools accessible to local business owners so they can compete with larger brands while maintaining their authentic voice.” She emphasized that the agency’s approach combines human creativity with data-driven precision.
Palm + Pine helps business owners in the Annapolis region and throughout Maryland leverage AI in three main ways:
- Optimizing for AI-powered search engines,
- Analyzing TikTok (and other social media) trend data in real time,
- Using performance analytics to refine content and campaign investment.
“Small businesses don’t need massive budgets to use AI effectively,” said co-founder and creative director Hailey Shackelford. “With the right guidance and creative strategy, AI can enhance everything from brand awareness to customer retention.”
Her point aligns with data showing that 85% of small businesses using AI expect a return on investment, and that “marketing & social media” rank among the most common use cases.
Palm + Pine’s deep understanding of Maryland’s business landscape gives local clients a competitive advantage. By aligning AI strategies with local market trends and consumer behavior, the agency helps Annapolis-area businesses stay ahead – especially as many small firms statewide continue to lag behind national AI adoption rates.
Palm + Pine’s message to small business owners is clear: AI doesn’t mean losing your local voice or control of your brand. Used with human strategy and design, it amplifies what makes a business unique and helps reach customers more efficiently with measurable results.
About Palm + Pine Marketing and Design
Palm + Pine Marketing and Design is a women-owned agency based in Annapolis, Maryland, founded in 2023. We help small businesses across Maryland build strong brands, design effective websites, and grow their online presence.
Our services include branding, web design, logo design, social media management, SEO, marketing assistant services, capability statement design, business coaching, and multi-channel marketing.
We work with local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Annapolis, Edgewater, Southern Maryland, Bowie, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Rockville, Crofton, Gambrills, Shady Side, Harwood, Davidsonville, and surrounding areas.
At Palm + Pine, we focus on creative, transparent, and personalized marketing that helps Maryland businesses grow with confidence.
For more information, visit www.palmpine.design
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