What makes you stop scrolling?
Is it yet another “which bread are you?” Instagram quiz?
Probably not this time.
Or maybe that TikTok trend where people rank their favorite kitchen utensils?
Doubt that’s for you.
Most of us pause for something that feels like it was made just for us—something personal, thoughtful and actually useful.
For me, it’d definitely be a TikTok of Chance, the Vegas Golden Knights mascot, riding a Zamboni through Circus Circus, flinging pink plastic flamingos into the crowd while a mariachi band in feathered pink flamingo suits marches behind him, shredding a third-wave ska punk version of “Viva Las Vegas” on accordions and electric violins.
That is the power of Valuable Personalized Experiences, or VPEs.
Personalization isn’t new, but today it is essential. In a world overflowing with AI-generated content, the brands that win are the ones creating real, human, emotional connections.
Of course, plenty of myths still hold companies back. People say it costs too much, feels too complicated, or does not fit their industry.
Let’s bust those myths and show how personalization can work for you..
Myth 1: VPEs Are Too Expensive
We hear this one a lot: “We’d love to personalize, but it’s too expensive.”
That used to be true. A decade ago, personalization meant custom builds, costly tech integrations and large teams to manage it all. But those days are gone.
Today, many personalization tools are ready to use. Off-the-shelf solutions can plug into existing systems without the need for custom builds or large engineering teams. In fact, the biggest challenge now isn’t technology, it’s mindset.
Once you clear the tech hurdle, the real question becomes, why are you personalizing? What value will it deliver? That is where personalization becomes powerful.
Better yet, you don’t have to go big right away.
Many brands start with a Minimum Viable Personalization, something as simple as tailoring content by location, interest, intent or industry. It’s low-risk, low-cost, and often surprisingly effective.
And here is what often gets overlooked.
Personalized experiences consistently outperform generic marketing. They deliver stronger returns because they actually connect. Instead of wasting budget on broad messages, you’re creating focused, valuable interactions that resonate.
Myth 2: We Don’t Have Enough Data (Or It’s Too Messy)
Another common worry sounds like this: “We’d personalize more, but we don’t have enough data,” or, “Our data is too messy.”
Here’s the truth. You don’t need perfect data to start. You don’t even need much.
Some of the best personalization efforts begin with simple details, such as a user’s industry, location or whether they are a first-time visitor. Many Destination Marketing Organizations, or DMOs, do this well by tailoring messages based on whether someone is local or from out of state. That is personalization, and it works.
Here is something many teams forget.
Data is not static. You don’t have to collect everything before you begin. Data builds naturally as you engage with your audience. This allows you to start small and grow steadily, without getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
The real question is not, “Do we have enough data?” The better question is, “How can we use what we already have to deliver value?” Most of the time, the answer requires far less data than you think.
You don’t need a data scientist to start personalizing. You just need to start small and start smart.
Myth 3: VPEs Are Too Complicated for Our Team
Let’s be honest, personalization can sound intimidating. Many teams, especially smaller ones or those without data experts, worry that VPE is too complex.
Like, where do you even start? Literally.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complex.
VPE isn’t an all-or-nothing strategy. You can scale it to match your team’s size, tools and comfort level. Some campaigns rely on basic analytics and simple targeting to create effective personalized moments. Small actions, such as sending offers to people visiting a specific location or tailoring ads based on common behaviors, can make a big difference and don’t require complex systems.
Yes, there are opportunities to go bigger when needed. Advanced tools and deeper integrations can add more layers of personalization, but most companies don’t need to start there.
And you’re not alone in this process.
At Noble Studios, we help teams navigate these steps. Our role is not only to execute campaigns, but also to mentor, simplify and show how VPEs can naturally fit into your existing work.
The truth is, most people already understand personalization. We all experience it every day through streaming recommendations, targeted ads or emails. Once you connect those dots, the concept feels far less intimidating.
Personalization isn’t some overwhelming new initiative. It’s a mindset shift, a way to enhance what you’re already doing.
“Personalization isn’t a trend. It’s the baseline expectation across every industry.”
Myth 4: VPEs Don’t Work in Certain Industries
Here’s a common excuse: “That won’t work in our industry.”
This mindset often comes from siloed thinking. Companies focus only on their competitors, copy what others are doing and convince themselves that personalization is not a fit.
But industries no longer exist in isolation. Whether you work in automotive, tourism, B2B tech or any other space, people’s expectations are shaped by everything they interact with, from grocery apps to smart home devices.
Some of the best ideas come from outside your industry. What works in travel, retail or entertainment often translates to other fields. Many of these ideas can be adapted with great success.
Personalization is also becoming standard across industries. The brands that adopt it early tend to stand out. Even in B2B, which has been slower to personalize, there is growing interest in tactics like Account-Based Marketing, which is simply a more focused form of personalization.
Destination Marketing Organizations are another example. They now compete with AI-powered tools offering generic recommendations. To stay relevant, they need to deliver locally focused, high-value personalized experiences that AI can’t match.
The takeaway is simple: personalization is no longer optional. It’s one of the smartest ways to break out of industry stagnation and meet what today’s audiences already expect.
Personalization That Actually Resonates
Once you strip away the myths, it becomes clear that Valuable Personalized Experiences aren’t about flashy tech or expensive projects. They’re about thoughtful, human connections.
The heart of it is delivering value. Not something creepy or clunky, not half-hearted efforts, but experiences that feel just right.
This has always been our focus. The “V” in VPE is more than just a letter to us. It represents the value we strive to deliver in every personalized moment, helping brands build stronger relationships and create campaigns that truly perform.
If you’re ready to explore personalization or want help bringing a VPE strategy to life, we’re here to help. Reach out to the team to get started.
The best time to focus on personalization is right now. Start simple, stay focused on value and watch what happens.
Special thanks to Matt Funk for contributing his insights to this article, too.
