The Smart Marketer Podcast

Join hosts Molly Pittman, Ezra Firestone, and John Grimshaw as they share their proven paths to success (for your business, brand, and personal life). These Veteran marketers and educators have taught thousands of business owners how to build, manage, and scale successful companies (while growing their own multi-million dollar brands). This weekly podcast will blend tactical marketing tips and strategies with helpful insight and personal stories. This podcast will help you 'Serve the world unselfishly and profit.'

Episode 276: How to Get Your Brand Recommended by AI: AEO with Julian Lopez 05/20/2026

Episode 276: How to Get Your Brand Recommended by AI: AEO with Julian Lopez Episode Description AI is changing how customers discover, research, and choose brands. If your business isn’t showing up in AI-generated answers, you may be missing the next major wave of organic visibility. In this live session from Mentor Table Nashville, Julian Lopez from the Smart Marketer team breaks down AEO, Answer Engine Optimization, and what brands need to do now to become the recommended choice inside AI tools, AI overviews, and answer engines. From schema markup and indexability to brand authority and bottom-of-funnel search intent, Julian shares the early signals Smart Marketer is seeing after analyzing thousands of AI-driven commercial searches. “Your brand is not what you say, it is what AI is able to pull out of the answer.” – Julian Lopez You Will Learn: • What AEO is and why it matters for brands that want to stay visible in the AI era. • Why SEO isn’t dead, but the game has changed. • How AI tools research, compare, and recommend brands behind the scenes. • Why your website is becoming less of a destination and more of a data source. • The difference between informational traffic and bottom-of-funnel commercial intent. • How schema markup helps AI understand your products, people, and brand. • Why third-party sources, reviews, Reddit, directories, and social proof impact AI recommendations. • How to structure your content so AI can retrieve, understand, and cite it faster. • Why brand authority now depends on what AI can verify across the web. • What agentic shopping may mean for the future of ecommerce. Links & Resources: Smart Marketer: Smart Marketer Free Trainings & Resources: Smart Marketer Agency: Mentor Table: OmniSend (Sponsor): Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months. Time Stamps: 00:00:20: Welcome: AI, Paid Traffic, Creative and Organic Visibility 00:01:11: Sponsor Message: Why Ezra Firestone Uses Omnisend 00:02:14: Molly Introduces Julian Lopez and the Importance of AEO 00:03:47: How to Get Your Brand Recommended by AI 00:05:00: Create Relevance, Not Awareness 00:06:03: Why AEO Is Still an Emerging Discipline 00:07:09: What Changed: AI Enters the Search Experience 00:08:16: Search Is Becoming Delegated Research 00:09:39: Is SEO Dead? What’s Actually Changing 00:10:41: What Commercial Search Results Look Like Now 00:12:11: The Future of Walled Gardens, Wearables and AI Everywhere 00:14:11: GEO, LMO, AEO: What Should We Call It? 00:15:10: The Goal: Become the AI-Recommended Brand 00:16:19: What Smart Marketer Found After Thousands of AI Queries 00:17:22: Why Your Website Is Now a Data Source 00:18:28: The Challenge: AI Platforms Are Black Boxes 00:19:28: SEO Still Matters, But Rankings Aren’t the Whole Story 00:21:29: How AI Answers Actually Work 00:22:38: Why Bottom-of-Funnel Questions Are the New Opportunity 00:23:21: The Site Is Not the Destination, It’s the Data Source 00:24:29: The Answer Budget Theory: How AI Chooses Brands 00:26:43: Why AI Looks Beyond Your Website Before Recommending You 00:28:10: Your Brand Is Built on the Sources 00:29:10: The AEO Action Plan: Indexability, Content Readiness and Authority 00:32:11: Why You Need to Let the Right Bots Access Your Site 00:33:06: Schema Markup: Helping AI Understand Your Business 00:36:38: How to Make Product Pages More Specific for AI 00:38:44: IDs, Entities and Connecting Your Website’s Information 00:39:45: Optimizing Product Data, Ratings and Rich Results 00:40:44: Content Structure: Make Your Pages Easier for AI to Retrieve 00:42:12: Cover Topics, Not Just Keywords 00:43:12: Brand Representation and Authority in the AI Era 00:44:23: Agentic Shopping: What’s Coming Next 00:45:13: Wrap-Up and Final Applause Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share it with fellow entrepreneurs, marketers, and ecommerce operators. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere. Have feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com. Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/41334805

Episode 275: The Paid Ads Machine: Creative Systems That Scale in the Age of AI 05/13/2026

Episode 275: The Paid Ads Machine: Creative Systems That Scale in the Age of AI Episode 275: The Paid Ads Machine: Creative Systems That Scale in the Age of AI Episode Description What if your ad creative system could think more like Meta’s algorithm? In this live session from Mentor Table Nashville, Smart Marketer’s Director of Creative Ben Bennett and Creative Operations Manager Melvin Cotton III break down the exact system they use to plan, produce, analyze, and scale paid social creative in the age of AI and Andromeda. From diagnosing what’s actually working inside your ad account to building scalable creator systems and using AI to uncover hidden performance insights, this episode is a masterclass in modern paid creative strategy. “Our overall goal is to establish a strong system that provides us good creative and strong feedback.” – Melvin Cotton III If you’re tired of guessing what makes ads work and want a smarter process for creating winning creative, this episode is for you. You Will Learn: Why marketers are overcomplicating “Andromeda” and what actually matters The difference between what Meta sees in your ads vs. what it knows about users How to use AI to analyze creative at scale The creative variables Smart Marketer tracks across every ad Why “creative volume” alone isn’t enough anymore How to identify gaps in your messaging and creative strategy The framework for building a scalable creative production system Different ways to source UGC and creator content effectively Why operational systems are critical for creative scale How feedback loops improve ad performance over time LINKS & RESOURCES: Smart Marketer: Smart Marketer Free Trainings & Resources: Smart Marketer Agency: Mentor Table: OmniSend (Sponsor): Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months. TIME STAMPS: 00:00:17 – Introduction: The Paid Ads Machine 00:01:19 – Ezra Firestone on Why He Uses OmniSend 00:02:41 – Live from Mentor Table Nashville 00:03:55 – How Ben Bennett Joined Smart Marketer 00:06:18 – Creative Planning in the Age of Andromeda 00:08:18 – Why AI & Andromeda Feel Like a “Black Box” 00:12:55 – Using AI to Analyze Creative at Scale 00:17:08 – Building an AI-Powered Creative Data Lab 00:22:34 – Closed Variables vs Open Variables in Creative Analysis 00:25:55 – Applying Marketing Frameworks to Ad Creative 00:29:20 – Turning Creative Data Into Actionable Insights 00:33:32 – What AI Reveals About Winning Creative Patterns 00:36:07 – Why Beginner-Focused Ads Outperformed Problem-Aware Messaging 00:40:56 – Transitioning from Analysis to Production Systems 00:42:01 – Building a Creative Menu for Your Team 00:45:16 – Different Systems for Sourcing UGC & Creator Content 00:48:20 – Creator Compensation & Contracts 00:49:59 – Managing Creative Operations & Tracking Systems 00:51:48 – Identifying Where You Are on the Creative Spectrum 00:52:23 – Final Thoughts & Downloadable Resources YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning into the Smart Marketer Podcast! Your support helps us continue bringing you actionable marketing strategies, behind-the-scenes systems, and real-world business insights. If you enjoyed this episode: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag @smartmarketer Send feedback or questions to support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/41265560

Episode 274: How to Use AI to Write Better Meta Ad Copy Without Losing the Human Touch 05/06/2026

Episode 274: How to Use AI to Write Better Meta Ad Copy Without Losing the Human Touch Episode 274: How to Use AI to Write Better Meta Ad Copy Without Losing the Human Touch Episode Description AI can help you write faster, but that does not mean it should be writing your ads for you. In this podcast episode taken from our Smart Paid Traffic Live training, Senior Paid Performance Specialist Dominique Nobel breaks down her step-by-step process for using AI to create stronger Meta ad copy. You will learn how to build a brand intelligence document, generate better hooks, write stronger body copy, improve headlines and descriptions, and use AI as a volume tool while keeping strategy, judgment, and customer insight in human hands. “AI is the volume producer, and us humans, we are the ones that are going to be doing the judgement and be the filter.” – Dominique Nobel If you have been using AI and getting copy that feels bland, generic, or a little off, this episode will show you a smarter way to prompt, edit, and test. You Will Learn: Why vague AI prompts lead to vague, generic ad copy How to create a brand intelligence document before asking AI to write anything Dominique’s step-by-step prompt process for Meta ad copy How to generate hooks that stop the scroll and open curiosity loops Why body copy should focus on mechanisms, transformation, and objections How to write headlines and descriptions that support the click Why your CTA should include both a clear action and an objection crusher How to use AI for volume while keeping human strategy, fact-checking, and editing in control Links & Resources: Smart Marketer: Smart Marketer Free Trainings & Resources: Smart Paid Traffic: OmniSend (Sponsor): (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00:16 - Introduction: Using AI to Write Stronger Meta Ad Copy 00:01:13 - Sponsor: Why Ezra Uses OmniSend 00:02:18 - Meet Dominique Nobel and Today’s AI Training Agenda 00:04:02 - Rule #1: Your AI Output Is Only as Good as Your Input 00:05:43 - Why You Must Fact-Check and Humanize AI Copy 00:07:40 - AI as the Volume Producer, Humans as the Filter 00:08:45 - Start With a Brand Intelligence Document 00:10:45 - What to Include in Your Competitive Intelligence Prompt 00:13:19 - Writing Better Hooks for Meta Ads 00:20:26 - Building the Body Copy After the Hook 00:26:39 - Why Headlines and Descriptions Still Matter 00:31:08 - Writing CTAs That Drive Action and Handle Objections 00:34:28 - How Hook, Body, CTA, Headline, and Description Work Together 00:35:21 - Live Case Study: Building AI Ad Copy for a Supplement Brand 00:38:16 - Prompt Cowboy AI and Choosing the Right AI Tool 00:39:11 - Final Recap: Test, Iterate, Edit, and Humanize 00:40:27 - Closing Message Call to Action (CTA): If you enjoyed this episode, help us get it in front of more marketers. Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag us using #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? Email support@smartmarketer.com If you are ready to grow faster, check out our free trainings and resources at Smart Marketer. Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/41144390

Episode 273: Scaling to $300M+: Paid Media, Attribution & Building Teams That Win 04/29/2026

Episode 273: Scaling to $300M+: Paid Media, Attribution & Building Teams That Win Episode 273: Scaling to $300M+: Paid Media, Attribution & Building Teams That Win Episode Description What does it really take to scale to $300M+ in revenue and spend $300K per day on ads? In this live Mentor Table session from Nashville, Molly Pittman sits down with entrepreneur Rob Schmidt to break down what actually changes as you grow, from attribution and paid media to leadership and team building. “You have to be really comfortable relying on your other leaders… You need to find good people to surround yourself with that you can trust because you can't do it all yourself. And even if you do, you're not going to be able to put your all into what actually matters for you.” – Rob Schmidt If you're trying to grow, simplify, or step into your role as a true operator, this episode will challenge how you think about scaling. You Will Learn: Why you cannot scale without trusting your team and how to delegate effectively What changes when you are spending millions per month on paid media How to think about attribution across multiple models and time windows Why relying on a single attribution model can lead to poor decisions How to evaluate new channels and big marketing bets The truth about brand versus direct response and what actually drives growth How to use data and internal tracking to make better marketing decisions Why top operators constantly revisit fundamentals and keep learning Links & Resources: Smart Marketer: Smart Marketer Free Trainings & Resources: Mentor Table: OmniSend (Sponsor): (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00:16 – Introduction & Live Mentor Table Session 00:01:13 – Sponsor: Why Ezra Uses OmniSend 00:02:16 – Meet Rob Schmidt & His $300M Brands 00:03:18 – Inside Winona & Willow 00:04:10 – Rob’s Journey from Agency to Operator 00:07:20 – Leadership Shift: Delegation and Hiring 00:09:31 – Paid Media at Scale: What Actually Changes 00:10:39 – Attribution Challenges and Data Complexity 00:12:46 – Direct Response vs Brand Marketing 00:15:10 – Making Big Bets and Testing New Channels 00:17:39 – What Winning Looks Like Moving Forward 00:21:48 – Q&A: Attribution Tools and Data Strategy 00:25:41 – Measuring Organic Traffic and SEO Impact 00:28:21 – Brand vs Direct Response Budget Decisions 00:29:42 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up Call to Action (CTA): If you enjoyed this episode, help us get it in front of more marketers. Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag us using #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? Email support@smartmarketer.com If you are ready to grow faster, check out our free trainings and resources at Smart Marketer. Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/41032640

Episode 272: The Business Growth Levers That Actually Matter (Ezra Firestone and John Grimshaw) 04/22/2026

Episode 272: The Business Growth Levers That Actually Matter (Ezra Firestone and John Grimshaw) Ep. 272: The Business Growth Levers That Actually Matter (Mentor Table with Ezra Firestone and John Grimshaw) Episode Description Most entrepreneurs are stuck optimizing the wrong things. In this Mentor Table conversation, Ezra Firestone and John Grimshaw break down the real levers that drive business growth from customer acquisition and profitability to product strategy and operational focus. If you have been buried in the weeds, this episode will help you zoom out, simplify, and focus on what actually moves the needle. “Don’t quit before the miracle, man, just keep going. I am telling you that it is shocking how effective that strategy is.” – Ezra Firestone You Will Learn • The 3 core levers that drive sustainable business growth • Why most businesses waste time on micro optimizations • How to balance profitability versus growth • What makes a true hero offer and how to find yours • The truth about customer acquisition versus retention • How to simplify your business and cut what does not matter • Why creative is the number one lever in paid traffic right now • How top brands are using AI and creators to scale content Links & Resources • Smart Marketer – • The Smart Marketer Show – • OmniSend (50% Off) – • Mentor Table – Timestamps 00:00:16 Introduction: Business Strategy and Growth Levers 00:03:48 Why AI adoption is failing and how to fix it 00:05:53 The 3 core levers of business growth 00:06:42 Micro versus macro and where real growth comes from 00:08:54 Key metrics: new versus returning customers 00:10:46 Profitability, margins and marketing spend 00:13:23 Why your offer not your ads is the real problem 00:14:09 The lifecycle of a winning product 00:17:05 The 3 elements of a winning offer 00:20:23 Simplifying operations and cutting what does not matter 00:21:36 Building a scalable creative system 00:27:57 Paid creators versus influencers versus ambassadors 00:31:46 Leveraging customer data for influencer outreach 00:38:20 The KPI dashboard every business needs 00:45:39 Product development: hero versus supporting SKUs 00:53:10 The future of digital marketing and policy 00:57:20 Final advice: staying in the game long enough to win Call to Action Thank you for tuning in. Your support helps this podcast grow. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, review, and share it with someone who would benefit. Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode and tag Smart Marketer Send feedback to support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40957115

Episode 271: Meta Ads Q&A: Targeting Evolution, Retargeting & What Actually Matters Now 04/15/2026

Episode 271: Meta Ads Q&A: Targeting Evolution, Retargeting & What Actually Matters Now Episode 271: Meta Ads Q&A: Targeting Evolution, Retargeting & What Actually Matters Now Episode Description Are you overthinking your campaign structure while missing what actually drives results? In this episode of the Smart Marketer Podcast, Molly Pittman and Smart Marketer’s Director of Advertising, Denis Paskalev, continue the Meta Ads Q&A series, diving into retargeting, targeting strategy, and how the algorithm is really working in 2026. From whether you still need separate retargeting campaigns to how creative is now doing the heavy lifting, this conversation breaks down where marketers should actually be focusing their time and energy. “You don't really need to have a separate retargeting campaign because the algorithm is going to do a lot of this.” – Denis Paskalev If you are still relying on outdated targeting tactics or overcomplicating your setup, this episode will help you simplify and win. You Will Learn • Whether Meta automatically handles retargeting inside consolidated campaigns • When it actually makes sense to run separate retargeting campaigns • Why broad targeting is becoming the default and what that means for your strategy • How creative and ad copy now act as your primary targeting tools • The role of messaging in attracting different customer avatars • How Meta uses signals like visuals, text, and audio to find the right audience • When to use interest targeting and why it may disappear soon • How to approach testing campaigns with broad versus guided targeting • Practical ways to research and validate customer avatars • How to uncover new audiences using customer data, reviews, and competitors Links & Resources • Free Meta Ads Mini Class – • Smart Marketer – • Molly Pittman – • Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) Time Stamps 00:00:17 – Introduction: Continuing the Meta Ads Q&A Series 00:01:12 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend and Email and SMS Growth 00:02:16 – Does Meta Handle Retargeting Automatically 00:03:20 – When You Should Use a Separate Retargeting Campaign 00:03:26 – Is Interest Targeting Still Relevant 00:04:27 – How Creative Becomes the New Targeting 00:05:07 – How Meta Indexes Creative, Copy, and Audio Signals 00:07:17 – Broad vs Interest Targeting for Testing Campaigns 00:09:03 – How to Research and Validate Customer Avatars 00:10:21 – Using AI and Customer Reviews for Avatar Insights 00:11:32 – Leveraging Reddit, Forums, and Ad Comments 00:12:43 – Identifying New Avatars from Real Customer Behavior 00:14:51 – Why Business Owners Miss New Opportunities 00:15:06 – Using Competitor Research and Meta Data to Refine Targeting 00:16:20 – Final Thoughts and Wrap Up Your Engagement Matters Thank you for tuning in to the Smart Marketer Podcast. Your support helps us continue sharing actionable insights for marketers and entrepreneurs around the world. If you enjoyed this episode: Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with a fellow marketer or entrepreneur Tag us on social media and use #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40870815

Episode 270: Organic Social vs Paid Ads What’s Actually Working Right Now (And Why Most Brands Get It Wrong) 04/08/2026

Episode 270: Organic Social vs Paid Ads What’s Actually Working Right Now (And Why Most Brands Get It Wrong) Episode 270: Organic Social vs Paid Ads What’s Actually Working Right Now (And Why Most Brands Get It Wrong) Most brands are doing organic social completely wrong and it’s costing them growth. In this episode, Zach Dampier breaks down what’s actually working with organic social right now… and how to use it alongside paid ads without burning out or chasing the wrong metrics. If your organic content feels like an afterthought or just a weaker version of your ads, this episode will completely reframe your strategy. “Organic and paid are not competing for your resources. They're doing completely different jobs in your customer's journey.”- Zach Dampier You Will Learn: Why organic social is not just “free ads” (and what it should be instead) The real role of organic content in your customer journey How to create content that builds connection, trust, and loyalty The biggest mistake brands make when measuring organic performance Why follower count can actually hurt your growth if you’re not careful When to prioritize paid ads vs. organic (and how to scale both together) The 3-phase framework to build a sustainable organic strategy How to turn organic content into a paid traffic flywheel Simple ways to make organic more measurable (without overcomplicating it) Links & Resources Smart Marketer – The Smart Marketer Show – OmniSend – Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00:15 – Introduction: Why Organic Social Feels Like an Afterthought 00:00:53 – Sponsor: Why Ezra Uses OmniSend for Email & SMS 00:01:56 – Organic vs Paid: The Core Misunderstanding 00:03:42 – The #1 Mistake Brands Make with Organic Content 00:04:27 – The Real Job of Organic vs Paid Ads 00:06:05 – What’s Actually Working: Real Organic Content Examples 00:07:42 – Why Authenticity & Storytelling Drive Engagement 00:10:14 – Vulnerability, Trust & Building Real Brand Connection 00:11:04 – The Problem with Chasing the Wrong Metrics 00:11:52 – Why Your Social Metrics Might Be Misleading 00:13:32 – The Truth About Follower Count (And Why It Can Hurt You) 00:15:41 – Reels vs Carousels: What’s Working Right Now 00:17:25 – The Metrics You Should Actually Track 00:18:15 – How Organic & Paid Work Together (The Right Way) 00:19:08 – When to Focus on Paid vs Organic (Early-Stage Strategy) 00:21:24 – Organic as “Meta Insurance” Explained 00:23:13 – Turning Organic Content into a Paid Flywheel 00:24:50 – Making Organic Measurable with Tools Like ManyChat 00:25:43 – The 3 Phases of a Winning Organic Strategy 00:27:32 – Final Takeaways: Long-Term vs Short-Term Growth Call to Action (CTA) If you enjoyed this episode, don’t keep it to yourself Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere Have questions or feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Your support helps us bring you more actionable strategies every week Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40763960

Episode 269: Meta Ads Q&A: Creative, Budgets, and What’s Actually Working Right Now 04/01/2026

Episode 269: Meta Ads Q&A: Creative, Budgets, and What’s Actually Working Right Now Episode 269: Meta Ads Q&A: Creative, Budgets, and What’s Actually Working Right Now Episode Description In this episode of the Smart Marketer Podcast, Molly Pittman, CEO of Smart Marketer, and Denis Paskalev, Director of Advertising, answer real questions from marketers navigating the shift in Meta ads, starting with one of the biggest concerns right now: can small businesses still win? They break down the reality behind creative demands, including whether you really need dozens of new ads every week, and what actually drives performance when budgets are limited. “The information that we give you are our best practices of what we see in terms of companies that are growing really quickly.” – Molly Pittman If you’re trying to simplify your Meta strategy and get better results without overcomplicating things, this episode will give you a practical path forward. You Will Learn • Why Meta ads still work for small businesses with limited budgets • The truth about needing large volumes of creative • How to approach campaign structure without overcomplicating it • When to consolidate campaigns versus splitting them for more control • Why your offer matters more than your campaign setup • Creative lead generation strategies beyond “get a quote” • How to structure campaigns for local service businesses • Ways to target local audiences and avoid wasted spend • How to think about lifetime value when running local ads Links & Resources • Smart Marketer – • Smart Marketer Agency – • Molly Pittman – • Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) Time Stamps 00:00:15 – Introduction to the Meta Ads Q&A 00:01:00 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend and email/SMS growth 00:02:05 – Can small businesses still win on Meta? 00:03:11 – Do you really need dozens of new creatives? 00:04:27 – Should you stop running Meta ads or keep going? 00:05:04 – Can you scale with just one strong ad? 00:06:41 – Campaign structure for local service businesses 00:07:37 – Why “get a quote” is a weak lead magnet 00:08:29 – Creative offer ideas that actually convert 00:10:35 – One offer versus multiple funnels 00:10:47 – When to combine or split campaigns 00:11:41 – Budget allocation and controlling performance 00:12:42 – High-converting example: the LASIK calculator 00:13:53 – How to target locals instead of tourists 00:14:54 – Tripwires and entry offers for local businesses 00:16:55 – Thinking in lifetime value for local ads 00:18:15 – Advanced location targeting tips 00:20:01 – Creative strategies for local ad performance 00:21:13 – Final thoughts and wrap-up Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in to the Smart Marketer Podcast. Your support helps us continue sharing actionable insights for marketers and entrepreneurs around the world. If you enjoyed this episode: Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with a fellow marketer or entrepreneur Tag us on social media and use #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40608955

Episode 268: Axon Ads - How to Diversify Beyond Meta and Find New Customers 03/25/2026

Episode 268: Axon Ads - How to Diversify Beyond Meta and Find New Customers Episode 268: Axon Ads - How to Diversify Beyond Meta and Find New Customers Episode Description In this episode of the Smart Marketer Podcast, Molly Pittman is joined by Smart Marketer agency CEO Pep Hufen to break down Axon (also known as AppLovin), a fast-growing ad platform that is giving marketers a new way to diversify beyond Meta. They walk through how the platform works, what makes it different from traditional social media advertising, and why it is becoming a powerful channel for acquiring net-new customers. From creative requirements and campaign setup to attribution differences and scaling strategies, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to start testing Axon in your own business. If you are running ads for ecommerce, SaaS, info products, or local businesses, this episode will help you understand how to expand your paid traffic strategy and unlock new growth opportunities. “The goal is not necessarily for you to replace Meta. The goal is to run advertising on both platforms. You want to have traffic diversification. You want to reach people that otherwise you wouldn’t be able to reach.” – Pep Hufen You Will Learn • Why Axon is emerging as a serious alternative for paid traffic diversification beyond Meta • How the Axon ad experience differs from traditional social media platforms • Why user psychology on gaming apps leads to higher attention and engagement • How Axon attribution works and why it appears more conservative than Meta • When to use ROAS optimization versus cost per purchase • How to choose between day-zero and day-seven optimization windows • What types of creative formats perform best on the platform • How to structure your first campaign and creative sets for testing • What to expect when launching and evaluating early performance • How brands are scaling spend while acquiring a high percentage of new customers Links & Resources • Smart Marketer – • Axon – • Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) • Thumbstop – (Thumbstop Is Live. Get 50% Off For The First 3 Months. Use Code SMART50 At Checkout After Creating An Account.) Time Stamps 00:00:15 – Introduction to Axon and expanding beyond Meta 00:01:08 – Ezra Firestone on OmniSend for email and SMS 00:02:13 – Molly introduces Axon and Pep Hufen 00:03:01 – Why Axon is a major opportunity for paid traffic 00:04:26 – What to expect from this training and roadmap 00:05:19 – How quickly you can launch campaigns on Axon 00:08:58 – What AppLovin is and how the platform started 00:10:21 – Why this is about diversification, not replacing Meta 00:11:33 – How Axon blends social media and TV-style ads 00:12:24 – The scale of mobile gaming audiences 00:14:08 – Conversion behavior and fast purchase cycles 00:15:16 – Attribution differences between Axon and Meta 00:17:39 – The three-part Axon ad experience explained 00:19:27 – Creative best practices and video requirements 00:22:17 – Why Axon delivers longer attention spans 00:24:20 – The psychology of users playing games vs scrolling 00:25:46 – What the interactive step is and how it works 00:26:51 – Using Thumbstop to create ad creatives 00:28:46 – Why gaming users are more relaxed and receptive 00:30:38 – How Axon’s AI model works differently 00:33:13 – Step-by-step campaign setup overview 00:35:53 – Choosing ROAS vs cost per purchase 00:39:15 – Universal vs prospecting campaigns 00:40:52 – Day-zero vs day-seven optimization 00:42:44 – Budgeting and data maturity expectations 00:46:17 – Structuring creative sets for testing 00:49:55 – Scaling strategies and creative expansion 00:53:33 – Budget timing and UTC considerations 00:54:36 – Axon credit offer and how to get started 00:55:26 – Case studies and real brand results 00:58:18 – Next steps and upcoming masterclass 00:59:28 – Catalog segmentation and targeting questions 01:03:53 – Live walkthrough of campaign setup 01:10:33 – Success rate across tested brands 01:11:35 – Offer types and landing page strategies 01:12:21 – Scaling campaigns effectively 01:14:17 – Final thoughts, resources, and tools 01:15:57 – Outro Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in to the Smart Marketer Podcast. Your support helps us continue sharing actionable insights for marketers and entrepreneurs around the world. If you enjoyed this episode: Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with a fellow marketer or entrepreneur Tag us on social media and use #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40605065

Episode 267: Meta Ads Q&A - What’s Actually Working in 2026 03/18/2026

Episode 267: Meta Ads Q&A - What’s Actually Working in 2026 Episode Description In this episode of the Smart Marketer Podcast, Molly Pittman is joined by Smart Marketer’s Director of Advertising, Denis Paskalev, for a live Meta Ads Q&A where they answer real questions from marketers about what is actually working with Meta ads in 2026. From campaign structure and creative testing to scaling strategies and performance metrics, this conversation breaks down the modern approach to Meta ads in a world where targeting is driven more by creative, messaging, and landing pages than traditional audience targeting. If you are running ads for ecommerce, SaaS, info products, or local businesses, this episode will give you practical guidance on how to structure, test, and scale campaigns in today’s Meta ecosystem. “I think people are putting too much pressure on trying to figure out the exact winning campaign structure, where actually there are other things that are usually more important.” – Denis Paskalev You Will Learn • Why there is no single perfect Meta ad campaign structure and what actually matters more • When to use CBO versus ABO for creative testing and campaign control • How to handle situations where one ad receives most of the budget in Meta campaigns • The difference between vertical and horizontal scaling in today’s ad ecosystem • Why scaling often causes CPAs to spike and how to prevent it • How creative, messaging, and landing pages now act as targeting signals for Meta • The metrics to evaluate during the first one to three days of ad testing • When to move a winning creative from testing to scaling campaigns • Whether videos and static ads should be tested together or separately Links & Resources • Free Meta Ads Mini Class – • Smart Marketer – • Molly Pittman – • Smart Marketer Podcast – • Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months) Time Stamps 00:00:21 – Introduction to the Meta Ads Q&A 00:01:08 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend and Email/SMS Growth 00:02:11 – Molly introduces the live Meta ads Q&A session 00:03:13 – The truth about Meta campaign structure in 2026 00:04:14 – Why Meta sometimes allocates most of the budget to one ad 00:05:41 – CBO versus ABO for creative testing 00:06:56 – Vertical and horizontal scaling strategies 00:07:58 – Why increasing budgets can break campaigns 00:09:38 – When to move a winning ad from testing to scaling 00:11:18 – How long ads should stay in testing campaigns 00:11:32 – Metrics to evaluate during the first days of testing 00:13:14 – Testing static versus video creatives Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in to the Smart Marketer Podcast. Your support helps us continue sharing actionable insights for marketers and entrepreneurs around the world. If you enjoyed this episode: Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with a fellow marketer or entrepreneur Tag us on social media and use #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40503865

Episode 266: The New Andromeda Playbook: The State of Meta Ads 03/11/2026

Episode 266: The New Andromeda Playbook: The State of Meta Ads Episode Description In this episode of the Smart Marketer Podcast, we’re sharing the first lesson from our free mini class: Learn to Run Meta Ads the 2026 Way. If you’ve been running Meta ads recently, you’ve probably felt the shift. With Meta’s new AI driven system often referred to as Andromeda, the platform has fundamentally changed how ads are delivered, optimized, and scaled. Smart Marketer CEO Molly Pittman breaks down what is actually happening inside the platform, why many advertisers believe Meta ads are “broken,” and what it really takes to win with paid traffic in 2026. “This is a new opportunity, and we should be grateful every single day that we have this at our fingertips, that we are able to just open a laptop and grow a business.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn • Why many advertisers believe Meta ads are broken and what is really happening • What Meta’s Andromeda system actually is and how it changes ad delivery • The five keys to winning with Meta ads in 2026 • Why creative is now a cost multiplier for ad performance • The difference between the old way and the new way of running Meta campaigns • Why strong inputs like creative, copy, and offers matter more than tactics • The numbers every advertiser must know to scale profitably • How the role of media buyers is evolving into paid performance strategists Links & Resources • Free Meta Ads Mini Class – • Smart Paid Traffic Live – • Smart Marketer – • Smart Marketer Agency – • Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months) Time Stamps 00:00:15 – Introduction: Inside the 2026 Meta Ads Mini Class 00:01:16 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend and Email/SMS Growth 00:02:31 – Welcome to the Andromeda Playbook 00:06:21 – Molly’s Journey into Digital Marketing 00:11:45 – Smart Marketer’s Experience Managing Hundreds of Millions in Ad Spend 00:15:39 – The Goal of This Meta Ads Mini Class 00:24:41 – Why Many Marketers Think Meta Ads Are Broken 00:27:06 – What Meta’s Andromeda System Actually Is 00:29:17 – How Meta’s Retrieval and Ranking Systems Work 00:33:54 – How Meta Groups Ads into Clusters 00:37:08 – The Five Keys to Success with Meta Ads in 2026 00:40:30 – Why Creative Is Now a Cost Multiplier 00:44:38 – The Old Way vs the New Way of Running Meta Campaigns 00:49:59 – Mastering Your Numbers to Scale Profitably 00:56:05 – Why Marketing Fundamentals Still Win 01:03:27 – How the Role of Media Buyers Is Changing 01:05:36 – Why Meta Is Still the Most Powerful Ad Platform 01:10:36 – Why Agencies and Freelancers Are Still Essential 01:14:52 – Expanding Beyond Meta to Other Paid Traffic Platforms 01:20:38 – The Future of Digital Advertising 01:22:45 – What’s Coming Next in the Mini Class Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in to the Smart Marketer Podcast. Your support helps us continue sharing actionable insights for marketers and entrepreneurs around the world. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode with a fellow marketer or entrepreneur 📢 Tag us on social media and use #WeOutHere Have feedback or questions? 📧 Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40377615

Episode 265: The Merchandising Calendar Blueprint: Turn Email & SMS Into 30–40% of Your Revenue 03/04/2026

Episode 265: The Merchandising Calendar Blueprint: Turn Email & SMS Into 30–40% of Your Revenue Episode Description Most eCommerce brands are obsessed with traffic. But what if the real growth lever isn’t more clicks? What if it’s better monetization of the audience you already have? In this special training, originally delivered live in partnership with Omnisend, Ezra Firestone breaks down the exact framework he uses across his 8-figure brands to turn email and SMS into 30–40% of total revenue. This episode goes far beyond “send more emails.” You’ll learn how to structure a merchandising calendar with major campaigns, micro-offers, product launches, live events, and strategic content that keeps revenue flowing all year long while building a more valuable business asset you can eventually sell. If you care about profit, retention, and long-term brand equity, this is required listening. “Email and SMS are king and queen of revenue, and they should really account for 30 to 40% of your total sales. And if they're not… you got work to do.” – Ezra Firestone You Will Learn: • Why email and SMS should drive 30–40% of your total revenue • The real difference between major campaigns and micro-offers • How to structure a merchandising calendar that creates predictable revenue spikes • Why most brands under-promote and how to fix it • The highest-performing eCommerce promotions including BOGOs, bundles, and threshold offers • How to use product launches even when you are not launching something new • When and how to use SMS during campaigns • How to increase average order value with bundles, basket builders, and one-click upsells • A proven email layout structure that increases clicks and reduces unsubscribes • How to use AI to scale content creation without losing brand voice Links & Resources Omnisend Special Offer for Smart Marketer Listeners Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Smart Marketer Zipify Apps Timestamps 00:00:20 Introduction: Building a More Valuable Business Asset 00:01:14 Why Ezra Trusts Omnisend for Email and SMS 00:02:17 The Real Game: Wealth Creation Through Asset Building 00:07:22 Inside a $10M eCommerce P&L 00:10:32 Why Email and SMS Are King and Queen of Revenue 00:15:35 Email vs. SMS Conversion Rates Explained 00:17:04 The eCommerce Ecosystem from Traffic to Retention 00:23:17 What a Merchandising Calendar Really Is 00:25:59 Major Campaigns vs. Micro Offers 00:27:40 Why Product Launches Prevent Revenue Plateaus 00:31:51 Examples of Major Campaign Structures 00:34:55 How to Run High-Converting Micro Offers 00:36:21 Launching Products Without Creating Something New 00:40:22 When to Use SMS in Your Campaigns 00:41:14 The Types of Content That Build Trust and Drive Sales 00:46:44 Black Friday Cyber Monday Breakdown 00:48:09 Increasing AOV with Bundles and Basket Builders 00:52:29 Promoting Across Every Channel 00:56:13 The Proven Email Structure 00:59:42 Campaign Communication Frameworks 01:00:26 Why You Should Not Ignore the Shop App 01:01:10 Final Strategy Recap 01:02:28 Outro YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! If this episode helped you rethink how you approach email, SMS, and merchandising, share it with another founder or marketer who needs it. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Share this episode on social media and tag us using #WeOutHere Questions or feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40265090

Episode 264: The Next Big Ad Platform? How AppLovin Is Quietly Scaling eCommerce Brands 02/25/2026

Episode 264: The Next Big Ad Platform? How AppLovin Is Quietly Scaling eCommerce Brands Episode 264: The Next Big Ad Platform? How AppLovin Is Quietly Scaling eCommerce Brands Episode Description There’s a new advertising channel with over a billion daily users and most eCommerce brands haven’t tested it yet. In this episode, Pep Hufen, CEO of Smart Marketer Agency, breaks down why AppLovin’s Axon Ads platform is becoming one of the fastest growing acquisition channels for DTC brands. Opened to eCommerce in 2024, this mobile gaming network is already helping brands scale from a few hundred dollars a day to thousands, sometimes in a matter of weeks. Pep explains what makes Axon different from Meta and TikTok, why mobile gaming audiences convert differently, how the AI optimization works, and exactly how to structure your first campaigns. “Here's the reality. Every advertising platform has a window of opportunity in the beginning where it's wide open and Axon is in that spot right now.” – Pep Hufen If you’re always looking for the next scalable growth channel before it gets crowded, this episode is for you. You Will Learn Why AppLovin has “over a billion daily users” and why the audience “skews towards women in their thirties and forties.” How Axon delivers “35 seconds of undivided attention.” Why “80% of the conversions happen within one hour after someone clicks on your ads.” The three things that make this platform different: “the ad format, the user psychology and the AI technology behind it.” When to choose ROAS vs. cost per purchase (CPP). Why you should “launch it and don’t touch it for seven days.” How to scale budgets “30 to 40% every two to three days.” The three levers to pull when performance drops: “creative, the offer or the landing page.” Why “creative is your biggest lever.” Links & Resources Smart Marketer – Smart Marketer Agency – Omnisend – Use code SMART for 50% off your first three months Timestamps 00:16 – Introduction: “The biggest new advertising opportunity since the early days of Facebook ads.” 02:19 – “There’s a new advertising platform with over a billion daily users…” 03:13 – Why Mobile Games Are Bigger Than You Think 04:05 – Who the Audience Really Is 04:57 – Scaling from “300 a day to 3000 a day in about 30 days” 05:59 – “35 seconds of undivided attention” 08:19 – Why Most Clicks Happen on the End Card 09:09 – User Psychology: Relaxed vs. Doom Scrolling 11:00 – How to Set Up Your First Campaign 12:41 – ROAS vs. CPP 15:48 – Optimization Window Strategy 16:33 – Budget Setup and the 7 Day Rule 18:49 – Creative Set Structure 21:13 – Reading Performance and Attribution 22:42 – Scaling Budgets “30 to 40% every two to three days” 24:09 – When It’s Not Working: “Creative is your biggest lever.” 24:56 – Why the Window Is Open Right Now YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you so much for listening to the Smart Marketer Podcast. If you enjoyed what we shared today, please help us by subscribing to the show. Not only will you be notified when we have new content, it also helps get the show out to many more people. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with a fellow marketer who’s looking for the next scalable growth channel. Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40204425

Episode 263: Shopify’s Product Network: The Quiet Update That Could Change E-Commerce Forever 02/18/2026

Episode 263: Shopify’s Product Network: The Quiet Update That Could Change E-Commerce Forever Episode Description Shopify just released a feature that most brands have not noticed yet, but it could completely change how eCommerce stores grow, monetize traffic, and increase conversion rates. In this episode, Pep Hufen, CEO of Smart Marketer Agency, breaks down Shopify’s new Product Network, a system that lets your store sell other brands’ products directly inside your own site without inventory, fulfillment, or losing the customer relationship. “This isn’t an ad network. Shopify is building an ecosystem flywheel.” - Pep Hufen If you run a Shopify store or work with brands that do, this is a must-listen. You Will Learn How Shopify’s Product Network actually works and why it is not an affiliate program How to monetize lost intent when shoppers search for products you do not carry Why this feature can increase conversion rate, average order value, and ROAS without more ad spend How Shopify is positioning itself as the anti-Amazon Why collaborative commerce beats marketplaces for brand owners What early adopters can do now to gain a compounding advantage Links & Resources Smart Marketer: Smart Marketer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartmarketerig Smart Marketer Agency: Prefer video? Watch Pep Hufen explain Shopify’s Product Network: Omnisend (Smart Marketer Exclusive Offer): Use code SMART for 50 percent off your first three months Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00:17 Introduction and why Shopify’s update matters 00:01:21 What this change means for Shopify brands 00:01:32 Sponsor message and Omnisend recommendation 00:02:35 What Shopify’s Product Network is and what it is not 00:03:19 How selling products you do not carry works 00:04:06 Why this is not an ad network 00:05:00 Shopify’s real goal and fixing eCommerce leakage 00:05:53 Turning lost intent into new revenue 00:06:43 Increasing the value of every paid click 00:07:36 Why Amazon cannot replicate this model 00:08:27 The three flywheel loops powering the Product Network 00:09:16 What this changes for your catalog strategy 00:10:03 Why customer ownership stays with the host store 00:10:56 Why early movers will capture the biggest advantage 00:11:06 Final thoughts and closing Your Engagement Matters Thank you for listening to the Smart Marketer Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, share the episode with a fellow Shopify brand owner, and tag us on social using #SmartMarketerPodcast. Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40065035

Episode 262: Why Most Meta Ads Fail: The 7 Psychological Layers Behind Scalable Campaigns 02/11/2026

Episode 262: Why Most Meta Ads Fail: The 7 Psychological Layers Behind Scalable Campaigns Episode Description Most advertisers think Meta ads fail because of creative, targeting, or algorithm changes. That’s not the real reason. In this episode, Pep Hufen breaks down what’s actually driving ad performance beneath the surface, ancient brain programs that have been hardwired into human psychology for over two million years. You’ll learn how evolution, emotion, and identity shape buying decisions in under 400 milliseconds, and how to use this insight to build ads that feel predictable, scalable, and profitable. “Success isn’t random. It’s structural. It’s psychological. And now it’s predictable.” -Pep Hufen You Will Learn (Key Takeaways) • The 8 evolutionary drivers that influence every buying decision • Why features and benefits don’t sell, but survival, status, and belonging do • How ancient survival programs turn into modern emotional buying triggers • The identity based consumption model behind premium brands • Why Meta users decide to buy in under 400 milliseconds • A 7 layer framework to diagnose exactly why your ads aren’t scaling • How to match messaging to the correct awareness level • Why creative amplifies psychology but cannot replace it • How friction silently kills conversion rates and how to remove it Links & Resources • Smart Marketer – • Smart Marketer on Instagram – • Prefer video? Watch Pep Hufen explain the full psychology behind scalable Meta ads here: • Omnisend (Smart Marketer Exclusive Offer) – Use code SMART for 50 percent off your first 3 months Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00:14 – Why Most Meta Ads Fail (And What Advertisers Miss) 00:01:20 – Omnisend: The Email and SMS Platform Smart Marketer Trusts 00:02:24 – The Real Reason Facebook Ads Stop Working 00:03:07 – Why Ads Cannot Fix a Broken Offer 00:03:57 – The 8 Ancient Survival Drivers Behind Every Purchase 00:05:45 – How Evolution Turns Into Emotional Buying Triggers 00:06:45 – Identity Based Consumption Explained 00:07:35 – The 3 Identity Layers That Drive Sales 00:08:22 – How Meta Ads Trigger Decisions in 400 Milliseconds 00:09:15 – Why Logic Loses to Emotion on Social Platforms 00:09:45 – The 7 Layer Meta Ad Framework Overview 00:10:00 – Case Study: SweetFlex Repositioning for Scale 00:10:50 – Awareness Levels and Messaging Misses 00:12:27 – Why Creative Amplifies Psychology 00:13:15 – Why Sleep Supplements Sell and Magnesium Doesn’t 00:14:04 – The Formula Behind Predictable Meta Scaling 00:14:51 – “Success isn’t random. It’s structural. It’s psychological. And now it’s predictable.” 00:15:40 – Final Takeaway: Making Meta Predictable Again Call to Action (CTA) Your support keeps the Smart Marketer Podcast growing. If this episode changed how you think about Meta ads: Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere Questions or feedback? Email Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/40060105

Episode 261: Overview of 2026 02/04/2026

Episode 261: Overview of 2026 Ep. 261 - 2026 Marketing Outlook: Vulnerability, AI, & Finding Your Edge Episode Description What will it take to grow and compete in 2026? In this high-energy kickoff episode, Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier share the five BIG themes shaping the year ahead - from AI-powered marketing tools to new ad platforms, and the rising importance of raw, real storytelling. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what Smart Marketer is launching (including a dog supplement brand), plus actionable strategies to future-proof your business and cut through the noise in an AI-saturated landscape. "The more that AI ramps up, the more that we as marketers and business owners need to lean into vulnerability, into being real, into telling long, genuine stories in our marketing message, because that is what's going to help consumers realize that we are real people, that you can know, like, and trust." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why vulnerability-driven storytelling is your superpower in an AI world How to thrive in a saturated market (yes, even in 2026) The new ad channel Smart Marketer is going all-in on (hint: it’s not Meta) What AI search ads mean for marketers and what to expect from ChatGPT ads The number one way to cut costs (and boost profit) in your eCommerce business this year Sneak peek: Smart Marketer's new AI tool, Meta Ads class, and pet supplement brand Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – Smart Marketer Show – Smart Marketer YouTube – Fields of Freedom – Molly Pittman – OmniSend – (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Welcome + What This Episode Is All About 02:28 - Behind the Scenes: New Tools, Brands & Projects at Smart Marketer 06:32 - Theme 1: Vulnerability Over AI - Why Realness Wins in 2026 09:14 - Long-Form Storytelling: The New Edge in Advertising 11:53 - Theme 2: There's Still Room in Saturated Markets (Seriously) 14:03 - Molly’s Mindset Shift: “You’re Not Too Late” 16:26 - Theme 3: A New Ad Channel That’s Actually Working - AppLovin 20:42 - Real Results: Why Smart Marketer is Betting Big on AppLovin 21:50 - Theme 4: AI Search & The Future of ChatGPT Ads 24:32 - AI Tools, Maintenance & Training: Staying Relevant in 2026 26:14 - Theme 5: Reduce Costs in Your Tech Stack (Without Sacrificing Power) 28:40 - Action Step: Review Your Subscriptions and Tools This Quarter 29:51 - Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts and What’s Ahead for Smart Marketer Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast If you enjoyed the episode, please: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share the episode on social media and tag us Got feedback or questions? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39923130

Episode 260: Creative Is the New Currency: Winning Smart Marketer Ad Strategies for 2026 01/28/2026

Episode 260: Creative Is the New Currency: Winning Smart Marketer Ad Strategies for 2026 Episode 260: Creative Is the New Currency: Winning Smart Marketer Ad Strategies for 2026 Episode Description In this tactical episode, Molly Pittman breaks down everything you need to know to stay competitive in 2026, including why your creative could be costing you 50% more (or less). You’ll learn the new campaign structures, targeting tactics, and why Smart Marketer Agency is moving away from media buyers and toward paid performance specialists. “If you have really bad creative that's not well thought out, you are haphazardly using AI, you are not thinking about foundational marketing principles, you could be paying 50% more than your competition that is actually doing creative right.” – Molly Pittman Whether you're testing with a small budget or scaling aggressively, this episode will help you make smarter creative decisions. You Will Learn • Why “creative is the new targeting” • The 50% creative cost multiplier and how to earn it • Two proven campaign structures that are working right now • What the “Andromeda” update means for your strategy • Why weekly cadence beats daily changes • When to use seven-day click vs one-day click attribution • How to test new ads without killing your winners • The difference between scaling momentum and resetting a failing account Links & Resources: • Smart Marketer – • Molly Pittman – • Smart Marketer Show – • Ad Creative Class ($49) – • OmniSend – (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why Meta Ads Have Changed More Than Ever 02:10 – The 50% Creative Cost Multiplier (Straight From Meta) 06:14 – Creative Is the New Targeting 09:33 – How Meta is Indexing Your Ads, Pages, and Even Accents 10:43 – Breaking News: ChatGPT Ads Are Coming 13:59 – The Real Impact of the Andromeda Update 15:15 – Advantage+ Sales, Broad Audiences, and Simplified Structure 20:33 – Campaign Structure: One Campaign Per Objective 22:44 – How to Segment by Avatar and Build for Scale 24:36 – Top of Funnel Setup: Creative Counts, Exclusions Matter 27:47 – Creative Strategy: 15–20 Unique Concepts, Not Variations 29:46 – Creative Testing Do’s and Don’ts for 2026 32:54 – Why Weekly Cadence Outperforms Daily Changes 35:02 – Attribution Strategy: When to Use 7-Day vs 1-Day Click 37:22 – Summary: Molly’s Updated 2026 Smart Marketer Strategy 38:20 – Bonus: Behind the Scenes of Longer Together (New Brand Launch) 41:37 – The Two Scaling Approaches: Forrest Gump vs Andromeda 47:02 – Case Study: Scaling From $5K to $35K a Day 50:09 – Case Study: Clean Ease Goes from Struggling to Best Month Ever 54:19 – Reminder: Creative Quality Is Everything Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, please: • Follow or subscribe to the show • Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts • Share it with your fellow marketers • Visit us at for more free resources Serve the world unselfishly and profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39815495

Episode 259: A Product Alone Won’t Save You 01/21/2026

Episode 259: A Product Alone Won’t Save You Episode 259: A Product Alone Won’t Save You (with John Grimshaw, Colleen Taylor, Adam Von Rothfelder & Parker Hilton) Episode Description You can have the best product in the world, but if you’re not integrating it with the right brand identity, presentation, and customer insight, it’s not going to win. In this behind-the-scenes episode from the Smart Business Systems course, you’ll hear the real story of how the GigaLabs team launched a nootropic product in just 8 weeks, from nothing but a brand idea to standing out on the global stage. This episode features a dynamic conversation between Smart Marketer’s John Grimshaw, Boom’s Colleen Taylor, Strong Coffee CEO Adam Von Rothfelder, and Parker Hilton of GigaLabs. If you’re looking to build products that actually sell, this one’s a masterclass. "A product alone won’t save you. It has to be about the integration of the product, the brand image, and the way you’re presenting it, with a real understanding of the customer." – John Grimshaw You Will Learn: Why a strong product means nothing without the right branding and positioning How GigaLabs launched in just 8 weeks with an unforgettable customer experience The power of emotional connection and understanding your audience Real-world product launch lessons you can apply in your own business How visual branding, packaging, and even outfits helped GigaLabs go viral Why new products are the lifeblood of DTC brands Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – Smart Product Creation Course – Adam Von Rothfelder – GigaLabs – Strong Coffee Company – OmniSend – (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Why product alone isn’t enough 01:09 Ezra Firestone on why Smart Marketer uses OmniSend 02:23 Meet the Team: Parker, Colleen, John & Adam 04:05 From brand idea to live product in 8 weeks 05:20 Reworking the brand identity from "sleepy" to "vibrant" 06:48 The pivot: From nothing to GigaLabs 09:53 How GigaLabs targeted the D-gen crypto audience 12:21 Building emotional connection with your ideal customer 13:15 The power of physical presentation: The GigaBoy jumpsuits 15:41 What brands can learn from standout Expo activations 17:03 Attention to detail: From Pantone palettes to packaging 18:07 Why GigaLabs inspired this course 19:42 John Grimshaw’s Golden Rule: A product alone won’t save you 20:19 Building a brand flywheel & strong product feedback loops 21:03 Final thoughts on loyalty, purpose & what’s next Call to Action If this episode inspired you to rethink how you bring products to life, let us know. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Share this episode and tag us @smartmarketer using the hashtag #WeOutHere Got feedback? We’d love to hear it: /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39800305

Episode 258: From Doer to Delegator – How to Build a Business That Scales Without Burning Out 01/14/2026

Episode 258: From Doer to Delegator – How to Build a Business That Scales Without Burning Out Episode 258: From Doer to Delegator – How to Build a Business That Scales Without Burning Out Episode Description What’s the real secret to growth that doesn’t lead to burnout? In this powerful conversation from our Smart Business Systems course, CMO John Grimshaw and BOOM! Beauty’s Director of Operations Colleen Taylor unpack the mindset shift every entrepreneur must make to scale: letting go of doing it all. You’ll learn how to build systems, empower your team, and transition from task-master to true leader. “If you get to the end of a project and you say, ‘I did a great job, I can't name a single other person that worked on it [...] you're holding too much.’” – John Grimshaw Whether you're building your first team or stepping into a leadership role, this episode will help you grow your business and create more freedom for yourself. You Will Learn Why "A Players" aren’t found, they’re made through smart hiring and support How to delegate effectively without losing control Where to find the right people (hint: it’s closer than you think) Simple onboarding and training tips that set your team up to win The mindset shift that allows leaders to grow without burnout Why giving away your “small” tasks opens up big opportunities Links & Resources Smart Marketer – Smart Business Systems Course – BOOM! Beauty – Omnisend – (Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome: How to Scale Without Burning Out 02:01 – The Real Secret to Scaling: Recruiting People to the Cause 04:11 – “A Players” vs. People Who Bring Their A-Game 06:07 – Where to Find Great People (Hint: Weak Connections) 10:57 – Hiring for Growth: Promoting from Within 13:16 – Spotting Hidden Talent Inside Your Team 17:25 – Creating a Culture of Learning & Ongoing Education 21:35 – The 80/20 Rule of Growth: Input vs. Output 24:28 – Smart Onboarding: Building Connection from Day 1 26:02 – The Leadership Shift: From Doing to Delegating 29:04 – The Power of Giving Away Ownership 33:09 – Supporting Your Own Growth as a Leader 36:22 – Managing the Managers: Why John Gave Up His “Keys” 40:08 – Final Thoughts: Buy Help, Buy Freedom Your Engagement Matters If this episode helped you shift your mindset or think differently about leadership, we’d love your support: Follow and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social and tag us — use #WeOutHere Got feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39718325

Episode 257: How to Craft Offers That Convert in 2026 01/07/2026

Episode 257: How to Craft Offers That Convert in 2026 🎙️ Episode 257: How to Craft Offers That Convert in 2026 Episode Description Want to scale in 2026? It all starts with the right offer. In this never-before-released session from the Smart Ecommerce course, Molly Pittman, John Grimshaw, and Ezra Firestone break down the art and strategy of crafting irresistible offers that speak directly to your audience. Whether you're selling journals, leggings, or skincare, this episode is packed with proven tactics to increase conversions—without racing to the bottom with discounts. “Your product is not the offer […] it’s the vehicle to get your customer where they want to go.” – Molly Pittman You’ll walk away with fresh clarity on what makes an offer work, how to structure bundles, bonuses, and price points for 2026, and why landing pages still reign supreme. You Will Learn: Why great offers go beyond just product features. How to identify the right “who” for your product (and why it matters). The difference between product pages and high-converting landing pages. How to structure bundles and promotions that boost AOV. Smart discounting strategies that protect your brand’s value. Real-world examples of offer optimization that increased conversions by 30–50%. Links & Resources: 💡 Smart ECommerce Course – Learn how to build offers that actually convert: 🚀 Smart Marketer – 📷 Instagram – 📧 Omnisend – Try our favorite email & SMS platform and get 50% off your first 3 months: (Use code: SMART) Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Intro: Behind-the-Scenes From the Smart ECommerce Course 01:04 – Why Offers Are More Than Just Products 03:49 – Product Pages vs. Landing Pages 05:20 – The Importance of Knowing Your Customer Avatar 08:13 – Bundling Products for Seasonal & Niche Offers 09:47 – Scaling Through Landing Page Personalization 11:46 – Offers for Multi-Audience Products (Like Resistance Band Leggings) 12:14 – How to Build Your First High-Converting Offer 15:02 – Discounting: What’s Too Much & Why It Matters 17:11 – Adding Bonuses, Not Just Subtracting Price 18:42 – The “Stuffed Duffle” Strategy: Why Creative Offers Win 20:23 – Offer Optimization: Messaging Over Micro Tweaks 22:13 – Real Example: From “Leggings with Resistance Bands” to “Burn 255 More Calories a Day” Your Engagement Matters! 💬 Love this episode? Help us spread the word: ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us on Instagram using #WeOutHere 📧 Got feedback or questions? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39627770

Episode 256: The Top 3 Lessons from 2025 (with Pep, John, and Molly) 12/30/2025

Episode 256: The Top 3 Lessons from 2025 (with Pep, John, and Molly) Episode 256: The Top 3 Lessons from 2025 (with Pep, John, and Molly) “These aren’t random clips. Each one was part of a conversation that deeply resonated with you, our audience, and together they tell a story about how to build smarter, more resilient businesses in a changing landscape.” – Anthony, Smart Marketer Podcast Episode Description As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the shifts that defined the year; the strategies that moved the needle across offers, customer acquisition, and paid traffic. In this special recap episode, you’ll hear back-to-back clips from Molly Pittman, John Grimshaw, and Pep Hufen, each sharing insights that stood up to real-world challenges. If you're planning your next campaign or refining your offer stack, this episode will help you head into 2026 with clarity and momentum. You Will Learn • Why Self-Liquidating Offers (SLOs) are essential for scalability in 2026 • How low-cost digital products drive higher AOV and customer value • The Red Drop case study using education to drive conversions • What Meta’s Andromeda update really changed and how to optimize for it • Why creative portfolios outperform individual ad tests • How to structure your campaigns for better results across the funnel Links and Resources • Smart Marketer: • Instagram: • Omnisend for SMS and Email: Use code SMART for 50 percent off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:40 Ezra on Why We Love Omnisend 02:43 Molly on Self-Liquidating Offers 06:45 Increasing LTV with Strategic Offers 08:56 John Grimshaw on Digital Bumps That Drive Revenue 10:44 Red Drop Case Study 14:04 Smart Marketer’s $47 Front-End Offer 16:11 Pep Hufen Breaks Down Meta’s Andromeda Update 17:57 Creative Portfolios vs One Winning Ad 20:38 Cleanie Case Study 22:25 What to Watch Out For with Andromeda 23:17 What to Focus on Going Into 2026 24:50 Final Thoughts and Outro Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to the Smart Marketer Podcast. If this episode sparked ideas for your brand or helped you think differently about scaling in 2026, here’s how to support the show Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag us using #WeOutHere Send feedback or questions to Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39460095

Episode 255: Inside Smart Marketer’s Black Friday Strategy - Wins, Curveballs and Campaign Secrets 12/23/2025

Episode 255: Inside Smart Marketer’s Black Friday Strategy - Wins, Curveballs and Campaign Secrets Episode 255: Inside Smart Marketer’s Black Friday Strategy - Wins, Curveballs and Campaign Secrets Episode Description Black Friday may be over, but the insights are just getting started. In this behind-the-scenes breakdown, Smart Marketer’s Director of Advertising, Denis Paskalev, joins Content Coordinator Zach Dampier to reveal what actually moved the needle during Cyber Week 2025. From Meta’s surprise budget update to a Shopify outage on Cyber Monday, Denis shares exactly how the team prepped, pivoted, and profited; and what you can still apply to your end-of-year campaigns. They also dive into evergreen creative, first-click attribution, and how a smart lead gen strategy made all the difference. “The results that we're going to see during Black Friday Cyber Monday are always going to be highly impacted by what you have been doing throughout the rest of the year.” – Denis Paskalev You Will Learn How to use evergreen creative for seasonal promotions What changed with Meta’s budget controls (and how to adapt) The role of lead gen campaigns in doubling client revenue How to structure your ads using first-click attribution Smart ways to combine email and retargeting for higher conversions Why you should start your BFCM promotions early (and beat the CPM spike) How community support helped the team move faster and stay informed What to do if your BFCM didn’t perform, and how to make your holiday sale count Links & Resources Mentor Table Mastermind: Smart Marketer: Instagram: Omnisend Email & SMS Platform: Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 – Intro - What Happened Behind the Scenes This BFCM 01:16 – Ezra’s Favorite Email Tool (And an Exclusive Offer) 02:19 – Meta’s Budget Update - Daily Spend is Now +75% 04:03 – Shopify Outage on Cyber Monday (and What They Did) 05:22 – Why Evergreen Ads Still Win 06:42 – The Power of Starting Promotions Early 07:49 – Younger Shoppers Drove Most of the Sales 08:51 – Client Wins - 20–30% YoY Revenue Growth 10:00 – Lead Gen Campaigns that Actually Worked 11:28 – Repurposing Creative From Previous Years 12:29 – Using Meta’s Dynamic (Flexible) Creative Format 13:44 – Full-Funnel Thinking and Attribution with Triple Whale 15:14 – How to Adjust Copy for End-of-Year Promotions 17:06 – Where AI Helped (and Where It Didn’t) 18:46 – Buy Now, Pay Later’s Role in 2025 20:02 – Make It Scarce, Make It Smart - Crafting Better Messaging 21:57 – How Ads Supported Flooded Email Inboxes 23:56 – The Rise of Mobile and Why Desktop Still Matters 25:07 – Staying Agile Thanks to Community Slack Threads 27:23 – Final Thoughts - What to Do If BFCM Underperformed Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, please support the show: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Share this episode with your team or on social media. Tag us and use #WeOutHere Got feedback or questions? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39382645

Episode 254: From Support to Strategy: How Brittany Casella Helps Brands Unlock Hidden Revenue 12/17/2025

Episode 254: From Support to Strategy: How Brittany Casella Helps Brands Unlock Hidden Revenue Episode 254: From Support to Strategy: How Brittany Casella Helps Brands Unlock Hidden Revenue Episode Description What do eComm upsells and dog rescue have in common? More than you think. In this special live recording from Smart Marketer Live’s VIP Mentor Table Day, Zach Dampier sits down with Brittany Casella, Head of Enterprise at Zipify’s OneClick Upsell. Brittany shares how she climbed from support rep to strategic lead, helping top eCommerce brands boost revenue through post-purchase optimization. Then, the conversation shifts to something deeply personal: Brittany and Molly Pittman's shared mission of rescuing dogs through Fields of Freedom. "There's always more to be done. You can get higher conversion rates, optimize for more revenue." – Brittany Casella Whether you're here to grow your business or save some furry lives, this episode is packed with purpose and practical advice. You Will Learn Why “set it and forget it” is killing your upsell conversions How Zipify merchants are making $30K+ in just 60 days with optimization Brittany’s journey from customer support to strategic enterprise leadership The biggest mistake eComm brands make with upsells How dog rescue became a mission of impact (and how you can help) The true cost and reward of saving a life Links & Resources Zipify OneClick Upsell: Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue: Instagram: Smart Marketer: Omnisend for SMS & Email: — Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Growth, Grit & Dog Rescue 01:28 — Ezra’s Favorite Email/SMS Tool: Omnisend 02:32 — Meet Brittany Casella: From Support to Strategy 03:51 — What Zipify Offers and Why Upsells Matter 05:18 — Case Study: $30K Upsell Revenue in 60 Days 06:58 — How Support Roles Prepare Future Leaders 08:11 — The #1 Mistake Brands Make With Upsells 09:43 — Why You Shouldn't "Set It and Forget It" 10:03 — From Ecomm to Dog Rescue: Fields of Freedom’s Origin Story 12:18 — Foster Fails, Romeo the Rescue Dog & Garage Adoptions 14:27 — Zach’s Dog Adoption Stories 17:19 — The Reality of Rescue: Choosing Who to Save 19:25 — First-Time Fosters and How You Can Help 21:31 — What’s the Cost of Saving a Dog? 23:46 — Meet Crypto: From Chain Wounds to Wagging Tail 25:34 — Fan Favorites: Coco, Daisy, Susan and More 26:43 — Wrap-Up: From Kentucky to New York, Serve the World Unselfishly Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, here’s how you can support the show and our mission: Leave a 5-star review on Share this episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer using the hashtag #WeOutHere Send your feedback to Support the rescue at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39357280

Episode 253: How to Win on TikTok Shop - Real Strategy Over Viral Hype with Ashley Wright 12/10/2025

Episode 253: How to Win on TikTok Shop - Real Strategy Over Viral Hype with Ashley Wright 🎙️ Episode 253: How to Win on TikTok Shop - Real Strategy Over Viral Hype with Ashley Wright Episode Description "People think, ‘Okay, a video’s gone viral or it’s doing really well,’ but then realistically you’ve got to say, has that actually turned into ROI?" – Ashley Wright In this behind-the-scenes episode from Smart Marketer Live, Content Coordinator Zach Dampier sits down with Ashley Wright, founder of Social Tale and one of the top TikTok Shop experts in the game. With over $80 million in sales under his belt, Ashley reveals what most brands get wrong about the platform and how to fix it. They dive into pricing psychology, organic vs paid performance, platform patience, and how building trust through content is the real key to social commerce success. If you're wondering whether TikTok Shop is right for your brand or how to scale it without chasing trends, this one's for you. You Will Learn: Why TikTok Shop isn’t plug-and-play and what it really takes to succeed The #1 mistake brands make when launching on TikTok How to structure your social content for trust and visibility Why patience beats quick wins in today’s attention economy What top brands get right before even touching TikTok The future of live shopping and social commerce LINKS & RESOURCES: 💼 Ashley Wright's Agency: ✨ Ashley Wright on LinkedIn: 🎤 Smart Marketer: 🧠 Smart Social Course: 📩 Omnisend Offer 50% Off for 3 Months: ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: Behind the Scenes at Smart Marketer Live 01:21 Ezra’s Tool Tip: Why He Moved His New Brand to Omnisend 02:25 Meet Ashley Wright: $80M+ in TikTok Shop Sales 03:28 What Most Brands Get Wrong About TikTok Shop 05:22 Views Don’t Equal Revenue: Targeting & ROI Reality Check 06:35 Social Content Isn’t Just Conversion, It’s Identification 08:00 The Patience Game: TikTok Shop Requires a Long-Term Plan 09:47 Why Instant Gratification is Killing Your Strategy 11:50 You’re Growing More Than You Think: Year-Over-Year Metrics 12:17 How Ashley Connected With Smart Marketer and Got Invited 13:43 Inside Smart Marketer Live: Energy, Vibes, and Jeopardy Music? 15:56 Ashley’s Latest Win: $6M from a Single Brand on TikTok Shop 17:26 The Future of TikTok: Live Shopping, Retail Reinvented and AI Integration 20:29 Raising Prices and Letting Go of the Wrong Customers 21:50 What “Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit” Means to Ashley 24:32 Why Sharing Your Knowledge Is Smart Business 25:15 Long-Form Ads, Better Hooks and Better Consumer Experiences 25:59 Outro: Thanks for Tuning In! 📣 YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use the hashtag #WeOutHere 💬 Have feedback or guest suggestions? Email us anytime: support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39267870

Episode 252: Creative Shifts, Community, and the Realities of Modern E-Commerce with Kurt Elster 12/03/2025

Episode 252: Creative Shifts, Community, and the Realities of Modern E-Commerce with Kurt Elster Episode 252: Creative Shifts, Community, and the Realities of Modern E-Commerce with Kurt Elster Episode Description What keeps a Shopify expert motivated after 15+ years in the game? In this episode, Kurt Elster, creator of the Unofficial Shopify Podcast and longtime Smart Marketer collaborator, joins Zach Dampier live at Smart Marketer Live to share real talk about modern eCommerce, creative fatigue, and building community in an often isolating industry. “The thing I hang my hat on is two words: enable entrepreneurship. If I can do that with my content, with my efforts speaking or the work, then I’m happy.” – Kurt Elster From actionable takeaways to a raw look at what it really takes to scale on Shopify, this episode is packed with insights for any DTC brand or digital entrepreneur. You Will Learn Why “enabling entrepreneurship” fuels Kurt’s long-term success The #1 Shopify checkout mistake (and how to fix it in 5 minutes) What Amazon sellers need to know before bolting on Shopify How Smart Marketer Live helped attendees beat the isolation of online business The creative demands of Meta’s new ad algorithm (Andromeda update) Why diverse ad creative matters Behind the scenes of a high-speed Shopify theme build for JomBoy Media Links & Resources – Learn more about Kurt’s work, services, and speaking – Weekly eComm insights with Kurt Elster – Courses, strategy, and support for scaling your business – Learn the exact structure Kurt used to help boost conversions by 87% – Get expert help growing your eCommerce brand – Save up to 60% before Dec 4 & support charity while you shop – Use code “SMART” for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 – Intro from Anthony + BFCM promo 01:11 – Ezra shares why he uses Omnisend 02:22 – “Enable Entrepreneurship”: Kurt’s mission 02:54 – Kurt’s experience at Smart Marketer Live 04:02 – From podcasting to partnering with Ezra 05:39 – The power of product detail pages (PDPs) 06:09 – Why Amazon sellers want Shopify independence 07:35 – Ecomm is lonely: The power of in-person connection 08:21 – Meta’s creative demands and audience fatigue 09:57 – The checkout mistake that kills conversions 11:24 – Success doesn’t mean debt-free: The hidden pressure 12:23 – Custom Shopify build for JomBoy Media 14:05 – What motivates Kurt after 15+ years 15:49 – How Kurt lives “Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit” 18:25 – Outro + Smart Marketer BFCM deal reminder Your Engagement Matters If this episode inspired you, please: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share and tag us with #WeOutHere Got thoughts? Email Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39167750

Episode 251: Shark Tank, AI & Social Impact: How Kreyòl Essence Scaled With Purpose 11/26/2025

Episode 251: Shark Tank, AI & Social Impact: How Kreyòl Essence Scaled With Purpose Episode 251: Shark Tank, AI & Social Impact: How Kreyòl Essence Scaled With Purpose Episode Description: In this powerhouse episode, Smart Marketer’s Zach Dampier sits down with Yve-Car Momperousse, CEO & Co-Founder of Kreyòl Essence, the clean beauty brand that turned Haitian Black Castor Oil into a viral, purpose-driven movement. Yve-Car shares what it was like stepping into the Shark Tank spotlight, how she’s leveraging AI to evolve her brand, and why poverty alleviation is her true North Star. “Don’t feed into your own hype. What you did five years ago, what you did ten years ago; it matters. But what you do the next five years is critical.” – Yve-Car Momperousse If you’ve ever wrestled with staying relevant while staying rooted in your mission, this one’s for you. You Will Learn: How Kreyòl Essence blended culture, biotech & commerce to reach millions What really happens behind the scenes on Shark Tank A powerful mindset shift to avoid being replaced by AI Why inclusive marketing is both ethical and profitable How to use your founder story as your brand's superpower The real reason entrepreneurship is a “team sport” Links & Resources: Smart Marketer Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale – Watch Kreyòl Essence on Shark Tank: Get 50% off Omnisend: – Use code: SMART Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome from Smart Marketer + Omnisend Promo 02:08 – Meet Yve-Car: CEO & Co-Founder of Kreyòl Essence 04:47 – How Ezra Firestone Discovered Yve-Car at a Conference 05:52 – Why Community & Collaboration Are Entrepreneurial Superpowers 08:45 – From Executive Assistant to CEO: Don’t Minimize Your Experience 11:59 – Why Smart Marketer Events Feel Different 13:09 – Big Takeaway: Let AI Be Your Copywriter, Strategist & Soundboard 15:05 – Don’t Feed Into Your Own Hype: Why Adaptability Is Everything 17:24 – Mindset Matters: Why Coaching & Therapy Aren’t Optional 19:10 – Inclusion in Ecomm: Why Representation Still Lags 22:28 – Real Talk: Targeting Customers Multilingually 23:27 – Her True North Star: Poverty Alleviation, Not Product Sales 25:37 – Representation Wins: “Now I know I can do it too” 26:38 – Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank: What They Don’t Tell You 29:24 – Best Ad Ever? How Shark Tank Helped Them Tell Their Story 30:53 – Final Thoughts + Why This Journey is Bigger Than Business Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, here’s how you can support: 💥 Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode on social & tag us [@smartmarketer] 📧 Got feedback? We’d love to hear from you: 💥 Take advantage of our biggest sale of the year – Save up to 60% during the Smart Marketer BFCM Sale + get two bonus gifts. Ends December 4, 2025. → Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39083955

Episode 250: Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In 11/24/2025

Episode 250: Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In Episode 250: Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In Episode Description What happens when you mix a viral beverage, a high-compliance industry, and one of the sharpest minds in performance marketing? In this episode, recorded live at Smart Marketer Live 2025, Nick Shackelford joins Zach Dampier for a candid behind-the-scenes look at building BRĒZ a microdose beverage brand blending THC, functional mushrooms, and adaptogens. From navigating paid media challenges to retail expansion, Nick shares real talk on scaling products you care about, retention strategies that actually work, and why creative still trumps targeting on Meta. “Our mission is to reduce human suffering and maximize human potential through a better beverage.” – Nick Shackelford You Will Learn: How to scale a product in a highly regulated category like THC The exact creative that outperforms for BRĒZ (hint: it’s not what you expect) Why retail is still essential, even for DTC brands A smarter way to build LTV from first purchase to loyal customer Why "broad targeting" is Meta’s new reality Nick’s bold prediction about AI-generated content and Meta’s next big move Links & Resources Smart Marketer Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale – BRĒZ Beverage – Nick Shackelford on Instagram – Smart Marketer – Instagram – @smartmarketerig – Instagram – @mollypittmandigital – Omnisend (Email & SMS Tool) – – Use code SMART for 50% off Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Nick Shackelford joins live at Smart Marketer Live 02:46 – Nick’s journey & how BRĒZ was born 04:08 – From agency life to brand ownership 05:27 – Navigating compliance in regulated industries (like THC) 07:19 – Cultural shifts: The rise of non-alcoholic social beverages 09:35 – Why retail still wins: “Cans in hands” matters 10:42 – The creative that outperformed all ads: A real customer call 12:35 – LTV & retention: How to optimize post-purchase flow 14:21 – The most common mistake in paid ads (and what Meta reps say now) 16:25 – What fuels Nick’s team: Mission, movement, and remote hustle 19:10 – Full-circle moment: How pirated Ezra content sparked Nick’s career 22:51 – Purpose & product: Nick’s take on meaningful business 24:38 – Bold prediction: Meta’s new “Vibes” AI feed & where it’s heading 27:28 – Closing thoughts: Reaffirmation bubbles, dual realities & what’s next Call to Action Thanks for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Smart Marketer Podcast! 🎧 If this episode brought you value: ✅ Leave a 5-star review on 📲 Share it with your network and tag us – use #WeOutHere 💬 Questions or feedback? Email us at 💥 Take advantage of our biggest sale of the year – Save up to 60% during the Smart Marketer BFCM Sale + get two bonus gifts. Ends December 4, 2025. → And remember: Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39010820

Episode 249: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 2 11/19/2025

Episode 249: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 2 🎙️Episode 249: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy – Part 2 (with Ben Bennett) 📝 Episode Description Want more winning ads with less guesswork? In Part 2 of this creative strategy masterclass, Smart Marketer’s Director of Creative, Ben Bennett, takes you behind the scenes of a real ad campaign to show how small, intentional changes to your message and creative experience can lead to major performance gains on Meta. Forget pumping out 20 random creatives a week. Ben shows you how to scale creative purposefully by testing strategic variables like persona, tone, and setting instead of scrambling to change formats. “With the right variables, small changes become big changes. That’s real creative strategy.” – Ben Bennett This episode is packed with examples, frameworks, and a fresh way to approach Meta’s evolving algorithm by focusing on people first. ✅ You Will Learn How to turn one winning hook into multiple high-performing ads Why Meta’s algorithm rewards creative diversity based on experience What variables matter most: persona, setting, tone (not just format) How to create “purposeful volume” instead of creative noise Why human-first strategy beats algorithm-chasing every time A repeatable system for long-term creative testing & scaling 🔗 Links & Resources Smart Marketer – Smart Marketer Agency – Omnisend (Email & SMS tool) – 👉 Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Welcome back: What You’ll Learn in Part 2 01:00 – Ezra Firestone’s Omnisend Shoutout: “That’s how much I trust that platform.” 02:04 – Ad Case Study: 3 Winning Ads, Same Hook, Different Experiences 03:54 – How Changing One Variable (like persona) Unlocked Higher Performance 06:52 – From Winning Image → UGC Video: Building Iterations with Confidence 07:41 – Persona Shift: Human Activity vs. Human Connection 08:58 – Why Format Isn’t Strategy (And What Actually Is) 10:05 – Why People First > Algorithm First Creative 11:01 – The Real Director of Meta’s Algorithm? Humans. 12:08 – Purposeful Volume: How to Test Strategically 13:02 – Final Thoughts: Real Creative Strategy is Human-First 14:01 – Outro & YouTube Shoutout 📣 Your Engagement Matters! Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast! If this episode helped shift your thinking, do us a favor: ✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode on social & tag us with #WeOutHere 💌 Got feedback or a question? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39066215

Episode 248: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 1 11/17/2025

Episode 248: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 1 Episode 248: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 1 (with Ben Bennett) 📝 Episode Description What’s really going on with Meta’s latest algorithm update? In this must-listen episode, Smart Marketer’s Director of Creative, Ben Bennett, breaks down what the Andromeda update means for advertisers and how to adjust your creative strategy to keep winning in 2025. “If we can take creative and make that our advantage, then it's like AI to the speed of sound.” – Ben Bennett Ben shares the four-step framework he uses daily to build high-performing creative and explains why Meta’s new system favors marketers who understand message, tone, and audience experience; not just volume. Plus, you’ll hear why obsessing over technical formats like video vs. image is not where performance starts. Part 2 drops next week and will go deeper into examples, production tips, and AI workflows. ✅ You Will Learn: What the Meta Andromeda update changes for creative strategy How to avoid “creative noise” and create performance-driven diversity Why your best ads still dominate spend (and how to find more like them) The four-step process Smart Marketer uses with agency clients What variables actually matter when planning diverse creatives Why starting with your best-performing hook changes everything 🔗 Links & Resources Smart Marketer – Smart Marketer Agency – Omnisend Email Tool – (Use coupon code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months) ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Intro: Why You Need to Rethink Your Creative Strategy 01:16 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend: "That's how much I trust that platform..." 02:19 – Meta’s Andromeda Update: "It's not just more creative." 03:17 – Is 20 Ads/Week Really Necessary? What the Data Shows 06:01 – “The thing that I think is really awesome about this algorithm is that it helps those with better creative win.” 07:51 – Creative Volume vs. Creative Clarity: “They have lost touch on what's working and what's not.” 09:40 – Step 1: Choose Your Best Performing Hook 11:20 – Case Study: Good Riddance Natural Insect Repellent 13:02 – Step 2: Build an Experience Around the Hook 14:01 – The Role of Tone, Setting, and Persona in Ad Performance 16:49 – How Demographics and POV Impact Results 18:33 – Match Your Creative to Viewer Behavior on Facebook 19:28 – 3 Example Creative Plans Using the Framework 20:31 – Step 3: Add Technical Variables (Format, Length, Placement) 21:51 – Final Framework: “When a hook and experience have a baby, they make an ad.” 📣 Your Engagement Matters! If this episode gave you a new perspective on creative strategy, we’d love to hear from you. ✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Questions or feedback? Email us: Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39037605

Episode 247: Revolutionizing Recurring Revenue with Supliful’s Game-Changing Consumables 11/12/2025

Episode 247: Revolutionizing Recurring Revenue with Supliful’s Game-Changing Consumables Episode 247: Revolutionizing Recurring Revenue with Supliful’s Game-Changing Consumables Episode Description “You’re literally solving the biggest problem in business right now.” – Molly Pittman What if you could add high-margin, recurring revenue products to your business without worrying about inventory, cash flow, or manufacturing? In this episode, Molly Pittman sits down with Martins Lasmanis, CEO of Supliful; a platform that makes launching white-label consumables as easy as clicking a button. Whether you sell physical products, run a digital business, or want to boost LTV, this is the growth strategy you didn’t know you needed. Martins shares why everyone will be selling consumables in the next two years, how micro-brands are eating up market share, and how Supliful uses AI to suggest the perfect product for your audience. 💡 You Will Learn: How to add a supplement, coffee, or skincare product to your offer in minutes Why recurring revenue is critical for scaling in today’s market The “print on demand” model for consumables (with no upfront cost) Why micro-brands are thriving (and how you can join them) How AI is making product launches faster, smarter, and easier The one mistake that kills repeat sales—and how to fix it fast What certifications and compliance actually matter in this space Real case study: $1.7M in added revenue in just 3 months! 🔗 Links & Resources Supliful – Launch Magic (AI product recommendations) – Molly Pittman – Smart Marketer – Omnisend (SMS & Email) – – Use code SMART for 50% off Instagram – , ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro from Anthony: Supliful solves a BIG problem 01:17 – Ezra’s endorsement: Why we love Omnisend 02:20 – Meet Martins: From posters to profitable consumables 04:33 – How Supliful removes ALL the friction of launching new products 05:33 – The problem with non-recurring products (and how to fix it) 06:33 – Why consumables are the next big thing for all business models 07:47 – The rise of micro-brands and personalized offers 09:03 – Consumer behavior shift: Buying shampoo and cold brew online 10:55 – How easy is it to launch a supplement? (Hint: very) 12:21 – AI-powered product recommendations based on your brand 13:27 – No inventory, no problem: How Supliful’s model works 14:21 – Already selling skincare or supplements? Here's why it still makes sense 15:11 – Hot categories for 2026: Coffee, functional products, and more 16:00 – Niche targeting with broad-market products 16:29 – Case Study: From 20 to 20,000 orders per month 18:16 – Why quality and transparency are non-negotiable 20:00 – Why now is the time to add recurring products 21:19 – Final thoughts: This is a win-win-win model 22:28 – Outro: Rate, review, and thank you for listening! 🙌 Call to Action Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to support the show: 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/39000740

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