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 216: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start an Ecom Business 04/23/2025

Episode 216: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start an Ecom Business 🎙 Episode 216: Why Now Is the Best Time to Start an Ecom Business Episode Description "This is the best time, I think, better than when I got into the industry over 15 years ago to get started in e-commerce." – Ezra Firestone In this special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on an exclusive session from the Smart eCommerce course. Ezra Firestone is joined by Laura Paladino and Kurt Elster to talk about the evolution of ecommerce—and why there’s never been a better moment to dive in. From Laura’s journey working four jobs (including Cracker Barrel) to becoming Director of Retention at an 8-figure brand, to Kurt’s eBay hustle during the Furby craze, you’ll walk away inspired—and armed with strategic advice on how to grow in this booming industry. You Will Learn: Why ecommerce has the lowest barrier to entry right now How to avoid overwhelm and choose the right learning path What “Shopify nerds” have known for years (and you should too) Real stories of career transformation through ecommerce Why marketing is all about making the backend prettier for the frontend Where to find trustworthy, high-impact education (and what to avoid) Links & Resources 🎓 🧠 📈 🌐 Timestamps 02:17 – Ezra shares why this is the best time to start in ecommerce 02:24 – Meet Laura and Kurt 03:31 – Kurt on getting started with eBay 05:03 – Laura’s journey from Cracker Barrel to Boom 06:17 – What surprised Laura most about marketing 08:41 – Advice for new ecommerce learners: avoid overwhelm 09:27 – Don't be afraid to use Shopify’s powerful documentation 10:21 – Laura’s framework for learning in a noisy space 11:14 – Ezra’s advice: Follow the course and focus Your Engagement Matters! Thanks for tuning in 🙌 If this episode brought you value: 🌟 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share it on social and tag us — #WeOutHere 💬 Got thoughts? Email Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/36102255

Episode 215: Winning Ad Creative: What Works Now & How to Measure It 04/16/2025

Episode 215: Winning Ad Creative: What Works Now & How to Measure It Episode 215 – Smart Marketer Show Winning Ad Creative: What Works Now & How to Measure It Episode Description What makes an ad actually perform in 2025? In this episode, John Grimshaw and Ben Bennett pull back the curtain on the creative process that drives real sales—from emotional resonance to performance metrics. You’ll learn why good creative starts with empathy, how to identify your strongest hooks, and which numbers really matter. Plus, we introduce a brand-new metric (yes, we named it), and show you how AI is changing the creative game—without replacing your team. “If your ad doesn’t have a heart, it will not perform well.” —Ben Bennett You Will Learn The 3 key metrics that reveal if your ad creative is working How to identify and fix poor-performing ads (without guessing) Why emotional hooks beat flashy tactics every time How to use AI image tools like ChatGPT to speed up creative The “thumb stop ratio” metric you should be tracking (and how) A 30-minute Action of the Month to sharpen your creative instantly Links & Resources – Hyros attribution tool Smart Marketer Free Resources – Smart Marketer Agency – Timestamps (Chapters) 02:05 – Meet Ben Bennett: Creative Director at Smart Marketer 03:15 – Top 3 Metrics That Matter for Ad Creative 07:24 – Metric 1: Unique Link Click-Through Rate 11:54 – Metric 2: Conversion Rate & Ad Scent 15:51 – Metric 3: Thumb Stop Ratio 19:00 – How to Set Up and Benchmark Your Thumb Stop Ratio 21:07 – AI for Ad Creatives: How ChatGPT-4 is Changing the Game 26:32 – Action of the Month: Add Heart to Your Hooks 27:27 – The Heart Behind Your Creative 29:30 – If Your Ad Doesn’t Have a Heart, It Won’t Perform 30:33 – The Hook and the Hand: A Smart Marketer Analogy 34:01 – Making Facebook Ads People Don’t Hate 36:24 – Hooks vs. Heart: What's Missing in Most Ads 40:57 – A Simple Exercise 42:56 – The Nine Motivators That Move People 45:12 – Building Visual Hooks Around Real Situations 45:39 – How to Think About Hooks, and How They Fit Into Existing Ads 48:08 – How to Create Really Good Problem Hooks 56:48 – Here's How to Copy This Win Call to Action Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review, share it with a marketer who needs better ad creative, and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly insights from the Smart Marketer team. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/36059445

Episode 214: Strategy Meets Soul: What 2024 Taught Us About Marketing, Mindset & Staying Human in 2025 04/09/2025

Episode 214: Strategy Meets Soul: What 2024 Taught Us About Marketing, Mindset & Staying Human in 2025 Episode 214: Strategy Meets Soul: What 2024 Taught Us About Marketing, Mindset & Staying Human in 2025 Episode Description 2024 was a year that tested every marketer’s resilience—and in this vulnerable, insight-packed interview, Molly Pittman sits down with Alex Cattoni from the Copy Posse to share what she learned from the trenches. From managing over $600M in ad spend to navigating the emotional highs and lows of leadership, Molly pulls back the curtain on what’s really working in 2025—and how to stay human in the age of AI. You’ll walk away with tactical strategies to boost your ad performance and a renewed sense of purpose and confidence as a marketer, creator, or entrepreneur. "You will always outperform other advertisers—even [those] that are tactically better than you in the platform because you understand the psychology, and you are not just selling a product or service in the news feed." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn Why 2024 was one of the hardest (and most transformational) years in marketing How to use AI without losing your voice, creativity, or soul The 3 biggest ad strategies working right now (based on $600M of data) The #1 mistake most people make when writing ads—and how to fix it How to sell connection, not just conversion Why being “for someone” is the key to standing out in 2025 How to reframe fear and uncertainty into opportunity and clarity Episode Sponsor – Hyros Hyros is the AI-powered ad tracking platform trusted by top marketers and agencies. It shows you exactly which campaigns are driving results—so you can scale without wasting ad spend. If you’re tired of guessing and want brutal, data-driven truth in your marketing, Hyros delivers the clarity to grow. Learn more at Links & Resources Smart Marketer – Molly Pittman – Copy Posse / Alex Cattoni – Launchpad Season 6 – Smart Marketer Free Resources – Instagram – Molly Pittman – Instagram – Smart Marketer – Instagram – Alex Cattoni – Instagram – Copy Posse – Timestamps 00:30 – Intro: What You’ll Learn and Why It Matters 02:27 – Molly's Journey: From Bartender to VP to CEO 12:15 – Why Right Now Is the Best Time to Start 16:40 – AI vs. Copywriters: What’s the Real Impact? 25:15 – What $600M in Ad Spend Says About Winning Ads 36:37 – How to Write Ads That Actually Convert 37:49 – The Biggest Mistake Marketers Make (And How to Fix It) 40:43 – The Mindset That Will Keep You Relevant in 2025 Call to Action If this episode hit home for you, do us a favor: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share it with your community and tag us using #WeOutHere Got thoughts or questions? Email us at Serve the world unselfishly and profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35991485

Episode 213: What’s Working Now in Ecomm: Hook Strategy, AI Signals & Smarter Offer Design 04/02/2025

Episode 213: What’s Working Now in Ecomm: Hook Strategy, AI Signals & Smarter Offer Design This week, Molly Pittman and Brett Curry are pulling back the curtain on what’s working right now in digital marketing—and what’s not. From creative hooks and audience targeting to offer structure and AI-powered platform changes, this episode is stacked with real-world strategies to help you stay profitable and ahead of the curve. As marketing shifts and tracking becomes trickier, it’s more important than ever to get your data right. That’s why we’re proud to have Hyros supporting this episode—a platform built to give marketers crystal-clear attribution so you can stop guessing and scale with confidence. If you’re serious about understanding what’s actually driving your sales, Hyros is the tool that gives you the truth you need to win. “If you don’t know what’s working, you can’t scale. The best brands are doubling down on the right hooks and smarter systems.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: • How to track your top-performing creative hooks and scale with confidence • The #1 variable that drives success on Meta (after analyzing $1B+ in ad spend) • Why engagement is more powerful than conversion when testing new messages • A practical system for mapping hooks, angles, and campaign goals • How to use your creative to replace targeting as AI takes over • The “system vs. product” strategy that instantly boosts AOV and LTV • Real examples of creative that doubled revenue and unlocked new markets • Why Flewd’s bath brand is one of the smartest DTC models to study right now Episode Sponsor – Hyros Hyros is the AI-powered ad tracking platform trusted by top marketers and agencies. It shows you exactly which campaigns are driving results—so you can scale without wasting ad spend. If you’re tired of guessing and want brutal, data-driven truth in your marketing, Hyros delivers the clarity to grow. 👉 Learn more at Links & Resources: • Smart Marketer – • Molly Pittman – • Follow us on Instagram – • Smart Marketer Live Tickets – • Flewd Stress Care – • Recovery Labs – • Hyros – Timestamps: 00:36 – Pickles & Platforms: The Wild World of DTC 00:02:56 – Codifying Hooks For Scalable Growth 00:06:21 – One Message, Big Risk 00:14:48 – The Power of Engagement Over Attribution 00:31:38 – Don't Sell A Product, Sell A System 00:36:28 – Skittle Nails & The Power of Regrame Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in! If you got value from this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d: • ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – • 📲 Share this episode and tag us • 💬 Got feedback? Send us a note at [email protected] Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35960055

Episode 212: The 2025 Marketing Shift: How to Stay Ahead in a Changing Landscape 03/26/2025

Episode 212: The 2025 Marketing Shift: How to Stay Ahead in a Changing Landscape In this exclusive live session from Smart Marketer Live, Molly Pittman and John Grimshaw dive into the biggest challenges businesses face in 2025 and, more importantly, the strategies you need to stay ahead. From rising ad costs to shifting consumer behavior and increased competition, this episode is packed with insights on how to adapt and thrive. “We’re in the middle of a major shift. The businesses that succeed in 2025 are the ones that pivot fast, embrace change, and double down on what works.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: • Why ad costs are rising (and what you can do about it) • How to adjust your marketing for the new “messy middle” of consumer behavior • The importance of identity-based marketing over interest targeting • How AI is disrupting eCommerce and what that means for your business • Why building a hybrid brand (content + community + commerce) is the key to long-term growth • Actionable steps you can take today to increase engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty Links & Resources: • Smart Marketer – • Molly Pittman – • Follow Us on Instagram – • Smart Marketer Live 2025 Super Early Bird Tickets – Time Stamps: • 00:00 – Introduction: The 2025 Marketing Shift • 00:00:44 – Why 2024 was a “difficult year” for marketers & entrepreneurs • 00:02:15 – Rising ad costs: The real numbers & why they matter • 00:04:09 – Attention spans are shrinking: How to stand out in a distracted world • 00:06:19 – The messy middle: Why customers now need 15-30 touchpoints before buying • 00:09:16 – Meta’s interest targeting is disappearing. What’s next? • 00:11:00 – The AI disruption: What business owners need to know • 00:15:59 – The Hybrid Brand Model: The key to success in 2025 • 00:21:30 – Building customer loyalty & brand trust in a saturated market • 00:45:57 – Expanding a Brick-and-Mortar Business with Digital Strategies • 00:47:48 – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to: • 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – • 📲 Share this episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer • 💌 Have feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35739225

Episode 211: Scaling Faster: The Metrics That Actually Matter 03/19/2025

Episode 210: DTC Brands to Watch: Plufl Brand Study 03/12/2025

Episode 209: Scaling With Heart 03/05/2025

Episode 209: Scaling With Heart Episode Description In this powerful episode, Molly Pittman shares her inspiring journey of integrating purpose-driven work into her entrepreneurial career. Recorded live at the Four Rooms Mastermind, Molly discusses how her experience building the Fields of Freedom dog rescue has transformed her business, fueled personal growth, and reinforced the importance of structured generosity. She also reveals actionable insights on how entrepreneurs can create lasting impact while scaling their companies. “Your energy source must go beyond just business—it must come from something deeper, something that fuels you for the long game.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why integrating service-based work into your business can drive long-term success How Molly scaled her nonprofit to save over 7,500 dogs in three years The five steps to building structured, ongoing generosity in your company How generosity strengthens brand loyalty and community engagement Why balancing heart and strategy creates sustainable business models LINKS: The Smart Marketer Show - Smart Marketer – Instagram – Molly Pittman – Instagram - Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – Instagram - TIME STAMPS: 00:00:59 – Molly’s Journey: From Digital Marketing to Nonprofit Leadership 00:02:18 – Why Purpose-Driven Work Creates Sustainable Energy in Business 00:05:12 – The Five Steps to Structured Generosity 00:07:31 – How Fields of Freedom Scaled to Save 7,500 Dogs 00:21:15 – Balancing Business, Impact, and Long-Term Vision 00:28:00 – Final Thoughts: How You Can Take Action Today YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #SmartMarketerPodcast Have feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35515060

Episode 208: More Revenue, Better Customers: The Marketing Levers That Work 02/26/2025

Episode 208: More Revenue, Better Customers: The Marketing Levers That Work Molly Pittman is back with an unfiltered look at what’s working in DTC marketing right now! In this episode, she breaks down the biggest trends shaping 2025—from revenue growth to the power of hybrid business models—and shares practical strategies you can implement today. Plus, hear how Smart Marketer is using AI, optimizing lead generation, and leveraging email warming campaigns to drive engagement. “They key to winning in 2025? Focus on what your customer needs, optimize for revenue, and stay adaptable.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: The must-know DTC trends and tactics shaping 2025. Why January and February set the tone for your business success. How to increase revenue and average order value in a competitive market. Why Smart Marketer is all in on hybrid business models. The power of email warming campaigns (and why you should run one ASAP!). How SweetFlex skyrocketed from 6 to 8 figures with one marketing shift. The latest game-changing update from Meta for lead generation. LINKS: The Smart Marketer Show - Smart Marketer – Instagram – Molly Pittman – Instagram - Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – Instagram - TIME STAMPS: 00:00:54 – What’s Working Now in DTC Marketing 00:02:11 – Molly’s Journey: From Bartender to Digital Marketing and Dog Rescuing 00:08:56 – Numbers Don’t Lie: January 2024 Vs January 2025 00:19:21 – This Just In: Meta Announces Advantage Plus 00:24:40 – Action of the Month: Q1 Is the New Q5 00:42:29 – Copy This: How SweetFlex Grew From 6 to 8 Figures 00:58:18 – Introducing Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at [email protected] Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35405255

Episode 207: How NutriPaw Scaled to an 8-Figure Pet Brand 02/19/2025

Episode 207: How NutriPaw Scaled to an 8-Figure Pet Brand Molly Pittman sits down with Connor Westby, an entrepreneur who successfully scaled NutriPaw a pet supplement company, into an eight-figure brand. They dive deep into the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the strategies that helped Connor achieve massive growth. If you're looking for actionable insights on business scaling, marketing, and product expansion, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways! "You get to a place where no one truly understands your business like you do, and that’s both a blessing and a curse." – Connor Westby You Will Learn: How Connor transitioned from consulting to eCommerce The challenges of scaling a pet supplement brand Why NutriPaw pivoted its ad strategy for sustainable growth Lessons from a major business setback & how to recover How expanding into new markets unlocked revenue growth The importance of product innovation & differentiation Why keeping your business lean can help you scale faster LINKS: Smart Marketer – Molly Pittman – Mentor Table - Instagram – @smartmarketer Nutripaw – Instagram - @nutri_paw TIME STAMPS: 00:00:26 – Meet Connor: His Background & How He Started NutriPaw 00:03:31 – The Early Challenges of Scaling a Pet Supplement Brand 00:04:42 – Key Decisions That Led to NutriPaw Growth 00:08:42 – Expanding into New Markets: Lessons & Wins 00:21:54 – Surviving a Major Business Setback & The Future of NutriPaw 00:29:15 – NutriPaw's Company Structure 00:37:42 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways from Connor’s Journey YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support helps keep this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #SmartMarketerPodcast Have feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35246515

Ep 206 The Road to 2025: Smart Marketer’s Lessons, Growth & What’s Next 02/12/2025

Ep 206 The Road to 2025: Smart Marketer’s Lessons, Growth & What’s Next Molly Pittman is back with an inside look at Smart Marketer’s journey and the strategies shaping 2025! After a challenging yet transformative year, Molly shares what’s been happening behind the scenes, why Smart Marketer took a break from podcasting, and the key business shifts they’ve made to build momentum in 2025. From simplifying operations to leveraging AI and focusing on community, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the evolving digital marketing landscape. “2024 was tough, but it forced us to refine our business in the best way possible.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why Smart Marketer paused the podcast & what’s changed since. How analyzing year-over-year performance helps predict business trends. Why simplifying your business model can be the key to scaling. The impact of retiring “Train My Traffic Person” & launching Mentor Table. How AI & automation are shaping Smart Marketer’s 2025 strategy. Why building products backwards creates stronger customer connections. How to focus on community & coaching for long-term success. LINKS: Smart Marketer – Molly Pittman – Instagram – Mentor Table – TIME STAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction: The Return of Smart Marketer Podcast: Why We Took a Break & What's Changed 00:01:25 – 2024’s Challenges & What We Learned 00:09:06 – Big Business Decisions: Retiring TMTP & Launching Mentor Table 00:13:10 – How Listening to Customers Built Our Best Offer Yet 00:19:39 – Why Community & Coaching Are Smart Marketer’s Future 00:25:48 – Looking Ahead: AI, Content Strategy & Scaling in 2025 YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀 /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/35161065

Ep 205 DTC Brands to Watch: Flewd Stress Care 02/05/2025

Ep 204 Achieving Balance and Longevity in Business: Insights with Ezra Firestone 01/29/2025

Ep 204 Achieving Balance and Longevity in Business: Insights with Ezra Firestone Ezra Firestone shares insights on maintaining balance and longevity in business. He explores the importance of sustainable business strategies, personal well-being, and the mindset needed to navigate entrepreneurship successfully. Through real-life experiences and reflections, Ezra highlights how consistency, self-care, and strategic decision-making contribute to long-term success. Whether you’re an established entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode provides valuable perspectives on achieving both business and personal fulfillment. “The future is shaped by those who act today. Identify your opportunities and lean into them.” – Ezra Firestone You Will Learn: • The role of consistency in long-term success. • How to avoid burnout and stay energized for the journey. • Insights on setting boundaries and achieving work-life balance. • Why routines and intentionality are critical for personal and business growth. • Strategies for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. • How to foster community and connection in an increasingly isolated world. LINKS: • Smart Marketer – • Mentor Table – TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:01:03 Ezra's Tips 00:03:43 The Importance Of Work-Life Balance 00:09:03 Creating Space for Strategic Thinking 00:13:23 Why Mental Consumption Impacts Your Outcomes 00:14:47 The Power of Community and Connection 00:16:11 The Power of Concsciousness Shifts 00:17:25 Balancing Work, Life, and Personal Joy YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you to our listeners for your 5-star reviews and supportive messages! This podcast continues to grow thanks to YOU. If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () We'd also love it if you reposted this episode to your social media, shared your favorite episodes with friends, and tagged us in your next post, #WeOutHere. Have feedback or questions? Email us at [email protected]. And remember, Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/34945825

Ep 203 6 Business Growth Strategies for 2025 01/22/2025

Ep. 202, Reflections From 30 Business-Free Days 07/02/2024

Ep. 201, How To Build Your Brand Identity (An Excerpt From Smart Product Creation) 06/25/2024

Ep. 201, How To Build Your Brand Identity (An Excerpt From Smart Product Creation) "Pepsi technically won the taste challenge, but Coca-Cola built the brand." Adam Von Rothfelder is back on the show today, and we're sharing another slice of our new course, Smart Product Creation. In this episode, you will hear Adam (CEO of Strong Coffee) describe how he overhauled the Brand Identity of the E-Comm brand "Gigalabs" (A nootropic supplements brand offering "Degen Enhancements"). You will also hear about Pepsi and Coke, Liquid Death and ELF cosmetics, and Boom by Cindy Joseph as he talks with Colleen Taylor (Director of Operations at Smart Marketer), Parker Hilton (Co-Founder of Gigalabs), and our very own John Grimshaw (CMO of Smart Marketer and the host of this episode). You Will Learn: Does your color scheme really matter (or is it just subjective)? Keys to creating a consistent experience for your consumer How to choose your brand elements based on your target audience What happens if you don't invest in your branding? And more! LINKS Mentioned In This Episode: Smart Product Creation *NEW* Course, Parkers Company, Adam Von Rothfelder, https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonrothfelder/ For more Episodes and Resources, John Grimshaw,https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwgrimshaw/ Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ TIME STAMPS 00:00 John sets the stage. 00:55 Let's Dive In 04:38 Capturing The Spirit Of A Brand (e.g. Gigalabs) 06:18 Having a consistent 'look' versus having a consistent color 08:42 "Pepsi just buys celebrity-ism. Coca-Cola owns it". 12:04 Parker Hilton talks about honing in on their target audience through Branding 13:00 Colleen Taylor talks about their Boom Re-Brand 14:32 "Being wishy-washy with your branding leads to increased costs because you're attracting a bunch of people who say, yeah, maybe, but no."John Grimshaw 16:13 How Liquid Death "created a new Social Lubricant". 17:52 Branding effects Acquisition costs. If you're interested in learning more about how you can create new products in your business without having to do all of the legwork yourself, check out Smart Product Creation here: YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31850862

Ep. 200, *Special Episode* 5 Powerful Lessons From 200 Episodes 06/18/2024

Ep. 200, *Special Episode* 5 Powerful Lessons From 200 Episodes Although many of our episodes are urgent "do this now" type content to keep you on the front edge of this Marketing life, we also have episodes packed with timeless and true, evergreen content. To celebrate 200 episodes, we picked five such clips that you may have missed that we believe you will love to hear (and need to hear). You Will Hear, Ezra Firestone on How To Stop Overworking Molly Pittman and Kurt Elster on What Marketers Get Wrong With Storytelling John Grimshaw sharing one of his 8 Immutable Laws for Email Marketing Pepijn Hufen on where he would begin if he were starting over Gabby Bernstein and Molly Pittman on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome FULL EPISODE LINKS Clip 1: Episode 148 Clip 2: Episode 132, https://smartmarketer.com/is-it-the-market-or-is-it-your-marketing-with-kurt-elster-and-molly-pittman/ Clip 3: Episode 143, Clip 4: Episode 166, Clip 5: Episode 120, TIME STAMPS "If you're an entrepreneur, your career is a relationship. Your business is your relationship. It's a very intimate relationship. That relationship is revealing to you the unresolved parts of your shadow side that need to be". Gabby Bernstein 01:16 Thank you for your support. Here's what's coming up. 04:12 Ezra Firestone: How To Stop Overworking 07:26 Molly Pittman and Kurt Elster on Storytelling: Have you Learned the Basics yet? 13:10 John Grimshaw on How to Make Your Emails Stand Out in the Inbox. 20:24 Pepijn Hufen on A Strategy For Your First $1k As An Entrepreneur 27:21 Gabby Bernstein and Molly Pittman on How Personal Growth Allows You To Succeed 33:04 A Gentle Nudge From John Grimshaw YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31776337

Ep. 199, Three Proven Offers You Can Use To Launch Your New Product 06/11/2024

Ep. 199, Three Proven Offers You Can Use To Launch Your New Product You wouldn't believe how many Marketers and Entrepreneurs don't understand the subject of Offers. Fortunately, John Grimshaw is passionate about this, and he's on the show today to share three proven offer formulas that you can consider using for your next product launch. John and his team at Smart Marketer have seen these Offers work for themselves, their clients, and for businesses of all shapes and sizes. As he unpacks each formula with examples, you will start to recognize these strategies in use all around you, and you will be able to implement them for your next product launch. You Will Learn: The Greatest Enemy To Selling Your Product When to use the Buzz-Builder Launch When the Pre-Order (Or Beta) Launch works best The Key to Achieving Growth and Scale And more! LINKS Mentioned In This Episode: Smart Product Creation, https://smartmarketer.com/smart-product-creation/ For more Episodes and Resources, John Grimshaw,https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwgrimshaw/ TIME STAMPS 01:20 Why This Topic Gets Overlooked and Skimmed Over 02:32 The Basics of John's 5-Step Offer Formula 07:28 Proven Offer #1:The Buzz Builder Launch 12:37 Proven Offer #2: The Pre-Order (Or Beta) Launch "Pre-orders (in general) work well when they leverage highly engaged existing audiences who have a lifestyle or hobbyist connection to whatever you're selling." John Grimshaw 19:53 Proven Offer #3: The Seasonal Event Launch 22:18 "This Is Where the Marketing Comes In" 24:34 In Summary YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31687167

Ep. 198, Mastering Cost Per Acquisition: Strategies for Boot-Strapped Businesses 06/04/2024

Ep. 198, Mastering Cost Per Acquisition: Strategies for Boot-Strapped Businesses Does your business need to be profitable every month? Pepijn Hufen (CEO of the Smart Marketer Agency) is back with a topic that's crucial for any business owner: Cost Per Acquisition (CPA). As an entrepreneur or marketer, you're sure to be familiar with the term, but today, Pep shares the approach he and his team use with their clients at the Smart Marketer Agency. Plus, he introduces an alternative metric that he prefers using for business growth and scaling. You will learn, Why you can't look at CPA in isolation (context is crucial) How to set the right goals for your unique business How powerful a Blended ROAS Goal is for profitability How Customer Value over the first year informs your decisions about CPA LINKS Pepijn Hufen, on Twitter, and Instagram, The Smart Marketer Agency, For more Episodes and Resources, YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And/Or Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. TIME STAMPS "Understanding how much you can spend to acquire a customer (and how to approach this) is different for every business, but it's incredibly important. You need new customers; they're the lifeblood of your business, but every month, your business needs to be profitable". Pepijn Hufen 01:24 Let's Dive In 05:28 Set your Blended ROAS goal. 07:21 If You're More Advanced In Your Business Journey 08:01 Balancing new customer acquisition with existing customer monetization 10:37 Increase your average order value 14:09 In Summary "In my opinion, new customer ROAS should always be in the conversation because it's just a more useful metric than just CPA." Pepijn Hufen /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31590302

Ep. 197, You Can Bring A Product To Life (In As Little As 8 Weeks) 05/28/2024

Ep. 197, You Can Bring A Product To Life (In As Little As 8 Weeks) If you want to break into selling physical products or you just need to figure out how to increase profitability, this episode is worth a listen. Today, we are sharing a slice of a brand new course we're launching, Smart Product Creation, and we think you will be inspired and encouraged. "If you've launched less than four new products in the last 12 months, you may want to consider this because one of the best ways to increase profitability, grow your business, and support your core audience is to launch additional products that solve more problems in the category. We've found this is the most important part of the puzzle (once you get traffic dialed in)". John Grimshaw Who are you listening to? Meet Adam Von Rothfelder (CEO of Strong Coffee), Colleen Taylor (Director of Operations at Smart Marketer), Parker Hilton (Co-Founder of Gigalabs), and our very own John Grimshaw (CMO of Smart Marketer and host of this episode). You Will Learn: What to do when your core product stops driving profitability How quickly can you actually bring a product to life? Why are new products essential to business growth? Why you can't just launch a random product And more! LINKS Mentioned In This Episode: Smart Product Creation *NEW* Course, Parkers Company, Adam Von Rothfelder, https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonrothfelder/ For more Episodes and Resources, John Grimshaw,https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwgrimshaw/ Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ TIME STAMPS 03:27 Let's Dive In (How Adam Helped Parker Bring This New Product To Life) 05:43 Why Design Matters 08:49 Crunch Time 12:04 "Know the People. Know The Audience. Know the problem you want to solve for them". John Grimshaw 12:25 How To Grab People's Attention (Bring The Energy) 18:09 A Repeatable Process (That anyone can do) If you're interested in learning more about how you can create new products in your business without having to do all of the legwork yourself, check out Smart Product Creation here: YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31484742

Ep. 196, Why You Should Watch This Brand (And Stalk Their Ads) 05/21/2024

Ep. 196, Why You Should Watch This Brand (And Stalk Their Ads) John Grimshaw (CMO of Smart Marketer) does something a little different on the show today. He's been following a brand you may have heard of and watching them eat up an increasing market share. He doesn't have the back-end information, but he does have some valuable insights about what they're doing with their Ads. Listen to this “AdSumer Report” Episode for three distinct strategies that you can use in your business. You Will Learn: Two clues that certain Ads are performing really well for a brand A recipe for a really great hook The Real Reason Coterie Ads are so effective And more! LINKS Mentioned In This Episode: Smart Marketer Live (Get your Early Bird Tickets here, ) Coterie Diapers, For more Episodes and Resources, John Grimshaw,https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwgrimshaw/ Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ TIME STAMPS 00:00 "They have a different strategy that I think is super unique and powerful that I would recommend everyone think about how to implement for themselves." John Grimshaw 03:29 Early Bird Tickets For Smart Marketer Live 06:19 What's so good about what Coterie is doing with their Ads? 08:08 Let's look at these three types of Ads 11:01 A Really Powerful Hook 17:37 The Third Thing They Do Very Well 19:59 How Do You Use This In Your Business? 21:52 It's not just awesome Ads: It's the Business Model YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31388592

Ep. 195, Demystifying AI: Two Practical Use Cases You Should Consider Right Now 05/07/2024

Ep. 194, "Lean Into What You Do Best, And Shed The Rest" 04/30/2024

Ep. 194, "Lean Into What You Do Best, And Shed The Rest" Delegation and Systemization may be one of the least sexy topics in business and marketing, but by the end of THIS conversation, you'll be inspired and motivated to get better at this critical discipline so that your business can truly scale. This episode is for you if you want to be less reactive in your business and more proactive in your business. Plus, listen as Molly Pittman and Trainual CMO, Jonathan Ronzio discuss Creativity and Ideation. You'll learn What is more important than your work resume (in crafting your career path) What can not (or should not) be delegated? How do you discern what to delegate and what to keep doing How to make memorable Ads that distinguish you from the competition And more! "Even if you don't feel like you are at a place where you need to start the systemization process, now is the time, guys. Don't wait until you are at the point of frustration". Molly Pittman YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This Podcast has exceeded what we expected, and we have YOU to thank for that. It makes a difference when you follow us (and leave a review) on Apple Podcasts () or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We'd also love it if you repost this episode to your social media, share your favorite episodes with friends, and tag us in your next post, #WeOutHere. Have questions? Please send us an email at [email protected], and don't forget to… Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit LINKS Molly Pittman, Smart Marketer, https://smartmarketer.com/ Check out Trainual, Jonathan Ronzio is on all the socials as @JonathanRonzio TIME STAMPS 02:20 Jonathan Shares His Back Story 06:03 How Did Jonathan Learn How To Delegate? 08:39 "I care more about your life resume than your work resume." Jonathan Ronzio 14:46 When is it time to document and delegate? 22:50 "Documentation is the legacy and the history of how your business works." Jonathan Ronzio 29:34 Show Up and Be Different 31:14 Develop A Love For Great Advertising (And Look Beyond Your Industry) YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This Podcast has exceeded what we expected, and we have YOU to thank for that. It makes a difference when you follow us (and leave a review) on Apple Podcasts () or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We'd also love it if you repost this episode to your social media, share your favorite episodes with friends, and tag us in your next post, #WeOutHere. Have questions? Please send us an email at [email protected], and don't forget to… Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/31040918

Ep. 193, How To Build A Real Brand (Not Just A Business) 04/23/2024

Ep. 193, How To Build A Real Brand (Not Just A Business) Do you want to attract die-hard fans and turn them into loyal customers? The fact is, 'the game has changed,' and faceless brands are dying off. So, for today's episode, we're sharing a Webinar that E-Commerce Guru Ezra Firestone just recorded. It's full of his insights and strategies for truly taking your business to the next level. You will learn his Engage and Filter Method and his ICOSA system, which stands for Ideation, Creation, Optimization, Syndication, and Amplification. You Will Learn, How To You Build A Brand With High Repeat Rate What Types of Content Resonate the Most The Power Of A Tag line What You Need to Know About Technology And more! "Rather than interrupting users' attention in order to market to them, the business opportunity is in capturing people's attention and channeling this attention to an appropriate offer when relevant." Ezra Firestone Links Ezra Is Teaching Train My Social Media Manager; find out more here: https://smartmarketer.com/train-my-social-media-manager/ Ezra Firestone, Follow and Tag @EzraFirestone on Socials Time Stamps 01:10 Ezra Begins With His Family History 05:12 "We are the first generation of people who can communicate instantaneously with everyone worldwide and also do commerce with them, and we're still at the very beginning of this. You haven't missed the boat. We are at the very beginning of this. And it's incredible. Online commerce continues to grow and take over more and more of the marketplace". Ezra Firestone 05:46 What Is A Real Brand? 11:42 The Faceless Brand Is Dying 17:16 "The How": The Engage And Filter Method 20:45 Video Tips and Winning Formulas 23:58 "Marketing is 100 percent about communicating to a prospect what the ownership benefit of your product is. What will they get, feel, have, become, obtain, and use? When they buy your product or when they use your product." Ezra Firestone 36:57 Molly Speaks To Those Looking For Direct Response Results 31.43 Other Content Strategies For Building A Brand 33:03 The ICOSA System 37:40 A Note About Technology 39:38 Brand Identity Affirmation 47:06 Amplification: This Is How You Create Engagement 49:36 It's About Resource Generation 51:08 We Can Help You Do This: Train My Social Media Manager 55:00 There Are Two Types Of Businesses YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This Podcast has exceeded what we expected, and we have YOU to thank for that. It makes a difference when you follow us (and leave a review) on Apple Podcasts () or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We'd also love it if you repost this episode to your social media, share your favorite episodes with friends, and be sure to tag us in your next post, #WeOutHere. Have questions? Please send us an email at [email protected], and don't forget to…Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30943578

Ep. 192: Real Talk With Molly Pittman 04/16/2024

Ep. 191, What’s Working Now: Email Edition 04/09/2024

Ep. 191, What’s Working Now: Email Edition Learn How To Power-Up Your Click-Through Rates And Boost Profits! If Email represents less than 30% percent of revenue in your business, Email is probably an under-leveraged channel. If you send newsletter emails in your business (or content emails) or have an Abandoned Cart sequence (and by the way, you should), then guess what? You're going to learn something that you can use in your business today. John Grimshaw (CMO of Smart Marketer) shares some case studies and split tests that had awesome results for their clients at the Smart Marketer Agency. You Will Learn: The most important, most profitable campaign that you need to have running A Small tweak in your Newsletter layout that might give you a 25% lift in click rate. The Button that could give you a 200% Lift in Click-Throughs and Purchases "So this is a test where we said, Whoa, this worked really, really well. We better roll this out everywhere right away because that's a pretty insane result." John Grimshaw. LINKS For more Episodes and Resources, John Grimshaw,https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwgrimshaw/ Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ The Smart Marketer Agency, https://smartmarketeragency.com/ TIME STAMPS 03:03 Abandoned Cart Campaigns 05:02 Case Study 1 - The Newsletter Email 11:08 Key Takeaways From Case Study 1 13:22 The Second Split Test 17:03 Discount Code Links 18:56 "It's important to speak to buyers in their different states of mind." John Grimshaw 19:42 In Summary 20:12 If Email represents less than 30% percent of revenue in your business, Email is probably an underleveraged channel. We can help! Visit https://smartmarketeragency.com/ YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30733068

Ep. 190, How Should You Spend Your First $1000 In Meta Ads? 04/02/2024

Ep. 190, How Should You Spend Your First $1000 In Meta Ads? Are you Boot-strapping your business? You’re not alone. Even the huge E-Comm brands that we often talk about on this show - they had to start from somewhere, and most started from scratch. If you’re tight on cash and in the early phases of your business, every penny counts, and you need every dollar to work for you! In this episode, Pepijn Hufen (CEO of the Smart Marketer Agency) looks back at his humble beginnings and shares what he would do if he were starting from square one again. He breaks down exactly what he would do to launch Meta Ads with just $1000 in budget so that you can have a simple and smart plan to follow. Whether you’re starting out, starting again, or if everything you’ve tried isn’t working, this episode will give you clarity and confidence on how to proceed. YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This Podcast has gone above and beyond what we expected, and we have YOU to thank for that. It makes a difference when you follow us (and leave a review) on Apple Podcasts () or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We’d also love it if you repost this episode to your social media, share your favorite episodes with friends, and tag us in your next post, #WeOutHere. Have questions? Please send us an email at [email protected], and don’t forget to… Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. LINKS Pepijn Hufen, on Twitter, and Instagram, Ep. 158, The Four Stages Of Scaling Facebook Ads The Smart Marketer Agency, TIME STAMPS 01:00 Let's Dive In: Everybody Starts Somewhere 02:32 "And that is the benefit of direct response advertising. You start from zero; you start with a small budget, but you can get momentum. You can get a feeling if your Product, your offer, your messaging has something to it if you can actually acquire customers with it." Pepijn Hufen 05:33 First, Let's talk about your Product. 09:24 The best advice regarding sales pages, product pages, pre-sale articles 11:25 How to set up your Ad account 14:23 Where to start with your Creatives 15:34 A few notes about Ad Copy 17:15 What to do when you launch your 32 Ads 18:23 Look at these metrics 22:25 In Summary /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30648568

Ep. 189, What's Working Now? A Guide For Media Buyers 03/26/2024

Ep. 189, What's Working Now? A Guide For Media Buyers The excitement is palpable. The latest "What's Working Now" episode is here, and all the Meta Media Buyers are scrambling… Pepijn Hufen is back on the show with the must-know strategies and campaigns that are working best across their agency clients. Whether you're serving E-Commerce clients or running Ads for your Info Business, this episode has a tactic or tip that you need to hear. You will hear how Pep and his team are shifting their campaigns to best serve their clients. You Will Learn: The Campaign Type that is DOMINATING right now Where to start your daily budget How do you run Creative Isolation to get more scale out of your account? Which creative types are working really well right now, And more "Creative isolation is something that we use in almost every single ad account -and highly recommend it." Pepijn Hufen LINKS More Episodes and Resources, Pepijn Hufen, on Twitter, and Instagram, Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ The Smart Marketer Agency, https://smartmarketeragency.com/ YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And/Or Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. TIME STAMPS 00:30 Let's Dive In: Campaign Types That Are Working Great Right Now 03:27 What's shifting with Creatives? 06:35 What's the best way to test Creatives? 07:26 Creative Types that are working well right now 09:38 A Note about Targeting 11:20 "Our job as marketers and entrepreneurs is not as much to say; what is the 100 percent accurate attribution model? No, it's our job to understand each attribution model's possibilities and limitations." Pepijn Hufen 12:30 What's working for Lead Generation? 13:30 In Summary /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30504043

Ep. 188, Transform Your Business Into A Force For Good (And Profit) 03/19/2024

Ep. 188, Transform Your Business Into A Force For Good (And Profit) Does your brand have a soul? Molly Pittman talks with special guest Marshall Morris in this inspiring episode for Marketers and Entrepreneurs. Morris believes that Businesses have the power to solve most of the world's problems, and by the end of this episode, you will, too. Morris is the Inc 500 Founder of Home Life Media, a portfolio of E-commerce and media brands that focus on people and their pets. They've donated over 1 million to veterans with PTSD and fed over 30 million shelter pets. Listen for how he launches all of his brands with "Passion Groups," how you can move toward more meaning and purpose as a marketer, and why you can be excited about AI's role in the world. You Will Learn: That whatever you're selling can be a tool for something greater The power of building your own communities and "passion groups." Tactical ways to wrap your purpose into the Identity of your company (and remain profitable) Why many brands fail in their attempts to have an impact How do you identify what purposes you should align with? "If you are not willing to actually care about a group of people and how they feel and what they want, I honestly don't even believe that you deserve to be selling the product any longer." Molly Pittman LINKS Marshall Morris, More Episodes and Resources, Molly Pittman, https://mollypittman.com/ Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ The Smart Marketer Agency, https://smartmarketeragency.com/ YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations and we have you to thank for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () And/Or Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. TIME STAMPS 00:00 "We have a portfolio of companies, not because we go out and acquire them. But just because we find a product and service and we find a purpose. And those things sometimes just have a life of their own, and we just allow it to expand and run its race." Marshall Morris 02:33 "Marketing Can Be A Dirty Word" 09:07 Build Your Audience First 11:39 A Brand Has To Have a Soul 13:40 Three Phenomenal "Passion Groups" 20:12 Where most brands fail 22:56 Two Components To Giving Back (The Impact and The Story You Can Tell) 26:00 Products That Invoke Head and Heart Decisions 27:28 Should you structure your business as a non-profit? 33:55 "I'm most excited about AI because it creates a world where Creativity wins. It will win. If everyone can code and everyone can design - the creation of the IDEA will become the most valuable asset." Marshall Morris 34:33 How to identify what purposes you should align with. /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30431043

Ep. 187, Is It Worth Doing A Podcast In 2024? 03/12/2024

Ep. 187, Is It Worth Doing A Podcast In 2024? The podcasting opportunity has indeed changed, but in this episode, you will hear why we believe Podcasting is still one of the best organic mediums for marketers and entrepreneurs (no matter what type of business you have). Smart Marketer CEO (and veteran Podcaster) Molly Pittman talks with Darren Clarke (Executive Producer for HubSpot Original Podcasts) and Jessie Clarke (the producer of this show) about how far Podcasting has come and where it is going. You'll hear about the impact of Podcasting on Molly's career (and how the medium continues to feed and grow their businesses), as well as the impact of AI, YouTube, and the value of Niche Podcasts. You Will Learn: The biggest reason to do a Podcast in 2024 How to fuel and improve your content distribution system How much should a Podcast be scripted? An episode planning tip that will remove 80% of the potential problems "Talking into the mic is probably 20 percent of what actually goes into making a really amazing show". Molly Pittman LINKS The Business Podcast Blueprint, Connect With Darren and Jessie Clarke, Molly Pittman, https://mollypittman.com/ More Episodes and Resources, Smart Marketer Courses, https://smartmarketer.com/courses/ YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS Thank you to our listeners for the 5-Star Reviews and meaningful messages! This podcast has surpassed our expectations, and we thank you for that! If you're enjoying the show, please be sure to follow us (and leave us a review) on Apple Podcasts () Also, please Follow and Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Please also share these episodes on social media and tag us on your next post #WeOutHere Instagram: @SmartMarketerIG, @mollypittmandigital, @johngrimmshawdigital, @pep_hufen. TIME STAMPS 00:00 "Once you have that subscriber and that person becomes a loyal listener - they will just keep coming back and coming back and coming back, and it's amazing - the idea that you can spend hours and hours with that person. And that's what happens if you have the right kind of podcast for the right kind of audience". Darren Clarke 04:01 Darren shares some back story (Perpetual Traffic) 06:58 Molly Introduces the Business Podcast Blueprint 11:38 Podcasting Is Perfect Source Material 16:08 Objectives, Goals, Strategies & Measures (Our new Business Planning Process) 18:04 "If you're considering starting a podcast, it's way more than just the benefits of the podcast. It can also feed your business's entire content or editorial system." Molly Pittman 20:14 Video First Podcasts 25:52 Don't underestimate the role of Chemistry 29:30 The Value of Niche Podcasts 30:17 "Thousands of people listen to our show every month. We don't have events that have thousands of people. I mean, that is substantial. So if you want to do this, do this now because the podcasting space is only getting more saturated every year". Molly Pittman /episode/index/show/smartmarketer/id/30304973

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