

Digital Ad Spending and the Power of Weird
Jun 26, 2020
Olga Khazan, an award-winning writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World,' dives into the complex dynamics of digital advertising. She reveals how feeling like an outsider can spark creativity and unique perspectives in business. The conversation also addresses Google's declining ad sales, Amazon's expanding influence, and the resilience of brands like McCormick amid challenges. Personal anecdotes and insights on corporate strategies make this discussion both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Shifting Digital Ad Landscape
- Google's ad revenue is projected to decline for the first time in over a decade, giving up market share to Facebook and Amazon.
- This is likely influenced by the current economic climate and the types of clients Google serves, such as travel and finance companies impacted by COVID-19.
Impact of COVID-19 on Google Ad Revenue
- Google's client base, heavily reliant on travel and finance, is struggling due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
- This presents opportunities for smaller ad platforms like Trade Desk, Roku, and Rubicon to connect with advertisers seeking alternative audiences.
Amazon's Zoox Acquisition
- Amazon acquired self-driving startup Zoox for over $1 billion, a significant purchase for the company.
- This acquisition aligns with Amazon's focus on logistics and could enhance their delivery network and potentially lead to autonomous ride-hailing services.