Marketing Over Coffee Marketing Podcast Jay Schwedelson on Email, Nicole Kidman, and Bad TV
Sep 26, 2025
Jay Schwedelson, an email marketing expert and founder of Guru Conference, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of email marketing and the impact of AI on deliverability. He discusses launching virtual events during COVID, emphasizing their sponsor-driven structure. Jay humorously debunks marketing myths, like the idea that frequency causes low engagement. He also previews Guru 2025, featuring celebrity guests, and shares his love for 'bad' reality TV while revealing his upcoming charity book for cancer research.
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Raised In Direct Mail
- Jay grew up in a direct-mail marketing household and started stuffing envelopes at the kitchen table from age four.
- He launched an internet advertising company in college and later focused on email because it was decentralized and ubiquitous.
Treat Virtual Events Like Live Ones
- Do design virtual events like in-person experiences: make them free, live-only, and add fun elements to increase attendance.
- Use virtual formats to cut costs and attract larger audiences without the financial risk of physical venues.
Personality Creates Business Halo
- Building a personality-led brand creates a halo effect that helps other businesses tied to the person.
- Human-led marketing attracts more attention than a sterile corporate voice and opens business opportunities.
