Sharon Guillem, Senior Vice President at Feedonomics, and Wayne Strap, E-commerce product strategist at Codal, dive into the chaotic world of influencer marketing. They discuss how backlash can paradoxically boost visibility, with Poppi’s Super Bowl fiasco as a case study. The conversation also explores shifting meanings of 'culture' in food branding, the rise of participatory advertising, and the evolving landscape of e-commerce strategies. Expect humor and insight into how technology reshapes marketing in today’s competitive landscape.
The podcast underscores the shift from 'culture' to 'ecology' in commerce to emphasize the interconnectedness of relationships and sustainability.
Poppy's influencer marketing campaign illustrates the risks brands face in social media, where well-intentioned efforts can lead to backlash and image challenges.
The discussion highlights the need for brands to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors, especially through optimizing chat-based purchasing platforms for better engagement.
Deep dives
The Concept of Ecology vs. Culture in Commerce
The discussion highlights the evolving terms used in commerce, particularly the shift from 'culture' to 'ecology.' The speakers argue that while 'culture' has become overused and lacks specificity, 'ecology' captures the complexity and interconnectedness of commerce, akin to how living systems work. This change reflects a broader recognition that commerce is not just transactional but also involves relationships, sustainability, and shared values. By adopting the term 'ecology,' the speakers aim to underscore the need for a deeper understanding of the commerce landscape, where both people and products exist within a network of influences.
Poppy's Controversial Influencer Campaign
The backlash surrounding Poppy's influencer marketing campaign illustrates the fragility of brands in the age of social media. Poppy faced criticism after using branded vending machines at Super Bowl parties hosted by influencers, allegedly spending around $25,000 per machine. This campaign incited scrutiny from competitors, with claims that Poppy's spending on influencer visibility seemed excessive and unfounded. Ultimately, this scenario emphasizes the potential for a well-intentioned marketing initiative to backfire, leading to public relations challenges and unexpected consequences for brand image.
Importance of Adaptability in Digital Marketing
The conversation emphasizes the need for brands to stay nimble and adaptable in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Effective digital marketing requires brands to leverage their data and optimize their approach across various channels, such as owned platforms and third-party marketplaces. Companies must marry raw catalog data with enriched content, integrating customer insights, and campaign performance metrics to fine-tune their marketing efforts. Ultimately, this adaptability allows brands to enhance customer experiences, drive conversions, and respond to the rapidly changing demands of consumers.
The Role of Creativity in Customer Engagement
Creativity is presented as a vital component in enhancing customer engagement and preventing monotonous experiences. By utilizing modern tools that allow for visual-first approaches, marketing teams can collaborate more effectively and bring their ideas to life without relying heavily on developers. When marketers and developers work together from the outset, they can create memorable experiences that resonate with customers on an emotional level. This synergy not only streamlines the innovation process but also provides brands with the opportunity to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.
The Future of Purchase Decisions Through Chat Interfaces
The emergence of chat-based purchasing platforms signifies a shift in how consumers make buying decisions. With tools like Perplexity, consumers can conduct product research and make purchases within seconds, exemplifying the growing convenience of chat interfaces. As this trend accelerates, brands must optimize their presence on these platforms to capture sales opportunities effectively. Embracing this new channel is crucial for adapting to consumer behavior and ensuring that brands remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.
When does a word become so ubiquitous it loses all meaning? Brian's sudden aversion to "culture" sparks a meandering exploration into the semiotics of commerce, just as Poppy's influencer vending machine saga becomes an unlikely metaphor for marketing's existential crisis. PLUS, we revisit a key moment from NRF 2025.
The Great ‘Culture Cancel’ of 2025
Key takeaways:
[13:30] The Poppi fallout: After being slammed by fans around the globe for an influencer activation, Poppi juggles image repair.
[23:00] Poppi vs. Olipop: Controversy doubles the audience.
[29:00] Super Bowl LIX: This year’s game was an underwhelming canvas for Kendrick’s victory and Poppi’s brief downfall.
[35:00] One of the most impactful ads this year was creator-made, by a Doritos fan.
[46:00] Big creative is more accessible now than ever, as displayed by big brands like Liquid Death using small but mighty budgets.