Marketing Operators

In this engaging discussion, a seasoned marketing operator from Ridge and Jones Road dives into the integration of ChatGPT with Shopify, exploring its impact on e-commerce. They shed light on the balance between SMS frequency and long-term subscriber retention, revealing insights on optimizing conversions. The conversation shifts to innovative post-purchase strategies, particularly the 'double-dash' model for upsells, and the challenges of podcast ad attribution that many brands face. Finally, they share their top three recommendations for pivotal marketing hires to build a successful team from scratch.

McCoy Merkley, CMO of Portland Leather Goods, shares his incredible journey from Craigslist hire to marketing leader. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from doer to executive, emphasizing courage as essential for leadership. McCoy outlines his hands-on experience in scaling marketing strategies from Etsy to a multichannel powerhouse. He also delves into decision-making under uncertainty, the importance of a solid marketing mix, and how to effectively evaluate new channels. Tune in for insights filled with humor and practical wisdom!

The conversation kicks off with strategies for effectively teasing new product launches, highlighting the importance of early social proof and reviews. They dive into how an organic mention by Joe Rogan turned into a marketing win for Hollow. Tactics for boosting reach on Meta are explored, including fixing exclusions and mid-funnel testing. Exciting partnerships with brands like Jones Road and HexClad are discussed, focusing on treating them like portfolio investments rather than simple tests. Insights into influencer marketing further enhance the discussion.

Michael Epstein, co-founder of PostPilot, shares insights on integrating direct mail into retention strategies. He emphasizes the critical 7-14 days after a purchase and discusses how brands can leverage premium catalogs for impactful impressions that digital ads can't achieve. Epstein reveals how PostPilot simplifies direct mail by enhancing targeting and attribution, while highlighting the importance of predictive analytics and real-time integration. Plus, he explains why engaging existing customers with direct mail often yields better results than targeting unengaged ones.

George Davis, CMO of Cozy Earth, shares the journey behind the viral Bed Rot Challenge, which evolved from a small MVP test to a massive success with over 50 million impressions. He discusses the strategic shift towards brand building and cultural relevance over direct sales, emphasizing the importance of taking risks. George dives into the complexities of incrementality in performance marketing, highlighting how to navigate confusing metrics and optimize future campaigns. Tune in for insights on brand partnerships and the thrill of creative swings!

Discover how DTC brands are effectively engaging new audiences on Meta through partnership ads. The speakers delve into the advantages of influencer marketing versus traditional ads, showcasing why creator-driven content often yields better results. They discuss gifting tactics, the importance of cohesive campaigns, and the intricacies of negotiating with influencers. Additionally, insights on audience targeting dynamics reveal the growing significance of personalization and strategic ad placements, driving engagement and ROI.

Brett Curry, founder of OMG Commerce, dives deep into the world of YouTube advertising, revealing its untapped potential for e-commerce brands. He discusses the power of compelling hooks and the differences between polished and UGC ads. Measurement challenges like attribution and incrementality are tackled, alongside strategies for optimizing conversion events. Brett also shares insights on testing creatives and the metrics that truly matter. Learn how to harness YouTube to boost overall media performance and drive measurable results in your campaigns.

Ariana Ferwerda, Co-founder and CEO of Halfdays, is on a mission to make outdoor activities more accessible for women. With a background in market research, she shares how her brand achieved remarkable growth by prioritizing community engagement over typical DTC strategies. Ariana discusses building a community-led brand, the importance of data-driven insights, and operationalizing community initiatives. Tune in to discover how storytelling and innovative marketing approaches can drive brand success and foster authentic customer connections.

Discover innovative ways to measure brand health beyond traditional metrics like ROAS, and learn about the importance of baseline revenue for tracking brand momentum. Delve into Cozy Earth's viral 'Bed Rot Challenge,' a quirky marketing stunt designed to engage audiences and boost visibility. Hear Cody's insights on running growth sprints to tackle high CPAs on Meta, alongside strategies to align product launches with marketing. This engaging discussion blends creativity, data, and effective campaign strategies for modern marketing success.

Ezra Firestone, a pioneer in e-commerce and founder of brands like Boom by Cindy Joseph, shares his journey from dropshipping to building nine-figure companies. He discusses the evolution of marketing strategies, emphasizing tailored customer journeys over a one-size-fits-all approach. Ezra reveals underutilized platforms like Amazon and Shop App as growth channels and explores the impact of AI on brand discovery. He also delves into ethical marketing practices and sustainable growth strategies, highlighting the need for authentic connections in a crowded marketplace.