The WARC Podcast

Join Chris Barth, Principal Strategist at Contagious, along with George Bryant, Global Chief Creative Officer at Golin Harris, and Elizabeth Paul, Chief Strategy Officer at The Martin Agency. They delve into the creative strategies behind Grubhub's 'Special Delivery' campaign for new mothers and how it fostered loyalty. The discussion also highlights Solo Stove's collaboration with Snoop Dogg, emphasizing community engagement and emotional connections. Plus, examine the evolving role of humor in marketing and the significance of understanding consumer needs.

Becca Peel, Contagious' advisory lead in the US, shares insights from the Most Contagious NYC event. She highlights how Clash of Clans launched a true crime podcast to deepen player engagement, creating an immersive brand experience. Kelly Amatangelo from Mondelēz International discusses the innovative Nutter Butter campaign, which transformed the brand's presence and achieved 15 million views through a clever mix of creativity and community engagement. Together, they explore the significance of authenticity and unique strategies in modern marketing.

Becca Peel, Head of Advisory at Contagious, and Vanessa Chin, Senior VP of Marketing at System1, dive into the standout ads from this year's Super Bowl. They discuss the evolving role of humor and celebrity endorsements, emphasizing their impact on brand identity. The duo highlights Instacart's family-focused messaging and Nike's comeback journey. They also stress the need for brands to maintain consistency throughout the year, rather than just capitalizing on major events for marketing. Their insights reveal the emotional connections that resonate in advertising.

Billy Ryan, Head of Analytics and Effectiveness at the7stars, shares his expertise on navigating the evolving landscape of media planning. He discusses how digital innovations and various platforms are reshaping advertising strategies. The conversation dives into AI's impact on search technology, focusing on user intent and brand visibility. Billy also highlights the transformation of media into shoppable spaces and the necessity for updated metrics that recognize the complexities of an abundant media environment. A must-listen for marketers!

Tom Hehir, EVP at Edelman, and Jay Gallagher, CSO EMEA, delve into the vital relationship between earned media and marketing effectiveness. They emphasize how marketers can navigate media abundance while addressing attention fragmentation. Their discussion highlights the importance of blending earned, paid, and owned media to create impactful campaigns. With real-world insights, they argue that authenticity and message consistency are crucial for engaging consumers in today's skeptical marketplace.

Alaina Crystal, a creative strategist and gender equity consultant who played a key role in Barbie's transformation, joins Craig Mawdsley, founding partner at craig + bridget, known for innovative supermarket campaigns. They share insights on how Barbie evolved into a cultural icon through strategic repositioning and how Sainsbury's revitalized its brand by encouraging customers to try new products. Their discussions reveal the power of strategic thinking in driving business growth and customer engagement.

In this insightful discussion, Mike Menkes, SVP at Analytic Partners and expert in marketing measurement, shares critical perspectives on performance marketing pitfalls. He emphasizes the vital balance between performance and brand marketing, highlighting how neglecting brand equity can stunt growth. Menkes dives into the challenges of misleading metrics that complicate decision-making and underscores the power of a cohesive strategy that integrates both approaches. Ultimately, he advocates for a data-driven methodology to enhance marketing effectiveness and long-term brand success.

Alex Brownsell, Head of Content for WARC Media, joins Brian Wieser, a seasoned media expert and author, to dive into the shifting sands of social media marketing. They analyze TikTok's recent challenges, including user data concerns and a temporary ban, while contrasting its vibrant audience engagement with rising political tensions. The duo also assesses Meta's evolving role and its strategy to navigate content moderation changes. Together, they explore how advertisers must adapt to a changing landscape and the shifting dynamics between major platforms.

Join Brent Nelsen, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at Edelman, and Leila Fataar, founder of Platform13 and author of "Culture-Led Brands," as they explore the dynamic relationship between culture and earned media. They discuss how brands can foster trust and loyalty by embracing cultural relevance, shifting away from traditional advertising. With a focus on brand strategy and societal impact, they emphasize the importance of genuine connections and cultural intelligence in resonating with modern audiences.

Join Jane Christian, Managing Director of Analytics & Insight at EssenceMediacom UK, Rich Kirk, Chief Strategy Officer at EssenceMediacom UK, and Nic Pietersma, Group Director at Ebiquity, as they dive into the latest findings of the 'Profit Ability 2' study. They discuss how recent global challenges have reshaped marketing effectiveness and the importance of rigorous data analysis in assessing advertising ROI. The trio highlights the significance of balancing short-term and long-term strategies while exploring the surprising effectiveness of traditional media channels in driving profitability.