No Hacks: Future-proofing your career in the age of AI

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! In this episode, we dive deep with Guido Jansen, an Applied Cognitive Psychologist, podcast host and producer, and global evangelist at Spryker. With over two decades of expertise in psychology, e-commerce, and technology, Guido shares his unique perspective on building online communities, the role of in-person events in fostering connections, and the psychology behind user engagement.Guido opens up about his journey from the early days of the internet, navigating through the 'glory days' with a Pentium 386, to leading communities for Joomla, Magento, and Spryker. He highlights the essential role of memory in understanding data and stresses the invaluable aspects of the community that competitors cannot replicate: the peer-to-peer support, the ecosystem of developers, and the shared experiences that come with being part of a community.Moreover, Guido touches on the evolution of online forums, the importance of face-to-face interactions in building lasting relationships within communities, and how companies can foster a sense of belonging and trust amongst their members. He also delves into the psychological aspects of community engagement, discussing cognitive biases such as social proof and authority, and their impact on digital platforms.Guido's insights extend beyond the digital realm, advocating for the power of in-person connections made at events and conferences, and how these experiences contribute to the success and growth of online communities. Join us as Guido shares his wealth of knowledge, humorous anecdotes, and the psychology behind creating engaging, thriving online spaces. Whether you're a community manager, a developer, or just passionate about digital engagement, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of community and connection in the digital age.00:00:00 - Getting to Know Guido Jansen00:01:23 - The Unique Hiring Criteria for CRO00:02:05 - The Essence of Online Communities00:04:26 - The Impact of In-Person Events on Community Building00:07:12 - The Evolution and Future of Online Communities00:12:41 - Turning Lurkers into Active Community Members00:16:53 - Building Trust and Fostering Empathy in Communities00:22:47 - Leveraging Cognitive Biases for Community Engagement00:33:25 - Conclusion and Where to Find Guido NextLinks:Guido's LinkedInCRO.CAFESprykerCognitive Biases Wiki page---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! This episode features Ruben de Boer, a renowned experimentation consultant, bestselling Udemy instructor with over 15,000 students, recipient of two experimentation elite awards in 2023, and the conversion manager at Online Dialogue. Ruben brings his wealth of knowledge to the table, shedding light on the intricacies of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and experimentation.We kick off with something a bit more personal—Ruben's love for football. He shares how the strategies and teamwork in football offer valuable lessons for the world of optimization and experimentation. This interesting parallel sets the stage for a deeper exploration of his professional domain.The conversation then shifts to the core topic of centers of excellence (CoEs) within organizations. Ruben explains the differences between centralized, decentralized, and CoE models for running CRO operations. His insights provide clarity on how these models impact the cultivation of an experimentation culture within companies.You will learn about the significance of making experimentation approachable and educational, the benefits of fostering a supportive environment for innovation, and the pivotal role of autonomy and efficacy in the success of experimentation strategies. Ruben emphasizes the collective journey toward nurturing a robust culture of experimentation across all levels of an organization.Ruben's perspective and practical advice offer valuable guidance for those looking to leverage experimentation and optimization as key tools for digital success. Whether you're deeply embedded in the field or just starting out, this episode presents an opportunity to understand the critical elements of building and sustaining an experimentation-centric organizational culture through the lens of a seasoned expert.Links:Ruben's LinkedInRuben's Udemy pageOnline Dialogue---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! This episode is all about e-commerce conversion rate optimization (CRO), with guest Carlos Trujillo, a senior experimentation strategist at Speero. Carlos shares his remarkable journey from building his first website in 2007 to becoming a CRO expert.His story is a testament to the power of continuous learning and specialization. Carlos's insights into the evolution of e-commerce optimization and the importance of focusing beyond just conversion rates are enlightening. He discusses the significance of expanding customer value, encouraging repeat purchases, and optimizing merchandising for e-commerce growth. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on the strategic application of CRO, the role of education in professional development, and the impact of dedication and curiosity on achieving career goals. Join us as Carlos unfolds his journey, offers advice for aspiring CRO specialists, and shares how an hour a day of learning changed his life and career trajectory.Links:Carlos on LinkedInCRO for E-commerce Growth CXL courseSpeero---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! Today's episode delves into the seemingly counterintuitive topic of "not testing" with Karl Gilis. Karl shared hilarious and insightful tales from the front lines of user testing, including a memorable mix-up during a test for Microsoft. Karl passionately critiques common website elements like sliders, advocating for simplicity and user focus over flashy design. We then moved on to the misuse of A/B testing and the importance of understanding why customers choose your brand, emphasizing the need for intentional design and marketing that serves the user's needs over the company's ego. ---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!In this episode I talked to Els Aerts, user research advocate and co-founder of AGConsult. We explored the deep nuances of user research, the strategic decision of AGConsult to refrain from working with political parties, and the pivotal role of carefully crafted research questions in yielding actionable insights. Els shared her expert perspective on avoiding common research pitfalls and emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making. The conversation also touched on the "seven deadly sins of user research," offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and best practices in user testing. Through engaging anecdotes and a wealth of experience, Els shared valuable lessons on conducting meaningful research that truly enhances user experience.This episode is done as part of our partnership with Experimentation Elite - The UK's premier Experimentation and Conversion Rate Optimisation event on December 7th in Birmingham, UKhttps://experimentationelite.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsaertsuserresearch/https://www.agconsult.com/en/---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!In this episode, I talked to Alun Lucas, a repeat guest with unique expertise in web form optimization, who delves into the art and science of enhancing online experiences through better form design. Alun shared his journey from advertising to becoming a web form specialist at Zuko, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how web forms work by focusing on user-friendly error messages and validation techniques. With a rich background in tech and a passion for user experience, Alun explored the evolution of web forms, the importance of clear and helpful error messaging, and the role of inline validation in boosting user satisfaction and conversion rates. A must-listen for anyone interested in making their forms more efficient and user-friendly.Links from the episode:Alun's LinkedInZuko---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of online experimentation and conversion rate optimization (CRO), spotlighting the  Experimentation Elite Awards. We welcome two expert judges - Dinah Alam and Joe Dovedon, to discuss the intricacies of selecting the industry's best. The episode covers the evolution of the awards, the selection process, and the impact on the CRO community. It also offers insights into the significance of these awards in recognizing innovation and excellence in the field, alongside personal anecdotes and experiences from Dinah and Joe. This episode not only highlights the importance of experimentation in digital marketing but also celebrates the community's achievements and advancements.Find out more about the awards at: https://experimentationelite.com/awards/---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!In this episode, Talia Wolf, founder and CEO of GetUplift and a leading authority on emotional targeting and conversion optimization, takes us through the psychological underpinnings that drive consumer behavior online.Talia unpacks the essence of creating meaningful connections with customers by understanding the emotional journey that influences their purchasing decisions. She shares invaluable insights from her vast experience, demonstrating how businesses can leverage emotional intelligence to significantly enhance their conversion rates and foster deep, lasting customer relationships.From the foundational story of GetUplift to the strategies that have cemented its success, Talia illustrates the power of empathy in marketing. She discusses the importance of emotional targeting not just in messaging and content, but as a core aspect of product development, customer service, and overall business strategy.The conversation also explores the challenges and triumphs of embedding emotional intelligence into various facets of business operations. Talia provides actionable advice for businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by truly understanding and catering to the emotional needs of their customers.Episode links:GetUpliftTalia's LinkedIn---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! In this episode, Ton Wesseling, founder of Online Dialogue and a pivotal figure in the field of conversion rate optimization (CRO), delves into the cultural and organizational elements that foster a thriving environment for optimization experts in the Netherlands. Ton explains how these factors contribute to a culture that embraces experimentation and learning from mistakes. He shares his journey from building websites at university to falling in love with data and optimization, highlighting the evolution of CRO and the importance of diversity, safe spaces, and the growth mindset in driving innovation. The episode also touches on the impact of AI in experimentation and the transformative power of sharing knowledge within the digital optimization community.Episode links:The Conference formerly known as Conversion HotelTon's LinkedInOnline Dialogue---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

Welcome to nohacks.show, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! In this episode, I sit down with Loredana Principessa, the strategic mind behind MAR-CO, CRO agency specializing in conversion for high-ticket products and services. With a focus on real estate, investment, and e-commerce, Loredana dives into the intricacies of tailoring conversion strategies to meet the unique needs of clients making significant financial decisions. She highlights the importance of understanding customer journeys, the role of emotional engagement in conversions, and how a holistic approach to digital marketing—including leveraging insights from running (yes, it's another runner at nohacks.show!) and mental clarity—can drive success. Her journey from digital marketing professional to founding MAR-CO showcases the blend of expertise, passion, and strategic thinking required to excel in today's digital landscape. Join us as Loredana shares valuable insights and experiences that illuminate the path for businesses looking to optimize their online presence and conversion rates.Episode links:Loredana's LinkedInMAR-CO ---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!