Always Be Testing

In this podcast episode, Pranav Piyush joins the conversation to discuss marketing measurement and incrementality, with a focus on affiliate and influencer marketing. The discussion highlights Media Mix Modeling (MMM) and its growing accessibility through open-source tools and lower costs, positioning it as a key attribution method in the coming decade. The episode explains the difference between attribution and incrementality, contrasting the limitations of multi-touch attribution (MTA) with MMM's cause-and-effect approach. Pranav shares insights on how MMM can help brands assess the impact of various marketing channels, including those that are traditionally difficult to track. Listeners will also gain practical advice on implementing MMM, covering data needs, cost factors, common pitfalls, and real-world success stories. The conversation emphasizes the value of actionable insights and the importance of moving beyond basic dashboards to achieve meaningful business growth.

🚀 In this episode of Always Be Testing, host Tye DeGrange sits down with Matt Hunter from impact.com and Philip Qiu from Henry Social to explore the future of AI, blockchain, and Web3 in partner marketing. Matt, a 25-year industry veteran, shares insights on innovations at impact.com, while Philip discusses his transition from VC to affiliate marketing and how Henry Social’s AI agents simplify shopping and booking. They dive into AI’s role in decision-making, blockchain’s potential to reduce fraud, and the future of digital commerce. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—watch now! 🎙️

In this episode of Always Be Testing, host Tye DeGrange welcomes Dan Darcy, Chief Customer Officer at Qualified, for a deep dive into growth, performance marketing, and the evolving role of AI in sales and marketing. Dan shares insights from his time at Salesforce and how Qualified has transformed from a live chat tool into an AI-powered platform helping marketers convert website visitors into leads. The conversation explores how Piper, an AI Sales Development Representative, is automating and personalizing lead engagement, the importance of speed to lead, and how AI-driven data insights are replacing traditional lead forms to improve conversion rates. Dan also discusses the challenges of scaling startups, the role of education in category creation, and why continuous testing and learning from failures are essential for growth. He highlights the power of face-to-face customer interactions and the impact of Qualified’s highly rated support team. The episode wraps up with personal insights from Dan, touching on his favorite tools, passion for hosting, and love for Bravo reality shows. Listen now to gain valuable lessons on AI, marketing, and building strong customer relationships.

We had an incredible conversation with Cornelius from Opinary, now part of Affinity, about the transformative power of AI in affiliate operations and the future of content monetization. 

Ian Martins, EVP and Managing Director of Zenith, dives into the complexities of fragmented marketing strategies. He discusses the tension between brand building and performance metrics, using Nike as a prime example. The conversation shifts to the importance of trust in media and the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. Ian also touches on the hybrid models of in-housing and outsourcing, touching on economic pressures and AI's potential to enhance marketing efficiency. Personal anecdotes about entertainment and creative passions add a relatable touch.

In this episode of Always Be Testing, I sit down with Nate Ivey from Impact to talk about what’s working in partner marketing today.We cover why diversifying partners is key, how trust and authenticity drive better results, and what brands need to know about Google’s crackdown on-site reputation abuse. Nate also shares insights on the shift to performance-based influencer models and why consistent recruitment keeps programs strong.We wrap up with some personal stories—including sports, family, and parenting. 

Ely Lerner delves into his role as an advisor, distinguishing it from consulting by emphasizing his focus on advising rather than delivery. He works closely with founders in software verticals such as consumer marketplace, fintech, SMB SaaS, enterprise SaaS, AI, and dev tools, but avoids hardware, DTC, biotech, and crypto sectors. Lerner highlights the importance of integrating product strategy, growth strategy, and go-to-market strategy, spending an hour weekly with each CEO to focus on key priorities and learning.

In this discussion, Mike McElhaney, COO of Round Bar Labs, dives into the world of affiliate influencer marketing and modern advertising strategies. He emphasizes the importance of low ego and high empathy in leadership, drawing insights from influential books. The conversation also explores the evolution of parenting and the role of accountability. Listeners will enjoy humorous anecdotes from family vacations and predictions for the Giants in 2025, making it both insightful and entertaining!

In this episode, Ty DeGrange sits down with Zoe Mackay, the strategic partnerships lead at TechnologyAdvice, to dive deep into the world of B2B tech guidance and affiliate marketing. 

Udi Ledergor's journey at GONG is a testament to the power of innovative marketing, human-centric strategies, and the importance of experimentation. His insights offer valuable lessons for marketers looking to make a significant impact in the B2B SaaS space.