The Smart Marketer Podcast

Ben Bennett, Creative Director at Smart Marketer, dives into what makes ad creative tick. He emphasizes the power of emotional resonance over flashy tactics to drive sales. Discover the three key metrics that matter, including the innovative 'thumb stop ratio' to gauge ad engagement. Bennett also shares how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline the creative process without replacing human insight. Tune in for actionable tips to enhance your ad performance and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Episode 214: Strategy Meets Soul: What 2024 Taught Us About Marketing, Mindset & Staying Human in 2025 Episode Description 2024 was a year that tested every marketer’s resilience—and in this vulnerable, insight-packed interview, Molly Pittman sits down with Alex Cattoni from the Copy Posse to share what she learned from the trenches. From managing over $600M in ad spend to navigating the emotional highs and lows of leadership, Molly pulls back the curtain on what’s really working in 2025—and how to stay human in the age of AI. You’ll walk away with tactical strategies to boost your ad performance and a renewed sense of purpose and confidence as a marketer, creator, or entrepreneur. "You will always outperform other advertisers—even [those] that are tactically better than you in the platform because you understand the psychology, and you are not just selling a product or service in the news feed." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn Why 2024 was one of the hardest (and most transformational) years in marketing How to use AI without losing your voice, creativity, or soul The 3 biggest ad strategies working right now (based on $600M of data) The #1 mistake most people make when writing ads—and how to fix it How to sell connection, not just conversion Why being “for someone” is the key to standing out in 2025 How to reframe fear and uncertainty into opportunity and clarity Episode Sponsor – Hyros Hyros is the AI-powered ad tracking platform trusted by top marketers and agencies. It shows you exactly which campaigns are driving results—so you can scale without wasting ad spend. If you’re tired of guessing and want brutal, data-driven truth in your marketing, Hyros delivers the clarity to grow. Learn more at smartmarketer.com/hyros Links & Resources Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Copy Posse / Alex Cattoni – copyposse.com Launchpad Season 6 – click here to join Smart Marketer Free Resources – smartmarketer.com/free-resources Instagram – Molly Pittman – @mollypittmandigital Instagram – Smart Marketer – @smartmarketer Instagram – Alex Cattoni – @alexcattoni Instagram – Copy Posse – @copyposse Timestamps 00:30 – Intro: What You’ll Learn and Why It Matters 02:27 – Molly's Journey: From Bartender to VP to CEO 12:15 – Why Right Now Is the Best Time to Start 16:40 – AI vs. Copywriters: What’s the Real Impact? 25:15 – What $600M in Ad Spend Says About Winning Ads 36:37 – How to Write Ads That Actually Convert 37:49 – The Biggest Mistake Marketers Make (And How to Fix It) 40:43 – The Mindset That Will Keep You Relevant in 2025 Call to Action If this episode hit home for you, do us a favor: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share it with your community and tag us using #WeOutHere Got thoughts or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit!

Brett Curry, CEO of OMG, dives into the latest e-commerce marketing strategies. He discusses mastering creative hooks that resonate with audiences and why engagement trumps conversion in messaging tests. Curry highlights the shift towards AI in targeting and presents a system for mapping hooks and campaign goals. He also shares innovative methods for boosting average order value through smart upselling and case studies that demonstrate effective marketing methods. This insightful conversation is packed with actionable strategies for staying competitive.

Molly Pittman and John Grimshaw discuss the key challenges facing marketers in 2025, including skyrocketing ad costs and the complexities of changing consumer behavior. They emphasize the need for brands to adopt hybrid models that blend content, community, and commerce. The conversation also highlights how AI is reshaping eCommerce and stress the importance of identity-based marketing over mere interest targeting. Actionable strategies for increasing customer engagement and brand loyalty are shared, helping businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.

Are you still tracking Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)? If so, it’s time for an upgrade. In this episode, Molly Pittman and John Grimshaw dive into Customer Value Velocity (CVV)—a smarter, more actionable metric that helps businesses scale faster and make better marketing decisions. Learn how top brands are using CVV to increase revenue, improve monetization, and acquire the right customers. “If you’re only tracking LTV, you’re missing the full picture of how revenue is really flowing in your business.” – John Grimshaw You Will Learn: Why LTV is outdated and what to track instead. How Customer Value Velocity helps you scale revenue smarter. The key difference between acquisition and monetization (and why they must work together). Why tracking speed of revenue matters just as much as total revenue. The most important monetization strategies to increase repeat sales. How top brands like Starbucks optimize customer value for faster ROI. Links & Resources: The Smart Marketer Show – smartmarketer.com/smart-marketer-show Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram – @mollypittmandigital John Grimshaw – @grimslaw Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction: Why LTV is Outdated & What to Track Instead 00:00:45 – Meet John Grimshaw: Monetization & Acquisition Expert, CMO of Smart Marketer 00:02:07 – The flaw in traditional LTV tracking 00:03:47 – Numbers Don't Lie 00:24:01 – This Just In 00:30:20 – Action Of The Month 00:49:47 – Copy This Win Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #SmartMarketerPodcast 💌 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Molly Pittman is back with another DTC Brands to Watch episode, and this time she’s diving into Plufl, the brand that turned a simple concept—dog beds—into a viral human comfort product. Discover how their innovative marketing, branding, and product expansion have made them a leader in the space. “Plufl took a familiar product and reimagined it. This is a case study in creative branding and audience expansion.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: • How Plufl transformed a commodity into a viral DTC product. • The power of niche marketing and expanding to multiple customer avatars. • Why their paid ad strategy on Meta & TikTok is so effective. • The genius behind Plufl’s high-converting landing pages. • How they use promotions, upsells, and email marketing to maximize revenue. • The strategy behind their price increase promotion and how you can use it too. LINKS: The Smart Marketer Show - The Smart Marketer Show Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram - @mollypittmandigital Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – fofdogrescue.com Instagram - @fieldsoffreedomrescue Plufl - weareplufl.com Instagram - @weareplufl   TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 – Introduction: Brands to Watch – Plufl 00:13:29 – Marketing Strategy: From Ads to Checkout 00:15:21 – Product Expansion & The Hug Pillow 00:16:43 – The Power of Landing Pages & Personalization 00:23:07 - Turning Tariffs into Sales: The Power of Price Increase Promotions 00:28:42 – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode Description In this powerful episode, Molly Pittman shares her inspiring journey of integrating purpose-driven work into her entrepreneurial career. Recorded live at the Four Rooms Mastermind, Molly discusses how her experience building the Fields of Freedom dog rescue has transformed her business, fueled personal growth, and reinforced the importance of structured generosity. She also reveals actionable insights on how entrepreneurs can create lasting impact while scaling their companies. “Your energy source must go beyond just business—it must come from something deeper, something that fuels you for the long game.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why integrating service-based work into your business can drive long-term success How Molly scaled her nonprofit to save over 7,500 dogs in three years The five steps to building structured, ongoing generosity in your company How generosity strengthens brand loyalty and community engagement Why balancing heart and strategy creates sustainable business models LINKS:  The Smart Marketer Show - The Smart Marketer Show Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram - @mollypittmandigital Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – fofdogrescue.com Instagram - @fieldsoffreedomrescue TIME STAMPS:  00:00:59 – Molly’s Journey: From Digital Marketing to Nonprofit Leadership 00:02:18 – Why Purpose-Driven Work Creates Sustainable Energy in Business 00:05:12 – The Five Steps to Structured Generosity 00:07:31 – How Fields of Freedom Scaled to Save 7,500 Dogs 00:21:15 – Balancing Business, Impact, and Long-Term Vision 00:28:00 – Final Thoughts: How You Can Take Action Today YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Click Here Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #SmartMarketerPodcast Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

Molly Pittman is back with an unfiltered look at what’s working in DTC marketing right now! In this episode, she breaks down the biggest trends shaping 2025—from revenue growth to the power of hybrid business models—and shares practical strategies you can implement today. Plus, hear how Smart Marketer is using AI, optimizing lead generation, and leveraging email warming campaigns to drive engagement. “They key to winning in 2025? Focus on what your customer needs, optimize for revenue, and stay adaptable.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: The must-know DTC trends and tactics shaping 2025. Why January and February set the tone for your business success. How to increase revenue and average order value in a competitive market. Why Smart Marketer is all in on hybrid business models. The power of email warming campaigns (and why you should run one ASAP!). How SweetFlex skyrocketed from 6 to 8 figures with one marketing shift. The latest game-changing update from Meta for lead generation. LINKS: The Smart Marketer Show - The Smart Marketer Show Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram - @mollypittmandigital Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – fofdogrescue.com Instagram - @fieldsoffreedomrescue TIME STAMPS: 00:00:54 – What’s Working Now in DTC Marketing 00:02:11 – Molly’s Journey: From Bartender to Digital Marketing and Dog Rescuing 00:08:56 – Numbers Don’t Lie: January 2024 Vs January 2025 00:19:21 – This Just In: Meta Announces Advantage Plus 00:24:40 – Action of the Month: Q1 Is the New Q5 00:42:29 – Copy This: How SweetFlex Grew From 6 to 8 Figures 00:58:18 – Introducing Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Connor Westby, the entrepreneur behind NutriPaw, discusses his journey in scaling a pet supplement brand into an eight-figure powerhouse. He shares insights on overcoming early challenges and the importance of product innovation. Discover how a strategic pivot in advertising and expansion into new markets fueled growth. Connor reflects on a major business setback and emphasizes the value of maintaining a lean operation for faster scaling. His story is packed with actionable lessons for aspiring business owners!

Molly Pittman is back with an inside look at Smart Marketer’s journey and the strategies shaping 2025! After a challenging yet transformative year, Molly shares what’s been happening behind the scenes, why Smart Marketer took a break from podcasting, and the key business shifts they’ve made to build momentum in 2025. From simplifying operations to leveraging AI and focusing on community, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the evolving digital marketing landscape. “2024 was tough, but it forced us to refine our business in the best way possible.” – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why Smart Marketer paused the podcast & what’s changed since. How analyzing year-over-year performance helps predict business trends. Why simplifying your business model can be the key to scaling. The impact of retiring “Train My Traffic Person” & launching Mentor Table. How AI & automation are shaping Smart Marketer’s 2025 strategy. Why building products backwards creates stronger customer connections. How to focus on community & coaching for long-term success. LINKS: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Mentor Table –  Mentor Table TIME STAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction: The Return of Smart Marketer Podcast: Why We Took a Break & What's Changed 00:01:25 – 2024’s Challenges & What We Learned 00:09:06 – Big Business Decisions: Retiring TMTP & Launching Mentor Table 00:13:10 – How Listening to Customers Built Our Best Offer Yet 00:19:39 – Why Community & Coaching Are Smart Marketer’s Future 00:25:48 – Looking Ahead: AI, Content Strategy & Scaling in 2025 YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! Thank you for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs and marketers. 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀