Sweat Equity

Discover the ultimate strategy for conquering Instagram in 2026! Delve into brand archetypes and see how lifestyle and aspirational examples lead the way. Learn the significance of building a rigorous testing strategy and optimizing key video metrics for success. Alex shares insights on crafting a consistent content narrative and prioritizing follower-growth. Plus, explore the power of repurposing winning content across various formats to maximize reach. Get ready to elevate your Instagram game!

Dive into a masterclass on storytelling for brands! Discover how to craft engaging narratives that convert, and why storytelling will be crucial in 2026. From positioning stories using hero archetypes to leveraging team perspectives, every tip is aimed at enhancing brand perception. Learn the value of personal journeys and audience-driven content, plus effective strategies for cinematic storytelling. Alex and Brian emphasize testing formats and using metrics transparently to foster audience engagement. It's all about making your brand's story unforgettable!

Dive into the art of luxury pricing with insights from Jacques Marie Mage's sunglasses strategy. Discover the power of storytelling to create emotional connections and justify premium prices. Learn how scarcity and exclusivity can drive urgency in purchases. Explore the unique blend of cultural influences in branding. Brian and Alex highlight the importance of in-store experiences and content opportunities for showcasing craftsmanship. Lastly, they recap essential tactics for charging more through strategic marketing!

In this episode, I interview Simon Kim, one of the founders of Creator Camp who's building a studio that's empowering creators to take over the big screen. And they're funding the movies themselves. Like Baron Ryan's Two Sleepy People film that was written, shot, produced, and in-theatres in less than 100 days. This is Camp Studios and how they're taking down hollywood.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

Explore the future of branding with insights on seven macro trends. Discover why nano influencers are outperforming big names in ROI. Learn how to effectively scale creator networks and improve ad performance through Meta partnerships. Dive into the untapped potential of YouTube ads and the success of high-value products on TikTok Shop. Experience the shift towards brand marketing and the power of live shopping events in creating memorable connections.

Tatum Brandt, a brand strategist and founder of a creative studio specializing in fitness and wellness, returns to share eye-opening predictions for 2026. She emphasizes the need for brands to create more touchpoints and higher production values to thrive in a competitive landscape. The duo discusses innovative strategies like niche-focused accounts, hiring creators for authenticity, and embracing AI thoughtfully. Tatum also predicts a grunge revival in brand visuals, showcasing the shift away from polished aesthetics toward authenticity and rawness.

Discover the essential laws of content creation that brands must adhere to for success in 2026. The hosts dive into the art of crafting effective hooks and the significance of familiarity in keeping audiences engaged. Learn the nuances of differentiation, brand perception, and the importance of diverse content funnels. They advocate for testing new ideas, even flops, while stressing the value of visuals and world-building. Plus, insights on leveraging social content as a data source for fresh ideas make this discussion a goldmine for creators.

Dive into the art and science of virality with a seven-step framework designed for success! Discover how major brands craft viral moments through relatable narratives and creator engagement. Learn about the power of teasing, gamifying, and using scarcity to drive excitement. Explore real-life examples, such as a successful churro campaign, to understand the mechanics behind building buzz. This episode reveals actionable insights for any brand looking to create memorable and engaging marketing.

Discover the four critical reasons brands fail and learn how to avoid them. Brian reveals Prime's trust issues and discusses how transparency can rebuild credibility. Misjudging the market is explored with Lululemon's messaging shifts. The pitfalls of inconsistent positioning are highlighted with Feastables. Understand the importance of continuous product innovation using Allbirds as a cautionary tale. Plus, find out how top brands like On and Skims innovate and engage with their audiences effectively.

Explore the transformative power of art direction in brand storytelling. Dive into the differences between world building and visual aesthetics. Discover three approaches to art direction on social media and learn how consistency can amplify brand identity. Hear how cinematic techniques are influencing branding and the dynamics of creator collaborations. Uncover the significance of color, lighting, and shapes in setting a tone, and why nostalgic inspirations forge strong emotional connections. Embrace a strategic and meaningful approach to art direction for 2026 and beyond!