Marketing Happy Hour

This week, Erica has the privilege of chatting with Alex Lewis, Performance Marketing Specialist at Later - a social media management platform and link in bio tool that our co-hosts LOVE! (Scroll down for a code that will unlock 2 months FREE!) Alex drops all of the knowledge she's gained during her time working in performance marketing, reveals how Later utilizes ads to round out their full funnel marketing strategy designed to drive user acquisition and growth, and shares some absolutely mic-drop-worthy career advice. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:04:04] - How Alex's agency experience set a solid foundation for understanding the customer journey and where a brand enters it. [00:09:44] - The key skillsets needed in performance marketing, including the understanding that past performance does not indicate current performance, the flexibility to endure constant changes, and the ability to remain "scrappy" in testing strategy. [00:16:18] - The benefits of starting with just one ad channel and getting a solid foundation on it first, then building one by one to reach "well-oiled-machine" status, and the importance of knowing where ad spend is going when communicating with your team. [00:20:34] - How Later activates their full funnel marketing strategy, and the thoughts behind their recent launch of Reels and TikTok scheduling. [00:22:48] - The conversion metrics that Later uses to determine success and their LTV (Lifetime Value) to CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost) ratio. Alex also reveals her predictions for performance marketing moving into a "cookieless" future. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Alex's episode: Yes, you CAN work full time and get an MBA. Here's How. | Emma Wolgast of Red Ventures Your Guide to Social Media, Paid Media + Influencer Marketing | Halie Soprano of Traackr ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisalexandra/ Use code "LEWIS2022" for 2 FREE months on Later's "Starter" plan (expires Feb 2023): https://later.com/pricing/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/

This week, Erica and Cassie sit down with Sara Arbelaez, Social Media and Influencer Marketing Specialist at Heelys and Feiyue Shoes, to chat all things brand personality, audience insights and analytics, ambassador programs, sliding in the DMs, and the "Comeback Era" of Heelys. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:03:31] - Sara shares her background in communications and storytelling, including her stumble into PR that led to a job in social, and encourages listeners to learn as much as possible early on.  [00:11:03] - Sara uncovers how Heelys speaks to their different customer profiles on social media and why being in tune with your audience community and taking the time to go into every DM to find connection points and insights can be highly beneficial for your brand. [00:14:30] - Sara dives into Heelys' current social strategy and how they're using video to showcase relatability. [00:18:12] - Sara walks through the "TikTok to purchase" flow, highlighting how TikTok keeps your brand top of mind and builds site sessions. She also shares how she tracks insights from TikTok and other social media platforms using Google Analytics. [00:21:60] - Sara gives us the Heelys ambassador and campus rep program details, citing that it's the best way to get UGC (User Generated Content).  She also shares the key differences between brand collaboration launches vs evergreen products. [00:32:58] - Sara explains how being in the comment sections of other videos on TikTok can have a lasting impact with the public, and why trusting your social media team to execute on this as experts in their field can be one of the best decisions ever. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Sara's episode: Gen Z Work Habits: Balancing a Tech 9-5 and Full-Time Content Creation | Angelica Song of Google TikTok 101: How to Build an Engaged Audience | Zaria Parvez of Duolingo ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraarbelaezz/ Keep up with Heelys: https://heelys.com/ Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraarbelaez/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/

This week, Cassie checks in with Nidhi Bhagat, Marketing Coordinator at ESPN.  Nidhi shares her career journey thus far, including her transition from the film and production industry into marketing.  She also gives great interview tips for landing your first job out of college and provides insight on how to stand out in your role and play the "long game" in your career through building relationships.  Finally, she gives us a peek behind the curtain at ESPN's content and planning strategies to ensure they're maximizing their efforts across marketing channels. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:04:20] - Nidhi walks us through her career journey thus far, from the film and production space into marketing. She also explains her current role in the live sports sector and what she's responsible for supporting as part of the marketing team at ESPN. [00:06:54] - Nidhi shares some of her favorite creative projects and partnerships she's had experience with during her time at ESPN.   [00:08:40] - Nidhi gives her best tips for keeping the door open to opportunities even after you leave a company and building lasting relationships in the workplace.  She also provides fantastic insight on how to stand out in the interview process and then within your role.  [00:14:42] - Nidhi explores how her previous career experiences have benefited her in her current role, demonstrating how you can pocket experiences and knowledge today in order to advance your future career. [00:17:58] - Nidhi dives into the importance of storytelling, and shares how to capture and keep your audience's attention within your content.  She also pulls back the curtain to share planning strategies ESPN uses to ensure they're maximizing their efforts across marketing channels. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Nidhi's episode: Landing a Full Time Marketing Job Right Out of College | Alison Taplin of FabFitFun Top Tips for Creatives | Lisa Meyer of Beekman 1802 ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Nidhi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidhibhagat/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/ Check out wine subscription Winc: https://glnk.io/zn1l/espitz

This week, Erica and Cassie are catching up with Adam Cilley, Social Media Content Director at Sports Card Investor.  We first met Adam during our Clubhouse days when he was working as Senior Social Media Specialist at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and he shared the inside scoop on how he was able to grow their TikTok by hundreds of thousands of followers.  Now, Adam joins us to uncover how to navigate social media video strategy between platforms, share his experience changing industries from non-profit to for profit, and general keys to success in a social media career. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:04:32] - Adam shares what piqued his interest in social media early on and walks us through his career journey.  He also gives great interview tips for anyone looking to get started in social media.  [00:013:35] - Adam outlines the innovative strategies he used to grow CMA's social media presence, including utilizing Cameo, starting and scaling their TikTok, and working with animal influencers. [00:28:09] - Adam details his experience with Sports Card Investor, giving us a behind the scenes look at their current content strategy across platforms, the creation of "snackable" content on YouTube Shorts, and how they're sharing their founder's story as an audience connection touchpoint. [00:33:33] - Adam shares his management style in working with freelancers and communication advice for social media professionals.   [00:45:52] - Adam looks ahead to the future of social media and shares his thoughts on augmented reality and in-app experiences. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Adam's episode: Creating Unforgettable Customer Experiences Online | Stephen Kubiak of Universal Parks & Resorts Managing Social at a Startup? Listen to This! | Danielle Vito of AvantStay ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcilley/ Learn more about Sports Card Investor: https://www.sportscardinvestor.com/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/

This week, Erica chats with Social Media Manager Karissa Widder.  Karissa is an Instagram and creativity queen with a unique career path who joins Erica to teach us how to level up our creativity online, build community first, and use social media as a platform for good. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:04:12] - Karissa shares an overview of her career journey, from running point on social at her local Chick-fil-A, to managing the social media for her private university, transitioning to speech pathology, and finally venturing into full time social media management. [00:08:52] - Karissa explains that you can do anything if you just get started and that there's no one correct path. She also shares more about social media as a great outlet to advocate for things you're passionate about. [00:13:06] - Karissa gives insight to her relationship with clients, and how she helps them measure success on social media. [00:17:36] - Karissa unveils her top social media tip overall, and her #1 Instagram tip (hint: it's all about COMMUNITY)! [00:21:00] - How to avoid burnout as a social media manager, and Karissa's invention of #CameraRollCrumbs. [00:23:45] - Why diversifying how you're connecting with your customer is important, and one of the best ways to connect outside of social media. [00:31:45] - Karissa offers encouragement in your career journey and insists - everyone is just figuring it out! Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Karissa's episode: Managing Social at a Startup? Listen to This! | Danielle Vito of Avantstay Copywriting 101 | Ethical Copywriter + Email Strategist Karsen Murray ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Karissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karissawidder/ and https://www.instagram.com/kindredbyk/ Connect with Karissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissanickish/ Learn more about Karissa: https://www.karissawidder.com/ and https://www.kindredbyk.com/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/

If you're overwhelmed by Instagram's constant changes and are wondering how to best create content for the platform, this episode is for you. This week, Cassie sits down with Instagram Strategist, Educator, Speaker, and Video Expert Natasha Samuel. In her conversation with Cassie, Natasha shares that the secret to building trust and community with your followers is simply showing up. And we’re in luck, because Natasha uncovers her top tips for showing up confidently and consistently as an individual OR brand, how and when to post about your offers, and the best ways to spark engagement on Instagram. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:02:50] - Natasha provides an overview of her career journey from majoring in journalism, shifting to public relations and gaining social media exposure and knowledge, and developing her own unique video content methodologies that sparked her business, Shine With Natasha. [00:10:10] - Natasha dives into her strategic, proven system for creating and batching Instagram content. [00:15:35] - Natasha shares how to confidently show up on video in order to develop human connection and build authority in your industry through social media. [00:20:23] - Natasha explains her thoughts around analyzing your content's success and understanding why or why not you're seeing engagement. [00:23:08] - Natasha reveals her timeless tips for optimizing your Instagram profile by keeping in mind the "three part follower journey." [00:26:25] - Stories vs Feed Posts - Natasha unveils her top two tips for creating engaging Instagram stories. [00:31:05] - Natasha shares her experience landing podcast interviews, speaking engagements, and similar opportunities. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Natasha's episode: Reels 101: What Works? | Karly & Kyrsten of Millennial Social Media Marketing Content Marketing 101: Creating an Effective Social Media Presence | Elyse Estrella of Wine Enthusiast ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Natasha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinewithnatasha/  Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashamariesamuel/ Learn more about Shine with Natasha:  https://shinewithnatasha.com/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/

Welcome back to the Marketing Happy Hour podcast, and thank you for tuning in to Season 6!  This week, Erica and Cassie chat with Kara Salazar, Social Business Specialist at Southwest Airlines.  We last interviewed Kara during our first Clubhouse session in April of 2021 when she was working in the beauty industry at European Wax Center, so it is truly a treat to speak with her again and catch up on everything that has happened since! In her conversation with us, Kara shares actionable tips around building brand loyalty through authentic customer touch points and interactions across social media. Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode: [00:03:28] - Kara shares her experience transitioning from the beauty industry to the travel industry, and how the "hub and spoke" model works for the Southwest Airlines Social Business team. [00:12:18] - Kara breaks down the process of creating an influencer campaign from start to finish, and how to identify the right influencers for your brand. [00:17:01] - Kara provides insight on what makes a great influencer pitch and how to determine the budget for each individual influencer. [00:18:43] - Kara shares more about the internal social media strategy at Southwest Airlines, and how they empower their employees to create special moments across social media. [00:23:21] - Kara chats about her predictions for the future of social media, what she's been most excited about working on with Southwest Airlines, and her ultimate career goals - including her best piece of advice for young professionals. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Kara's episode: Social Strategy 101: What You Need to Succeed | Lauren Freund of Shutterfly Your Guide to Social Media, Paid Media + Influencer Marketing | Halie Soprano of Traackr ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Kara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karasalazar/ Connect with Kara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karasalazar/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/

We're officially at the end of season 5 of Marketing Happy Hour! In this episode, Erica Spitzley and Cassie Tucker share their favorite moments from the season and discuss the lessons learned from all of our guests. Lastly, Erica and Cassie look ahead to season 6 and what you can expect in the coming months! Thank you to all of the amazing guests this season: Chatting Sustainability, Marketing Career, Hard Kombucha, and...Diplo?! | Annie Atwell of JuneShine Content Marketing 101: Creating an Effective Social Media Presence | Elyse Estrella of Wine Enthusiast Creating Excellent Audience Experiences on Social | Becca Hidalgo of Hilton Grand Vacations Getting Innovative: Pitching and Launching New Content Strategies | Michelle Westfall of Universal Parks & Resorts Launch Strategies 101: Network to Networth | Brand Collaboration Coach Kahlea Nicole Wade Brand Photoshoots 101: What You Need to Know | Photographer and Creative Amie Santavicca Why Every Brand Needs a Podcast, AND How to Build It | Rita Richa of Reignite Media and Bippity Boppity Business Grab a drink and listen in. We’ll be back for season 6 in October 2022!  ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Connect with Co-Host Erica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericaspitzley/ Connect with Co-Host Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassaundrapalmer/ Follow Co-Host Erica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espitz/ Follow Co-Host Cassie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiejoytucker/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/

This week on the Marketing Happy Hour podcast, Cassie chats with friend and podcast expert, Rita Richa. Rita is a B2B podcast coach, show producer, founder of Reignite Media, and host of Bippity Boppity Business. In her conversation with Cassie, Rita spills the tea on why every brand should have a podcast and how to strategize for one. She shares how to use podcasting to build your brand, grow your network, and land more sales.  And it wouldn't be Marketing Happy Hour without powerful career advice. Rita sprinkles in her top insight for professionals, including why experience is king and how to get more of it.  Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Rita's episode: Building a Social Media Side Hustle While Working Full-Time | Josie Maida of Maida Media Getting Innovative: Pitching and Launching New Content Strategies | Michelle Westfall of Universal Parks & Resorts ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Rita on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ritaricha/ Connect with Rita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaricha/ Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/

This week on the Marketing Happy Hour podcast, Erica sits down in person with a close friend and photographer, Amie Santavicca. Amie is a seasoned fashion lifestyle and advertising creative photographer with experience collaborating with Not Your Mother's Haircare, Ashley Furniture, Edible Magazines, and more. In her conversation with Erica, she shares how brands can effectively plan the creative direction for their shoots and work more efficiently with photographers. She also dives into the topic of usage rights and how photographers price their services, so you know what to expect next time you hire someone for a shoot. Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation! ----- Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Amie's episode: Managing Social at a Startup? Listen to This! | Danielle Vito of AvantStay Top Tips for Creatives | Lisa Meyer of Beekman 1802 PR 101: Set Yourself Apart | Alice Hampton of ACP Management ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and share your favorite moments from this episode - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. NEW: Check out our website! NEW: Join our email list! Follow Amie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiesanta/ Visit Amie's Portfolio: http://www.amiesantavicca.com/ Check out Amie's recent work for WSJ: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tampa-fl-new-development-11657728015?page=1  Follow MHH on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marketinghappyhr Follow MHH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-happy-hour/ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Marketing Happy Hour Weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/marketing-happy-hour-weekly-6950530577867427840/ Join our Marketing Happy Hour Insiders LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9238088/