Embracing Marketing Mistakes

What topic would you like us to cover next?Following on from our most popular episode last year where we looked at social media trends for 2024, we have our 2025 prediction list.Social media continues to evolve rapidly, with new platforms emerging and established ones transforming to meet changing user preferences and behaviours. We look at the key trends that will shape social media marketing in 2025, from the rise of Blue Sky to creative disruption strategies that help brands break through the noise.Some of our predicted trends include:• Blue Sky's explosive growth challenging both Threads (300M users) and Twitter (X)• YouTube experiencing a renaissance with long-form content and new features like Hype• B2B brands adopting more personality-driven approaches on LinkedIn• Micro-virality becoming more effective than broad-reaching content strategies• Outbound engagement helping brands proactively connect with audiences• Reddit representing an untapped resource with 1.2B monthly active users globally• Creative disruption helping brands stand out in an oversaturated content landscape• AI continuing to evolve as a content creation tool, best used as a starting point• TikTok Shop's massive growth, generating $100M on Black Friday aloneDon't forget to revisit your social media strategy if you haven't done so in the past year, refresh your audience personas, and test new approaches based on where your audience is spending their time. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?What does it really take to build a successful SaaS business from scratch with no funding? Emeric Ernoult knows the answer all too well - he went three years without a salary while bootstrapping Agorapulse, now one of the world's leading social media management platforms.The journey began in 2000 with a community-building software before "social media" was even coined as a term. For nearly a decade, his team struggled with a product that was ahead of its time and in the wrong market (France, in French). The pivotal shift came when they recognized Facebook's dominance and evolved their offering to meet what social media managers actually needed daily: tools to manage comments, schedule posts, and measure results.Emeric's breakthrough innovation - the social media inbox - transformed how professionals handle online communications. Rather than the chaotic column view popularised by early tools like Hootsuite and TweetDeck, Agorapulse organised incoming content chronologically like an email inbox. This seemingly obvious solution propelled them from zero to $5 million in revenue before competitors eventually copied it.Emeric categorises his costliest mistakes: hiring without clearly defining roles, ignoring gut feelings about unsuitable candidates, delaying necessary terminations, creating overly complex pricing models, and attempting go-to-market strategies without proper expertise. "I can count the smart things I've done on two hands," he admits, "but I'd need several bodies to count my mistakes."Today, Agorapulse is tackling social media's biggest challenge: proving ROI. Their patent-pending technology connects social activities directly to website conversions, showing which specific posts, comments, and replies drive business results. It's this innovation that's helping social media managers finally gain the respect and budgets they deserve from sceptical executives. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?YouTube isn’t just holding its own against TikTok and Instagram – it’s thriving. In fact, in the US, it’s now watched more on televisions than computers, marking a major shift in how audiences engage with digital content. Yet despite this growth, many marketers still don’t truly understand how to make the platform work for them.In this sharp and practical conversation with Ballint Kistoth from Voxtr, we dig into why 99% of YouTube channels never make it past five videos, usually because creators give up too early. Ballint breaks down what it really takes to build a successful channel, starting with the essentials: a compelling hook, thumbnail, and title – all of which need to be nailed before you even hit record.For brands serious about using YouTube properly, understanding audience behaviour is crucial. We explore the niches with the highest ad revenue (finance tops the list at $60–$80 per thousand views) and why your audience’s age, location and intent can make or break your monetisation strategy. You’ll also learn why your videos should be at least eight minutes long, and how to structure them to keep viewers watching until the end.Ballint also challenges the common myth that short-form content viewers will naturally become long-form viewers, a false assumption that’s led many marketing strategies astray.Whether you’re building a new channel or trying to revive a dormant one, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense approach to making YouTube content that attracts, engages, and converts.Stop guessing – and start getting results. Listen now. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Who would you trust more to recommend a product or service - an influencer who is paid to promote it, or a friend who is a genuine fan and user of the brand? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Archer, founder of Duel and passionate 'advocate' for brand advocacy. He offers brilliant insight into how brands can thrive in an era in which consumer trust in brands is plummeting - but our natural faith in our friends and family remains strong. Paul's argument is that brands need an advocacy programme to succeed. Unlike traditional influencer marketing, which he describes as paying people to "pretend to like your brand", true advocacy taps into the enthusiasm of genuine fans who already love what you do. The key? Having a clear purpose that makes it easier for consumers to understand and align with the experience you're creating. Want to find out how to truly tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing? Learn everything you need to get started, including the five-stage process brands follow to build genuine, authentic brand advocacy programmes. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth.👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business and creative journey, I share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips!Follow Chris Norton:XTikTokLinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show:TikTokYouTubeRequest a Guest To Come On The Podcast:🎙️ Share your own marketing journey on our pod! 🌟 Click HERE to share your details on why you would be a brilliant guest and join the conversation. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Yep, Astonish cleaning products really started out in a shed in Leeds…  In this episode, we go behind the scenes of cleaning brand, Astonish, with owner and CEO Howard Moss, to learn about the one-man business that has transformed over 50 years into an international success, distributing to more than 30 countries worldwide. From Howard’s father attending agricultural shows across the UK with a simple cleaning product, to an unexpected opportunity over the pond that led to the ‘Astonish’ name itself, the origin story is nothing short of inspirational. It’s a real display of entrepreneurial spirit and of not staying down when you’re knocked. Howard has a refreshing philosophy of not over-analysing everything – something that extends to the brand’s marketing strategy and is exemplified by its brilliant Wimbledon sponsorship tactic. We discuss this, the importance of influencer marketing, and everything the brand has learned over an incredibly interesting history.It’s a masterclass in how entrepreneurial thinking and a genuine commitment to product quality can disrupt an industry, and a candid conversation into sustainable growth and authentic brand building.  Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?It’s easy to feel like things are quickly spiraling out of control when a crisis hits. Our latest episode takes a look at exactly what needs to be done when the heat is high, the pressure is on, and it feels like your back’s against the wall because of one type of disaster or another.  We discuss the types of crises businesses can face, from data breaches to PR disasters, and unpack real examples and the lessons learned – like Boeing’s operational blunders and Bud Light’s marketing missteps. We cover the importance of real-time monitoring, empathy-driven communication, and planning (planning, planning), and how these strategies can even turn a crisis into an opportunity. The key takeaway? Every crisis is manageable as long as there’s a robust plan in place to mitigate damage and retain brand trust. As the overly-quoted (but absolutely accurate when it comes to a crisis) idiom goes: "fail to prepare, prepare to fail"! Don’t treat a crisis as an ‘if’, but rather as a ‘when’ – and learn everything you need to prepare like a pro in this episode.  Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?AI is transforming PR, but is it actually replacing PR professionals? In this episode, we sit down with Jono Matusky, founder of Newsprint AI. Jono has built AI tools that automate media monitoring, press release writing, and executive briefings. But does that mean the role of PR professionals is at risk?We look into how AI is being used to save time, improve efficiency, and even uncover insights that us marketing professionals might miss. Jono shares the smartest ways to integrate AI into PR work, the biggest mistakes people make when trying to automate, and why some tasks still need a human touch. Plus, he reveals the Google Ads blunder that got his client de-platformed.If you’ve ever wondered what AI really means for the future of PR—and how to use it to your advantage—this episode is a must-listen. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Abigail Dixon, the brilliant mind behind the Whole Marketer, shares her inspiring journey from working at Burger King to hosting a podcast with over 130 episodes. Have you ever wondered how aligning personal values like connection, growth, and generosity with your career could transform your professional life? Abigail reveals her passion for psychology and business and how these elements fuelled her career and podcast during the pandemic, aiming to show diverse perspectives into her work.Feeling overwhelmed in your marketing career? We've got strategies to help you regain control and find fulfilment by understanding your motivations and setting priorities. Abigail discus with us the common stressors in marketing, the immense emotional energy required to align stakeholders, and the highs and lows marketers face. Learn how to navigate these challenges and why support and alignment are crucial for a rewarding career.Marketing is no longer just a supporting role; it's a strategic business pillar. Abigail discusses how marketing professionals have evolved over the last 25 years, becoming integral to business strategy. Gain insight into the significance of engaging training sessions and crafting award-winning entries, while exploring the nostalgic evolution of communication technology in the workplace. This episode promises rich insights for marketers eager to enhance their careers and demonstrate their value in today's fast-paced business environment. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Award-winning journalist Helen Nugent, renowned for her 27-year career across multiple media channels, joins us to breakdown the world of journalism and media training. Discover how seasoned journalists carve out the perfect soundbite and why media training is essential for brand representatives. Helen shares captivating stories from her time at The Times and her interactions with high-profile figures like Richard Branson, offering a unique glimpse into the personalities behind the headlines.We explore the intricate relationship between journalists and brands, emphasising the importance of clarity to avoid misquotations or embarrassing situations. From the "rabbit punch" to the "Columbo question," Helen unveils strategies journalists use to draw out valuable information. Prepare yourself with practical advice for handling interviews, ensuring your message is delivered accurately and effectively.Finally, we examine the subtleties of on-camera presence and how to avoid common interview blunders. Helen offers insights into the art of reframing negative language, the power of humour in handling personal questions, and optimising body language. With anecdotes that highlight both interview wins and mishaps, this episode equips you with the confidence and skills to face the media spotlight without missing a beat. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Are you measuring PR ROI all wrong? If you’re relying on outdated metrics like AVEs or vanity impressions, you could be missing the real value of your PR efforts—and losing budget because of it. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes brands make when tracking PR success, why traditional measurement methods fail, and what smarter marketers are doing instead.Learn how to prove PR’s impact in a way that actually matters to decision-makers, secure more budget, and align your efforts with real business results. If you’re tired of guesswork and want to track PR the right way, this ROI episode is a must-listen! Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube