Embracing Marketing Mistakes

Want to know how to truly resonate with your audience and craft marketing strategies that hit the mark? Listen to our conversation with Alex Myers, head of marketing at the SEO Works, as we break down the essence of market orientation and how understanding your audience isn't just about sharing job titles but stepping into their shoes. From navigating the unique challenges of marketing to marketers to adapting strategies across different sectors, Alex shares invaluable insights that will transform your approach to campaign planning and execution.The future of SEO is a hot topic, especially with AI on the rise. Alex and I explore the delicate balance between technology and human-authored content, illustrating how authenticity and expertise remain irreplaceable. We dive into the significance of building a brand from the inside out, leveraging the strengths of internal teams to genuinely reflect a company's core values. Our discussion also extends to partnering with SEO agencies for maintaining content quality amidst ever-evolving algorithms, ensuring your brand remains trustworthy and impactful.Metrics matter, but which ones truly drive business success? We dissect the difference between vanity metrics and actionable metrics with Alex, focusing on metrics that genuinely affect the bottom line like customer retention and organic revenue. Through compelling examples, including a memorable marketing mishap involving construction workers, we underscore the importance of understanding your audience and thoroughly testing campaigns. Tune in for practical advice on navigating the balance between organic and paid campaigns, and learn how to prioritize real metrics that lead to sustainable growth.Follow Alex:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-myers-982868146/https://www.seoworks.co.uk/ Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how to transform your business through the power of words? Join us as we chat with the incredible Sarah Townsend, a leading freelance copywriter and author who shares her remarkable journey from the corporate world to freelance success. Learn how clarity, simplicity, and human-centric writing can revolutionise your messaging and respect your audience's time. Discover why it's essential to write for your readers' needs and avoid the pitfalls of academic conventions that can obscure communication.Struggling to craft an 'About' page that truly connects with potential clients? Sarah reveals her top strategies for making your 'About' page a client-centric powerhouse that solves problems rather than lists qualifications. We also unpack the art of effective calls to action, discussing how to balance providing enough information with encouraging engagement. Sarah's tips on tailoring these calls to action to suit your work style and schedule will help you achieve greater efficiency and productivity in your business.Say goodbye to clichéd copywriting and hello to a unique brand voice. In this episode, Sarah highlights the importance of authenticity and specificity in your messaging, and how understanding customer language can create genuine connections. Plus, get practical advice on transitioning into freelancing, financial planning, and maintaining mental health. Sarah's entertaining anecdotes, from proofreading mishaps to travel blunders, offer valuable lessons and plenty of laughs. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights and amusing stories that will elevate your copywriting skills and freelance success.Follow Sarah: https://www.sarahtownsendeditorial.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahtownsendeditorial/https://x.com/STEcopywritingBuy her book https://amzn.to/2Y1z1cw Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how booking events in different cities on the same dates could turn into a hilarious marketing lesson? Or what it’s like to fall over during a high-stakes pitch? Join Chris Norton and Will Ockenden, as we celebrate our 50th episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes. We kick off with Lisa Thompson’s side-splitting stories that highlight the importance of attention to detail and keeping a good sense of humour.Imagine launching a design-focused pet store right in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis. We revisit this rollercoaster journey, sharing the emotional and financial hurdles of moving from a physical store to an online platform. Learn from our experience about the resilience needed to navigate business failures and turn them into future successes.From the outrageous chocolate milkshake stunt by Arla to runaway buffaloes in Sydney, this episode features some of the wildest marketing and PR disasters we’ve encountered. Hear stories from Meagan Williamson and Anil Manji about costly mistakes and the lessons we can all take away from them. Whether it’s about avoiding PR nightmares or making wiser investment choices, this episode will leave you with a strong list of practical advice. Celebrate with us and don’t forget to share your own marketing mishaps as we laugh and learn together.Links to featured episodes: Lisa: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15623939https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H11PZDC4zfE&t=22sPaul:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/13925249https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NurZ0VMwJew&t=13sVicki:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/13159964https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdojwkMtI8Gareth:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15392494https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TOrp08XF-Y&t=2sGreg:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/14684365https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tP33LBrQ-k&t=2211sMeagan:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15532735https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx3oHFP5vWEAnil:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15606126https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWCg4cgBrYg&t=113sRichard:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15149358https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv3ePr967GQ&t=29sAnt:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/14319495https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9QrdezxlrUKen:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206375/15288946https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFoYlO0Hfdg&t=2427s Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Unlock the secrets to more inclusive and effective marketing strategies with our special guest, Lisa Thompson, strategy lead at Wavemaker and founder of Common People. We delve into Lisa's experiences and insights, revealing how balancing data with human intuition can uncover missed opportunities and drive impactful campaigns.Explore the profound impact of class diversity on the advertising, PR, and marketing industries, tracing back to the natural class diversity of the 80s and 90s that spurred creativity and innovation. Hear personal stories from Lisa and our host about working in Manchester and London, highlighting regional differences and class perceptions. Gain valuable statistical insights on the disparity between the UK's working-class population and their representation in advertising, and learn about the ongoing challenges and biases in recruitment practices that hinder true diversity.Navigate the nuances of dress codes and social norms in the marketing industry, with anecdotes that underscore the importance of clear communication for newcomers. Embrace the learning process through humorous and insightful stories of marketing mishaps, and get inspired by the resources and initiatives aimed at improving social mobility. Join our engaging conversation with Lisa as we reflect on the progress in diversity initiatives and celebrate the significance of inclusivity in creating more innovative and effective marketing environments.https://wavemakerglobal.com/X: @lisajthompson18LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-thompson-fipa-1a5b4b65/ Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how marketing strategies are crafted amidst the chaos of a global crisis? Join us on as we sit down with Anil Manji, a communications consultant with a remarkable journey from Grey London’s iconic campaigns to high-stakes government communications during COVID-19. Anil divulges the intricacies of managing large-scale marketing strategies and the challenges of crisis communication, offering listeners a rare peek into the UK government's crisis hub and his involvement in landmark projects like COP26.Gain practical insights from Anil as he recounts his experience with the OASIS framework for campaign planning and shares the vital lessons learned in combating misinformation. From navigating the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic to leading high-impact marketing efforts like the M&S Christmas food campaign, Anil's stories provide a valuable education in resilience and adaptability. Learn how he managed to keep the public informed and engaged during a global health crisis, all while ensuring the smooth execution of international marketing efforts.Our discussion also touches on the strategic challenges of using high-profile celebrity endorsements in marketing campaigns, with Anil offering creative alternatives that maximize effectiveness without overshooting budgets. Listen in as he reveals how a 10-week mini MBA transformed his approach to marketing and how he’s applying this knowledge in his current role with the NHS. This episode is packed with actionable insights on government communication, strategic marketing, and innovative approaches to sustainability campaigns. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most versatile experts.Follow Anil:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anil-manji-71649484/X: @anilmanjiuk Email: anilmanji@gmail.com Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how silly PR ideas turn into marketing gold? We're thrilled to have Peter Freedman, the genius behind Thinking at Think Inc., join us as he shares his journey from the newsroom to the PR boardroom. Discover the secrets behind Peter's knack for crafting campaigns that have made giants like Apple and Disney stand out, all without breaking the bank. He also gives us a sneak peek into his latest book, "How Calm Whipped Up a Storm," which dives deep into the art of mixing humour and seriousness in marketing. Step into the world of creative PR as we dissect some of the most unconventional campaigns ever conceived. From the ground-breaking "Baa Baa Land" for Calm, which featured an eight-hour slow-motion film to help you snooze, to the strategy behind seemingly spontaneous stunts, we cover it all. Hear about the meticulous research and brainstorming sessions that transform wild ideas into viral sensations. We also explore how guerrilla marketing and viral content have evolved to keep audiences hooked.Humour and weirdness—do they really have a place in serious marketing? Absolutely! Find out how weird celebrity endorsements and unusual concepts can generate massive media buzz. We bring you stories of Gwyneth Paltrow's infamous candle launch and John McEnroe's sleep stories for Calm.  Don't miss this episode filled with laughter, creativity, and expert strategies to keep your marketing fresh and engaging. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Unlock the secrets of Pinterest marketing success for 2024 with insights from Megan, a seasoned expert who transformed her viral moment into a thriving business. Ever wondered how an educational psychologist can pivot to becoming a top Pinterest consultant? Megan's journey is nothing short of inspiring, and she’s here to share her invaluable strategies and productivity hacks that can drive significant traffic and engagement for your brand.In this episode, we explore the evolution of Pinterest, highlighting its growing appeal among younger users who appreciate its aesthetic and drama-free vibe. Learn how to harness Pinterest's visual search engine to skyrocket your e-commerce success with a content-first approach. From an online glasses retailer to DIY enthusiasts, discover how Pinterest can match user intent with your products, driving more website traffic and sales than ever before.We also delve into the nitty-gritty of effective Pinterest marketing strategies, including tailored content, the importance of social signals, and the best practices for pinning. Megan’s transition from psychology to Pinterest consulting is a testament to the platform's power as a consistent traffic generator and email subscriber builder. This episode is jam-packed with actionable tips and will equip you with the knowledge needed to leverage Pinterest for sustained business growth. Don't miss out on learning from Megan's incredible story and expert advice!https://meaganwilliamson.com/ Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Andrew Bruce Smith as we explore the significant strides AI has made over the past year. Witness Andrew’s unique perspective on evolving from early social media days to leading AI-driven marketing strategies. We also dive into the origins of his company, Escherman, and how his passion for AI has fuelled its success. You’ll hear first-hand about the transformative power of AI in marketing and the challenges that come with its rapid advancements.Get ready to navigate the often perplexing world of AI tools and services. We break down the real costs and complexities of using technologies from industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft. From data privacy issues to the steep prices of enterprise-level solutions, Andrew and I share our personal experiences and insights. This episode sheds light on the exciting yet uncertain journey of integrating AI into professional settings, ensuring you’re better equipped to handle the hurdles along the way.But that’s not all! Discover the cutting-edge intersection of AI and creativity with tools like Udio.com, which can turn a simple guitar riff into a full-blown song. We also tackle ethical concerns and the real-world impacts of AI, particularly in industries like translation and customer service. Andrew's engaging webinars and conferences offer further opportunities to deepen your AI knowledge. Plus, enjoy a fun anecdote about his online handle that adds a touch of humour to our discussion. This episode promises a thorough look at AI’s burgeoning role and its profound future implications. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

How can brands leverage cutting-edge technology and creativity to connect with their audiences? Join us as we sit down with Jed Hallam, the former Global Head of Strategy Arcadia at Snap, for a captivating discussion on his career and his innovative work at Snapchat. Jed's journey from agency life to the tech world is filled with invaluable insights and lessons in brand marketing and strategic planning. Hear first-hand about his passion for culture, community, and creativity, and how these elements have shaped his approach to redefining advertising strategies at Snapchat.Jed shares an intriguing story of a bold collaboration with Coca-Cola, transforming their vending machines into interactive AR experiences. Discover the revolutionary potential of repurposing existing technologies to create ground-breaking applications. We also dive into Snapchat's unique appeal to Gen Z and its distinct approach to user engagement, which stands apart from other social media platforms with its emphasis on private interactions over publicly visible content. Jed provides a detailed analysis of how Snapchat has maintained strong user retention and continued growth, offering great insights into the future of social media marketing.The episode concludes with a deep dive into the future of Augmented Reality (AR) and the inception of CultureLab, a venture aimed at helping brands engage with audiences through cultural connections. Learn about the challenges and opportunities AR presents to smaller companies and the importance of integrating cultural insights into brand strategies. Jed's vision for Culture Lab is an exciting look at the future of marketing, making this episode a must-listen for professionals eager to stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.Follow Jed:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedhallam/edit/forms/next-action/after-connect-update-profile/X: https://x.com/jedhallam Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Unlock the secrets to brand growth with Gareth Turner, the mastermind behind the innovative Big Black Door agency. Gain insights from Gareth's rich experience in the FMCG and food and drink sectors, including the viral sensation Weetabix and Heinz Baked Beans campaign. You'll learn the marketing fundamentals that drive both B2B and B2C success, with a keen focus on understanding your audience's motivations and breaking down barriers to purchase.Join us as we explore the importance of taking risks and keeping your brand relevant with unconventional ideas. Gareth shares invaluable lessons from daring campaigns, including a controversial Weetabix promotion and the pitfalls of overcomplicated messaging. From crafting brand awareness to winning prestigious awards during lockdown, Gareth's journey offers a masterclass in maintaining brand relevance and sparking significant public conversations.Finally, reflect on marketing failures and the allure of new technologies that can distract from core fundamentals. Hear stories, like the PR stunt involving a human hair coat, and celebrate success stories like Spoon Cereals' rise on Dragon's Den. This episode is full of practical advice and real-world examples to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve sustained brand success.Follow Gareth:X: garethaturnerLinkedIn: garethaturnerwww.bigblackdoor.com  Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call 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 mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube