Digital Marketing Stories

From conference travels in London, Berlin, and Bologna, to candid discussions about how the world of Pay Per Click advertising has shifted, Kirk and Jim peel back the curtain on everything from early Google Ads hacks to today's AI-driven campaigns. Dive into topics including:PPC Evolution: How the landscape has dramatically changed in the past two years and what digital marketers MUST know to stay ahead.Brand Bidding Masterclass: Should you bid on your own brand or not? Discover the nuanced strategies that separate high-performing campaigns from wasted ad spend.Performance Max & Automation: The real impact of Google's automation on small and large advertisers—and what agency owners need to watch out for.Efficiency vs Growth: Why modern PPC is increasingly about efficiency, and how managers can strategically support broader business goals.Data, Privacy & Attribution: Learn how data limitations, privacy (GDPR), and evolving attribution models impact campaign performance and reporting.Expert Advice for Agencies & Brands: Hear industry-tested tactics for campaign structure, budgeting, and leveraging automation without sacrificing control.Whether you're a seasoned digital marketing pro or just getting started in PPC, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives that will help you boost ROI, streamline your strategies, and adapt with confidence in a competitive market.Ponderings of a PPC Professional🎙 Introducing the PPC Ponderings Podcast 🎙 | ZATO PPC MarketingX - PPC KirkYouTube - Merchant Center MasteryTikTok - Make Your DayKirk Williams - ZATO | LinkedInZATO Marketing | PPC Management, Paid Ad ManagementI have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

In today’s episode, Jim welcomes John Dwyer (JD), founder of the Institute of Wow, for a dynamic and entertaining conversation packed with real-world marketing wisdom and a few cheeky stories along the way.Jim and John dive deep into the world of direct response marketing, sharing how classic principles from marketing legends like Claude Hopkins are still at the heart of successful campaigns, even as platforms and technologies evolve. With stories of behind-the-scenes secrets of incentive-based promotions, you’ll hear how the best marketers have relied on hooks, storytelling, and creativity for decades.John brings his flair, offering actionable insights for small business owners, sharing real-life examples of sales promotions, database-building strategies, and the power of “Happy Meal toy” incentives. Plus, hear how he’s adapted big-brand tactics for local businesses—and why collecting customer data remains a game-changer in today’s hyper-digital economy.Whether you’re a digital marketer, entrepreneur, or just marketing-curious, this episode is full of laughter, candid life lessons, and loads of practical tips you can use to “wow” your customers and scale your business.Grab your notepad, and get ready for a candid, story-filled episode that’ll challenge your assumptions and spark your next big idea.YouTube - The Institute of WowFacebook - The Institute of WowJD as a Podcast GuestInstitute of WowI have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

In this high-impact episode of Digital Marketing Stories, host Jim Banks sits down with Young Han, a serial entrepreneur, fractional COO/CFO, and founder of multiple service businesses.They tackle one of today's biggest digital challenges: data-driven decision-making in an AI-powered, rapidly evolving marketing world.Key Takeaways:The Power of Accurate Data: Young and Jim break down why drowning in data can be worse than having none at all. Learn how to distinguish good data from bad data, and avoid costly mistakes amplified by AI hallucinations.Future-Proofing Your Digital Marketing Operations: Discover why the lines between marketing, operations, and finance are fast disappearing—and how modern roles require strategic partnerships and collaboration.Secrets to Scaling Boring Businesses: Young shares real-world lessons from building a pool cleaning business from scratch to $4M ARR—revealing operational hacks and marketing tweaks that drive exponential growth.Fractional Leadership Explained: Unpack what a fractional COO or CFO really does, the value for startups and established companies, and how this model can drive rapid, cost-effective improvements in marketing and business processes.Attribution and UTM Tracking Masterclass: Find out how simple changes to ad creatives, UTM parameters, and SOPs can transform your campaign results, giving you clarity on ROI and channel effectiveness.Entrepreneurial Mindset & Work-Life Integration: Young’s candid take on ditching "work-life balance" in favor of an integrated, self-aware approach that actually works for busy leaders—and the systems to make it sustainable.Whether you’re a marketing manager at an SMB, a tech-savvy founder scaling service brands, or a data-driven digital strategist, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Learn how to leverage data, optimize operations, and drive your business forward in the age of AI.Podcast - The Girl Dad ShowTikTok - Make Your DayYoung Han - Thesis | LinkedInYoung Han - Instagramhttps://www.alwayshan.com/I have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

Looking for actionable strategies in digital marketing, event promotion, and social media audience growth? Want the inside story on the power of authenticity and resilience in business? This episode is your go-to guide.Key Takeaways:Event Marketing Secrets: How Benjamin leverages micro-influencers, geographic social media targeting, and eye-catching guerrilla campaigns to fill venues and drive ticket sales.Social Media for Local Brands: Strategic tips for building a hyperlocal audience, identifying authentic small-scale influencers, and creating content that gets people talking.Entrepreneurship with Adversity: Learn how overcoming dyslexia and health challenges shaped Benjamin’s fortitude, communication skills, and business approach—valuable lessons for anyone facing obstacles.Leveraging Technology: Discover the newest AI and assistive tools for learning differences and how they can level the playing field in business and education.Leadership & Team Management: Insightful discussion on building a team, delegating, setting code of conduct for event staff, and the importance of personal reputation in a service-driven business.Resources discussed on the episodeFree Text to Speech & AI Voice Generator - ElevenLabsI have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

Welcome to another episode of Digital Marketing Stories. This week, Jim talks to Joel Bondorowsky, a seasoned digital marketer and founder of PPC Designs, a boutique agency specializing in helping startups and e-commerce brands grow through paid media. Introduced by a previous guest, Anton Shulke, Joel shares his journey from the early days of dial-up internet, when concepts like click-through rates and conversion rates were brand new, to building successful campaigns for well-known brands like Wix and similarweb.Jim and Joel delve into the evolution of PPC advertising, navigating the shift from manual controls to AI-driven platforms like Google and Meta. They discuss what’s gained and lost as algorithms take over, the impact on small businesses, and the critical importance of data-driven decision-making and signal quality. Joel also opens up about his experiences as a speaker and educator, highlighting the value of sharing knowledge through events and training programs, and why real-world experience is still the best teacher in digital marketing.Whether you're a marketing veteran or just dipping your toes into paid media, this episode is packed with insights on adapting to industry changes, managing client relationships, and using data to drive meaningful results. Get ready for some practical advice, a touch of nostalgia, and a whole lot of digital marketing wisdom.Resources discussed on this episodeRegister Now and Start Your FREE Trial Immediately of SimilarwebSemrush - SEO, keyword researchI have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

Are you a digital marketer, woman entrepreneur, or aspiring business owner aiming to make a real impact in the online world? This episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.Michelle Thames shares her inspiring journey from being fired to becoming a self-taught marketing powerhouse, all while building a thriving online community for women over the age of 42. Discover why carving out your own lane and leveraging your existing skills is the key to sustainable business success - especially in male-dominated industries.Learn how Michelle:Helps women monetize their expertise using social media, email marketing, and non-cookie-cutter strategiesBuilds tight-knit, supportive communities—through weekly coaching calls, exclusive webinars, mastermind events, and luxury retreatsUtilizes short, fuss-free podcast episodes (more than 500 of them) to deliver value and practical tips you can implement right awayMaintains authenticity and demonstrates her credibility by “being in the trenches” and leading by exampleNavigates challenges, pivots through economic changes, and finds fulfillment by pursuing passion over profitExperiments with new platforms like Substack to enhance audience engagement and monetizationKey Takeaways for Marketers & Entrepreneurs:The importance of visibility - how to get noticed, attract clients, and build your authority onlineHow community-driven support accelerates learning, resilience, and business growthWhy batching content, systematising networking, and taking care of your mindset are crucial for long-term successThe vital need to build client relationships that are genuine, not just transactionalStrategies for leveraging new digital platforms to boost reach and revenueIt's a great episode you don't want to miss it.Tools Used To Help Make The ShowSpotter Studio - The all-in-one YouTube Ideation SuiteCastmagicDescript - Video editing, filler word removalOpus Clips - Create short video clips using AII have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

We are back with the start of Season 3 of Digital Marketing StoriesAfter a much-needed sabbatical, host Jim Banks returns with a fresh perspective and an exciting guest to kick things off.Kirsten Graham, is the co-owner of Six Figure Business Coaching. In this episode Kirsten shares her 15+ years of entrepreneurial experience, diving into the world of outsourcing, automation, and the power of video marketing for small businesses.Kirsten reveals why she believes YouTube is just as crucial for business owners today as a website was back in the early 2000s, and how genuine video content can forge meaningful client connections—even before a handshake. Jim and Kirsten get honest about the realities of solopreneurship, overcoming the fear of being on camera, building authentic communities (online and off), and using evergreen content to consistently attract the right clients.They also chat about the importance of staying hands-on with your finances, how to embrace support through outsourcing, adapting to the rise of AI, and the untapped value of maintaining an active email list. Plus, the conversation touches on finding your voice as a content creator, market research secrets, the unexpected magic of podcasting, and why sometimes your best clients find you—not the other way around.Whether you’re ready to scale to six figures or just getting started in your business journey, this episode is packed with stories, practical insights, and a few laughs to inspire your next chapter. If you are an aspiring female business owner this is an episode not to be missed.Spotter Studio - The all-in-one YouTube Ideation SuiteYouTube - Six Figure BusinessInstagram - Six Figure BusinessSix Figure Business CoachingDescript - Video editing, filler word removalI have one small favour to ask. Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.Just search for Digital Marketing Stories 

Joe Rare is a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing expert from Montana. In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories Joe discusses the influx of people moving to Montana due to its portrayal on the TV show Yellowstone.He shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his admiration for a successful business owner in his youth and reading 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' at 18. Joe emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, his experiences with highs and lows, and his transition into real estate investment and digital businesses of which he has many. He also delves into the significance of effective communication with virtual assistants, the impact of AI on business, and strategies for growth and maximising efficiency. The episode concludes with Joe's insights on the cyclical nature of business and the value of learning from failure.If you have any desire to understand how Virtual Assistants (VA's) can help grow your business this is a must listen to episode you need to listen to the very end of.The 4-Hour Work Week - Tim FerrisRich Dad Poor Dad - Robert KiyosakiI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

In this episode, Jim welcomes Ben Jones, CEO of Titan Marketer, a YouTube advertising specialist based in Perth, Australia. Ben shares insights into his company's focus on YouTube ads, the shift from consulting to a done-for-you agency, and his global recognition in the industry. They talk about the effectiveness of different advertising platforms, and cast a critical eye on Performance Max campaigns and the advantages of YouTube ads for lead generation. They cover targeting strategies, creative content processes, and the impact of AI on advertisers.They talk about the evolving landscape of in-person events in a post-COVID world and the nuances of successful YouTube ad campaigns generally. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to harness the potential of YouTube advertising.SemrushI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, Jim interviews Peter Murphy Lewis, also known as Strategic Pete. Pete discusses his background growing up in Kansas, working in Boston, and living in Chile. He explains his work as a fractional CMO, including his transition back to the U.S. and how he helps companies scale, rebrand, and increase revenue within a six to 18 month window before disengaging. They discuss common mistakes businesses make, such as hiring agencies without a strategy and struggling with attribution in B2B marketing. Pete also shares insights on the importance of organic social media, using data-driven techniques, and the value of CEOs hosting podcasts. The episode highlights Pete's approach to solving problems, working with a dedicated team, and pushing marketing efforts to new limits.I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

Mike Vannelli, the creative director of Think Envy, shares his evolution in the creative industry. He started his career in the competitive music video sector, working with significant artists like Wiz Khalifa and Three 6 Mafia before shifting to advertising and commercial production. Vannelli discusses how his business adapted to COVID-19 by leveraging backlog and quick adjustments that allowed them to return to filming smoothly in Los Angeles. We touch on the impact and future of AI in video production, particularly in scriptwriting and ideation, and the increasing demand for high-quality advertisement content over UGC (User-Generated Content). Mike shares insights on managing a production studio, including monetizing unused studio space by renting it out for podcasts and other content creation. He explains the importance of diversification and flexibility in client offerings and their method of transparent pricing and service innovation using platforms like Fiverr. I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

In this episode Jim talks to Angela Tipton and Travis Franklin, cousins and business partners specializing in marketing for biotech and agricuture tech companies. They discuss how they entered the business, the fast-paced nature of these industries, and the importance of understanding client strategies deeply before execution. They touch on advancements in drone technology, AI, and automation, and how these technologies are transforming marketing strategies. The discussion explores the ethical implications of AI, the long-term impacts of marketing, and the responsibilities of marketers in shaping societal narratives. Angela and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of aligning with clients who share similar ethical values. I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.  

In this conversational podcast episode, Jim talks to Chris Smith from Podtastic Audio.Chris is a podcaster as well as a truck driver from San Diego. They discuss Chris's podcasting journey with his wife, the origin and success of his podcast 'Podtastic Audio,' and his experience balancing work life and podcasting. Chris shares insights on effective podcast hosting and guesting, including the importance of delivering value, having a clear message, and the benefits of a good story. The episode touches on the evolution of podcasting technology, challenges faced, and tips for improving audio quality. The conversation concludes with how Chris provides podcasting services for clients and his plans for the future, including writing a book.Descript - Video editing, filler word removalNotion - Podcast workflow and episode distributionI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.  

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, host Jim Banks interviews Naresh Vissa, the founder of Krish Media & Marketing and Krish Capital. Naresh shares his journey from Wall Street to becoming a digital marketing and real estate entrepreneur. He details his service offerings, emphasizing his approach to providing 'almost' full-service digital marketing by outsourcing. Naresh also discusses his podcasting experience, advice on monetising podcasts, and insights on leveraging AI and outsourcing to maximize efficiency and quality. He talks about the importance of passion in business and being transparent and being adaptive to client needs.TRUMPBOOK: How Digital Liberals Silenced A Nation Into Making America Hate AgainTHE NEW PR: 21st Century Public Relations Strategies & Resources... To Reach MillionsFifty Shades Of Marketing: Whip Your Business Into Shape & Dominate Your CompetitionPodcastnomics: The Book of Podcasting... To Make You MillionsI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

Melissa Snow is the founder of the Powerful Women Rising Community. In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories Melissa shares her journey from being a high school English teacher and personal injury paralegal to becoming an entrepreneur by accident. She discusses her initial venture into life coaching and the realization of the importance of networking and relationships in business growth. Melissa highlights the benefits of her community, which includes coworking, mastermind calls, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs. We explore the common challenges women face when starting a business and the value of strategic networking over conventional business setups like logos and websites. Melissa talks about how her podcast supports her community by offering actionable business advice and fostering genuine connections. The episode looks at the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, the impact of AI, and the future of networking in 2025 and beyond. I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, Jim talks with John McDougall, a veteran in the digital marketing field. John recounts his early experiences starting from 1995 when he was tasked with selling websites at his father's agency. He describes how he learned about it in 1996 and utilized tools like WebPosition Gold. John and Jim exchange stories from the late '90s and early 2000s, covering keyword stuffing, link-building strategies, and the evolution of SEO tactics. They discuss the changing landscape of digital marketing, the importance of content creation, and the challenges of working with difficult clients. John shares his insights on niche marketing, in law firms and education, the significance of technical SEO, and the role of AI in SEO practices. The episode also touches on the educational aspect of digital marketing, emphasising the need for up-to-date, practical knowledge in university curricula.Content Marketing and SEO for Law Firms: How to Get Consistent Website Leads by Following a Highly Actionable RoadmapI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, host Jim Banks chats with Corey Morris, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 20 years of experience. Corey shares insights from his career journey, which began in 2005, and explains his progression from project management to becoming the owner of Voltage, a full-service digital marketing agency. They delve into the importance of niche specialization, consistent strategy implementation, and the pivotal role AI tools play in modern marketing practices. Corey discusses the idea behind his book on digital marketing frameworks and the benefits of having documented processes. The conversation explores the dynamic nature of the industry, touching on changes in search engine dynamics, the impact of generative AI, and the necessity of staying adaptable in a constantly evolving digital landscape.HubSpot CRMSYSTEMology: Create time, reduce errors and scale your profits with proven business systemsFree Text to Speech & AI Voice Generator - ElevenLabsCastmagic - Turn podcast episodes into content using AII have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.  

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, host Jim Banks chats with Grace Clemens, a digital marketing expert hailing from the United States, but currently based in Barcelona, Spain. We delve into Grace's career journey, focusing on her e-commerce expertise and the significance and value of digital marketing audits for e-commerce brands, nonprofits, and B2B companies. Grace explains in detail her audit process, stressing the importance of branding consistency, purposeful content across multiple platforms, and effective email automation. We discuss challenges and opportunities in digital marketing, including the role that AI, community management, and multi-channel strategies have to influence brands overall success.Grace offers valuable insights on how businesses can optimize their marketing efforts and maintain a strong multi-channel presence amid challenging social media dynamics.A must listen episode for digital marketing practitioners.The Filter Bubble: What The Internet Is Hiding From You (Book)Lucky Orange - Dynamic heatmap, visitor activity trackingNotion - Podcast workflow and episode distributionI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.  

The discussion today touches on topics including the complex business strategies needed to succeed today to the rapid evolution of AI. Ben Hoehn is a fractional CMO whose personal brand is Mojo Mogul.Ben explains his passion for working with early-stage startups and his unique approach to 'strategic-cution.' The conversation dives deep into the AI landscape, discussing its impact on jobs, workforce, and business operations. Key discussion points include the role of business webinars (along with pet peeves), digital content creation, the importance of quick response times for lead follow-up, and strategies for optimizing PPC campaigns. Jim and Ben also talk about how the pandemic has altered business practices and the evolving importance of digital marketing techniques, including video content creation and SEO. They close with insights into the future of targeted advertising and suggestions for optimizing business strategies in a digitally-dominated world.Well worth a listen.Free Text to Speech & AI Voice Generator - ElevenLabs90-Minute Books by Dean JacksonI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.  

In this episode, Jim talks to Jesse Ringer, founder and CEO of Method & Metric, an SEO agency based in Vancouver. Jesse discusses his journey from freelancing in a post-financial 2008 crisis to establishing his agency in 2017. They talk about the evolution of digital marketing, the importance of human connection in business, and the impact of AI on SEO. Jesse shares insights into finding and retaining clients, managing and recruiting staff, and the challenges and rewards of running a business. They dive into the future of SEO amidst changes like Google's recent updates and the rising influence of AI. Register Now and Start Your FREE Trial Immediately of SimilarwebI have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.