The Smart Marketer Podcast

Ep. 261 - 2026 Marketing Outlook: Vulnerability, AI, & Finding Your Edge Episode Description What will it take to grow and compete in 2026? In this high-energy kickoff episode, Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier share the five BIG themes shaping the year ahead - from AI-powered marketing tools to new ad platforms, and the rising importance of raw, real storytelling. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at what Smart Marketer is launching (including a dog supplement brand), plus actionable strategies to future-proof your business and cut through the noise in an AI-saturated landscape. "The more that AI ramps up, the more that we as marketers and business owners need to lean into vulnerability, into being real, into telling long, genuine stories in our marketing message, because that is what's going to help consumers realize that we are real people, that you can know, like, and trust." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why vulnerability-driven storytelling is your superpower in an AI world How to thrive in a saturated market (yes, even in 2026) The new ad channel Smart Marketer is going all-in on (hint: it's not Meta) What AI search ads mean for marketers and what to expect from ChatGPT ads The number one way to cut costs (and boost profit) in your eCommerce business this year Sneak peek: Smart Marketer's new AI tool, Meta Ads class, and pet supplement brand Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Marketer Show – smartmarketer.com/smart-marketer-show Smart Marketer YouTube – youtube.com/@SmartMarketerYT Fields of Freedom – fofdogrescue.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com OmniSend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Welcome + What This Episode Is All About 02:28 - Behind the Scenes: New Tools, Brands & Projects at Smart Marketer 06:32 - Theme 1: Vulnerability Over AI - Why Realness Wins in 2026 09:14 - Long-Form Storytelling: The New Edge in Advertising 11:53 - Theme 2: There's Still Room in Saturated Markets (Seriously) 14:03 - Molly's Mindset Shift: "You're Not Too Late" 16:26 - Theme 3: A New Ad Channel That's Actually Working - AppLovin 20:42 - Real Results: Why Smart Marketer is Betting Big on AppLovin 21:50 - Theme 4: AI Search & The Future of ChatGPT Ads 24:32 - AI Tools, Maintenance & Training: Staying Relevant in 2026 26:14 - Theme 5: Reduce Costs in Your Tech Stack (Without Sacrificing Power) 28:40 - Action Step: Review Your Subscriptions and Tools This Quarter 29:51 - Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts and What's Ahead for Smart Marketer Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast If you enjoyed the episode, please: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share the episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit

Episode 260: Creative Is the New Currency: Winning Smart Marketer Ad Strategies for 2026 Episode Description In this tactical episode, Molly Pittman breaks down everything you need to know to stay competitive in 2026, including why your creative could be costing you 50% more (or less). You'll learn the new campaign structures, targeting tactics, and why Smart Marketer Agency is moving away from media buyers and toward paid performance specialists. "If you have really bad creative that's not well thought out, you are haphazardly using AI, you are not thinking about foundational marketing principles, you could be paying 50% more than your competition that is actually doing creative right." – Molly Pittman Whether you're testing with a small budget or scaling aggressively, this episode will help you make smarter creative decisions. You Will Learn • Why "creative is the new targeting" • The 50% creative cost multiplier and how to earn it • Two proven campaign structures that are working right now • What the "Andromeda" update means for your strategy • Why weekly cadence beats daily changes • When to use seven-day click vs one-day click attribution • How to test new ads without killing your winners • The difference between scaling momentum and resetting a failing account Links & Resources: • Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com• Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com• Smart Marketer Show – smartmarketer.com/smart-marketer-show • Ad Creative Class ($49) – smartmarketer.com/ad-creative-class • OmniSend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why Meta Ads Have Changed More Than Ever 02:10 – The 50% Creative Cost Multiplier (Straight From Meta) 06:14 – Creative Is the New Targeting 09:33 – How Meta is Indexing Your Ads, Pages, and Even Accents 10:43 – Breaking News: ChatGPT Ads Are Coming 13:59 – The Real Impact of the Andromeda Update 15:15 – Advantage+ Sales, Broad Audiences, and Simplified Structure 20:33 – Campaign Structure: One Campaign Per Objective 22:44 – How to Segment by Avatar and Build for Scale 24:36 – Top of Funnel Setup: Creative Counts, Exclusions Matter 27:47 – Creative Strategy: 15–20 Unique Concepts, Not Variations 29:46 – Creative Testing Do's and Don'ts for 2026 32:54 – Why Weekly Cadence Outperforms Daily Changes 35:02 – Attribution Strategy: When to Use 7-Day vs 1-Day Click 37:22 – Summary: Molly's Updated 2026 Smart Marketer Strategy 38:20 – Bonus: Behind the Scenes of Longer Together (New Brand Launch) 41:37 – The Two Scaling Approaches: Forrest Gump vs Andromeda 47:02 – Case Study: Scaling From $5K to $35K a Day 50:09 – Case Study: Clean Ease Goes from Struggling to Best Month Ever 54:19 – Reminder: Creative Quality Is Everything Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, please: • Follow or subscribe to the show • Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts • Share it with your fellow marketers • Visit us at smartmarketer.com for more free resources Serve the world unselfishly and profit.  

Episode 259: A Product Alone Won't Save You (with John Grimshaw, Colleen Taylor, Adam Von Rothfelder & Parker Hilton) Episode Description You can have the best product in the world, but if you're not integrating it with the right brand identity, presentation, and customer insight, it's not going to win. In this behind-the-scenes episode from the Smart Business Systems course, you'll hear the real story of how the GigaLabs team launched a nootropic product in just 8 weeks, from nothing but a brand idea to standing out on the global stage. This episode features a dynamic conversation between Smart Marketer's John Grimshaw, Boom's Colleen Taylor, Strong Coffee CEO Adam Von Rothfelder, and Parker Hilton of GigaLabs. If you're looking to build products that actually sell, this one's a masterclass. "A product alone won't save you. It has to be about the integration of the product, the brand image, and the way you're presenting it, with a real understanding of the customer." – John Grimshaw You Will Learn: Why a strong product means nothing without the right branding and positioning How GigaLabs launched in just 8 weeks with an unforgettable customer experience The power of emotional connection and understanding your audience Real-world product launch lessons you can apply in your own business How visual branding, packaging, and even outfits helped GigaLabs go viral Why new products are the lifeblood of DTC brands Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Product Creation Course – smartmarketer.com/smart-product-creation Adam Von Rothfelder – linkedin.com/in/vonrothfelder GigaLabs – gigalabs.com Strong Coffee Company – strongcoffeecompany.com OmniSend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Why product alone isn't enough 01:09 Ezra Firestone on why Smart Marketer uses OmniSend 02:23 Meet the Team: Parker, Colleen, John & Adam 04:05 From brand idea to live product in 8 weeks 05:20 Reworking the brand identity from "sleepy" to "vibrant" 06:48 The pivot: From nothing to GigaLabs 09:53 How GigaLabs targeted the D-gen crypto audience 12:21 Building emotional connection with your ideal customer 13:15 The power of physical presentation: The GigaBoy jumpsuits 15:41 What brands can learn from standout Expo activations 17:03 Attention to detail: From Pantone palettes to packaging 18:07 Why GigaLabs inspired this course 19:42 John Grimshaw's Golden Rule: A product alone won't save you 20:19 Building a brand flywheel & strong product feedback loops 21:03 Final thoughts on loyalty, purpose & what's next Call to Action If this episode inspired you to rethink how you bring products to life, let us know. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Click Here Share this episode and tag us @smartmarketer using the hashtag #WeOutHere Got feedback? We'd love to hear it: support@smartmarketer.com

Episode 258: From Doer to Delegator – How to Build a Business That Scales Without Burning Out Episode Description What's the real secret to growth that doesn't lead to burnout? In this powerful conversation from our Smart Business Systems course, CMO John Grimshaw and BOOM! Beauty's Director of Operations Colleen Taylor unpack the mindset shift every entrepreneur must make to scale: letting go of doing it all. You'll learn how to build systems, empower your team, and transition from task-master to true leader. "If you get to the end of a project and you say, 'I did a great job, I can't name a single other person that worked on it [...] you're holding too much.'" – John Grimshaw Whether you're building your first team or stepping into a leadership role, this episode will help you grow your business and create more freedom for yourself. You Will Learn Why "A Players" aren't found, they're made through smart hiring and support How to delegate effectively without losing control Where to find the right people (hint: it's closer than you think) Simple onboarding and training tips that set your team up to win The mindset shift that allows leaders to grow without burnout Why giving away your "small" tasks opens up big opportunities Links & Resources Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Business Systems Course – smartmarketer.com/smart-business-systems BOOM! Beauty – boombeauty.com Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome: How to Scale Without Burning Out 02:01 – The Real Secret to Scaling: Recruiting People to the Cause 04:11 – "A Players" vs. People Who Bring Their A-Game 06:07 – Where to Find Great People (Hint: Weak Connections) 10:57 – Hiring for Growth: Promoting from Within 13:16 – Spotting Hidden Talent Inside Your Team 17:25 – Creating a Culture of Learning & Ongoing Education 21:35 – The 80/20 Rule of Growth: Input vs. Output 24:28 – Smart Onboarding: Building Connection from Day 1 26:02 – The Leadership Shift: From Doing to Delegating 29:04 – The Power of Giving Away Ownership 33:09 – Supporting Your Own Growth as a Leader 36:22 – Managing the Managers: Why John Gave Up His "Keys" 40:08 – Final Thoughts: Buy Help, Buy Freedom Your Engagement Matters If this episode helped you shift your mindset or think differently about leadership, we'd love your support: Follow and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social and tag us — use #WeOutHere Got feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

🎙️ Episode 257: How to Craft Offers That Convert in 2026 Episode Description Want to scale in 2026? It all starts with the right offer. In this never-before-released session from the Smart Ecommerce course, Molly Pittman, John Grimshaw, and Ezra Firestone break down the art and strategy of crafting irresistible offers that speak directly to your audience. Whether you're selling journals, leggings, or skincare, this episode is packed with proven tactics to increase conversions—without racing to the bottom with discounts. "Your product is not the offer […] it's the vehicle to get your customer where they want to go." – Molly Pittman You'll walk away with fresh clarity on what makes an offer work, how to structure bundles, bonuses, and price points for 2026, and why landing pages still reign supreme. You Will Learn: Why great offers go beyond just product features. How to identify the right "who" for your product (and why it matters). The difference between product pages and high-converting landing pages. How to structure bundles and promotions that boost AOV. Smart discounting strategies that protect your brand's value. Real-world examples of offer optimization that increased conversions by 30–50%. Links & Resources: 💡 Smart ECommerce Course – Learn how to build offers that actually convert: https://smartmarketer.com/smart-ecommerce 🚀 Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com 📷 Instagram – @smartmarketerig 📧 Omnisend – Try our favorite email & SMS platform and get 50% off your first 3 months: smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code: SMART) Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Intro: Behind-the-Scenes From the Smart ECommerce Course 01:04 – Why Offers Are More Than Just Products 03:49 – Product Pages vs. Landing Pages 05:20 – The Importance of Knowing Your Customer Avatar 08:13 – Bundling Products for Seasonal & Niche Offers 09:47 – Scaling Through Landing Page Personalization 11:46 – Offers for Multi-Audience Products (Like Resistance Band Leggings) 12:14 – How to Build Your First High-Converting Offer 15:02 – Discounting: What's Too Much & Why It Matters 17:11 – Adding Bonuses, Not Just Subtracting Price 18:42 – The "Stuffed Duffle" Strategy: Why Creative Offers Win 20:23 – Offer Optimization: Messaging Over Micro Tweaks 22:13 – Real Example: From "Leggings with Resistance Bands" to "Burn 255 More Calories a Day" Your Engagement Matters! 💬 Love this episode? Help us spread the word: ⭐️ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us on Instagram using #WeOutHere 📧 Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit 🚀

Episode 256: The Top 3 Lessons from 2025 (with Pep, John, and Molly) "These aren't random clips. Each one was part of a conversation that deeply resonated with you, our audience, and together they tell a story about how to build smarter, more resilient businesses in a changing landscape." – Anthony, Smart Marketer Podcast Episode Description As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the shifts that defined the year; the strategies that moved the needle across offers, customer acquisition, and paid traffic. In this special recap episode, you'll hear back-to-back clips from Molly Pittman, John Grimshaw, and Pep Hufen, each sharing insights that stood up to real-world challenges. If you're planning your next campaign or refining your offer stack, this episode will help you head into 2026 with clarity and momentum. You Will Learn • Why Self-Liquidating Offers (SLOs) are essential for scalability in 2026 • How low-cost digital products drive higher AOV and customer value • The Red Drop case study using education to drive conversions • What Meta's Andromeda update really changed and how to optimize for it • Why creative portfolios outperform individual ad tests • How to structure your campaigns for better results across the funnel Links and Resources • Smart Marketer: smartmarketer.com • Instagram: @smartmarketerig • Omnisend for SMS and Email: smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50 percent off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:40 Ezra on Why We Love Omnisend 02:43 Molly on Self-Liquidating Offers 06:45 Increasing LTV with Strategic Offers 08:56 John Grimshaw on Digital Bumps That Drive Revenue 10:44 Red Drop Case Study 14:04 Smart Marketer's $47 Front-End Offer 16:11 Pep Hufen Breaks Down Meta's Andromeda Update 17:57 Creative Portfolios vs One Winning Ad 20:38 Cleanie Case Study 22:25 What to Watch Out For with Andromeda 23:17 What to Focus on Going Into 2026 24:50 Final Thoughts and Outro Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to the Smart Marketer Podcast. If this episode sparked ideas for your brand or helped you think differently about scaling in 2026, here's how to support the show Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag us using #WeOutHere Send feedback or questions to support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit  

Episode 255: Inside Smart Marketer's Black Friday Strategy - Wins, Curveballs and Campaign Secrets Episode Description Black Friday may be over, but the insights are just getting started. In this behind-the-scenes breakdown, Smart Marketer's Director of Advertising, Denis Paskalev, joins Content Coordinator Zach Dampier to reveal what actually moved the needle during Cyber Week 2025. From Meta's surprise budget update to a Shopify outage on Cyber Monday, Denis shares exactly how the team prepped, pivoted, and profited; and what you can still apply to your end-of-year campaigns. They also dive into evergreen creative, first-click attribution, and how a smart lead gen strategy made all the difference. "The results that we're going to see during Black Friday Cyber Monday are always going to be highly impacted by what you have been doing throughout the rest of the year." – Denis Paskalev You Will Learn How to use evergreen creative for seasonal promotions What changed with Meta's budget controls (and how to adapt) The role of lead gen campaigns in doubling client revenue How to structure your ads using first-click attribution Smart ways to combine email and retargeting for higher conversions Why you should start your BFCM promotions early (and beat the CPM spike) How community support helped the team move faster and stay informed What to do if your BFCM didn't perform, and how to make your holiday sale count Links & Resources Mentor Table Mastermind: Mentor Table Smart Marketer: smartmarketer.com Instagram: @smartmarketerig Omnisend Email & SMS Platform: smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 – Intro - What Happened Behind the Scenes This BFCM 01:16 – Ezra's Favorite Email Tool (And an Exclusive Offer) 02:19 – Meta's Budget Update - Daily Spend is Now +75% 04:03 – Shopify Outage on Cyber Monday (and What They Did) 05:22 – Why Evergreen Ads Still Win 06:42 – The Power of Starting Promotions Early 07:49 – Younger Shoppers Drove Most of the Sales 08:51 – Client Wins - 20–30% YoY Revenue Growth 10:00 – Lead Gen Campaigns that Actually Worked 11:28 – Repurposing Creative From Previous Years 12:29 – Using Meta's Dynamic (Flexible) Creative Format 13:44 – Full-Funnel Thinking and Attribution with Triple Whale 15:14 – How to Adjust Copy for End-of-Year Promotions 17:06 – Where AI Helped (and Where It Didn't) 18:46 – Buy Now, Pay Later's Role in 2025 20:02 – Make It Scarce, Make It Smart - Crafting Better Messaging 21:57 – How Ads Supported Flooded Email Inboxes 23:56 – The Rise of Mobile and Why Desktop Still Matters 25:07 – Staying Agile Thanks to Community Slack Threads 27:23 – Final Thoughts - What to Do If BFCM Underperformed Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, please support the show: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here Share this episode with your team or on social media. Tag us and use #WeOutHere Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit

Episode 254: From Support to Strategy: How Brittany Casella Helps Brands Unlock Hidden Revenue Episode Description What do eComm upsells and dog rescue have in common? More than you think. In this special live recording from Smart Marketer Live's VIP Mentor Table Day, Zach Dampier sits down with Brittany Casella, Head of Enterprise at Zipify's OneClick Upsell. Brittany shares how she climbed from support rep to strategic lead, helping top eCommerce brands boost revenue through post-purchase optimization. Then, the conversation shifts to something deeply personal: Brittany and Molly Pittman's shared mission of rescuing dogs through Fields of Freedom. "There's always more to be done. You can get higher conversion rates, optimize for more revenue." – Brittany Casella Whether you're here to grow your business or save some furry lives, this episode is packed with purpose and practical advice. You Will Learn Why "set it and forget it" is killing your upsell conversions How Zipify merchants are making $30K+ in just 60 days with optimization Brittany's journey from customer support to strategic enterprise leadership The biggest mistake eComm brands make with upsells How dog rescue became a mission of impact (and how you can help) The true cost and reward of saving a life Links & Resources Zipify OneClick Upsell: zipify.com/oneclickupsell Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue: fofdogrescue.com Instagram: @fieldsoffreedomrescue Smart Marketer: smartmarketer.com Omnisend for SMS & Email: smartmarketer.com/omnisend — Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Growth, Grit & Dog Rescue 01:28 — Ezra's Favorite Email/SMS Tool: Omnisend 02:32 — Meet Brittany Casella: From Support to Strategy 03:51 — What Zipify Offers and Why Upsells Matter 05:18 — Case Study: $30K Upsell Revenue in 60 Days 06:58 — How Support Roles Prepare Future Leaders 08:11 — The #1 Mistake Brands Make With Upsells 09:43 — Why You Shouldn't "Set It and Forget It" 10:03 — From Ecomm to Dog Rescue: Fields of Freedom's Origin Story 12:18 — Foster Fails, Romeo the Rescue Dog & Garage Adoptions 14:27 — Zach's Dog Adoption Stories 17:19 — The Reality of Rescue: Choosing Who to Save 19:25 — First-Time Fosters and How You Can Help 21:31 — What's the Cost of Saving a Dog? 23:46 — Meet Crypto: From Chain Wounds to Wagging Tail 25:34 — Fan Favorites: Coco, Daisy, Susan and More 26:43 — Wrap-Up: From Kentucky to New York, Serve the World Unselfishly Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, here's how you can support the show and our mission: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer using the hashtag #WeOutHere Send your feedback to support@smartmarketer.com Support the rescue at fofdogrescue.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

🎙️ Episode 253: How to Win on TikTok Shop - Real Strategy Over Viral Hype with Ashley Wright Episode Description "People think, 'Okay, a video's gone viral or it's doing really well,' but then realistically you've got to say, has that actually turned into ROI?" – Ashley Wright In this behind-the-scenes episode from Smart Marketer Live, Content Coordinator Zach Dampier sits down with Ashley Wright, founder of Social Tale and one of the top TikTok Shop experts in the game. With over $80 million in sales under his belt, Ashley reveals what most brands get wrong about the platform and how to fix it. They dive into pricing psychology, organic vs paid performance, platform patience, and how building trust through content is the real key to social commerce success. If you're wondering whether TikTok Shop is right for your brand or how to scale it without chasing trends, this one's for you. You Will Learn: Why TikTok Shop isn't plug-and-play and what it really takes to succeed The #1 mistake brands make when launching on TikTok How to structure your social content for trust and visibility Why patience beats quick wins in today's attention economy What top brands get right before even touching TikTok The future of live shopping and social commerce LINKS & RESOURCES: 💼 Ashley Wright's Agency: Social Tale ✨ Ashley Wright on LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/ashleywright1 🎤 Smart Marketer: smartmarketer.com 🧠 Smart Social Course: landing.smartmarketer.com/pages/smart-social 📩 Omnisend Offer 50% Off for 3 Months: smartmarketer.com/omnisend ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: Behind the Scenes at Smart Marketer Live 01:21 Ezra's Tool Tip: Why He Moved His New Brand to Omnisend 02:25 Meet Ashley Wright: $80M+ in TikTok Shop Sales 03:28 What Most Brands Get Wrong About TikTok Shop 05:22 Views Don't Equal Revenue: Targeting & ROI Reality Check 06:35 Social Content Isn't Just Conversion, It's Identification 08:00 The Patience Game: TikTok Shop Requires a Long-Term Plan 09:47 Why Instant Gratification is Killing Your Strategy 11:50 You're Growing More Than You Think: Year-Over-Year Metrics 12:17 How Ashley Connected With Smart Marketer and Got Invited 13:43 Inside Smart Marketer Live: Energy, Vibes, and Jeopardy Music? 15:56 Ashley's Latest Win: $6M from a Single Brand on TikTok Shop 17:26 The Future of TikTok: Live Shopping, Retail Reinvented and AI Integration 20:29 Raising Prices and Letting Go of the Wrong Customers 21:50 What "Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit" Means to Ashley 24:32 Why Sharing Your Knowledge Is Smart Business 25:15 Long-Form Ads, Better Hooks and Better Consumer Experiences 25:59 Outro: Thanks for Tuning In! 📣 YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS! If you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social media, tag us, and use the hashtag #WeOutHere 💬 Have feedback or guest suggestions? Email us anytime: support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. 🚀  

Episode 252: Creative Shifts, Community, and the Realities of Modern E-Commerce with Kurt Elster Episode Description What keeps a Shopify expert motivated after 15+ years in the game? In this episode, Kurt Elster, creator of the Unofficial Shopify Podcast and longtime Smart Marketer collaborator, joins Zach Dampier live at Smart Marketer Live to share real talk about modern eCommerce, creative fatigue, and building community in an often isolating industry. "The thing I hang my hat on is two words: enable entrepreneurship. If I can do that with my content, with my efforts speaking or the work, then I'm happy." – Kurt Elster From actionable takeaways to a raw look at what it really takes to scale on Shopify, this episode is packed with insights for any DTC brand or digital entrepreneur. You Will Learn Why "enabling entrepreneurship" fuels Kurt's long-term success The #1 Shopify checkout mistake (and how to fix it in 5 minutes) What Amazon sellers need to know before bolting on Shopify How Smart Marketer Live helped attendees beat the isolation of online business The creative demands of Meta's new ad algorithm (Andromeda update) Why diverse ad creative matters Behind the scenes of a high-speed Shopify theme build for JomBoy Media Links & Resources Kurt Elster – Official Website – Learn more about Kurt's work, services, and speaking Unofficial Shopify Podcast – Weekly eComm insights with Kurt Elster Smart Marketer Website – Courses, strategy, and support for scaling your business Build a Perfect PDP Blueprint – Learn the exact structure Kurt used to help boost conversions by 87% Smart Marketer Agency – Get expert help growing your eCommerce brand Smart Marketer BFCM Sale – Save up to 60% before Dec 4 & support charity while you shop Omnisend for Email & SMS – Use code "SMART" for 50% off your first 3 months Timestamps 00:00 – Intro from Anthony + BFCM promo 01:11 – Ezra shares why he uses Omnisend 02:22 – "Enable Entrepreneurship": Kurt's mission 02:54 – Kurt's experience at Smart Marketer Live 04:02 – From podcasting to partnering with Ezra 05:39 – The power of product detail pages (PDPs) 06:09 – Why Amazon sellers want Shopify independence 07:35 – Ecomm is lonely: The power of in-person connection 08:21 – Meta's creative demands and audience fatigue 09:57 – The checkout mistake that kills conversions 11:24 – Success doesn't mean debt-free: The hidden pressure 12:23 – Custom Shopify build for JomBoy Media 14:05 – What motivates Kurt after 15+ years 15:49 – How Kurt lives "Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit" 18:25 – Outro + Smart Marketer BFCM deal reminder Your Engagement Matters If this episode inspired you, please: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share and tag us with #WeOutHere Got thoughts? Email support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

Episode 251: Shark Tank, AI & Social Impact: How Kreyòl Essence Scaled With Purpose Episode Description: In this powerhouse episode, Smart Marketer's Zach Dampier sits down with Yve-Car Momperousse, CEO & Co-Founder of Kreyòl Essence, the clean beauty brand that turned Haitian Black Castor Oil into a viral, purpose-driven movement. Yve-Car shares what it was like stepping into the Shark Tank spotlight, how she's leveraging AI to evolve her brand, and why poverty alleviation is her true North Star. "Don't feed into your own hype. What you did five years ago, what you did ten years ago; it matters. But what you do the next five years is critical." – Yve-Car Momperousse If you've ever wrestled with staying relevant while staying rooted in your mission, this one's for you. You Will Learn: How Kreyòl Essence blended culture, biotech & commerce to reach millions What really happens behind the scenes on Shark Tank A powerful mindset shift to avoid being replaced by AI Why inclusive marketing is both ethical and profitable How to use your founder story as your brand's superpower The real reason entrepreneurship is a "team sport" Links & Resources: Smart Marketer Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale – smartmarketer.com/BFCM-2025  Kreyòl Essence Website  Watch Kreyòl Essence on Shark Tank: Season 11, Episode 11  Instagram – @yvecar Smart Marketer  Get 50% off Omnisend: smartmarketer.com/omnisend – Use code: SMART  Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome from Smart Marketer + Omnisend Promo 02:08 – Meet Yve-Car: CEO & Co-Founder of Kreyòl Essence 04:47 – How Ezra Firestone Discovered Yve-Car at a Conference 05:52 – Why Community & Collaboration Are Entrepreneurial Superpowers 08:45 – From Executive Assistant to CEO: Don't Minimize Your Experience 11:59 – Why Smart Marketer Events Feel Different 13:09 – Big Takeaway: Let AI Be Your Copywriter, Strategist & Soundboard 15:05 – Don't Feed Into Your Own Hype: Why Adaptability Is Everything 17:24 – Mindset Matters: Why Coaching & Therapy Aren't Optional 19:10 – Inclusion in Ecomm: Why Representation Still Lags 22:28 – Real Talk: Targeting Customers Multilingually 23:27 – Her True North Star: Poverty Alleviation, Not Product Sales 25:37 – Representation Wins: "Now I know I can do it too" 26:38 – Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank: What They Don't Tell You 29:24 – Best Ad Ever? How Shark Tank Helped Them Tell Their Story 30:53 – Final Thoughts + Why This Journey is Bigger Than Business Call to Action: If this episode inspired you, here's how you can support: 💥 Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode on social & tag us [@smartmarketer] 📧 Got feedback? We'd love to hear from you: support@smartmarketer.com 💥 Take advantage of our biggest sale of the year – Save up to 60% during the Smart Marketer BFCM Sale + get two bonus gifts. Ends December 4, 2025. → smartmarketer.com/BFCM-2025 Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 250:  Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In Episode Description What happens when you mix a viral beverage, a high-compliance industry, and one of the sharpest minds in performance marketing? In this episode, recorded live at Smart Marketer Live 2025, Nick Shackelford joins Zach Dampier for a candid behind-the-scenes look at building BRĒZ a microdose beverage brand blending THC, functional mushrooms, and adaptogens. From navigating paid media challenges to retail expansion, Nick shares real talk on scaling products you care about, retention strategies that actually work, and why creative still trumps targeting on Meta. "Our mission is to reduce human suffering and maximize human potential through a better beverage." – Nick Shackelford You Will Learn: How to scale a product in a highly regulated category like THC The exact creative that outperforms for BRĒZ (hint: it's not what you expect) Why retail is still essential, even for DTC brands A smarter way to build LTV from first purchase to loyal customer Why "broad targeting" is Meta's new reality Nick's bold prediction about AI-generated content and Meta's next big move  Links & Resources Smart Marketer Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale – smartmarketer.com/BFCM-2025 BRĒZ Beverage – drinkbrez.com Nick Shackelford on Instagram – @iamnickshackelford Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Instagram – @smartmarketerig – Follow Us Instagram – @mollypittmandigital – Follow Molly Omnisend (Email & SMS Tool) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend – Use code SMART for 50% off Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Nick Shackelford joins live at Smart Marketer Live 02:46 – Nick's journey & how BRĒZ was born 04:08 – From agency life to brand ownership 05:27 – Navigating compliance in regulated industries (like THC) 07:19 – Cultural shifts: The rise of non-alcoholic social beverages 09:35 – Why retail still wins: "Cans in hands" matters 10:42 – The creative that outperformed all ads: A real customer call 12:35 – LTV & retention: How to optimize post-purchase flow 14:21 – The most common mistake in paid ads (and what Meta reps say now) 16:25 – What fuels Nick's team: Mission, movement, and remote hustle 19:10 – Full-circle moment: How pirated Ezra content sparked Nick's career 22:51 – Purpose & product: Nick's take on meaningful business 24:38 – Bold prediction: Meta's new "Vibes" AI feed & where it's heading 27:28 – Closing thoughts: Reaffirmation bubbles, dual realities & what's next Call to Action Thanks for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Smart Marketer Podcast! 🎧 If this episode brought you value: ✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share it with your network and tag us – use #WeOutHere 💬 Questions or feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com 💥 Take advantage of our biggest sale of the year – Save up to 60% during the Smart Marketer BFCM Sale + get two bonus gifts. Ends December 4, 2025. → smartmarketer.com/BFCM-2025 And remember: Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

🎙️Episode 249: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy – Part 2 (with Ben Bennett) 📝 Episode Description Want more winning ads with less guesswork? In Part 2 of this creative strategy masterclass, Smart Marketer's Director of Creative, Ben Bennett, takes you behind the scenes of a real ad campaign to show how small, intentional changes to your message and creative experience can lead to major performance gains on Meta. Forget pumping out 20 random creatives a week. Ben shows you how to scale creative purposefully by testing strategic variables like persona, tone, and setting instead of scrambling to change formats. "With the right variables, small changes become big changes. That's real creative strategy." – Ben Bennett This episode is packed with examples, frameworks, and a fresh way to approach Meta's evolving algorithm by focusing on people first. ✅ You Will Learn How to turn one winning hook into multiple high-performing ads Why Meta's algorithm rewards creative diversity based on experience What variables matter most: persona, setting, tone (not just format) How to create "purposeful volume" instead of creative noise Why human-first strategy beats algorithm-chasing every time A repeatable system for long-term creative testing & scaling 🔗 Links & Resources Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Marketer Agency – smartmarketeragency.com Omnisend (Email & SMS tool) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend 👉 Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Welcome back: What You'll Learn in Part 2 01:00 – Ezra Firestone's Omnisend Shoutout: "That's how much I trust that platform." 02:04 – Ad Case Study: 3 Winning Ads, Same Hook, Different Experiences 03:54 – How Changing One Variable (like persona) Unlocked Higher Performance 06:52 – From Winning Image → UGC Video: Building Iterations with Confidence 07:41 – Persona Shift: Human Activity vs. Human Connection 08:58 – Why Format Isn't Strategy (And What Actually Is) 10:05 – Why People First > Algorithm First Creative 11:01 – The Real Director of Meta's Algorithm? Humans. 12:08 – Purposeful Volume: How to Test Strategically 13:02 – Final Thoughts: Real Creative Strategy is Human-First 14:01 – Outro & YouTube Shoutout 📣 Your Engagement Matters! Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast! If this episode helped shift your thinking, do us a favor: ✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode on social & tag us with #WeOutHere 💌 Got feedback or a question? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 248: The Meta Algorithm Shift: How to Adapt Your Creative Strategy - Part 1  (with Ben Bennett) 📝 Episode Description What's really going on with Meta's latest algorithm update? In this must-listen episode, Smart Marketer's Director of Creative, Ben Bennett, breaks down what the Andromeda update means for advertisers and how to adjust your creative strategy to keep winning in 2025. "If we can take creative and make that our advantage, then it's like AI to the speed of sound." – Ben Bennett Ben shares the four-step framework he uses daily to build high-performing creative and explains why Meta's new system favors marketers who understand message, tone, and audience experience; not just volume. Plus, you'll hear why obsessing over technical formats like video vs. image is not where performance starts. Part 2 drops next week and will go deeper into examples, production tips, and AI workflows. ✅ You Will Learn: What the Meta Andromeda update changes for creative strategy How to avoid "creative noise" and create performance-driven diversity Why your best ads still dominate spend (and how to find more like them) The four-step process Smart Marketer uses with agency clients What variables actually matter when planning diverse creatives Why starting with your best-performing hook changes everything 🔗 Links & Resources Smart Marketer – https://smartmarketer.com Smart Marketer Agency – https://smartmarketeragency.com Omnisend Email Tool – https://smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use coupon code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months) ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Intro: Why You Need to Rethink Your Creative Strategy 01:16 – Ezra Firestone on Omnisend: "That's how much I trust that platform..." 02:19 – Meta's Andromeda Update: "It's not just more creative." 03:17 – Is 20 Ads/Week Really Necessary? What the Data Shows 06:01 – "The thing that I think is really awesome about this algorithm is that it helps those with better creative win." 07:51 – Creative Volume vs. Creative Clarity: "They have lost touch on what's working and what's not." 09:40 – Step 1: Choose Your Best Performing Hook 11:20 – Case Study: Good Riddance Natural Insect Repellent 13:02 – Step 2: Build an Experience Around the Hook 14:01 – The Role of Tone, Setting, and Persona in Ad Performance 16:49 – How Demographics and POV Impact Results 18:33 – Match Your Creative to Viewer Behavior on Facebook 19:28 – 3 Example Creative Plans Using the Framework 20:31 – Step 3: Add Technical Variables (Format, Length, Placement) 21:51 – Final Framework: "When a hook and experience have a baby, they make an ad." 📣 Your Engagement Matters! If this episode gave you a new perspective on creative strategy, we'd love to hear from you. ✅ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Questions or feedback? Email us: support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 247: Revolutionizing Recurring Revenue with Supliful's Game-Changing Consumables Episode Description "You're literally solving the biggest problem in business right now." – Molly Pittman What if you could add high-margin, recurring revenue products to your business without worrying about inventory, cash flow, or manufacturing? In this episode, Molly Pittman sits down with Martins Lasmanis, CEO of Supliful; a platform that makes launching white-label consumables as easy as clicking a button. Whether you sell physical products, run a digital business, or want to boost LTV, this is the growth strategy you didn't know you needed. Martins shares why everyone will be selling consumables in the next two years, how micro-brands are eating up market share, and how Supliful uses AI to suggest the perfect product for your audience. 💡 You Will Learn: How to add a supplement, coffee, or skincare product to your offer in minutes Why recurring revenue is critical for scaling in today's market The "print on demand" model for consumables (with no upfront cost) Why micro-brands are thriving (and how you can join them) How AI is making product launches faster, smarter, and easier The one mistake that kills repeat sales—and how to fix it fast What certifications and compliance actually matter in this space Real case study: $1.7M in added revenue in just 3 months! 🔗 Links & Resources Supliful – supliful.com Launch Magic (AI product recommendations) – launchmagic.ai Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Omnisend (SMS & Email) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend – Use code SMART for 50% off Instagram – @smartmarketerig, @mollypittmandigital ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro from Anthony: Supliful solves a BIG problem 01:17 – Ezra's endorsement: Why we love Omnisend 02:20 – Meet Martins: From posters to profitable consumables 04:33 – How Supliful removes ALL the friction of launching new products 05:33 – The problem with non-recurring products (and how to fix it) 06:33 – Why consumables are the next big thing for all business models 07:47 – The rise of micro-brands and personalized offers 09:03 – Consumer behavior shift: Buying shampoo and cold brew online 10:55 – How easy is it to launch a supplement? (Hint: very) 12:21 – AI-powered product recommendations based on your brand 13:27 – No inventory, no problem: How Supliful's model works 14:21 – Already selling skincare or supplements? Here's why it still makes sense 15:11 – Hot categories for 2026: Coffee, functional products, and more 16:00 – Niche targeting with broad-market products 16:29 – Case Study: From 20 to 20,000 orders per month 18:16 – Why quality and transparency are non-negotiable 20:00 – Why now is the time to add recurring products 21:19 – Final thoughts: This is a win-win-win model 22:28 – Outro: Rate, review, and thank you for listening! 🙌 Call to Action Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to support the show: 📢 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

🎙️ Episode 246: Beyond Andromeda: 4 Meta Ad Updates Every Marketer Needs to Know Episode Description Everyone's talking about the Meta Andromeda update like it's the only thing that matters. But in this power-packed solo episode, Smart Marketer Agency CEO Pep Hufen breaks down four essential Meta updates that are redefining ad performance and why focusing on just one is a costly mistake. "These aren't small changes or tweaks. They completely rebuild the ad system from the ground up." - Pep Hufen Pep explains how each update; GEM, Lattice, Andromeda and Sequence Learning, works individually and together as one powerful AI-driven system. Whether you're an agency pro or eComm brand owner, you'll learn how to adapt your strategy now to win big in the new Meta landscape. 🚀 You Will Learn: Why the Meta Andromeda update is only 25% of what really matters How GEM gives Meta "superbrain" insights that predict user behavior What Meta Lattice is and how it boosts conversions with unified learning How Sequence Learning turns one-time buyers into loyal customers The tactical playbook for adapting your campaigns in 2025 Why you're no longer competing on product, but on understanding the entire buyer journey 🔗 Links & Resources: Meta's Official Documentation on the 4 Updates  • Meta Andromeda: Next-Gen Personalized Ads Retrieval Engine  • Sequence Learning: A Paradigm Shift for Personalized Ads  • Meta Lattice: AI, Ads, and Performance  • Meta GEM Overview via Social Discovery Insights Andromeda Deep Dive Episode (Pep reference)  Podcast version  YouTube version Pep Hufen – Instagram @pep.hufen Omnisend Email & SMS Platform – smartmarketer.com/omnisend  Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months SmartMarketer.com ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro by Anthony: 4 Updates That Are Redefining Meta Ads 02:12 – Pep's Hot Take: Why Andromeda is Only One Piece of the Puzzle 02:56 – Update 1: GEM – Meta's AI Superbrain for Prediction and Targeting 03:42 – Update 2: Lattice – Unified Learning Across Campaign Objectives 04:32 – Update 3: Andromeda – 10,000x More Targeting Power 06:00 – Update 4: Sequence Learning – Mapping the Entire Buyer's Journey 08:31 – Tactical Breakdown: How to Build for Each System 09:28 – The Shift from Product to Full-Journey Strategy 10:12 – The Playbook: What You Need to Do Now 11:07 – Outro and Engagement Reminder 📣 Your Engagement Matters If this episode opened your eyes to what's really happening with Meta ads, do us a favor: ✅ Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share the episode and tag us with #WeOutHere 💬 Got feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 245: Smart Marketer Live 2025 Recap (with Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier) Episode Description "We knew we wanted the best information out there in the space, that's a given, but we wanted this to feel like a family atmosphere." - Molly Pittman In this episode, Molly and Zach Dampier take you behind the scenes of Smart Marketer Live 2025 from packed roundtables and unforgettable presentations to Denver bowling nights and real-life connections that made it all magic. Whether you were there or tuning in from afar, this recap captures the insight, energy, and community that made Smart Marketer Live 2025 unforgettable.     You Will Learn: • Why Smart Marketer Live is unlike any other marketing event • How the roundtable sessions created powerful business breakthroughs • The smartest way to gather testimonials and social proof • What Molly learned from Meta and TikTok Shop insiders • The secret to running high-impact content collection on-site • Why this event is a must-attend for remote marketers and entrepreneurs     LINKS & RESOURCES: • Smart Marketer – https://smartmarketer.com • Mentor Table Mastermind – https://smartmarketer.com/mentor-table • Molly Pittman – https://mollypittman.com • Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – https://www.instagram.com/fieldsoffreedomrescue • Omnisend – https://smartmarketer.com/omnisend • Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months • YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@SmartMarketerYT     TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Welcome and What to Expect 03:55 – Behind the Scenes: Content Creation, Testimonials, and Team Wins 07:08 – Why Live Events Still Matter (and What Made This One Special) 08:41 – Session Highlights: TikTok Shop, Meta Ads, Tactical Baby Gear 09:45 – Roundtable Strategy and Why It Was a Game-Changer 11:00 – Real Talk at the Social Media Table: Misconceptions and Wins 13:46 – The Vibe: Parties, Friendships, and Unexpected Connections 18:50 – What's Next: Tickets for 2026 and Speaker Interviews Coming Soon 20:30 – What's Next: Interviews With Speakers from SML25     YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to: ✅ Follow and review us on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Got feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. 🎉

Episode 244: The 60-Minute Email Fix for Q4 Wins (with John Grimshaw, CMO of Smart Marketer) Episode Description "Email isn't dead, it's your fastest path to real profit this Q4." In this episode, John Grimshaw lays out the exact email strategies Smart Marketer is using to maximize results during the busiest time of the year. Learn how to supercharge your automations, craft high-converting messages, and prep your brand for holiday success without spending weeks rewriting flows. You'll also hear about a game-changing new feature in ChatGPT that's set to shake up eCommerce as we know it: instant checkout. Plus, John shares the highest-performing email format Smart Marketer is using right now (spoiler: it's plain-text and insanely effective). This is your 60-minute checklist for higher conversions, better inboxing, and more sales fast. ✅ You Will Learn: Why email automation is 25x more profitable than broadcasts (and most brands neglect it) How to update your top 3 flows in under an hour: Welcome, Cart Abandon, Product Abandon The new "Instant Checkout" inside ChatGPT and why you must optimize for it The single email style outperforming all others: the Founder Email How to bundle products for better margins and ChatGPT discoverability Why design-heavy emails can hurt your deliverability, and what to do instead 🔗 Links & Resources Omnisend (Email & SMS Platform) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Free Prompt: Plain-Text Founder Email See below for the full prompt shared in the episode Smart Marketer Blog & Resources – smartmarketer.com/blog Smart Marketer YouTube – Andromeda Update Video – Watch here Support & Feedback – support@smartmarketer.com 🕒 Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Intro: What's in this episode 01:54 – "Profit leaks" in your Q4 email strategy 03:25 – Email is not dead: It's more powerful than ever 06:06 – Email = telling your best friends what to do 08:14 – Automation is 25x more profitable (and ignored) 09:13 – Where to focus first in your flows 10:38 – This Just In: Instant checkout now inside ChatGPT 13:00 – ChatGPT's impact on eCom gifting & bundles 15:43 – Optimize product feeds + create AI-friendly bundles 20:17 – Your 60-minute action plan: 3 automation updates 22:40 – Flow #1: Welcome – what to fix fast 25:48 – Flow #2: Cart Abandon – how to speed it up 28:24 – Flow #3: Product Abandon – recommendations that convert 30:01 – The "one page" traffic strategy for BFCM 32:02 – Why Smart Marketer switched to Omnisend 34:12 – The power of plain-text: Founder Email breakdown 36:35 – Real campaign results from Founder Emails 38:51 – Best practices: subject, tone, structure, CTA 39:39 – The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt (full version) 42:00 – Why hybrid email design (text + visuals) wins 43:33 – Real brand case study: doubling email revenue 45:16 – Optimize for inboxing: deliverability > design 46:03 – Full checklist: what to do in the next 60 minutes 47:32 – Closing thoughts & CTA to share the show 📄 The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt  Plain-Text Founder Email Prompt Write a plain-text "Founder Email" for my brand during Q4. Make it sound personal, human, and conversational, like a message from the founder to a loyal customer. Keep it under 200 words, with one clear CTA and no images or fancy design. Include: A warm opening (gratitude, reflection, or behind-the-scenes note). A short story or insight that builds connection. A simple offer or bonus (e.g., stackable discount or early access). A friendly close with light urgency ("ends soon" / "thank you for supporting us"). Tone: Authentic, human, and direct — like a Gmail message from a friend. Goal: Drive clicks through trust and relatability, not polish or visuals. Output Format: • Subject: [5–7 words, personal & curious] • From: [Founder Name at Brand] • Body: Ask me any questions to help make the results stronger. 📣 Call to Action Enjoyed this episode? Do us a favor: Follow & Subscribe to The Smart Marketer Show on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode on social and tag us @smartmarketer using #WeOutHere Send your founder email draft to support@smartmarketer.com for feedback 🚀 Email isn't dead, it just needs your attention. Take 60 minutes, follow the plan, and set yourself up for the best Q4 yet.

Episode 243: From Intern to Content Leader - Zach Dampier on Growth, Grit, and Working with Family Episode Description What does it take to go from intern to indispensable? In this episode, Smart Marketer CEO Molly Pittman interviews Content Coordinator Zach Dampier; her cousin and long-time teammate about his inspiring journey from college intern to running all of Smart Marketer's organic content. Zach shares what he's learned along the way about content strategy, working in customer support, building a career with no roadmap, and navigating family dynamics inside a fast-paced business. "A marketing degree is nice, but it's definitely not needed for this industry." - Zach Dampier Whether you're building a team or building your own career, this episode is full of honest insights, practical advice, and a refreshing look at what it means to grow with a company over time.     You Will Learn: How to spot and nurture long-term team members with high potential Why starting in customer support is the smartest entry point into any business How Zach transitioned from intern to leader without formal job titles The pros (and real talk) about working with family Why managing content across multiple platforms is about more than just volume A fresh take on hiring: when to invest in experience vs. potential     Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Instagram – @smartmarketer Instagram – @mollypittmandigital Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – fofdogrescue.com Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use coupon code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months)     Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Intro from Anthony + Why This Episode Matters 02:04 – Meet Zach: From Intern to Key Team Member 06:00 – How a High School Elective Sparked a Marketing Career 08:35 – Zach's Early Intern Tasks: Ads, Reports & Client Research 11:33 – Why Starting in Support Built Zach's Foundation 17:42 – Transitioning to Content & Social Media Strategy 21:40 – The Power of Hiring for Potential, Not Just Experience 24:32 – Working with Family: Real Talk & Lessons Learned 28:52 – What It's Like to Work with Your Spouse 31:56 – Reflecting on Smart Marketer's Growth (2019–2025) 34:58 – What's Next: Scaling YouTube and Mentoring Interns 36:55 – Decoding Gen Z Slang for the Workplace 38:10 – Zach's Final Thoughts & Smart Marketer Live Shout-Out     Your Engagement Matters! Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please support the show: ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer 💬 Have feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit.

Episode 242: The Truth About Creative Volume, Meta's Shift, and What Still Works (Part 2 with Ben Bennett) Episode Description In this second part of their deep-dive conversation, Molly Pittman sits down with Smart Marketer's Creative Director Ben Bennett to map out the exact creative systems used to produce dozens of high-performing ads every single month. From team structure to tooling to hook variation strategies, Ben shares how Smart Marketer builds volume without sacrificing quality. You'll hear how they hire and test for the Creative Strategist role, why UGC needs a better incentive model, and how tools like ClickUp help make the whole system run. "We've figured out how to multiply creative without multiplying chaos and this is how we do it." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why your team could need a Creative Operations Manager The 3 creative styles we use: Snack, Impact, Tailored How AI is supporting (but not replacing) production How to multiply a single hook into 24+ ad variations Why ClickUp is the backbone of our creative ops How we test and hire for Creative Strategist roles Why incentivizing UGC creators is the next big opportunity Links & Resources Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Marketer Agency – smartmarketeragency.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code: SMART for 50% off your first 3 months Alexander's Talent Agency – gottlnt.com Past Episodes Featuring Ben Bennett: • The Truth About Creative Volume, Meta's Shift, and What Still Works • Winning Ad Creative: What Works Now & How to Measure It • How to Make High-Converting UGC Ads • How to Get the Best Possible Creative Help for Your Business • How Flexible Use Content Can Help You With Your Creatives ClickUp – clickup.com Instagram – @smartmarketer | @mollypittmandigital Timestamps 00:00 – Anthony intro + Omnisend offer 01:59 – Why creative volume is today's biggest question 03:36 – The underrated role: Creative Operations Manager 07:07 – Step 1: Research and why it still matters 10:29 – What we look for in Creative Strategists (and how we test them) 12:18 – Hiring success through Alexander's Talent Agency 14:02 – The "Creative Prism" framework explained 17:12 – Using AI to expand from 4 to 24 variations 21:07 – Snack, Impact, and Tailored: the 3 styles that work 25:48 – How we use ClickUp to manage high-volume production 31:21 – Reviewing performance data and planning the next round 40:11 – What's next: Creator incentives, agency collaboration, and scaling systems Your Engagement Matters If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love your support: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share it on social and tag us with #SmartMarketerPodcast Have questions or feedback? Email us at: support@smartmarketer.com Serve the world unselfishly and profit.