Episode Overview:

In this Marketing in the Age of AI episode, Emanuel Rose sits down with Douglas Abbott, founder of Contrasted, to unpack how B2B brands can ditch vanity metrics and focus on authentic messaging, precise audience targeting, and measurable pipeline growth. We cover AI-assisted content, full-funnel campaigns, CRM-integrated attribution, and how to stay visible as answer engines (LLMs) reshape search.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to define a hyper-specific ICP (industry, title, pains) before spending $1 on ads

• Messaging that speaks to humans and clearly solves a real problem

• Practical use of AI for research and first-draft thought leadership (e.g., white papers)

• Why LinkedIn wins for B2B targeting (industry, title, company size, groups, interests)

• Building a full-funnel system (download ➜ nurture ➜ social proof ➜ sales conversation)

• Tying ads to MQL/SQL/opps/won with clean CRM integration (optimize to pipeline, not clicks)

• Early moves for Generative/Answer Engine Optimization (GEO/AEO)—reviews, Reddit, helpful content
  

Featured Guest:

Douglas Abbott — Founder of Contrasted, a B2B marketing agency built for the AI era, helping brands move past fluff and into real pipeline growth.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-abbott-18383540/ Agency: https://contrastedmarketing.com/

Episode Highlights:

• 🧭 Fundamentals first: Nail the audience + message before launching ads

• 🔍 Channel strategy: Start with high-intent search; scale with LinkedIn for precision reach

• 📝 AI for velocity: Research + first-draft white papers tailored to specific job titles + industries

• 🔁 Retargeting & proof: Follow-up with case studies/testimonials to advance interest

• 🧪 Touchpoints: Expect ~10–15 touches and self-education before sales engagement

• 🔗 Attribution that matters: Connect campaigns to CRM to see MQL → SQL → Closed-Won

• 🧠 GEO/AEO shift: More impressions, fewer clicks—optimize for LLM visibility (reviews, Reddit, authentic expertise)
  

Connect and Explore More:

Host website (Emanuel Rose): https://emanuelrose.com/ Emanuel’s AI book: https://emanuelrose.com/product/authentic-marketing-in-the-age-of-ai/

Connect with the Host (Emanuel Rose):

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanuelroseauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmanuelRoseAuthor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketingintheageofai-ec6fx

Connect with the Guest (Douglas Abbott):

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-abbott-18383540/

Agency: https://contrastedmarketing.com/

Further Reading or Resources:

• Blog recap (episode topics): https://emanuelrose.com/leveraging-ai-and-authenticity-essential-strategies-for-b2b-marketing-success/

• Host site (more AI + marketing insights): https://emanuelrose.com/

• Book: Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI — https://emanuelrose.com/product/authentic-marketing-in-the-age-of-ai/
  

If you’re ready to move from “likes” to pipeline, hit Subscribe, Like, and drop a comment with your top ICP + message question. Share this episode with your RevOps or Demand Gen lead to pressure-test your funnel and attribution. 🚀

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