E050: Tecovasgate: Is This Growth Marketing? Plus Product Expansion, AI in Growth Measurement & More
It’s a full house today with Cody back, and we’ve got a jam-packed episode - first up, the Tacovas Ad that’s got the marketing world talking - does brand marketing like this really drive growth? We discuss the line between long-term brand building and immediate performance results, and explore how top DTC brands are navigating that balance. We also get into how product expansion can be a game-changer for scaling, with examples of how brands use category growth to reach wider audiences. We discuss evolving role of AI in marketing SaaS tools, the potential it has for improving creative analysis and decision-making, and why measurement and forecasting are still critical components of successful marketing strategies. If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Welcome Back Cody02:11 The Importance of Day-to-Day Tracking09:09 The Tacovas Gate Discussion33:29 Preparing for Product Launches37:47 Strategic Product Launch Planning46:15 Integrating AI in Marketing Workflows55:16 The Future of Attribution Models01:00:20 SaaS Consolidation and Klaviyo's EvolutionOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered by:Motion.https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-readshttps://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsNorthbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Episode 48: https://youtu.be/SVHyaohobcoSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:14:45
E049: How Digital Product Fuels DTC Growth with Connor Dault
This week, it’s a Connor Special as we’re joined by Connor Dault, VP of Growth & Digital Product at Caraway, to discuss the role of digital product in DTC growth and how it intersects with performance marketing, UX, and conversion. We dive into Caraway’s strategic response to HexClad’s Super Bowl ad, why digital product isn’t just CRO and how Caraway builds high-performing product experiences that go beyond simple A/B testing. Connor also shares insights on balancing data-driven optimization with brand storytelling, how Caraway approaches site navigation and product merchandising, and why many DTC brands still overlook the power of digital product in driving long-term revenue.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:22 Connor Dault's Background and Role at Caraway05:23 Insights from Super Bowl Weekend10:52 The Evolution of Super Bowl Advertising17:30 Lessons from Quibi's Super Bowl Experience33:54 Leveraging Current Events in Marketing39:02 Building Digital Product Teams43:50 Balancing Roadmaps and CRO Testing49:41 Insights from Incrementality Testing56:15 Common Mistakes in Digital Product Strategy01:02:33 Inspiration from Successful BrandsOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered by:Motion.https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-readsPrescient AI.https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:11:21
E048: Scaling with Affiliate Marketing: What’s Working for Leading DTC Brands, with Aaron Paul
Today, we’re joined by Aaron Paul, founder of Paul Street, to explore how top DTC brands are leveraging affiliate marketing to drive massive growth - and where many go wrong.Aaron shares his insights from working with leading brands like Onnit, Goli Nutrition, and HelloFresh. We discuss what’s working in affiliate marketing today, why media-buying affiliates aren’t always the right fit (and when they are), and how content-driven publishers now drive the majority of affiliate revenue. We also get into common pitfalls that cause programs to stall along with advice on how to sidestep these mistakes.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction10:07 The Evolution of Affiliate Marketing20:00 The Role of Affiliates in Brand Growth29:46 Current Trends in Affiliate Marketing40:02 Challenges and Best Practices in Affiliate Programs46:26 Navigating Affiliate Marketing Success51:50 Identifying and Combating Affiliate Fraud56:47 The Dynamics of Affiliate Payouts01:01:50 Building Trust with Affiliates01:06:56 The Future of Affiliate Marketing and Content CreationOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered by:Motion.https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-readshttps://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsNorthbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:31:15
E047: Blending Brand Identity with Performance Marketing at the Highest Level
HexClad just pulled off one of their biggest marketing plays so far - a Super Bowl Ad - but this wasn’t just about airing a commercial during the big game, it was a multi-layered, cross-platform campaign designed to maximize impact beyond a single TV spot.In this episode, Connor and Connor break down how the HexClad team made it happen, from choosing the right creative concept to executing an omni-channel marketing playbook that extended far beyond game day. They dive into why the company decided to invest in a Super Bowl ad, how they built pre-game buzz through influencers and viral social moments, and what set their approach apart from traditional brand marketing. They also unpack the balance between brand and performance marketing, how they leveraged meme amplification and social storytelling to scale awareness, and how they plan to track success beyond just game-day sales, including search trends, social engagement, and long-term brand impact.This episode was recorded just a few days before the Super Bowl ad aired—stay tuned for a future episode where Connor shares his first impressions on how it performed.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction02:52 Health and Wellness Trends06:09 Analytics Tools and Reporting Standards09:06 Creative Strategies for 202512:08 Hexclad's Super Bowl Campaign Overview14:55 Concept Development and Agency Collaboration17:48 Execution of the Super Bowl Campaign21:10 Omni-channel Marketing Strategies27:03 Engagement and Community Buzz29:55 Cultural Timing and Relevance38:48 Emerging Media Measurement Solutions42:41 Campaign Comparisons and Expectations50:02 Measuring Super Bowl Campaign Impact57:24 Revenue Projections and Strategic Planning01:03:12 Enhancing E-commerce Experience through BundlingHexClad Super Bowl Ad:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIShJGu1IScOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered by:Motion.https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-readsPrescient AI.https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:16:08
E046: Matt Bertulli: Is Meta Still Incremental? How Paid Media is Changing & Scaling Beyond Facebook Ads
Today we are joined by a member of the Operators family, Matt Bertulli, CEO of Pela Case and Lomi, to talk all things marketing. Jumping off fromSean Frank’s tweet questioning if meta is still incremental, we get deep into the nuance of paid media and how it’s shifting, the increasing challenges of reaching new customers on Meta, and why the old playbooks don’t work anymore. We also discuss scaling beyond meta and reallocating budget to TV, YouTube and strategic partnerships to drive new customer acquisition, what content tends to make for the best ads, how to measure long-term impact and where performance marketers are getting it wrong, and much more.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv600:00 Introduction02:52 E-commerce Advertising Trends for 202505:51 Navigating the Challenges of Meta Advertising08:55 The Role of Incrementality in Meta Advertising11:46 Understanding Meta's Advertising Dynamics15:12 The Future of Meta Advertising and Brand Strategies30:29 Understanding Meta's Impact on Marketing Strategies36:12 The Shift from Purchase to Brand Awareness42:54 Reevaluating Marketing Objectives in a Changing Landscape49:49 The Convergence of Content and Advertising54:30 Exploring Non-Meta Marketing Channels01:01:08 Understanding Audience Awareness and Engagement01:04:50 Channel Diversification and Media Mix Strategy01:10:09 Influencer Marketing as a Scalable Strategy01:14:57 Evaluating Influencer Partnerships01:17:51 The Role of Post-Purchase Surveys in Marketing01:20:45 Creative Collaborations with Influencers01:23:27 Testing and Optimizing Marketing StrategiesOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUwPowered by:Motion.https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-readshttps://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescNorthbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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