E057: Inside Tecovas: Reporting, Merchandising & Growing the Brand with CMO Krista Dalton
Today on the show, we’re joined by Krista Dalton, the CMO and SVP of Digital at Tecovas, as she takes us inside the brand’s marketing strategy. We get into how Tecovas leverages data, reporting, and merchandising to expand and evolve the brand, all while staying true to its roots. We discuss the importance of understanding customer needs, how to balance creative and data-driven decisions, and the key role of brand evolution in driving growth. Krista also discusses how Tecovas is expanding into new categories while ensuring every offering aligns with their core mission. She also shares how AI is helping streamline data processes and reporting and highlights the importance of a collaborative, cross-functional team in executing Tecovas’ marketing strategy.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 Introduction02:36 Current Trends in DTC Marketing and AI Integration05:31 Understanding the Role of a CMO at Tecovas11:50 Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting Practices24:03 Balancing Automation with Personal Insight in Data Analysis32:51 Understanding Brand and Product Dynamics38:30 The Importance of Post-Purchase Optimization56:06 Learning from Failures and Customer Expectations01:05:39 Craftsmanship and Customer Connection01:10:55 Navigating the Cowboy Boot Market01:21:07 Strategic Growth Marketing Initiatives01:28:39 Leveraging AI for Marketing EfficiencyOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered 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/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:37:42
E056: Redefining Your Ad Creative Strategy and Maximizing Meta Performance
In this episode, we break down what it actually means to define a high-performing ad creative strategy, and why doing so is essential to unlocking sustainable growth on Meta. We walk through Cody’s 10-point creative framework for shaping the ad strategy at Jones Road Beauty, diving into why creative should be treated as targeting, how to escape Meta’s “local maxima,” and how to feed the algorithm more diverse, strategically aligned inputs. Cody shares his take on creative strategy as prompt engineering for right-brain marketers, reframing how brands should think about influencing Meta’s outcomes.We also explore the maturity curve of attribution and measurement – why early-stage brands often rely on last-click metrics, and how that approach needs to evolve over time. Finally, we touch on the complexity of deciding which dimensions – audience, ad format, channel, offer, or optimization strategy – are worth prioritizing as you scale.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 Navigating Economic Pressures and AI in Marketing05:46 Creative Strategy and Team Structure09:03 Defining Creative Strategy and Volume11:46 Creative Diversity and Audience Targeting15:05 Local Maxima and Creative Inputs17:47 Post-Purchase Monetization Strategies21:03 The Role of Media Strategy in Creative Success27:10 Aligning Creative and Media Strategies29:56 Influencer Partnerships and Targeting32:46 New Attribution Models and Performance Measurement39:26 The Evolution of Attribution Models42:10 Defining Creative Diversity44:30 Incrementality vs Attribution in Marketing47:51 Measuring Marketing Success53:51 Cohesive Funnels in Marketing01:07:21 Creative Exploration vs ExploitationOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered 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/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:18:38
E055: Meta's Conversion Lift Testing, AI in Creative, and Product Seeding for Scalable Growth
In this episode of Marketing Operators, we get into a mix of marketing topics that are top of mind for us this week, plus we answer a listener question from the MOperators Hotline.First, we break down Meta’s Conversion Lift Testing, including how it measures ad performance, its limitations, and when it’s most useful for your business. We also discuss how AI tools are revolutionising creative production, from automating time-consuming tasks like image and video creation to enabling more personalised, scalable content at a fraction of the traditional cost. Next up, we explore product seeding, including effective strategies for influencer outreach, tracking success, and improving hit rates. We wrap up by answering one of our listener’s questions on running incrementality tests for a low eight-figure brand with a million-dollar ad spend split between Meta and Google Search.Tune in for insights on ad testing, creative strategies, and influencer marketing to help optimize your marketing efforts and create sustainable growth.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 April Fool's Campaigns and Brand Values02:48 Innovative Product Launches and Creative Processes05:58 Testing and Measurement Strategies in Marketing12:05 Incrementality Testing: Meta vs. Haus17:49 Optimizing Marketing Strategies for Growth23:47 AI in Influencer Marketing and Brand Ambassadors31:44 Scaling Influencer Programs with AI35:57 Optimizing Product Seeding Strategies39:27 Transforming Customer Support with Technology46:46 Leveraging AI for Creative Generation55:19 Exploring New Technologies in MarketingOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered 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/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:03:00
E054: From Product Drops to Post-Purchase Plays - Email Marketing with 'Email Is Not Dead' Author, Karly Craig
Email marketing isn’t dead - but it can often be done better. Today we’re joined by Karly Craig, author of Email Is Not Dead and seasoned ecommerce operator, to talk about the email marketing strategies that actually drive revenue.Karly shares why most brands are underutilising flows, especially when it comes to welcome sequences and post-purchase emails, and how extending these can lead to significantly higher conversion rates and long-term revenue. She walks through what a 30-day+ welcome flow could look like, how to inject personality and pattern-breakers into emails, and why category-specific messaging can make a big impact, especially when you offer multiple product types.We also dig into smart retention plays beyond email, including how to think about product drops, building anticipation with your list, and creating “got it” moments post-purchase, as well as diving into reactivation timing, how brands can drive second purchases with value-first strategies not just aggressive discounting, 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 Introduction to Karly Craig and Her Journey02:41 The Evolution of Karly's Book: Email is Not Dead05:52 Key Pillars of Automated Flows in Marketing12:00 Building Effective Email Flows for E-commerce14:54 Post-Purchase Strategies and Customer Retention18:05 Reactivation Strategies and Long-term Customer Engagement20:54 Creating a Personalized Customer Experience24:08 Leveraging Customer Accounts for Increased LTV26:59 The Role of Discounts and Promotions in Retention29:52 Final Thoughts on E-commerce Marketing Strategies38:43 Building Customer Loyalty Through Engagement41:57 Innovative Attribution Models for Marketing45:07 Rethinking Loyalty Programs49:14 Enhancing Customer Experience with Technology52:54 Strategies for Successful Product Drops01:01:00 Leveraging Community for Brand Growth01:13:25 Investing in Personal Development Through CoachingOperators 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 24 with Jared Brody: https://youtu.be/PHrYerwwtJYSubscribe 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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1:16:49
E053: Our Takes on Saratoga's Viral Moment, Meta's Andromeda & AI's Role in Ad Creative
Last week, a video featuring Saratoga water went viral - and the brand’s response, or lack thereof, got the ecom and marketing twitter world into a frenzy, with people calling them out for wasting a massive viral moment. We break down what we would’ve done as Saratoga’s CMO: how to respond to earned media moments, what brands should consider in viral situations, and how to quickly activate organic social and creator partnerships.We also get into Meta’s Andromeda engine - the machine learning upgrade powering Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns. We break down what it actually does, how it’s reshaping campaign structure and creative distribution, and whether it’s delivering better results in the accounts we manage.Lastly, we dive into AI-generated ad creative: what’s possible today, what’s coming fast, and how it’s already changing how marketing teams work - from research and creative briefs to production speed and creative volume. 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 Introduction02:53 Viral Morning Routine: The Ashton Hall Phenomenon05:56 Saratoga Water's Missed Opportunity08:49 Marketing Strategies in Response to Viral Moments12:11 Meta's Andromeda: Enhancements in Ad Performance15:04 Ad Campaign Structures and Performance Metrics37:37 The Evolution of Ad Distribution44:12 Innovations in E-commerce and Meta Shops47:13 AI in Creative Production57:03 The Future of Brand Marketing Strategies01:01:12 Emerging Trends in Organic Social MediaOperators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw Powered 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/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/