Mel Eilers has been deep in driving sales from social media for nearly 10 years. Via her agency Socially Sound, Mel now specialises in helping clients get more from their Instagram content by embracing conversational marketing. – Yeah, we’re talking Insta DMs! 

In this episode, Mel shares how eCommerce brands can turn organic engagement into real sales using Instagram DM automation. From boosting conversions to building stronger customer relationships, she reveals the simple steps to make your social content work harder.  

💡 Update from Mel: 

Since recording this episode, ManyChat has now launched its TikTok integration in the US! When Mel shared her “crystal ball” prediction, it was still in beta — but it’s already becoming a reality for brands. 

Dive in:

[04:54] Instagram DM Marketing Shift

[06:14] DM Automation for Marketing Success

[12:11] Organic Content Comes First

[16:09] Streamlining Product Links in DMs

[20:04] "Instagram Automation Tips Explained"

[22:38] ManyChat: Trusted Meta Partner

[25:26] Insider Tips from Mel!

Organic Content Fuels Every Automation

Before you jump into automation, you need strong organic content. Mel explained that DM automation only works if your posts already get real engagement. Think of it as adding fuel to a fire — you need the spark first. Focus on posts that connect with your audience, encourage comments, and reflect your brand’s tone. Once you have that, tools like ManyChat can amplify results and turn engagement into measurable sales or email signups.

Instagram DMs Can Be a Powerful Sales Channel

Instagram DMs are no longer just for customer service. They’re now a direct route to conversions. By using tools like ManyChat, you can automate DMs to deliver product links, discount codes, or signup offers the moment someone comments on your post. This creates a fast, personal, and frictionless buying experience. For eCommerce brands, that means fewer “link in bio” drop-offs and more customers completing their journey right inside Instagram.

Keep It Conversational and Customer-Centric

Automation doesn’t mean losing the human touch. Mel stressed that conversational marketing works best when it feels like a real chat, not a sales script. Keep messages short, friendly, and relevant to what the customer asked for. Always make it easy for them to opt in, explore, or buy without pressure. When automation feels natural and helpful, it builds trust — and that trust drives repeat sales.

Takeaways:

• Want to turn your engaged Instagram audience into real customers? Build strong organic content, then let DM automation do the heavy lifting. It's not just customer service in the DMs—it's a goldmine for sales and signups.
• If your organic social posts spark genuine interest, adding tools like ManyChat boosts reach and conversion. But don’t automate before your content truly connects. Automation multiplies what already works!
• Great conversational marketing feels 1:1, even when automated. Start with clear objectives—do you want email signups or website visitors? The power is in making every DM interaction personal and purposeful.
• Don’t wear out your followers! Mix behind-the-scenes content with “comment-to-signup” posts. One in three sales-driven posts keeps your audience engaged and avoids the sales soapbox effect.
• The future? DM automation isn’t stopping with Instagram—TikTok is next. If you’re seeing traction now, get ready to ride the wave as new channels open up for conversational commerce.

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Rick Magennis is the owner of Spark, an affiliate management agency focused on Performance PR and creating high-performing affiliate marketing campaigns for their clients.

Rick reveals how to make every PR mention count — by linking it directly to sales. From getting featured in gift guides to scaling affiliate-driven campaigns, this episode is packed with ideas you can put into action right away.

Dive in:

[03:58] "Performance PR Agency Acquisition"

[07:50] Affiliate Marketing for Product Reviews

[11:50] Affiliate-Driven PR Boosts Revenue

[14:24] "Building Trust Through Numbers"

[17:34] Editorial Pitching: Surprises and Strategies

[20:59] Agency Benefits for Brand Growth

[25:02] Insider Tips from Rick!

Make Your PR Work Harder with Performance PR

Traditional PR builds awareness but rarely proves ROI. Performance PR changes that by tying media placements to affiliate links, so you only pay when sales happen. It blends PR visibility with affiliate measurability, giving eCommerce brands clear data on what drives conversions. This means every placement can be tracked, optimized, and scaled. For brands tired of “vanity metrics,” Performance PR is a smarter way to turn exposure into profit.

Relationships Are the Real Currency

Success in Performance PR depends on strong relationships with editors and media outlets. Journalists get hundreds of pitches daily, so connection and trust matter more than clever outreach. Agencies with existing relationships can fast-track your brand into top-tier features and gift guides. It’s not about sending mass emails—it’s about consistent, personal communication. eCommerce brands that invest in relationship-driven PR partners will see better placements and faster traction.

Think Long-Term—This Strategy Takes Time

Performance PR isn’t a quick win. It can take six to twelve months before results start showing, because journalists work on long lead times and organic placements build gradually. But once it clicks, the benefits compound—those articles keep driving sales and SEO value long after they’re published. eCommerce owners should start early, especially if they want strong visibility by the next holiday season. Treat it like a slow-build channel with big long-term payoff, not an overnight campaign.

Takeaways:

• Performance PR is changing the game—it's all about building real relationships with editors, not just cold emails and AI shortcuts. Value the human touch if you want your brand to stand out and succeed.
• There’s power in patience: successful affiliate-PR mashups take 6-12 months to really pay off. True cultural shifts in marketing happen when you invest long-term, not just chase quick wins!
• The secret sauce for customer acquisition today? Combine affiliate tech with good old-fashioned trust. Brands and editors win when you foster genuine collaborations, not just transactions.
• Traditional PR isn’t dead—it’s just evolved. Affiliate links now mean you can actually see ROI, turning every feature, gift guide, or listicle into measurable impact. Culture meets commerce.
• Ready to test new ideas? Start performance PR now, but plan to play the long game. Change comes to those who nurture relationships, keep showing up, and bring fresh stories to the table.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/284

Take the Launch Growth Diagnostic here: https://keepopt.com/launch

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Marianne Morrison has been obsessed with retail growth for over a decade. Initially building, growing, and selling her own skincare brand, and now working with many retailers and brands to help them achieve their business growth goals.

In this episode, she’s breaking down how to turn TikTok from a social platform into a serious sales channel — with real-world advice on content, offers, and audience growth that every eCommerce brand can use.

Dive in:

[04:03] "Navigating TikTok for Brands"

[07:38] TikTok Growth Strategy Insights

[12:18] Effective Influencer Collaboration Tips

[14:11] Success on TikTok Requires Offers

[18:02] TikTok Success Requires Planning

[24:39] Insider Tips from Marianne!

TikTok Success Starts with Strategy, Not Virality

Jumping onto TikTok without a plan rarely works. Marianne stresses that you must first know who your audience is and why they’re on TikTok. Then study your competitors and define your own niche before posting or running ads. TikTok rewards brands that show up with purpose and consistency, not those chasing quick wins. Treat it like any other serious marketing channel—start with strategy, not luck.

Authentic, Consistent Content Drives Real Growth

The biggest wins on TikTok come from real, relatable content. Perfectly polished videos don’t connect as well as authentic moments that show the human side of your brand. Post often—daily if possible—and engage with comments and followers. Consistency tells TikTok’s algorithm you’re serious, helping you reach more of your target audience. Authenticity builds trust, and trust drives conversions.

TikTok Shop Rewards Offers and Engagement

TikTok Shop thrives on urgency and deals. Flash sales, limited-time discounts, and free shipping can turn browsers into buyers fast. But you need to plan your offers carefully to protect your margins. Marianne also highlights that live selling is where real engagement happens—brands should go live at least three times a week for an hour or more. The more consistent and interactive you are, the more TikTok rewards you with visibility and sales.

Takeaways:

• TikTok’s not just about trends—authenticity and passion matter more than ever. Brands that connect honestly with their audience are laying the foundation for lasting success.
• Strategic action beats random posting on TikTok. Before ads or creators, you need a clear organic content plan and a deep understanding of your audience and competitors. Purpose drives results.
• Lives on TikTok aren’t magic shortcuts—consistency is key. The algorithm needs time to learn about you. Want results? Commit to regular lives, at least 3 times a week, and let your brand’s energy shine through every session.
• TikTok Shop thrives on urgency and offers. Flash sales, free shipping, and smart discounts hook buyers. But manage your margins carefully—profitability matters as much as visibility.
• AI tools are game changers, but don’t lose your brand’s soul. In a world of generic copy, the real power lies in authentic storytelling and honest engagement. Let tech help, but keep your passion at the heart of everything.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/283

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Rachel Cryan is a Digital Strategist at award-winning digital marketing agency Anicca Digital. She’s been deep in social media for over a decade helping 100s of brands leverage it to grow their sales. Including recently scaling one client to over £1million in revenue through TikTok Shop Ads.

Rachel shares what every eCommerce marketer needs to know about TikTok’s newest ad tool, GMV Max. From how the algorithm actually works to the creative tactics driving six-figure results, this one’s packed with insights you can put into action right away.

Dive in:

[03:41] Content Creation vs Ad Strategy

[06:51] "GMV Max Advertising Insights"

[12:14] "Challenges in Campaign Management"

[13:27] "Adapting to GMV Max Transition"

[18:33] Campaign Video Strategy Challenges

[20:37] Advertising Strategies for Black Friday

[22:31] Insider Tips from Rachel!

TikTok’s GMV Max Changes the Game for TikTok Shop Ads

TikTok has replaced its old ad format for TikTok Shop with a new system called GMV Max. It’s an automated, algorithm-driven tool that decides which products to promote based on engagement and ROI. This means brands have less manual control but can reach more ready-to-buy customers. For eCommerce owners, success now depends on feeding the algorithm the right signals — strong creative, consistent data, and clear goals. You can’t rely on old ad tactics anymore; you have to adapt to how TikTok’s AI wants to sell your products.

Video Creative Is Everything — Especially for TikTok Shop

Your product videos now determine how your ads perform on TikTok Shop. GMV Max rewards content that gets attention and engagement, so the more videos you have, the better your chances. Create a mix of formats — feature demos, user-generated content, and authentic creator clips. Don’t wait for affiliates to do all the work; invest in making your own videos so you can control the story and highlight your product’s best features. For TikTok Shop success, quantity and quality of video content are your biggest levers.

Structure Your Campaigns Smartly to Keep Control

Even though GMV Max is automated, you can still guide it with smart structure. Split your campaigns by product type or performance level — for example, bestsellers, mid-performers, and low-sellers. This helps you manage budget flow and avoid all your ad spend going to just one or two products. It also shows you which products need more content or testing. For eCommerce teams, this structure makes your TikTok ad strategy more focused, scalable, and ready for high-volume seasons like Black Friday.

Takeaways:

• TikTok Shop is on the rise! If you're a brand, now's the perfect time to join. And for creators, it's a golden age for fresh content – brands are hungry for new videos. The TikTok ecosystem is growing fast. Don’t miss out!
• GMV Max is changing the TikTok Shop game, making ads more automated and ROI-driven. Brands, focus on creative video content to boost your products—IT’S all about what performs best on TikTok now.
• Feeling overwhelmed by TikTok’s new GMV Max? Start small: split your campaigns by product performance and create more videos for products that need a push. Control your narrative—and your results!
• TikTok isn’t just for big brands. Small businesses and new creators have a wide open lane to shine. TikTok’s support and automated tools make it easy to get started—even if you’re new to digital marketing.
• The new TikTok Shop ad platform makes creative content king. For brands, work with more affiliates, offer better commissions, and experiment with video styles. For creators, there’s real opportunity to grow—and earn!

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/282 

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Ben Muir is the founder and CEO of Unsociable, one of the top rated TikTok Shop partners in the UK and US. Unsociable are the only partners to have won the TikTok Shop livestreaming award twice, and the video production excellence award.

Learn how brands are hitting six-figure sales on TikTok Live — and how you can too. Ben shares the insider playbook for making live shopping work for your business.

Dive in:

[05:08] TikTok Shops Demands Live Streaming

[08:54] "Showcase vs. Regular Livestreams"

[11:54] Engaging Live Shopping Experiences

[15:09] Maximizing TikTok Targets with Long Lives

[18:35] Real-Time Audience-Led Live Strategy

[22:30] Building Live Streaming Success Takes Time

[23:35] Path to Effective Live Showcases

[28:49] Insider Tips from Ben!

Start Small and Build Toward Big Wins

Don’t rush into a 12-hour TikTok live event. Start by learning how your products perform on the platform. Focus first on going viral with creator videos or affiliate posts. Once your brand gains traction, introduce live streaming to convert that attention into sales. Small, consistent lives help you test what works before scaling up to six-figure showcases.

Plan Live Streams Like Major Product Launches

Successful TikTok lives don’t happen by chance. The best-performing brands treat them like full-scale marketing campaigns. Give your audience a clear reason to show up — a product launch, anniversary, or special offer. Create excitement early through teaser content, influencer support, and email marketing. The more you plan the theme and storytelling, the more engagement and conversions you’ll drive.

Keep Testing and Refreshing to Stay Relevant

TikTok’s algorithm and audiences move fast, so constant testing is key. Try new product bundles, seasonal themes, and surprise elements to keep viewers watching. Study what converts — the words hosts use, how products are presented, and what visuals grab attention. Use that data to improve every live stream. The more you adapt, the longer you’ll stay ahead of competitors and keep sales growing.

Takeaways:

• The path to a six-figure TikTok Live isn’t instant—it’s all about building up, learning your craft, and understanding what really resonates with your audience before going big. Start small, optimize, then go for the showcase!
• TikTok Shop’s showcase (UK) and mega live (US) events can turn eCommerce brands into household names. It’s not just about selling, but creating a true event, a reason for people to join and get excited.
• Don’t rush into livestreaming on TikTok Shop. Ben says to first go viral organically—let the algorithm and community discover you, then tap into live once there’s real momentum. Viral first, live next!
• The secret sauce for TikTok live success? Continuous testing of product bundles, creative giveaways, and engaging themes that keep customers curious and coming back. Refresh, innovate, and your audience will grow!
• TikTok Shop actively supports its top sellers, even helping with traffic and subsidizing discounts for big live events. Build your presence and they’ll soon be helping you hit those huge numbers.

 

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/281

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Beth is a social and influencer strategist with over a decade of experience leading content, social and influencer for some of the most well-known brands, including TikTok and Deliveroo. She’s the co-founder of Slice, a social media consultancy.

Discover how to grow your brand on TikTok without chasing trends. Beth shares proven organic and search-driven strategies for lasting success.

Dive in:

[06:13] Strategic Content Planning for TikTok

[08:36] TikTok's Personalized Content Strategy

[13:23] Integrating Teams for Cross-Platform Success

[16:40] TikTok Content Indexing Tips

[19:15] TikTok Trends: Fleeting Brand Impact

[24:12] Influencer Collaboration Strategy Considerations

[26:43] Optimizing TikTok Collaboration Strategy

[29:12] Insider Tips from Beth!

Start with Strategy, Not Tactics

Before jumping onto TikTok or any social platform, Beth stresses the importance of having a clear social strategy. Instead of just following the latest trends or joining because “everyone else is there,” brands should first determine their goals—whether it’s increasing sales, building awareness, or changing brand perception. By understanding what you want social to do for your brand, you can decide if TikTok is the right platform for you and make more focused decisions about your content and resources.

Focus and Consistency Matter More Than Doing Everything

With TikTok offering a wealth of features and content possibilities, it’s easy for brands—especially those with small teams—to get overwhelmed. Beth’s advice: don’t get distracted by all the options. Instead, honestly assess your resources and pick one or two tactics you can commit to. Then, go all in. Consistency is the key to lasting success on social platforms. Doing a few things very well, over time, is more effective than trying to do everything poorly or sporadically.

Leverage the Power of Social Search and Collaboration

TikTok isn’t just a ‘trending’ platform—it’s quickly becoming a powerful search engine, especially for younger audiences. Beth encourages brands to think about how their content can be discovered over time, not just through the For You Page (FYP), but also via search. Integrate SEO strategies by collaborating with your SEO team and using tools like TikTok’s Creator Search Insights. Also, don’t feel you must create everything yourself; leveraging partnerships with creators and using user-generated content can increase reach and authenticity. Remember to target both niche and broader audiences to expand your impact.

Takeaways:

• Drowning in to-do’s for TikTok? Beth says: pick ONE or TWO content ideas and go all in. You don’t need to do everything—just do what you can consistently and well for truly organic growth.
• The real 'targeting' on TikTok is your content. Focus on what your audience actually wants to see, not just what your brand wants to say. It’s the best way to land in their For You Page.
• Jumping on the latest viral trend? Beth’s advice: pause and ask "why?" Views don’t always equal brand impact. Making memorable, episodic content might serve you better in the long run.
• Want your TikTok videos to show up in searches? Optimize what you say in your videos, the captions, and even the on-screen text. Social search is growing—time for brands to get strategic.
• Creators aren’t just for big launches. Work with smaller creators, try different content types, and think about boosting their posts instead of just your own. Collaboration beats chasing every trend.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/280 

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Leila Kimiai-Nia is a business coach at Emoceansdeep, and a former TikTok Shop seller turned trainer. She now helps her clients build their TikTok Shop sales for the long term via livestreams.

Dive in:

[05:01] TikTok Shop Success Through Consistency

[06:51] Bridging Sales and Wellness Gaps

[12:33] "Sustaining Live Streaming Success"

[14:06] Consistent Branding with Multiple Presenters

[18:01] Nervous System Regulation for Burnout

[21:33] Expanding Capacity Through Small Moments

[25:17] Pace Yourself in Content Creation

[28:02] Insider Tips from Leila!

Consistency is the Key to TikTok Growth

TikTok’s algorithm rewards brands that show up regularly. Daily live streams can boost traffic, but only if you can sustain them. Consistency keeps your audience engaged and teaches the algorithm to send you more of the right shoppers. Even if you can’t start daily, stick to a regular schedule that you can handle. Build slowly to avoid overwhelming yourself and losing momentum.

Energy Management Directly Impacts Sales

Live streaming is not just a technical task — it’s a performance. If you are tired or stressed, it shows, and your conversion rates will drop. Leila teaches that nervous system regulation is critical for long-term success. Breathwork, short breaks, and even music can help you reset between streams. Protecting your energy means better results and a business that can grow without burning you out.

Scale with a Team and a Plan

One person cannot handle endless live streams alone. As you grow, bring in affiliate creators and presenters to share the load. Keep everyone aligned with your brand style so the algorithm doesn’t get confused. Use multiple “cogs” — live streaming, affiliates, ads, and content — to scale sustainably. This approach keeps sales strong and prevents you from hitting a plateau.

Takeaways:

• TikTok Live isn’t just about sales—it’s about emotional stamina. Burnout can kill the vibe, so taking care of your energy and mental health is essential if you want long-term success in live eCommerce.
• Consistency on TikTok Live powers growth, but don’t let hustle culture push you too far. Start with what you can handle, set boundaries, and scale your frequency only as your capacity grows.
• Success on TikTok Live isn’t just algorithms and content—it’s knowing yourself. Self-awareness helps you notice stress before it becomes burnout, so you can show up strong and sustainable.
• Nervous system regulation is the secret weapon for live sellers. Small daily rituals, like deep breathing or a quick dance, train you to handle pressure and stay grounded when the spotlight’s on.
• Think TV shopping for a new generation—but with fewer breaks and even more pressure. If you want sustainable TikTok Live sales, build a team, rotate hosts, and prioritize wellness alongside revenue.

 

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/279

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Rich Evans is the founder and reluctant managing director at Get Better an agency focused on building personalised email marketing that helps their clients reach their full growth potential. Clients include Absolute Collagen, Myomaster, and Pott Candles.

Dive in:

[06:05] Yotpo Challenges Klaviyo in eCommerce

[08:17] Feedback and Strategy Issues Uncovered

[12:30] Black Friday Preparation Timeline

[16:14] Pre-Black Friday Preparation Urgency

[17:05] Black Friday: Capturing Customer Insights

[22:51] Email Marketing Insights with Rich

[23:35] Insider Tips from Rich!

Mystery Shop Your Own Website

Rich Evans’ first big tip is simple but powerful — act like a customer. Open your website in an incognito browser and sign up for your own popup. Follow the entire journey from signup to receiving the first email to making a purchase. This lets you spot broken flows, confusing steps, or missing discounts before your real customers do. Fixing these issues now can dramatically improve your conversions before Black Friday.

Collect Zero-Party Data for Smarter Marketing

Black Friday is a chance to build your list, not just drive sales. Ask new customers simple questions like whether they’re shopping for themselves or buying a gift. This small piece of data lets you personalize follow-up emails and offers, keeping customers engaged after peak season. It prevents irrelevant messages that cause unsubscribes. The more relevant your marketing, the more likely you’ll turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

Act Quickly if You’re Affected by Yotpo’s Exit

For brands still using Yotpo email, time is critical. Migrate before Black Friday or risk broken campaigns during the busiest time of year. Rich stresses that while Yotpo’s decision was right, the timing is tough. Don’t wait until December — make a plan now and switch to a stable platform like Klaviyo, Omnisend, or another trusted provider. Acting early avoids chaos and ensures you have time to test everything before peak traffic hits.

Takeaways:

• Partnerships are at the heart of growth—not just in business, but in culture. Connect, collaborate, and be laser-focused in your niche. The impact of genuine networks will always serve you right.
• Email marketing isn’t just tech: it’s about truly knowing your customers. Ask if they’re buying for themselves or gifting—tiny questions, huge insights for personalized experiences and better relationships.
• Cultural shifts happen fast—remember the YOTPO email exit? Adaptability and supportive networks help brands survive even public shakeups. Don’t rely on hype—understand what really matters.
• When optimizing your actions, start by experiencing your own customer journey. Perspective breeds empathy, insight, and real improvement—not just more data.
• AI’s rise is changing how we work, but beware of overusing it. Leverage it to enhance your creativity, not replace it. People crave authenticity—tech is best when it supports, not suppresses, your unique voice.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/278

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Wesley Hartley is Chief Commercial Officer at Leaf. Leaf is a technology and data science company delivering performance intelligence solutions for next-gen eCommerce brands. And they've recently launched a new conversion tracking & monitoring solution called Leaf Signal. 

Dive in:

[05:00] "From Downloads to Engagement Focus"

[08:54] Effective Facebook Ad Data Strategies

[10:00] "eCommerce Tracking: A Critical Gap"

[14:09] "First-Party Cookie Solutions Explained"

[19:08] Core eCommerce Tracking Essentials

[21:53] "Optimizing GA4 and Google Ads"

[27:09] Insider Tips from Wesley!

[34:22] To get your free website tracking & conversion audit, visit leafsignal.com  

Tracking Is the First Profit Lever, Not an Afterthought

Many eCommerce brands focus on ad creative and budgets but ignore tracking. Wesley explains that tracking is the foundation of profitable paid media. If your data is broken or incomplete, ad platforms cannot optimize properly. This means wasted spend and poor targeting. Fixing tracking should be your priority before scaling campaigns.

Capture the Right Events to Power Smarter Ads

Wesley highlights five must-have events: page view, product view, add-to-cart, checkout, and purchase. These give ad platforms the signals they need to target the right buyers. Missing mid-funnel events leads to weaker smart bidding and retargeting. Even small tracking gaps can cost you revenue. Capturing full event data — including product and customer details — gives you a big edge.

Tracking Isn’t “Set and Forget” — Monitor It Continuously

Even if your tracking is correct today, it can break tomorrow. Cookie banner changes, site updates, or platform shifts can silently stop data from flowing. That means ad performance suffers, often without you noticing. Wesley recommends using monitoring tools or specialists to keep tracking healthy. Treat tracking as an ongoing process, not a one-time task. 

Takeaways:

• Data-driven marketing is everything, but your tracking must be right! If your data isn’t accurate, your ad spend loses impact. Make tracking & analytics a priority—profitability depends on it.
• Think your eCom tracking’s bulletproof? Most brands have gaps—sometimes they’re losing big, and don’t know it! Regular audits and expert input can uncover serious wins.
• Relying on basic tracking apps alone isn’t enough, especially as privacy rules evolve. Control your data, hire real specialists, and keep up with compliance for sustainable growth.
• Don’t just focus on ad creatives—without quality tracking, the platforms can’t optimize for real results. Data is what trains algorithms to drive profit and retention.
• Tracking isn’t “set and forget.” With privacy changes and new tech, constant monitoring is key. Today’s good data flow could break tomorrow—stay alert and build resilience for peak seasons.

Episode sponsored by Leaf Signal. To get your free website tracking & conversion audit, visit leafsignal.com.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/277

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

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Karolina Lapinaite is Head of Media at global marketing agency Precis. Working with big global brands from many sectors, she’s all about putting together the on and offline media campaigns that drive BIG results.

Dive in:

[06:30] Targeted Advertising Strategy Insights

[08:22] "Ad Strategy: Broad vs. Targeted"

[11:00] Campaign Strategies: Social vs. Traditional

[15:28] Strategic Media Planning for Brands

[18:54] Out-of-Home Advertising Strategy

[20:26] Flexible Creative Timing

[25:02] Evolving Ad Strategies and Analytics

[27:43] Attention Economy and Brand Focus

[29:45] Insider Tips from Karolina!

Strategy Comes First — Always

Karolina stressed that media buying should start with a clear strategy, not a channel decision. Don’t just say, “Let’s run some TV ads.” First, know your audience and define your goals. Then figure out what data you have and how to use it. Only after that do you choose the best media to reach your audience. This keeps your campaigns focused and cost-effective.

TV and Billboards Aren’t Just for Big Brands

Gone are the days when out-of-home and TV were only for companies with huge budgets. Thanks to digital platforms, it’s easy and affordable to book specific locations, times, and screens. Smaller brands can run highly targeted campaigns in just one city or even around a single store. This approach saves money while still building brand awareness. You can test on a small scale before committing to a big spend.

Test, Measure, and Learn

Measurement isn’t perfect, but it’s better than ever. Use surveys and brand lift studies to see if awareness is growing. Combine that with data models to track trends and spot what’s working. Karolina also encouraged geo-testing — run ads in one location and compare it to a control area. This approach helps you make smarter decisions and improve campaigns over time.

Takeaways:

• The digital shift in “traditional” media means even small brands can try TV spots or billboards. It’s not just big budgets anymore—strategy and creativity matter more than ever.
• Want real impact? Start with your strategy: who’s your audience, what data do you have, and then find the right channels. Don’t just follow the crowd—test, learn, and refine.
• Out of home isn’t just broad reach—digital buying lets you target locations, times, and even tailor creative. Local focus is easier and more affordable than you think.
• Measurement in media is evolving; don’t expect perfect data, but look for patterns and trends. Think uplift, attention, and the bigger picture—not just clicks.
• Testing isn’t just A/B colors. Try geo-tests, new platforms, creative angles—sometimes the untapped channels are where your competition isn’t looking.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/276

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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Anna Ratala is the Marketing Director at podcast advertising platform RedCircle. She’s been DEEP in the world of podcast advertising since 2020 helping all sorts of business growth their revenue from podcast advertising.

Dive in:

[04:58] Podcast Advertising Platform Launch & Closure

[08:17] Podcast Engagement vs. Social Media

[10:36] Identifying Suitable Show Categories

[15:06] Authentic Ads Boost Engagement

[18:21] Tracking Website Visits from Podcasts

[20:10] Podcast Ad Campaign Timeline

[23:00] Podcast Rotation Strategy

[26:05] Insider Tips from Anna!

Podcast Advertising Captures True Attention and Engaged Audiences

Unlike social media ads, where consumers quickly scroll and attention is fragmented, podcast listeners are highly engaged. Anna explains that most listeners are loyal fans who choose to spend significant time with each episode. When hosts discuss a brand, listeners are “really there, listening and engaged,” making it easier for brands to cut through the noise and connect meaningfully. This level of attention leads to better ROI and makes podcast advertising a powerful direct response channel for eCommerce and DTC brands.

Strategic Show Selection & Host-Read Ads Are Essential

Anna underscores that successful podcast advertising isn’t just about picking obvious show categories. Thinking beyond the obvious—like advertising wellness products on true crime podcasts with large female audiences—can uncover even better results. She also emphasizes that host-read ads dramatically outperform generic, programmatic ads. Instead of enforcing scripts, advertisers should provide talking points, letting hosts deliver endorsements in their own voice for maximum authenticity and impact.

Modern Tools Make Podcast Ad Performance Trackable and Optimizable

A major barrier to podcast advertising used to be poor measurement and laborious manual processes. That’s no longer the case. Today, brands can use attribution pixels to track listeners who visit their website after hearing an ad, providing real data to evaluate campaign performance. Anna suggests treating podcast ads as an ongoing, test-and-optimize channel, similar to paid social. Start with a rotation of shows, double down on top-performers, replace poor performers, and steadily refine your campaign. With budgets starting at around $20–25k for meaningful results, podcast advertising is now a robust, measurable channel for growth, not just awareness.

Takeaways:

• Podcast advertising stands out because listeners are engaged and loyal to their favorite shows. Instead of chasing attention, brands on podcasts capture it. ROI is higher, and performance is easier to track than ever before.
• The best podcast ad? Let the host speak in their own voice. Authentic recommendations connect with audiences and drive real action.
• Podcast listeners aren’t just background noise—they’re invested. Whether it’s a true crime series or a wellness chat, the connection is personal. Even unexpected show genres can become powerful brand partners.
• Thinking about reallocating ad budgets? Anna suggests you can launch a podcast campaign in just a couple weeks—and track site visits as your first sign of real engagement.
• Testing podcast ads this peak season could give you an edge. Start with shows your customer loves. Rotate, refine, and keep optimizing—commit to ongoing campaigns for maximum growth.

Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/275 

**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy