In this episode of Marketing Movers, I chat with Ilan Nass, Chief Revenue Officer of Taktical Digital. Ilan shares his journey from building websites as a teen to founding a successful performance marketing agency with clients like WeWork and BarkBox. He shares his experience scaling from a small team to 70 people, creating effective client relationships, and aligning incentives.
Ilan also shares insights on the impact of AI on marketing and the focus of their new creative venture, Studio T.
00:00 - The Journey to Founding Taktical Digital
03:28 - Early Challenges and Finding the Right Model
07:44 - Building Client Relationships: Lessons from BarkBox
11:05 - Scaling Up: From Few Clients to Growth
15:10 - Creating a Performance-Based Compensation Structure
18:58 - Strategic Client Selection and Expanding Services
23:06 - Challenges of Being a Broad vs. Niche Agency
29:20 - Changes in the Market and Agency Strategy
33:28 - Breaking into Big Brands: Insights and Approaches
36:30 - Evolving Sales Process and Faster Client Engagement
42:34 - AI's Impact on Marketing and Agency Operations
48:04 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans
🔗 Connect with Ilan Nass:
Ilan Nass' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilannass/
Taktical website: taktical.co
Alessandro Bogliari is the CEO of the Influencer Marketing Factory, a data-driven agency that’s helped brands like Google and Snapchat connect with audiences through influencers. Alessandro shared his journey from teenage entrepreneur to running one of the fastest-growing companies in influencer marketing. We discussed his approach to growth hacking, creating value through research, and why his agency prioritizes long-term client and team satisfaction.
00:00 - Alessandro's Journey as an Entrepreneur
03:00 - Early Growth Hacking and Launching First Startups
06:15 - Transition from Growth Hacking to Influencer Marketing
10:30 - Developing a Data-Driven Approach in Influencer Marketing
12:08 - Market Research and Leveraging Reports for Authority
16:45 - Organizing Large-Scale Research for Content Insights
20:12 - The Rise and Future of the Creator Economy
22:36 - Navigating Competition in Influencer Marketing
24:30 - Creating Original, High-Quality Content Consistently
25:50 - Strategic Growth and Agency Management
28:55 - Key Tactics for Acquiring New Clients: SEO, Positioning, Networking
36:05 - Staying Updated in the Influencer Marketing Space
42:07 - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Alessandro
🔗 Connect with Alessandro Bogliari:
Alessandro's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandrobogliari/
The Influencer Marketing Factory's website: https://theinfluencermarketingfactory.com/
Alessandro's email: alessandro@theinfluencermarketingfactory.com
In this episode of Marketing Movers, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan Snow, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z. Jonathan went from being a dentist in the Air Force to launching e-commerce brands and then founding a top-performing digital marketing agency.
Jonathan gets into how Avenue Z is acquiring new agencies, his take on AI in advertising, and why TikTok Shop could be the latest untapped opportunity.
00:00 - From Dentistry to Digital Marketing: A Unique Journey
04:39 - The Evolution of Avenue Z: Agency Growth and Acquisitions
13:01 - Navigating the E-commerce Landscape: Strategies for Success
20:25 - The Power of Inbound Marketing: Building a Reputation
28:14 - Future Trends: AI and the Next Phase of Marketing
🔗 Connect with Dr. Jonathan Snow:
Dr. Jonathan Snow's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonsnow/
Dr. Jonathan Snow's Newsletter: blog.jonathansnow.com
Dr. Jonathan Snow's Email: jon@avenuez.com
Ivan Vislavskiy, CEO of Comrade Digital Marketing and COO of Grow Law Firm shares his journey from agency work to building his own company. He breaks down the lessons he learned in scaling and the importance of a specialized niche for growth. He also discusses his strategic goals, including leveraging AI for process optimization and a path toward reaching $100 million in revenue through diversified marketing approaches.
00:00 - The Journey Begins: Ivan's Story
04:40 - Transition from Employee to Business Owner
07:07 - Overcoming Challenges: The Early Days of Agency Life
09:23 - Key Lessons in Business Management and Financial Education
12:13 - Finding the Right Partners: A Pivotal Moment
16:25 - Structuring and Growing with a Business Partner
19:50 - Setting Ambitious Goals: The Path to Growth
23:50 - Expanding into Niche Markets and Industries
29:16 - Effective Outbound Strategies: Using Gifting and SEO
31:22 - The Omni-Channel Approach to Client Acquisition
35:38 - Adapting to Change: The Role of AI in Marketing
39:04 - Staying Connected: How to Reach Ivan
🔗 Connect with Ivan Vislavskiy:
Ivan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-vislavskiy-53bb559/
Ivan's email: ivan@comradeweb.com
Comrade Digital Marketing's website: https://comradeweb.com/
In this episode of Marketing Movers, I chat with Mark Renahan, the Vice President of Business Development at Ignite Visibility Franchise. Mark brings over 12 years of experience in the franchising industry, starting from his time with Altitude Trampoline Parks to leading business development at Integrated Digital Strategies (IDS) and now overseeing the franchise division at Ignite Visibility.
He shares the impact of IDS’s merger with Ignite Visibility, expanding their services and creating new growth opportunities.
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:41 - Expansion of Services After the Merger
06:40 - Driving Leads with Hyperlocal Strategies
08:22 - Streamlining Processes with AI Tools
22:10 - The Impact of Technology on the Industry
27:22 - Educational Content by CEO John Lincoln
28:59 - Conclusion
🔗 Connect with Mark Renehan:
Mark Renehan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-renehan-7b821874/
Ignite Visibility website: ignitevisibility.com
Integrated Digital Services website: https://www.idigitalstrategies.com/
John Lincoln of Ignite Visibility Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnelincoln/
In this episode of Marketing Movers, we sit down with John Moran, Co-founder of Solutions 8 and an expert in digital advertising and agency growth. From building multiple successful agencies, exiting for eight-figure sums, to scaling businesses through strategic Google Ads campaigns, John’s journey is full of actionable insights.
He shares his self-taught path in digital marketing, how he hit rock bottom only to build one of the top Google Ads agencies, and the importance of setting client expectations.
00:00 - Introduction and John's Background
02:39 - Starting Solutions 8: From Struggles to Growth
07:52 - The Power of Niching Down: Choosing the Right Focus
13:13 - Valuation and Scaling: Strategies in a Niche Market
17:46 - Understanding CAC, LTV, and Building Efficient Processes
19:58 - Hiring the Right People for Agency Success
20:58 - Selling the Agency and Leveraging Freelancers for Growth
26:23 - Adapting to the Changing Digital Marketing Landscape
31:28 - Prioritizing Business Metrics Over In-App Metrics
38:58 - Questioning Google's Recommendations for Better Results
42:50 - Setting the Right Expectations with Clients
🔗 Connect with John Moran:
John Moran's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmorangads/
In this episode of Marketing Movers, we chat with Kristen Harrison, Director of Business Development at WebStrategies Inc., a Virginia-based digital marketing agency with a 20-year legacy. She shares her insights on building and nurturing long-term client relationships, focusing on niche verticals like credit unions, and adapting to the ever-changing marketing landscape.
Kristen’s story is full of lessons on grit, adaptability, and the importance of data-driven strategies.
00:00 - Introduction and Background of Kristen Harrison
01:19 - The Power of Sharing Stories and Experiences
06:05 - Kristen’s Diverse Career Path and Adapting to Different Selling Styles
09:55 - Challenges in Digital Marketing and Importance of Continuous Learning
16:28 - Focus on Specific Verticals: Credit Unions and B2B Manufacturing
25:39 - Embracing Change and the Impact of AI in Marketing
🔗 Connect with Kristin Harrison:
Kristin Harrison's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-harrison/
Kristin's Harrison's email: kristin@webstrategiesinc.com
Web Strategies Inc. website: https://www.webstrategiesinc.com/
In this episode of Marketing Movers, we sit down with Lindsay Maddox, CEO of Digital Third Coast, a digital marketing agency that's been delivering results for 17 years. She shares her journey from sales to CEO, highlighting her theater background and how it shaped her approach to client relationships and leadership.
She also dives into the strategies behind building a stable agency, the importance of client fit, and the evolving landscape of SEO and digital marketing.
00:00 - Introduction to Lindsay Maddox and Digital Third Coast
02:24 - Importance of Long-Term Client Relationships
03:32 - Leveraging Theater Skills in Sales
07:09 - Diving Into Clients’ True Needs and Goals
08:23 - Proving Value Without Guarantees
13:27 - Finding the Right Clients and Establishing Fit
20:07 - Digital Third Coast's Marketing Strategies
24:03 - Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Growth
26:27 - Networking and Building Genuine Relationships
29:00 - Annual SWOT Analysis: Enhancing Team Collaboration
32:57 - Using Automation for Efficiency in Marketing
37:07 - Navigating Industry Changes and Emphasizing Human Connection
42:38 - Improving Reporting: Tracking Specific Tactics
44:54 - Top Resources and Influencers in Marketing
🔗 Connect with Lyndsey Maddox:
Lyndsey Maddox's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseykramer/
Digital Third Coast website: https://www.digitalthirdcoast.com/
CJ Bachman, CEO of 1SEO, a full-service agency known for generating tens of millions of leads. With over 12 years of experience, CJ shares her journey from starting as a project manager to becoming CEO. She shares 1SEO's focus on providing tailored solutions for specific industries emphasizing the human-to-human connection that drives their success.
00:00 - CJ Bachmann’s Journey to the Top
11:24 - Focusing on Key Niches
16:04 - Winning Clients Across Channels
17:38 - Staying Updated with Industry Trends
20:38 - Growing Services and New Departments
🔗 Connect with CJ Bachmann:
CJ Bachmann's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbachmann/?trk=prof-sm
1SEO's website: https://1seo.com/
Meet Alex Sunshine, founder of Rising Suns Agency, a social media influencer agency that has worked with Pfizer, Bumble and DraftKings. He emphasizes the shift from media conglomerates to everyday people as the source of information and the need for infrastructure to support creators at scale. Alex shares his journey in the influencer marketing space and the direction he sees it heading.
00:00 - Intro to Rising Suns Agency
03:08 - Influencer Marketing Evolution
09:47 - Adapting to Industry Changes as a Creator
12:03 - Tech's Impact on Influencer Marketing
18:47 - Tactics for Agency Expansion
21:32 - Engaging with Brands and Agencies
23:35 - Commitment to Creator Success
26:56 - Venturing into New Content Areas
28:31 - Diversifying Content Strategy
32:13 - Cultivating a Robust Personal Brand
34:04 - Leveraging Social Media Effectively
37:12 - Entrepreneurial Mindset in Media
🔗 Connect with Alex Sunshine:
Alex Sunshine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-sunshine-5b63b48b/
Rising Sun's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingsunsagency/?hl=en
Rising Sun's website: https://www.risingsunsagency.com/
Rising Sun's email: info@risingsunsagency.com
Joanna is the Managing Director of Growth at Marketbridge. Marketbridge is a unique hybrid of a management consultancy and a marketing agency serving major Fortune 50 brands.
In this episode, she dives into the importance of connectivity and cross-training within teams to create seamless go-to-market strategies.
00:00 - Introduction to MarketBridge
02:13 - Integrated Teams and Effective Communication
06:43 - Why Your Go-To-Market is Not Working
10:32 - The Future of the Industry
16:34 - Crafting Effective Go-to-Market Strategies
19:57 - Inside MarketBridge’s Marketing Approach
22:50 - Conclusion and How to Connect
🔗 Connect with Joanna Bittle:
Joanna Bittle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannabittle
Marketbridge's website: https://marketbridge.com/
Scott Emalfarb, founder and CEO of Fresh Content Society, joins us on Marketing Movers to discuss the importance of organic social media and community building for brands. FCS is an award-winning social media agency that has worked with brands like National Geographic, KFC, Big League Chew, and more. Scott discusses the challenges of going viral, the importance of having an "engagement-first" mindset, and the strategy behind FCS’s success.
🔗 Connect with Scott Emalfarb:
Scott Emalfarb’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottemalfarb/
FCS's website: https://freshcontentsociety.com/
Alex Melen is the founder of SmartSites, an agency that has been recognized on the Forbes 5000 fastest-growing company 8 years in a row. His full-service digital marketing agency has over four hundred full-time employees and six offices worldwide.
In this episode, Alex covers everything from starting one of the first & largest free web hosting providers as a teen to what has fueled growth for SmartSites to the changes he is seeing in the digital landscape.
Chapters:
00:30 Introduction to Alex Mellon and SmartSites
03:11 T35 Hosting and the Rise of Free Web Hosting
13:24 Starting SmartSites
19:30 Finding their Value Add
22:08 SmartSite's Strategic Focus
24:21 Shifting from Low-Cost to Value
27:36 The Importance of Reputation
30:17 SmartSite's Growth
41:14 Adapting to Potential Disruption
🔗 Connect with Alex Melen:
* Alex Melen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmelen/
* SmartSites Website: https://www.smartsites.com/
* Alex Melen’s Book: Automotive Research Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637352115?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JNYFHTZ177M591DCRSZT