In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera discusses the importance of integrating AI into marketing strategies and introduces the Marketing Mindshift Academy. As we reach the midpoint of 2025, Vera highlights key statistics from the 2025 State of Marketing AI report, revealing that a significant portion of marketers are already experimenting with AI, but many face education and training barriers. The Marketing Mindshift Academy offers nine comprehensive modules designed to provid...

In this podcast episode, we're examining the concept of agentic AI and how it can be pragmatically applied to marketing within the franchise space. How can you create AI-powered marketing teams that operate autonomously, yet collaboratively, at national, regional, and local levels? The aim is to augment human marketing efforts rather than replace them. Key components include AI agents specialized in research, strategy, content, creative, and analysis, all working in synergy to optimize ...

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq Podcast, Vera takes a look at the latest advancements and features of ChatGPT as of April 9, 2025, with a focus on the newly released image generation feature. Vera discusses her experiences using ChatGPT for various tasks such as creating brand-consistent marketing assets, conducting deep research, managing long-term projects, and more. She also highlights the benefits of using these AI tools to improve productivity and competitiveness in marketing. Additio...

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the concept of performance-based agency models within the franchising world. She discusses whether franchise brands can effectively compensate marketing agencies based on the tangible results they deliver. Vera discusses the appeal of this model for greater accountability, budget-friendliness, and simplicity in communication with franchise owners. She also highlights the perspectives of agencies, covering data transparency concer...

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the key challenges faced by CMOs and marketing leaders, including agency communication, internal team alignment, and overall marketing performance. Drawing from her experience on both the agency side and within franchise brand leadership, she discusses strategies for improving agency relationships, defining clear metrics, and determining an effective meeting structure. The episode also covers the advantages and disadvantages of c...

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq discusses the evolving SEO environment influenced by AI-driven search technologies. She emphasizes that while traditional SEO practices remain relevant, there is a growing need for marketers to adapt to newer AI tools like ChatGPT and diversified platforms beyond Google and Bing. Vera discusses the necessity of maintaining a comprehensive digital presence, optimizing for AI search results, and revisiting KPIs to better measure engagement and conversions. Addi...

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq explores how marketing teams can enhance their strategies by using Microsoft Clarity in conjunction with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Vera provides an in-depth look at the unique features of Clarity, such as session recordings and heatmaps, and discusses how these can offer a more qualitative perspective on user behavior. She also emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative data from GA4 with qualitative insights from Clarity to identify and resolve user...

Winning Franchise Owner Buy-In for Digital Marketing Investments In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, host Vera Shafiq delves into innovative strategies for garnering franchise owner enthusiasm and commitment towards digital marketing. She emphasizes using AI-powered storytelling, interactive dashboards, and gamification to demonstrate the value of digital investments. Vera discusses the importance of personalized marketing plans created via AI tools, connecting real-time data through ...

Non-Obvious Consumer Behavior Shifts for 2025 and How To Adjust Our Marketing Strategies In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera dives into three major consumer behavior shifts anticipated for 2025 that franchise marketers must understand. Instead of predictable topics like AI and personalization, Vera explores under-the-radar changes including: (1) 'The End of Ownership' where consumers prefer access and flexibility over ownership, urging marketers to create on-demand services; (2) ...

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq delves into the critical issue of using AI tools in marketing while safeguarding proprietary and sensitive data. Highlighting popular AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, Vera addresses the concerns surrounding data privacy and security. The episode also explores DeepSeek, a new AI model from China, discussing its potential and inherent risks. Vera shares best practices for utilizing AI tools safely, emphasizing the importance of anonymizin...

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq returns to the podcast with a fresh focus on franchise marketing. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities within the franchise sector, highlighting the importance of consistent branding, local marketing strategies, and data utilization. Vera emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming marketing practices, sharing actionable tips on implementing AI effectively and ethically. The episode also delves into recent social media...

I talk with Max Shafiq (my husband), who is an Enterprise Agile Coach and he explains his role and how Agile brings value to businesses. We also discuss the concept of Agile Marketing and ways in which businesses can start using Agile Marketing to work smarter! Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Agile Sherpas Connect with Vera: Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInF...

What you need to know about CTV advertising to make an educated decision on whether it's right for your marketing strategy. Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30 Connect with Vera: Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse

80% of people who click through to your website are not ready to convert during that visit. But 20% of them are. Why is this not reflected in the average conversion rate of 4%? It's all down to the post-click experience. Listen to this episode to find out how you can streamline your post-click experiences and the types of tools and automation that will help you to scale the effort. Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30 C...

What is marketing attribution and how can we get closer to a true model? What are Unified Marketing Measurement, Marketing Mix Modeling and Multi Touch Attribution? Join me for a discussion on a topic that has kept many a marketer up at night! Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30 Connect with Vera: Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect wi...

What are Google's new Core Web Vitals and how do they fit into the Page Experience update launching in mid-2021? How do you test your website and get it ready for optimal performance against these new ranking factors? All the answers are here! Episode links: Google Page Experience DocumentationUSF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30 Connect with Vera: Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on Link...

This podcast is for you if you want to find out how to advance your learning of and be more immersed in today’s digital marketing landscape. The USF Digital Marketing Certificate was developed for business professionals and offers a comprehensive course on several key elements of Digital Marketing - Strategy, Social, Search, Automation, Content, Analytics, CX and Digital Transformation. Whether you’re a Marketing Professional, or in IT, Finance, HR, Sales, Operations or C Suite,...

What are the differences between Zero, 1st, 2nd and 3rd party data? How should you structure your marketing strategy to make the best use of each? In this episode, I explain how to think of each of these types of data as part of a "data funnel", give tips on how to gather each and talk about why shifting the focus from 3rd party to the other types of data is what marketers should be thinking about. Episode links: USF Digital Marketing Certificate Connect with Vera: Email ...

In this episode, I talk with Crista Grasso, Founder of the Lean Out Method, which she uses to help entrepreneurs simplify success, get off the hustle hamster wheel, and run lean businesses where they optimize what's working and eliminate anything not adding value to their clients and profit to their business. We discuss how the Lean Out Method can be applied not only to businesses but also to your everyday workflow to become more efficient, productive and passionate about your work! Cri...

An in-depth chat with Brad Moran, Co-Founder and CEO of CitrusAd - a retail media platform. We talk about how the platform was born, how marketers can leverage retail media to drive performance and what the future holds for retail media. Episode links: CitrusAd Connect with Vera: Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse