Ad Nerds

By Ad Nerds

The Ad Nerds Podcast is hosted by advertising savant Ken 'Spanky' Moskowitz.

Ken delivers on anything and everything in the space of Branding, Marketing and Advertising, making Ad Nerds the go-to sou... more

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FAQs about Ad Nerds:

How many episodes does Ad Nerds have?

The podcast currently has 126 episodes available.

Ad Nerds episodes:

August 21, 2024 #78: Crafting Effective Campaigns and Leveraging Digital Platforms
Welcome to the Ad Nerds Podcast, the only show where you can ask your branding, advertising, and marketing questions and get real-time answers. Hosted by Spanky Moskowitz, a nearly 40-year veteran of the ad industry, this podcast is your go-to source for advertising insights and strategies. From working with giants like Chevrolet, Tiffany & Co., Budweiser, and the NFL, to generating billions in client revenue for countless small businesses, Spanky brings unparalleled expertise to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing. Tune in to learn how to get the attention of small business owners, build powerful campaigns, and convert your audience into paying customers.

## Show Notes:

0:01 - Introduction to the Ad Nerds Podcast
Spanky Moskowitz welcomes listeners to the podcast and gives an overview of his extensive experience in the ad industry.

1:27 - Listener Question: Targeting a Narrow Niche Market
Will seeks advice on reaching a very small target audience of about 50 potential customers in state agencies across the US.
Spanky's recommendations:
- Use LinkedIn for targeting employees of state agencies
- Create Google ads that follow potential customers around the web
- Leverage video testimonials for credibility
- Utilize email campaigns with enriched data

6:57 - Listener Question: Building Upon "Don't Be a Zero" Campaign
Russell from New Zealand provides an update on his video for the "Don't Be a Zero" review campaign.
Spanky's feedback:
- Increase urgency and speed in the video
- Consider using real people instead of animated characters
- Create a series of short ads featuring "witness protected" store owners who are "zeros"

15:30 - Promotion for BAM (Branding, Advertising & Marketing)
Spanky introduces BAM, his service for small businesses to compete with big brands on a budget.

16:41 - Listener Question: Dealing with SEO Challenges
Rob discusses the difficulties faced by his consumer law firm website after Google's helpful content update.
Spanky's advice:
- Shift focus from SEO to storytelling and content marketing
- Create blog posts with real stories of clients' experiences
- Promote blog posts through Google Ads and Facebook
- Consider creative offline marketing tactics, like a branded "lemon" car

29:52 - Listener Question: Event-Based Advertising for Food Trucks
Charlene, a food truck owner, asks about effective advertising strategies for events.
Spanky's recommendations:
- Use Facebook's Ad Manager to schedule targeted ads
- Start promoting events 2-3 days in advance
- Create geo-targeted ads for the day of the event
- Leverage location-based opportunities, even at places like universities

35:55 - Closing Remarks
Spanky encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
...more
37min
June 28, 2024#77 - Navigating AI and IP and How To Stay Out Of Trouble
Welcome to the Ad Nerds Podcast, the ultimate resource for anyone invested in the world of advertising. Hosted by Spanky Moskowitz, a nearly 40-year veteran in the industry, this episode dives deep into the complex world of AI and intellectual property. Special guest and IP attorney James Smedley joins Spanky to discuss the legal intricacies of using AI in advertising. From who owns the content created by AI to the potential pitfalls small businesses might face, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice. Whether you're a seasoned advertiser or just starting out, the Ad Nerds Podcast is your go-to source for the latest trends and expert guidance in advertising.

Key Moments
00:00 - Introduction
Spanky Moskowitz introduces the unique format of today's episode, focusing on AI and intellectual property with special guest James Smedley.
01:30 - AI and IP Ownership
Discussion begins on the ownership of content created using AI tools. James Smedley explains the factors that determine whether the user or the tool creator holds the intellectual property rights.
04:00 - Legal Framework for AI Content
Detailed analysis of how different types of intellectual property—patents, trademarks, copyrights—are affected by AI-generated content. James emphasizes the importance of understanding platform terms of service.
06:45 - Specific Case: MidJourney Example
Spanky shares a personal example of creating a unique image using MidJourney and questions about IP ownership. James explains the nuances of creativity levels required for copyright protection.
09:30 - Risks for Small Businesses Using AI
Addressing concerns about small businesses using AI for advertising, including the potential for confidentiality breaches and the importance of checking content for accuracy and alignment with brand messaging.
12:45 - Ethical Considerations and Deceptive Practices
Discussion on the ethical use of AI-generated imagery in advertising, particularly for sensitive industries such as healthcare and senior living, ensuring truthful representation.
15:00 - Parody and Deepfakes
Exploration of legal precedents and regulations concerning parody and deepfakes, highlighting the balance between creative freedom and legal restrictions.
18:30 - Practical Advice for Advertisers
James provides practical advice for advertisers on how to safely and effectively incorporate AI into their marketing strategies without crossing legal boundaries.
21:00 - SBA Membership Promo
Spanky introduces the Small Business Advertising Association (SBA) and its benefits, offering big agency expertise at an affordable price to help small businesses succeed.
23:00 - Closing Remarks
Final thoughts from Spanky and James, including encouragement to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on various platforms.
24:00 - Outro
Spanky wraps up the episode and thanks listeners for tuning in.
...more
22min
June 14, 2024#76 - Maximizing Your Brand's Impact: Creative Strategies, Overcoming Digital Hurdles, and Building Customer Loyalty
Welcome to the Ad Nerds Podcast, the only show where you can ask your branding, advertising, and marketing questions and get real-time answers. Hosted by Spanky Moskowitz, a nearly 40-year veteran of the ad industry, this podcast is your go-to source for advertising insights and strategies. From working with giants like Chevrolet, Tiffany & Co., Budweiser, and the NFL, to generating billions in client revenue for countless small businesses, Spanky brings unparalleled expertise to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing. Tune in to learn how to get the attention of small business owners, build powerful campaigns, and convert your audience into paying customers.

Show Notes:
0:04 - Introduction to the Ad Nerds Podcast
Spanky Moskowitz welcomes listeners to the podcast and gives an overview of his extensive experience in the ad industry.
1:30 - Listener Question: Building Out "Don't Be a Zero" Campaign
Russell from New Zealand seeks advice on expanding the "Don't Be a Zero" review campaign.

Spanky's recommendations: Use digital and out-of-home campaigns, including digital billboards, and create engaging and fun content.
6:30 - Discussion on Billboard Advertising
Spanky discusses the efficacy and cost of billboards in the U.S. versus other parts of the world.

Tips on finding underpriced billboards and making billboard messages clear and concise.
11:00 - Listener Question: Stuck in Creative Process for Branding
April is struggling with overcomplicating her brand messaging.

Spanky's advice: Keep it simple and memorable, focus on creating an emotional connection, and use tactile and impactful messaging.
16:30 - Listener Question: Shadow Banning on Meta Platforms
Joe is dealing with shadow banning issues for boutique companies making pocket knives and other items.

Spanky's solution: Create siloed accounts with unique data fields and consider moving to TikTok for organic content.
24:00 - Spanky's Thoughts on Platform Viability
Discussion on the future of TikTok and the viability of using it for advertising despite current controversies.
28:00 - Promotion for BAM (Branding, Advertising & Marketing)
Spanky introduces BAM, his service for small businesses to compete with big brands on a budget.

Encouragement to join BAM for access to Spanky's extensive experience and expertise.
30:00 - Closing Remarks
Spanky encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

Sign off and thanks to listeners.
...more
24min
June 07, 2024#75 - Finding Your Right Audience, Brand V Marketing, How To Move A Massive Following and More
Welcome to the Ad Nerds Podcast, the only show in the world where you can ask your branding, advertising, and marketing questions and get real-time answers. Hosted by Spanky Moskowitz, a nearly 40-year veteran of the ad industry, this podcast is your go-to source for advertising insights and strategies. From working with giants like Chevrolet, Tiffany & Co., Budweiser, and the NFL, to generating billions in client revenue for countless small businesses, Spanky brings unparalleled expertise to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing. Tune in to learn how to find your right audience, distinguish between branding and marketing, and convert a massive following into paying customers.

Show Notes:
0:04 - Introduction to the Ad Nerds Podcast
Spanky Moskowitz welcomes listeners to the podcast.

Overview of Spanky's extensive experience in the ad industry.
1:06 - Listener Question: Marketing Strategy for a Food Truck
Charlene from Upstate New York seeks advice on marketing a new catering service for college students.

Spanky's recommendations: Use Instagram and TikTok to create enticing food videos, build interest with testimonials, and execute a targeted 48-hour paid media push.
5:22 - Listener Question: Attracting the Right Customers for Outdoor Structures Business
Jim from Pennsylvania wants to attract high-value customers for his pergolas and gazebos.

Spanky's advice: Retarget Google Ads data on visual platforms, use old-school tactics like lawn signs and postcards, and combine digital and traditional marketing strategies.
17:20 - Differences Between Branding and Marketing
Spanky explains the key differences: Branding is long-term, builds loyalty, and creates value and feelings, while marketing is short-term, builds responses, and is transactional.
20:38 - Listener Question: Converting TikTok Followers to Paying Customers
Anita from California asks how to monetize a large TikTok following for a couple’s therapy business.

Spanky's suggestions: Charge a nominal fee for valuable video content to increase perceived value, and follow up with a sales sequence via email.
24:25 - Listener Question: Branding Strategies for a Wealth Coach
Neal, a wealth coach, seeks advice on branding in the coaching industry.

Spanky's guidance: Offer valuable, microscopic content without an immediate ask to build trust and loyalty, then retarget with offers.
27:47 - Listener Question: Moving Excess Inventory for a Supplement Business
Taz from Orlando needs to clear out old stock of amino acid supplements.

Spanky's strategy: Conduct a blowout sale for old flavors, use targeted ads to drive traffic, and retarget with new products for upsells.
34:37 - Closing Remarks
Spanky shares additional insights and wraps up the episode.

Encouragement to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
35:53 - Outro
Spanky signs off and thanks listeners.
...more
37min
May 15, 2024We 5/15 - Apple Flops | Smart Tech = Dumb Humans | What's Your Plan B
On today's episode Spanky dives into breaking news, major ad blunders, and insightful marketing tips. Netflix shocks the TV world by landing a deal to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas, marking a significant move into live sports. Meanwhile, Apple faces backlash for a controversial ad, leading to an apology from their VP of Marketing. Spanky also explores the importance of sensory advertising, the rising customer acquisition costs for DTC brands, and how Amazon could be their savior. Plus, he offers five essentials for crafting the perfect welcome email for new subscribers. Tune in for a blend of breaking news, expert insights, and actionable advice to elevate your advertising game.
00:00 - Intro and Overview
Introduction to today's topics: Netflix's NFL deal, Apple's ad flop, sensory advertising, DTC brands' customer acquisition costs, and email marketing tips.
01:20 - Breaking News: Netflix Lands Live NFL Games
Netflix secures a three-year deal to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas, positioning itself as a major player in live sports.
03:30 - Apple's Ad Flop and Apology
Discussion on Apple's controversial ad titled "Crush," which received backlash for its destructive theme, leading to an apology from Apple's VP of Marketing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntjkwIXWtrc
07:15 - The Importance of Sensory Advertising
Spanky emphasizes the power of sensory advertising and how modern ads often fail to engage all senses effectively.
10:45 - DTC Brands and Amazon: A New Hope?
Analysis of how DTC brands are turning to Amazon to solve rising customer acquisition costs and the pros and cons of this strategy.
15:30 - The Downside of Technological Advancements
Reflection on how technology, despite its promises, can diminish critical thinking and lead to burnout.
20:20 - Five Essentials for Crafting the Perfect Welcome Email
Spanky outlines the five key elements of an effective welcome email to engage new subscribers and set the tone for a strong relationship.
...more
22min
June 28, 2023We 6/28 - Hitting Pause For Cancer Treatment
In the June 28, 2023 episode of the Ad Nerds Podcast, Spanky Moskowitz, a veteran of the advertising industry, took a different route from the usual ad industry news. Instead, he chose to use the platform for a personal public service announcement. Recently diagnosed with lower colorectal cancer, he discusses his experiences with the medical world, his impending treatment journey, and how he expects to be stepping away from the podcast for a few months. He emphasized the importance of routine colorectal screenings, expressing gratitude for his own proactive approach, which allowed for an early diagnosis. As an asymptomatic patient, Spanky underscores the crucial role these screenings play in the detection of such health issues. With a palpable air of optimism, Spanky encourages listeners to prioritize health check-ups and not fear these procedures.

Key Moments:
Spanky reveals his recent diagnosis with lower colorectal cancer (00:07:00)

He highlights the importance of routine colorectal screenings (00:11:45)

Expresses his gratitude towards his medical team at MD Anderson Cancer Center (00:16:30)

Shares the treatment plan and potential outcomes (00:22:45)

Talks about the surgeries he will be undergoing (00:28:45)

Emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment (00:34:00)

He ends the episode with a call to listeners to schedule their colonoscopy appointments (00:39:00)
...more
12min
June 27, 2023Tu 6/27 - Apple Loves Outsiders | Is Pride A PR Move | AI Travel Meets Real World Luggage
In today's episode of the Ad Nerds Podcast, host Spanky Moskowitz takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of the advertising industry, touching on everything from how Apple is leveraging outsider perspectives in its marketing strategy to the creative journey sparked by Amtrak's collaboration with the X Games. Spanky shares his take on the fascinating integration of AI in Away's marketing campaigns and contemplates the potential minefield that Pride month represents for brands attempting to strike a balance in today's divided societal landscape. The icing on the cake? We get an insider's peek into Apple's advertising and marketing strategies through the lens of their Big Gun, Toran. Finally, we are treated to a trip down memory lane with a nod to the iconic Spike Lee, known for his ground-breaking 90s ads, who is once again taking center stage in the industry.
Key Moments:
Direct-to-consumer brand Away integrates AI into marketing (1:22)

First-of-its-kind partnership between X Games and Amtrak (3:09)

Discussion on the challenges brands face in celebrating Pride month (5:52)

Insight into Apple's advertising and marketing strategies with Toran (7:45)

Reflection on the impact of Spike Lee on the advertising industry (10:01)
...more
13min
June 19, 2023Mo 6/19 - Hallucinating Growth | Dupe Culture Helps Brands | The State Of State Of Advertising
In this riveting episode of the Ad Nerds Podcast, host Spanky Moskowitz navigates listeners through the intricate maze of the advertising industry. The episode starts off by exposing the pitfalls of programmatic ads and new throat tools, highlighting the alarming reality that advertisers are losing 23% of their programmatic ad dollars due to a lack of transparency. The discussion then takes a fascinating turn towards the revolutionary advent of Generative AI and AI hallucinations, and how these trippy visions can help small businesses grow their brand. As the episode progresses, Spanky details how to utilize generative AI to supercharge digital marketing efforts and increase customer engagement. Rounding off the discussion, he sheds light on the potential applications of generative AI for small businesses, the emergence of TikTok as a new frontier of strange cultural phenomena, and the current state of the advertising world in 2023.
Key Moments:
Advertisers lose 23% of their programmatic ad dollars due to a lack of transparency (1:34)

Introduction to generative AI and AI hallucinations (3:05)

How small businesses can use AI hallucinations to grow their brand (4:36)

Utilizing generative AI to boost digital marketing efforts and increase customer engagement (5:41)

The potential applications of generative AI for small businesses (7:41)

TikTok as the new frontier of strange cultural phenomena (9:19)

The current state of advertising in 2023 (10:59)
...more
14min
June 16, 2023Fr 6/16 - Lather, Rinse, Repeat | Conservatives Boycott Tony The Tiger | Buyer Personas Are BS
In this captivating episode of Ad Nerds, Spanky whisks us on a fascinating journey across diverse marketing landscapes. From Tony the Tiger stirring controversy at the Tony Awards to the questionable effectiveness of buyer personas in advertising, the discussion takes unexpected turns. Spanky also delves into Timberland's iconic crossover into hip-hop culture and Roku's bold foray into new ad formats. He wraps up with an insightful analysis of McDonald's playful 2023 campaign by DDB Slovenia. This episode is a rollercoaster ride, full of nuggets of wisdom and intriguing perspectives on the evolving world of advertising.
Key Moments
Spanky kicks off with the intriguing idea: "What's Old Is New Again." (0:02)

The playful depiction of a cheeseburger in Vanished Detergents' campaign sparks a thought-provoking discussion. (1:28)

Kellogg's controversy surrounding the 76th annual Tony Awards takes center stage. (2:56)

Spanky debates the implications of recent boycotts initiated by conservatives. (5:26)

The effectiveness of creating buyer personas in advertising comes under scrutiny. (6:51)

Spanky sheds light on the four different buyer types advertisers need to target. (8:19)

The episode dives into Timberland's successful crossover into hip-hop and its cultural significance. (9:22)

Roku's ambitious roll-out of a new lineup of ad-free advertising units is discussed. (11:04)

Spanky wraps up the episode by discussing the new ad formats introduced by Roku, including Marquee spots and interactive ads. (12:29)
...more
15min
June 14, 2023We 6/14 - Ooops It's Wednesday | Apple's Branding Lesson | Doritos And Papa John's Make A Baby
In this episode of Ad Nerds Podcast, aired on WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2023, (not Tuesday) host 'Spanky' Moskowitz delves into the essence of Apple's brand strategy, the exciting collaboration between Papa John's and Doritos aimed at the Gen Z market, and the AI-driven billboard rivalry between fast food giants McDonald's and Burger King. Spanky emphasizes how Apple's innovation, user experience, strong ecosystem, and ability to adapt have contributed to its immense success. He also highlights the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in attracting specific market segments, using the Papa John's-Doritos collaboration as an example. Lastly, the podcast discusses the intriguing use of AI in advertising as illustrated by the playful billboard face-off between McDonald's and Burger King.
Key Moments:
How Apple maintains consumer trust while continuously innovating (1:35)

Discussion on how to emulate Apple’s business model in your business (3:51)

Elucidation on Apple’s strong ecosystem and its importance (6:23)

The importance of the long game in brand-building, as it is a marathon, not a sprint (8:20)

Analysis of Papa John’s and Doritos' high-stakes game of strategy, tapping into the Gen Z market (10:06)

Suggestions on how small businesses can implement aspects of the Papa John’s and Doritos campaigns without breaking the bank (12:31)

Coverage of the burger battle between McDonald's and Burger King (14:51)

Breakdown of dueling billboards and a battle of wits with a chatbot (16:17)
...more
19min

FAQs about Ad Nerds:

How many episodes does Ad Nerds have?

The podcast currently has 126 episodes available.