Most marketing teams don’t talk enough about what’s actually working. So in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of our favourite campaigns - from idea to execution - and unpacking the real reasons it delivered.

James and I take you inside the strategy, creative, and chaos of a campaign we ran for a challenger brand that was big on personality, small on budget, and laser-focused on growth. We cover how we landed on the core idea, what made it stick with consumers, and why we almost didn’t run it. Spoiler: sometimes the “least polished” work performs the best.

We also get into:

• How to sell bold ideas into a founder-led team
  

• Why a bit of friction can lead to better creative
  

• The underestimated power of "low-fi" production
  

• The role of gut feel vs data when deciding what to launch
  

If you’re tired of vague marketing case studies and want a real, honest look at how great campaigns come to life (plus the messiness behind the scenes), this episode is for you.Your HostsLottie Unwin founded Up World, Brand Hackers, and Up Talent with a simple goal: helping startups grow. She's learned a thing or two about building brands that people genuinely care about, and now she puts that knowledge to work supporting ambitious startups who want to make their mark. She loves nothing more than seeing brands find their confidence and voice - and she's not afraid to share the real ups and downs of her own journey along the way.

James Hickson heads up Brand Hackers, where he helps make ambitious brands famous. After working with the likes of Innocent Drinks and BrewDog, he fell in love with the world of FMCG startups and never looked back. James is passionate about working with founders who want to shake things up and build brands people can't stop talking about.—

The Marketing Hustle Hot Takes is sponsored by Sticky Beak - Get real consumer insights in 48 hours or less and make smarter marketing decisions. Book a free 30-minute strategy call and get free Stickybeak credits at stickybeak.co/marketinghustle