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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]