As our unofficial “shadow guest”, Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, finally joins us to unpack what growing a brand actually looks like in 2025. From shifting Meta performance and rising creative demands to tighter margins and changing consumer behavior, we explore the real constraints shaping how brands operate today.

We talk about how the best brands are adjusting their messaging to drive performance, how to think about media spend through a margin-first lens, and why bundling, offer structure, and disciplined execution are more important than ever.

Taylor also shares his take on the evolving balance between brand and product-led growth, how to think about testing in a high-cost environment, and why most teams of the future will look leaner, faster, and increasingly AI-powered.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

04:08 E-commerce Challenges and Growth Strategies

11:08 Navigating Meta's Advertising Landscape

18:14 Optimizing for Incrementality and Brand Engagement

25:21 The Role of Brand Activations and Measurement

37:44 Unlocking New Reach in Marketing

40:05 The Short-Term Impact of Advertising

43:39 Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing

46:24 Evolving Marketing Strategies for Growth

49:19 The Role of Creative Campaigns in Business Growth

53:08 The Future of Marketing and AI Integration

01:00:09 The Changing Landscape of Creative Development

01:05:42 The Role of Humans in an AI-Driven World

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

With rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and declining consumer confidence, brands are being forced to do more with less - and in today’s episode, we break down what that actually looks like in practice, and how we’re adapting our marketing strategies in today’s tough economic environment.

We cover what we’re cutting, what we’re keeping, and where we’re doubling down. From headcount and forecasting to channel prioritization, vendor negotiations, and creative strategy, we share the shifts we’re making to stay lean without stalling growth.

We also get into how our thinking is evolving around incrementality, media efficiency, and value messaging—and why now might be the time to rethink how you define “essential” in your marketing stack. This is a real-time look at how we’re navigating the pressure, adjusting to change, and planning for what’s next.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

03:21 AI in Marketing and Economic Pressures

05:46 Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

09:13 Adjusting Strategies in a Recession

14:51 Vendor Relationships and Cost Management

18:12 Maintaining Growth Amidst Cuts

23:52 Customer Support Innovations

44:16 Navigating Incrementality in Media Spend

47:35 The Importance of Testing and Revalidating Assumptions

50:34 Adapting Marketing Strategies in a Changing Economy

56:51 Understanding Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior

01:00:07 Positioning Premium Brands in a Downturn

01:04:56 Leveraging Retail Opportunities for Long-Term Gains

01:10:19 The Impact of Tariffs on Marketing Messaging

01:20:55 Strategic Growth in a Competitive Landscape

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Today on the show, we’re joined by Krista Dalton, the CMO and SVP of Digital at Tecovas, as she takes us inside the brand’s marketing strategy. We get into how Tecovas leverages data, reporting, and merchandising to expand and evolve the brand, all while staying true to its roots. We discuss the importance of understanding customer needs, how to balance creative and data-driven decisions, and the key role of brand evolution in driving growth. Krista also discusses how Tecovas is expanding into new categories while ensuring every offering aligns with their core mission. She also shares how AI is helping streamline data processes and reporting and highlights the importance of a collaborative, cross-functional team in executing Tecovas’ marketing strategy.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

02:36 Current Trends in DTC Marketing and AI Integration

05:31 Understanding the Role of a CMO at Tecovas

11:50 Data-Driven Decision Making and Reporting Practices

24:03 Balancing Automation with Personal Insight in Data Analysis

32:51 Understanding Brand and Product Dynamics

38:30 The Importance of Post-Purchase Optimization

56:06 Learning from Failures and Customer Expectations

01:05:39 Craftsmanship and Customer Connection

01:10:55 Navigating the Cowboy Boot Market

01:21:07 Strategic Growth Marketing Initiatives

01:28:39 Leveraging AI for Marketing Efficiency

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, we break down what it actually means to define a high-performing ad creative strategy, and why doing so is essential to unlocking sustainable growth on Meta. We walk through Cody’s 10-point creative framework for shaping the ad strategy at Jones Road Beauty, diving into why creative should be treated as targeting, how to escape Meta’s “local maxima,” and how to feed the algorithm more diverse, strategically aligned inputs. Cody shares his take on creative strategy as prompt engineering for right-brain marketers, reframing how brands should think about influencing Meta’s outcomes.

We also explore the maturity curve of attribution and measurement – why early-stage brands often rely on last-click metrics, and how that approach needs to evolve over time. Finally, we touch on the complexity of deciding which dimensions – audience, ad format, channel, offer, or optimization strategy – are worth prioritizing as you scale.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Navigating Economic Pressures and AI in Marketing

05:46 Creative Strategy and Team Structure

09:03 Defining Creative Strategy and Volume

11:46 Creative Diversity and Audience Targeting

15:05 Local Maxima and Creative Inputs

17:47 Post-Purchase Monetization Strategies

21:03 The Role of Media Strategy in Creative Success

27:10 Aligning Creative and Media Strategies

29:56 Influencer Partnerships and Targeting

32:46 New Attribution Models and Performance Measurement

39:26 The Evolution of Attribution Models

42:10 Defining Creative Diversity

44:30 Incrementality vs Attribution in Marketing

47:51 Measuring Marketing Success

53:51 Cohesive Funnels in Marketing

01:07:21 Creative Exploration vs Exploitation

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode of Marketing Operators, we get into a mix of marketing topics that are top of mind for us this week, plus we answer a listener question from the MOperators Hotline.

First, we break down Meta’s Conversion Lift Testing, including how it measures ad performance, its limitations, and when it’s most useful for your business. We also discuss how AI tools are revolutionising creative production, from automating time-consuming tasks like image and video creation to enabling more personalised, scalable content at a fraction of the traditional cost. Next up, we explore product seeding, including effective strategies for influencer outreach, tracking success, and improving hit rates. We wrap up by answering one of our listener’s questions on running incrementality tests for a low eight-figure brand with a million-dollar ad spend split between Meta and Google Search.

Tune in for insights on ad testing, creative strategies, and influencer marketing to help optimize your marketing efforts and create sustainable growth.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 April Fool's Campaigns and Brand Values

02:48 Innovative Product Launches and Creative Processes

05:58 Testing and Measurement Strategies in Marketing

12:05 Incrementality Testing: Meta vs. Haus

17:49 Optimizing Marketing Strategies for Growth

23:47 AI in Influencer Marketing and Brand Ambassadors

31:44 Scaling Influencer Programs with AI

35:57 Optimizing Product Seeding Strategies

39:27 Transforming Customer Support with Technology

46:46 Leveraging AI for Creative Generation

55:19 Exploring New Technologies in Marketing

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Email marketing isn’t dead - but it can often be done better. Today we’re joined by Karly Craig, author of Email Is Not Dead and seasoned ecommerce operator, to talk about the email marketing strategies that actually drive revenue.

Karly shares why most brands are underutilising flows, especially when it comes to welcome sequences and post-purchase emails, and how extending these can lead to significantly higher conversion rates and long-term revenue. She walks through what a 30-day+ welcome flow could look like, how to inject personality and pattern-breakers into emails, and why category-specific messaging can make a big impact, especially when you offer multiple product types.

We also dig into smart retention plays beyond email, including how to think about product drops, building anticipation with your list, and creating “got it” moments post-purchase, as well as diving into reactivation timing, how brands can drive second purchases with value-first strategies not just aggressive discounting, and much more.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction to Karly Craig and Her Journey

02:41 The Evolution of Karly's Book: Email is Not Dead

05:52 Key Pillars of Automated Flows in Marketing

12:00 Building Effective Email Flows for E-commerce

14:54 Post-Purchase Strategies and Customer Retention

18:05 Reactivation Strategies and Long-term Customer Engagement

20:54 Creating a Personalized Customer Experience

24:08 Leveraging Customer Accounts for Increased LTV

26:59 The Role of Discounts and Promotions in Retention

29:52 Final Thoughts on E-commerce Marketing Strategies

38:43 Building Customer Loyalty Through Engagement

41:57 Innovative Attribution Models for Marketing

45:07 Rethinking Loyalty Programs

49:14 Enhancing Customer Experience with Technology

52:54 Strategies for Successful Product Drops

01:01:00 Leveraging Community for Brand Growth

01:13:25 Investing in Personal Development Through Coaching

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Episode 24 with Jared Brody: https://youtu.be/PHrYerwwtJY

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Last week, a video featuring Saratoga water went viral - and the brand’s response, or lack thereof, got the ecom and marketing twitter world into a frenzy, with people calling them out for wasting a massive viral moment. We break down what we would’ve done as Saratoga’s CMO: how to respond to earned media moments, what brands should consider in viral situations, and how to quickly activate organic social and creator partnerships.

We also get into Meta’s Andromeda engine - the machine learning upgrade powering Advantage+ Shopping Campaigns. We break down what it actually does, how it’s reshaping campaign structure and creative distribution, and whether it’s delivering better results in the accounts we manage.

Lastly, we dive into AI-generated ad creative: what’s possible today, what’s coming fast, and how it’s already changing how marketing teams work - from research and creative briefs to production speed and creative volume.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction

02:53 Viral Morning Routine: The Ashton Hall Phenomenon

05:56 Saratoga Water's Missed Opportunity

08:49 Marketing Strategies in Response to Viral Moments

12:11 Meta's Andromeda: Enhancements in Ad Performance

15:04 Ad Campaign Structures and Performance Metrics

37:37 The Evolution of Ad Distribution

44:12 Innovations in E-commerce and Meta Shops

47:13 AI in Creative Production

57:03 The Future of Brand Marketing Strategies

01:01:12 Emerging Trends in Organic Social Media

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

How do you set KPIs that actually drive results? And how do you structure reporting and meetings to keep your team aligned and effective?

In this episode, we break down how we set, track, and adjust KPIs, how we use reporting to make smarter decisions, and how we run meetings that keep everyone accountable without wasting time. We discuss how transparency in reporting impacts performance, how to ensure KPIs reflect business priorities without creating misalignment, and how we balance individual accountability with company-wide goals. Plus, we dive into the role of meetings in keeping teams on track, the common mistakes operators make when setting KPIs, and why the right reporting framework can make or break your growth strategy.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Celebrating One Year of The Marketing Operators Podcast

01:55 The Importance of KPIs in E-commerce

04:05 Transparency in Goal Communication

12:24 Setting Effective KPIs for Teams

21:04 Navigating Challenges in KPI Accountability

28:20 Balancing Objective and Subjective KPIs

31:10 Defining Effective KPIs for Teams

34:28 Challenges in Measuring Conversion Rates

39:12 The Impact of Paid Media Spend

46:08 Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Goals

49:53 The Importance of Good Marketing Practices

56:11 Navigating Compensation and KPIs

01:02:56 Standardizing Reporting Practices

01:05:50 Effective Meeting Structures and Communication

01:10:34 Asynchronous Updates and Time Management

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Episode 24 with Jared Brody: https://youtu.be/PHrYerwwtJY

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

Scaling with Meta ads isn’t as simple as running purchase conversion campaigns anymore and as the platform evolves, marketers need new strategies to drive true incremental growth. Many brands are ealizing that Meta’s algorithm has shifted towards targeting people already in-market, making it harder to reach truly new customers at scale, leading to rising costs and diminishing returns.

In this episode of Marketing Operators, we break down why optimizing solely for purchase conversions might be limiting your ability to scale. We discuss the challenge of balancing incrementality and efficiency, how holdout tests reveal the real impact of Meta spend, and why some brands are shifting towards View Content optimization to expand their reach.

We also explore whether brands at different revenue stages should be experimenting with non-purchase objectives, and how top ecommerce marketers are testing new ad strategies to unlock incremental growth.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Introduction and Catch Up

08:22 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Meta Advertising

18:00 Innovative Strategies for Incremental Marketing Success

35:03 The Shift to Causality in Marketing Measurement

38:31 Testing Creative Diversity and Optimization Strategies

40:57 Incrementality Insights and Budget Allocation

44:38 Understanding the Impact of New Product Launches

51:32 Measuring Incrementality and Revenue Attribution

01:02:19 Strategies for Smaller Brands in Paid Media

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Haus.

http://Haus.io/operators

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

It’s a full house today with Cody back, and we’ve got a jam-packed episode - first up, the Tacovas Ad that’s got the marketing world talking - does brand marketing like this really drive growth? We discuss the line between long-term brand building and immediate performance results, and explore how top DTC brands are navigating that balance. We also get into how product expansion can be a game-changer for scaling, with examples of how brands use category growth to reach wider audiences. We discuss evolving role of AI in marketing SaaS tools, the potential it has for improving creative analysis and decision-making, and why measurement and forecasting are still critical components of successful marketing strategies.

If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6

00:00 Welcome Back Cody

02:11 The Importance of Day-to-Day Tracking

09:09 The Tacovas Gate Discussion

33:29 Preparing for Product Launches

37:47 Strategic Product Launch Planning

46:15 Integrating AI in Marketing Workflows

55:16 The Future of Attribution Models

01:00:20 SaaS Consolidation and Klaviyo's Evolution

Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-2tdfu426r-TepSHJP~evAyDfR29U2qUw

Powered by:

Motion.

⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Prescient AI.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.prescientai.com/operators

Richpanel.⁠⁠⁠

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Aftersell.

https://www.aftersell.com/operators

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Episode 48: https://youtu.be/SVHyaohobco

Subscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/