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

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⁠⁠⁠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

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⁠⁠⁠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

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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

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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/

This week, it’s a Connor Special as we’re joined by Connor Dault, VP of Growth & Digital Product at Caraway, to discuss the role of digital product in DTC growth and how it intersects with performance marketing, UX, and conversion. We dive into Caraway’s strategic response to HexClad’s Super Bowl ad, why digital product isn’t just CRO and how Caraway builds high-performing product experiences that go beyond simple A/B testing. Connor also shares insights on balancing data-driven optimization with brand storytelling, how Caraway approaches site navigation and product merchandising, and why many DTC brands still overlook the power of digital product in driving long-term revenue.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Connor Dault's Background and Role at Caraway

05:23 Insights from Super Bowl Weekend

10:52 The Evolution of Super Bowl Advertising

17:30 Lessons from Quibi's Super Bowl Experience

33:54 Leveraging Current Events in Marketing

39:02 Building Digital Product Teams

43:50 Balancing Roadmaps and CRO Testing

49:41 Insights from Incrementality Testing

56:15 Common Mistakes in Digital Product Strategy

01:02:33 Inspiration from Successful Brands

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-reads⁠⁠⁠

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/

Today, we’re joined by Aaron Paul, founder of Paul Street, to explore how top DTC brands are leveraging affiliate marketing to drive massive growth - and where many go wrong.

Aaron shares his insights from working with leading brands like Onnit, Goli Nutrition, and HelloFresh. We discuss what’s working in affiliate marketing today, why media-buying affiliates aren’t always the right fit (and when they are), and how content-driven publishers now drive the majority of affiliate revenue. We also get into common pitfalls that cause programs to stall along with advice on how to sidestep these mistakes.

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

10:07 The Evolution of Affiliate Marketing

20:00 The Role of Affiliates in Brand Growth

29:46 Current Trends in Affiliate Marketing

40:02 Challenges and Best Practices in Affiliate Programs

46:26 Navigating Affiliate Marketing Success

51:50 Identifying and Combating Affiliate Fraud

56:47 The Dynamics of Affiliate Payouts

01:01:50 Building Trust with Affiliates

01:06:56 The Future of Affiliate Marketing and Content Creation

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-reads⁠⁠⁠

https://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

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

HexClad just pulled off one of their biggest marketing plays so far - a Super Bowl Ad - but this wasn’t just about airing a commercial during the big game, it was a multi-layered, cross-platform campaign designed to maximize impact beyond a single TV spot.

In this episode, Connor and Connor break down how the HexClad team made it happen, from choosing the right creative concept to executing an omni-channel marketing playbook that extended far beyond game day. They dive into why the company decided to invest in a Super Bowl ad, how they built pre-game buzz through influencers and viral social moments, and what set their approach apart from traditional brand marketing. They also unpack the balance between brand and performance marketing, how they leveraged meme amplification and social storytelling to scale awareness, and how they plan to track success beyond just game-day sales, including search trends, social engagement, and long-term brand impact.

This episode was recorded just a few days before the Super Bowl ad aired—stay tuned for a future episode where Connor shares his first impressions on how it performed.

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 Health and Wellness Trends

06:09 Analytics Tools and Reporting Standards

09:06 Creative Strategies for 2025

12:08 Hexclad's Super Bowl Campaign Overview

14:55 Concept Development and Agency Collaboration

17:48 Execution of the Super Bowl Campaign

21:10 Omni-channel Marketing Strategies

27:03 Engagement and Community Buzz

29:55 Cultural Timing and Relevance

38:48 Emerging Media Measurement Solutions

42:41 Campaign Comparisons and Expectations

50:02 Measuring Super Bowl Campaign Impact

57:24 Revenue Projections and Strategic Planning

01:03:12 Enhancing E-commerce Experience through Bundling

HexClad Super Bowl Ad:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIShJGu1ISc

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-reads⁠⁠⁠

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/