No Hacks with Slobodan Manic

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

In this episode I talked to Els Aerts, user research advocate and co-founder of AGConsult. We explored the deep nuances of user research, the strategic decision of AGConsult to refrain from working with political parties, and the pivotal role of carefully crafted research questions in yielding actionable insights.

Els shared her expert perspective on avoiding common research pitfalls and emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making. The conversation also touched on the "seven deadly sins of user research," offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and best practices in user testing.

Through engaging anecdotes and a wealth of experience, Els shared valuable lessons on conducting meaningful research that truly enhances user experience.

This episode is done as part of our partnership with Experimentation Elite - The UK's premier Experimentation and Conversion Rate Optimisation event on December 7th in Birmingham, UK!

https://experimentationelite.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsaertsuserresearch/
https://www.agconsult.com/en/

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! 

Today's episode delves into the seemingly counterintuitive topic of "not testing" with Karl Gilis. Karl shared hilarious and insightful tales from the front lines of user testing, including a memorable mix-up during a test for Microsoft. 

Karl passionately critiques common website elements like sliders, advocating for simplicity and user focus over flashy design. We then moved on to the misuse of A/B testing and the importance of understanding why customers choose your brand, emphasizing the need for intentional design and marketing that serves the user's needs over the company's ego. 

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

In this episode, I talked to Alun Lucas, a repeat guest with unique expertise in web form optimization, who delves into the art and science of enhancing online experiences through better form design. Alun shared his journey from advertising to becoming a web form specialist at Zuko, a company dedicated to revolutionizing how web forms work by focusing on user-friendly error messages and validation techniques. 

With a rich background in tech and a passion for user experience, Alun explored the evolution of web forms, the importance of clear and helpful error messaging, and the role of inline validation in boosting user satisfaction and conversion rates. 

A must-listen for anyone interested in making their forms more efficient and user-friendly.

Links from the episode:

• Alun's LinkedIn
• Zuko

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of online experimentation and conversion rate optimization (CRO), spotlighting the  Experimentation Elite Awards. We welcome two expert judges - Dinah Alam and Joe Dovedon, to discuss the intricacies of selecting the industry's best. 

The episode covers the evolution of the awards, the selection process, and the impact on the CRO community. It also offers insights into the significance of these awards in recognizing innovation and excellence in the field, alongside personal anecdotes and experiences from Dinah and Joe. This episode not only highlights the importance of experimentation in digital marketing but also celebrates the community's achievements and advancements.

Find out more about the awards at: https://experimentationelite.com/awards/

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences.

In this episode, Talia Wolf, founder and CEO of GetUplift and a leading authority on emotional targeting and conversion optimization, takes us through the psychological underpinnings that drive consumer behavior online.

Talia unpacks the essence of creating meaningful connections with customers by understanding the emotional journey that influences their purchasing decisions. She shares invaluable insights from her vast experience, demonstrating how businesses can leverage emotional intelligence to significantly enhance their conversion rates and foster deep, lasting customer relationships.

From the foundational story of GetUplift to the strategies that have cemented its success, Talia illustrates the power of empathy in marketing. She discusses the importance of emotional targeting not just in messaging and content, but as a core aspect of product development, customer service, and overall business strategy.

The conversation also explores the challenges and triumphs of embedding emotional intelligence into various facets of business operations. Talia provides actionable advice for businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in a crowded market by truly understanding and catering to the emotional needs of their customers.

Episode links:

• GetUplift
• Talia's LinkedIn

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! 

In this episode, Ton Wesseling, founder of Online Dialogue and a pivotal figure in the field of conversion rate optimization (CRO), delves into the cultural and organizational elements that foster a thriving environment for optimization experts in the Netherlands. 

Ton explains how these factors contribute to a culture that embraces experimentation and learning from mistakes. He shares his journey from building websites at university to falling in love with data and optimization, highlighting the evolution of CRO and the importance of diversity, safe spaces, and the growth mindset in driving innovation. 

The episode also touches on the impact of AI in experimentation and the transformative power of sharing knowledge within the digital optimization community.

Episode links:

• The Conference formerly known as Conversion Hotel
• Ton's LinkedIn
• Online Dialogue

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences! 

In this episode, I sit down with Loredana Principessa, the strategic mind behind MAR-CO, CRO agency specializing in conversion for high-ticket products and services. With a focus on real estate, investment, and e-commerce, Loredana dives into the intricacies of tailoring conversion strategies to meet the unique needs of clients making significant financial decisions. 

She highlights the importance of understanding customer journeys, the role of emotional engagement in conversions, and how a holistic approach to digital marketing—including leveraging insights from running (yes, it's another runner at nohacks.show!) and mental clarity—can drive success. 

Her journey from digital marketing professional to founding MAR-CO showcases the blend of expertise, passion, and strategic thinking required to excel in today's digital landscape. Join us as Loredana shares valuable insights and experiences that illuminate the path for businesses looking to optimize their online presence and conversion rates.

Episode links:

• Loredana's LinkedIn
• MAR-CO 

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

This week, I'm joined by Foti Panagiotakopoulos, the mind behind GrowthMentor. We're peeling back the layers of startup growth, pinpointing both the essentials for early-stage success and common pitfalls to avoid. Foti brings a wealth of experience from launching GrowthMentor in 2017, sharing insights on the importance of a growth mindset from day one, the balance between speed and quality, and the critical role of customer feedback in finding product-market fit. 

Discover how to embed growth into your startup's DNA and why early engagement with your market can make or break your venture.

Links from the episode:

• Foti's LinkedIn
• GrowthMentor
• GrowthExpert

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

In this episode, I chat with Kevin Anderson, the mind behind the Experimental Mind newsletter and Experimentation Jobs website, and a Product Manager of Experimentation at Vista. We delve into Kevin's unique perspective on the interconnected world of experimentation. Kevin starts by reflecting on his journey, emphasizing the importance of connections and how his projects facilitate this in the experimentation community.

He then shares valuable insights from his newsletter, discussing the persistent relevance of fundamental principles in the industry and the evolving landscape of experimentation. Kevin highlights the human aspect in curation and content creation, even in the age of AI, stressing the importance of personal touch in automated environments.

As the conversation progresses, we move on to the origins and impact of Kevin's Experimentation Jobs platform, designed to connect professionals with opportunities in the field. 

Links from the episode:

• Experimental Mind newsletter
• Experimentation Jobs
• Kevin's LinkedIn

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit

Welcome to No Hacks, a weekly podcast where smart people talk to you about better online experiences!

In this episode, I welcome Linda Bustos, Founder @ Edgacent & Ecom💡Ideas for a fun conversation about 2024 e-commerce trends. We reminisced about the early days of internet marketing, influenced by seminal works like Steve Krug's "Don't Make Me Think." Linda then shared her insights on the evolution of e-commerce UX and the adaptability of modern platforms like Shopify.

The discussion pivots to the future, with Linda highlighting the significance of AI and personalization in e-commerce. She emphasized the balance between technology and human touch, cautioning against over-reliance on AI. Linda also introduced her new project, Ecom Ideas, aimed at inspiring e-commerce professionals with fresh strategies and tools.

Tune in, and don't forget to rate and review the episode!

No Hacks runs no sponsorships and is funded by advisory and audit work. 

If your website needs to work for machines as well as people, start with a fixed-scope Machine-First Architecture audit: https://nohacks.co/audit