2024 was a wild ride. In this episode, we share our highs, lows, and transformative lessons. From aligning your team for success, to a managing major business pivot or cutting unnecessary costs, we cover the strategies that helped us navigate the challenges of 2024 and set bold goals for 2025. Big plans for brand social, niche targeting, creating sticky offers that clients can’t cut and focus on what really moves the needle.

Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio:

● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets

● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds

● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools

● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds

● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard

All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo

📱Follow Us On Social:

--------------------

Instagram

Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/

Twitter

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

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Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg

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📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

https://www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency

https://www.nibble.studio

--------------------

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Year-End Reflections: Our Growth in 2024 and 2025 Goals

04:45 Instant Bollywood's Growth Playbook: How to Post 100 Times a Day

6:30 The Secret Sauce to Viral Short-Form Content

09:51 Using Skits to Engage Your Audience

11:47 The Power of One Shots

14:40 Unboxing Content: Keeping it Raw and Relatable

16:04 Style Fits: Easy Concept to Get Attention

17:45 Flatlays: Why Presentation Matters

20:10 Themed Shoots for Seasonal Campaigns

21:45 How to Create Immersive Brand Experiences: Nude Project

25:56 Social Trends for 2025: Organic Funnels

26:38 The Rise of Character Development in Branding

30:16 The Importance of World-Biulding in Branding

31:30 Why Long-Form Content is the Next Big Opportunity

34:58 Focused Influencer Marketing for 2025

35:30 Affiliate Marketing: Gamification and New Strategies

40:11 Creating Social-First Branding Campaigns:

42:10 Building Connective Tissue: Why Cross-Channel Cohesion Matters

44:37 Drop Shipping in 2025: The Resurgence

47:14 AI Marketing: Avatars and Content Creation

48:30 Using Alternate Histories for Brand Narratives

2025 is the year to revolutionize your content—that’s why in this episode we explore the hottest up-and-coming strategies.

From creating cohesive brand narratives to leveraging AI-driven marketing tools, we break down strategies to elevate your content and engagement. Learn about TikTok blitz strategies, apparel brand content pillars, the future of long-form content for brands and the importance of character development for lasting impact.

Is dropshipping making a comeback in 2025? Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with actionable ideas for brands and creators alike!

Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio:

● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets

● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds

● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools

● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds

● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard

All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo

📱Follow Us On Social:

--------------------

Instagram

Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/

Twitter

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

--------------------

Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg

--------------------

📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

https://www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency

https://www.nibble.studio

--------------------

Chapters:

00:00 Year-End Reflections: Our Growth in 2024 and 2025 Goals

04:45 Instant Bollywood's Growth Playbook: How to Post 100 Times a Day

6:30 The Secret Sauce to Viral Short-Form Content

09:51 Using Skits to Engage Your Audience

11:47 The Power of One Shots

14:40 Unboxing Content: Keeping it Raw and Relatable

16:04 Style Fits: Easy Concept to Get Attention

17:45 Flatlays: Why Presentation Matters

20:10 Themed Shoots for Seasonal Campaigns

21:45 How to Create Immersive Brand Experiences: Nude Project

24:32 Transform Your Business With Wix

25:56 Social Trends for 2025: Organic Funnels

26:38 The Rise of Character Development in Branding

30:16 The Importance of World-Biulding in Branding

31:30 Why Long-Form Content is the Next Big Opportunity

34:58 Focused Influencer Marketing for 2025

35:30 Affiliate Marketing: Gamification and New Strategies

40:11 Creating Social-First Branding Campaigns:

42:10 Building Connective Tissue: Why Cross-Channel Cohesion Matters

44:37 Drop Shipping in 2025: The Resurgence

47:14 AI Marketing: Avatars and Content Creation

48:30 Using Alternate Histories for Brand Narratives

In episode 59, Alex and Oren John come together for an engaging discussion on the crucial social trends that every brand must leverage to achieve growth in 2025. They delve into innovative strategies, audience engagement techniques, and the importance of adaptability in today’s dynamic market landscape.

Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio:

● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets

● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds

● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools

● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds

● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard

All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo

📱Follow Us On Social:

--------------------

Instagram

Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/

Twitter

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

--------------------

Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg

--------------------

📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

https://www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency

https://www.nibble.studio

--------------------

Want to build a brand with a cult-like following? In this episode, we break down the 6 essential steps to: from crafting compelling brand narratives and establishing a strong mission to leveraging enemy marketing and introducing relatable brand characters, we unpack the strategy behind iconic, loyal brands.

Tune in for actionable insights on building repeatable content pillars, creating social series, and staying ahead in 2025.

Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio:

● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets

● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds

● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools

● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds

● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard

All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo

📱Follow Us On Social:

--------------------

Instagram

Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/

Twitter

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

--------------------

Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg

--------------------

📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

https://www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency

https://www.nibble.studio

--------------------

CHAPTERS:

0:00 – Intro: Kicking Off on a Rough Ankle

1:40 – How to Build a Cult-Like Following

02:00 - The Power of Narrative Building: Define Your Content in 3 Words

02:53 – What Feelings Should Your Brand Content Create?

4:10 – Examples of Killer Brand Narratives: Nike and Poppi

7:55 -  Why Your Brand Mission Matters

9:12 - Internal vs External Missions: Key Distinction

10:35- Content that Aligns with the Brand's Mission: 4Ocean

11:52-  Selling Products with a Purpose vs. Relying on Donations: The Case of Mozi Wash

14:45 – Introducing an Enemy: Rivalries Create Loyalty

16:42- Examples of Enemy Marketing Done Right: Kettle & Fire and FilterBaby

19:55- Strong Enemies Build Loyal Customers

20:19- Hydrox & Hunter McIntyre

21:37- How to Identify Your Enemy

22:24 – Why Characters Make or Break Your Brand

24:19- Brand Character Examples

25:06– The Importance of Character Development

26:39- Content Pillars and Their Purpose

28:42- How to Create Repeatable Social Content Series

31:13- Why You Should Creat Brand Content Series

33:22- Mr. Beast Manifesto about YouTube Content

34:25- The Importance of Writing Scripts

37:06-  Brian’s Big Meeting

40:00 Ending Thoughts

Oren John returns to Sweat Equity to share how his streetwear brand, Valuable Studios is striving to stand out in 2025. From finding product-market fit to crafting a cohesive brand story and balancing trends with community building, Oren dives deep into the strategies behind his success.

Discover his creative process, product sampling and testing techniques, and why storytelling is essential for building a memorable brand.

Stay ahead of the curve as we explore 2025 trends and the rise of maximalism in design. Whether you’re into e-commerce, clothing, or branding, this episode is packed with actionable insights.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.

Checkout Orens Brand: https://valuablestudios.com/blogs/news/behind-valuable

Checkout our sponsor Wix https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpodcast

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WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?

Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcast

OR email us at [email protected]

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WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:

For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head to

https://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1

NEWSLETTER:

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

www.marketingexamined.com

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Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IG

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

In this episode, we're talking all about how brands tell stories and build worlds, with a special focus on streetwear and music marketing.

We break down Kody Phillips' clever Black Friday skit strategy and how Retro Muscle is tapping into 80s nostalgia to stand out in crowded markets. Plus, we dive into the shift toward social-first campaigns, the power of theme pages, and how trending audio is secretly boosting organic growth. Oh, and we also look at how a viral DJ used music, memes, and short-form content to rack up 20 million streams.

Whether you're in marketing, a creative, or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with tips to help you step up your content game.

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WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?

Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcast

OR email us at [email protected]

--------------------

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:

For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head to

https://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1

NEWSLETTER:

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IG

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

TikTok Shop isn’t just a platform; it’s a goldmine if you know the right moves.

In this episode, we share step-by-step strategies for growing your sales, from  hero SKUs and gamified incentives to leveraging affiliates and founder-led storytelling.

With examples and actionable tips, this is a must-watch for marketers and entrepreneurs!

Checkout our sponsor Wix https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpodcast

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WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?

Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcast

OR email us at [email protected]

--------------------

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:

For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head to

https://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1

NEWSLETTER:

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IG

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

What makes a brand memorable? In this episode, we dive into the power of community-driven content. From organic content challenges to cause-driven marketing, this episode is all about standing out and building loyal communities. We discuss how a viral “Hit the Goal with Me” campaign —created by an intern—turned the small brand “Smashd” into a massive success.

Plus, why do mission-driven brands inspire such strong customer loyalty? We also explore how to differentiate your brand by tapping into causes, building character-based narratives, and engaging with your audience creatively.

Don’t miss this masterclass on growth and community building.

--------------------

WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?

Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcast

OR email us at [email protected]

--------------------

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:

For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head to

https://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1

NEWSLETTER:

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IG

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

In this episode, we talk about mechanics of successful affiliate partnerships and community-driven marketing strategies. We explore how brands use communities and creative incentives to drive real ROI. From tiered commission structures to gamified rewards.

We discuss how a strong brief with clear expectations is crucial in guiding creators to align with brand goals, and we touch on why bonuses tied to engagement metrics—like views and shares—can amplify brand visibility beyond just direct sales.

This episode also highlights how brands like 75 Hard and Bandit Running leverage long-term commitments and challenges to transform their audience into loyal advocates, creating a powerful emotional connection through shared goals and accomplishments.

Got a brand? Leave it in the comments, and we’ll brainstorm ways to engage your audience with challenges and competitions on a future episode!

📱Follow Us On Social:

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Instagram

Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/

Twitter

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

--------------------

🔥Want Free Game?

Send us a picture of your Apple & Spotify reviews to [email protected] and we'll make you a playbook in a future episode.

--------------------

📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

https://www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:45 – The Importance of Incentives in Partnerships

03:20 - Different Kind of Incentives: Comissions

05:15 – How to Keep the Appetite High

07:00 - Bonuses Tied to Non-revenue Generating

09:11 – Grow Faster With Wix Studio

09:45 – Intersection Between Brand Marketing and Performance Marketing

13:10 –Having a Strong Brief: Differentiation

14:15 – Having a Strong Brief: Inspiration

16:30 – Including Ideas and Tips for Creating a Strong Brief

18:45 – Setting Clear Expectations with Content Creators

21:00 - Boosting Engagement with Competition/Commitments

22:00 – The OG of Brand Competitions: The 75 Hard Example

24:40 - Commitment-Based Marketing: Case Study of Bandit Running

27:11 - Bandit’s Marathon Training Program: Building Forever Fans

29:20 – Understand What Your Community Buys from You

30:00 – Find the Underlying Goals Behind Your Product

30:58 - Center Your Customers Around a Common Goal

In Episode 52, we dive deep into what it takes to create a brand with a cult-like following. Alex breaks down the four essential pillars of brand loyalty: values, story, community, and characters.

Starting with the importance of clear values and a strong brand story, we share examples of companies like Seed, Yeti, and Muscle Milk and how their origin stories connect deeply with their audience. Next, Brian dives into brand lore, and how your brand cause lore to tell a brand story.

This episode is packed with insights on creating a loyal customer base, with actionable tips on building long-term brand success. Don’t miss it!

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and support our journey to hit 10,000 subscribers before the year ends!

As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.

--------------------

WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?

Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcast

OR email us at [email protected]

--------------------

WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:

For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head to

https://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1

NEWSLETTER:

For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at

www.marketingexamined.com

--------------------

Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IG

www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx

www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1