In this episode, Marissa reacts to the AI tools, trends and viral content shaping the future of marketing right now. From AI marketers that claim to replace entire teams, to hyper‑realistic AI product videos, to the rise of AI influencers predicted to dominate the next decade, she breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and what business owners actually need to pay attention to.

You’ll learn how to use AI without losing your brand voice, why human oversight still matters, how to avoid sounding “AI‑generated”, and the mindset shifts leaders need to stay competitive as the landscape evolves. If you’ve been overwhelmed, sceptical, or unsure where to start with AI, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to use it as an advantage, not a threat.

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:00 - The Rise of AI Tools: Head AI

00:02:26 - The Importance of Brand Voice and Naming

00:03:30 - AI: Enhancer, Not Replacer

00:05:01 - The Evolution of AI Content Creation

00:06:23 - Embracing AI for Competitive Advantage

00:07:01 - Improving AI-Generated Content

00:09:13 - The Future of AI Influencers

00:10:25 - Creating AI Characters for Your Brand

In this episode, Marissa breaks down how Carl’s Jr. stumbled in Australia despite the burger hype, revealing how poor location choices, pricing confusion, watered‑down branding, and inconsistent customer experiences turned excitement into disappointment, and more importantly, she shares the gold nuggets multi‑location brands can apply, entering the right markets, matching price to value, keeping brand identity strong, standardizing systems, and delivering experiences that beat hype every time, ultimately reminding us that big brands don’t automatically win, but smart strategies do, making this a must‑listen for anyone planning to expand, scale, or bring a brand into Australia.

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:13 – Carl’s Jr. Hype in Australia

00:01:30 – Competitors Already Raised the Burger Bar

00:02:22 – Location Missteps: Regional vs. City Culture

00:03:15 – Pricing Confusion: Premium vs. Average Quality

00:04:04 – Branding Watered Down, Identity Lost

00:05:11 – Inconsistent Service Across Stores

00:06:04 – Fierce Burger Competition in Australia

00:07:02 – Key Lessons for Multi‑Location Brands

00:08:31 – Why Carl’s Jr. Failed

00:08:40 – Strategy Strength Over Brand Size

00:09:13 – Growth, Positioning & Customer Journey Tips

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

Marissa breaks down why modern dating apps feel broken and what that teaches us about marketing. Using the story of a frustrated dater and a hypothetical Facebook spin off called Datebook, she explains why context, transparency and real world stories matter more than polished profiles. The episode connects swipe culture to surface level branding, shows how familiarity and low friction build trust, and gives practical lessons businesses can apply to create deeper engagement before asking for commitment.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:36 - The real problem behind swipe culture

00:01:27 - Marketing and trust beyond first impressions

00:02:27 - The Datebook idea explained

00:03:14 - Context builds connection

00:04:19 - Marketing lesson transparency equals trust

00:04:49 - How story based interaction works

00:05:32 - Applying this to brands and customers

00:06:50 - The core marketing lessons

00:07:33 - Build relationships before commitment

00:08:00 - Final takeaway for business and life

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode, Marissa breaks down how Domino’s went from “cardboard crust” jokes to a global powerhouse. She unpacks their brutal honesty campaign, product overhaul, franchise alignment, and digital innovation, then shows multi-location brands how to steal the exact playbook to fix their product, earn back trust, and turn consistency into a competitive weapon.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

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Follow Marissa:

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:25 - How bad Domino’s really was

00:02:23 - Radical honesty as a marketing weapon

00:03:02 - Rebuilding the pizza from the dough up

00:03:29 - Why consistency is the silent marketer

00:04:33 - Turning savage reviews into smart campaigns

00:04:46 - Digital innovation and gamified ordering

00:05:18 - What multi location brands can learn

00:05:28 - Fix the experience before the ads

00:06:22 - Franchise alignment and feedback loops

00:06:22 - Six rules every brand can steal

00:07:27 - From global “meh” to global powerhouse

00:07:37 - Invitation to audit and align your brand

00:08:11 - How to stay connected

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

Marissa breaks down why Starbucks' marketing works so well and how you can apply the same principles to your own business. From creating an experience that goes beyond the product to building community, personalisation, and consistency across multiple locations, she shows how smart brands turn small ideas into massive loyalty. If you're running a multi-location business or want customers who come back again and again, this episode gives you the exact playbook.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

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Follow Marissa:

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:17 Experience-focused marketing

00:00:23 Marissa introduces the show

00:01:20 Experience vs product

00:02:19 Community engagement

00:06:57 Creating collectibles

00:07:02 Localised campaigns

00:08:28 Emotional storytelling as the glue

00:08:44 Principles you can adopt today

00:08:52 Work with the team

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode of The Marketing Factory, Marissa breaks down one of the biggest myths in business: that you have to choose between an in-house marketing team or outsourcing to an agency. She explains why both options have strengths, both have blind spots, and why most marketing disasters happen not because you picked the wrong model, but because you never built the bridge between the two. Through real examples, Marissa shows the true cost of hiring a “unicorn” marketer, the hidden traps behind agency retainers, and why the smartest businesses combine the strengths of each. You’ll learn how in-house teams anchor the brand while agencies bring expertise, creative horsepower, and fresh perspective. Marissa also shares the five non-negotiables to making this hybrid model actually work, from clear roles to shared KPIs to cultural fit. If you’re a business owner trying to scale without burning your team out or wasting money, this episode gives you the blueprint.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

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Follow Marissa:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-candy/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:06 Why Agencies Feel Like Avengers

00:00:11 Why Marketing Fails

00:00:22 Welcome To The Marketing Factory

00:02:49 Strengths Of In House Teams

00:02:53 Brand Immersion

00:04:02 Generic Campaign Risks

00:04:06 Retainer Frustrations

00:04:49 Fresh Perspective

00:05:21 The Sports Team Model

00:05:57 Smart Businesses Do This

00:08:43 Outsourcing Only Risks

00:08:52 When You Combine Both

00:08:55 Building A True Marketing Engine

00:10:04 Stay Connected

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode of The Marketing Factory, host Marisa Candy dives into the challenges faced by multi-location businesses in maintaining brand consistency. She emphasizes that growth without solid systems can magnify inconsistencies, leading to varied customer experiences that undermine trust and loyalty. Marisa discusses the importance of not just teaching staff procedures but also instilling a deep understanding of the brand's purpose. Listeners will learn about the common pitfalls these businesses encounter and gain proven strategies to ensure a cohesive brand experience across all locations.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

https://www.youtube.com/@themarketingfactoryAUS

https://www.instagram.com/themarketingfactoryaus/

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Follow Marissa:

https://www.instagram.com/mariscandy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-candy/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:03 - The Importance of Consistent Customer Experience

00:01:47 - Common Pitfalls in Multi-Location Branding

00:02:09 - Mixed Messaging and Customer Confusion

00:02:30 - Inconsistent Customer Experience

00:02:51 - Rogue Social Media Practices

00:03:12 - Lack of Training and Its Consequences

00:08:09 - Leading by Example from HQ

00:08:42 - The Importance of Trust and Employee Alignment

00:09:05 - Revenue Growth Through Consistency

00:09:48 - Key Takeaways on Brand Consistency

00:10:31 - Business Owners

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode of The Marketing Factory, host Marissa Candy emphasizes that every employee is a marketer, regardless of their role within the company. She discusses the crucial question that all marketing efforts should answer: "Why you?" Marissa highlights the misconception that marketing is limited to ads and social media, explaining instead that it permeates every aspect of a business, from sales to operations. She aims to shift the perception of marketing from a mere department to a vital growth engine. Listeners will gain insights into how marketing influences various business functions and will be introduced to 10 proven marketing strategies designed to drive impactful results across any industry.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

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Follow Marissa:

https://www.instagram.com/mariscandy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-candy/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:04 - Marketing as a Growth Engine

00:01:36 - Defining Your Core Message

00:03:43 - Leveraging Customer Stories

00:04:16 - Investing in Educational Content

00:05:59 - Aligning Marketing and Sales Teams

00:07:11 - The Role of Automation in Marketing

00:08:15 - Using Data to Drive Decisions

00:08:36 - Localizing Your Content

00:09:08 - Ensuring Consistency Across Channels

00:09:40 - The Importance of Retention Marketing

00:10:02 - Empowering Your Team as Brand Ambassadors

00:10:33 - The Ripple Effect of Marketing

00:11:28 - Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode of The Marketing Factory, host Marisa Candy dives into the perception trap that many businesses fall into when comparing their marketing efforts to those of competitors. She addresses the frustration of seeing others' seemingly effortless marketing campaigns and explains that the key differences often lie in systems, clarity, and consistency rather than sheer luck or bigger budgets. Marisa emphasizes that what you see online is just the tip of the iceberg, with successful marketing requiring months of strategy and refinement. Listeners will learn how to shift their focus from comparison to actionable strategies that can help them not only catch up to their competitors but also surpass them without necessarily spending more money.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

https://www.youtube.com/@themarketingfactoryAUS

https://www.instagram.com/themarketingfactoryaus/

https://www.facebook.com/themarketingfactory

https://www.tiktok.com/@themarketingfactoryaus

Follow Marissa:

https://www.instagram.com/mariscandy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-candy/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:10 - The Truth About "Effortless" Marketing

00:00:21 - Systems, Clarity, and Consistency

00:00:32 - Unpacking Competitor's Secrets

00:00:43 - Spending Smarter, Not More

00:08:58 - Playing Smarter, Not Louder

00:09:20 - Discipline Over Budget

00:09:51 - Questions to Ask Yourself

00:10:25 - Marketing as a Race Car Analogy

00:10:46 - Building Systems for Consistent Performance

000:11:07 - The Big Takeaway

00:11:30 - The Marketing Factory's Experience

00:11:51 - Unleashing Our Team's Power

Ready to level up your marketing with live strategies and Q&A? Join the Rebel Marketing Club today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/club

In this episode of The Marketing Factory, Marissa delves into the art of effective marketing, emphasizing that billion-dollar brands are often built by doing familiar things differently rather than reinventing the wheel. She discusses the importance of creativity in marketing, using a standout campaign that randomly refunds three orders within 24 hours as a prime example of thinking outside the box. Marissa also stresses that successful marketing doesn't have to be complicated; sometimes, it's about producing great content consistently. With over two decades of experience, she shares insights and strategies designed to help businesses create impactful and profitable marketing campaigns.

It's time to get smart with your strategy! Stop leaving money on the table and start leveling up your marketing game today: https://themarketingfactory.com.au/doneforyou

Follow The Marketing Factory:

https://www.youtube.com/@themarketingfactoryAUS

https://www.instagram.com/themarketingfactoryaus/

https://www.facebook.com/themarketingfactory

https://www.tiktok.com/@themarketingfactoryaus

Follow Marissa:

https://www.instagram.com/mariscandy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-candy/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:28 - Viral Video Reactions

00:02:14 - Building Trust for Sales

00:03:20 - Emotional Connection in Advertising

00:05:25 - Creative Campaigns That Stand Out

00:09:04 - Viral Stunts and Shareable Content

00:11:30 - The Power of Video Content

00:13:38 - Innovating Within Existing Markets