Shows
Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business1157: Your logo is NOT your brand! Here's your branding hierarchy w/ Andrew Walker & Hayden AndersonBranding isn’t just about logos—it’s about emotion, connection, and storytelling. In this dynamic episode, co-founders of KANSO Creative, Andrew Walker and Hayden Anderson, pull back the curtain on how they help small businesses become unforgettable brands. From their design philosophies rooted in Japanese aesthetics to their client stories that spark real emotional resonance, Andrew and Hayden prove that great branding starts with knowing who you are.Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your presence, this episode is packed with branding gold and actionable insights to help you stand out in a crowde...2025-06-2434 min
Digital HorizonsJaguar’s Rebrand Just Backfired. What Went Wrong?Jaguar has officially dropped its agency, Accenture Song, following a disastrous rebrand that saw global vehicle sales nearly halved. In this Brand News episode, James Walker and Brian Hastings revisit Jaguar’s bold brand pivot and break down exactly what went wrong.We discuss:Why Jaguar’s rebrand campaign failed to connectThe downfall of data-driven strategy without creative clarityWhat brands should consider before pivoting away from heritageHow HBO Max reversed a similar misstepPredictions for Jaguar’s next moveThis is a cautionary tale for any marketing team o...2025-06-0405 min
ScreenStrong FamiliesENCORE: Walker's Story: Social Media and Teen Sextortion with Brian Montgomery (#166)This episode deals with mature topics (suicide, cyberbullying, sextortion). Listener discretion is advised.In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery—a devoted husband and father of four—who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of his son, Walker. Walker tragically lost his life to the devastating effects of sextortion on Instagram, and Brian’s raw transparency is a courageous gift that offers hope and awareness to families everywhere.Through this emotional conversation, Brian reflects on the painful lessons learned and offers critical insights every parent needs to hear. His mission is cle...2025-04-2356 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Unilever's Bold PivotUnilever is making a strategic shift toward influencer marketing instead of traditional advertising. This massive consumer goods company is responding to increasing consumer skepticism by collaborating with authentic voices to promote their vast range of products.• Unilever owns countless FMCG products from personal care items to foods• Traditional brand advertising is becoming less effective at building consumer trust• The company is now working with influencers like Sophie Hinchcliffe to reach consumers• This signals a major industry trend toward personalized, relatable content• A blended approach of traditional and digital channels with user-generated content is showing go...2025-04-0903 minDigital Horizons5 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Ads (And How to Fix It)Think your ad campaigns are performing well? Think again. In this week’s episode of Digital Horizons, we’re uncovering 5 costly mistakes most businesses make with their Google Ads, Meta Ads, and overall digital marketing strategy—and how to fix them.✅ Why Meta’s ASC campaigns might be inflating your results✅ How brand search is sabotaging your ROI✅ Why you should ignore Google reps (yes, really)✅ The truth about ROAS and why it’s misleading✅ Why spending too little could be your...2025-04-0717 minDigital HorizonsMastering Live Shopping: Boosting Sales with Urgency and Engagement StrategiesUnlock the secrets to skyrocketing your sales strategy with live shopping—an innovative approach transforming online retail. Ever wondered how to harness the power of social media to democratize traditional sales channels? This episode is your roadmap, featuring actionable insights on crafting compelling live shopping events. From pre-event preparation to content planning and technical execution, we reveal the critical steps necessary to captivate audiences. With real-world examples and compelling statistics, discover how urgency can turbocharge conversion rates and drive sales growth. Prepare to step up your sales game with strategies like creating buzz-worthy countdowns and engaging interactions that keep yo...2025-03-3113 minDigital HorizonsRebranding for Success: Transforming Business Goals into Market ImpactUncover the strategic motivations behind the transformative power of rebranding as we explore the journey of WHD alongside James Walker and Brian Hastings. Listen in to learn how rebranding is much more than a new logo—it's about aligning business objectives, market positioning, and customer values to support growth and enhance market perception. With insights from their collaboration, Walker and Hastings share the importance of ensuring a new brand identity stands on its own while maintaining ties to its origins. They dive into how WHD transitioned from Walker Hill's marketing division to a prominent digital marketing agency, highlighting the pi...2025-02-1328 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: DeepSeek - A New Challenger to AI Giants?What if the next big player in AI isn't American? Join us as we unravel the excitement and controversy surrounding DeepSeek, a newcomer poised to challenge the dominance of giants like ChatGPT and Claude. This episode of Brand News dives into how DeepSeek is leveraging older NVIDIA GPUs and an open-source model to revolutionize AI development, potentially offering solutions at a fraction of the cost. We take you through the seismic shifts in the stock market and the waves of fear rippling through established AI titans, raising intriguing questions about the future of AI accessibility and affordability....2025-02-0704 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Jaguar's Bold Rebranding - Innovation or Identity Crisis?Jaguar has taken a daring leap, but have they risked losing their identity in the process? Join us on Digital Horizons as we dissect Jaguar's bold rebranding effort that has both stunned enthusiasts and sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Unveiling a reimagined logo at Miami Fashion Week, Jaguar is steering towards a younger, eco-conscious crowd, but at what cost? Even Elon Musk joined the fray, questioning whether Jaguar still makes cars. We unravel whether this move is a strategic masterstroke or a controversial misstep that might leave its loyal supporters feeling forgotten.Amidst falling...2024-12-0306 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: YouTube Shorts and Facebook InsightsUnlock the secrets to maximizing your brand's impact in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising. Learn how YouTube's latest tools are revolutionizing the way brands engage with creator content and Shorts ads, capturing a unique 40% of viewers who aren't on TikTok or Instagram. This episode offers a deep dive into the innovative strategies that can help advertisers harness the power of YouTube Shorts, turning them into a more effective and budget-friendly channel to drive business growth. Discover the art of syncing creator content with advertising efforts and how it can transform your marketing approach.As we gaze...2024-11-2806 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Online Adverting Increases by 9.7% in AustraliaUnlock the secrets of the booming internet advertising landscape with insights that could redefine your marketing strategy. With video advertising surging by 18.6% and digital audio not far behind with a 23.6% increase, it's clear that traditional display formats are losing their luster. Discover why video content across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn is now a must-have element for brands aiming to capture attention and engagement. We'll also unravel how the evolving dynamics of search advertising, despite higher costs, continue to draw significant investment.Join us as we dissect the PwC report's revelations and what they mean for...2024-11-1003 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Black Friday Brand Boost - Transforming Shoppers into Loyal CustomersCan brand loyalty survive the frenzy of Black Friday? Uncover the truth behind consumer behavior as we reveal that a striking 62% of Australian shoppers are ready to abandon their usual go-tos in favor of new discoveries during this epic sales event. This episode of Brand News casts a spotlight on the incredible opportunity Black Friday presents for e-commerce businesses. By crafting compelling offers and strategic messaging, businesses can not only capture the attention of deal-hungry shoppers but also potentially transform them into devoted customers down the road. With actionable insights and fresh perspectives, we challenge you to rethink Black...2024-11-0503 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: OpenAI's SearchGPT vs. Google - Revolutionizing the Search LandscapeDiscover how OpenAI's latest venture, SearchGPT, is poised to shake up the online search landscape, potentially dethroning Google Search by the end of 2024. What could this mean for the way we explore information on the internet, and how will it impact content creators and website owners? Tune into Brand News as we tackle this intriguing topic, offering insights into how SearchGPT plans to deliver streamlined, clutter-free answers while still driving traffic to the original sources. We'll discuss why balancing instant answers with encouraging users to dive deeper into content is crucial for this new search technology.Join...2024-10-2904 minDigital HorizonsUnlocking E-Commerce Gold: Proven Strategies to Drive Quality Traffic and Maximize ProfitsUnlock the secrets to e-commerce success as we, Brian Hastings and James Walker, bring you the ultimate guide to driving quality traffic to your website. What if you could transform your online store into a thriving marketplace? Our latest episode of Digital Horizons promises to equip you with actionable insights and proven strategies to capture and convert valuable market share. Explore the dual power of Google’s organic and paid search strategies, and learn how to make your site more relevant through effective SEO techniques. Whether it's on-site optimization or link building, discover how to shine during peak sales pe...2024-10-2719 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Adidas' AI-Driven Ad & The Future of Creative AdvertisingCan AI-generated advertising surpass the creative touch of human ingenuity? We explore this exciting possibility in our latest episode of Brand News, where Adidas' new floral campaign takes center stage. Discover how this AI-driven ad, which mimics a captivating music video with its dynamic scenes and movement, is reshaping expectations in the advertising world. We'll dissect the fascinating blend of artistry and technology, spotlighting the impressive tools like Runway ML, Midjourney, Adobe Creative Suite, and Topaz that played a pivotal role in crafting this standout campaign. Join us as we uncover whether AI's integration into creative processes indicates a...2024-10-2205 minDigital HorizonsThe 4 Lever For Explosive Ecommerce SuccessUnlock the secrets to skyrocketing your e-commerce success with our latest episode of Digital Horizons. Ever wondered how small changes can lead to big profits? We promise you'll discover how mastering conversion rates, traffic, average order value, and lifetime customer value can transform your online store, whether you're just starting with modest sales or managing a booming business. We dive deep into the art of optimizing your marketing budget by focusing on quality over quantity in traffic, revealing how these four critical levers work in harmony to drive substantial growth for your e-commerce journey.But that's not...2024-10-1713 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: YouTube's TV Triumph & Meta's New AI Video ToolsWhat if you could leverage the power of YouTube to transform your advertising strategy and outpace traditional giants? This week on Brand News, we promise insights into YouTube's unprecedented dominance in the streaming world, as it has eclipsed Netflix and Disney Plus in watch time on TV screens. We unravel the exciting shift in advertising opportunities brought about by YouTube's expansion, especially through the popularity of YouTube Shorts now being enjoyed on larger screens. Discover how the platform's evolution, including the extension of Shorts to three minutes, is creating new avenues for content creators and advertisers alike....2024-10-1111 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Avoiding Short-Termism in Modern Marketing StrategiesStruggling to strike the perfect balance between brand-building and performance marketing? Uncover the nuanced challenges that modern marketers face as they navigate shrinking budgets and an increasing demand for immediate results. In this episode, we take a closer look at why many CMOs and marketing teams are drawn into a cycle of short-termism, often at the expense of long-term brand equity. By sharing insights from a compelling AdNews article, we highlight the critical yet often overlooked consequences of sidelining brand-building activities in favor of bottom-of-funnel lead capture campaigns. Join us as we explore the evidence showing that a...2024-10-0410 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: How IKEA Turned Windows Into Viral Ads OvernightEver wondered how IKEA turns everyday windows into cutting-edge ad space? Join us as we uncover IKEA's latest brilliant campaign, where "sleep fluencers" transform their windows with IKEA's innovative blinds. These blinds don't just block light; they double as ads, creating a unique, low-cost marketing strategy that reaches beyond social media and into real neighborhoods. We'll discuss how this clever integration of paid campaigns can revolutionize home-based advertising and why it's a game-changer for IKEA.Shifting gears, we tackle a groundbreaking move by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) towards replacing call center staff with AI, in...2024-09-2505 minDigital HorizonsWhat's Holding You Back from a PERFECT Brand Strategy?Is your brand still hitting the mark, or is it time for a reevaluation? Find out as hosts James Walker and Brian Hastings, with their combined 20+ years of marketing mastery, guide you through a self-audit of your brand's effectiveness. This episode of Digital Horizons tackles the essential questions every business owner should ask to ensure their brand resonates with current customer needs. You'll learn how to evaluate whether your brand's visual elements are modern and aligned with your business's growth and why a consistent and compelling brand message across all touchpoints is non-negotiable. Plus, discover the importance of maintaining...2024-09-2308 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: Canva’s 300% Price Hike & Its New Game-Changing FeaturesWhat's the real cost of Canva’s 300% price hike? This week on Brand News, we break down the headline-grabbing increase and why it might not be as shocking as it seems. We'll show you how Canva, at just $10 a month per user, remains a budget-friendly choice compared to the expensive Adobe Creative Suite. Discover how Canva is catering to non-designers with essential tools that sidestep the complexities of advanced software, making it a unique offering in the design tool market.We also dive into Canva’s newest features: Visual Suite and Magic Studio. Visual Suite is Canva's ambi...2024-09-1706 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: ChatGPT-5 Is Going To Be HugeWhat if you could have an AI assistant that not only understands and interacts like a human but also anticipates your needs and seamlessly integrates into every aspect of your life? Get ready to explore the future as we dive into the anticipated release of ChatGPT-5 from OpenAI. Join Brian and James as they share their daily experiences with GPT-4, highlighting its impressive capabilities and discussing the exciting advancements coming with GPT-5. This new version promises breakthroughs in natural language processing, enhanced multimodal capabilities, and unprecedented levels of personalization. With potential backing from tech giants like Apple and NVIDIA...2024-09-1004 minDigital Horizons5 Digital Marketing Mistakes to Avoid!Unlock the secrets to supercharging your marketing efforts and avoid those common pitfalls that can stymie your business growth. What if your lack of proper tracking is costing you conversions without you even knowing? In our latest episode of Digital Horizons, we promise you’ll discover the vital importance of having robust tracking mechanisms in place and how trusting your data can lead to smarter, more effective marketing strategies. We dive deep into why cross-referencing data from multiple platforms is non-negotiable and the key to capturing a comprehensive picture of your true conversions, including those often-overlooked phone calls and em...2024-08-3024 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: AI Marketing Success and the Art of Olympic SponsorshipUnlock the secrets of skyrocketing your sales with AI-driven marketing! This week on Brand News, we're revealing how Dan Murphy's achieved an impressive 29% boost by tailoring personalized promotions using advanced AI techniques. But that's not all – discover how these powerful tools can revolutionize even the smallest online stores, making sophisticated marketing accessible to everyone. We also dive into the high-stakes world of Olympic sponsorships, analyzing the strategies of giants like Nike, McDonald's, and Coca-Cola. Learn how Nike managed to maintain strong brand affinity without being an official sponsor, proving the immense value of consistent brand presence.In ou...2024-08-2508 minDigital Horizons[Brand News] The Viral Ramen Hoax: Creating Buzz with A Fake RestaurantCan a restaurant that doesn’t even exist become the hottest place in town? Discover how Stanley, aka TheRealStanyM, pulled off a social experiment that had influencers and foodies lining up for hours to experience Nisei Ramen, a pop-up that served instant noodles in plant pots. This week, we dissect the brilliance behind Stanley's viral marketing campaign, "Ramen Forest," and how he leveraged social media, exclusivity, and the allure of influencer culture to create an unforgettable event that never truly existed.Join us as we break down the key elements that contributed to the meteoric rise of th...2024-08-2204 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: LinkedIn's Dominance in B2B Marketing & Australia's Gambling Ads Cap DecisionCan LinkedIn really be the holy grail of social media marketing? Find out as we dissect a compelling study from Marketing Interactive revealing that a staggering 93.5% of brands prefer LinkedIn for their campaigns, with 92.8% reporting top-tier engagement. We share our unfiltered thoughts on these surprising numbers and reflect on our own trials and tribulations with the platform. Plus, we dive into the explosive rise of short-form video content and what it means for your social media strategy moving forward.Switching gears, we unpack a significant development in the Australian advertising landscape: the proposed ban on gambling ads...2024-08-1706 minDigital HorizonsBrand News: How Economic Pressures Are Shaping 2024 Advertising StrategiesHow are rising interest rates and macroeconomic pressures reshaping the advertising landscape? Uncover the complexities behind the slowing growth of advertising revenue in 2023 with insights from PWC's 2024 entertainment and media outlook. Join us as we dissect Lauren McNamara's revealing article on umbrellacomau, exploring how the cost of living and lower consumer spending are influencing advertising strategies. As agency owners with hands-on experience across various industries, we bring our unique perspectives on what businesses can expect in a post-COVID world.Discover the dramatic shift from traditional media to digital channels and its far-reaching implications. We unpack the data...2024-08-1411 min