Shows
Vera Shafiq PodcastIntroducing Marketing Mindshift AcademyIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera discusses the importance of integrating AI into marketing strategies and introduces the Marketing Mindshift Academy. As we reach the midpoint of 2025, Vera highlights key statistics from the 2025 State of Marketing AI report, revealing that a significant portion of marketers are already experimenting with AI, but many face education and training barriers. The Marketing Mindshift Academy offers nine comprehensive modules designed to provide franchise and multi-location marketers with practical, AI-powered solutions for tasks ranging from data analysis to creative production. Vera passionately explains each module's value and encourages listeners t...
2025-05-2212 minVera Shafiq PodcastHow to Start Agentifying Your Franchise MarketingIn this podcast episode, we're examining the concept of agentic AI and how it can be pragmatically applied to marketing within the franchise space. How can you create AI-powered marketing teams that operate autonomously, yet collaboratively, at national, regional, and local levels?The aim is to augment human marketing efforts rather than replace them. Key components include AI agents specialized in research, strategy, content, creative, and analysis, all working in synergy to optimize marketing execution. Vera provides a roadmap for implementing these AI agents, including steps to get your data organized, setting detailed go...
2025-04-2218 minVera Shafiq PodcastExploring Advanced Features of ChatGPT: From Image Generation to Deep ResearchIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq Podcast, Vera takes a look at the latest advancements and features of ChatGPT as of April 9, 2025, with a focus on the newly released image generation feature. Vera discusses her experiences using ChatGPT for various tasks such as creating brand-consistent marketing assets, conducting deep research, managing long-term projects, and more. She also highlights the benefits of using these AI tools to improve productivity and competitiveness in marketing. Additionally, Vera touches upon the potential of integrating AI features into company technology and emphasizes the importance of transitioning from experimenting with AI to effectively utilizing...
2025-04-1019 minVera Shafiq PodcastExploring the Practicality of Performance-Based Agency Models in FranchisingIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the concept of performance-based agency models within the franchising world. She discusses whether franchise brands can effectively compensate marketing agencies based on the tangible results they deliver. Vera discusses the appeal of this model for greater accountability, budget-friendliness, and simplicity in communication with franchise owners. She also highlights the perspectives of agencies, covering data transparency concerns, baseline costs, and variables beyond their control. Practical steps to implement this model, including defining KPIs, ensuring data integrity, and establishing a hybrid fee structure, are examined along with th...
2025-03-1812 minVera Shafiq PodcastOptimizing Agency Communication and Internal Marketing AlignmentIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the key challenges faced by CMOs and marketing leaders, including agency communication, internal team alignment, and overall marketing performance. Drawing from her experience on both the agency side and within franchise brand leadership, she discusses strategies for improving agency relationships, defining clear metrics, and determining an effective meeting structure. The episode also covers the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating services under one agency versus working with specialized teams, the importance of structuring internal marketing teams for maximum efficiency, and integrating the right technology to track performance accurately. V...
2025-03-0419 minVera Shafiq PodcastThe Future of SEO in an AI-Driven Digital LandscapeIn this episode, host Vera Shafiq discusses the evolving SEO environment influenced by AI-driven search technologies. She emphasizes that while traditional SEO practices remain relevant, there is a growing need for marketers to adapt to newer AI tools like ChatGPT and diversified platforms beyond Google and Bing. Vera discusses the necessity of maintaining a comprehensive digital presence, optimizing for AI search results, and revisiting KPIs to better measure engagement and conversions. Additionally, she highlights the significance of voice and image search in the current landscape and provides actionable steps for businesses to future-proof their SEO strategies in light of...
2025-02-2516 minVera Shafiq PodcastHow to Practically Apply Microsoft Clarity to Your Marketing ToolsetIn this episode, host Vera Shafiq explores how marketing teams can enhance their strategies by using Microsoft Clarity in conjunction with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Vera provides an in-depth look at the unique features of Clarity, such as session recordings and heatmaps, and discusses how these can offer a more qualitative perspective on user behavior. She also emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative data from GA4 with qualitative insights from Clarity to identify and resolve user experience issues on websites. The episode includes step-by-step guidance on implementing Clarity, prioritizing high-traffic areas, and involving cross-departmental teams for a holistic optimization approach...
2025-02-1817 minVera Shafiq PodcastWinning Franchise Owner Buy-In for Digital Marketing InvestmentsWinning Franchise Owner Buy-In for Digital Marketing InvestmentsIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, host Vera Shafiq delves into innovative strategies for garnering franchise owner enthusiasm and commitment towards digital marketing. She emphasizes using AI-powered storytelling, interactive dashboards, and gamification to demonstrate the value of digital investments. Vera discusses the importance of personalized marketing plans created via AI tools, connecting real-time data through dynamic dashboards, and injecting fun with gamified challenges. These methods aim to overcome skepticism, providing transparency and compelling evidence of ROI, ultimately fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among franchise owners.00:00...
2025-02-1116 minVera Shafiq PodcastNon-Obvious Consumer Behavior Shifts for 2025 and How to Adjust Our Marketing StrategiesNon-Obvious Consumer Behavior Shifts for 2025 and How To Adjust Our Marketing StrategiesIn this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera dives into three major consumer behavior shifts anticipated for 2025 that franchise marketers must understand. Instead of predictable topics like AI and personalization, Vera explores under-the-radar changes including: (1) 'The End of Ownership' where consumers prefer access and flexibility over ownership, urging marketers to create on-demand services; (2) 'The Return of Boredom' as overstimulated consumers seek offline experiences, presenting unique engagement opportunities for brands; and (3) 'The Death of Trust' with declining consumer trust in ads and influencers...
2025-02-0416 minVera Shafiq PodcastNavigating AI & Data Privacy in MarketingIn this episode, host Vera Shafiq delves into the critical issue of using AI tools in marketing while safeguarding proprietary and sensitive data. Highlighting popular AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, Vera addresses the concerns surrounding data privacy and security. The episode also explores DeepSeek, a new AI model from China, discussing its potential and inherent risks. Vera shares best practices for utilizing AI tools safely, emphasizing the importance of anonymizing data, and introducing solutions like private AI models and enterprise AI systems with strict data governance controls. The episode concludes with a look into synthetic data...
2025-01-2816 minVera Shafiq PodcastA New Focus + Two Big Social Media Hot TopicsIn this episode, host Vera Shafiq returns to the podcast with a fresh focus on franchise marketing. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities within the franchise sector, highlighting the importance of consistent branding, local marketing strategies, and data utilization. Vera emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming marketing practices, sharing actionable tips on implementing AI effectively and ethically. The episode also delves into recent social media developments, including TikTok's brief ban and Meta's removal of fact-checking, offering strategic advice for franchise marketers to adapt and pivot in response to these changes.00:00 Welcome Back to...
2025-01-2009 min
More Than A TitleMastering SEO & Marketing Success with Paul Andre De VeraIn this episode of "More Than A Title," hosts Jarrett and Chadeo sit down with SEO expert Paul Andre De Vera. Paul shares his journey as a results-driven inbound marketer and thought leader in the digital marketing industry. With a proven track record of delivering impressive results, including influencing over $500 million in yearly revenue at Workday and achieving a 10x growth in social following at Twingate, Paul offers invaluable insights into SEO strategies, social media marketing, and more.
Tune in to learn how Paul navigates fast-paced environments, manages teams, and drives marketing success across multiple channels. Whether you're a budding...
2024-08-281h 56More Than A TitleMastering SEO & Marketing Success with Paul Andre De VeraIn this episode of "More Than A Title," hosts Jarrett and Chadeo sit down with SEO expert Paul Andre De Vera. Paul shares his journey as a results-driven inbound marketer and thought leader in the digital marketing industry. With a proven track record of delivering impressive results, including influencing over $500 million in yearly revenue at Workday and achieving a 10x growth in social following at Twingate, Paul offers invaluable insights into SEO strategies, social media marketing, and more.
Tune in to learn how Paul navigates fast-paced environments, manages teams, and drives marketing success across multiple channels. Whether you're a budding...
2024-08-281h 56
Franchise VoiceLocal Digital Marketing TrendsVera Shafiq, Vice President of Digital Strategy at Location3 shares the latest trends for franchise systems on the local level for growing and acquiring new customers. Special Guest: Vera Shafiq.
2023-05-1820 minFranchise VoiceLocal Digital Marketing TrendsVera Shafiq, Vice President of Digital Strategy at Location3 shares the latest trends for franchise systems on the local level for growing and acquiring new customers. Special Guest: Vera Shafiq.
2023-05-1820 min
Adtech UnfilteredHow to Build a Digital Marketing Strategy That Lasts (with Vera Shafiq) This recent era of uncertainty leaves little room for marketers who inadvertently hinder lifetime customer value. In this month's episode, Vera Shafiq, VP of Digital Strategy at Location 3, explores how and why advertisers must rethink turnkey but shortsighted marketing and media tactics that curb long-term success. Her conversation with host Noor Naseer touches on strategies for generating scalable and sustainable results for agencies and brands.
2023-01-2631 min
Digital ShoptalkEpisode 12: Back In ActionJosh Allen, VP of Marketing, is joined by fellow hosts Alex Porter, CEO, and Vera Shafiq, VP of Digital Strategy to discuss the outlook for marketing in 2023. Including, what should be excepted for marketing budgets, trending tactics, and upcoming technology.
2023-01-1023 min
Digital ShoptalkEpisode 10: Bryan Cruikshank, David Weekley HomesJoin host Vera Shafiq for an enlightening conversation with Bryan Cruikshank, Director of Search & Advertising at David Weekley Homes. They're chatting all things marketing personalization - the solutions for scaling personalized marketing for multi-location businesses and franchises.You'll hear more about:The numerous opportunities for marketing your business to connect with customers in a specific area and/or who fit various ideal customer profiles.How a successful franchise might leverage Google's machine learning and automation capabilities for location-based marketing: budgeting, account structure, targeting, retargeting.Paid Social solutions for hyper-local digital marketing.CDPs - Customer Data Platforms...
2022-06-1728 min
The Programmatic Digest56. Why Should You Consider CDP?In the Sensei's corner, We welcome Vera Shafiq who is the Vice President of Digital Strategy at Location3. Vera has worked in our industry for many years but has very recently transitioned to Location3. Location3 is a digital agency that specializes in enterprise strategy with a local activation. Vera starts off this week's conversation by introducing CDP's (Customer Data Platforms). We Dive deeper into the topic by going into detail about the differences of CDP versus CRM's (Customer Relationship Managements) and DMP's (Database Management Platforms). We talk about how CDP can be used in different ways to reach customers...
2021-10-1945 min
Digital ShoptalkDigital Shoptalk Episode 1Meet the Digital Shoptalk Podcast hosts - our team of franchise digital marketing experts: VP of Marketing, Josh Allen, CEO Alex Porter, and Senior Director of Strategy, Vera Shafiq.Location3 has been around for over 20 years. As a digital agency, our goal is to help our clients be profitable by delivering comprehensive digital advertising services with measurable results. With our podcast, we hope to bring our expert strategy and guidance to our listeners.
2021-10-0713 minVera Shafiq PodcastWhat is Agile and How Can It Be Applied to Marketing?I talk with Max Shafiq (my husband), who is an Enterprise Agile Coach and he explains his role and how Agile brings value to businesses. We also discuss the concept of Agile Marketing and ways in which businesses can start using Agile Marketing to work smarter!Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Agile SherpasConnect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-06-0224 min
Social GeekFranchise News Podcast 5.26.2021The Franchise News Podcast for Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
In the news this week:
7 - Eleven
Jimmy John's, Sarah Mueth
Right At Home, Brian Petranick
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving, Nick Friedman
International Franchise Assocation
MSA Worldwide, Michael Seid
Neighborly, Mary Thompson
Bojangles, Byron Chandler, Jose Costa
Franklin Junction, Rishi Nigam
Massage Heights, Susan Boresow, Shane Evans
Church's Chicken, Russ Sumrall
GNC, Alan Chester
Location3, Vera Shafiq...
2021-05-2605 minVera Shafiq PodcastShould You Add CTV Ads to Your Marketing Mix?What you need to know about CTV advertising to make an educated decision on whether it's right for your marketing strategy.Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Connect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-05-2618 minVera Shafiq PodcastThe Post-Click Experience and Why It Matters80% of people who click through to your website are not ready to convert during that visit. But 20% of them are. Why is this not reflected in the average conversion rate of 4%? It's all down to the post-click experience. Listen to this episode to find out how you can streamline your post-click experiences and the types of tools and automation that will help you to scale the effort.Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Connect with Vera:Email me at h...
2021-05-1916 minVera Shafiq PodcastMarketing Attribution - The Holy Grail of MarketingWhat is marketing attribution and how can we get closer to a true model? What are Unified Marketing Measurement, Marketing Mix Modeling and Multi Touch Attribution? Join me for a discussion on a topic that has kept many a marketer up at night!Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Connect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-05-1214 minVera Shafiq PodcastWhat You Need To Know About Google's New Core Web VitalsWhat are Google's new Core Web Vitals and how do they fit into the Page Experience update launching in mid-2021? How do you test your website and get it ready for optimal performance against these new ranking factors? All the answers are here!Episode links: Google Page Experience DocumentationUSF Digital Marketing CertificateUSF Digital Marketing Certificate Discount Code: SG30Connect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-05-0514 minVera Shafiq PodcastAll About the USF Digital Marketing CertificateThis podcast is for you if you want to find out how to advance your learning of and be more immersed in today’s digital marketing landscape. The USF Digital Marketing Certificate was developed for business professionals and offers a comprehensive course on several key elements of Digital Marketing - Strategy, Social, Search, Automation, Content, Analytics, CX and Digital Transformation. Whether you’re a Marketing Professional, or in IT, Finance, HR, Sales, Operations or C Suite, this podcast is well worth a listen! I talk to Sue Grabowski, Faculty Chair of the USF Digital Marketing Certif...
2021-04-2839 minVera Shafiq PodcastMaking Sense of Zero, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Party DataWhat are the differences between Zero, 1st, 2nd and 3rd party data? How should you structure your marketing strategy to make the best use of each? In this episode, I explain how to think of each of these types of data as part of a "data funnel", give tips on how to gather each and talk about why shifting the focus from 3rd party to the other types of data is what marketers should be thinking about.Episode links: USF Digital Marketing CertificateConnect with Vera:Email me...
2021-04-2122 minVera Shafiq PodcastLeaning in to the Lean Out Method!In this episode, I talk with Crista Grasso, Founder of the Lean Out Method, which she uses to help entrepreneurs simplify success, get off the hustle hamster wheel, and run lean businesses where they optimize what's working and eliminate anything not adding value to their clients and profit to their business. We discuss how the Lean Out Method can be applied not only to businesses but also to your everyday workflow to become more efficient, productive and passionate about your work!Crista talks about some of the the key pillars of the Lean Out Method...
2021-04-1428 minVera Shafiq PodcastWhy Retail Media is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread!An in-depth chat with Brad Moran, Co-Founder and CEO of CitrusAd - a retail media platform. We talk about how the platform was born, how marketers can leverage retail media to drive performance and what the future holds for retail media.Episode links:CitrusAdConnect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-04-0748 minVera Shafiq PodcastNFTs, IGTV Co-Branding & Nostalgic Marketing on TikTokLet's talk about NFTs, Co-Branding on IGTV and Nostalgic Marketing on TikTok! These are hot topics that featured on MarketingDive.com on March 18 2021.Episode links:Charmin Jumps on NFT Trend WholeFoods Pairs with Meditation App HeadspaceHow Ocean Spray, NFL Embed Nostalgia in TikToksConnect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-03-3116 minVera Shafiq PodcastThe Digital Marketing Flywheel of SuccessIn this first episode of Season 2, I discuss the Digital Flywheel of Success that includes Technology, Customer Experience and Digital Advertising as momentum-drivers.Episode links:The Digital Flywheel of Success Blog PostMartech Landscape 2020Connect with Vera:Email me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on InstagramConnect with me on Clubhouse
2021-03-2426 minVera Shafiq PodcastAdding Traction To Your BusinessIn this episode, I discuss the book Traction by Gino Wickman and the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) that he describes.It outlines the 6 Key Components of a business:VisionPeopleDataIssuesProcessTractionand is a comprehensive methodology on which you can scale and grow a business. Episode links:Traction by Gino WickmanWhat the Heck is EOS? by Gino Wickman and Tom BouwerConnect with Vera:Subscribe to this podcast at iTunesEmail me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me on Instagram
2019-04-0233 minVera Shafiq PodcastRachel Downey - Telling Your Story Through PodcastingIn this episode I talk with Rachel Downey who's a marketer at heart and owns and operates a podcast agency called Share Your Genius. She's an expert in podcasting, and knows all about how to start and grow a podcast from branding, storytelling, planning and promoting it and what to keep your eyes on in terms of the ever-evolving podcast ecosystem.In our conversation we cover:What makes podcasting such a unique and appealing channel?Things to consider when starting a podcast so that it has the most impactFormats, content and length for a podcastThe importance...
2019-03-2635 minVera Shafiq PodcastHow to Optimize Your Website for Voice SearchIn this episode, I lay out in 4 steps, how you can get your website ready to rank for voice search. These are actions you can take today that will set you up for success as voice search becomes the accepted and preferred way that people get their information from the World Wide Web.3:00 - Voice search stats5:00 - Google's algorithm for Natural language Processing7:15 - Examples of voice search vs. text search8:10 - Step One - Featured Snippet13:55...
2019-03-1925 minVera Shafiq PodcastLouis Grenier - Taking the BS Out of MarketingIn this episode I talk to Louis Grenier. Louis is Content Lead at Hotjar, a company that specializes in website analysis and feedback, and he hosts his own podcast called "Everyone Hates Marketers", which I highly recommend for all marketing professionals. His podcast is strongly focused on conversations with marketing leaders and getting to the bottom of how to do marketing in a transparent, non-shady way - a topic very near and dear to my own heart!Topics we cover in our conversation:Understanding what your customer really wants and how to adapt your w...
2019-03-1243 minVera Shafiq PodcastScott Brinker - Keeping Up With MartechYou've probably seen the Martech 5000 Supergraphic that lays out all the marketing technology solutions available to date in a segmented format. Last year it featured 6,829 marketing technology solutions and this year's updated version comes out soon!In this podcast, Scott Brinker talks about how to streamline and simplify your marketing technology stack, what the fundamentals of that stack should be, and how best to add new technology. He also gives some good advice on how to strike a balance between technology-based and human marketing.If you're in marketing or business and would like some insights...
2019-03-0538 minVera Shafiq PodcastPatty Soltis - Marketing Yourself - Dressing To ImpressPatty Soltis is Founder and CEO of StylEdge®, an image consultancy, and she knows everything there is to know about dressing the part and making a fantastic first impression! This is personal branding 101. Marketing yourself.She talks about how you can wake up in the morning and have a perfect outfit, ready-to-wear, that makes you feel great and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.Patty also talks about how important it is to find the right look for YOU based on your body type and style and recommends investing in the r...
2019-02-2644 minVera Shafiq PodcastKatie Robbert - Analytics, Data and Machine Learning...Oh My!I take a stroll along the path of of data analytics and machine learning with Katie Robbert, CEO and Co-founder of Trust Insights, a data analytics consultancy for marketers. Katie shares how her company uses machine learning and AI to make sense of all the data that we, as marketers have. She explains how to get started with using various forms of analytics (foundational, prescriptive, predictive) to make better marketing decisions, faster. If you want to start leveraging AI to streamline your marketing efforts, then this is the podcast for you!Guest links:Trust...
2019-02-1932 minVera Shafiq PodcastWhy We Should Lend an Ear to Sonic BrandingLet's talk sonic branding (or audio branding)! Sound has a deep emotional impact on us and can trigger feelings, memories and associations much more effectively than visuals. I examine this medium in more detail and play some very familiar brand sounds that have been ingrained in our memories. (I don't even want to know how many times I said the word "sound" in this podcast!!!)References:Gary Vaynerchuck post on audio branding"The 10 Most Addictive Sounds in the World" - Fast CompanyConnect with Vera:Subscribe to this podcast...
2019-02-0614 minVera Shafiq PodcastVeronica Romney Talks Digital Marketing and Personal BrandingA chat with my friend, Veronica Romney - entrepreneur, personal branding expert and speaker. Veronica has some wise words for marketing professionals wanting to advance their careers, provides some tips on how to start your own personal branding presence, and shares her thoughts on the recent controversies around Facebook, balancing work and family life and more!Guest links:LosomoMy Modern BrandConnect with Veronica on InstagramConnect with Vera:Subscribe to this podcast at iTunesEmail me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on LinkedInFollow me...
2019-01-2945 minVera Shafiq PodcastThe Gillette Commercial, Major Company Rebrands, TV Advertising and moreIn this episode, I talk about some of the hot topics of the week including the controversial Gillette commercial, some major companies doing overhauls of their logos, TV advertising becoming more popular for DTC brands, an AI-based paid social optimization platform and Quora advertising.References:Gillette CommercialMy post on the Gillette commercialDTC brands are buying more TV adsPattern 89 - Making Paid Social Better through Data ScienceQuora AdvertisingConnect with Vera:Subscribe to this podcast at iTunesEmail me at hello@verashafiq.comVisit my website at VeraShafiq.comConnect with me on...
2019-01-2214 minVera Shafiq PodcastHow to Tell A Simple But Powerful Brand StoryA discussion on how storytelling has evolved and what marketers need to do for their brand story to be heard. As more and more content gets published on the web, we need to break through the noise and craft brand stories that strike a chord with our audience.In this podcast, I discuss how we can achieve this, and cite some iconic examples such as Coca-Cola and Apple who have been successful in creating powerful brand stories.References and sound-clips:The Creative Life Podcast, How To Clarify Your Message So...
2019-01-1316 minVera Shafiq PodcastInterview With a Gen Z-erAn interview with my son, Hishaam, to get first-hand insights into Generation Z's media consumption preferences, what issues are important to them and what makes them tick!
2019-01-0423 min