The Fake Marketer (James Urquhart)

Welcome to The Fake Marketer Podcast!

If you're new here, or have not listened to our other podcast "Lets Run Facebook Ads" before, let me introduce myself, my name is James Urquhart. With over 14 years experience in the data industry, myself and my co-founder Nick Boddington saw a gap in the market and this when Lets Run Social was born!

In this new podcast I’m here, with the help of industry experts, to get to the bottom as to why we are ALL fakes in some way or another, and why we still have to learn every day in this fast paced online and offline market.

There will be a new episode each week, so turn on your notifications and get ready to dive into the world of faking marketing! Enjoy.

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Follow us on Instagram @thefakemarketer to be the first to know about new episodes and keep up to date with the latest marketing hacks

Visit our website for all your marketing needs www.letsrunmarketing.com

Welcome to The Fake Marketer Podcast. On this podcast,  James Urquhart will be joined by marketing experts to discuss different forms of marketing and give you advice that you can implement in your own marketing efforts. 

In this episode, James is joined by Nick Boddington (Digital Director at Lets Run Social) where they talk about how Lets Run Social was founded, how they grew as a company and how focusing your efforts on certain channels such as LinkedIn or a podcast can lead to great wins for your business.

In episode 2 of The Fake Marketer Podcast, James sits down with Michael to discuss workshops. 

Workshops are a great way to better understand your business including your brand values, which channels are working and which are not and also who you should be targeting with your advertising based on what you are selling. James outlines a workshop he ran for a recent client, what they learned from it and how it will influence their marketing going forward.

In this latest episode of The Fake Marketer, James sits down with Callum Beecroft aka The Phonejacker to talk about why cold-calling can prove more beneficial for your business than other avenues such as email.

Callum gives insight into how he built his Phonejacker brand around cold-calling, why it works so well, different businesses it can be effective for and methods to incorporate it into your company. 

In episode 4 of The Fake Marketer, James tells us why holding events related to your sector can be a great way to increase your credibility and boost the perception of your business, regardless of what area your business operates in. 

James tells us about how his monthly event The Marketing Push was first created, some of the trials and tribulations of setting the event and how it has developed now into a successful enterprise. Also, James reminds everyone that your event will not be perfect from the get-go but, over time, running regular events can be a hugely beneficial and cost-effective way to create some buzz around your company.

Welcome back to The Fake Marketer Podcast! In this episode, James joins returning guest Nick Boddington to discuss holidays and how they affect your marketing efforts. 

As we enter the summer period and the weather starts to get warmer, most people are thinking about getaways rather than getting your ads sorted. In today's sit down, James and Nick talk about what to do with your marketing right now, some best practice and top tips across different forms of marketing such as PPC, Meta Ads and B2B. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Which marketing agency you choose can be one of the defining factors of whether your business will succeed or fail. In this episode of The Fake Marketer, James is joined by Nick Boddington to talk about how to go about picking an agency and the different things you need to consider to ensure it's right for you.

In Episode 6, James and Nick run through some of the pitfalls of choosing an agency, some examples of working with clients (both good and bad) and how to assess what's right for your business and what you need from an agency.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Every company is looking for ways to increase their brand visibility. One way that has proven successful for some is to make use of events and moments to get your product or brand noticed. 

In this episode of The Fake Marketer, James and Michael discuss some case studies where brands have found success taking advantage of the media spotlight such as Dash and Grenade, some pitfalls to watch out for and how smaller companies can implement these guerrilla tactics on a smaller scale and find success for themselves. 


Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

We are used to seeing marketing all around when we are out and about - on billboards, store fronts and handed out as flyers. However, a great way to create a buzz for your brand is using on-the-street marketing. 

In this episode, James and Michael discuss why on-the-street content can be so effective, using some examples as well as speaking from our experience working for clients. They give some advice on the best way to conduct these on-the-street interviews and why it can be hugely beneficial for any business to talk to the general public, for both brand visibility and banking content that can be used on social media. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Influencer marketing has, in the past, been a marketing activity reserved for those with big budgets. Many will think of large celebrities promoting household names or new up-and-coming trailblazers. However, with the growth of social media and access for hosts of people to create their own personal brands, influencer marketing is more widely accessible than ever before. 

In today's episode of the Fake Marketer, James and Michael sit down to talk about influencer marketing that they have been involved in with clients, some examples of good (and bad) influencer campaigns and tips you can implement for your business to reach a bigger audience.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Are you struggling with your social media? Not seeing the results you hoped for? This is the episode for you! 

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, James is joined by Nick Boddington to give some helpful tips on why your social media may be working struggling, the differences between paid and organic content and how to improve your page using examples from brands like Gymshark. 

If you are just starting a new page for your business or looking to breathe new life into your socials, this episode has useful tips that everyone can implement. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

With the rise of social media and the advertising space becoming more and more crowded, many will feel they need to create a very complex and elaborate ad in order to stand out and get noticed. However, often this can actually backfire and detract from what you are trying to achieve. 

In this episode, James is joined by Nick Boddington to discuss why keeping it simple can often achieve better results and how less can sometimes be more. James and Nick use current examples such as the advertising for the Barbie film and case studies from clients to show why keeping your ads simple, in terms of the creative and also the channels used, can resonate with your audience and generate more conversions. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Today on The Fake Marketer, James is joined by Jem Morey (The Email Ace) to talk about his experience as a marketing manager and his more recent business in email marketing. They discuss his experience of building a brand and adjusting your tone to suit your audience, why email marketing is so valuable and how you can use social media to build out an email database which will work wonders for your business.


Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

In today's episode, James and Michael sit down to discuss how CGI and AI are transforming the world of marketing and advertising. 

We look at examples from big brands like Maybelline and talk about how you could use these tools in your own marketing efforts. Michael also talks through some demonstrations on how AI such as Generative Fill within Photoshop can be utilised for creative and how AI might impact the world of marketing going forward. It has never been easier to use tools such as AI as part of your campaigns so give it a try and see what results you can come up with. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

As your business evolves and grows, we all want to showcase this by highlighting our backstory. Where we have come from and how we got to this point can be held close to the hearts of many business owners and help us connect with customers. However, this backstory alone may not be as effective as winning over customers as some may think. 

In this episode, James and Michael talk through the topic of having a brand backstory with some examples of companies who have utilised this well to win business, but also some of the pitfalls when focusing heavily on the company's origin. They discuss as to how effective using this backstory can really be when trying to get sales or customers and why, although this backstory certainly has its place, showcasing your company's ongoing and evolving story can be more useful in keeping your customers engaged and interested in your brand.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer 

Scared to use comedy in your campaigns? Don't want to tarnish your brand image? This discussion will give you the advice you need to not shy away from making your ads comical.

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick returns along with James to talk about using comedy in your ad campaigns with some examples from their time working on ads for clients. They discuss why some people are nervous to try and make their ads funny and why, regardless of the industry you work in, you can incorporate comedic elements into your marketing to make ads more engaging and, ultimately, perform better for your business.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer 

Mistakes will always happen in business. Part of making a successful company is learning and growing from your mistakes. But how can you incorporate these mistakes into your marketing strategy?

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick sits down with James to talk about how mistakes happen in business and how making 'intentional mistakes' can actually be a good way to increase engagement across channels like social ads and email. They reminisce on mistakes they have made in business over the years and explain why using mistakes to your advantage can separate your business from your competition.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer 

Value - both perceived and physical - are one of the key factors behind why someone may (or may not) purchase your product or service. But how does this affect your marketing?

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James discuss the concept of value by talking about some products they have been keeping their eye on and how 'value' plays a part in their purchasing decisions. They also talk about how to highlight the value of your product or service to potential customers and why communicating this is so important in your marketing campaigns.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer
 

BOOO! Did we scare you? No, I guess not. Well, today's episode is about fear. Not spiders and ghosts but different kinds of fear and how they apply to your marketing.

Nick is back once again with James to talk about fear, in particular fear of missing out (FOMO) when it comes to sales and other more personal fears that marketers can play into. They talk about how these fears have helped campaigns for clients in the past and how you can incorporate these ideas into your marketing strategy. Every company can tap into fear in some way and doing so can help generate urgency and, ultimately, revenue and conversions for your business.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Black Friday is fast approaching and, before we know it, the mad dash for deals will have begun. With still some time left before everything kicks off, here's some tips on how to best prepare your business for Black Friday success.

In this episode, James and Nick discuss Black Friday, how they feel about it as consumers and business owners and some dos and don'ts when creating a strategy for your company. They give some top tips for how to approach the 'Black Friday Deal' and other ways you can use Black Friday to maximise the return without breaking the bank.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

With so much demand for people's attention, it is important that, once you've got a prospective customer to interact with your site, they are able to carry out the action you want them to without distraction. Landing pages are a great way to do this. But how do you use them effectively?

In this episode, James and Nick sit down to discuss landing pages. They talk about why you should use them instead of just sending someone to your website, examples of landing pages that have worked for themselves and their clients and also looking at the landing pages of some big brands to see what can be learnt and how it can be applied to your own campaigns to maximise their success.

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

An important part of your marketing efforts that can often be overlooked is building out your email list. But what are the best ways to do this? And what mistakes should you avoid?

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, James and Nick discuss why building a list is so beneficial to your company and methods you can use to add to your email contacts such as through competitions and promotions. They also use their experience with clients to outline strategies and top tips to use when building your own email list in order to maximise its effectiveness. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

In today's episode, we have a very special guest - Fraser Sweeney (project manager at Lets Run Marketing). He has a wealth of experience, especially around email and, in this episode, he showcases the power of Klaviyo for building and sending emails.

James and Fraser discuss the different elements of Klaviyo, why the platform has grown so much recently and why many clients, including James and Fraser at Lets Run Marketing, are taking advantage of the features that Klaviyo provides. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

Comments can often be ignored or dismissed by companies as useless. Full of trolls or hate with no real value. However, if you take the time to look at and use these comments you receive on your social media (both paid and organic), you have the potential for more engagement and more sales. 

In this episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James talk about comments and how they are linked to the success of your ads and your company. They use real examples from clients and their experiences, as well as data to explain why comments should not be ignored, but you can actually kickstart the growth and development of your business. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

You can now watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWcya32ucmiwr3ihAIC41w

Are you looking for tips on personalising your ads and also fashion? Then this is the episode for you! XD

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James start out discussing personalising ads, a broad vs an interest-based approach which soon derails into discussing each other's fashion sense. Nevertheless, this episode should give some insight into what personalising your ads means with some examples from clients and discussion of which footwear you should wear for lunch at a gastro pub. 

Let us know what you thought of this episode and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: @the_fake_marketer

The video version of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FduJrU0FGVI

Freelancers are a great resource for when your business needs a bit of extra help or expertise in a field you aren't knowledgeable in. However, there can be some pitfalls of using the freelancer network which can leave you with more problems than solutions.

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James talk about their experiences using freelancers for their business - situations where it has worked and times when it hasn't. They also talk about business goals and whether it's possible for most business owners to have their company running without them involved.

Have you had experiences of working with freelancers - good and bad? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

The video for this episode is a MUST WATCH: https://youtu.be/a_9DBuCT01Q

We all look back at our younger selves and wonder 'what was I thinking?'. That outfit, that haircut. And now with social media, it's easier than ever to find that old content and cringe.

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer,  James and Nick sit down to review some old content from the last few years and see how times have changed. They look over some old statics used for social media, as well as Nick's old YouTube channel which leads to some hilarious moments. 

Have you got some old cringey content you can't stomach to watch? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/6hXAJ1L0Oec

Ho ho ho everybody! Christmas has come early for The Fake Marketer podcast as this week we are looking at some of the Christmas adverts that have been released so far.

Nick and James go over some of the new 2023 Christmas ads by big brands such as John Lewis, Amazon and ASDA. They also discuss Christmas advertising in general and why simplicity can often be more effective when approaching your own Christmas advertising.

Are you feeling in the Christmas spirit yet? Or are you all baa-humbug? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Z-Bm9njZy4

Black Friday has been and gone and what we're our thoughts on it? Well, a little disappointed to say the least.

In today's episode, James and Nick sit down to review this year's Black Friday and why they were left feeling a little deflated. While it was successful for many of their clients, they go over why they feel Black Friday has lost some of its sparkle. They also mention some strategies that could work for you in getting ready for Black Friday 2024.

Did you buy anything this Black Friday? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? Check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bEQZnn4bY5Q

Purchasing data lists can often be overlooked by those who either don't trust its legitimacy or don't see its value. However, buying data (for example, fleet data) can save you time and money and help you get in front of the right businesses.

In today's episode, Nick is busy (shock!) so James and Michael sit down to talk about fleet data, what it is, why it's useful and the differences between actual and model data. James has over a decade of experience in data and the knowledge he has gathered through his work with mib Data will hopefully give you some real insight and clear up misconceptions around the data world. 

Learn something new? Got any questions?  Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? Check out the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nejnq6pW2sA

December - a time for Christmas parties and mulled wine at lunchtime. But don't ease off! It might be tempting to start your Christmas break early but you can use December to get ahead of your competitors going into next year. 

In this episode of The Fake Marketer, James and Michael discuss an article James wrote back in 2015 that is still relevant today explaining why you should keep pushing throughout December to get hold of decision makers and get meetings booked in for January. It may sound 'bah humbug' but your business will thank you when you're ready to hit the ground running in January. 

Learn something new? Got any questions?  Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/TDgPw1-M8d8

2023 is coming to an end and what a year it's been! So, just before downing tools for Christmas, James and Nick sit down to discuss the year. 

In today's episode, we go over how the year has been: the client successes, the company wins and what to expect going into next year. They also talk about some positives from the wider industry such as TikTok and lead forms. 

How have you found 2023? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here:
https://youtu.be/XaP8nOG-TLg

Social to search. What is it and how is it relevant to your marketing strategy? Nick and James are here to explain!

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, we discuss what the 'social to search' strategy is and how it can be applied to your business. They reference some client examples they have worked with and why this area of marketing might be overlooked but can still prove very useful in understanding your marketing funnel.

Learn something new? Got any questions? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here:
https://youtu.be/FXJLKtvcjmc

Trying to create new content for all your social channels on a regular basis can be hard work and many will give up on their pages as a result. But one great way to make more content without creating it all from scratch is repurposing your existing creative. 

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James join us for the first podcast of 2024. They talk about why repurposing your content is so vital (especially as a small business owner), some ways in which you can do it and also the new Next podcast, ice baths and frying pans. 

Learn something new? Got any questions? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here:
https://youtu.be/uhYz3xxiOqE

Case studies and testimonials are a great way to show to prospective customers the strengths of your brand. However, the traditional way of doing them can sometimes come across as inauthentic and may not achieve the outcome you were hoping for.

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James sit down to discuss ice baths, running (for a change) and why coming up with new or more genuine ways to carry out your testimonials will help you better resonate with people visiting your page or site. 

How do you feel about testimonials? Got any questions? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/nDICZkuGnGM

In today's episode, James and Nick discuss a platform they have begun to use recently as an agency called 'The Influence Room'. They discuss what an 'influencer' is, how The Influence Room works and how it is different from traditional influencer to brand relationships. If you are an individual looking to work with brands or a brand seeking exposure for your product, check it out!

Learn something new? Got any questions? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/pSY-RJXUZY0

Any businesses who make content will probably dream of 'going viral'. Thousands of views, tons of likes and high-fives all round. However, is your content seeing viral success all it's cracked up to be?

In today's episode, Nick and James use the Solo Stoves Snoop Dogg ad campaign as an example of how 'going viral' and generating revenue for your business can be very different things. They talk about how ego has a part to play in aspiring for viral content, a Bristol curry house and some ads they enjoyed this week. 

What are your thoughts on today's episode? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here:
https://youtu.be/vExvBwhXcSI

When was the last time you picked up a newspaper? It may be a surprise for some that advertising in newspapers and print is still a part of many brand's marketing strategy. But is printing your ads in papers still worth it?

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, James and Nick talk about all things tabloid - newspaper adverts, local papers, lonely hearts and using newspapers to clean your windows (strange behaviour). 

Do you still read newspapers? Let us know by leaving  a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer   

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this podcast here:
https://youtu.be/1l0xaTJ3G2o

In-person marketing events such as roadshows or exhibitions can be a great way to connect with potential new customers and introduce the public to your product or service. However, if you are not careful, you can sink lots of money into a venture that will bring you very little return. 

In today's episode, James and Nick sit down to discuss these marketing events and talk from personal experience about how best to showcase your company. James also talks about some examples from the National Running Show he recently attended and how you can learn from the mistakes some brands made. 

Learn something new? Have something to share with us? Leave us a comment on our TikTok page and be sure to follow us there for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer   

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here: 
https://youtu.be/gd6b29Hueg4

Today, we play Family Fortunes (at least our own Fake Marketer version) and talk about the top reasons for shopping cart abandonment. 

In this episode, Nick and James go over these top reasons game show style and talk about why shopping cart abandonment happens, some of their website pet peeves and some ways you can keep your customers onsite and buying more of your products. 

How many did you get right in our quiz? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow our TikTok page to see clips from every episode: 
https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here: 
https://youtu.be/D9lG-fSiTlk

Customers leaving your company is a sad reality of business that, in many cases, cannot be avoided. But what should you do with these lapsed clients? That's the topic of today!

In this episode, James and Nick talk about what to do in this situation and use some examples from brands such as Huel to showcase methods you can employ in your own business. Lapsed customers might be inevitable in some instances but getting valuable feedback from them or winning them back to your company can be easier than you might think. 

How do you feel about lapsed customers? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here: 
https://youtu.be/6Pe3b9_8oE8

It can be easy to push for the sale when running ad campaigns on social media. However, here's why using lead generation instead might be better for your business. 

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer,  James and Nick discuss successes they've found in using lead-gen with clients as well as getting on the phone, Japanese words and weird spellings. 

Learnt something new? Any questions? Let us know in the comments  and don't forget to follow us on TikTok for highlights from each episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on our YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/VHRto31euXg

If you've been on the internet at all recently, you've probably seen Steven Bartlett talking about Huel Daily Greens. It's been a big topic all across social media so today we thought we'd address the CEO-shaped elephant in the room. 

In this episode, Nick and James are joined by Rosie and Michael to talk about this advert and what (if anything) other business owners can learn from it. They also talk about some ads they liked this week, McMuffins and my podcast clips (thank you very much)

Speaking of clips, make sure to follow our TikTok page to see clips and funny moments from each podcast every week:  https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/ceEDoYgtnoo

Sometimes, all the analytics look right but something is not clicking with your conversions. But it can be hard to notice teething problems when you're in your business day-in and day-out. Therefore, taking a step back to view your customer journey as a whole can really help to identify key issues that may be slowing your potential buyers down. 

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, James and Nick breakdown a recent client success story which led to a massive turnaround in this business's fortunes and how you can do something similar for your clients or your company. 

When was the last time you checked your whole customer journey? Let us know by leaving a comment on our TikTok page and don't forget to follow us for clips and highlights from every podcast episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/OEMtbkzt3bg

Today on the podcast, we're doing things a little differently. James has come up with a business called 'Fit Food' (not real) - a healthy eating cafe with a focus on fitness.  Now, it's our job to market it so they are on track for success. We discuss some advertising we saw this week, generating a 'queue' and guerrilla marketing tactics which can help you generate ideas for your business.

We would also LOVE to offer advice to YOUR business (yes, yours!) - so, if you have a business that is in need of some free marketing help, drop us an email at helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com with your name and some information about your business and we might feature you on the podcast.

Also, don't forget to follow us on TikTok for clips and highlights from every podcast episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/rMynTTmoHA0

The Big Issue has been a staple of our British high streets for over three decades but, in that time, not a lot has changed. Lots of people can probably relate to having seen these vendors out and about but, today, we are asking - could these vendors sell more magazines by using platforms such as Meta and TikTok?

In today's episode of the Fake Marketer, Nick, James and Michael sit down to talk about the Big Issue: the perception of the brand, how vendors currently try to sell magazines and some tactics that could potentially be employed to help them make more money and a business for themselves.

What do you think of our ideas? Have any of your own? Drop us a comment on YouTube and don't forget to follow our TikTok page for highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/PEN4cbUlXG4

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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All of us will know how annoying it can be to get 'junk mail' posted through our door every day. Fast food menus, estate agents, local traders and handymen. Many of us will throw these away without a second thought. But do these leaflet drop campaigns actually work? That's what we are here to discuss today. 

In this episode, Nick, James and Michael go over some advertising examples that arrived at James' door this week and whether or not they think these will be effective for the company creating them. They also discuss ads they liked this week, James' love for James Blunt and the Poddington Peas (shout out to anyone who remembers them). 

What are your thoughts on leaflet drops? Love them or hate them, we'd love to know your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to follow us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode on YouTube here:


Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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This episode serves as a great time capsule. About a month ago, we were 2 days before the launch party for Rupert: our company's new platform that serves as a 24/7 social media assistant. Now, a few weeks later (and with still some problems to be finalised), we look back at this conversation between Nick and James highlighting the stresses and pitfalls they encountered along the way and, ultimately, their hopes for what Rupert could do for users moving forward. They also get into ads they liked this week, Dragon's Den and Nick's attempts to not sound like a weirdo on Instagram. 

Also don't forget to follow us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/t6R46X1ODJs

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Last episode, James and Nick were very stressed and a little apprehensive ahead of the launch party for their new social media assistant platform Rupert. Now, a week later, moods are a lot more positive and Nick and James are joined by Jason and Michael to go over how the launch party went. 

They go over some ads they liked this week, Jason's blunders, Michael's naughty set up as well as the feedback they received on Rupert and overall thoughts on the event.

Also don't forget to follow us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/FdjhAo0x3UA

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Often, business and agency owners will think that growth must come from massive changes to their company. They will overlook relatively simple improvements that, over time, could make a huge impact on their business. 

In today's episode, James and Nick discuss a recent talk James did on their agency's growth and some insight he gave to attendees on topics like whether or not you need to be a 'full service agency', getting on the phone, providing value and networking. They also go over some ads they liked this week, Neil Patel and Hexclad as well as James' LinkedIn page. 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/uJD4pXgTfPc

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Advertising for kid's products has been around for decades but it has become even more prevalent with kid's content on platforms such as YouTube, with ads now often being shown directly to the children themselves. It's easy to write off this portion of advertising but, actually, is there something to be learn from these ads?

In today's episode, James, Nick and Michael meet again to discuss what we as marketers can take from these kids ads and implement in our own marketing campaigns. They also talk about the new British Airways advertising, the price of soda and cooking (for a change). 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/7EFEyurJvg0

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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As it has been very busy for us this week, James and Michael found 20 minutes to sit down over Google Meets to talk about what's been happening in the last couple of weeks. They talk about some ads they liked, continuing frustration with Meta, discussing some comments we've had and some updates on the business as a whole. 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/mzqG9bf5lLs

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Tracking the results of your ad campaigns is pretty essential to understand whether your ad budget is being spent wisely. But, if you have limited or even no tracking information, should you stop running your ads?

In today's episode, James, Nick and Michael are all back in the office to discuss this topic with examples from their clients. They also discuss Hexclad, ads they liked this week, the return of Vine and whether TikTok can read minds. 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/LBdrKzuHnPE

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Meta - the long-established social giant with huge audiences across multiple platforms. TikTok - the newcomer taking the world by storm. But which is better for running YOUR advertising campaigns? It's time to debate!

In today's episode of The Fake Marketer, Nick and James pick sides in this discussion and talk about the pros and cons of Meta and TikTok when it comes to content creation and advertising. They also bring up some ads they like including a gorilla sofa ad and a Rupert update. 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-CBaxT22m0g

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Everyone loves a free trial! And, if you're anything like me, you cancel your membership or subscription before the trial is even over (no hidden charges for me thank you). Because of this, free trials can often be seen as devaluing  your business and bringing in customers just looking for a freebie.

In today's episode, Nick, James and Michael meet to discuss free trials, why many business owners overlook them and how best to utilise them to turn free trialer-s into product buyers. They also talk about Surreal's new billboards, a Rupert update and Nick's holiday faux. 

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/iutCxFtZP_8

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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No doubt many marketers will be aware and probably have used AI in some form to help out with their campaigns. Whether it's generating copy ideas from ChatGPT or AI image generation software, there are new tools being launched all the time. But, there are still those reluctant or afraid to try out these AI programs and, in many cases, making their work more difficult. 

In today's episode, Nick and James go over some of the ways they use AI as part of their roles and how it can benefit you and your marketing campaigns. They also talk about the future of AI, solar panels and Big John (if you know, you know.  

Don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4tOlA2tCL5Y

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Another episode, another debate: short vs long-form content. We all love platforms like TikTok which excel in showcasing short, snappy videos giving laughs or value. However, sites such as YouTube also remain hugely popular, with longer-form videos like podcasts which are able to delve into more detail. But, which is better? 

In this episode, Nick, James and Michael breakdown James theory on why long-form content might be making a return, the advantages of short and long videos as well as some ads they liked this week. They also discuss some online opinions and why the ideal marketing strategy may incorporate a mix of both long and short-form content. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/6Ec-rXjJNOo

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Many business owners will look to an agency once they feel they have reached a ceiling in what they can achieve alone. However, many may not be as ready for an agency partnership as they think they are and, as a result, they can be met with large fees and disappointment. This is where 'The Ads Clinic' comes in - serving as a stepping stone between businesses and taking their sales to the next level. 

In today's episode, Nick, James and Michael discuss what 'The Ads Clinic' is, who it can be useful for and why going straight to an agency may result in disaster. If you interested in learning more about 'The Ads Clinic' and would like a FREE 30 min consultation call about YOUR business, visit https://www.theadsclinic.com/

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/L7XKyMeXuLE

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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It's been a long time since Nick and James started in the data and marketing business and, in that time, lots has changed in the landscape. Today, they decided to sit down and go over what digital marketing looks like in 2024, how it has changed and some of their pet peeves, frustrations as well as the positives of working in marketing now. They also discuss Bali, movies and James Blunt (James' BFF). 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/eIBADS0o7R4

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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In today's episode, James has come with news. According to a recent 'study' (not sure where from), paid social has overtaken PPC by ad investment. This is a big step for the industry and shows the ever-growing popularity of social advertising. Nick and James discuss this from the perspective of a paid social agency, what they believe are the advantages of paid social over PPC and what people get wrong when it comes to running paid adverts. They also discuss James' car rental scam, a Rupert update and Nick 'borrowing' beer glasses.

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4-BkwloIHuE

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Today, James is sadly absent but Nick has stepped in as host and is joined by a guest: Greg Landon (Head of Marketing at Leadoo). This episode they are discussing conversions. Leadoo specialise in improving website conversions not traffic and how more personalised, streamlined experiences on sites can boost your conversions massively. They talk about what Leadoo do, how it works and some of the tactics Leadoo use that you can employ on your site and in your ads to improve the way your campaigns perform. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/52C_2OphwYw

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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In today's episode, James is back with Nick and comes with some very exciting news: Rupert (our social media assistant platform) is now live! After lots of setbacks and hard work, you can now see what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital/ 

Following on from the Rupert launch, James and Nick break down how the recent marketing for Rupert has been going across email and social, all the stats, what we can learn and how marketing, even when you're a social media agency like we are, doesn't always work out straight away.

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/k5pKShZxwQk

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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A 'tenant' mix is when different companies come together under one roof to try and maximise sales for both parties. Today on the podcast, James brings up the topic of the 'tenant mix', how it works and how they should be marketing. We also cover drink prices, restaurant advertising and how e-comm businesses can also use this 'tenant mix' approach to boost their sales. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/BZrtQvJGVq4

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Recently, Marks and Spencer launched a new campaign fronted by Mark Wright and Spencer Matthews. This got a lot of people talking but is it all that? And will it actually work in trying to bring M&S to a younger demographic? Nick and James discuss this campaign, some of the spin-off marketing it has generated from other brands as well as running, Nick's friend Will and a shoutout to Mark Zuckerberg (please call us Mark).

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1xq0sN0fm84

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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UGC content is a great way to not only outsource work but also get individuals who are experienced at creating content to help promote your brand. Now it's easier than ever to find someone who aligns with your company and work with them to produce compelling campaigns. However, the downside to a low barrier to entry is that quality may be harder to come by and you may have to dig through poor content to find the right creator. In today's episode, James and Nick talk about some good (and not so good) UGC content that has been produced for Rupert, advice for companies wanting to utilise UGC as well as bad offers, the heat and some ads we liked this week. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1xq0sN0fm84

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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The 'About Us' or 'What We Do' page is a staple of many websites, especially for marketing and ecommerce companies. It's understandable: you want prospective customers to know everything there is to know about who you are, what you can offer them in order to hopefully win their business. However, do a lot of people actually care?

In today's episode, Nick and James sit down to discuss the 'we-ing' on websites and why it can actually turn customers off rather than encourage them to choose you. They also talk about some ads they liked, Steven Bartlett, festivals and sewage (yuck). 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4AtAVldsf0g

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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We talk about Steven Bartlett a lot on our podcast and today is no different. The day we recorded this episode, it was announced that two ads Bartlett starred in were banned by the ASA for being 'misleading'. James had a lot to say on this topic as an agency owner himself and, with Nick away, Michael joins him to offer a different perspective. We go over what happened, why the ads were banned and what this might mean for the wider marketing world and businesses both big and small. We also talk about some ads we liked this week, Simmer and Tony's Chocolate. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/tICxMTSmBzk

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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Today, we don't come with a topic prepared so James and Nick have more of a 'ramble' episode: Nick updates us on how it's been going in the marketing world as well as covering Instagram problems, Steven Bartlett, Hexclad, lead form failures, James' 'celebrity moment' and UGC content on TikTok. So enjoy this update episode if you like a good old chat!

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/E5PTzljQzkk

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

Do you need help with your business? Contact helpusfakemarketer@gmail.com and we might feature YOUR business on one of our episodes and offer you some FREE business advice!
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After recently switching email accounts, James and Nick meet to discuss just how difficult this process can be, especially when it comes to unsubscribing from email lists. They give some examples of how companies can use shady tactics to try and keep you in the database as well as discussing ads they liked this week, McDonalds, Uber Drivers, Dr Nick and much more. 

Also, don't forget to follow  us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Vk2reRmAQn0

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

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We've all seen brands seemingly come out of nowhere and suddenly are everywhere. One such example is Peloton. Today, James and Nick sit down to discuss Peloton and, specifically, their marketing spend for year one. Many businesses start out with grand ideas and this discussion will really show how much money you need to reach this mainstay status. They also discuss the ads they liked this week, bike riding and the continuing adventures of 'Dr Nick'.

Also, don't forget to follow us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer

Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/7p0lFxvr2Po

Need help with your social media comments? Rupert's got you covered? Our social media assistant platform is now live! See what Rupert can do for YOU by claiming your 7 day free trial at https://rupert.digital

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Recently, we started running some ads for our new platform Rupert so today, James, Nick and Michael break down what results we seen and what we've learnt so far. They also talk to 'Dr Nick' about The Ads Clinic, interactive ads and sneaky tactics used at marketing events.

Also, don't forget to follow us on TikTok to get highlights and clips from every episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_fake_marketer