The Growth Hack

Marcus Slater
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  • MARKETING

Welcome to ‘The Growth Hack: Franchise Marketing Unleashed’, your ultimate podcast destination where we dive deep into the dynamic world of franchise marketing!  Join us as we explore cutting-edge strategies, innovative digital marketing techniques, and industry insights tailored specifically for franchise businesses. Each episode is packed with actionable tips, expert interviews, and real-world success stories designed to help franchise owners and marketers drive growth, enhance online visibility, and maximize ROI. Whether you’re a seasoned franchise veteran or new to the digital marketing arena, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of franchise marketing. 

  1. We Cut Our Ad Budget by 50%--and Got More Bookings

    AUG 4

    We Cut Our Ad Budget by 50%--and Got More Bookings

    Cutting Our Ad Budget Boosted Bookings by 26% — Here’s How In this episode of The Growth Hack: Franchise Marketing Unleashed, host Marcus Slater (founder of AdCloud and Slater Digital Group) reveals how slashing paid ad spend actually increased bookings. No viral hacks. No new offers. Just smarter strategy. You’ll hear how shifting budget from cold prospecting to high-intent channels like Google Search, Maps, and retargeting led to higher-quality leads, lower cost per booking, and stronger ROI. Whether you're a franchise owner, performance marketer, or agency leader—this episode will change how you think about traffic, targeting, and scaling. What you’ll learn: Why high-volume traffic often brings low-quality leadsThe exact 3-channel ad mix that beat cold targetingHow we booked more with less (a 26% lift!)The retargeting strategy that slashed wasted spendWhen Google should be your first (not last) ad channelHow to build a sustainable growth funnel that doesn’t rely on “spray and pray” adsBefore you scale your budget, watch this. 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss next week’s zero-fluff marketing breakdown. 📲 Follow us on socials for more:  Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #FranchiseMarketing #GoogleAds #PerformanceMarketing #AdStrategy #LeadGeneration #MarketingTips #TheGrowthHackPodcast #AdCloud #DigitalMarketing #MembershipMarketing #BookingStrategy #BusinessGrowth

    18 min
  2. We Let AI Take Over Booking for 30 Days-- Here's What Happened

    JUL 28

    We Let AI Take Over Booking for 30 Days-- Here's What Happened

    What happens when you fire your entire lead follow-up team... and hand the job to AI? In this episode of The Growth Hack Podcast, host Marcus Slater—founder and CEO of AdCloud Agency and Slater Digital Group—shares the results of a bold 30-day experiment: letting AI take over 100% of lead follow-up across multiple locations. No human texts. No manual replies. Just automation from click to booked. What you'll learn in this episode: How AI booked 73% of leads—with 62% of those after hoursWhy most businesses are leaving revenue on the table by relying on manual follow-upThe surprising drop in lead quality complaints when humans stepped outWhy consistency, speed, and scalability matter more than “personal touch”How to implement fully autonomous AI follow-up without sacrificing trustIf you're still chasing leads one message at a time, you're already behind. This episode is your roadmap to scalable, hands-free lead conversion. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Growth Hack: Franchise Marketing Unleashed. Follow for more automation and growth strategy insights: Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #GrowthHack #AIForBusiness #MarketingAutomation #FranchiseMarketing #SalesAutomation #LeadFollowUp #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurTips #BookingAutomation #FranchiseLeads

    20 min
  3. Funnel Showdown: Why Simple Beat Fancy by 32%

    JUL 21

    Funnel Showdown: Why Simple Beat Fancy by 32%

    💥 Three funnels. 24 hours. One surprising winner. 💥 In this test-heavy episode of The Growth Hack, Marcus Slater (founder of AdCloud) and Marketing Director Mckenzie reveal what happened when they pitted three landing page styles against each other using the exact same offer, audience, and ad traffic. Which one came out on top? The ultra-simple, short-form, no-scroll funnel—beating the others by 32%, especially on mobile. If you’ve been overbuilding funnels with fancy visuals, long copy, or endless form fields... this episode will challenge everything. What you’ll learn in this episode: Which funnel style converts best: quiz, short-form, or booking pageThe biggest mistake marketers make when designing funnelsWhy your platform (Google vs. Meta) should influence funnel styleThe psychology behind user friction and how to eliminate itHow to structure a high-converting funnel for cold trafficWhy clear always beats cleverFunnels don’t need to be impressive—they need to be effective. 🎯 If you want booked appointments, not bounce rates, this is your blueprint. 📲 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a test that can transform your funnel performance. Follow for more smart strategy: Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #FunnelTesting #MarketingStrategy #FranchiseMarketing #ConversionOptimization #ShortFormFunnels #DigitalMarketing #LeadGenTips #GrowthHackPodcast #NoScrollFunnels #AdCloud

    17 min
  4. We Gave AI a Timeout

    JUL 14

    We Gave AI a Timeout

    Everyone’s obsessed with “speed to lead”—instant replies, lightning-fast automation, zero human lag. But what if slowing down actually converts better? In this episode, Marcus Slater, founder of AdCloud, breaks down a simple two-minute delay we added to AI follow-up across 20 studios—and the surprising results that came with it. Spoiler: Faster isn’t always better. Especially if it feels like a robot. 🎯 What you’ll see in this episode: Why AI follow-up still needs a human touchWhat happened when we slowed down our AI by just two minutesThe test results: engagement, conversions, and trust gainsHow to use micro-tests to uncover hidden growth opportunitiesWhy every platform (Google, Social, TikTok) needs a different follow-up strategyThe secret to balancing automation with authenticityIf you’re still chasing speed without considering tone, trust, or timing… you might be leaving serious revenue on the table. Subscribe and turn on notifications to stay one step ahead of the franchise marketing curve. 🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts 📲 Follow for real-time strategies:  Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast  TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast  Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #FranchiseMarketing #AIInMarketing #LeadConversion #SpeedToLead #AutomationStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #GrowthHackPodcast #MarketingTips #DigitalMarketing #FranchiseGrowth

    18 min
  5. We Killed Our Best Ad-- Here's Why

    JUL 7

    We Killed Our Best Ad-- Here's Why

    When Low-Cost Leads Cost You More Just because Meta says it’s working doesn’t mean it’s actually working. In this episode of The Growth Hack Podcast, host Marcus Slater (founder of AdCloud and Slater Digital Group) breaks down what happens when your best-performing campaign on paper turns out to be your worst-performing one in reality. From cheap clicks to costly churn, we’re talking about lead quality vs. lead quantity—and why those dashboard wins can be dangerously misleading. What you’ll learn in this episode:     •    How “winning” campaigns can quietly wreck your bottom line     •    Why low cost per lead doesn’t mean high return     •    The $10 offer tweak that changed everything     •    How to identify (and avoid) discount chasers     •    What metrics really matter when you're building a recurring-revenue business     •    How to spot the red flags in a too-good-to-be-true funnel If you’re a marketer still chasing low CPMs or a business owner wondering why high leads aren’t turning into loyal customers—this episode is your wake-up call. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a strategy shift. Follow for more no-fluff marketing insight: Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #GrowthHack #FranchiseMarketing #LeadQuality #PerformanceMarketing #MarketingStrategy #AdOptimization #BusinessGrowth #LeadGenerationTips #RecurringRevenue #MembershipMarketing #DigitalMarketingStrategy #TheGrowthHackPodcast

    24 min
  6. The Silent Killer of Growth

    JUN 30

    The Silent Killer of Growth

    Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s a leadership tool. In this episode of The Growth Hack: Franchise Marketing Unleashed, host Marcus Slater, founder of AdCloud and Slater Digital Group, shares what it really takes to lead when you’re not totally sure of yourself. From faking it (strategically) to finding your voice, this episode is for the business owners who are still building belief—but still showing up anyway. What you'll learn in this episode: •Why confidence doesn’t mean fearlessness—and how to lead through doubt •The surprising moment Marcus finally felt like a “real” CEO •How to develop trust in your team (and what real leadership looks like) •The difference between self-confidence and self-awareness—and why you need both •How to show up with conviction when you're still figuring it all out Whether you’re running a one-person show or leading a growing team, this episode is a reminder that confidence comes with action—not perfection. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Follow for more franchise growth and mindset tips: Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcastTikTok: @the_growthhackpodcastFacebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #GrowthHack #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceInBusiness #FranchiseMarketing #BusinessGrowth #StartupLeadership #CEOJourney #ImposterSyndrome

    14 min
  7. Marketing Isn't a Luxury--It's a Lifeline

    JUN 23

    Marketing Isn't a Luxury--It's a Lifeline

    Cut Marketing, Kill Growth? Why Visibility Is NOT Optional “If business is slow, marketing isn’t the problem—it’s the only solution.” In this episode, Marcus Slater (Founder of AdCloud and Slater Digital Group) and Creative Director Mckenzie tackle one of the biggest mistakes franchise owners make when things get tight: cutting the marketing budget. Spoiler alert: turning off the visibility faucet only makes things worse.  If you’ve ever said “let’s just pause ads for now,” this episode is your wake-up call. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why slashing your ad budget is like pulling the plug on your own oxygenWhat should go before marketing when you need to make cutsHow to think about marketing as a long-term investment, not a quick fixWhat happens after you pause your ads—and why it’s rarely recoverableWhy most businesses don’t have a leads problem… they have a closing problemHow to build a smarter ad strategy that doesn’t waste your budgetWhat to automate, what to track, and what to never stop doingWhether you’re in growth mode or survival mode, this episode breaks down how to keep showing up—even when it feels risky. 📲 Follow for more real-world franchise growth strategies:  Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #FranchiseMarketing #MarketingBudget #BusinessGrowth #GrowthHackPodcast #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusinessSuccess #MarketingMindset #FranchiseOwner #VisibilityMatters #ScalingSmart

    17 min
  8. The Franchise Strategy I'd Bet My Business On

    JUN 16

    The Franchise Strategy I'd Bet My Business On

    If I Owned Your Franchise, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do  You’ve signed the lease, hung the “Coming Soon” sign—and now it’s game time.  In this episode of The Growth Hack Podcast, Marcus Slater, founder of AdCloud and Slater Digital Group, answers the question he hears constantly: “What would YOU do if this was your franchise?” No fluff. No theory. Just the exact marketing moves, sales systems, automations, and mindset Marcus would use if he were launching a location in a brand-new market.  What you’ll learn in this episode: Why your first 90 days matter more than the next 9 monthsThe biggest pre-launch mistake owners make (and how to avoid it)How to build a lead list before your doors openWhat to automate so your business runs even when you’re not watchingHow to split your ad budget for the biggest returnThe mindset most new franchisees miss—and what to adopt insteadWhy you shouldn’t blindly follow corporate’s checklist (yes, we said it)Whether you’re weeks from launch or already knee-deep in your first few months, this episode gives you a playbook to move faster, sell smarter, and avoid the chaos. 📲 Follow for more proven franchise marketing tactics:  Instagram: @the_growthhackpodcast TikTok: @the_growthhackpodcast Facebook: @the_growthhackpodcast #FranchiseMarketing #BusinessLaunchTips #GrowthHackPodcast #FranchiseOwner #MarketingAutomation #PreLaunchStrategy #FranchiseSuccess #FranchiseTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #ServiceBusinessMarketing

    21 min
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About

Welcome to ‘The Growth Hack: Franchise Marketing Unleashed’, your ultimate podcast destination where we dive deep into the dynamic world of franchise marketing!  Join us as we explore cutting-edge strategies, innovative digital marketing techniques, and industry insights tailored specifically for franchise businesses. Each episode is packed with actionable tips, expert interviews, and real-world success stories designed to help franchise owners and marketers drive growth, enhance online visibility, and maximize ROI. Whether you’re a seasoned franchise veteran or new to the digital marketing arena, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of franchise marketing. 

Information

  • Creator
    Marcus Slater
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Growth Hack
  • Show Website
    The Growth Hack