Getting Granular

Granular

Welcome to Getting Granular; the podcast where digital marketing experts from the agency Granular talk about the latest trends, tried and true best practices, and share their unfiltered thoughts about the industry. Based in Milwaukee, and laser-focused on PPC.

  1. The Click Brief Podcast: September 2025

    OCT 8 · BONUS

    The Click Brief Podcast: September 2025

    Jeremy Packee and Emily Anderson dive into a jam-packed month of digital marketing updates designed to help advertisers fine-tune their Q4 campaigns. The hosts break down Google’s expansion of campaign total budgets to Search, Performance Max, and Shopping campaigns, sharing pros, cons, and Q4 testing advice. They discuss how Microsoft’s Supplemental Feeds bring long-missing flexibility to product updates, while Google’s new Demand Gen Drops showcase fresh features like promotion assets, omnichannel bidding, and comparable conversion metrics. The episode continues with discussion on AI Max for Search, Google’s fully AI-powered campaign type, and the rollout of text guidelines for AI-generated copy, a much-needed control feature for marketers wary of overly creative machine-made messaging. The duo also covers Meta’s big Reels and Threads advertising expansion, Microsoft’s enhanced Performance Max reporting, Amazon’s AI Ad Creator in Creative Studio, and YouTube’s new deep-linking ads to apps. They finish with a rapid-fire roundup of smaller but notable updates, including Google’s visual local ads, Meta’s new Ads Manager formatting tools, Microsoft’s consent tracking updates, and Amazon’s DSP partnership with SiriusXM. Episode Highlights Biggest Winner: Google Ads advertisers—total budgets and AI tools open new testing opportunities for Q4.Hot Take: Emily calls the AI text guidelines “long overdue” after seeing AI create unwanted sale messages.Pro Tip: Jeremy recommends testing total campaign budgets on short seasonal flights (Black Friday, Cyber Monday).Q4 Reminder: Watch for pacing behavior changes when moving from daily to total budgets.Follow The Click Brief for fast, no-fluff performance marketing updates. Visit The Click Brief blog for more in-depth analysis and updates from September.

    38 min
  2. The Click Brief Podcast: July 2025

    AUG 21 · BONUS

    The Click Brief Podcast: July 2025

    In this exciting inaugural podcast episode of The Click Brief, hosts Jeremy Packee and Emily Anderson dive into the latest digital advertising and Martech updates from July 2025. They kick things off with a deep dive into OpenAI's new ChatGPT Agent, an advanced tool that can browse the web, use APIs, and automate multi-step tasks. The hosts explore its potential to save time and make work more efficient, sharing their personal experiences with grocery shopping and campaign management using the tool. Next, they discuss Google's AI-powered shopping upgrades, including virtual try-ons for apparel, smarter price alerts, and outfit inspiration. Emily emphasizes the need for e-commerce businesses to get their product feeds in top shape to stay ahead of the curve. As they move on to Instagram's new partnership with Google, the hosts highlight the value of SEO for social content, encouraging businesses to optimize captions and hashtags for better visibility. The episode continues with exciting updates from Google Ads, including the launch of localized forecasts in Keyword Planner, Meta’s new ad performance breakdowns, and the rollout of asset-level metrics for responsive search ads. The hosts reflect on the need for caution when using AI-driven features and the importance of strategic decision-making in campaigns. Closing out the episode, Jeremy and Emily discuss Google’s Smart Bidding Exploration, a new feature aimed at optimizing ROAS with more flexible bidding. They share their thoughts on the potential impact for e-commerce brands, while acknowledging that further testing is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Tune in for all the insights and takeaways to keep your digital advertising strategies on the cutting edge!

    28 min
  3. PPC Origins - Rachael Beech

    FEB 17

    PPC Origins - Rachael Beech

    Meet Rachael (00:23): Rachael shares a bit about herself, her love for outdoor activities, and her unhealthy number of houseplants.How She Found PPC (02:27): Rachael details how she fell into paid search while interning during college and unexpectedly became responsible for an entire company’s PPC efforts at just 19 years old.Why PPC? (06:34): Discussing why she stuck with PPC, Rachael explains the value of having a specialized skill set in marketing, the blend of creativity and data-driven strategy, and how she enjoys working in the field.The Importance of Specialization (07:50): Chris and Rachael discuss the advantage of developing hard skills over being a generalist in marketing.Past PPC Experience (11:57): Rachael shares her experience working with B2B clients, including industrial manufacturing companies, and her time managing Amazon advertising campaigns.Rachael’s Wildest Job Story (14:15): Before PPC, Rachael worked at a Christmas-themed petting zoo and amusement park—where she did everything from cleaning barns to getting bitten by a woodchuck.Life at Granular (20:30): Rachael talks about what she enjoys most about working at Granular, including the diverse client portfolio, collaborative culture, and strong team dynamic.Her Approach to PPC (22:38): Rachael shares her PPC philosophy: setting up accounts in a structured and organized way from the start, taking ownership of client relationships, and maintaining a high standard of work.The Future of PPC (26:42): A discussion about automation, AI, and the evolving challenges of paid media, including concerns about losing control over key account functions.Final Words of Wisdom (28:58): Rachael’s advice: never be afraid to ask questions and continue learning—don’t let the fear of feeling “dumb” stop you from growing.

    31 min
  4. PPC Origins - Kelsea Smart

    12/20/2024

    PPC Origins - Kelsea Smart

    Introduction (00:01): Host Chris Cesar welcomes listeners and introduces guest Kelsea Smart, a Paid Media Manager at Granular.Meet Kelsea (00:23): Kelsea shares her background as a native Floridian, her love for boating, snorkeling, and cats, and a surprising personal story about surviving a sinking boat in the Florida Keys.Journey to Paid Media (11:57): Kelsea explains her path from working in a full-service advertising agency to focusing solely on PPC at Granular. She shares her passion for digital media and the desire to deepen her expertise in paid media.Paid Media Then vs. Now (17:32): A discussion about how AI and machine learning have reshaped the industry since Kelsea began her career, alongside the rise of immersive ad formats and short-form video content.Why She Loves Paid Media (22:09): Kelsea emphasizes the satisfaction of driving measurable results for clients and the impact of her work on business growth.Granular’s Culture (23:13): Kelsea reflects on the collaborative and innovative environment at Granular, highlighting the team’s focus on learning, independence, and pushing boundaries in digital marketing.The Future of Paid Media (25:38): Chris and Kelsea dive into the potential of AI in advertising, the rise of immersive ad formats, and the challenges small businesses face in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.Final Words of Wisdom (28:10): Kelsea advises listeners to trust their instincts, drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey.Wrap-Up (29:14): Chris thanks Kelsea for braving the cold Wisconsin weather and wraps up the episode with a call to subscribe for more PPC tips and insights.

    30 min
  5. PPC Origins - Sarah Christiaansen

    11/12/2024

    PPC Origins - Sarah Christiaansen

    Introduction (00:01): Host Chris Cesar introduces the podcast, welcoming listeners to this episode featuring Sarah Christiaansen.Meet Sarah (00:23): Chris introduces Sarah, who shares a little about her life in Los Angeles, her love for hiking and her cats, and how she found her way to Granular.From Design to Paid Media (02:21): Sarah discusses her early days in digital marketing, starting with freelance design work and eventually moving into paid media as she grew curious about how ads work.PPC in Motion (05:08): Sarah shares insights on the shifting PPC landscape, including major changes she’s noticed, such as clients’ decreased interest in advertising on Twitter (now X).Why She Loves Paid Media (07:50): For Sarah, a successful campaign that converts feels incredibly satisfying. She talks about the unique rewards of managing targeted campaigns that hit the mark.Design Meets Data (09:15): Sarah explains how her background in design still comes into play, whether she's adjusting ad visuals or helping make reports more engaging.Granular’s Team Culture (11:16): Sarah reflects on her experience working at Granular, highlighting the team’s supportive environment and the camaraderie among colleagues.Managing Clients with Clarity (18:17): Sarah explains her “client-by-client” approach, balancing open communication with expertise to keep clients informed and campaigns successful.AI in Paid Media: Opportunities and Caution (23:19): Sarah discusses her mixed feelings about AI in digital advertising. While helpful in creating copy, AI can sometimes limit advertisers’ control over targeting.The Future of PPC (27:58): Chris and Sarah dive into the potential future of PPC, considering everything from automation to Google’s evolving role in the field.Final Words of Wisdom (30:22): Sarah’s advice? Always double-check your settings, be kind to animals, and get a good night’s sleep.

    32 min
  6. PPC Origins - Tim Reed

    11/06/2024

    PPC Origins - Tim Reed

    Introduction to Getting Granular (00:01): Overview of the podcast and introduction of the host, Chris Cesar, Senior Manager of Paid Media at Granular.Meet Tim Reed (00:25): Chris introduces Tim, who provides background on his 5-6 years in the industry, emphasizing e-commerce and Amazon advertising.Tim’s Path to Digital Marketing (01:16): Tim describes his journey from undecided college student to digital marketer, sharing his interest in the psychology behind PPC and client relationships.PPC Landscape: Then and Now (03:41): Discussion on the early days of Tim’s career, with fewer platforms and simpler strategies, compared to today’s automation and expanded platforms like TikTok and Amazon.Favorite Aspects of PPC (05:19): Tim highlights his enjoyment of data-driven strategies, learning from diverse client industries, and the dynamic nature of PPC.Specializations and Role at Granular (10:00): Tim elaborates on his expertise in Amazon and Google Ads, his transition to Granular, and the growth opportunities the agency has provided.Personal Approach to Client Management (20:39): Emphasis on understanding clients' individual needs, setting clear goals, and adapting communication styles to different personalities.Future of PPC (36:39): Tim shares his outlook on AI and automation in PPC, considering both the opportunities and challenges they present for the industry.Words of Wisdom (41:11): Tim’s closing advice to always keep learning, adapt to new technologies, and improve communication skills as a cornerstone of professional growth.

    43 min
  7. PPC Origins - Jeannot Delugeau

    04/04/2024

    PPC Origins - Jeannot Delugeau

    Welcome to Getting Granular (00:01): Introduction to the podcast's focus on digital marketing trends, best practices, and PPC insights.Host and Guest Introduction (00:25): Chris Caesar, Senior Manager of Paid Media at Granular, introduces guest Jeannot, a Manager of Paid Media.Jeannot’s Background (00:37): Discussion on Jeannot’s roots, his move to North Carolina, and eventual return to Milwaukee to join Granular.Entering PPC and Digital Marketing (02:15): Jeannot shares his entry into PPC, highlighting the transition from manual strategies to automation.Specialization and Client Management at Granular (03:50): Focus on Jeannot’s role in managing client portfolios and his specialization in e-commerce PPC.Career Journey and PPC Evolution (05:19): Jeannot recounts his career path and observations on the changing landscape of PPC.Automation’s Impact on PPC (09:52): Discussion on the shift towards automation and machine learning in PPC, and transitioning from Universal Analytics to GA4.Client Management Philosophy (19:13): Jeannot emphasizes the importance of being proactive, transparent, and adaptable with clients.Predictions on the Future of PPC (26:02): Insights into the potential for increased automation and AI in PPC, alongside concerns over decreasing manager control.Personal Growth and Hobbies (33:07): Jeannot talks about the value of continuous improvement and shares his interest in music as a personal growth area.Closing Thoughts (35:29): Recap of the conversation, appreciation for Jeannot’s insights, and an invitation for listener engagement.

    36 min
4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Getting Granular; the podcast where digital marketing experts from the agency Granular talk about the latest trends, tried and true best practices, and share their unfiltered thoughts about the industry. Based in Milwaukee, and laser-focused on PPC.