Sweat Equity

Marketing Examined
Sweat Equity

Welcome to the best creative brainstorming session you've ever had. Hosts Alex Garcia & Brian Blum discuss the biggest marketing moves of the week and show you how you can implement these in your own business. Influencer marketing, growth marketing, content marketing - it's all here. Creativity. Breakdowns. Playbooks. Without the fluff.

  1. FEB 18

    World-Building 101: Create a Brand People Obsess Over

    Brand storytelling isn’t just about making good content, it’s about creating a world that people want to be part of. In this episode, we break down how brands like Jacquemus or Malbon Golf are redefining marketing through world-building, social-first content, and community-driven storytelling. Plus, we explore why voyeuristic content and brands collaboration are changing the game. Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 2:06 The Power of World-Building in Branding 3:10 How Jacquemus Masters the Art of World-Building 5:20 Why Most Brands Get Storytelling Wrong 6:26 The Fashion Industry Sets the Trends for Everyone 8:39 Vision Board, Content Strategy and Guidelines 11:37 Content: The Glue That Holds It All Together 13:06 Alright Marketers, Listen up 13:40 Malbon Golf’s Winning Formula for Brand Culture 17:09 Why Every Brand Needs BTS Content 18:49 Why Voyeuristic Content is Taking Over Social Media 24:13 The Two Sides of World-Building: Digital & Physical 27:29 Brand Collaborations: The Secret Growth Hack 29:52 Turning Customers into a Real-Life Community

    31 min
  2. FEB 11

    Top 5 Marketing Strategies Your Brand Needs To Explode in 2025

    Content-led growth is the future—are you ready? In this episode, Brian breaks down how brands like Americana Pipe Dream, Tallow Grill, and Skims are mastering storytelling, nano-influencers, and social commerce to scale faster than ever. From founder-led content to TikTok Shop takeovers, this is your playbook for 2025. Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- 🔥Want Free Game? Send us a picture of your Apple & Spotify reviews to podcast@marketingexamined.com and we'll make you a playbook in a future episode. -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro & Why Content is King in 2025: Adapt or Die 2:45 - Founder-Led Content: Americana Pipe Dream Game-Changing Strategy 4:41 Why Great Stories Sell More Products 7:00 How storytelling turned Kane into a lifestyle Brand 9:06 Crafting Stories That Sell 10:37 Why Tallow Grill Grew 50K Followers in 6 Months 13:38 Grab Attention First, Sell Later 16:19 A Quick Advice for Marketers 16:53 Employee-Generated Content: Meshki’s 19:58 Nano Influencers: The Future of Marketing 21:32 The Power of DM Automation for Selling 24:20  Paid Ads Are Changing in 2025—Here’s What Works Now 26:20 Why Skims’ Advertising Strategy is The Gold Standard for Paid Media.

    30 min
  3. FEB 4

    Transform Your Brand's Aesthetic in 53 Minutes

    If you think content volume is hard, you’re thinking about it all wrong. In this episode, we break down the exact strategy behind scaling high-impact content—fast. From live event activations to turning brand storytelling into a machine, Alex shares the playbook he and his team used to produce viral videos for TYR during a three-day event at Wodapalooza. Plus, the challenges of running an agency and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Alex and Brian’s personal experiences as content creators. If you’re serious about brand storytelling and content strategy, this episode is a must-watch. Drop a comment if you have questions—we might break down your brand next. Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 Back in the Studio: What’s going on today? 03:53 Wodapalooza Miami Recap With Alex: Creating a Brand Activation Strategy 06:23 Using an Event to Execute a Brand Campaign 07:10 TYR: How To Success in Crossfit Brand Campaign 08:50 Speed is Everything: Why Brands Must Move Faster 09:50 Getting Hooks From Interviews To Create Content 11:50 Quick Advise for All Marketers 12:23 Editing on the Fly – The Key to Viral Event Content 15:31 Recap: Keys to Crushing It with Your Event Content 18:13 Storytelling vs. Static Content – Why It Matters 20:13 Why Brands Should Use Events to Communicate 22:00 Thoughts on House Music & DJs (This Might Be Controversial) 24:14 Alex’s Behind the Scenes of Wodapalooza Miami Campaign 27:35 Making Crossfit Cool & Professional 29:50 Hyrox, CrossFit and Other Sports – Who Wins the Fitness Game? 33:18 Is All Media Content Somehow Stolen from Another? 35:38 The Challenges of Running an Agency 40:10 Dealing with Marketers’ Frustration: The Content Flywheel 43:45 Hacks to Perform on Instagram in 2025 46:25 Alex and Brian's Experience as Content Creators

    53 min
  4. JAN 21

    This Is How Your Brand Needs To Tell Stories

    How do brands create campaigns that fans love and rivals envy? This episode unpacks the genius behind viral hits like Corteiz, including storytelling, internal and external missions, and gamified experiences. We also dive into how modern brands thrive by aligning narratives with social media strategies. Whether you’re a marketer or entrepreneur, the insights of this episode are a game-changer. Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro & Sneak Peek of Topics 4:00 – Why Training Your Brand Account Algorithm Matters 06:10 - The CRTZRTW Social Media Phenomenon 09:00 - Sidequests and Community Gamification 11:09 - Reebok’s Tactic in CrossFit event 12:55 – Creating Successful Campaigns: The hero, the moment, the medium, and the production. 14:30 - The Importance of Campaign Recaps 15:35 – A Good Advice for Marketers 16:10 – The Surprising Puma Campaign during the 1996 Olympics 18:00 – Picking the Perfect Medium 24:00 – Crafting Brand Narratives That Resonate with Customers 27:16 - The Difference Between Internal and External Missions 30:21 – Case Study: Comparison Between a Narrative-driven Brand and One Without Storytelling. 35:02 - The Impact of Marketing Touchpoints 38:30 – You Need to Change Your Social Media Manager

    40 min
  5. JAN 14

    Shift Your Brand from LOW Status to HIGH Status in 46 Mins

    Want to build a premium brand that people are willing to pay more for? Brands today need more than great products—they need great storytelling. In this episode, we cover the power of mood boards and how visual storytelling creates high-status brands. From exclusive aesthetics to the importance of association, we break down how top brands are outperforming traditional product promotions with lifestyle-focused content. Don’t miss this masterclass in modern branding strategy! Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- CHAPTERS: 0:00 What You Should Expect for this Episode: Mood Board Branding & High-Status vs. Low-Status Branding 4:34 Early Days of Social Media Content Creation 06:08 Product Obsession to Lifestyle Obsession Shift 07:00 Role of Association in Content Strategy 09:42 Case Study: Nude Project 11:38 ALD: A Dream Moodboard 12:35 Creating an Aspirational Mood Board 13:48 A Quick Advice for Marketers 14:22 How the Mood Board Guides Your Content Decisions 17:00 The Importance of Titles in Social Media Videos 18:42 The Three Types of Video Hooks Explained 21:40 Does Linkedin Work for Content? 27:33 Exclusivity in High-Status Brands: How to Justify Your Price Point 34:07 Biulding Urgency Through Scarcity 35:22 Case Study: Saucony x Minted New York 36:36 Building FOMO to Drive Purchase Behavior With Exclusive Product Releases 38:00 Enemy Marketing: The Power of Storytelling in Brand Loyalty 40:40 Why Big Brands Avoid the "Enemy Frame" 45:30 We're Hiring!

    47 min
  6. JAN 7

    Building an 8-Figure Business in 2025: What 2024 Taught Us

    2024 was a wild ride. In this episode, we share our highs, lows, and transformative lessons. From aligning your team for success, to a managing major business pivot or cutting unnecessary costs, we cover the strategies that helped us navigate the challenges of 2024 and set bold goals for 2025. Big plans for brand social, niche targeting, creating sticky offers that clients can’t cut and focus on what really moves the needle. Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 Year-End Reflections: Our Growth in 2024 and 2025 Goals 04:45 Instant Bollywood's Growth Playbook: How to Post 100 Times a Day 6:30 The Secret Sauce to Viral Short-Form Content 09:51 Using Skits to Engage Your Audience 11:47 The Power of One Shots 14:40 Unboxing Content: Keeping it Raw and Relatable 16:04 Style Fits: Easy Concept to Get Attention 17:45 Flatlays: Why Presentation Matters 20:10 Themed Shoots for Seasonal Campaigns 21:45 How to Create Immersive Brand Experiences: Nude Project 25:56 Social Trends for 2025: Organic Funnels 26:38 The Rise of Character Development in Branding 30:16 The Importance of World-Biulding in Branding 31:30 Why Long-Form Content is the Next Big Opportunity 34:58 Focused Influencer Marketing for 2025 35:30 Affiliate Marketing: Gamification and New Strategies 40:11 Creating Social-First Branding Campaigns: 42:10 Building Connective Tissue: Why Cross-Channel Cohesion Matters 44:37 Drop Shipping in 2025: The Resurgence 47:14 AI Marketing: Avatars and Content Creation 48:30 Using Alternate Histories for Brand Narratives

    54 min
  7. 12/31/2024

    Create a Perfect Content Strategy in 49 Minutes

    2025 is the year to revolutionize your content—that’s why in this episode we explore the hottest up-and-coming strategies. From creating cohesive brand narratives to leveraging AI-driven marketing tools, we break down strategies to elevate your content and engagement. Learn about TikTok blitz strategies, apparel brand content pillars, the future of long-form content for brands and the importance of character development for lasting impact. Is dropshipping making a comeback in 2025? Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with actionable ideas for brands and creators alike! Here’s 5 things you can get done faster on Wix Studio: ● Scale content with dynamic pages and reusable assets ● And integrate with Meta CAPI, Zapier, Google Ads and more in seconds ● A/B tests are a given—create them in days, not weeks with intuitive design tools ● Connect tracking and analytics tools like GA4 & Semrush in seconds ● And manage all your clients’ social media from one dashboard All of that right here: https://l.marketingexamined.com/wixpo 📱Follow Us On Social: -------------------- Instagram Alex https://www.instagram.com/alexgarcia_atx/ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_blum/ Twitter www.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atx www.twitter.com/@brian_blum1 -------------------- Want Alex to develop your brand's content strategy? Apply to work with us here: form.typeform.com/to/FeHceWpg -------------------- 📈Growth Playbooks, Directly To Your Inbox For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed at https://www.marketingexamined.com -------------------- 🎥Checkout Brians Content Agency https://www.nibble.studio -------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Year-End Reflections: Our Growth in 2024 and 2025 Goals 04:45 Instant Bollywood's Growth Playbook: How to Post 100 Times a Day 6:30 The Secret Sauce to Viral Short-Form Content 09:51 Using Skits to Engage Your Audience 11:47 The Power of One Shots 14:40 Unboxing Content: Keeping it Raw and Relatable 16:04 Style Fits: Easy Concept to Get Attention 17:45 Flatlays: Why Presentation Matters 20:10 Themed Shoots for Seasonal Campaigns 21:45 How to Create Immersive Brand Experiences: Nude Project 24:32 Transform Your Business With Wix 25:56 Social Trends for 2025: Organic Funnels 26:38 The Rise of Character Development in Branding 30:16 The Importance of World-Biulding in Branding 31:30 Why Long-Form Content is the Next Big Opportunity 34:58 Focused Influencer Marketing for 2025 35:30 Affiliate Marketing: Gamification and New Strategies 40:11 Creating Social-First Branding Campaigns: 42:10 Building Connective Tissue: Why Cross-Channel Cohesion Matters 44:37 Drop Shipping in 2025: The Resurgence 47:14 AI Marketing: Avatars and Content Creation 48:30 Using Alternate Histories for Brand Narratives

    49 min
    5
    out of 5
    65 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to the best creative brainstorming session you've ever had. Hosts Alex Garcia & Brian Blum discuss the biggest marketing moves of the week and show you how you can implement these in your own business. Influencer marketing, growth marketing, content marketing - it's all here. Creativity. Breakdowns. Playbooks. Without the fluff.

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