Ask Distract: Recent Episodes
Distract
Welcome to Ask Distract , a podcast by the team at Distract, one of the fastest-growing advertising agencies in the UK. Take a listen and find out what's going on in the world of digital marketing and PR.
Each week we'll bring the most interesting subjects to the show, commenting on and discussing developments across the marketing spectrum. Expect deep explanations of key topics and how they affect you.
In B2B markets, the contracts are often higher value, with a more thought out buying process. Connect and resonate with buyers by putting yourself out there as an expert in your field!
Educating your audience about your brand, and sometimes even your product, can often be key to unlocking a higher conversion rate. We asked the team how funnels can help with this, and how they can be used to deliver more conversions!
With so many platforms, digital marketing options and varying specialisms within your marketing team, how can you even begin to devise a digital marketing strategy? We asked our team for some insight!
Marketing Managers often ask us how to utilise new platforms like TikTok - with new platforms being released every other year, it can be hard to keep track! We spoke to our team about this, and here’s what they had to say!
A question that's been raised a lot recently is how brands can keep marketing during a time of crisis. We asked our team, and here's what they said!
Should your brand start a Podcast? We put this question to our team of marketers and here's what they said... 📣
You need to make sure your content is achieving your marketing aims - make content that matters! 🖋️📹
Marketing Managers often ask if maintaining the blog on their website is worth the effort - we asked our team, and here's what they said!
We asked our team how the copy in adverts can be used to influence audiences, and here's what they said!
How do you stay ahead in a race that never stops? Marketing Managers ask us how to stay on top of their competitors. We asked the team and this is what they said!
Marketing Managers often ask us how to use PR to position their brand in their market. We asked our team, and this is the advice they gave!
Getting data paralysis from your marketing campaigns? Marketing Managers ask us which key metrics they need to monitor. We asked the team, and this is what they said!
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. With the boom in digital, Marketing Managers ask us if they should stop their investment into traditional marketing altogether. We asked the team, and this is what they said.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. We asked the team what challenges Marketing Managers face. Here’s what they said.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. Struggling to get your wider team to buy into your marketing strategy? We asked our team how to get colleagues on board, and this is what they said.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. Marketing Managers ask us which channel they should be advertising their businesses on. We asked our team, and this is what they said.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. Businesses ask us how much money they should put into digital marketing. We put the question to the team, and this is what they said.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. During this time, we know how hard it is for some businesses to continue to spend no their marketing, so here are some tips of the most creative ways of making the most of your marketing spend.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. This week we talk about what life has been like at the agency, and how some of the heads of departments have been dealing with the current situation, and how they are keeping everyone in check.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. This week, we talk about top of funnel marketing; what it is, how to utilise it, and the do's and don'ts.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. During the current climate, it's a great opportunity to learn some new tricks. The search ads department discuss what they have been doing to keep their brains active, and what they've managed to learn over the last few weeks.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. The PR team talk about how best to tackle PR in the current climate.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. Is it a good idea? Would it work? Is it risky? Our team answers some of the frequently asked questions surrounding this topic.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. Marketing different brands requires unique approaches. Charities have a lot of different options when it comes to marketing strategies, which we discuss on this podcast.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. In this episode we talk to the team about how they are working as a team to continue to do their work, despite the current crisis.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. This week we talk to the team about the current climate, and how campaigns are being affected by the Coronavirus.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. In this episode we talk to the team about what they do to market products that they can't relate to. It's hard to make ideas for campaigns when you aren't the target demographic for a certain product, and this is how the team deals with it.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. This week we talk to the team about their thoughts on traditional media, and whether it has a place in modern society.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
We love talking about branding here at Distract, but is it really a great form of marketing, or is it just something that everyone wants in 2020?
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise. In this episode we talk to the team about how social media is affecting so many peoples mental health.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
This week the team gives their insights into how companies are having to put a lot of consideration into being more sustainable and ethical. Are they doing it just to look good? or do they really care?
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we discuss how you can utilise a piece of PR in more ways than one. You can take one piece of content so much further than the basic level, and the team is here to talk about it.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode, we discuss machine learning; the common misconceptions, and how to better understand utilising machine learning with your google ads.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
This week the team talk about whether it's better to play it safe or take risks, and in which situations you should cater for different demographics. Do you create content and ads for the client, audience or creative?
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we talk about algorithms. Being such a buzzword in the marketing world, we really need to understand what we are doing to ensure we know exactly what content each platform wants/ needs.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode, we speak to the team about whats happening in the digital sphere in 2020, and what they think will be things to look out for.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
This week is all about podcasting as a whole. How useful is it? how to get better at it? How to best utilise each platform with it?
Our team spills all our thoughts and opinions surrounding the topic.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
We have an election special in this episode, where many members of our team discuss many topics revolving around what is and has been happening leading up to Thursday the 12th of December.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode, Tom speaks to Andy about two very important aspects of PR; Proactive and reactive PR. Both have their pros and cons, and both can produce fantastic results if done right.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we talk to Sam Spencer about what makes for engaging content online, how seriously you have to take content, and how to help peoples confidence in front of camera.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we talk to Steph Henderson about bridging the gaps between creatives and clients. We discuss what creatives can do to make a campaign their own, whilst still following brand guidelines. How brands go about creating fun campaigns, and the fine line between innovative and brand damaging.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
This week we talk to Tom Jacobs about Facebook advertising. Tom discusses his new strategies, what he has noticed about Facebook advertising as a whole over the last few months, and the possibility of going a step further from live chats in customer support.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we talk to Kiera Berry about how creative flair can upgrade all of your campaigns. We talk about why brands like Mothercare and other high street brands are struggling, Whether agency work or in-house is more appealing, and much much more.
This is Ask Distract, The show where we talk to various members of the team about their areas of expertise.
In this episode we talk to Sam Spencer about the future content across all of our channels, and dive deep into why we have made the decisions we have about our content. We also discuss what content everyone should be making, if any, and who they should be making that content for.
Peter plays host to Video Producer Sam Spencer.
The pair discuss how easy it is to create content and how to get inspiration. Do you need to worry about what is interesting about your business? What's the reason behind filming your day or your business journey? What do people find interesting?
Sam and Peter also talk through how to get started and how to get past creative block when it comes to content.
Peter plays host to Digital PR Exec, Andy Clowes.
The pair discuss how the PR team has used influencers recently and the pitfalls that can sometimes come with that and survey the fallout of yet another revered brand collapsing, this time it's Thomas Cook.
The talk of politics at the moment is Boris Johnson, which the pair also tackle in terms of PR insight.
Discussion also takes a turn into what can be achieved with timely responses and how a member of the team has become a surprise expert on the Royal Family as well as what can be done with good, hard data.
Sam Spencer plays host to web development expert Craig Jones.
Craig and Sam talk about whether higher education is really needed when it comes to web development, or whether teaching yourself is the better option. They also look at how job interviews for web developers are structured and how companies look for the best talent.
The pair also discuss the often technical conversations web developers have to have with clients and how to use plain language to describe often complex concepts.
Sam Spencer plays host to PPC expert Craig Smith.
Craig and Sam talk plainly about what your options are when starting off with digital advertising. What are the first few things you should consider? What are the best methods for putting a new strategy like this into practice if you are a complete beginner?
The pair also discuss the best search categories and what converts. They also put emphasis on looking at the bigger picture and taking a holistic approach. Are you too close to your own projects? Could using an agency be the better option?
Peter decided to take on the podcast himself to talk about the reality of agency life and new campaigns being run by Google and McCain.
Peter also looks at the challenges and ultimate aims of using data within campaigns and the power of stats.
Peter is joined by Head of PR, Mike Shields, who discusses the PR effectiveness of groups like Extinction Rebellion, the use of data within PR and how best to use information already at your fingertips.
The pair also discuss having confidence in your own knowledge and sharing it as well as elements of PR that are available to you when you have little to no budget to work with.
Peter is joined by Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs, who discusses how now is the time for marketers to get to know TikTok, as the platform begins the introduce paid ads into its offering.
The pair also discusses the balance between PR and digital advertising and how to get it right, the waning effectiveness of Twitter and why Instagram Stories is a winning platform at the moment.
In another debate, the pair also consider the implications of the recent Netflix documentary on Cambridge Analytica, 'The Great Hack' as well as the increase in digital advertising spend from The Conservative Party following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ascendancy and what this means.
Peter is joined by Digital Designer Robert Hunt, who discusses how websites need to be created, maintained and developed, even after launch.
The pair discuss: The reasons behind the use and the vast choices available when it comes to Content Management Systems, how to scale a website in a viable and affordable way, problem solving through testing UX and much more.
Peter is joined by PPC Manager Craig Smith, who talks about the myriad options you need to bring together to make a digital strategy work?
The pair discuss: How do you follow the customer journey to make an impact? Is voice going to have an impact soon? What lessons can you learn from huge successes like Amazon and Shopify?
Peter is joined by Social Advertising Manager, Steph Henderson, who talks through the challenges those involved in social media advertising are experiencing at the moment and what the best tactics are for the future.
The pair discuss: Where should you be directing your spend? Should you be testing brand campaigns or ROAS strategies? How important is researching and utilising data for campaigns?
Peter is joined by Digital PR Executive Andy Clowes to talk through using data as a PR tool, getting journalists' attention and what's new within public relations.
Peter is joined by Video Producer, Sam Spencer to talk about the impact that personal branding is having in 2019 and key trends related to videography, influencers and those seeking to make an impact via all marketing channels involving the use of video.
Distract's Social Advertising Manager Steph is joined by Creative Producer Rosie and Search Advertising Executive, Sian to discuss the effectiveness of YouTube videos, how to grab people's attention with limited timeframes, making best use of the platform's bumper videos and how to chart your success with analytics.
The group also looks at competition for ad space on social media, advertising expectations of users and the rise of SMEs using personal profiles rather than business pages to reap more engagement.
Head of PR, Mike Shields, Digital PR Executive Andy Clowes and Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs talk about this year's packed Glastonbury Festival's PR content, from an appearance by David Attenborough and Lewis Capaldi's t-shirt statement, to Emily Eavis managing her public profile in the media.
There can be no doubt that this year's festival has been one to remember for many PR reasons as well as the music.
Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs is joined by PPC Manager Craig Smith and Search Advertising Executive Sian Marron. The group discusses:
Misconceptions the general public has with regards to Google Adwords
The time commitment that campaigns require day to day
Complexities of getting conversions in a tough marketplace by using multiple skills (SEO, website optimisation)
They also touch upon single keyword ad groups, which way to scale a campaign and the user journey.
Head of PR Mike Shields is joined by Digital Account Executive Andy Clowes and Video Producer, Sam Spencer. The group discusses:
Whether awards are worth entering and which levels of competition there are out there to consider, the advantages of running a podcast unique to your business goals and the recently reported continuing decline in print circulation of national and local newspapers.
Creative Producer Rosie Mawer and Ads Manager Steph Henderson are joined by Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs. The group discusses:
The creative process when thinking of and making content.
The importance of planning and keeping content consistent.
The use of influencers, is it is worth it for your business?
Overcoming creative block.
Creating saveable and shareable content.
Web Developer, Craig Jones and Digital Designer Robert Hunt are joined by Distract MD, Peter Watson. The group discusses and debates burnout in the tech industry as well as the benefits of a quick feedback loop with clients. The team also touch upon the benefits of crafting a bespoke website over ready-made platforms like Wix. The various aspects that make successful e-commerce platforms work and how to integrate them are also weighed up.
Head of PR, Mike Shields and Digital PR Executive Andy Clowes are joined by Distract MD, Peter Watson to discuss and debate whether the press release is still relevant as a tool in every PR situation, questionable campaigns, thinking ahead creatively and the changing nature of PR as a service to clients.
Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs and PPC Manager Craig Smith are joined by Search Advertising Executive Sian Marron to discuss and debate:
AI: Can you rely on Artificial intelligence to build marketing campaigns?
Amazon: Is it best to have a branded website for e-commerce or sell with the retail giants?
Website UX: How important is the customer journey on your website?
Audience Building: What are the best methods of building your target audience at the moment?
PPC: How much do you need to know your audience before implementing PPC?
MD Peter Watson, Head of Ads, Tom Jacobs and Ads Manager Stephanie Henderson discuss and debate:
Data: Is your personal data being used by brands online? Is this a good or a bad thing? Does this mean an invasion of privacy or does it allow for more innovative marketing and tailored content?
Should you business be on social media?: With some larger brands stepping back on their digital presence, is now the time to be on social media as a business or brand?
AI: Are automatic and machine-learning platforms the future of digital advertising? Are they advanced enough yet?