Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson" – Episode 332

Release Date: May 14, 2025

In Episode 332 of "Do This, NOT That," hosted by Jay Schwedelson and presented by Marigold, listeners delve into practical marketing strategies aimed at enhancing event engagement and reducing abandoned cart rates. The episode is structured around the popular "Ask Us Anything" segment, where Jay addresses real-world marketing challenges posed by listeners, followed by a lighthearted "Ridiculous Question" segment that adds a touch of humor to the discussion.

Ask Us Anything: Boosting Event Show-Up Rates and Reducing Abandoned Carts

Listener's Challenge: A listener named Jasmine from Newark, New Jersey, approached the show with a dual concern: declining show-up rates for webinars and events despite employing various email tactics, and increasing abandoned cart rates hindering sales conversions. She expressed frustration over traditional email strategies failing to drive the desired engagement and sales outcomes.

Jay's Strategic Response:

1. Emphasize Remarketing Over Traditional Emails ([02:15]): Jay highlighted the often-overlooked power of remarketing to individuals who have already shown interest by registering for webinars or adding items to their cart. He emphasized that targeting these engaged users with persistent advertising can significantly boost engagement and conversion rates.

   • Notable Quote: “The number one best use of your money... is to continue to market to people that have already engaged with that offer.” – Jay Schwedelson ([04:30])

2. Utilize Instagram Reels Ads for Effective Retargeting ([05:10]): Jay advocates for the use of Instagram Reels ads as a cost-effective method to retarget existing registrants or cart abandoners. By presenting ads that reiterate the original offer, businesses can serve as constant reminders, thus increasing the likelihood of user action.

   • Notable Quote: “Instagram Reels ads... crush it for webinars, for events.” – Jay Schwedelson ([06:45])

3. Provide Incentives for Live Attendance ([08:00]): To further enhance show-up rates, Jay advises offering exclusive content or resources available only to those who attend the event live. This strategy creates a compelling reason for registrants to prioritize attendance over passive interest.

   • Notable Quote: “You must give people a reason to show up... Only people that show up will get the seven tips for whatever.” – Jay Schwedelson ([07:30])

4. Cost-Efficiency of Retargeting Campaigns ([09:00]): Emphasizing the affordability of remarketing, Jay reassured that even with large registrant lists, the cost remains minimal—typically in the tens of dollars range—making it a viable tactic for businesses of all sizes.

   • Notable Quote: “It is a constant reminder. It's in the person's face.” – Jay Schwedelson ([05:50])

5. B2B Insights: Dominance of Instagram Over LinkedIn ([10:20]): For B2B marketers, Jay pointed out that Instagram Reels ads outperform LinkedIn ads in driving engagement and conversions, suggesting a strategic shift towards Instagram's dynamic advertising platform.

   • Notable Quote: “If you're not using Instagram Reels ads over LinkedIn, you're missing out.” – Jay Schwedelson ([10:05])

Actionable Takeaways:

• Implement Remarketing Ads: Continuously target webinar registrants and cart abandoners with tailored ads to keep your offerings top-of-mind.
• Leverage Instagram Reels: Utilize the engaging format of Instagram Reels to deliver effective retargeting campaigns.
• Offer Exclusive Incentives: Provide valuable content exclusively to live attendees to increase event attendance rates.
• Optimize for B2B: Consider shifting B2B marketing efforts towards Instagram for better engagement outcomes.

Ridiculous Question: The Curious Case of Dr. Pimple Popper and Lifetime’s Wild Programming

Listener's Quirk: Denise from Dallas, Texas, posed an unconventional question linking Jay's personal life to popular culture: “Jay, you mentioned your wife is a dermatologist. Do you ever watch Dr. Pimple Popper on Lifetime?”

Jay's Entertaining Response:

1. Honest Take on Dr. Pimple Popper ([13:00]): Jay candidly shared his experience with the show, admitting its "disgusting" content but acknowledging the entertainment value it provides. He emphasized the niche appeal of such shows, balancing professional interest with personal discretion.

   • Notable Quote: “If you've never seen it, it's completely disgusting... I cover my eyes.” – Jay Schwedelson ([13:45])

2. Exploration of Lifetime’s Content Diversity ([15:30]): Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Jay delved into Lifetime's eclectic programming slate, citing upcoming documentaries like "I Was Honey Boo Boo." He reminisced about the notorious reality star Honey Boo Boo and her chaotic journey, illustrating Lifetime's penchant for sensational and often controversial content.

   • Notable Quote: “Lifetime puts out some of the wildest movies they put out... I will listen to that show every day and on repeat.” – Jay Schwedelson ([16:50])

3. Humorous Reflection on TV Consumption ([18:20]): Jay humorously critiqued Lifetime's programming quality while admitting his fascination with their shows. He playfully mocked his lack of "life" due to his binge-watching habits, adding a relatable twist to the conversation.

   • Notable Quote: “You may not know this, but coming up in the next few days... they just put out I was Octomom.” – Jay Schwedelson ([17:30])

Takeaway: While the segment veered off the primary focus of marketing, it provided listeners with a glimpse into Jay's personality and interests, fostering a more personal connection beyond professional advice.

Closing Remarks

Despite the structured focus on actionable marketing strategies, the episode concluded with Jay encouraging listeners to subscribe for more insights and participate in future discussions. He also promoted Guru Events, offering access to virtual marketing events featuring top industry leaders.

Note: Advertisements, sponsor mentions, and non-content segments were excluded from this summary per the episode guidelines.

This episode of "Do This, NOT That" effectively blends strategic marketing advice with personal anecdotes, offering listeners both valuable takeaways and engaging content. Whether you're struggling with event engagement or simply enjoy lighthearted segments, Jay Schwedelson ensures a balanced and informative listening experience.