Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson | Presented By Marigold"
Episode: NEW Easy Test Working RIGHT NOW! + Dating Advice 😬 | Ep. 389
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Jay Schwettleson
Presented By: Marigold
Introduction
In this episode of "Do This, NOT That!", hosted by Jay Schwettleson of GURU Media Hub, listeners are treated to a blend of actionable marketing insights and unexpectedly humorous dating advice. Presented by Marigold, a leading relationship marketing platform, the episode navigates through current marketing challenges while adding a light-hearted twist with Jay's foray into answering dating-related questions.
Segment 1: Tackling Marketing Challenges Amidst Tariff Concerns
Timestamp: 00:03 – 15:30
Jay opens the episode by addressing a pressing marketing concern submitted by Sloan from Boston, Massachusetts. Sloan's team is debating whether to shift focus away from discount promotions, believing that tariff-related issues are diminishing in relevance.
Key Points Discussed:
-
Persistent Impact of Tariffs:
- Jay emphasizes that despite a reduction in tariff-related news coverage, the effects are still significantly influencing consumer and business behaviors. He notes, “[04:45] the tariff discussion has simmered down, but it's already baked into consumer decisions for the upcoming holiday season.”
-
Cost Per Use Framing as a Solution:
- Introducing a strategy identified by World Data Research, Jay highlights the surge in effectiveness of "cost per use" framing in marketing messages. This approach compares the price of a product or service to everyday expenses, making it more relatable and psychologically appealing to consumers.
- He states, “[10:20] when marketing messages are framed in this relative value framework, it allows consumers to find the budget in their mind instantly,” showcasing its effectiveness with statistics such as a 22% higher email open rate on the consumer side.
-
Practical Applications:
- Jay provides concrete examples of implementing cost per use framing in both consumer and business marketing contexts. For instance, likening the cost of a product to “[12:15] same price as two movie tickets or cost less than your iced Matcha” to highlight value.
-
Ongoing Relevance of Tariffs:
- Reinforcing the idea that tariff concerns are not yet obsolete, Jay shares insights from a June study where mentioning tariffs in email subject lines resulted in a 19% increase in engagement. “[14:00] if you think the tariff stuff is over, you are completely and totally wrong,” he advises marketers to continue acknowledging these economic factors in their strategies.
Notable Quotes:
- “[10:20] The idea of value per use is surging right now.”
- “[14:00] If you think the tariff stuff is over, you are completely and totally wrong.”
Segment 2: Venturing into Dating Advice – A Humorous Interlude
Timestamp: 15:35 – 25:00
Transitioning from marketing, Jay humorously tackles a series of dating-related questions. Despite his self-professed lack of expertise in dating, he delivers entertaining and intentionally flawed advice, providing a comedic relief to the episode.
Questions Addressed:
-
Hanging Out Without Setting a Date:
- Question: "Jay, when a person says we should hang out sometime but never picks a date, should I take the hint or follow up?"
- Jay's Advice: “Take the hint. That person's a loser.” He jokingly suggests moving on if someone doesn't commit to a date, adding, “[17:10] That's annoying. Who wants to hang out with somebody that's annoying anyway?”
-
Following an Ex on Instagram:
- Question: "Is it a red flag if someone follows their ex on Instagram?"
- Jay's Advice: While he concedes that merely following an ex isn't problematic, he warns against active engagement: “You cannot be Harding liking or Commenting at all on X's things on Instagram.” “[19:50] If they’re always looking at their ex's stories, that's actually not good.”
-
Handling Canceled Dates:
- Question: "How many canceled last-minute dates before I assume they're just not interested?"
- Jay's Advice: “You get one try. If somebody does it twice, no chance. Done.” He humorously categorizes unreliable individuals as "losers" and critiques his own advice, stating, “[21:30] My advice is ridiculous.”
-
Worrying About a Partner's Whereabouts:
- Question: "Do they really need space or do they just need me to stop asking where they were last night?"
- Jay's Advice: He frames excessive questioning as a sign of an unhealthy relationship: “If you're worried about where they were last night, then you're not having a very good dialogue.” “[24:00] This is not a healthy situation.”
Notable Quotes:
- “[17:10] That person's a loser. Move on.”
- “[19:50] If they’re always looking at their ex's stories, that's actually not good.”
- “[24:00] This is not a healthy situation.”
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Jay reiterates the importance of continuous testing and adapting marketing strategies in the face of ongoing economic uncertainties like tariffs. He also encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by submitting more questions and attending the upcoming Guru Conference, promising insights from top marketing professionals.
Final Thoughts:
- Continuous Adaptation: Jay underscores the necessity for marketers to remain agile and responsive to external economic factors.
- Engagement and Testing: Emphasizing experimentation, Jay advises marketers to test new strategies like cost per use framing to discover what resonates best with their audience.
Final Notable Quotes:
- “[25:00] If you’ve never tested this, first of all, it’s super fun, get your brand to stand out a little bit.”
- “[25:30] Listen, you’re awesome.”
Key Takeaways
- Tariff Implications Persist: Marketers should continue to consider the lingering effects of tariffs in their strategies, especially when planning for high-demand seasons like holidays.
- Adopt Cost Per Use Framing: Utilizing everyday equivalence in marketing messages can significantly boost engagement and perceived value among consumers.
- Stay Engaged and Experiment: Continuous testing and adaptation are crucial in navigating the dynamic marketing landscape.
- Humor Adds Relatability: Incorporating light-hearted segments, even outside the primary topic, can enhance listener engagement and enjoyment.
This episode of "Do This, NOT That!" offers a balanced mix of strategic marketing advice and entertaining banter, ensuring that listeners not only gain valuable insights but also enjoy a refreshing take on unrelated topics.
