Episode Summary: The Truth About Templates | Bathroom Break #67 🚽

Release Date: August 4, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Marketing Millennials," host Daniel Murray collaborates with Jay Schwedelson from the "Do This, Not That" podcast to delve into the pervasive use of templates in modern marketing. Titled "The Truth About Templates," this episode offers insightful discussions on the effectiveness, pitfalls, and future of template usage in various marketing channels.

Introduction to the Bathroom Break Series

[00:02] Daniel Murray:
Daniel opens the episode by introducing the special series "Bathroom Break," a quick 10-minute segment designed to deliver actionable marketing tips. The informal setting encourages marketers to grab a brief moment for learning, even if they're multitasking.

[00:14] Jay Schwedelson:
Jay echoes the casual nature of the series, highlighting the collaborative spirit between their respective podcasts. He sets the stage for an in-depth conversation about templates, emphasizing their ubiquity in marketing strategies.

The Metaphor of Clothing: Templates in Marketing

[01:07] Daniel Murray:
Daniel draws an analogy between personal clothing choices and marketing templates. He advocates for diversity, stating, “I have probably like two or three of that shirt, but not like my closets. Different colors, different styles...” This highlights the importance of variety and personalization over repetitive use.

[01:21] Jay Schwedelson:
Contrasting Daniel’s approach, Jay admits to favoring uniformity, humorously sharing his preference for multiple identical shirts. This contrast sets up the debate on the merits and drawbacks of using standardized templates.

Critiquing the Overuse of Templates

[02:24] Daniel Murray:
Daniel expresses skepticism about the widespread use of templates, arguing, “Everybody's doing that...You don't want to do what everybody's doing.” He points out that templates often lead to homogenized content that fails to stand out, diminishing brand uniqueness.

[03:21] Jay Schwedelson:
Jay elaborates on the concept of confirmation bias in template usage. He explains, “You did something new...It did better because you mixed it up...You gotta mix it up.” Jay contends that initial success from using a new template often leads marketers to over-rely on it, eventually resulting in stagnation.

The Limitations of Canned Templates

[04:11] Daniel Murray:
Daniel differentiates between customizable templates and canned ones offered by platforms. He emphasizes the necessity of creating bespoke templates that align with a brand’s identity: “I would make my own custom newsletter template that fits my brand, fits my vibe.”

[05:09] Jay Schwedelson:
Jay extends the critique beyond formal templates to generic formats, such as typical webinar promotions. He describes the standard visual formula and warns against merely copying industry norms, urging marketers to “stop the scroll” with unique and engaging content.

Embracing Non-Polished and Personalized Content

[06:00] Daniel Murray:
Daniel advocates for a shift towards authenticity in marketing. He suggests, “Non polished things work...do a non tech a text based email instead of a template email.” Personalized, less structured content can resonate more effectively with audiences compared to generic templates.

Future of Templates and Technology in Marketing

[07:11] Daniel Murray:
In a brief tangent, Daniel shares his vision for the future of technology in marketing, imagining glasses that can translate languages or analyze environments in real-time. While not directly related to templates, this highlights the ongoing evolution of tools available to marketers.

Conclusion: Moving Beyond Templates

[08:21] Daniel Murray:
Daniel wraps up by reiterating the importance of moving beyond standard templates. He encourages listeners to engage with "The Marketing Millennials" and the "Bathroom Break" series for more innovative marketing insights.

[08:43] Jay Schwedelson:
Jay concludes with a light-hearted note, reinforcing the episode's main theme: “templates suck. But this podcast doesn't.” He invites listeners to follow his podcast for additional marketing tips.

Key Takeaways

1. Avoid Over-Reliance on Templates: Standardized templates can lead to content that blends into the vast sea of similar marketing materials, reducing brand differentiation.

2. Emphasize Personalization: Custom templates that reflect a brand’s unique voice and style are more effective in engaging audiences.

3. Beware of Confirmation Bias: Initial success from a new template can create a false sense of effectiveness, hindering long-term innovation and adaptability.

4. Embrace Authenticity: Non-polished and personalized content often resonates more deeply with audiences compared to highly structured, template-based materials.

5. Innovate Beyond Conventional Formats: Marketers should strive to create unique content formats that stand out and capture audience attention amidst the constant influx of similar marketing messages.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Murray [02:24]: “Everybody's doing that...You don't want to do what everybody's doing.”

• Jay Schwedelson [03:21]: “You did something new...It did better because you mixed it up...You gotta mix it up.”

• Daniel Murray [06:00]: “Non polished things work...do a non tech a text based email instead of a template email.”

• Jay Schwedelson [05:09]: “stop the scroll on social media in email...it is a recipe to nowheresville.”

This episode serves as a crucial reminder for marketers to prioritize originality and authenticity over convenience. By moving beyond generic templates and embracing personalized content strategies, brands can achieve more meaningful engagement and sustained success.