The eCommerce Marketing Podcast walks you through everything that goes into ecommerce marketing — from inbound marketing to paid advertising to conversions. Learn the strategies top marketing experts use to grow their businesses.
In this episode of the Ecommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson interviews James Hurman, a renowned expert in advertising effectiveness and brand building. James shares his journey from strategic planning in advertising to co-founding successful brands like AF Drinks and TrackSuit. The conversation delves into the relationship between brand awareness and e-commerce effectiveness, highlighting the importance of building a brand in a new category and the strategies employed to create awareness and drive conversions. James emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer behavior and the dynamics of existing and future demand in the market. In this conversation, James Hurman discusses the critical importance of brand building alongside performance marketing for long-term business success. He emphasizes that while immediate sales are essential, creating brand awareness is crucial for attracting future customers. The discussion covers various strategies for enhancing brand visibility, including traditional advertising and leveraging social media platforms. Hurman also highlights the significance of emotional connections in marketing, arguing that feelings resonate longer with consumers than facts. The conversation concludes with insights on how businesses can effectively integrate brand building into their overall marketing strategies.
Key Episode Takeaways:
- James Hurman has won over 50 awards for advertising effectiveness.
- He emphasizes the importance of brand awareness in driving e-commerce success.
- Building a brand involves creating a category as much as the product itself.
- The non-alcoholic drinks market was underdeveloped when AF Drinks launched.
- Celebrity endorsements can positively influence consumer behavior.
- The brand name ‘AF’ plays on the concept of being alcohol-free and trendy.
- E-commerce strategies should include both online and traditional marketing.
- Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for brand growth.
- Higher brand awareness correlates with better conversion rates.
- Sustained growth requires a balance of brand awareness and performance marketing. Brand building is essential for long-term growth.
- Performance marketing alone is not enough for sustainable success.
- Awareness among future buyers is crucial for growth.
- Traditional advertising methods still hold value in brand building.
- Social media can be leveraged for both immediate sales and brand awareness.
- Emotional connections in marketing lead to better consumer recall.
- Tracking brand awareness is as important as tracking sales.
- Building a brand requires consistent effort over time.
- Companies like Airbnb and Nike illustrate the impact of brand focus.
- Understanding consumer behavior is key to effective marketing.
If you feel James and his team can help your business, you may visit: https://www.previously.co
For show transcript highlights and past guests, please visit https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com
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Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more.
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In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, we are joined by James Hurman, a globally recognized expert in advertising effectiveness. Over his career, James has won over 50 awards in the industry and was named the world’s #1 strategic planning director in 2013. He has co-founded multiple global brands, including TrackSuit, a brand health tracking platform, and AF Drinks, a non-alcoholic cocktail company. James shares his expertise on the relationship between brand building and eCommerce effectiveness, why businesses plateau without brand awareness, and how companies can create long-term growth strategies.
Key Topics Discussed
- The importance of brand awareness in eCommerce success.
- How early adopters and future demand impact conversion rates.
- Why businesses plateau and how to overcome growth challenges.
- The role of brand-building across social media, Amazon, and retail.
- Case studies of brands that scaled successfully with strategic brand awareness.
Time Stamps
[00:01] – Introduction to James Hurman and his expertise in advertising effectiveness.
[03:24] – Founding TrackSuit and AF Drinks – lessons from building global brands.
[07:40] – Competing in the non-alcoholic drinks market and early eCommerce strategies.
[09:10] – Challenges of category creation and positioning in retail.
[14:25] – The connection between brand awareness and conversion rates.
[18:12] – The importance of balancing performance marketing and brand building.
[23:55] – Examples of businesses leveraging brand awareness for success.
[28:58] – The role of social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Amazon) in brand growth.
[32:45] – Why businesses plateau and how to sustain long-term growth.
[35:41] – Fun fact: James’ unique functional tattoo as a tribute to his wife.
[36:37] – Guest contact information and closing remarks.
Guest Contact Information
- James Hurman – Advertising effectiveness expert, founder of TrackSuit and AF Drinks
- Website: jameshurman.com
- Socials: Active on LinkedIn
Listen to the full episode for actionable insights on scaling your eCommerce business through brand building!
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