Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson

Latest Episodes:

What are Spam Traps? EXPERT GUEST: ZeroBounce COO Brian Minick | Ep. 323 May 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson welcomes back Brian Minick, Chief Operating Officer at ZeroBounce, to demystify the world of email spam traps. They break down what spam traps are, why they exist, how they affect email deliverability, and practical strategies to avoid them.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(01:03) Introduction to spam traps – a topic that causes marketers to “freak out”

(02:28) Spam traps affect everyone – B2B and consumer marketers alike

(02:49) Pristine spam traps explained – email addresses created specifically as traps

(06:46) Recycled spam traps – abandoned accounts converted into traps

(08:18) The importance of recency in email marketing practices

(09:57) How often should you be validating your email lists?

(12:33) Why email validation is critical when switching ESPs

(13:39) The “switch” ESPs pull – how they categorize senders into quality tiers

(15:12) Resources available through ZeroBounce

=================================================================

Guest Bio

Brian Minick is the Chief Operating Officer at ZeroBounce, the industry leader in email validation, data improvement, and data hygiene. With extensive expertise in email deliverability, Brian specializes in helping marketers identify and eliminate issues like spam traps that can damage sender reputation. He’s particularly passionate about bridging the communication gap between sales and marketing teams to ensure email success. Connect with him on LinkedIn to tackle your deliverability challenges!

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.

Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).

Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma.

⚠️Economic Uncertainty =💸Marketing Opportunity (If You Do This) Jay’s SCOOP | Ep.322 May 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Do This, Not That podcast, host Jay Schwedelson explores specific marketing tactics that are particularly effective in the current climate of economic uncertainty. He discusses shifts in consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of adapting marketing strategies to meet evolving expectations. Jay shares compelling statistics and actionable insights to help marketers engage effectively with their audiences through pricing, communication methods, and understanding consumer psychology.

=================================================================

Best Moments

00:31 - Current Consumer Sentiment: Overview of consumer awareness and concerns.

02:58 - Effective Marketing Tactics: Insights on utilizing popups and pricing strategies.

05:25 - Email Marketing Strategies: Discussing effective subject lines and CTAs.

06:59 - Engaging with Social Media: Importance of polls and engaging content.

08:10 - Brand Campaign Examples: Highlighting successful tactics from major brands.

09:30 - Fun Segment: Rapid-fire dating advice round-up from listener questions.

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.

Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).

Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma.

Search, Social or Email? How to LOWER Cost Per Acquisition w/Dixxon Flannel's Robby Keller! | Ep. 321 May 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Robby Keller, the marketing lead at Dixxon Flannel Company. They discuss marketing strategies, split testing, and cutting acquisition costs, while also delving into Robby's background in skateboarding and fashion.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(00:40) Introduction of guest Robby Keller and Dixxon Flannel Company

(01:55) Robby's background and journey into marketing

(03:35) Discussion on brand coolness and company culture

(05:44) Split testing and its importance in marketing

(09:39) "F, Marry, Kill" game with email, search, and social marketing

(11:16) The power of search marketing

(13:00) Email marketing strategies and subject line tactics

(16:04) Robby's skateboarding background and transition to other sports

=================================================================

Guest Bio:

Robby Keller is the marketing lead at Dixxon Flannel Company, a limited edition flannel brand. With a background in fashion and skateboarding, Robby transitioned into marketing after attending fashion school. He spent 8 years in the agency world, working with various clients, including Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. Robby brings his creative experience and marketing expertise to Dixxon Flannel, where he focuses on direct-to-consumer marketing strategies.

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.

Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).

Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma.

Ask Us ANYTHING❓Email Pre-Header Tips and Tricks! ➕ Paris Hilton vs. Jason Bateman? | Ep. 320 Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this Ask Us Anything episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson fields two listener questions—one marketing, one personal. Learn his go-to words for killer preheaders, why you might skip a preheader altogether, and how Nicole Kidman beat out The Rock, Jason Bateman, and Paris Hilton for the Guru Conference stage.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(01:21) Dave from Rochester asks about email preheaders and their importance

(01:56) What preheaders are and why they’re valuable real estate

(03:15) The three magic words for preheaders: AND, BUT, PLUS

(04:41) Emojis in preheaders—the “bookend emoji” trick

(05:57) Testing emails with no preheader for visual differentiation

(06:44) Addressing Apple iOS 18 preheader changes (and why not to worry)

(07:31) Nancy from Iowa asks about Nicole Kidman speaking at Guru Conference

(08:08) Behind-the-scenes look at the celebrity selection process

(09:06) Other stars considered: The Rock, Jason Bateman, Paris Hilton

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.

Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).

Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma.

I'm So Hungry I Could Eat TREND!' Goodbye On-Demand? Instagram EDITS!🤖 What’s Up THIS WEEK | Ep. 319 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson delivers a rapid “What’s Up This Week” rundown of the freshest marketing trends and social-media buzz.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(00:55) Meta launches Edits – a new standalone app for content creation

(02:08) On-demand webinar availability drops from 80 % to 63 %

(03:57) Now 65 % of webinars are live-only to boost attendance

(04:38) Major streaming platforms pivot toward live-content models

(05:14) TikTok’s viral “I’m So Hungry Challenge” takes off

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Looking to master consumer engagement in 2025? The 2025 Consumer Trends Index from Marigold reveals how AI, economic pressures, and personalized marketing are shaping consumer expectations. Uncover data-driven insights to foster stronger brand relationships, strike the right balance between personalization and privacy, and turn casual customers into loyal advocates.

Download the 2025 Consumer Trends Index today at meetmarigold.com/guru and stay one step ahead of evolving consumer demands!

SPECIAL SERIES ==>STEAL THIS: Building in Public is Secret to Big Brands Going Viral <== | BATHROOM Break #53 COLLAB: The Marketing Millennials + Do This, Not That) Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Bathroom Break, hosts Daniel Murray and Jay Schwedelson explore the power of “building in public,” revealing why brands that show their behind-the-scenes process forge deeper audience connections and loyalty.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(00:55) Quick catch-up on what shows they’re currently watching

(02:45) Defining “building in public” as sharing behind-the-scenes processes

(03:25) TikTok trend of BTS content outperforming original content

(04:48) Why building in public works for companies of all sizes

(06:05) Key elements of effective “building in public” content

(07:48) Importance of including messy parts and mistakes in your content

(09:02) How transparency creates brand fandom

(09:30) The value of founder involvement in building in public

(11:24) Call to action for listeners to share the episode on social media

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Download the 2025 Consumer Trends Index today at meetmarigold.com/guru and stay one step ahead of evolving consumer demands!

BOUNCED Emails = GOLD! ➕ YOU on Netflix, Martha Stewart New Show, Golden Bachelor Update! Jay’s SCOOP | Ep. 318 Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson uncovers the hidden value in bounced email addresses and explains why smart marketers shouldn’t ignore this overlooked data. Stick around for his “Since You Didn’t Ask” segment, where he drops fresh TV show recommendations.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(01:30) Explanation of hard bounces vs. soft bounces in email marketing

(02:37) Why B2B marketers should analyze their bounced email data

(04:05) Using bounced emails to create account-based marketing opportunities

(05:08) What bounce rates indicate about your email deliverability (should be under 5 %)

(05:54) Why not removing hard bounces creates deliverability problems

(06:53) The importance of monitoring bounce-rate trends for consumer marketers

(10:40) Excitement about Martha Stewart’s new cooking show Yes Chef

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Download the 2025 Consumer Trends Index today at meetmarigold.com/guru and stay one step ahead of evolving consumer demands!

Switching Careers! w/Dir B2B Marketing Choice Hotels Judd Lewis! Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! | Ep. 317 Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Judd Lewis, Director of B2B Marketing at Choice Hotels. They discuss Judd’s career transitions—from consumer to B2B marketing—along with the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and applying creative marketing tactics across industries.

=================================================================

Best Moments

(01:31) Judd’s career journey from college to Choice Hotels

(05:26) Transitioning from consumer to B2B marketing

(07:32) The challenges of changing industries

(09:03) Applying consumer marketing tactics to B2B

(10:56) Judd’s efforts to become more visible on social media

(12:41) The importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable

(13:40) Judd’s college experience at the University of Miami

=================================================================

Guest Bio

Judd Lewis serves as the Director of B2B Marketing at Choice Hotels, a leading hospitality company with 7,500 hotels across 22 brands. Having worked for Under Armour, a nonprofit in Rwanda, and Warner Brothers Discovery, Judd brings a wide range of experience to his current role. His career journey underscores the value of adaptability and ongoing learning in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Download the 2025 Consumer Trends Index today at meetmarigold.com/guru and stay one step ahead of evolving consumer demands!

[Limited Series]🥫SPAMAGEDDON🥫Biggest Email Deliverability MYTHS! | Ep. 316 Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode of Spamageddon—a five‑part crossover between Email After Hours and Do This, Not That—hosts Jay Schwedelson, Guy Hanson, and Danielle Gallant tackle the biggest myths in email deliverability while keeping things lively with a rapid‑fire “You Have Ten Seconds” game.

📧📧📧📧📧📧📧📧📧📧

PODCAST CROSSOVER WITH:

➡️Email After Hours Podcast by Validity.

Hosted by:

SHOW LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/email-after-hours-the-podcast-for-email-senders/id1660022263

Danielle Gallant, Senior Email Strategist at Validity

Guy Hanson, VP of Customer Engagement at Validity, Inc.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(00:05) Introduction to the Spamageddon crossover series

(01:18) “You Have Ten Seconds” game with the hosts

(02:57) Myth busting: spam trigger words don’t necessarily hurt deliverability

(04:45) Gmail & Yahoo bulk‑sender requirements explained

(07:31) Unsubscribes—how they really affect deliverability

=================================================================

Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->

EVENTASTIC - The worlds LARGEST event about EVENTS! June 5-6 2025

Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!

=================================================================

AND Don’t miss out on these awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hits!

WunderKind: 20 Ideas in 40 Mins! Would You Rather?! Topic: Owned Channel Performance SECRETS!

May 8th - Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/wouldyourather-ownedchannelperf7310021407273304064/theater/

Marigold: May 30th 11am est. More info coming soon!

=================================================================

MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!

Download the 2025 Consumer Trends Index today at meetmarigold.com/guru and stay one step ahead of evolving consumer demands!

Ask Us ANYTHING❓Go VIRAL With Smart Controversy (and Why Idol > The Voice)🎤 | Ep. 315 Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Do This, Not That, host Jay Schwedelson tackles listener questions—mixing smart marketing advice with lighthearted personal takes. Learn how “stealth controversy” can spike engagement and find out which singing‑competition show really produces stars.

=================================================================

Best Moments:

(01:08) Work question about using industry myths as marketing content

(01:35) Introduction to “stealth controversy” as an effective marketing tactic

(02:26) Definition of stealth controversy and how to implement it

(03:27) Stats: stealth controversy boosts engagement by 35 % on social posts

(03:55) B2B examples of stealth controversy in action

(04:36) Consumer‑marketing examples of stealth controversy

(05:00) Why stealth controversy works so well

(07:09) Ridiculous question: favorite singing‑competition show

(07:53) Jay’s pick—American Idol over The Voice

(08:08) Why Idol turns contestants into legit stars