{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 261: Overview of 2026","description":"Ep. 261 - 2026 Marketing Outlook: Vulnerability, AI, &amp;amp; Finding Your Edge Episode Description What will it take to grow and compete in 2026? In this high-energy kickoff episode, Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier share the five BIG themes shaping the year ahead - from AI-powered marketing tools to new ad platforms, and the rising importance of raw, real storytelling. You\u2019ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what Smart Marketer is launching (including a dog supplement brand), plus actionable strategies to future-proof your business and cut through the noise in an AI-saturated landscape. &quot;The more that AI ramps up, the more that we as marketers and business owners need to lean into vulnerability, into being real, into telling long, genuine stories in our marketing message, because that is what's going to help consumers realize that we are real people, that you can know, like, and trust.&quot; \u2013 Molly Pittman You Will Learn:   Why vulnerability-driven storytelling is your superpower in an AI world   How to thrive in a saturated market (yes, even in 2026)   The new ad channel Smart Marketer is going all-in on (hint: it\u2019s not Meta)   What AI search ads mean for marketers and what to expect from ChatGPT ads   The number one way to cut costs (and boost profit) in your eCommerce business this year   Sneak peek: Smart Marketer's new AI tool, Meta Ads class, and pet supplement brand   Links &amp;amp; Resources:   Smart Marketer \u2013 smartmarketer.com   Smart Marketer Show \u2013 smartmarketer.com\/smart-marketer-show   Smart Marketer YouTube \u2013 youtube.com\/@SmartMarketerYT   Fields of Freedom \u2013 fofdogrescue.com   Molly Pittman \u2013 mollypittman.com   OmniSend \u2013 smartmarketer.com\/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months)   Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Welcome + What This Episode Is All About 02:28 - Behind the Scenes: New Tools, Brands &amp;amp; Projects at Smart Marketer 06:32 - Theme 1: Vulnerability Over AI - Why Realness Wins in 2026 09:14 - Long-Form Storytelling: The New Edge in Advertising 11:53 - Theme 2: There's Still Room in Saturated Markets (Seriously) 14:03 - Molly\u2019s Mindset Shift: \u201cYou\u2019re Not Too Late\u201d 16:26 - Theme 3: A New Ad Channel That\u2019s Actually Working - AppLovin 20:42 - Real Results: Why Smart Marketer is Betting Big on AppLovin 21:50 - Theme 4: AI Search &amp;amp; The Future of ChatGPT Ads 24:32 - AI Tools, Maintenance &amp;amp; Training: Staying Relevant in 2026 26:14 - Theme 5: Reduce Costs in Your Tech Stack (Without Sacrificing Power) 28:40 - Action Step: Review Your Subscriptions and Tools This Quarter 29:51 - Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts and What\u2019s Ahead for Smart Marketer Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast If you enjoyed the episode, please:   Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts   Share the episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer   Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com   Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit ","author_name":"The Smart Marketer Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/smartmarketer.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39923130\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39923130"}