Advertising Champions
Chad Pollitt
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Director of Growth, Ayokay
- Industry: Advertising / Marketing
Business Founded: 2011
Phone: (833) 429-6529
Email: [email protected]
Address:
7202 N Shadeland Ave Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46250
How long have you been in your industry?23 yrs
Why did you choose your industry?I chose the digital marketing industry because it perfectly aligns with my hybrid brain's capabilities. As a hybrid marketer, I have the unique advantage of leveraging both my creative right-brain thinking and analytical left-brain skills. This balance allows me to approach marketing challenges from multiple angles, combining innovative content creation with data-driven strategies.My background as a decorated veteran and former US Army Commander honed my analytical and strategic thinking, while my passion for content and creativity drove me towards marketing. This combination led me to co-found Relevance, a platform dedicated to content promotion and insights, and to author several books on native advertising and content marketing.The digital marketing landscape demands professionals who can seamlessly blend creativity with analytics. My ability to craft compelling narratives while also understanding the intricacies of marketing analytics and artificial intelligence has positioned me well in this ever-evolving field.By choosing this industry, I can fully utilize my diverse skill set, from creating engaging content to analyzing complex data sets. This hybrid approach has allowed me to drive significant results for recognizable brands, including generating over 100,000 leads and 24,000 marketing qualified leads over the past 12 years.Ultimately, the digital marketing industry provides the perfect playground for my hybrid brain, allowing me to continually innovate, educate, and contribute to the field's growth while enjoying every aspect of my work.
Who are your typical clients?My typical clients have evolved over the course of my career. In the past, I worked with a diverse range of clients, from recognizable brands to emerging businesses. My expertise in content marketing, native advertising, and digital strategy attracted clients looking to enhance their online presence and drive measurable results. These clients often included B2B companies, technology firms, and organizations seeking to leverage innovative marketing approaches.Currently, as part of the Ayokay team, our typical clients are small to medium-sized businesses and startups across various industries. We specialize in working with companies that are looking to establish or expand their digital footprint. Our clients often include:Public health and non-profits are seeking to grow their reach and donations and generally improve the well-being of the people they serve.E-commerce businesses seeking to improve their online visibility and salesLocal businesses aiming to dominate their regional market through digital channelsB2B companies looking to generate high-quality leads and nurture customer relationshipsStartups and entrepreneurs needing comprehensive digital marketing strategies to grow their brandAt Ayokay, we focus on providing tailored digital marketing solutions, including web design, SEO, content marketing, and paid advertising. Our clients typically value data-driven strategies and are looking for a partner who can deliver measurable results while adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.
What do you like best about being in this industry?What I like best about being in the digital marketing industry is how perfectly it aligns with my hybrid brain, allowing me to blend creativity with data-driven strategies. This field constantly challenges me to grow and adapt, leveraging both my military background and marketing expertise to solve unique problems for diverse clients.But beyond the intellectual stimulation, what truly makes this industry special is all of the great people I've been fortunate to meet, both online and offline. The connections I've made at conferences, through social media, and in collaborative projects have been invaluable. These interactions not only expand my knowledge but also inspire new ideas and approaches.The digital marketing community is vibrant and supportive, filled with innovative thinkers and passionate professionals. Whether I'm working with a public health company at Ayokay or engaging with industry leaders at events, each interaction enriches my experience and fuels my enthusiasm for this ever-evolving field.
What are common problems you see?Here's my top 10:1. Difficulty understanding target audience behavior: Many marketers struggle to understand why their target audience doesn't convert or what they want.2. Challenges with data interpretation: A large percentage of marketers have trouble getting insights from their data or don't understand the data they have.3. Keeping up with technological changes: Marketers find it hard to keep up with AI changes and other emerging technologies in the industry.4. Ineffective channel prioritization: Some marketers prioritize channels with low ROI, like organic social media.5. Difficulty in measuring marketing ROI: Many businesses aren't getting a clear return on investment from their digital marketing efforts.6. Budget constraints: Managing marketing budgets effectively, especially when competing against larger competitors with bigger resources, is a common challenge.7. Generating quality traffic and leads: This remains a persistent challenge for many businesses in the digital space.8. Adapting to algorithm updates: Regular changes in search engine and social media algorithms can significantly impact organic traffic and visibility.9. Implementing effective omnichannel marketing strategies: Businesses face challenges in collecting and integrating data from various sources to create a unified customer profile.10. Attribution modeling: Accurately identifying influential touchpoints in the customer journey is difficult due to data quality issues and the complexity of customer interactions.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?My primary advice to clients is to distinguish between long-term strategies and quick-win tactics in digital marketing. It's crucial to understand that some approaches, like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), are investments in "the long game." These strategies typically don't yield overnight results but build a strong foundation for sustained success over time.On the other hand, certain tactics, particularly in paid media, can offer near-immediate visibility and results. However, these quick wins often come at a higher cost and may not provide lasting benefits once the campaign ends.The key is to strike a balance between these two approaches. By implementing a mix of long-term strategies and short-term tactics, businesses can enjoy immediate gains while simultaneously building towards future growth and stability. This balanced approach ensures a robust, adaptable marketing strategy that can withstand market fluctuations and algorithm changes while consistently driving results.
When is your busy season?It always seems to be the busy season. However, I can say mid December to mid January is typically slow.
What keeps you up at night?Consistent and predictable revenue
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?To market myself and grow my business, I focus on four key strategies:1. Thought leadership: I leverage my expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and native advertising by authoring books and teaching as an adjunct professor. This establishes credibility and positions me as an industry leader.2. Content creation and distribution: I regularly contribute to industry publications like the Huffington Post and Guardian, and co-founded Relevance, a platform dedicated to content promotion. This allows me to showcase my knowledge and reach a wider audience.3. Global public speaking: I've spoken at over 100 events worldwide, including major industry conferences. This extensive speaking experience helps me share insights, build my personal brand, and connect with diverse audiences across the globe.4. Strategic networking: I maintain an active presence on professional platforms like LinkedIn, where I share insights and connect with industry professionals. I also serve on advisory boards for blockchain technology companies, expanding my network and staying at the forefront of emerging technologies.These strategies, combined with my unique background as a decorated veteran and former US Army Commander, have helped me build a strong personal brand, attract clients, and drive business growth in the digital marketing industry.
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?Generally, any charity or non-profit that either serves veterans and their families or are owned by veterans.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?Read, watch, copy, and write. When you're done with that, do it again. Never stop. Embrace the suck.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I enjoy traveling, movies, a good non-fiction book, and playing foosball
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