The Fake Marketer

In today's episode, James and Nick reach a crossroads:  The Fake Marketer has stagnated and, after more than 100 episodes, isn't doing much for our business outside of enjoyment for us. So, with that in mind, we discuss how we could potentially pivot the podcast, what are objectives are for it and whether it would be better to focus on YouTube growth for our channels and retire the podca...

In this episode, James and Michael dive into the booming world of digital products, online course-selling, and the growing obsession with "easy money from home." From so-called “Digital Marketing Starter Kits” to £360 PDFs promising passive income, they unpack the psychology behind these trends—and call out the rise of what James calls the “new Avon lady.” We break down faceless wealth c...

In this episode, James and Michael dive into the truth behind what really works on social media: posting more, worrying less. From our own personal experience, we share why pumping out consistent content - without obsessing over perfection - is the key to learning, improving, and actually growing your audience. James also has some more gripes with customer service to share, our response to comment...

In this episode, Nick, James and Michael are all back together to discuss a recent scandal in the world of supplements and influencer marketing. We explore the shady business of creatine gummies getting exposed, the growing role of influencers in promoting products as well as discuss industry accountability and examine how marketing can obscure the truth from everyday consumers. We also discuss ou...

In this episode of The Fake Marketer , James and Michael give an update on Rupert's marketing efforts and why we're switching it up: moving away from sending leads to our website in favour of a Facebook lead form. We discuss the trials and tribulations of lead gen campaigns, following up with nurture campaigns as well as changing the mindset around our Rupert free trial.  Prefer to watch...

In this episode, James and Michael are without Nick but ready to jump into more marketing discussions! This time, we explore the power of taking inspiration from other content creators without fear of imitation. They discuss how adapting proven formats, especially from different industries, can lead to original, engaging content. The conversation also dives into the surprising virality of a pizza...

In this episode, a familiar voice returns after a seven-week break! Welcome back James. The crew dives into a brutally honest rant about modern customer service, with a spotlight on retail workers glued to headsets and the decline in real human interaction. They share personal experiences, call out bad behaviour in shops, and reflect on the struggles of working in the retail sector. Prefer to watc...

In this episode, Nick Boddington and Michael Harris break down the mechanics and psychology behind retargeting ad campaigns. From tracking website visits to building custom audiences and leveraging platform algorithms, they explore how brands use retargeting to guide users through the customer journey. The conversation also touches on interruption marketing, email strategies, and the challenge of...

In today's episodes, Nick and Michael once again are talking about AI: but this time how tools like ChatGPT is not only being used in our professional lives, but also our personal ones. An article from  The Hustle  sparks conversation around some interesting uses for ChatGPT including therapy and eulogies, the ethical implications and how the future might look with AI continuing to advance at...

In this episode of  The Fake Marketer , Nick talks about a new product that has taken over his life: his new Gozney Dome Pizza Oven. We break down why he settled on this one after his research, emotional vs rational buying patterns, how loyalty is developed and fostered and the big part that brand plays in purchasing decisions, especially on premium products. We also take about Bombas socks and ho...

In this episode, Nick and Michael are once again without James. But we're back with two great topics: the rapid evolution of AI-generated video has once again seen a huge leap forward with Google Veo 3. We discuss what this could mean for the future of AI video and how much further it could go. Also, we revisit Skool: how Nick's Ads Clinic group has developed and why upcoming changes to...

In this episode of The Fake Marketer , Nick and Michael dive deep into the growing frustrations health and wellness marketers face with Meta’s increasingly strict ad policies. From blocked domains to failed retargeting attempts, they unpack why Meta seems to be making it nearly impossible for genuine wellness professionals to reach the people who need them most. We also get a surprise cameo from J...

Today, Michael and Nick sit down to go over a recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg where he outlined what he sees as the future of advertising on Meta. They discuss the current state of marketing on the platform, how it could change and what these changes would mean for business and social media agencies. Prefer to watch? You can find the video version of this episode here on YouTube: https://you...

In today's episode, Nick and Michael are talking mobile games, specifically Dream Games and Royal Kingdom. Michael has seen their ads everywhere recently, with big names like Lebron James and Kevin Hart promoting the game. So - is this a good strategy? Will paying thousands or millions for celebrity endorsements bring a return? And just how did this Turkish developer get to the point of $5bil...

In this episode, James is joined by Michael and special guest Matt Madden from heedly who specialise in working with vet clinics on their marketing. We discuss the weird world of the veterinary industry, how it differs from other sectors, the challenges and best ways to cut through this crowded market. James also breaks down how  he would market his own vet (thankfully he doesn't have one by...

In this episode, James and Michael break down their recent success with YouTube, particularly Youtube Shorts. Since repurposing their long-form content into clips, it has massively boosted their watch time, views and subscribers. They discuss how you can implement this for your own channel and content, as well as Uber, Surreal and ads we liked this week. Prefer to watch? You can find the video ver...

In this episode, James is back (but Nick is not) and we're discussing our recent marketing efforts for our platform Rupert. We talk about what's going well and what isn't and why we've decided to pause our ads for the time being. James and Michael also talk Videobot, YouTube tricks, vlog feedback and The Wolf of Wall Street (still haven't seen it).  Prefer to watch? You ca...

In this episode, we are down one podcast member but Nick and Michael are here to talk about the launch of ChatGPT's new AI image generation. We talk about how AI has progressed, the uses for these tools and how it will affect your businesses and the wider landscape of advertising. Nick also has some news, we talk Performance Max and James fails to open a water bottle. Prefer to watch? You can...

In this episode, we dive into the explosive growth of Hyrox and why it’s becoming one of the hottest fitness competitions in the UK. But with skyrocketing demand and limited event spots, is it becoming too exclusive? We also explore the broader fitness landscape, discussing the evolution of competition-based training, the challenges athletes face in gaining access to events, and whether these tren...

Managing digital ad budgets can be a high-stakes game, and in this episode, we uncover the real challenges behind it. From unexpected invoices and ad spend mishaps to the critical role of transparency in agency-client relationships, we break down the risks businesses face when outsourcing marketing. We discuss how blind trust can lead to costly mistakes, the importance of monitoring campaigns clos...

In this episode, hosts Nick and James dive deep into the latest updates happening on Meta and what they mean for businesses, marketers, and everyday users. This conversation unpacks the key shifts, how they’re affecting the market, and what you should be paying attention to moving forward. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and make sense of the fast-moving digital landscape, this episode is a...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of building exceptional customer loyalty. Discover how brands can go beyond mere transactions to create unforgettable experiences that turn customers into lifelong advocates. From personalized strategies to unexpected gestures that leave a lasting impact, we break down what truly makes a brand stand out. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or...

In this episode, we dive into the art of personalisation — why small, thoughtful touches can make a big impact on your brand. From standout customer service to clever marketing strategies, we explore how tailoring experiences helps you cut through the noise. Plus, we break down the latest industry news, share some hilarious moments (including a surprising order of trench foot cream!), and discuss...

In this episode of The Fake Marketer , we dive deep into the fundamentals of building a powerful marketing strategy from scratch. James and Nick break down essential questions every marketer should ask, the importance of identifying the right audience, and why focusing too broadly can be a costly mistake. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting, this insightful conversation will h...

In this episode of Fake Marketer , we explore how strong communities drive brand success . From gamification strategies to the unexpected power of TikTok live shopping (including James' recent purchases), we break down what keeps audiences engaged and loyal. Learn how to turn passive followers into active participants, create a self-sustaining ecosystem , and leverage engagement tactics that...