AI Clones, Direct Response & the Future of Ads (with Tobias Allen)

AI Clones, Direct Response & the Future of Ads (with Tobias Allen)

Ex-Acquisition.com Director Tobias Allen on AI, Branding & Direct Response In this episode, Tobias Allen joins Dakota Hermes to talk about how AI is reshaping marketing, what brand really means in 2025, and why the fundamentals of persuasion never die. They break down what’s working in paid ads right now, how to think about brand vs. direct response, and how marketers can stay dangerous in the AI era. If you enjoyed this episode and want to keep up with all things advertising, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode! And if you have a moment, please rate and share!

This 5-Step Ads Framework Will Fix Your ROAS (Based on $150M in Spend)

Most ad accounts don’t stall out of nowhere (unless you literally only launched a set-and-forget way back in 2020). You need to know where to look and how to fix an underperforming account before it really causes a problem. Lucky for you, The AdClass 5-Step Diagnostic Playbook is here to save the day! Caleb, Dakota, and Matthew show how they audit and diagnose ad accounts to spot the true constraint fast: offer, funnel math, creative congruence, and signs of fatigue, audience strategy, and working out the finer points of data around attribution and optimization. They also cover hyper-specific use-cases around retargeting, broad targeting + CAPI signals, and a quick study of how flipping an optimization event revived a struggling webinar funnel. This is a value smorgasbord. Whether you see storm clouds on the horizon or you just want to be prepared for when the waves come along, you’ll have a map ready to help you and your ads navigate through the high tides of paid media! If you enjoyed this episode and want to keep up with all things advertising, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode! And if you have a moment, please rate and share!

What’s Working In Paid Advertising RIGHT NOW

The world of advertising moves fast. What worked last week might flop today. In this “state of the union” episode, Caleb, Dakota, and Matthew break down what’s actually working right now in paid advertising, with a special look at how organic content is reshaping the way ad campaigns are being built and scaled. The team dives into the power of organic-style content, why webinars are making a comeback, why speed-to-lead setter teams are changing the game, and how the trust recession is shaping ad creative in 2025. They also explore the role of AI in video ads, predictions for the next big shifts down the road, and why authentic human connection is becoming more valuable than ever in marketing. If you enjoyed this episode and want to keep up with all things advertising, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode! And if you have a moment, please rate and share!

Vibe Marketing Has Changed Advertising Forever!

You've probably heard of vibe marketing, but what exactly is it? Sometimes the best marketing isn’t about hard selling at all, it’s about creating a vibe people want to be part of. In a world oversaturated with CTAs and scarcity plays, audiences are gravitating toward brands that feel authentic, intentional, and emotionally magnetic. And with the rise of AI integrations into workflows, we are truly experiencing a new frontier for getting your message out in a fresh way. In this episode, Dakota and Matthew unpack the rise of vibe marketing, how to create content that sells without pushing, why the right tone and aesthetic can outperform the best copy, and real-world examples of brands winning by leading with identity and atmosphere. They dig into storytelling, social trends, and subtle creative cues that make your audience feel something before they buy anything. Vibe marketing is here to stay! Time to get on board. If you enjoyed this episode and want to keep up with all things advertising, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode! And if you have a moment, please rate and share!

How We Took a Client from Zero Paid Closes to 28X Return in 2025

When a client comes to you after spending $340K on ads with zero sales attributed, where do you even start? In this episode, Caleb and Matthew break down the exact steps they took to turn a restaurant POS account with plenty of spend but no results into a funnel that’s now producing a 28X LTV return. From fixing funnel gaps to improving lead quality and dialing in creative, this is a real-world case study of what’s working right now. Caleb and Matthew walk through key lessons from this turnaround, such as why intent-driven funnels matter, how to structure testing for real insights, and why messaging needs to hit true pain points. They also share tips on creative strategy, LTV-first thinking, and why great marketing always starts with understanding human behavior. If you’re looking for practical ways to improve your paid funnel in 2025, this one’s packed with actionable takeaways. If you enjoyed this episode and want to keep up with all things advertising, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss another episode! And if you have a moment, please rate and share!