Sidetrekked

How is AI changing web development?

In this episode of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne vibe check your vibe coding and other AI tools and processes with Trekk Technical Director Sam Basile (1:25). They dig into the vital role people play in web development as AI becomes increasingly more intelligent (9:20) and the red flags to be on the lookout for when working with AI code (18:35). In Problem Solved, Sam reveals the in-house AEO tool he created to help evaluate the effectiveness of websites (33:00). The episode wraps up, as usual, with Mics at the Bar. Mike asks Senior Graphic Designer Alyssa Watkins to describe her job without using the word “designer,” how to balance staying true to a brand while pushing the creative envelope, and one wildcard topic.

What channels are breaking through right now?

In this episode of Sidetrekked, we delve into the channels that are currently breaking through in the marketing landscape. Join me as I explore the unexpected resurgence of print media, showcasing real-life case studies where high-quality print pieces have outperformed digital channels. We'll discuss how the tactile nature of print can create meaningful connections, standing out amidst digital noise. Plus, we’ll touch on the power of in-person interactions at trade shows and events, and why going analog might just be the key to cutting through the clutter. Tune in for insights that could reshape your marketing strategies and elevate your brand's presence.

What makes a trade show strategy actually work before, during, and after the event?

In this episode of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne dive into their favorite trade show experiences and talk about what makes them work during — and importantly after — the show (1:32). Get all the details you need for pre-event planning (10:48), mid-event execution (22:33), and post-event follow-up (31:26). In Problem Solved, Emilee and Shayne welcome Chief Creative Officer Mike Wilson to talk about a real-life example of how we’ve solved event strategy for a client (37:14). Finally, in Mics at the Bar, Lead Technical Developer Robby Broach sits down for a conversation about development tools, artificial intelligence, and a dream project that he’d love to tackle one day (51:21).

What's the latest with AEO?

In this episode of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne answer this big question: What’s up with answer engine optimization (AEO)? They discuss what AEO is and what marketers need to know about it in order to ensure customers are getting accurate, relevant, and valuable information (1:45). Emilee and Shayne also discuss what marketers can do to help increase the AEO value of their content — spoiler: some of the SEO principles still apply (12:15) — and how AEO is already impacting overall website traffic and the customer buying cycle (21:10). In Problem Solved, Shayne and Emilee welcome Trekk Content Strategist Nick Ostdick to discuss how we are reengineering content to align with AEO best practices (27:00). Finally, in Mics at the Bar, Trekk HubSpot Enablement Specialist Somer Baier gives us the lowdown on her favorite marketing automation tools in HubSpot…and some of her personal deadline habits (46:00). ADDITIONAL RESOURCES https://trekk.com/insights/should-i-hire-an-in-house-crm-administrator https://trekk.com/insights/ai-seo Website: trekk.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trekk/ Instagram: @TrekkDesign

How do I use intent tools in my marketing?

In this episode of Sidetrekked, Emilee and Shayne unpack a big question: How do I use buyer intent tools in my marketing? They share their thoughts on what buyer intent tools do (2:00) before discussing how marketers can use intent data to reach their target audience (8:22). They also explore how intent tools and customer data enable more personalized buying experiences based on intent signals (12:00). In Problem Solved, Trekk HubSpot Enablement Specialist Somer Baier explains HubSpot’s buyer intent tool and how we used it to help a client better connect their sales and marketing teams through detailed signals and lead scoring (18:00). Finally, in Mics at the Bar, Trekk Account Manager Jess Koltz pulls back the curtain on an account manager’s role in an agency setting — and reveals the smartphone app she couldn’t live without (27:00). Website: https://www.trekk.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trekk/ Instagram: @TrekkDesign