Overview
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch welcomes Andy Crestodina, co-founder and CMO of Orbit Media Studios, to explore the rapidly changing world of digital marketing. Andy shares practical insights on using AI for content strategy, analytics, and website optimization—while emphasizing the enduring importance of quality, relationships, and human creativity. The discussion covers everything from AI-powered audience simulations to the evolving role of SEO, and how marketers can cut through the noise to focus on what really matters.
About the Guest
Andy Crestodina is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Orbit Media Studios, a top-rated digital agency in Chicago. A recognized authority on content strategy, SEO, and web analytics, Andy is celebrated for his ability to make complex marketing topics accessible and actionable. He’s the author of “Content Chemistry,” a sought-after speaker, and a regular contributor to leading marketing publications. Andy’s hands-on approach and innovative thinking have made him a trusted guide for marketers navigating digital transformation.
Actionable Insights
- The future of marketing will involve testing content and strategies with AI-generated audience personas before launching to the real market.
- AI’s biggest long-term value is improving quality and performance, not just efficiency or cost-savings.
- Human relationships, creativity, and high-touch service will always set great brands apart from “good enough” automation.
- Content that stands out will be driven by strong points of view, original research, collaboration, and highly visual formats.
- The SEO landscape is shifting: informational content will see less traffic from search, while commercial intent and “visit website” keywords remain essential.
- LinkedIn newsletters and platform-native content are quickly outpacing traditional SEO for B2B visibility.
- Marketers should use analytics for actionable insights—such as CTA performance, video engagement, and conversion rates—rather than generic dashboards or reporting.
- AI can help uncover hidden data trends and quickly transform insights into new campaign ideas, but quality still requires human oversight and creativity.
Great Moments (with Timestamps)
- 01:10 – AI Personas and the Future of Marketing
Andy predicts marketers will soon use AI-generated “synthetic audiences” to test ideas before launch. - 03:30 – Focus on Quality, Not Just Efficiency
Why the real opportunity is in improving performance, not just saving time. - 05:48 – The Limits of AI in Design
Where automation can help creative teams—and where pixel-perfect service still matters. - 09:39 – Content Creation: AI vs. Originality
The danger of “good enough” content and why strong opinions and research win. - 11:21 – SEO’s Shifting Role
How commercial-intent keywords and platform-native content are now the best route to visibility. - 15:40 – Analytics That Matter
Andy’s favorite ways to use GA4 and AI for real business insights, not just reports. - 21:06 – The Coming Age of Automated Client Interactions
Imagining a near future where AI agents help qualify leads, prep sales teams, and remove friction where clients want it.
Pulled Quotes
“AI’s real value isn’t just efficiency. It’s about pushing performance and improving quality.”
— Andy Crestodina
“Content strategy is about to have a great moment—as the tide goes out, strong opinions, research, and collaboration will stand out even more.”
— Andy Crestodina
