Episode 261: Overview of 2026
Wed Feb 04 2026
Ep. 261 - 2026 Marketing Outlook: Vulnerability, AI, & Finding Your Edge Episode Description What will it take to grow and compete in 2026?
In this high-energy kickoff episode, Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier share the five BIG themes shaping the year ahead - from AI-powered marketing tools to new ad platforms, and the rising importance of raw, real storytelling. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at what Smart Marketer is launching (including a dog supplement brand), plus actionable strategies to future-proof your business and cut through the noise in an AI-saturated landscape.
"The more that AI ramps up, the more that we as marketers and business owners need to lean into vulnerability, into being real, into telling long, genuine stories in our marketing message, because that is what's going to help consumers realize that we are real people, that you can know, like, and trust." – Molly Pittman
You Will Learn: Why vulnerability-driven storytelling is your superpower in an AI world
How to thrive in a saturated market (yes, even in 2026)
The new ad channel Smart Marketer is going all-in on (hint: it's not Meta)
What AI search ads mean for marketers and what to expect from ChatGPT ads
The number one way to cut costs (and boost profit) in your eCommerce business this year
Sneak peek: Smart Marketer's new AI tool, Meta Ads class, and pet supplement brand
Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com
Smart Marketer Show – smartmarketer.com/smart-marketer-show
Smart Marketer YouTube – youtube.com/@SmartMarketerYT
Fields of Freedom – fofdogrescue.com
Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com
OmniSend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months)
Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Welcome + What This Episode Is All About
02:28 - Behind the Scenes: New Tools, Brands & Projects at Smart Marketer
06:32 - Theme 1: Vulnerability Over AI - Why Realness Wins in 2026
09:14 - Long-Form Storytelling: The New Edge in Advertising
11:53 - Theme 2: There's Still Room in Saturated Markets (Seriously)
14:03 - Molly's Mindset Shift: "You're Not Too Late"
16:26 - Theme 3: A New Ad Channel That's Actually Working - AppLovin
20:42 - Real Results: Why Smart Marketer is Betting Big on AppLovin
21:50 - Theme 4: AI Search & The Future of ChatGPT Ads
24:32 - AI Tools, Maintenance & Training: Staying Relevant in 2026
26:14 - Theme 5: Reduce Costs in Your Tech Stack (Without Sacrificing Power)
28:40 - Action Step: Review Your Subscriptions and Tools This Quarter
29:51 - Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts and What's Ahead for Smart Marketer
Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast
If you enjoyed the episode, please:
Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
Share the episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer
Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com
Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit
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Ep. 261 - 2026 Marketing Outlook: Vulnerability, AI, & Finding Your Edge Episode Description What will it take to grow and compete in 2026? In this high-energy kickoff episode, Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier share the five BIG themes shaping the year ahead - from AI-powered marketing tools to new ad platforms, and the rising importance of raw, real storytelling. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at what Smart Marketer is launching (including a dog supplement brand), plus actionable strategies to future-proof your business and cut through the noise in an AI-saturated landscape. "The more that AI ramps up, the more that we as marketers and business owners need to lean into vulnerability, into being real, into telling long, genuine stories in our marketing message, because that is what's going to help consumers realize that we are real people, that you can know, like, and trust." – Molly Pittman You Will Learn: Why vulnerability-driven storytelling is your superpower in an AI world How to thrive in a saturated market (yes, even in 2026) The new ad channel Smart Marketer is going all-in on (hint: it's not Meta) What AI search ads mean for marketers and what to expect from ChatGPT ads The number one way to cut costs (and boost profit) in your eCommerce business this year Sneak peek: Smart Marketer's new AI tool, Meta Ads class, and pet supplement brand Links & Resources: Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com Smart Marketer Show – smartmarketer.com/smart-marketer-show Smart Marketer YouTube – youtube.com/@SmartMarketerYT Fields of Freedom – fofdogrescue.com Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com OmniSend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off 3 months) Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Welcome + What This Episode Is All About 02:28 - Behind the Scenes: New Tools, Brands & Projects at Smart Marketer 06:32 - Theme 1: Vulnerability Over AI - Why Realness Wins in 2026 09:14 - Long-Form Storytelling: The New Edge in Advertising 11:53 - Theme 2: There's Still Room in Saturated Markets (Seriously) 14:03 - Molly's Mindset Shift: "You're Not Too Late" 16:26 - Theme 3: A New Ad Channel That's Actually Working - AppLovin 20:42 - Real Results: Why Smart Marketer is Betting Big on AppLovin 21:50 - Theme 4: AI Search & The Future of ChatGPT Ads 24:32 - AI Tools, Maintenance & Training: Staying Relevant in 2026 26:14 - Theme 5: Reduce Costs in Your Tech Stack (Without Sacrificing Power) 28:40 - Action Step: Review Your Subscriptions and Tools This Quarter 29:51 - Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts and What's Ahead for Smart Marketer Your Engagement Matters Thanks for listening to The Smart Marketer Podcast If you enjoyed the episode, please: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share the episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer Got feedback or questions? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit