Big exits & bold bets: Temu stops ads in US while OpenAI enters ecommerce. Plus, debating the marketwide pivot to profit.
We broke the news: Temu hit the brakes – hard. In this episode, Mike and Chris dig intoWhy Temu suddenly killed all ads in the US, and what happened nextSigns that Temu's ad spend shifted to EuropeOpenAI’s move into ecommerce, joining Amazon, Perplexity, and Microsoft in the AI shopping raceDoes Google’s silence might signal hesitation or confidence?A debate: how profit vs growth is now the defining tension in retail strategyThis one’s all about who’s advancing, who’s retreating, and who’s holding the line in a market full of shakeups.
--------
35:17
Will AI Break Google Search? Plus: Tariff Shocks & the Rise of Zero-Click
Google’s turning into an answer engine—so why does it feel like the internet’s disappearing beneath it? In this episode of Growing Ecommerce, Mike and Chris tackle the search shake-up and what it means for everyone from advertisers to publishers:• AI Overviews (AIO) could kill clicks — We break down how Google’s zero-click model is reshaping the internet and threatening entire business models.• Can Google hold its ground in the AI era? Or are leaner, AI-native rivals closing in?• What is “Vibe Marketing” and why are creative teams obsessed with it? We explore the rise of aesthetic-driven strategy in ad workflows.• Tariffs are back—and they’re shifting ecommerce strategies fast. Why they might force brands to focus on profitability instead of just revenue growth.• 2025 is not just about riding the AI wave. It’s about surviving the cracks forming underneath.Whether you're a marketer, brand strategist, or just trying to stay sane in the age of AI illusions and platform power plays, this episode is your no-BS guide to what’s really happening.🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into the future of digital marketing, AI, and platform ethics.💬 Drop your thoughts: Is zero-click search good or bad for the web?#AIinMarketing #GoogleSearch #EcommerceStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #MarketingPodcast #GoogleAds—About smec (Smarter Ecommerce):At smec - Smarter Ecommerce, we specialize in transforming business goals into optimized ad campaigns. With over 16 years of experience in Google & Microsoft Ads, our intelligent software and expert services help retailers achieve superior results. We're committed to giving you the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising.---Make sure to follow smec - Smarter Ecommerce for more performance marketing insights.smec - Smarter Ecommerce: https://www.smarter-ecommerce.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/smarter-ecommerce-gmbhNewsletter: https://smarter-ecommerce.com/en/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarterecommerce/#Instagram #GoogleAds #TikTok #Zuckerberg #DigitalMarketing #AIinAdvertising #BrandSafety #EcommerceTrends #MarketingPodcast
--------
44:01
Instagram's Fake AI Influencers? Plus: A CSAM Scandal Rocks Google & Zuckerberg’s Moderation Cuts
Who’s real anymore? In this episode of Growing Ecommerce, Mike and Chris break down the chaos unfolding across the digital advertising world:• Instagram is testing AI-generated user profiles — Are we entering a world of fake influencers, and what does it mean for ad targeting?• Zuckerberg pulls back on content moderation — We dive into the actual data behind Meta’s shift in strategy.• Google's ads are showing up next to harmful content — A CSAM scandal rocks Google's Display Network. How many brands were impacted?• TikTok Shop expands to Europe — Could this reshape the e-commerce landscape or is it just another platform grab?Whether you're a marketer, brand strategist, or just trying to stay sane in the age of AI illusions and platform power plays, this episode is your no-BS guide to what’s really happening.🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives into the future of digital marketing, AI, and platform ethics.💬 Leave a comment: How would YOU feel about running ads next to fake AI profiles?Grab the State of PMax 2025 report—free on the blog or as a downloadable PDF:https://shorturl.at/ali5A—About smec (Smarter Ecommerce):At smec - Smarter Ecommerce, we specialize in transforming business goals into optimized ad campaigns. With over 16 years of experience in Google & Microsoft Ads, our intelligent software and expert services help retailers achieve superior results. We're committed to giving you the tools and insights needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising.—Make sure to follow smec - Smarter Ecommerce for more performance marketing insights.smec - Smarter Ecommerce: https://www.smarter-ecommerce.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/smarter-ecommerce-gmbhNewsletter: https://smarter-ecommerce.com/en/newsletter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarterecommerce/#Instagram #GoogleAds #TikTok #Zuckerberg #DigitalMarketing #AIinAdvertising #BrandSafety #EcommerceTrends #MarketingPodcast
--------
36:08
2025 State of PMax Report, plus: Zuckerberg shrugs ads, Amazon shares its ad stack
Digital ads in 2025 are anything but boring. In this episode, Mike and Chris unpack:Mark Zuckerberg’s eyebrow-raising claim that ads aren’t important (despite 98% of Meta’s revenue coming from ads)Amazon’s move to sell its ad tech to other retailers—friend or Trojan horse?Plus details from our comprehensive new PMax research:How Google’s Performance Max is finally shedding its “black box” label, with fresh data from 500+ accountsWhy your PMax campaigns need 30–60 conversions a month, no matter what Google saysWhy campaign segmentation should follow business logic, not default categoriesGrab the State of PMax 2025 report—free on the blog or as a downloadable PDF:https://shorturl.at/ali5A
--------
36:25
New co-host, same chaos: Amazon Haul, Nike's DTC regrets, Perplexity AI Shopping, and more
Big changes on Growing Ecommerce! Chris Scharmueller joins Mike Ryan for a fresh, unscripted take on the latest in online retail. In this episode:Amazon vs. Temu: What Amazon’s “Haul” launch says about their playbook and profit risksPerplexity AI: Can it challenge Google by fusing search and shopping?Nike’s DTC misstep: When cutting out retail partners backfiresMarketing strategy: Are you spending where influence occurs?All that and more, plus a hot take or two. Hit play.
Über Growing Ecommerce – The Retail Growth Podcast
Feed your growth mindset. Ecommerce is growing, and so are the challenges and opportunities for online retailers. In the Growing Ecommerce podcast, Mike Ryan and other smec experts are joined by industry leaders in ecommerce, digital marketing, and data science. By sharing business trends, practical solutions, and best practices, this podcast helps online retailers solve the challenges of tomorrow.
Österreich