Update: PPC Protect is now Lunio.ai

In this episode of In Reviews We Trust, Callum McKeefery sits down with Neil Andrew, founder of PPC Protect, a leading click fraud detection software that helps businesses safeguard their ad budgets across all major paid media channels. Neil dives into how click fraud affects Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other platforms, costing businesses millions in wasted spend. He also shares insights on preventing fraud, boosting ROI, and scaling ad campaigns efficiently.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to PPC Protect: Neil explains how his SaaS platform detects and blocks invalid traffic (including bots, scrapers, and competitor clicks) across paid media channels like Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Microsoft, TikTok, and more.
• Impact of PPC Click Fraud: How up to 20% of paid ad traffic can be invalid and what businesses can do to prevent this.
• Billing Structure: PPC Protect charges a percentage of ad spend, ensuring ROI with a performance-based billing model.
• Fundraising and Business Growth: Neil shares insights into PPC Protect’s successful Series A funding and its focus on capital efficiency and growth.
• Click Fraud on Social Media: The extent of bot traffic on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and how click fraud undermines ad performance.
• Paid Media Mistakes to Avoid: Neil’s advice for eCommerce brands, including why you should avoid Google Smart Campaigns and how to optimize conversion rates and ROI.
• Google Ads Click Fraud: Neil highlights that 11% of Google Ads traffic is often fraudulent and how this affects ROAS and revenue opportunities.
• Recommended Tools: Neil and Callum discuss using tools like Opteo for ad optimization and PPC Protect’s display exclusion list to prevent fraudulent clicks on Google Display Network.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Use tools like PPC Protect to safeguard your ad budget from invalid clicks and traffic.
• Avoid Google Smart Campaigns for search and display ads to maximize efficiency.
• Make use of PPC Protect's display exclusion list to block invalid websites from showing your ads.

Tools and Resources Mentioned:

• PPC Protect (Now Lunio.ai)
• Opteo - Paid media optimization tool
• Neil Andrew on LinkedIn
• Callum’s LinkedIn: Callum McKeefery

Show Notes:

In this episode of In Reviews We Trust, Callum McKeefery hosts Pete Gardner and Adam Pearce, the founders of Blend Commerce and the creators of Flame. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of eCommerce, the rise of retention strategies, and the importance of community building for agencies and tech partners alike.

Key Discussion Points:

• The origins and mission behind Blend Commerce and Flame, a conferencing solution aimed at bringing together app developers, agencies, and tech partners.
• How Blend Commerce is navigating changes in client demands, with a focus on retention and lifetime value rather than just acquisition.
• The rise of personalized customer experiences and the importance of tools like Penny Black for personalizing packaging.
• The impact of the tech downturn on SaaS solutions and how agencies are adapting to the changing talent landscape.
• Community building as a cornerstone of success and how Flame is fostering genuine, collaborative relationships across the eCommerce ecosystem.
• Insights on brands making waves in the eCommerce space, like Surreal and Midday Squares.
• Recommendations for must-have apps like VideoWise for shoppable video content and Blueprint for simplifying subscription management.

Links and Resources:

• Pete Gardner on LinkedIn
• Adam Pearce on LinkedIn
• Blend Commerce
• Tools Mentioned: Klaviyo, Gorgias, VideoWise, Blueprint
• Callum’s LinkedIn: Callum McKeefery

Show Notes:

In this special In Reviews We Trust Jubilee edition, host Callum McKeefery sits down with Phil Manson, founder of PAASE, a leading Klaviyo agency, to discuss how brands can optimize their email marketing strategies and scale retention efforts. Phil shares his journey from working in marketing automation to founding a Klaviyo-focused agency, insights on the future of email and SMS marketing, and the importance of data-driven customer engagement.

Key discussion points include:

• The journey from tech-side marketing automation to founding a successful Klaviyo-only agency.
• How Klaviyo has evolved and why it’s still a top tool for email marketing and customer retention.
• The role of SMS marketing and how it complements email campaigns, particularly in the US and UK.
• Strategies for optimizing email flows and improving conversion rates through smart automation.
• Predictions for the future of email and retention marketing in the context of a potential recession.
• The rise of AI and machine learning in customer communications and how businesses can prepare
• How brands can effectively leverage product quizzes like Octane to improve personalization and reduce return rates.
• The value of customer segmentation and using platforms like Klaviyo to build personalized customer journeys.
• Why retention marketing is “free money” and crucial for eCommerce brands in times of economic uncertainty.
• The role of brand advocacy and how to identify and nurture brand advocates through email marketing and SMS.
• Insights on scaling an agency, building a sustainable team structure, and adding value as a service provider.

Links and Resources:

• Phil Manson on LinkedIn
• PAASE - Klaviyo Agency
• Callum McKeefery on LinkedIn
• Tools Mentioned: Klaviyo, Octane AI, Triple Whale
• New Reviews.io Tool: Feedback Freddy

Tune in for actionable insights on optimizing your eCommerce retention strategy, growing customer lifetime value, and staying ahead in a competitive marketplace