Joe Zappa Joe Zappa

IAS Needs a Clearer Vision

IAS' messaging is unfocused and vague. The company is using earnings calls, for example, to present a string of updates. Instead, it should consider centering heightened demands for efficiency as the core challenge of this era — and its pre-bid optimization products as an answer that will make IAS a performance partner, not an insurer.

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Publicis Positions Itself as the Solution to Marketing’s Biggest Challenge

While most agency holding companies focus their messaging on internal reorgs, Publicis is doing something different—and better. By addressing the industry's biggest challenges head-on and presenting itself as the solution, Publicis is redefining how a holdco can use earnings calls to shift industry perception to its benefit.

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Earnings Call Messaging Should Tell a Story About the Industry

Earnings calls are more than a rundown of initiatives—they’re an opportunity to define your company’s place in the industry narrative. Viant’s recent call shows how powerful it can be to tell a cohesive story that connects innovation, market dynamics, and the company’s future vision.

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2024: A Year of Quality in Advertising’s Outcomes Era

As digital advertising leans heavily into the Outcomes Era, many are also taking a step back to reassess quality standards. This counterbalance has defined 2024, as advertisers explore ways to achieve results while demanding greater transparency and control.

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Your Differentiator Probably Isn't What You Think

Many companies, especially in adtech, believe they have a clear differentiator, but clients often struggle to see it. The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between a brand’s internal identity and how it’s actually perceived. With a focus on tangible differentiation, this piece explores how companies can build a memorable, credible reputation by aligning their messaging with what clients truly value and recognize, helping them stand out in a sea of sameness.

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Why No One Is Paying Attention to You

You can't accomplish anything with marketing if no one is paying attention, yet most adtech companies operate as if this weren't true. You can drive attention with three simple steps. 

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Nexxen’s Messaging Is Good. We Should Hear More About It

Adtech companies often miss the mark on clear, effective messaging, but earnings calls provide a rare opportunity to evaluate how well they communicate their strategy. Nexxen's recent Q2 call shows how it's done, positioning the company as a data-driven leader, but the real challenge is whether they can get that message out into the market.

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Lessons from a Massively Successful Adtech Product Launch

Viant’s launch of ViantAI, an autonomous advertising platform, quickly captured industry attention with 150,000 views in just a few days. Direct audience engagement, high production quality, and perfect timing played crucial roles in its success.

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How DV and IAS Could Win with Marketing (a Take on Commoditization)

Adtech companies, especially in the ad verification space, face a significant challenge in differentiating themselves from competitors. Despite being industry leaders, DV and IAS are often perceived as nearly identical, which complicates their marketing efforts. Differentiation isn't rocket science. It relies on a combination of vision, conviction, and action.

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Risk Aversion Is Killing Your Reputation

Most adtech and martech companies are held back by fear, leading to safe, uninspiring marketing that keeps them invisible in the marketplace. By moving past risk aversion, companies can develop bold messaging and effective evangelism, which are essential for building a strong reputation and driving growth.

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Criteo Provides a Critical Lesson on Repositioning: Focus

Criteo's turnaround highlights the impact of focus on repositioning. Most companies try to be known for multiple things. By distilling their identity down to a commerce media platform, Criteo pulled off the rare trick of reinventing itself.

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