Getting Granular

PPC Origins - Kelsea Smart

Episode Summary

In episode 46 of Getting Granular, host Chris Cesar sits down with Kelsea Smart, a Paid Media Manager at Granular, to talk about her career journey and unique experiences in paid media. Hailing from Florida, Kelsea brings her insights on the challenges and evolution of digital marketing. She shares her path from working in a full-service agency to specializing in PPC at Granular, the role of AI and machine learning in shaping the industry, and her favorite parts of driving results for clients. Alongside her professional insights, Kelsea recounts an incredible personal story of surviving a near-boat sinking, highlighting her quick thinking and resilience. Tune in for a mix of professional expertise, industry trends, and lighthearted anecdotes from Kelsea’s life.

Episode Notes

• Introduction (00:01): Host Chris Cesar welcomes listeners and introduces guest Kelsea Smart, a Paid Media Manager at Granular.
• Meet Kelsea (00:23): Kelsea shares her background as a native Floridian, her love for boating, snorkeling, and cats, and a surprising personal story about surviving a sinking boat in the Florida Keys.
• Journey to Paid Media (11:57): Kelsea explains her path from working in a full-service advertising agency to focusing solely on PPC at Granular. She shares her passion for digital media and the desire to deepen her expertise in paid media.
• Paid Media Then vs. Now (17:32): A discussion about how AI and machine learning have reshaped the industry since Kelsea began her career, alongside the rise of immersive ad formats and short-form video content.
• Why She Loves Paid Media (22:09): Kelsea emphasizes the satisfaction of driving measurable results for clients and the impact of her work on business growth.
• Granular’s Culture (23:13): Kelsea reflects on the collaborative and innovative environment at Granular, highlighting the team’s focus on learning, independence, and pushing boundaries in digital marketing.
• The Future of Paid Media (25:38): Chris and Kelsea dive into the potential of AI in advertising, the rise of immersive ad formats, and the challenges small businesses face in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
• Final Words of Wisdom (28:10): Kelsea advises listeners to trust their instincts, drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey.
• Wrap-Up (29:14): Chris thanks Kelsea for braving the cold Wisconsin weather and wraps up the episode with a call to subscribe for more PPC tips and insights.