Room 301
By Rob Twells
What's Inside Google's Black Box? (with Ryan Jones)
In this episode of Room 301, Rob Twells is joined by Ryan Jones, Marketing Manager at SEOTesting, to unpack the real value of SEO experimentation.
They explore why testing matters, how it helps overcome client pushback, and the surprisingly powerful results Ryan’s seen from even the simplest changes.
He also shares a few lessons from career missteps and failures, and explains why SEO isn’t dead, no matter what buzzword comes next.
If you’ve ever felt like SEO is part science, part guesswork, this one’s for you.
Is Your Brand Really That Different? The Secret to Standing Out (with Tim Elliott)
In this episode of Room 301, Rob Twells chats with Tim Elliott, a B2B marketing expert, about the power of differentiation. They delve into what truly makes a brand unique beyond basic customer service and value propositions. Tim emphasizes the importance of storytelling, visual cues, and focusing on a niche to gain a competitive edge.
He also discusses something called the "torchbearer's calling" tools – speeches, stories, ceremonies, and symbols – to effectively communicate distinctiveness and build a strong brand identity in the B2B world.
A thought-provoking and fun episode, brought to you by The Digital Maze, a full service marketing agency from Derby.
The Art of Product Storytelling in Digital Marketing (with Dani McNabb)
Join Rob as he chats with Dani McNabb, a product marketer at SBS Software in Paris.
Dani shares her insights on effective product positioning, emphasising storytelling and customer solutions. She discusses the importance of collaboration in a global company, the value of documentation, and learning from marketing mishaps. Dani also reveals her unique career journey and advocates for specialisation over being a 'jack of all trades' in marketing.
It's time to step into Room 301... brought to you by The Digital Maze, a full service digital marketing agency, based in Derby.
Holding Agencies Accountable for Paid Ad Performance (with Sophie Logan)
In this episode of Room 301, we chat with PPC specialist Sophie Logan about holding digital agencies accountable for paid ad performance, the importance of post-click optimisation, and why businesses shouldn’t rely solely on PPC for growth.
Sophie shares hard-learned lessons from her agency days, including costly mistakes, and gives her take on the evolving role of PPC professionals in an AI-driven world.
Plus, she reveals the marketing trends that frustrate her the most...
If you work in digital marketing or with a PPC agency, this episode is one you can't afford to miss!
Why You're Burning Through Your PPC Budget & How to Fix It (with Lewis Hall)
In this episode of Room 301, host Rob Twells sits down with Paid Media Account Manager Lewis Hall to uncover why businesses burn through their PPC budgets without seeing results. They dive into the biggest mistakes advertisers make, the evolving challenges of conversion tracking, and the future of paid media in an AI-driven world.
Lewis also shares his must-have marketing tools, a nightmare ad mistake that cost thousands, and his biggest pet peeve in digital marketing. If you're running paid campaigns or just want to optimize your ad spend, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
New episodes drop every two weeks—subscribe now!
Opening Digital Doors – The Power of Accessibility in eCommerce (with Bet Hannon)
Join us on this episode ofRoom 301 as Rob Twells chats with Bet Hannon, Founder and CEO of AccessiCart, to explore the world of web accessibility.
Bet shares her journey from non-profit management to leading an agency focused on making eCommerce more inclusive for people accessibility requirements.
They discuss why accessibility is more than just a legal requirement – it’s about business, independence, and opening digital doors for everyone. From the most common accessibility mistakes to the role accessibility and user experience plays inSEO, this episode is packed with practical insights for businesses navigating the evolving landscape of digital accessibility.
Plus, Bet reveals the one thing about marketing that really grinds her gears! It's time to step into Room 301...
Dodging Red Flags and Staying True to Your Brand (with Caroline Smith)
In this episode of Room 301, brought to you by The Digital Maze, we're joined by Caroline Smith, brand and growth consultant at Smudged, to explore the importance of aligning your business with purpose-led values.
Caroline discusses how understanding who you are and what you stand for is key to making meaningful connections with your clients.
We dive into the challenges of B2B marketing, stressing that marketing isn’t just about promotions—it’s about building a solid brand strategy and knowing where your audience is.
Tune in for insights on growing your business through authentic branding and strategic marketing, not just flashy tactics.
Got a second? Join our marketing experts on our FREE quarterly webinar "What's New in Digital Marketing?" on Thursdat 13th February. All the latest trends, tools and updates in digital. Sign up here.
Cutting the Spam (and Quiche?) from Social Media (with Mark Saxby)
WTF Does ICP Even Mean? (with John Hoey)
In this episode of Room 301, host Rob Twells chats with John Hoey, the Digital Lead at Maintel, about his journey from graphic designer to marketing "unicorn" with expertise spanning SEO, web design, and digital strategy.
We explore the tools and techniques John swears by, the importance of good planning and learning from your failures (never launch a website on a Friday), and the marketing pet peeves he'd like to see banished to Room 301.
Tune in for insights, a few laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways for navigating the world of digital marketing.
Achieving More With Less (with Emma Glover)
This week on Room 301, Emma Glover, founder of Victress Digital, joins Rob Twells for a no-nonsense look at social media marketing in the B2B world.
Emma talks about her journey from agency life to launching her own business, sharing why she believes in the power of whiteboards, handwritten lists, and keeping things simple for clients.
They dig into the reality of balancing traditional strategies with new tools, why Em’s “don't be a yes man” approach has been a game-changer, and the pitfalls of overcomplicating lead gen and user experience.
It's time to step into Room 301...
Stay Curious, Ask the Stupid Questions (with Rüdiger Dalchow)
Join Rob Twells and returning guest Rudi Dalchow for another insightful episode of the Room 301 podcast.
Rudi, the Global SEO Strategy Lead at Improove, highlights the importance of curiosity and never being afraid to ask too many questions (even "stupid" ones) as essential tools for success in SEO.
He also shares insights into key SEO tools like Microsoft Clarity and the evolving role of AI in digital marketing.
Plus, find out what we decide to throw into Room 301 this time, with some light-hearted stories and relatable marketing frustrations along the way!
Daring To Be Real In An AI World (with John McCrea)
In this thought-provoking episode of Room 301, we discuss the challenges and nuances of navigating authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Join Rob and John as they unpack the pervasive issue of watered-down networking, where AI-generated comments flood social platforms and online discussions, leaving meaningful conversations feeling like a rarity.
In their quest for authenticity, they discuss turning to books for insights to gain perspective and step away from the digital noise (with a few recommendations too!). This episode highlights the need for bravery in digital, and how daring to be real and different is essential when building genuine connections.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the digital chatter or questioned the value of your online engagements, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover why authenticity matters more than ever, how to reclaim your voice in an AI-driven world, and the fresh insights that can help you navigate the complexities of digital marketing.
It's time to step into Room 301...
When Your Audience Speaks You Shut Up & Listen (with Nina Alexander)
Join us in the latest episode of Room 301, as Rob Twells, co-founder of The Digital Maze, sits down with Nina Alexander, a seasoned Marketing & Sales Automation Strategist at CPD Standards Office. They jump head first into the increasing importance of automation in today's marketing landscape, sharing real-world insights on the tools and strategies that drive success. From the power of nurturing leads to the intricacies of understanding customer behaviour (as well as the pitfalls of misunderstanding it), this conversation is packed with practical tips for businesses looking to stay ahead. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable advice on automating for survival in the digital age.
Don't miss Nina’s unique perspectives and actionable tips!
The Spooky VIP Event That Haunted My Marketing Career (with Rob White)
Welcome back to Room 301!
In this episode, Rob Twells sits down with Rob White, the global head of marketing at FNG, to explore Rob's fascinating journey from drama school to marketing leadership, diving into the AI tools transforming his team's content creation and outreach efforts.
He also recalls a spooky marketing event that went hilariously wrong—complete with Halloween decorations, a witch’s cauldron, and a guest appearance by... Uncle Fester?!
Brace yourself for a Room 301 like no other, where Rob unleashes his marketing pet peeves with a mix of humor and hard truths.
You won't want to miss it!
Why Every Marketing Strategy Should be 10% Bonkers (with Emma Clark)
In this exciting episode of Room 301, Rob Twells chats with Emma Clark, Director of Brand and Marketing at Opencast, for a no-nonsense look at what it takes to thrive in the world of digital marketing.
With an amazing 25 years of experience, Emma reveals her winning strategies, including the powerful 70/20/10 rule and why you need to embrace a bit of "craziness" to succeed.
From tackling risk aversion to building bold, data-driven campaigns, Emma’s insights will challenge your thinking and inspire you to push the boundaries.
If you're ready to take your marketing to the next level, this episode is packed with ideas you won’t want to miss!
Stop Wasting Money on PR – Focus on Your Brand First (with Kathryn Strachan)
In the latest episode of Room 301, brought to you by The Digital Maze, we’re thrilled to welcome Kathryn Strachan, the dynamic founder and director of CopyHouse, a leading content marketing agency that has carved a niche in the complex worlds of technology, fintech, and healthcare.
Learn all about the strategies that fueled her rapid growth, the challenges she overcame, and her unique approach to content marketing that focuses on clarity, audience understanding, and building relationships at scale.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned marketer, or someone looking to pivot in your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights and powerful advice. It's time to step into Room 301...
Spend or Suspend? Managing Marketing Budgets in Challenging Times (with Lucy Bradley & Pete Bingham)
In this episode, Rob Twells jumps into the controversial topic of cutting marketing spend and its impact on business success with our special guests, Pete Bingham, Brand Growth Manager, and Lucy Bradley from our Client Success Team at The Digital Maze. Join us as we explore how to shift the perception of marketing from a 'nice to have' to an indispensable part of any business strategy. We'll discuss the short-term and long-term commercial impacts of cutting marketing budgets and share real-life examples of businesses that have thrived by prioritising their marketing efforts. Packed with actionable insights and expert advice that you can't afford to ignore!
Taking the Advantage: Growth Marketing for Startups and Small Businesses (with Lewis Hall & Pete Bingham)
Rob Twells joins TDM’s Paid Media Account Manager Lewis Hall and Brand Growth Lead Pete Bingham to explore how elevating visibility, attracting customers, and fostering growth for startups and small businesses requires nuance, cost-effective tactics and strategic decision-making to strike the right balance between growth and sustainability.
Drawing from their experiences, we'll discuss all the common challenges and strategies associated with a fledgling business, sharing real-life examples to help you uncover the right signs and opportunities for your business to expand.
Grab yourself a cuppa and a biscuit... welcome to Room 301!
Decoding Digital Marketing for eCommerce Success (with Helen Halfpenny & Liam Nelson)
In this edition, we'll be talking to The Digital Maze's Senior SEO Strategist Helen Halfpenny and our Director of Tech, Liam Nelson all about the challenges eCommerce marketers are likely to face in the upcoming months.
Whether its AI, Google frustrations or communication breakdowns, join us as we discover why adopting a comprehensive full stack approach, and appreciating each team's contribution, is crucial for eCommerce success in 2024.
Selling Fire to The Devil: Optimizing PPC Ads for Maximum Efficiency & Reach (with James Walsh & Irina Holliday)
We're back with a new format, where two experts from The Digital Maze from two different ends of the marketing spectrum provide their uniques perspective on an industry topic.
This episode we're looking at how PPC and design teams can optimise PPC ads for maximum reach. From landing pages, to client and competitor research, how do different marketing teams tackle this subject? What can we learn from each other? Are we all secret Reddit users?
And, crucially... how do you sell fire to the devil?
The 4 Core Strategic Principles Behind Every Successful Marketing Campaign (with Clare Taylor)
Getting Stakeholders on Board as a Marketing Leader (with Ryan Hodson)
Why Humanising Your Brand Could Be The Best Thing You Do (with Caroline Smith)
Join Rob Twells chatting with Caroline Smith from Smudged, as they discuss all the fantastic reasons why you should humanise your brand.
With plenty of examples of those B2B companies doing it right (and those doing it wrong), as well as buckets of advice on where to begin, and how to get long-lasting buy-in from your team, stakeholders and customers.
If you're in digital marketing, you won't want to miss this latest episode!
Avoiding Unconscious Bias In Your Marketing Campaigns (with Billie Geena Hyde)
Managing A Shrinking Marketing Budget During Turbulent Times (with Kat Sale)
Join us on this episode as we delve into the world of marketing with our special guest, Kat Sale, Co-Founder of House of Performance.
In this insightful conversation, we explore the challenges and strategies involved in managing a shrinking marketing budget. As economic downturns strike, many businesses face the dilemma of whether to increase their marketing budgets.
Kat shares her perspective on this matter, discussing the potential benefits and considerations involved in allocating resources during challenging times.
Brought to you by The Digital Maze.
Leading A Team Through Marketing Sprints (with Bee Craft)
Join Rob Twells as he talks with Bee Craft and she spills the tea on leading teams through sprints. Get the inside scoop on goal setting, killer communication, and keeping the team motivated. Bee's adaptability and collaboration tips will have you sprinting like a pro!
If you're a marketing leader, Bee's got must-hear advice for implementing sprints. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips and tricks to level up your sprints!
Brought to you by The Digital Maze.
Unravelling the UX and SEO Connection (with Pete Bingham)
AI and Web Dev, What's Happening? (with Liam Nelson)
It seems every day we hear about something new in the AI world, but are they even beneficial? Is it progress for progress sake?
Or has AI been around a while and it's only just making it into the conversation?
Rob sits down with Liam, Technical Director at The Digital Maze to talk all things web dev and AI!
Rebranding For Growth (with James Walsh)
We've been going through some changes recently, and Rob sat down with James Walsh to discuss why and how we rebranded to our shiny new branding!
We talk all things rebranding including, how many people should *really* be involved, if colour really matters, as well as archetypes!
Brought to you by The Digital Maze.
PPC Predictions For 2023 (with Irina Holliday)
Join Rob and Irina (Head of PPC at The Digital Maze) as they discuss the PPC landscape and what marketing managers can expect in 2023!
Writing Copy That Ranks For SEO (with Claire Brain and Rebekah Conway)
Writing copy seems easy, you just type and upload right? Nope!
Claire and Rebekah from The Digital Maze are here with host Rob Twells to discuss the art of copywriting and how it fits into your SEO strategy.
It's time to step into Room 301...
Web Design Psychology & How It Can Impact Revenue (with James Walsh)
SEO & Keeping Up With Your Competitors (with Wayne Barker and Beth Oakes)
Leading a marketing team and not yet a full believer of SEO? Is SEO a dark art? Is it witchcraft? Or could it really be a measurable mark of success?
Join Rob Twells, Wayne Barker and Beth Oakes on the first episode of the Room 301 podcast, brought to you by The Digital Maze, as we explore the world of SEO and talk measuring results, park and recs memes and taking your SEO in house... or not!
Trailer – Room 301 Podcast (From The Digital Maze)
Monthly marketing podcast ran by The Digital Maze (hosted by Director Rob Twells) , a specialist full service digital marketing agency, specialising in eCommerce.
We discuss ongoing themes, topics and news in the digital marketing industry, and help banish your marketing nightmares into the abyss.
It's time to step into Room 301...