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Eric Siu and Neil Patel

Neil Patel and Eric Siu bring you daily ACTIONABLE digital marketing lessons that they've learned through years of being in the trenches. Whether you have a new website or you're an established business, you'll learn the latest SEO, content marketing, social media, email marketing, conversion optimization and general online marketing strategies that work today from people that actually practice marketing and operate business. Approaching 100M downloads with 2,500+ episodes, you're sure to find something that will help you grow faster. Also don't forget to subscribe to our Marketing School Youtube channel to get more marketing goodness.

Marketing School - Digital Marketing and Online Marketing Tips

In this episode, Eric and Neil break down how parody personas are becoming a secret growth engine for B2B brands. They analyze CompAI’s fictional character “Henrik Johansson,” how the account generated millions of impressions in days, and why entertainment-driven content can outperform traditional marketing. They also discuss the viral resurfacing of Peter Thiel’s 2020 email, how economic pressure shapes voter behavior, and what marketers can learn from shifting generational sentiment and online narratives.

Key takeaways

 ● Parody accounts can drive real pipeline through high-engagement storytelling

 ● Viral narratives amplify brand awareness when aligned with product value

 ● Economic sentiment influences content performance and audience behavior

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) How CompAI used a parody account to get 10M+ impressions

(04:30) Why humor accelerates B2B brand awareness

(08:10) Breaking down Peter Thiel’s resurfaced email

(12:45) Generational economics and shifting voter behavior

(17:20) Marketing lessons from viral political and cultural moments

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

 Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS 

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

Fictional Character Generates Millions in Pipeline

In this episode, Eric and Neil dive into the battle between profitability and loyalty, why leads fuel growth, and how to innovate without being first. They reveal how to stand out in an AI-saturated landscape using proprietary data, events-driven B2B strategies, and recruiting frameworks that scale revenue.

Key takeaways

 ● Marketing + innovation compound long-term growth

 ● Proprietary data and human stories beat AI content

 ● Role-play hiring and referrals protect your pipeline

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Drucker on marketing and innovation

(03:35) Profitability vs. customer loyalty

(06:12) Events-driven B2B growth strategies

(15:03) Proprietary data storytelling

(23:32) Recruiting frameworks that drive revenue

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

 Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

The Two Main Factors That Drive Business Success

AI slop, viral posts, and why human review still matters. Neil and Eric unpack the dangers of AI-generated content that fabricates facts, the rise of “set it and forget it” marketing, and why guidelines beat hype. 

Timestamps

(00:00) AI slop cold open

(00:20) Viral post confession

(01:40) Fabricated metrics risk

(03:05) Unreviewed AI at work

(04:55) AI stocks and valuations

(06:30) AI tools vs agencies

(08:10) Set clear AI guidelines

(08:40) Consultants and CYA insurance

(10:40) Cluey growth critique

(12:20) Sticky customers over hype

(13:25) Wrap up and next topics

To suggest a topic, go to ⁠https://www.marketingschool.io⁠.

For more content from Eric and Neil, check out Eric’s Leveling Up with Eric Siu YouTube channel and Neil’s Neil Patel YouTube channel.

Connect with Us:

Single Grain << Eric's ad agency

NP Digital << Neil’s ad agency

X @neilpatel, @ericosiu

Instagram @neilpatel, @ericosiu

Drop Us a Review If You Enjoyed the Episode!

Don't Outsource Your Writing To AI!

In this episode Neil and Eric discuss the resurgence of live streaming, standout marketing ideas from Capital Camp, and the power of creative event branding. They unpack key takeaways on AI-driven engagement, SMS marketing innovations like Send Blue, and lessons from top creators like Epic Gardening’s Kevin Espiritu. From faith-based business surprises to remarkable marketing examples, this episode is packed with actionable insights for marketers, founders, and creators ready to level up.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Live again after years

(02:00) Capital Camp and creative branding

(05:00) SMS marketing innovations and engagement hacks

(07:20) Event marketing ideas and buying towns for branding

(10:00) Faith-based business trends and AI-generated virality

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

CEO: I Am Cutting My $200K/Year Employees in Favor of $50K/Year Employees

In this episode, Neil and Eric unpack how ChatGPT’s upcoming ads—powered by its memory feature—are set to redefine digital marketing. They discuss OpenAI’s aggressive hiring of ex-Meta talent, a projected $25B ad revenue opportunity by 2029, and how memory-driven personalization could make every chat a conversion funnel. Discover how “Big Mario marketing” helps brands sell results, not products, and why directness is the secret to winning in both ads and business strategy.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) ChatGPT ads and memory targeting

(03:11) OpenAI’s Meta hires and ad strategy

(07:12) Monetizing 800M active users

(13:50) Why directness wins in business

(21:02) Big Mario marketing principle

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

How ChatGPT Ads Will Make You Rich

In this episode, Neil and Eric discuss why founders and CEOs must stay hands-on across every part of their business. Drawing from Brad Jacobs’ leadership style and examples from Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, they explain how direct involvement builds clarity, culture, and control. The duo also explores the “fruit fly” mindset—why hovering everywhere can be both a strength and a weakness—and how consistent leadership visibility, like speaking at All Hands meetings, can drive alignment and motivation.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Brad Jacobs: Hands-on leadership

(01:23) Founder involvement across functions

(06:01) The power of All Hands visibility

(08:22) Jensen Huang, Elon Musk, and QDSSA

(13:45) Repeating the company vision

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

Founder Who Built 8 Billion Dollar Companies - the CEO Should Be in Everything

In this episode, Neil and Eric unpack the surge in corporate layoffs across UPS, Amazon, Intel, Nestle, Accenture, Ford, Novo Nordisk, Microsoft, and PwC — revealing whether AI-driven efficiencies or pandemic-era overhiring are to blame. They analyze ADP’s job report, explore how AI impacts enterprise ROI, and discuss how consulting and tech giants are retooling for the next wave of automation. Plus, surprising insights from Disney’s and Google’s latest marketing moves.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Layoff numbers across UPS, Amazon, and Intel

(03:24) AI efficiency or overhiring?

(06:10) Labor market trends and ADP data

(10:42) AI ROI and corporate productivity

(15:44) Consulting firms in an AI-driven era

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

The Hard Numbers Around Layoffs Today

In this episode, Neil and Eric explore the real ROI of selling online courses — from how tripwire offers drive conversions to the difference between being a “course creator” and using courses to build brand authority. They share a viral YouTube case study revealing how great packaging and craftsmanship fuel growth, discuss why going live is essential as YouTube evolves, and debunk the myths around AI SEO and “geo” optimization hype.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Why you shouldn’t give up on courses

(04:11) Tripwire offers and customer acquisition

(08:00) Course creation vs. community building

(20:13) YouTube craftsmanship and virality

(31:02) The truth about AI SEO and geo optimization

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

Should Entrepreneurs Sell Courses?

In this episode, Neil and Eric break down new AirOps data revealing why listicles dominate AI search and what it means for marketers. They explore how algorithmic visibility favors authority, not spam, and debate the future of AI-driven rankings, remote work performance, and pricing resilience in a shaky economy. The duo wraps up with strategies for long-term brand durability and growth.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Listicles dominate AI search

(01:16) Algorithms will refine sources

(07:06) Human nature fuels spam

(09:53) Remote done right takes work

(15:31) Playing the bigger business game

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

Listicles Drive 9 in 10 Third-Party Mentions in AI Search

In this episode, Eric and Neil unpack Similarweb’s latest data showing ChatGPT’s traffic share drop from 87.1% to 74.1% as Gemini climbs to 12.9%. They explore how Google’s ecosystem fuels Gemini’s rise, why ChatGPT’s memory may improve user retention, and how expert-verified AI research enhances accuracy in complex accounting topics like NOLs. They also discuss global marketing nuance, creative risks in Japan, and why the best companies often grow slowly before compounding.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) ChatGPT vs Gemini traffic share

(02:53) ChatGPT retention and memory effect

(06:16) AI in accounting: NOLs and verification

(15:27) Global marketing nuance and Japan risks

(19:36) Why great companies grow slow before compounding

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟

Welcome to Marketing School, one of the top business podcasts with over 61 million downloads. Each episode delivers actionable marketing tips and strategies from two entrepreneurs who truly practice what they preach. The show is hosted by Eric Siu, founder of Leveling Up and Single Grain, and Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital and recognized by Forbes as a Top 10 Marketer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOSTS

Eric Siu – Leveling Up: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelingUpOfficial

Neil Patel: https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

FREE RESOURCES

Growth Newsletter: https://levelingup.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Ubersuggest: https://www.ubersuggest.com/

Answer The Public: https://www.answerthepublic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@neilpatel

ChatGPT Continues to Lose GenAI Traffic Share

In episode #2853, Eric Siu and Neil Patel share personal experiences and insights on the challenges faced during acquisitions, including the need for active involvement in the business, having thorough due diligence, understanding cost structures, and the necessity of cultural integration within acquired companies.

Don’t forget to help us grow by subscribing and liking on YouTube!

Check out more of Eric’s content (Leveling UP YT) and Neil’s videos (Neil Patel YT) 

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

(00:00) The Importance of Due Diligence in Acquisitions

(02:59) Understanding Cost Structures and Profitability

(06:07) Cultural Integration and Employee Engagement

(09:28) That’s it for today! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Go to https://www.marketingschool.io to learn more!
 
Leave Some Feedback:

What should we talk about next? 

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.

 
Connect with Us: 
 

Single Grain << Eric’s ad agency

NP Digital << Neil’s ad agency

X @neilpatel

X @ericosiu

Critical Acquisition Mistakes We Made That You Can Avoid

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