These Are the 3 First Marketing Hires You Should Make

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Neil and Eric break down the three must-have marketing hires for 2026, why influencer marketing is shifting to micro creators, how data and analytics unlock real ROI, and why digital PR and citations matter in the AI search era. They also explore the rise of the vibe growth marketing manager, the changing expectations for modern marketers, the evolving CMO role, and the underrated power of email as a revenue engine.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-Micro influencers drive massive ROI

-Data clarity beats bigger budgets

-Email remains the strongest profit lever

CHAPTERS

(0:00) Building a 2026 marketing team

(01:02) Influencer hire essentials

(02:24) Micro influencer ROI

(04:20) Data and analytics hire

(05:59) Digital PR importance

(07:15) Vibe growth marketing manager

(08:40) Skills modern marketers need

(09:50) CMO role evolution

(11:56) Email as revenue engine

(14:34) Enterprise marketing strategy

(15:59) Final marketing lessons

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

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