How Podcast Ad Campaigns Start: Behind the Scenes
The Not-So-Glamorous Grind Behind Great Podcast Ads
In the latest episode of AdStops – The Not-So-Glamorous Grind Behind Great Podcast Ads, Tiffany Rubenstein (CEO of ADOPTER Media) and Angela Stiveson (Director of Ad Operations) dig into the earliest—and arguably most important—phase of any podcast advertising campaign: onboarding.
Why Onboarding Matters More Than You Think
Before a campaign can launch, there’s a whole behind-the-scenes world of coordination between the ad ops team, the client, the network, and the podcast host. The goal? To make sure every element—from ad copy to promo codes—is clean, clear, and built to perform.
This episode unpacks what it really takes to launch a campaign that sticks: crafting ad copy that actually converts, securing unique and easy-to-remember promo codes (spoiler: “mom” and “murder” are likely taken), building listener-friendly landing pages with clean URL structures, and coordinating product samples without accidentally shipping a California king mattress to someone expecting a standard.
It also dives into the onboarding calls themselves—how they help align hosts with the brand’s tone, compliance expectations, and campaign goals, and why they're a critical (if often overlooked) step in the process.
“Spectacular podcast ads are preceded by unspectacular preparation. And that’s what ad ops is—getting all the details right so the campaign can shine.” — Angela Stiveson
The Real Cost of Skipping The Details
When onboarding is rushed or skipped, things unravel quickly. From FDA compliance issues to promo codes that are too complicated or too easy to mistype, it’s the small things that often derail a campaign.
Even minor copy changes—yes, even just one word—require a full revision cycle. And no, you can’t just email the fix. There’s a process in place for a reason, and respecting it helps everyone stay aligned and on schedule.
And then there’s personalization. It’s powerful, but only when it’s authentic. A host who hasn’t tried the product can’t credibly endorse it—and audiences can tell. This episode explains why skipping that trial (or winging the ad read) can undercut an entire campaign.
For Brands, Networks, Podcasters and More...
Whether you’re launching your first campaign or managing your fiftieth, this episode is packed with practical insights. It’s especially useful for brands entering the podcast space who want to start strong, podcasters curious about what it takes to deliver a standout host-read, and marketers or ad ops professionals looking for a candid look at what really happens in the early days of a campaign—no fluff, no guesswork, just the good stuff.
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