PDG Advertising Podcast - Episode 80 – From £400 to where we are now 10 years later, it’s A Long Story (But It’s Worth It)
Episode 80 – It’s A Long Story (But It’s Worth It)The latest episode of the PDG Advertising Podcast is now live, and it’s a big one.This episode is a deep dive into the realities of running a digital advertising agency in 2025 — the highs, the lows, the moves, the people, and the principles behind how PDG Advertising does things differently.Whether you’re in digital marketing, running your own business, or just trying to get better results from your ad spend this one’s for you.What You'll Hear in Episode 80:Intro and purposePeter kicks things off with a Coke Zero and shares what this podcast is really about: an honest behind-the-scenes look at the journey of building a digital advertising agency.Why we moved from Portadown to BelfastThe agency is returning to its roots. Peter reflects on why PDG left the city, what it gained from working in Portadown, and why Belfast is the future for hiring, collaboration, and creativity.New team memberLucy’s joined the team, and she’s already making an impact. Peter talks about what account management really means in an ad agency — balancing the needs of clients, the team, and leadership.We’re hiring – Paid Ads ManagerThe search is on for a top-tier Paid Ads Manager. If you know Google Ads, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads — and want to work with a team that values creativity, hard work, and kindness — check out pdgadvertising.com/careers.The PDG origin storyHow do you build an agency with £400 in your bank account and a battered Ford Focus? Peter shares the full story — from his early days in Concentrix to a toxic agency job that pushed him to do it differently.A warning for bad agenciesIf you're treating your customers or your team badly, Peter’s got a message for you: “I’m coming for your business.”It’s a rallying cry for ethical marketing, better service, and a kinder way of doing business.PDG Tip of the DayGoogle yourself. Type your business name into Google and see what comes up.No results? You’re invisible.Bad reviews? You’ve got a trust problem.Great presence? You’re ahead of the curve.Your Google presence is your reputation — fix that before you spend a penny on ads.This Week in Digital AdvertisingPeter unpacks the latest headlines in the world of digital:AI-Driven Campaigns – Are they ready for prime time? Not quite.Advertisers Doubling Down – In economic uncertainty, brands are betting on digital.Social Media Ad Revenues Are Booming – Attention is still on the scroll.Regulators Targeting Big Platforms – What this means for advertisers like us.Best Ads We Saw This WeekAmazon gets a shoutout for dynamic personalization — including the user’s first name in the ad. Peter’s on the case to figure it out.Q&A HighlightsWhat’s one thing every business owner should do before running paid ads?Make sure your website actually works.Are Google Ads or Meta Ads better right now?It depends — Google is for intent, Meta is for discovery. Both matter.Biggest mistake with ad spend?Running campaigns without tracking results. Or using generic copy that doesn’t reflect the brand.AI in advertising — friend or foe?It’s a tool, not a replacement. Use it to boost your performance — not automate your soul.Final ThoughtsThis episode is packed with stories, insights, and straight talk about what it really takes to grow a successful digital advertising agency. If you’re in this world — or thinking about getting into it — Episode 80 is your sign to lean in.Have a listen, and if any part of it resonates, connect with Peter on LinkedIn, drop a message, or share it with someone who needs to hear it.Thanks for being part of the journey.
