Market Proof Marketing: New Home Builder Marketing Insights

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 390: Punch Above Your Weight with Steve ShoemakerIn this episode of Market Proof Marketing, Kevin Oakley is joined by Steve Shoemaker, President of Ideal Homes in Oklahoma City. From gluing sales contracts to leading an entire company, Steve shares the mindset shifts and hard-earned lessons that helped him grow beyond his original marketing role.

It’s a conversation packed with career wisdom, hilarious stories, and a preview of what Steve will bring to the stage at this year’s Online Sales & Marketing Summit.What You’ll LearnHow to Punch Above Your Weight• Trade frustration for curiosity and start adding value everywhere you can• Leverage data like a scalpel, not a shield, and let the numbers move the roomWhy Strategic Patience Wins• Master the balance between ambition and restraint without losing momentum• Embrace productive paranoia and learn when to act, wait, or get out of the way

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 389: Fix the Pics Before the PriceThis week on Market Proof Marketing, Kevin Oakley is joined by Beth Russell and Julie Jarnagin for an honest discussion about today’s homebuyer mindset and what marketers need to do right now to drive results. They share cautionary tales about misattributed wins, the importance of applying the fundamentals (like walking your own inventory homes), and why finished homes deserve more strategic attention than ever. Plus, they tackle the latest AI ad tools and why marketers shouldn’t blindly trust automation, especially in homebuilding.Special Announcements2025 Summit is filling up and on-site rooms are booking fast - be sure to get your ticket today.

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 388: Can't Stop, Won't Stop Connecting IdeasIn this episode of Market Proof Marketing, Kevin Oakley is joined by Beth Russell and Jen Barkan to talk about the real value of human connection in online sales, the evolving use of AI tools, and what builders need to understand right now about market timing and syndication platforms. Jen surprises everyone with an AI-assisted rap performance, and the group explores how technology can support, but never replace, the critical role of people in the new home sales process.Key TopicsUsing conversation intelligence tools to streamline CRM input and improve coachingExploring AI’s coaching potential and why human-to-human dialogue remains critical in the sales funnelReflections on how AI search is still evolving and why it’s not what’s driving April’s lead volumeCommunity launch timing: how fear of delays is keeping teams from maximizing early interestSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSOnline Sales & Marketing Summit 2025 - Don't miss Jen Barka

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 387: Books Buzzwords & Benchmarks In this episode of Market Proof Marketing, Jackie Lipinski and Beth Russell reflect on the power of clear communication, clean marketing systems, and community-first thinking. From school movie nights and panic cleaning to organizing ad accounts and analyzing the Q1 Online Sales Benchmarks, this episode covers the serious and the silly. Plus, a detailed recap of the most recent Market Proof Marketing Academy, thoughts on Google's AI ad integrations, and a reminder that your brand lives well beyond your website.Key TopicsCommunication fails & panic cleaningHighlights from the Market Proof Marketing AcademyQ1 2025 Online Sales BenchmarksGoogle tests ads in AI chatbot conversationsCommunity planning and lifestyle-driven decision-makingShifting focus from incentives to valueAll Access reminders and listener appreciationSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSOnline Sales & Marketing Summit is Filling Up - Grab Your Tickets TodayStory Time [1:05]Beth shares a personal sto

Market Proof Marketing · MPM_Episode_386Kevin, Jackie, and Beth explore why panic marketing leads to bad decisions—and why AI, chatbots, and SEO are still misunderstood tools, not magical solutions. They unpack the overreaction to AI “replacing” Google, the importance of strategic authority in marketing, and the hard truth that too much content is just as bad as too little. Plus: how builders can actually compete with resale, avoid misleading optimism, and why YouTube is still often the most underused, but valuable tool in your toolkit.Story Time:Beth makes a call for marketers to reclaim authority—and stop letting others clutter the top of the funnel.Jackie recounts the “ChatGPT is replacing Google” debate—and why data still tells a different story. Inspiration and burnout: Why looking outside the industry isn’t helpful without true internal context.Kevin reflects on building your message for marketers who’ve been in the seat for 12 months or less, and how leadership often unintentionally derails them.SPECIA

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 385 - Content Still King - Now With Receipts In this episode, Kevin, Beth, and Julie tackle the power of foundational marketing—reminding us that great content isn't a trend, it's the baseline. They unpack why “just run more ads” is a dangerous trap, how AI is becoming a real-world assistant (but also maybe your nosy coworker), and what Disney, Chick-fil-A, and Hamilton all teach us about brand experience. Plus, why resale is back, price reductions aren’t a failure, and cookies might be eternal after all.Story Time (1:15):Julie shares how simply improving website content transformed lead quality and campaign results.Beth reminds us that content needs intentionality—posting for followers ≠ posting for buyers.Beth “confesses” to inviting Kevin to a strategy call—and how collaboration shifted a builder’s mindset.Kevin reflects on staying calm in market chaos and helping new marketers zoom out from ad metrics to real business impact. AI to the rescue: Kevin uses "deep research" AI to

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 384: DYC Education Deep Dive – Special Takeover Edition Special Takeover: Mike Lyon & the team discuss all of the DYC educational experiences. With Kevin Oakley away in Italy, Mike Lyon leads a lively and insightful discussion with the DYC team about their robust lineup of educational offerings for home builder sales and marketing professionals. Expect laughs, passionate pitches, and a whole lot of insider knowledge.

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 383 -You’re Not as Ready as You ThinkKevin and Jackie reveal why real preparation means more than feeling ready—it means verifying your tools, processes, and assumptions. They challenge builders to stop reacting to trends and instead double down on differentiation, deliberate marketing, and human connection. Plus: why AI-generated content might begin hurting your SEO, and what billiard balls can teach you about chaos and prediction.Story Time: Jackie jump-starts a stranger’s car… and realizes her own “safety net” (a dead jumper box) was useless.Why checking your “mental trunk” matters: skills and tools degrade if you’re not recharging them.Kevin dives into why you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to prepare for every emergency

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 382 - Your First 3 Ideas Always SuckKevin, Julie, and Jackie unpack the difference between shortcut thinking and strategic depth in marketing—from the value of real buyer stories to asking better follow-up questions. They explore how transparency, timing, and self-awareness can shape stronger marketing strategies without leaning on fear or fluff. Plus: AI overload, advisory boards, and what happens when salespeople skip the long game.Story Time: Julie shares the best interview question she’s heard—and how it changes team culture. Jackie’s husband donates blood—and the group discusses how builders can build loyalty by closing the feedback loop. Kevin reflects on the difference between discovering problems vs. solving them once—and why advisory boards must be experiential, not just informational.SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSUnlock Your Digital Marketing Potential: Master Proven Strategies With The Upgraded Market Proof Marketing Academy!Final Chance!Online Sales & Marketing Summit Ticket

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 381 - The Scooby-Doo MethodBeth, Jackie, and Julie uncover the value of process-driven problem-solving in marketing, from diagnosing odd data spikes to rethinking event strategy. They explore how tools like Loom, AI creator hubs, and collaborative data practices can transform communication and performance. Plus, honest talk about what Mercedes at The Masters can teach builders about intentional brand experiences.Story Time (02:06): Jackie’s knee injury turns into a masterclass on data diagnosis and marketing analysis—hello, Market Proof Algorithm IRL.Julie shares a case of suspicious ad results that weren’t what they seemed, and the importance of digging deeper.Beth compares marketing detective work to an episode of House (or Scooby-Doo), and how uncovering truth takes time.SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSUnlock Your Digital Marketing Potential: Master Proven Strategies With The Upgraded Market Proof Marketing Academy!Over 50% of tickets have been sold! Class begins May 6th.Online Sales & Mar

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 380 - Buyers Are Liars To ThemselvesIn this episode, Kevin, Beth, and Julie dive into the psychological journey of today’s homebuyer—especially how they often say they’re “just looking” while subconsciously preparing to buy. From a sister’s “accidental” contract to the unexpected post-sale influence of a handyman, this one’s all about perception, timing, and customer experience. They also unpack the return of escalation clauses (wait - WHAT?), digital marketing data myths, and the tangled web of AI over-promises—yes, we’re looking at you, Siri.Story Time (01:00): Mike Lyon reflects on early OSC days, when managing leads felt like a side hustle.Kevin Oakley’s family listens to old podcast episodes, roasting his past takes and how you can get more sales with fewer leads.Jackie shares a content strategy for competing with national builders.SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTSUnlock Your Digital Marketing Potential: Master Proven Strategies With The Upgraded Market Proof Marketing Academy!Tickets are

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 379 - RocketFin or RedRocket?Kevin Oakley is back this week, and is joined by Julie Jarnagin and Beth Russell. This week's episode kicks off with a funny story from Kevin about being everyone's best friend, and shifts into story time, covering insightful calls with builders the team has had recently. News stories discussed include Google lifting its 2019 ban on fingerprinting for advertisers, a deep dive into the effectiveness of builder incentives, AI readiness in homebuilding, and a new task manager blog written by DYC's very own, Samantha Kellenberger!Story Time (02:31): Mike Lyon reflects on early OSC days, when managing leads felt like a side hustle.Kevin Oakley’s family listens to old podcast episodes, roasting his past takes and how you can get more sales with fewer leads.Jackie shares a content strategy for competing with national builders.SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTUnlock Your Digital Marketing Potential: Master Proven Strategies With The Upgraded Market Proof Marketing Academy!T

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 378 - 3 Keys To The Spring MarketStory Time:$50 gift card prize for top IBS takeaways from All Access membersBeth shares insights from an Oscar winner that can apply to buildersJackie has an incredible customer service experience that included a lot of contentKevin did a webinar for the WHLG about Realtor relations with builders - and shares his favorite question from Q&AMarket Proof Marketing Academy Is Back - And Upgraded! (23:50):May 6 - 8th plus 8 weeks of ongoing education and additional opportunitiesIn The News (26:50): 3 Keys To The Spring Market from Builder Magazine (plus an in-depth discussion on the use of incentives)YouTube Mid-Roll Ads Improving Soon5 Trillion Reasons Google Searches Still MatterShould You Tell Your Prospects To Buy Before The Tariffs? (discussion about the article - not as much talk about the article)Things We Love - Things We Hate (50:15):Beth: Spring training!Jackie: Her ideal birthday presentKevin: If Apple made a 2nd monitor you can

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 377 - 2025 Builders Show Wrap Up The 2025 International Builders' Show (IBS) was a compelling experience for the entire Do You Convert team! It was a memorable event filled with many highlights, including presentations from our very own Julie Jarnagin, Karla Tuten and Kevin Oakley! In this episode, the team discusses their biggest takeaways from IBS. Topics covered include: AI Aids in Interior DesignStorytelling & Data in MarketingA Call for More Diverse PerspectivesPractical AI & Feedback LoopsOnline Sales and Marketing Collaboration& Much More!Below, team members expand upon their key takeaways:Karla Tuten: A whirlwind of inspiration and education is how I would define this past week. The familiar faces of our builder partners is particularly refreshing. With notebooks full of ideas, my biggest takeaway is that there is a real cost to inaction. But on that same note, to be successful at anything is a process, not a product. Kevin Oakley: Even thoug

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 376 - The Best Project Management Tool? The One You’ll Use!Kevin Oakley is back this week, and is joined by Julie Jarnagin and Beth Russell. This week's episode kicks off with a funny story from Kevin about being everyone's best friend, and shifts into story time, covering insightful calls with builders the team has had recently. News stories discussed include Google lifting its 2019 ban on fingerprinting for advertisers, a deep dive into the effectiveness of builder incentives, AI readiness in homebuilding, and a new task manager blog written by DYC's very own, Samantha Kellenberger!Story Time (04:40): Julie has been working on her IBS presentation around brand consistency, and how providing guardrails (using LEGO as a great example) keeps things consistent while using user generated content. Kevin follows-up surrounding a recent conversation about creating rules, and showcasing content to inform certainty. Beth had an interesting call with a company owner, who referenced the Hipp

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 375: Builders' Show Pro TipsJulie Jarnagin and Beth Russell are here for a special Valentine's Day episode! They kick things off looking forward to the 2025 International Builders' Show (IBS), and share tips that you may not have thought of, that will make your time in Vegas more enjoyable and impactful if you're attending! They also share some really exciting news out of DYC -- the release of our brand-new SEM-PPC Quarterly Benchmarks! News topics include OpenAI's recent Super Bowl commercial, and an interesting YouTube fact that marketers need to consider. Story Time (02:42): Julie is looking forward to IBS! She shares tips that aren't-so-common, but super helpful: bring a microphone if you're shooting content! Check out a variety of content and take the time to dig through some of the lesser known sessions. Snacks! It can be hard to find time to wait in line or grab food, so Julie recommends bringing granola bars. Beth is noticing a theme of builders taking a journey of discover

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 374: Messaging, Metrics & MomentsJen Barkan joins the podcast this week for a very special episode with Julie Jarnagin and Kevin Oakley. In Story Time, Julie highlights the importance of detailed messaging, referencing a builder survey on buyer preferences, while Kevin stresses having strong systems first, and Jen shares insights from National OSC Day and a creative prospecting strategy. In The News covers Q4 Benchmarks, a Homes By Dickerson award-winning case study, shifts in commission post-NAR settlement, and debates over Super Bowl ad spending. And finally, in Things We Love - Things We Hate, Julie shares her journey in making King cake, Kevin shares exciting news about an upcoming trip to Guatemala, and Jen finds both value and stress in her new Oura smart ring. Story Time (00:37): Julie has been deep-diving into messaging with builders, and emphasizes that in today's market, we need to be really paying attention to those small details. They discussed a builder who surveyed a

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 373 - When to Speak and When to Listen Join us for episode 373 as Jackie Lipinski and Julie Jarnagin cover exciting news from DYC's online sales team and upcoming events. A big topic this week is the almost out-of-nowhere emergence of DeepSeek, a new AI app that has the world talking. They also cover Threads -- which now offers ads -- and the importance of authenticity when selling a product, and not just focusing on overloading information. Story Time (01:14): Jackie brought up the quotes she received for redoing her deck, and reminds you that while it's great to be prepared, authenticity and supporting your customer is more important than checking off boxes and overloading informationJulie shares the DYC University we're holding for new hires, and the benefit of taking the time to learn what other individuals in your company do on a day-to-day. She also reminds marketers to be cognizant of making sure to share what you do with your team, and ensure your marketing department doesn

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 372 - See You At The 2025 International Builders' Show! Join Jackie Lipinski, Julie Jarnagin and Beth Russell for an exciting new episode! They kick things off by applying recent experiences to insightful marketing opportunities, and sharing the importance of speaking your customers' language. Julie talks about the team's upcoming trip to Las Vegas for the 2025 International Builders' Show, and the team gives practical advice for those looking into some influencer marketing this year. Story Time (03:08): Beth brings up an example surrounding the times we nearly trip on uneven pavement, and how it relates to our marketing strategies. Julie brings a prop -- her Native body wash -- which has two columns next to the ingredients, one showing the name, and the other explaining what it actually is. Things brings up a good lesson for builders in the importance of speaking our customers' language. Jackie is getting a new deck put in, and shares the different approaches she experienced when

Market Proof Marketing · Ep 371 - Relevance RealizationKevin Oakley is joined this episode by Julie Jarnagin and Beth Russell, and they cover a lot! Kevin announces the VIP List is now open for the 2025 Online Sales and Marketing Summit, which will take place October 2-3 in Chicago at the Blu Aqua! They discuss the downfall of a rent-to-own startup, weigh in on TikTok's future in the U.S., and share their thoughts on a recent article from The Builder's Daily about household growth collapse signaling a future demand reset.Story Time (01:50): Julie loves her new Garmin watch -- though it's a little harsh on the data! Beth is working on an article discussing the art of storytelling, and the team shares the importance of finding your "opposite"Kevin shares a story from a call this week surrounding accountability, and suggests approaching "dismissers' with anecdotal stories In The News (16:24): Troubled Rent-To-Own Startup Divvy Homes 'Sold For Parts' (https://www.builderonline.com)Will Meta's Revised Approach to