A Cookiepocalypse Survival Guide with Provalytics CEO
Provalytics’ CEO, Jeff Greenfield, explores how the “cookie collapse” is changing digital marketing strategies. He emphasizes the need for marketers to adapt to shifting privacy regulations and technology by using AI and moving away from third-party data reliance. Greenfield stresses the importance of returning to traditional marketing principles, focusing on creativity, emotional brand messaging, and fostering authentic, long-term audience connections. By prioritizing user privacy, trust, and engagement, he sees the cookie collapse as a chance to enhance brand loyalty and strengthen marketing practices.
In this interview with our CEO Jeff Greenfield, we dive into the evolving landscape of marketing and data analytics underpinned by technological and regulatory shifts.
🚀 Yes, I Want The 2026 Playbook!
Greenfield’s journey from the brand-focused realms to pioneering Provalytics amidst the crumbling cookie infrastructure reveals a narrative of innovation, challenge, and the resurgence of classic marketing strategies bolstered by AI and machine learning.
Attribution
Jeff Greenfield’s entrepreneurial trajectory showcases a relentless pursuit of solving the attribution puzzle in marketing. Starting with C3 Metrics to tackle the convoluted credit assignment in digital marketing conversions, Greenfield’s narrative is a testament to the inception of Provalytics. This venture is his response to the seismic shifts in privacy regulations and technology, aiming to offer a sophisticated attribution model devoid of user-level data, leveraging AI for insights.
How We Got Addicted to Data
The digital marketing evolution led to an over-reliance on data, with hyper-targeting becoming the norm. Greenfield critiques this approach, highlighting the paradox where excessive focus on targeting minimizes reach and dilutes marketing effectiveness. He stresses the importance of a balanced approach to targeting and reach to maintain a healthy marketing funnel.
The Job of Marketing
Revisiting the core objective of marketing, Greenfield emphasizes the role of marketing in driving engagement with the brand rather than direct sales. This perspective shifts focus from immediate conversions to building a pathway for potential customers to explore and connect with the brand, underlining the nuanced understanding of marketing’s role in the digital age.
The Cookie Collapse
The advent of the “Cookie Collapse” heralds a seismic shift in digital marketing, prompting a reevaluation of strategies that have long relied on third-party data. This transition underscores the industry’s urgent need to adapt, fostering innovation and a return to core marketing principles focused on genuine engagement and creativity. The decline of cookie-based tracking is not merely a technical challenge but an opportunity to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with audiences. It represents a pivotal moment for marketers to embrace ethical practices, prioritize user privacy, and explore new, sustainable ways to communicate brand value and build loyalty.
A Return to Classic Marketing
With the decline of cookie-based targeting, there’s a revival of classic marketing strategies where creativity, brand messaging, and audience engagement regain prominence. Greenfield advocates for a holistic marketing approach that values brand awareness and emotional connection over granular data targeting.
