The hidden power of persona-driven UAT in martech success
Persona-based UAT tests real user journeys, not just individual channels — helping martech teams deliver seamless, customer-first experiences.
Identify traffic-stealing competitors
Find untapped opportunities
Create outperforming content
Steve Petersen is a member of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' Marketing Technology Solutions Team. He has also held martech roles in the B2B SaaS and higher education sectors. Petersen earned a Master of Information Management from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Brigham Young University. Petersen represents his own views, not those of his current or former employers.
Persona-based UAT tests real user journeys, not just individual channels — helping martech teams deliver seamless, customer-first experiences.
Steve Petersen | Aug 8, 2025 at 9:06 am ETStack documentation, optimization and platform management impact the customer experience, sales efficiency, and even long-term innovation.
Steve Petersen | Jul 16, 2025 at 9:00 am ETWhen juggling projects, platforms and people, these practical tools — from RACI charts to product catalogs — help keep initiatives on track.
Steve Petersen | Jun 24, 2025 at 9:05 am ETFrom CDPs to UX testing, FOBO can stall martech progress. Here’s how to address it and keep your tech stack agile.
Steve Petersen | May 9, 2025 at 9:00 am ETTwo phone numbers, one customer and a scheduling mix-up — here’s what happens when messaging systems don’t communicate.
Steve Petersen | Apr 4, 2025 at 1:31 pm ETFeature bundling and stakeholder preferences contribute to martech overlap. Here's how to analyze and manage it strategically.
Steve Petersen | Mar 7, 2025 at 11:09 am ETStories of creativity, strategy and collaboration in the martech world — plus lessons you can apply to your own work.
Steve Petersen | Feb 7, 2025 at 11:30 am ETHere’s how bringing together a wide range of career experiences leads to more innovative solutions and improved organizational outcomes.
Steve Petersen | Jan 13, 2025 at 10:11 am ETOrganizational placement shapes martech professionals' roles, responsibilities and impact across marketing, IT and product teams.
Steve Petersen | Dec 6, 2024 at 12:50 pm ETMartech roles demand both creativity and logic. This honest take on MOps job postings illustrates the complexities and contradictions.
Steve Petersen | Oct 28, 2024 at 11:01 am ETOut-of-the-box vs. custom-built? A look at the trade-offs, including integration ease, vendor risks and the evolving buy/build landscape.
Steve Petersen | Oct 7, 2024 at 9:00 am ETFacilitate seamless vendor onboarding by exploring contract considerations, setting expectations and communicating effectively.
Steve Petersen | Sep 3, 2024 at 9:30 am ETMarketing artificial intelligence (AI)
AI-generated visuals might subtly shape consumer choices and soon present new challenges for marketers.
Steve Petersen | Aug 5, 2024 at 12:01 pm ETFind out why maturing your martech stack is crucial for long-term success and how to do it with documentation and strategic planning.
Steve Petersen | Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 am ETRobust enterprise support or personalized attention? Here are key factors to weigh when selecting the right martech vendor for your business.
Steve Petersen | Jun 10, 2024 at 9:45 am ETMartech doesn't exist in a vacuum. Stay ahead by considering macro factors that impact marketing strategies.
Steve Petersen | Apr 2, 2024 at 10:45 am ETExplore the disconnects behind this brand’s customer experience initiative, and how martech and MOps teams can provide viable solutions.
Steve Petersen | Mar 5, 2024 at 9:47 am ETTying martech projects together may create efficiencies but also risks. Consider these areas to determine if it’s worth the risk.
Steve Petersen | Feb 6, 2024 at 2:20 pm ETA fast website isn't the only thing that matters to customers. Learn a more holistic approach to improving digital experiences.
Steve Petersen | Jan 4, 2024 at 11:20 am ETLearn ethical alternatives to common marketing tactics that rely on collecting sensitive customer data.
Steve Petersen | Nov 30, 2023 at 10:09 am ETLearn a tactic to make your next project more productive — compiling a list of questions based on current initiatives to reference later.
Steve Petersen | Nov 16, 2023 at 12:41 pm ETMarketing artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is handling more and more marketing grunt work -- work that had previously given people key early career learning experiences.
Steve Petersen | Oct 2, 2023 at 2:02 pm ETMarketing artificial intelligence (AI)
Just because it can be fun seeing what AI will do with a prompt, it's not necessarily helping with your marketing. Stop and think.
Steve Petersen | Aug 28, 2023 at 2:08 pm ETThere’s plenty of good advice about best practices in marketing. It's also important to be aware of what not to do.
Steve Petersen | Jul 13, 2023 at 10:07 am ETHere are recommended books and podcasts for martech practitioners looking to keep pace with constant developments in the industry.
Steve Petersen | May 31, 2023 at 10:41 am ETMarketing inspiration and ideas are out there for the taking. With some awareness, they're easy to find. Here are some tips.
Steve Petersen | May 12, 2023 at 9:56 am ETLooking to stay ahead in your career? Consider these cost-effective learning opportunities for martech professionals.
Steve Petersen | Mar 31, 2023 at 9:39 am ETHere's why martech and MOps professionals should strive to develop a deeper understanding of their company's products.
Steve Petersen | Mar 7, 2023 at 11:00 am ETMartech professionals don't mean to sow chaos in the world, but what we do can have unintended consequences.
Steve Petersen | Feb 15, 2023 at 9:47 am ETSometimes “let’s test that” is an even better answer than “yes,” all while avoiding the dangers of saying “no.”
Steve Petersen | Jan 20, 2023 at 9:54 am ETPreparing for the hypothetical isn’t a waste of resources. It's time to recommit to business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
Steve Petersen | Dec 9, 2022 at 9:42 am ETApplying the “Most Respectful Interpretation” principle is a must for martech practitioners dealing with various stakeholders. Here's why.
Steve Petersen | Nov 2, 2022 at 1:19 pm ETUnderstanding your martech stack's evolution makes working with data analysts more efficient.
Steve Petersen | Oct 3, 2022 at 10:13 am ETMartech contracts can raise thorny issues. Here are some to look out for.
Steve Petersen | Aug 10, 2022 at 1:48 pm ETProject and workflow management
Making life easier for executive assistants will also make it easier for you.
Steve Petersen | Aug 1, 2022 at 12:23 pm ETVendors, stakeholders, users and even you can cause you a lot of problems.
Steve Petersen | Jul 7, 2022 at 8:58 am ETMarketing operations is more than just marketing automation. Diversify your perspective when looking at candidates' skill sets.
Steve Petersen | Jun 3, 2022 at 12:11 pm ETIf you though technology and strategy were the hardest parts of marketing tech, think again. Relationships are fundamental.
Steve Petersen | May 13, 2022 at 10:14 am ETWhen it comes to successful marketing campaigns, creativity and technology go hand in hand.
Steve Petersen | Mar 24, 2022 at 11:12 am ETGetting colleagues familiar with your new martech position is no easy task.
Steve Petersen | Mar 2, 2022 at 3:20 pm ET