Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Barry Hott

• Master of Facebook ads and unforgettable creatives.

• Expertise spans telecommunications, automotive, consumer packaged goods, and direct-to-consumer.

• Known for his unconventional "make ugly ads" approach.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The "make ugly ads" philosophy is about making more ads faster that resemble organic content.

• Marketers often fall victim to survivorship bias, only replicating what appears to work for others.

• Obscuring faces in ad creative can pique curiosity and encourage viewers to keep watching.

• Digital advertising metrics can be misleading, so it's crucial to question the data and assumptions.

• Empathy is key to creating ads that resonate with the target audience's needs and experiences.

• Radical candor and continuous improvement are essential for collaborating effectively on ad creative.

• The "Building Ads with Barry" course teaches a scalable approach to ad creative for agency professionals and business owners.

• Solving unique ad challenges often involves identifying less obvious issues hurting performance.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Kellene Vaile

• Fractional CMO and CRO

• Digital Marketing Expert

• Specializes in SEO and Conversion Optimization

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kellene shares her expertise in SEO without unscrupulous tactics, achieving first-page Google rankings organically.

• Insights into leveraging Google's "People Also Ask" feature to enhance SEO strategy.

• Discussion on the importance of customer-centric website design for optimal conversion.

• Tips on how to pivot a brand's messaging to be more relatable and engaging to the target audience.

• The role of technology in deep-dive SEO tactics and the significance of long-tail keyword ownership.

• Recent changes in Google's approach to search indexing and the use of API documentation.

• Kellene’s strategies for addressing the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Scott Markovits

• Startup Builder

• Fractional Chief of Staff/COO

• Go-to-Market Strategist

• Mentor for Startup Leaders

Key Topics Discussed:

• Scott shares his journey of scaling a startup from zero to one million ARR.

• His expertise in balancing roles in growth hacking, marketing, and operational leadership.

• Strategies for achieving sustainable growth with data-driven insights and innovative go-to-market tactics.

• In-depth exploration of Scott's role in pioneering digital design tools at InVision, leading to the company's exponential growth.

• Discussion on the power of solving real problems to drive organic growth and customer satisfaction.

• Techniques to enhance customer delight and leverage word-of-mouth marketing.

• Understanding key milestones, inflection points, and the right approach to startup expansion.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Zach Messler

• Messaging and Positioning Expert

• Empowers Founders and Teams

• B2B Tech Product Marketing Specialist

Key Topics Discussed:

• Zach's journey from product marketing to mentoring startups.

• The art of distilling complex tech products into engaging narratives.

• Common messaging pitfalls and how to capture your audience's attention quickly.

• The power of succinctly presenting your product by addressing your audience's core needs.

• Strategies for aligning your sales team with marketing's message.

• Zach's own experiences and the energetic approach he brings to his work.

Key book recommendations for founders seeking insight and wisdom.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Blake Emal

• Founder of PageTare

• CMO turned Founder

• SEO and Conversion Optimization Expert

Key Topics Discussed:

• Blake's unconventional career journey from SEO specialist to CMO by the age of 28.

• Strategies and tactics that propelled Blake's success, including community-driven initiatives and the importance of content in establishing product understanding.

• Understanding the balance between operational and marketing needs as a founder.

• Blake's approach to refining marketing messages and the importance of clarity in targeting the right audience.

• The evolution of Blake's career and the adaptability required in various roles, from SEO to CMO.

• Blake's current focus on PageTare and his commitment to delivering high-quality copy quickly and effectively.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Laura Bernhardt

• Founder of Marketing Bound

• Digital Marketing and Brand Building Specialist

• Podcast Host & Social Media Agency Leader

Key Topics Discussed:

• Laura's decade-long journey from marketing intern to agency founder.

Insights into the evolution of social media marketing and the move away from just providing value to creating engaging content.

• The challenges of maintaining professionalism while being authentic on social media platforms, especially for lawyers and professional service providers.

• Practical strategies for integrating sales directly into social media efforts for client acquisition.

• Adapting to constant changes on social platforms and maintaining a steady strategy amid evolving features.

• Laura's counterintuitive approach to ensuring consistent content production without overwhelming workload.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Rand Fishkin

• Founder of SparkToro and indie game maker Snackbar Studio, author of Lost and Founder, and former CEO of Moz.

• At the forefront of digital marketing since 2003 and frequent keynote speaker on marketing and entrepreneurship.

Key Topics Discussed:

• SparkToro helps understand what people in specific audiences pay attention to, talk about, and engage with online.

• Attribution is increasingly difficult due to privacy laws, ad blockers, and multi-device journeys, leading to overemphasis on easily trackable channels.

• Lift-based measurement, similar to pre-digital techniques, is crucial for evaluating marketing effectiveness.

• Short-form video content shared on social media can drive significant brand awareness and product adoption.

• Bootstrapping and venture capital funding both have significant drawbacks for many founders and businesses.

• Alternative funding models, such as raising from angel investors with profit sharing, can provide a more sustainable path for many companies.

• Reading Kurt Vonnegut's work can teach founders the importance of kindness in life and business.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.

Welcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.

Guest Introduction: Jon Matzner

• Co-Founder of Staken Passport

• Serial Entrepreneur

• Innovator in Global Hiring and Knowledge Management

Key Topics Discussed:

• Jon's fascinating career transition from working with the state department to becoming a serial entrepreneur.

• An in-depth look at Sagan Passport's mission to provide global talent solutions akin to Costco's model.

• Exploring the balance between quality, scale, and cultural integration in international talent acquisition.

• The founding stories behind John's array of startups like Vivaldi, a content creation service, and Team Wiki, a company knowledge management platform.

• Strategies for effectively navigating cofounder dynamics and scaling business operations.

We hope this episode has given you both the inspiration and the practical knowledge to take your startup closer to the $1 million revenue mark. Join us next time on Launch Today, where we continue to explore the essential steps to success in the entrepreneurial journey.