🌟 📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database 🌟

In this episode, we're getting transparent and real. The job market is tough, and betting on yourself is always an option that is there for you.

If you're considering freelancing or starting a marketing career in 2025, this episode will be valuable to you.

I share how I started a freelance marketing business after being laid off—and the ups and downs that came with it. From making my first dollar to hitting new highs (and several lows), I break down what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently.

Columbus AMA: Events and Resources to Accelerate your Marketing Career

Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: Starting from a layoff to launching a business
• [00:03] Freelancing journey: Earnings and challenges in the first year
• [00:17] Lessons learned: The power of adding value to clients
• [00:35] Strategy 1: Consistent content creation and platform focus
• [01:15] Strategy 2: Networking and outreach for opportunities
• [02:25] Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your niche
• [03:50] Branding yourself: How to communicate your value
• [04:30] Closing thoughts: Mindset shifts for lasting success

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

Follow Us:
Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/

⁠Appear on The Next Expert Soundbytes Episode:

🌟 Submit your Question to an AMA Expert 🌟

Free Resource:

🌟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟

In this holiday special, we’re diving into one of the most iconic marketing campaigns of our time: Spotify Wrapped.

We’re unpacking the four psychological triggers behind its success—creating an experience, hyper-personalization, time-bound anticipation, and effortless sharing. Packed with actionable insights, I'm showing you how to apply these strategies to your own marketing campaigns.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to hit the ground running in January.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:50 | Welcome: Let’s Talk About Spotify Wrapped

00:50 - 03:37 | The Genius of Spotify Wrapped: A Personal Take

03:37 - 05:51 | Creating an Experience Around Data

05:51 - 07:58 | Hyper-Personalization: Why It Works

07:58 - 09:10 | Time-Bound Anticipation: Building Excitement for Annual Events

09:10 - 10:52 | Encouraging Sharing: How to Make Content Go Viral

10:52 - 12:00 | Wrapping It Up: Key Takeaways & Holiday Cheer

Show Notes:

Four Psychological Triggers of Spotify Wrapped:

Creating an Experience Around Data: We explore how Spotify transforms user stats into an emotional journey.

Hyper-Personalization: Discover how Spotify tailors every user’s experience.

Time-Bound Anticipation: We look at how tying campaigns to dates builds excitement.

Effortless Sharing: See why sharing Wrapped is second nature for users.

What You’ll Learn:

How to use your campaign data to tell compelling stories.

Why personalization creates deeper connections with your audience.

How to create a buzz around your campaigns with timing.

The secret to frictionless sharing for maximum reach.

Presenting Sponsor: AMA Columbus

Help us grow!! Send this one out to all the other marketers in your network.

🌟 Submit your Question 🌟

In this first installment of AMA Expert Office Hours, we welcome Paula Yoho, a marketing leader with over 20 years of experience, to answer pressing questions from listeners.

Paula dives deep into the challenges of building a freelance marketing business, offering actionable advice on gaining clients, building trust, and creating sustainable relationships.

This episode is packed with insights for freelancers, early-career marketers, and those looking to grow their networks through expertise and adaptability.

• AMA Columbus membership and events
• AMA Columbus Linkedin
• Connect with Paula
• Follow the Show

Key Timestamps

1. 00:01:28 - Introducing Paula Yoho, her background, and role in the AMA.
2. 00:02:17 - Listener Claire’s question: How do I gain more freelance clients?
3. 00:03:31 - Why transactional work isn’t sustainable and the value of trust.
4. 00:05:37 - How a long-term client relationship led to lasting success.
5. 00:09:43 - Leveraging personal and professional networks for growth.
6. 00:10:42 - Showcasing your work and building credibility.
7. 00:12:28 - Advice for young marketers: Take advantage of your current flexibility.
8. 00:14:18 - Final tip: Value your expertise and don’t undercharge for your skills.

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

Follow Us:
Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/

🌟 📚 Essential Marketer's Books Database 🌟

In this episode of Marketing by Design, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tami Chapek, founder of "We Inspire We," as she shares her story of transitioning from a corporate advertising executive to a successful leadership coach and entrepreneur.

Tami candidly discusses the challenges and lessons learned in leaving the corporate world, finding her true passion, and building a thriving coaching business focused on empowering individuals to lead authentically and effectively.

Schedule a consult with Brooke the Career Storyteller @ WeinspireWe.

• We Inspire We Website
• Follow Tami

• Columbus Chamber of Commerce
• Follow the show

Timestamps:

• [00:03:21] The turning point: Pain of change vs. pain of staying the same
• [00:04:13] Discovering coaching: "It took over my soul."
• [00:08:33] Shifting mindsets: Scarcity vs. abundance
• [00:14:30] The essence of leadership: Authenticity, influence, and inspiration
• [00:32:01] Building the dream team: Recruiting aligned coaches
• [00:49:40] A reminder: Your unique value is irreplaceable

If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you.

Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/

🌟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 In this episode of Marketing by Design, Andy dives deep into actionable strategies to make your marketing website a conversion powerhouse. Drawing on insights from research studies and expert recommendations, We're breaking down 10 segments that every marketing team should implement for maximum website effectiveness. From clarity in messaging to rewarding loyalty, this episode is packed with takeaways to present to your team on Monday. Whether you’re a marketer, creative, or business owner, this episode offers the science-backed tactics you need to boost conversions and drive results.

Science Says Newsletter by Thomas McKinley Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Marketing by Design and the value of conversion-focused websites. 00:12 – Why website optimization is essential for marketing teams. 01:32 – Segment 1: Solving the conversion problem with data-driven insights. 02:30 – Segment 2: Be specific, not generic—how clarity wins every time. 05:10 – Segment 3: Highlight your top 3 benefits for maximum impact. 08:00 – Segment 4: Use before-and-after images to tell your product’s story. 10:50 – Segment 5: Why “imperfect” ratings build trust and conversions. 13:00 – Segment 6: Pricing plans that sell—structure matters. 15:15 – Segment 7: Keep free trials short and effective. 16:30 – Segment 8: Limit usage, not features, during trials for better engagement. 18:10 – Segment 9: Reward loyalty to create superfans. 20:30 – Segment 10: Show generosity during hard times to foster long-term relationships. 21:10 – Closing thoughts: Links to resources, gratitude, and next week’s guest. Resources Mentioned: Thomas McKinley’s Science Says Newsletter – Cutting-edge research on what drives marketing results. Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand – Learn how to make your customers the hero of the story. Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans – Explore the power of personalized, scalable customer loyalty. Studies Mentioned: Specific Descriptions vs. Generic Descriptions (2011 Study): This research examines how detailed product descriptions impact consumer preferences and purchasing decisions. Highlighting Top Three Benefits (Eshoo and Carleton Study): This study explores the effectiveness of emphasizing a product's top three benefits in marketing communications. Before-and-After Images Boost Willingness to Buy (Che and Hulk, 2013): This research investigates the influence of before-and-after visuals on consumer purchasing behavior. Imperfect Ratings and Consumer Trust (Too Good to Be True Study): This study analyzes how consumers perceive products with varying star ratings and the impact on trust and purchase intentions. Pricing Plan Layout and Consumer Perception: This research examines how the arrangement of pricing options affects consumer perception and choice. Optimal Free Trial Length (Management Science Journal, 2022): This study evaluates the effectiveness of different free trial durations on user engagement and conversion rates. Limiting Usage vs. Features in Free Trials (Digital Paywall Design, 2020): This research explores the impact of restricting usage versus features during free trials on subscription rates. Rewarding Loyalty (Customer Inertia Marketing, 2020): This study investigates how offering rewards to long-term customers influences loyalty and revenue. Generosity During Tough Times (Ross, Malloy, and Carlson, 2020): This research examines the effects of providing discounted or downgraded plans during customers' financial hardships on long-term loyalty and revenue. If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Your feedback helps us reach more marketers and creatives like you. Follow Us: Stay updated and inspired with Marketing by Design: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/

The Best Books on Marketing + Business (Checklist)

🌟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database⁠⁠⁠ 🌟

Jeremy Mumpower is the founder of Conspire Branding, a creative branding agency dedicated to helping businesses connect with purpose and inspire action. With years of experience in the creative industry, Jeremy has worked with countless small businesses and organizations, finding innovative ways to make branding accessible and impactful. Through his flagship program, Brand Camp, Jeremy has helped small businesses articulate their unique stories, overcome challenges, and build strong, memorable brands.

Topics:

• Creative Solutions for Branding Small Businesses
• The ROI of Branding: More Than Marketing
• Building Culture and Community Through Brand Stories
• Why Every Business Needs a Clear Brand Anthem
• How to Leverage Sponsors and BDOs Effectively

Shownotes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:15 - The Origin of Conspire Branding 00:10:45 - Creating Brand Camp: Helping Small Businesses 00:18:30 - The Three Pillars of Branding ROI 00:29:00 - Building Culture and Inspiring Teams 00:42:15 - Finding the Right Fit for Your Brand 00:50:10 - Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurship

Find more about Jeremy: ⁠⁠⁠Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Conspire Branding Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Learn More About Brand Camp⁠⁠

Start your reading habit + Improve your marketing skills:

🌟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 Essential Marketer's Reading Database⁠⁠⁠ 🌟

Welcome to Entry 067 of the Podcast!

Just a quick update this week, featuring some insights, a look at some upcoming guests and a few teasers for what to expect from this podcast in the future. 🚀

Super grateful for you guys tuning in this week, and we'll see ya next Tuesday.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: Reflecting on the journey so far.
• 02:00 – The "hedgehog concept" and finding purpose in your work.
• 05:20 – Personal updates: Growth as a business owner and creative.
• 09:00 – Big themes: ROI of design and connecting creativity with business goals.
• 11:00 – Sneak peek: Next week’s guest, Jeremy Mum Power, and branding insights.
• 12:30 – Closing thoughts: Gratitude and future plans for the podcast.

Resources Mentioned:

• Good to Great by Jim Collins – Explore the "hedgehog concept" and its impact on creative careers.

🌟 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📚 Essential Business Owner's Reading Checklist⁠ 🌟

⁠Meg Adams⁠ is the co-founder/CEO of ⁠Homeplace Creative⁠, a bespoke video content studio in Canton Ohio that helps amazing organizations and businesses harness the power of story.

As a ⁠TEDx speaker⁠ and Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Findlay, Meg is an expert in compelling speaking and has helped hundreds of business owners and students learn the principles of powerful storytelling.

🔗 Megan's links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpwozauaG9g

https://www.homeplacecreativeco.com/services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmegadams/

📝 SHOWNOTES:

• 0:00 - 03:00 | Crafting a Comfortable Environment for Storytelling Andy and Meg discuss making people feel at ease on camera—a valuable skill for business owners stepping into the spotlight.
• 03:00 - 07:00 | Learning Through Failure and the Value of Storytelling Meg shares her journey from journalism to brand storytelling, highlighting the importance of failure in professional growth.
• 07:00 - 11:00 | Overcoming Perfectionism for Genuine Connections Meg opens up about letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity, offering a fresh perspective for entrepreneurs.
• 11:00 - 15:00 | Empathy on Camera and Building True Audience Connections Insights into how business owners can use empathy to connect with their audience on camera, an essential skill in today’s digital world.
• 15:00 - 18:30 | Navigating Fear and Public Speaking Andy and Meg talk about managing fear and how to face the pressures of public speaking and performing in high-stakes environments.
• 18:30 - 23:00 | Lessons from Meg’s TEDx Talk Meg reflects on the preparation and lessons from her TEDx experience, with actionable takeaways for presenting and sharing impactful messages.
• 23:00 - 28:00 | Creating Genuine Conversations in Business The two discuss how genuine curiosity can deepen business relationships and drive meaningful interactions.
• 28:00 - 33:00 | Teaching as a Tool for Personal Growth Meg shares her passion for teaching and how engaging with students has shaped her approach to storytelling and entrepreneurship.
• 33:00 - 37:00 | Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Values Meg talks about setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and managing time effectively to balance work with family life.
• 37:00 - 45:00 | Ideal Day in the Life for a Fulfilled Entrepreneur Andy and Meg explore ideal daily routines, focusing on aligning actions with personal values and long-term fulfillment.