FiredUp! - The Startup Marketing Podcast

Choosing the right digital marketing agency can be a complex and challenging process for businesses, especially startups. Fortunately, we have considerable insight into this process and know exactly what it takes to navigate the selection process, so you can set yourself up to maximize the agency’s effectiveness within your startup. This week, episode 85 of the FiredUp! podcast is about how to hire a digital marketing agency!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares five essential steps to selecting an agency that will elevate your marketing efforts and grow your business!Chris and Ian discuss:Have the right assets and resources in place before even considering hiring a marketing or PR firm. Leverage referrals from trusted colleagues to find the best agency match.Validate an agency’s claims by researching their past work and results. Set yourself up for success by avoiding unnecessary paperwork and clearly communicating your objectives. Avoid delays by kicking off the working relationship quickly. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

With the uptick in people integrating AI into their workflow, we’re starting to uncover some of the downsides of this rapidly evolving tool. Marketers are finding themselves in a crossroads and asking the question, will generative AI elevate our strategies or reduce us to a sea of bland, algorithmic sameness? The answer: It all depends on how you use it. This week, on episode 84 of the FiredUp! podcast, we’re answering the question: Is AI making marketing worse?Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team unpacks the pros and cons of AI use in marketing and advice you can take to balance leveraging AI for efficiency while maintaining the human touch people crave.  Morgan and Ian discuss:Con: We’re seeing an increase in low-quality content and audiences are recognizing AI messaging more easily.Con: AI tools often produce average results that lack creativity, leading brands to risk losing authenticity and consumer trust. Con: AI is impacting entry-level marketing jobs; however, creativity and emotional intelligence remain essential. Pro: AI can enhance efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. Pro: Personalization through AI can lead to better customer engagement. Pro: The democratization of information can empower smaller teams.Like any tool, there needs to be a balance. Embrace AI as a powerful assistant, but never surrender your unique human perspective. The future of marketing belongs to those who can skillfully blend technological innovation with human insight.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!EPISODES MENTIONED: Ep 82: Brand Experiences in the AI Era with Brian Tillman and Joe DePalmaEp 27: The Impact of AI on Marketing with Katie KingCONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

We’ve heard time and time again over the years that PR is dead or content marketing is dead, but we beg to differ. We live in one of the most exciting times of being a marketer. Still, with the rising population of AI tools and the changing buyer behaviors, marketing is certainly becoming more challenging. What worked before doesn’t necessarily keep up with new practices and it’s time to evolve. This week, on episode 83 of the FiredUp! Podcast, our team is unpacking the question: Is PR really dead?Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares their expert insight into the ongoing debate about whether PR and content marketing are truly dying or simply transforming and sharing advice your startup can implement to keep up with the changing times. Morgan, Ian, and Nicole discuss:The fragmentation of media makes it harder for PR professionals to reach journalists and gain coverage, but that doesn’t mean we give up.Despite how they may feel about PR, startups must continue to invest in brand awareness and credibility.The rise of AI has led to an influx of low-quality content, making it essential to create unique and valuable content that cannot be summarized.It is more important than ever for PR and content marketing to work together to take a holistic approach to marketing. Marketing isn't dying—it's evolving. Embrace change, invest in creativity, and focus on creating meaningful experiences that connect with your audience. The most successful brands will be those that adapt, innovate, and tell compelling stories across multiple platforms.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Ep 79: What Does it Take to be a Thought Leader?Ep 81: How to Build a Thought Leadership CampaignEp 82: Brand Experiences in the AI Era with Brian Tillman and Joe DePalmaCONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

AI search is changing the game with tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity providing instant answers and affecting website traffic. Even so, your website is a vital asset. So what does a startup need to do to make the most of the traffic they are still getting? To answer this question, we are joined by Brian Tillman and Joe DePalma from Punch, a creative agency for bold brands, to unpack the revolutionary changes AI is bringing to web design, marketing, and brand strategy. This week, episode 82 of the FiredUp! podcast is about brand experiences in the AI era!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Brian Tillman and Joe DePalma share their insights into how AI is impacting branding and user experience for startups and giving actionable strategies to stay ahead of this industry shift. Brian Tillman is Co-Founder and Principal at Punch. In 20 years as a writer, his words have glown up pages from gas station periodicals to Presidential remarks. He has sold race cars, fixed sailboats, toured on guitar, sojourned on motorcycle, and set strategies into motion that have driven hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for clients. Today, he advises security and technology executives on brand and go-to-market strategy and holds the world record for exclaiming "dang."Joe DePalma is Co-Founder and Principal at Punch. Young Joe chose art school over engineering, which set him on a path to design nearly every website on the internet. Today, Joe advises technology executives on how user experience can unlock revenue growth. And he would advise the Commanders on how to win, should his coaching contract be accepted. "Say Whaaat?"Joe, Brian, Morgan, and Ian discuss:With AI search prioritizing conversational answers over website links, brands must put more focus on conversations happening outside of their owned platforms. Although AI tools are democratizing creativity by reducing technical barriers, human creativity remains crucial. Early-stage startups should start with lean, focused landing pages and become more robust as they grow. Effective agency collaboration starts with trusting experts’ professional judgment, separating personal and brand needs, and engaging in collaborative discovery sessions. The AI revolution isn't about replacing human creativity—it's about empowering it. Startups that embrace these technological shifts while maintaining their unique brand vision will be the ones that truly stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH JOE AND BRIAN:Punchjoe@punchteam.com brian@punchteam.comCONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Send us a text

We’ve already established that thought leadership is a powerful strategy for startups to build credibility, reduce churn, and drive sales. But where should you start when implementing a thought leadership campaign? The Firebrand team sits down today to dive deep into what it takes to create an effective thought leadership campaign that transforms a brand’s visibility and influence. This week, episode 81 of the FiredUp! podcast is about how to build a thought leadership campaign. Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team discusses the essential steps it takes to become a thought leader, the various forms of thought leadership content you can create, and practical tips to implement your own thought leadership strategy.  Morgan, Chris, and Ian discuss:When choosing the right thought leader, you should look beyond job titles to find team members with deep industry knowledge who are driving innovation. Thought leaders must create a differentiated, provocative perspective that stands out from generic industry commentary. A comprehensive thought leadership campaign expands across many channels, beyond the bylines. Overcoming the common mistakes startups make when establishing their thought leadership programs. Thought leadership isn’t about selling– its about driving meaningful change in your industry. Start small, stay authentic, and consistently share your unique perspective. Your breakthrough moment is just one compelling idea away. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Ep 79: What Does it Take to be a Thought Leader?[Firebrand] How to Build a Thought Leadership Campaign Send us a text

As marketers, it’s easy to get pulled into the day-to-day tactical operations of marketing and lose focus of the big picture. Juliana Pereira joins us as we take a step back and highlight the ways in which marketing impacts various milestones in a startup’s lifespan. From early-stage hiring to fundraising and eventual exit strategies, marketing has an important role to play. This week, episode 80 of the FiredUp! podcast is about marketing’s role in business leadership!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Juliana Pereira shares insights into marketing’s impact throughout the lifecycle of a business and actionable steps you can take right now to maximize your marketing team to drive business growth. Juliana Pereira is a demand generation and growth expert providing consulting services for startups and established businesses with global aspirations looking to scale in the U.S. and beyond. With 20+ years of experience in B2B, B2C and B2B2C marketing, Juliana has worked at various global organizations, from early-stage startups to public companies, across a variety of industries including cross-border ecommerce, global payments, translation tech and services, cybersecurity, nonprofit, and more. As the VP of Marketing at Flow Commerce, Juliana was a key contributor to the $37.5M Series B and a successful $500M acquisition by Global-e during her 3½ year tenure. Juliana also held senior leadership roles at SaaS companies including Trustmi, Revieve, and Smartling. Juliana and Morgan discuss:Wait for a senior marketing hire until you’re ready for them; consider bringing on a fractional CMO or consultant to develop an initial strategy.Marketing’s strategic role in fundraising, product launch, hiring staff, building partnerships, and considering an exit. Prioritize demand generation in the early stages and invest in brand-building as your company matures. Marketing isn't just about creating content—it's a strategic function that can make or break your startup's success. Start by understanding your company's unique needs and how marketing can drive your business forward. Evaluate your current marketing approach and consider how a strategic marketing leader could transform your growth trajectory.CONNECT WITH JULIANA PEREIRA:LinkedInjuliana@jpereiraconsulting.com CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInWork with FirebrandLINKS MENTIONED:Send us a text

Many brands and people want to be known as a thought leader, and for good reason! A survey by Edelman has revealed that 70% of prospects would think more of a brand if they had a thought leader and would be willing to pay more for their proposition. But what does becoming a trusted, authoritative voice in your industry take? The Firebrand team is here to break that down today, unpacking what it means to be a thought leader, the risks and rewards associated with becoming one, the role of companies vs. individual thought leaders, and the importance of time and collaboration in developing a distinct point of view. This week, episode 79 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what it takes to be a thought leader!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team dives into the nuanced world of thought leadership, why it matters for business, and shares their tips on becoming a truly impactful thought leader. Morgan, Chris, and Ian discuss:Thought leadership is not just about content; it’s about making an argument that sets an authoritative voice. Companies can become thought leaders themselves by fostering individual thought leaders from within. Four essential ingredients that go into impactful thought leadership. The potential impact of a long-term thought leadership strategy. Thought leadership isn't a quick win—it's a strategic, long-term approach to building brand authority. Start by identifying your unique perspective, invest time developing your insights, and commit to consistently sharing valuable, forward-thinking content that advances your industry's conversation.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

Standing out when it comes to your marketing isn’t just about having a great message– it’s about delivering that message with precision, consistency, and innovation. Enter the product mindset: a game-changing approach that takes your marketing from being hit-or-miss to a strategic, repeatable system. Clinton Bonner joins us today to break down how startups and marketing teams can leverage design, technology, and creative thinking to build marketing experiences that not only capture attention but build lasting trust with their audience. This week, episode 78 of the FiredUp! podcast is about bringing a product mindset to marketing!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Clinton Bonner shares why you should ditch traditional marketing playbooks and actionable advice to treat your marketing like a product that can be refined, scaled, and optimized for maximum impact. Clinton Bonner is the Founder of Only Human, a design UX and digital experience consultancy. Only Human helps SMBs and mid-size companies shine like the world's top brands. Focused on user experience, design, and digital journeys, our clients out-punch their weight class because every digital interaction is seamless, beautiful, and useful. Clinton is also a rabid Seattle Seahawks fan and when I'm not caretaking for his clients or family, he is publishing YouTube content for the Sea Hawkers Podcast. Clinton, Morgan, and Nicole discuss:What it means to take on a product mindset (and alternatively, what it doesn’t mean).The critical roles needed to create effective marketing strategies. Establishing a consistent brand identity that is cohesive, recognizable, and stands out.  Understanding user needs as a foundational starting point to this approach. Implementing efficiency and iteration practices into your marketing strategy. Take Action: Start by bringing a designer into your marketing process and create a simple design system that captures your brand's unique identity. Remember, even startups can create world-class marketing experiences with the right approach and mindset.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH CLINTON BONNER:clinton@only-human.coLinkedInLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Invention of Air by Steven JohnsonCONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

On average, reporters receive between 50-200 pitches daily, with only 8% leading to written articles. So, how do you make sure yours stands out? The Firebrand team joins together to unpack just this. Morgan, Chris, and Ian share their insights into what makes a pitch stand out and how to increase your chances of securing media coverage! This week, episode 77 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what makes a good media pitch!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team delves into the intricacies of crafting effective media pitches and actionable steps you can take right now to stand out in a crowded field. Morgan, Chris, and Ian discuss:Relevance to the reporter’s expertise and interest is a crucial element.Pitch your news in a timely manner before it becomes outdated. Keep your pitch concise and straight to the point as much as possible. Leverage elements like conflict, celebrity, impact, proximity, and timeliness to make your pitch compelling.Provide a unique perspective or angle that the reporter can’t get elsewhere. Mastering the art of the media pitch takes practice, but by focusing on a few key elements, you can increase your chances of securing the media coverage your brand deserves. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text

Breakups are never easy, even in the business world. When the relationship between a client and their agency comes to an end, it can be an emotional and complex process, with challenges to both sides. The Firebrand team comes together today as they pull back the curtain on the common reasons why these partnerships dissolve and share their insights on how to navigate this delicate situation with grace and professionalism. This week, episode 76 of the FiredUp! podcast is about why clients and agencies break up!Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares common reasons why agencies and their clients might break up, whether suddenly or slowly ramping up to the inevitable. They also dive into the impact of these broken relationships on teams and share advice on how to leave the door open for future opportunities. Morgan, Chris, and Ian discuss:Common reasons clients might terminate a relationship with their agency, either suddenly or degrading over time. Clients are not the only ones terminating relationships; agencies may fire a client for creating a negative work environment, making unreasonable demands, and more.How to handle the termination process with professionalism and respect, leaving opportunities for a working relationship in the future. Remember, the marketing industry is a small world, and how you handle these transitions can have a lasting impact on your reputation and future opportunities. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandSend us a text