The Content Experiment Podcast

The Content Experiment Podcast is back with a fresh new approach! I'm taking you behind the scenes as I launch a 6-month experiment (finally living up to the "experiment" part of my business and podcast name!) where I'm building an online shop (of sorts) with digital products while continuing my one-to-one fractional CMO services.I'm showing you exactly what I'm doing and how it's working. I've noticed too many “experts” teaching without actually doing the work themselves, and I'm tired of it. Sure, their businesses are doing the work, but those teaching are the faces of their business; they’re not actually the ones doing the work. So I'm sharing my real journey – including the challenges I've faced with client work and why I need to create revenue that doesn't solely depend on one-to-one clients. You'll hear about my partnership with Destini Copp, my actual strategies for growing my email list and shop, and yes – I'm even considering sharing real revenue numbers (that part makes me nervous!). If you're over the fluff and ready for some honest talk about balancing client work while creating new revenue streams, this is for you. I'm not following someone else's playbook – I'm experimenting, measuring, and adjusting in real time, and taking you along for the ride. Listen to my episode on Destini's podcast here!

Are you a service-based business owner looking to scale or grow without working more hours? In this week’s episode, Crista Grasso, the founder of the Lean Out Method, discusses the key differences between growth and scaling, and how to optimize your business for increased profitability and time freedom. Crista specializes in helping businesses navigate the messy middle of scaling from multi-six to multi-seven figures. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on optimization rather than constantly pursuing new ideas or offers. By dialing in on your existing systems, team, marketing, lead generation, sales, and delivery, you can double your conversion rates and revenue while maintaining fixed expenses. Throughout the conversation, Crista shares valuable insights on the five key areas to focus on when scaling your business: strategy, planning, systems, team, and insight. She also discusses how to identify and eliminate areas of waste in your business, such as unnecessary complexity and incomplete work. Crista stresses the importance of letting go of tasks that don't align with your strengths and goals, even if it means accepting that someone else may not do them exactly the same way you would. If you're ready to scale your business the smart way and achieve the rich, fulfilled life you desire, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to learn how to optimize your business for increased profitability and time freedom. Key Takeaways: Scaling your business is about expanding your reach, impact, and profit without requiring more time or complexity. It's different from growth, which often leads to increased expenses and decreased profitability. To scale successfully, focus on optimizing your existing systems, team, marketing, lead generation, sales, and delivery. By improving what's already working, you can double your conversion rates and revenue while maintaining fixed expenses. Identify and eliminate areas of waste in your business, such as unnecessary complexity, incomplete work, and tasks that don't align with your strengths and goals. This will free up time and resources to focus on what truly matters for your business growth. As a visionary entrepreneur, it's important to resist the temptation to constantly pursue new ideas and instead focus on optimizing what's already working in your business. This may seem boring, but it's the key to scalability and success. When delegating tasks, accept that others may not do them exactly the same way you would. Letting go of this expectation will allow you to focus on the things that only you can do and that will have the greatest impact on your business growth. Mentioned in This Episode: Uncover Hidden Time & Profit in Your Business Find out more about Crista & the Lean Out Method Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram About Crista Grasso Crista Grasso is the CEO & Founder of the Lean Out Method and creator of the Simplify to Scale System. She partners with Visionary CEOs and their teams to navigate through the messy middle of $500k - $5m and scale in a way that allows them to live a rich fulfilled life while leading a high-impact + high-profit business. Through private advisory and her signature Simplify to Scale mentorship experience, she helps businesses remove unnecessary complexity, uplevel their business operations, and build out their lean dream team including a right-hand person they can trust so the day-to-day is no longer dependent on the CEO.

Are you running your business in a way that’s sustainable for you and that will support your lifestyle…now and in the future? If you look around at social media, I think you’ll find it difficult to find businesses that aren’t on polar extremes: either hustling 24/7 or “living the dream” and (supposedly) working from the beach. This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Lindsay Hope, an email strategist and conversion copywriter, about the importance of designing a business around the lifestyle that you want to live and bring true to yourself. Lindsay shares her journey of transitioning from website copywriting to specializing in email marketing and emphasizes the value of authenticity and building genuine relationships with clients and prospects. We chat about the significance of charging for expertise and experience and not the number of hours it takes to get something done. And, of course, we touch on the challenges of doing business in 2024 and the need to adapt marketing strategies to meet the needs of today’s businesses. Big Takeaways Designing a lifestyle business involves being in control of your schedule and working with clients and projects that align with your values and mission. Authenticity and building genuine relationships are key to attracting the right clients and customers. Charging for expertise and experience is important, as clients are paying for years of knowledge and skill. Building a network and nurturing relationships through platforms like LinkedIn can lead to business growth and opportunities. Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn Lindsay Hope Creative Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

As a service-based business owner, you know the importance of building and maintaining relationships with your clients and prospects. And you probably already know that email is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal. Are you making the most of your email list? This week on the podcast, I’m sharing about the world of email list nurturing and exploring how it can help you build stronger relationships with your clients and prospects, convert more leads, and ultimately grow your business. We've all been there – receiving emails from businesses we don't remember connecting with in the first place. That's why consistency is crucial when it comes to nurturing your email list. But it's not about bombarding your subscribers with daily emails; it's about finding a cadence that works for you and your audience.  Listen in as I share more about email marketing strategy and discuss the importance of segmentation and creating content that moves leads down your sales funnel.   Key Takeaways Email is a powerful tool for nurturing leads and building long-term customer relationships. Consistency in your email marketing is key, but it doesn't mean sending emails every day. Segmenting your email list allows you to deliver targeted content to different groups of subscribers. Create content that moves leads down your sales funnel, from awareness to consideration to decision. Implement best practices for creating effective email campaigns, such as optimizing for mobile and monitoring your analytics.   Mentioned in This Episode Check out the Content Experiment Lab Shop! Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

I'm always looking for effective ways to generate leads and help clients grow their businesses. And for many, social media has become an increasingly important tool for reaching and engaging with potential customers. However, with so many platforms and strategies to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to focus your efforts and how to engage with the right people. In this episode, I dive into the world of social media lead generation and share my insights on how to make the most of these powerful platforms. (Hint: It’s not posting on a daily basis!) From developing a strong content strategy to leveraging user-generated content, I cover a range of tactics that can help you attract and convert more leads for your B2B business. Join me as I explore the art and science of social media lead generation and provide actionable tips to help you take your B2B marketing to the next level.   Key Takeaways: Know where your target audience is spending time on social media and focus your efforts there Develop a strong content strategy that aligns with your pillar content and addresses your audience's pain points Engage in social listening to identify potential leads and provide valuable insights Participate in relevant online communities and build relationships with other members Leverage user-generated content to showcase social proof and build trust with potential leads Mentioned in This Episode Ask Your Audience Challenge Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

As a small B2B business owner, you know that generating leads is crucial for growth, but it can be a real challenge. That's where lead magnets come in - they're the secret weapon that can help you attract and convert your ideal clients like never before. But here's the thing: not all lead magnets are created equal. To make an impact, you need to create opt-ins that are irresistible, valuable, and tailored to your target audience. And that's exactly what we're going to talk about in this episode. We'll discuss the five key elements that make an opt-in irresistible, and I'll even share some of my personal success stories from using podcast guesting, bundles, and summits to grow my email list in 2024. This episode is packed with actionable tips and strategies that you can start implementing right away. Whether you're new to lead magnets or looking to take your opt-ins to the next level, you'll walk away with a clear roadmap for creating a lead generation machine that consistently attracts and converts your ideal clients. So, if you're ready to unlock the power of lead magnets and take your small B2B business to new heights, this episode is for you. Let's dive in! Key Takeaways: Tailor your lead magnet to your ideal client's specific needs and challenges to create a truly valuable resource they can't resist. Use your lead magnet as an added value proposition when guesting on podcasts to expand your reach and grow your email list. Collaborate with other businesses to create bundle offers that include your lead magnet, providing a win-win for both you and your partners. Leverage the power of virtual summits by offering your lead magnet as a free gift for attendees, establishing your expertise and attracting new leads. Continuously test and optimize your lead magnet using data-driven insights to improve its performance and conversion rates over time. Mentioned in This Episode Ask Your Audience Challenge Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

In the online space, many business owners are struggling to find new leads and clients. With businesses cutting back on spending and returning to DIY strategies, it can be difficult to grow or even maintain your current level of success (however you define that for yourself). However, it's important to remember that outsourcing certain aspects of your business can still be a viable and effective solution. Which is why service providers are still a necessary part of the online economy. In this episode, I’m sharing several proven strategies for generating leads and growing your business in 2024. I’ll discuss the importance of getting in front of other people's audiences, leveraging social media, networking, and partnering with other businesses. By implementing these strategies consistently and focusing on providing genuine value to your target audience, you can attract more leads and ultimately grow your business. And I’m not just talking about what to do but how to do it. Key Takeaways: Get in front of other people's audiences through bundles, summits, podcast interviews, and speaking in groups to tap into new potential leads. Leverage social media by connecting with others, answering questions, and providing genuine value to your target audience. Network virtually and in-person by attending industry events, joining mastermind groups, and building relationships with potential clients and partners. Focus on providing value and building genuine relationships rather than solely promoting your services. Consistency and focus are essential for successful lead generation; implement strategies that align with your goals and target audience. Mentioned in This Episode Be a Better Podcast Guest Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

As a small B2B business owner, you need to understand the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies. How do you do that? Key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics!  This week on the podcast, I’m talking about the importance of tracking KPIs for small B2B businesses. I’ll share why aligning your KPIs with your business objectives is vital and explore some essential KPIs that small B2B businesses should consider tracking. I’ll also share the tools you can use to monitor these metrics effectively and set realistic expectations for growth. And I’ll also talk about the importance of looking beyond the numbers and considering qualitative factors that contribute to long-term success. Key takeaways: KPIs help you make evidence-based decisions about your marketing strategies, ensuring you invest your time and money wisely. Essential KPIs for small B2Bs include lead generation metrics, conversion rates, customer lifetime value, engagement metrics, email marketing performance, and SEO performance. Not all KPIs and metrics are built the same. Know what you want to track and why. When setting growth expectations, differentiate between short-term and long-term metrics, refer to (and maybe even write off) industry benchmarks, and be willing to adjust your strategies based on performance. Don't forget to consider qualitative factors such as brand awareness, customer satisfaction, and your own well-being when evaluating your marketing success. Mentioned in This Episode Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

In the ever-evolving online business world, the game has changed. (Or maybe it hasn’t just recently changed, but it’s truly time to take notice!) It's no longer about amassing a massive following or boasting an impressive email list. The real key to online success lies in creating content that ignites a fire within your audience, compelling them to take action. Listen in to this week’s podcast episode as I share some secrets to crafting engaging content that gets noticed. Forget vanity metrics – I’ll show you the hidden power behind genuine audience engagement and why it's more valuable than follower counts could ever be. I will share surefire strategies to deeply understand your audience's burning questions and pressing needs as well as content secrets that showcase your unique brand personality, establishing unshakable trust with your loyal fans. And I’ll give you a handful of calls-to-action that will have your audience wanting to subscribe, share, download, and take that coveted next step with you. Because at the end of the day, engagement is the new currency for online success. Don't miss out on this episode in creating content that actively draws your audience into the conversation. It's time to leave passive consumption in the dust and ignite a wildfire of engagement that will propel your brand to new heights. Tune in now!   Mentioned in This Episode Ask Your Audience Episode 253: Mastering Your Content Strategy & Calendar Your 90-Day Content Plan Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Curious how to create content that really hits the mark with your audience? Well, you're in for a treat because this podcast episode is all about just that. We're talking about crafting content that does more than just sit there—it engages, educates, and gets your audience itching to take action. And let's face it, building that trust and authority is key for any B2B relationship. Now, I hear you asking, "But what if my budget is tight?" Don't worry, we've got you covered! We're spilling the beans on how to keep your content vibrant and effective without feeling a financial pinch. I’m also sharing tips on how to become a bit of a detective on social media, use SEO to your advantage, and really tune into what makes your audience tick. So, join us in this episode as we unpack all these insights and strategies and more. Let's get your audience engaged, educated, and eager to jump on board with what you're offering.    Mentioned in This Episode The Content Experiment Lab Ask Your Audience Challenge Episode 257: Using ChatGPT in Your Content Creation Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Whether you’re planning to DIY your content and marketing or you’re looking to hire it out, some budget planning is essential. It takes both time and money to see an ROI on your marketing activities, but not all tools and strategies are created equal. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing why reviewing your budget is important, what should go into your marketing budget, what it looks like to hire different levels of marketing support, and what to consider when DIYing your content. No matter what stage of business you’re in, your marketing budget matters, and so does what you do outside of that budget. You can’t simply post content and expect that people will find you; there’s much more to it than that! Mentioned in This Episode Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

I’m not a project manager, but with the help of ChatGPT, I’ve created some great systems around marketing and content--for myself and for clients. From standard operating procedures to project plans to program outlines, ChatGPT can save you time and money in your project and content management. Listen in to hear how you can leverage AI to work on off hours (while no one is the wiser!), plan for a launch with a vacation smack in the middle of it, organize content in a way that makes sense to everyone on the team, and even how to get input on taking a road trip! Even if you’ve avoided using AI on your content, it’s an incredibly powerful tool that you’re likely already using in your business! Listen in! Mentioned in This Episode Get your Ultimate ChatGPT Guide! Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

I’ve heard many business owners say that they won’t use AI of any sort in their businesses. I understand the desire to keep a good hand on content and the general goings-on of your business, but if you’re reading this or listening to podcasts, you’re most likely using AI in some way, shape or form in your business already. Your website, your email provider, even your Gmail-powered inbox: they’re all powered by AI. As is whatever search engine you use and your favorite social media platform. And most of these can be leveraged to help you get more efficient and impactful with everything you’re doing online. Listen in this week for a quick rundown of where you’re likely already using AI and where you can add it in for a more streamlined business. Mentioned in This Episode Connect Chat Get your Ultimate ChatGPT Guide Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Using ChatGPT for your content creation is a touchy subject, but I believe it’s a conversation we should be having. There are so many use cases for ChatGPT for your content, from ideation through publication. And using ChatGPT or another AI tool will help you save time and, if you’re DIYing your content, money. You’re not cheating if you’re using AI and it won’t diminish your thought leadership, so long as you’re using it to support your content creation efforts rather than completely replacing the human aspect. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing some of my own favorite ways to use ChatGPT for my content creation on the podcast, social media, and more. Mentioned in This Episode Robert Rose on Social Media Examiner Get your Ultimate ChatGPT Guide Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Does AI belong in your business? Yes. In fact, it’s already in your business and your life. If you've ever worried about AI taking over your job or wondered how it could actually help you work smarter, this is for you. We're talking about the real deal with ChatGPT and other AI tools – how they can make things easier, not replace us. This week we start a four-episode series on using AI in your business - how to do it, why you’re already using it, and how it can help you streamline and save you time.  But first, we need to talk about the ethics behind it, particularly when we’re talking about respecting the people who follow us and the privacy of people’s information. I’m not an attorney, but I do have some thoughts on this and so much more. Tune in now! Mentioned in This Episode Episode 237: Embracing the Power of AI with Danielle LeFleur Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Creating content for your business is an essential part of simply being in business, but how do you know what content to create…and what platform to publish it on? Your own goals are a part of the formula but an even bigger part (and one you can leverage if you’re struggling with ideas) is by talking to your audience. Yes, that’s right; your audience is the most important factor to consider when you’re planning your content. But there’s an art to gathering the right information from the right people. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing more about why understanding your audience is so crucial, what matters most when surveying your audience, and how to gather information from your audience outside a formal survey or Q&A.  And don’t forget to get access to the free Ask Your Audience challenge below! Mentioned in This Episode Ask Your Audience challenge Your 90 Day Content Plan They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Imagine constantly feeling like you have to create something for your business: a new podcast episode, a video, emails, opt-ins, blog posts, social media posts… All because you either don’t have a content strategy or plan or because you want to stay on top of timely topics and post on the fly. You're trying to stay relevant, but the pace of creating new content is relentless. That's the challenge of dealing exclusively with trending content or wanting to always post “on the fly” or “when inspired.” It's a rush, but it's also fleeting. And exhausting. In this week’s episode, we're talking about a topic that's a lifeline for business owners like you - the balance between evergreen and trending content. This is about finding your footing in your content strategy and content creation. It's about understanding the enduring value of evergreen content, the backbone of your content strategy, which, like the perennials in your garden, remains relevant and engaging over time. Listen in to learn why a blend of evergreen and trending content is crucial for a well-rounded content strategy. We'll talk about the enduring benefits of evergreen content – how it drives consistent traffic, boosts your SEO, engages your audience over a longer period, and establishes your brand authority. Mentioned in This Episode Check out the Content Experiment Lab shop! Create Your 90 Day Content Plan Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Posting content on the fly might feel like freedom, but I think what you’re really doing is creating more stress for yourself and confusion for your audience. Consistency is a huge part of growing and nurturing an audience and when you disappear for weeks or months because you don’t have the energy to create content for your business (like I admittedly did in the fall of 2023), your audience starts to forget who you are and why they were following you in the first place. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing how to master the content planning process, including tools to use, getting some consistency under your belt, and overcoming the challenges that anyone who’s creating content for their business faces. Tune in now! Mentioned in This Episode Get Your 90-Day Content Plan Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram

Struggling with content ideas for your business? In order to develop a quality marketing strategy, you need to know what you’re going to talk about and create content around. And no, everything hasn’t already been done. This week on the podcast, we’re sharing how to generate ideas for your content and keep them organized so they’re there and ready when you need them. Get ready for some brainstorming techniques, including mind mapping and the SCAMPER method, and even how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can help. But it's not just about idea generation. We discuss organizing and prioritizing your creative thoughts, turning a sea of concepts into actionable plans. Learn how to create 'Zones of Genius' and prioritize topics that resonate with your audience. This episode is more than a guide; it's about shifting your mindset. See content planning as a pathway to creativity, balancing structured strategies with spontaneous inspiration. Curious for more? Click to listen to the full episode and transform your approach to content creation, ensuring your audience stays engaged and your brand remains fresh and relevant.   Mentioned in This Episode   Shop at The Content Experiment Lab Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram  

Your business isn’t one-size-fits-all; the way you market shouldn’t be either. We’re constantly inundated with year-long marketing plans and lists of content ideas that “everyone” can use. But really, your business, clients, and offers are incredibly unique… the way you market your business should be too. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing the five foundations to creating a content strategy that’s going to work for you and your business. It’s unique to everyone and every business. We'll dive into understanding your specific audience, setting goals that align with your unique business objectives, choosing the right platforms where your audience actually engages, creating content that genuinely resonates, and measuring success in a way that makes sense for you. Forget cookie-cutter strategies; it's all about customization and making sure your marketing efforts reflect the uniqueness of your brand. Whether you're a solopreneur, a small business owner, or part of a growing enterprise, these insights are tailored to help you carve out a niche in your market. Tune in to learn how to create a content strategy that not only stands out but also delivers real, measurable results. Because in the end, it's not about being everywhere; it's about being where it matters most for your business. Mentioned in This Episode The Content Experiment Lab Schedule a call with me Connect with me on LinkedIn Follow me on Instagram