DOWNSTAGE MEDIA BLOG
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY, MESSAGING, AND EMAIL MARKETING TIPS
History By Mail - Client of Downstage Media’s - Tests Its Brand Message on Shark Tank
When Ari Siegel, founder of History By Mail, landed a coveted spot on Shark Tank, he turned to Downstage Media for help crafting a pitch that would resonate with both the Sharks and millions of viewers. Here’s how we shaped the message, rehearsed every word, and got ready for a once-in-a-lifetime moment on national TV.
Follower Count Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think
You don’t need a massive following to grow your business—you need a smart content strategy and the right systems. In this post, Annie Figenshu breaks down why email marketing still outperforms social media, how to build trust with a smaller audience, and what to focus on if you’re ready to stop chasing followers and start seeing results.
A Week of Zero Conversions: Week 8
This week’s Email Signup Experiment took an unexpected turn—zero conversions despite steady traffic. What went wrong? We break down the data, analyze possible causes, and outline next steps to get signups back on track.
Signs of Progress Email Signup Experiment: Week 7
This week’s Email Signup Experiment revealed a surprising boost in signups, with the pop-up and sticky footer leading the way. But high-traffic blog pages still aren’t converting. See what’s working, what’s not, and the next steps to optimize our strategy.
Expanding What We Track Email Signup Experiment: Week 6
Tracking the right data makes all the difference. This week, we uncovered signups from unexpected sources, proving that expanding what we measure is just as important as optimizing how we capture leads.
The Numbers Don’t Lie The Email Signup Experiment: Week 5
The Email Signup Experiment just hit a turning point—our latest numbers are at zero signups for the week. If you neglect your own marketing, your results will suffer. In this update, we analyze why conversions have stalled and what needs to change immediately to turn things around.
No Changes, No Progress? The Email Signup Experiment: Week 4
This week’s Email Signup Experiment proved that doing nothing leads to… well, not much. With no changes made, our pop-up maintained its underwhelming conversion rate, and high-traffic blog pages still didn’t deliver signups. Next week, we’re adjusting timing, refining our CTA, and rethinking form placement to finally break through.
Lessons Learned and Next Moves: The Email Signup Experiment, Week 3
The Email Signup Experiment continues, and this week’s data reveals some unexpected shifts. While the home page saw its first signup, the pop-up’s conversion rate dropped significantly. Are visitors tuning it out? We’re making key adjustments to timing, messaging, and placement to improve performance. Read on to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we’re testing next.
The Email Signup Experiment: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next
The Email Signup Experiment is in full swing, and this week’s results revealed both progress and challenges. While adding the form to high-traffic blog posts didn’t generate signups, the pop-up saw a 5.9% conversion rate—better than nothing, but still below the industry average. With a combined conversion rate of 2.3%, it’s clear we need to refine our approach. The focus now? Improving visibility, tweaking messaging, and driving more traffic to high-converting pages. Can these adjustments push us closer to our goal of 10 new subscribers by March 31? We’re about to find out.
Wins, Woes, and What’s Next: The Email Signup Experiment, Week 2
Join Annie Figenshu and her AI assistant, Betty Bot-ley, as they dive into this week's Email Signup Experiment results. Discover insights from Newsletter Form 5 2, including a solid 7.7% conversion rate but low traffic challenges. Learn actionable strategies to boost visibility and engagement while working toward the goal of 10 new subscribers by March 31. Ready to optimize your own signup forms? Let's explore together!
Building a Better Email Signup Form: My Experiment to Get 10 New Subscribers by March 31
Discover the art of crafting effective lead capture forms in this real-time experiment. Follow along as I implement proven strategies, track progress, and share actionable insights to help you build your email list and turn visitors into loyal subscribers.
Why I’m Changing My Name to Annie Figenshu: A Step Toward Authenticity
Today, I’m returning to my roots in a way that feels both personal and purposeful. I’m changing my name from Annie Schiffmann back to Annie Figenshu, the name I was born with. This change represents a fresh start while staying true to the values that guide my life and work—integrity, creativity, and simplicity. For those who know me through Downstage Media or my work as a StoryBrand Certified Guide, rest assured, the name may be different, but the dedication to helping you communicate clearly and effectively remains the same.
Start Prepping for 2025: How to Build a Marketing Strategy That Works for You All Year
Get your business ready for 2025! In this post, you’ll learn a streamlined, five-step plan designed for small teams. From choosing your top focus to setting up automations and tracking the right metrics, each step is crafted to help you make an impact with clarity and confidence. Let’s start the new year with a marketing strategy that’s both manageable and powerful.
Is Tilt Publishing Right for Your Book? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Tilt Publishing isn’t just about getting your book on the shelves—it’s about giving authors the control, reader data, and engagement they deserve. As the publisher of The Content Entrepreneur and Simple Social Media, I chose Tilt for the same reasons you might: meaningful connections, long-term growth, and turning a book into a true brand-building tool. Discover how Tilt’s unique approach can transform your book from launch day to lasting impact.
StoryBrand for Content Marketing: Using Frameworks to Improve Blog Posts, Social Media Posts, and Email Campaigns
Discover how the StoryBrand framework can transform your content marketing strategy from chaotic to cohesive. By applying StoryBrand across your emails, social media, and website, you’ll create messaging that resonates with your audience, increases engagement, and drives real results. Learn why this proven approach can make your marketing easier and more effective—and how Annie Schiffmann can guide you every step of the way.
Why Taking Action After a Conference Is Key
After attending a retreat or conference, your head is full of fresh ideas and strategies that could drive your business forward. But without a plan to act quickly, those sparks of inspiration could fade. In this post, we’ll cover why it’s crucial to block time for implementation right after an event and offer practical steps to turn those ideas into long-term growth.
Why Service-Based Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Holiday Marketing
Service-based businesses often overlook holiday marketing, but with the right strategy, you can stand out, boost engagement, and increase revenue. By focusing on what your clients need for the new year and automating your marketing, you’ll position your business for long-term success. Don’t let the season pass you by—take charge of your holiday campaign today!
Make the Most of the Holiday Rush: Expert Tips to Boost Your Campaigns
Get your email marketing ready for the holiday rush with a fully optimized email funnel before Halloween. Personalization is the key to boosting engagement and driving sales, as Mailchimp’s "This Holiday, It’s Personal" report shows that targeted emails can increase open rates by 29%. Start now and let your automated email campaigns work seamlessly through the busiest shopping season, leaving you free to focus on your business.
StoryBrand Marketing with AI: Insights from a Certified Guide
Discover how to use AI to streamline your content creation without losing the clarity that the StoryBrand framework provides. In this post, I share five steps to train AI on your brand voice and offerings, helping you create customer-focused content that converts while saving you time.
Why a Clear Brand Message is Key to Growing Your Business (And How You Can Master It)
The Power of a Clear Brand Message: It's not easy to connect with your audience right now. Discover how a clear and compelling brand message can transform your business. Learn why a clear message drives revenue. Plus, learn what you must do before, during, and after you craft your brand message so you can get the most out of your marketing.