3 Time-Saving Marketing Steps That Still Grow Your Audience
So many people come to me looking to marketing their products and they are busy. And they are stressed. They want to know what’s going to help their business grow, but not take up a lot of time and a lot of money. In this next post of the series, you’ll learn why a clear message on your website, a lead generator, and an email sales sequence will do just that for you.
I’m going to tell you right now, none of this is sexy. It’s behind-the-scenes and some even think it’s tedious. But in order to have a growing business, it’s vital. In the last post, you learned what needs to be established when you are starting on a new project or product: a BrandScript, a one-liner, and a Brand Playbook. Now, we’ll talk about the first marketing assets to actually build so that you have control over the message that reaches people who’s curiosity is piqued about the work that you do. Oh, and save you time in the process.
[Read about Stage 1: BrandScripts, One-Liners, and Brand Playbooks][Read about Stage 3: Building Customer Relationships with Social Media, Nurture Emails, and Proposals]Stage 2 of the 3-Stage Marketing Strategy
Step 4: WebsiteStep 5: Lead GeneratorStep 6: Automated Email Sales Sequence Step 4: Website
Create a website landing page that clearly invites customers into a story in which your product or service solves their problem
Your website is one of the first places that someone seeks out when they want to find out more about your brand. Lucky for you, it’s the place where you have the most control over.
You can use your BrandScript to create a homepage and sales pages that show your audience what you offer, how it makes their lives better, and how they can get it.
This is most powerful for brands that are tight on time because when your message is easy to understand your potential customers can get the information they need without turning to you. You don’t have to answer emails, pick up phone calls, or get in Zoom meetings answering basic questions about your company.
There are many different web platforms out there. But at Downstage Media, Squarespace is our favorite. I have been using Squarespace for over a decade. It’s always made sense to me, has always been able to do what I or my clients have needed, and I’m a big fan of the Squarespace Circle community that has built up around it. I’m also a firm believer in going deep in a few platforms versus going wide in many. Nowadays, though, Jennifer Barden at Jen-X Web Design is the first person we call when a client needs a Squarespace site.
That being said, I know a lot of wonderful web designers who make clear and beautiful websites. I will call on them for projects. I just find that Squarespace is my favorite for its easy-of-use, design-forward aesthetic, and functionality.
Wherever you turn to build or maintain your website, you want to make sure that the home page is equipped to clearly lay out what problems you solve for your customers, how you will make their lives better and how they can get it. The clearer your website is, the more time you will save your potential customers and your team.
How to Get More Traffic to Your Squarespace Site (Without the Guesswork)Step 5: Lead Generator
Create lead generators that offer free value in exchange for email addresses
Sometimes called lead magnets, lead generators are a way to build up your email list. You give away something helpful, entertaining, or insightful while your prospects give you their email addresses.
The longer I am involved in marketing (and I’m going on over ten years now) the more valuable email addresses become. Social media platforms come and go, algorithms change, and trends fluctuate. But since the late ‘90s, email has still been vital.
I say this because recent data has shown that if you send out an Instagram post, it is going to hit about 9% of your followers’ feeds. If you send out an email, it is going to hit about 85% of your subscribers’ inboxes. That’s a big difference in getting your message in front of people who have already taken action to keep up with you.
Gaining email addresses is vital. Creating a way to get people to become subscribers involves a little work on your front.
You will have to:
Create a lead generator of some sort (sure, you can do a regular old downloadable PDF, but what about a podcast mini-series, video series, or curated playlist?)
Connect it to your website
Connect it to your email platform so that when someone fills out the form on your site they get an email with the lead magnet right away
Lead generators don’t have to be lengthy ebooks or hour-long webinars. The idea is that a lead generator gives your reader a quick win. A small problem that you can easily solve for them. Don’t know what to pack for a Disney cruise? Here’s a checklist. Want to know how to craft the perfect email signature? Watch this five minute video. It doesn’t have to be meaty, it just has to be valuable to your audience.
By setting up a lead generator on your website, your audience grows while you are doing other things. But, keep reading, because once you have their email addresses, you’re going to need to, well, email them.
7 Elements Every Lead Generator NeedsStep 6: Email Sales Sequence
Challenge customers to place orders by adding direct sales emails or even sales-specific email campaigns
The idea with any email sequence is you set it up and then it does the work for you. It’s kind of like the crock pot of email marketing. There can be many different kinds of email sequences. Here are two.
12 gift ideas leading up to Black Friday which one idea going out each day
3-email onboarding sequence for new customers showing them how to use their new products that goes out weekly
If you want to usher your subscribers to a sale, though, you will want to create a sales sequence. This sequence is made up of a few emails that go out strategically, so the subscribers who just got your freebie can dive deeper into how you solve their problems.
A simple B2B marketing checklist built on clear messaging, content, and a system that converts.
I like to set one of these up with about 5-7 emails going out over the span of two or three weeks. Bonus? The content for these emails can be taken directly fro your BrandScript. They are actually a time to expand a bit on some of those soundbites that made it to the script. Many turns of phrase that wound up on the cutting room floor make their way into these emails since we’re filling in the blanks a bit more. Your audience is digesting all of this information over the course of these emails and it’s all happening in the background while you are off living your life.
Taking the Headache Out of Email AutomationsStage 2 is all about Saving Time
Clearly there is a pattern here. And it’s one that all busy brand builders need. If you feel like your time is at a premium, it’s imperative that you build off of your time and money investment in Stage 1 and use your BrandScript to refine your website, and craft your email sales sequence. The lead generator usually isn’t based off of the BrandScript, but does address a problem that’s easy to diagnose, and simple to solve. All in all, by having a clear website with a valuable freebie, and an email sales sequence to follow up, you can grow your business while you’re out growing your business.
To see where your business, product, or brand stacks up in terms of the 9 step plan, schedule a call with Annie Figenshu.
StoryBrand Guides have access to keynotes, frameworks, and tools designed to help them grow their businesses. The challenge is figuring out how to turn those resources into client work and revenue. That’s what inspired an internal StoryBrand pilot called What Does This Make Possible? Today, that idea has evolved into the StoryBrand Guide Podcast, co-hosted by Annie Figenshu and Tyler Pigott.
Businesses assume they need a bigger audience. But many customers tune out much earlier than that. It just isn’t clear to them what the business does or why it matters to them. This post breaks down how messaging friction slows down sales, referrals, and conversions, and how to spot it before it costs you more business.
Most businesses aren’t losing customers because their product is bad. They’re losing customers because their marketing is too hard to understand. Downstage Media’s upcoming live session, How to Talk About Your Business So People Actually Buy, will teach founders and B2B business owners how to simplify their talking points so customers engage faster and buy with more confidence.
If your marketing feels scattered, you’re not alone. Most experts, founders, and speakers work way too hard for far too little traction because their message isn’t clear. This guide walks you through how to use a StoryBrand BrandScript to simplify your message, strengthen your content, and make marketing finally feel doable.
If you keep calling your work “consulting” or “just working with me,” you are shrinking the perceived value of your expertise. The right name turns a loose idea into a structured offer that clients understand, remember, and trust. This post shows you how to name your offers and processes so they feel valuable, future ready, and easier to sell. Keep reading if you want clients to say yes faster.
Confused about StoryBrand Certified Guide vs Coach? Here’s what changed, why it changed back, and what it actually means for your marketing.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Struggling with inconsistent messaging and low engagement in your email marketing? Discover how a BrandScript can transform your Mailchimp campaigns. Learn how clear, compelling messaging can boost open rates, click-through rates, and strengthen your brand identity. In this blog post, I'll share practical steps to implement a BrandScript and real-life success stories that prove its impact. Ready to elevate your email marketing strategy? Read on to find out how!
Ever struggled to explain what your business does in a few seconds? You're not alone! A strong one-liner is your secret weapon for capturing attention and sparking curiosity. In this post, we explore the importance of a one-liner and how our Pitch Perfect One-Liner Workshop can help you craft a compelling message that resonates. Learn about common challenges, our proven framework, and hear success stories from those who’ve transformed their business communication. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a memorable impression and elevate your marketing game!
Marketing budgets are tight right now. A recent Gartner survey of 395 CMOs and marketing leaders shows the average 2024 marketing budgets have dipped to 7.7% of overall company revenue, down from last year's 9.1%. That means that you have to be absolutely clear on how to make the most of your marketing to make it count.
In this blog post, I’m going to talk about the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream as a way to get the most out of your marketing dollars for the rest of the year.
Business owners hate how much time social media eats up in their day-to-day operations. Automating content - versus simply scheduling it - frees up hours every week. At Downstage Media, our favorite tool for scheduling and automating content is MeetEdgar. Let’s break down specifically how we use it with the PAGER method for our clients, so you can figure out if it’s the right tool for you.
Building customer relationships. Growing audience. Growing customer relationships. Building audience. That’s the marketing mantra for many companies. If you’re not building relationships with your current customers, you are always on the lookout for new ones. And if you’re always on the lookout for new customers, you are missing out on opportunities to keep your customers coming back to you.
Let’s break down the final stage of the 3-Stage Marketing Strategy. Here we’ll discuss ongoing content and sales so that you know what to focus on in your marketing in order to build relationships and grow audiences. Or, is it the other way around?
Some online summits are a little… thin with speakers pitching more than presenting. It’s hard to know if the Coach Builder Summit is going to be worth carving out two days of your schedule for. Let’s go through what Coach Builder Summit is, plus give you 5 insider tips you may not have considered. When you see more info about it cross your desk, you'll be confident that you thought through your decision.
Every makeup kit needs a good foundation and so does every marketing strategy. Stage 1 of the 3-Stage Marketing Strategy is all about the foundation your brand needs to put its best face forward. Learn the initial steps to take for lasting, sustainable success.
When you’re running your own marketing, it’s hard to know where to focus first. Making a haphazard choice can set you back months - and thousands of dollars. In this blog post, you’ll learn the three key stages every successful marketing strategy needs - from foundational elements to automated systems to ongoing content. With these in place you will reach new audiences and foster engagement with old ones. All without having to worry if you’re putting your efforts in the wrong place.
You know showing your social media audience a day in your life builds credibility. The problem is, getting it set up seems like a chore. And you have enough of those. A group of social media experts is making it easy to document your world on June 2nd. You'll have just what you need to shine a light on the most important person in your feed - you!
Creator Economy Expo is a conference designed for content entrepreneurs who are building audiences - and businesses - via podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and social media. This year’s event was full of aha moments and takeaways. In this blog post, I’ve distilled twenty of those moments down for you so you can make the most out of what you’re publishing.
Owning a small business is often compared to throwing yourself off a cliff and building an airplane on the way down. Guest contributor Ali J. Taylor discusses his new program so small business owners get the support they need to maximize what's working and fix what isn’t.
Among one of the most annoying daily occurrences in work is knowing you have a piece of information somewhere on your computer and can’t find it. It becomes especially frustrating when you’re trying to come across it in a hurry: the font you need to make today’s social media image, or the logo you have to submit to the podcast producer. A Brand Identity Playbook helps you have all of this information - plus vital messaging for your organization - in one place. Let’s break down how to create one, and what needs to go into it.
You wouldn’t try to make a Thanksgiving meal with all new recipes and kitchen tools - you’d be frazzled and scrambling before you even put the turkey into the oven. You shouldn’t make marketing materials with all new platforms and software, either. Here’s a list of the tried and true tools, that I’m grateful for this season. Plus, a few new ones, since it’s always fun to have something new to keep things fresh at the table.
There are only twenty-four hours in a day. And building a brand can eat up many of them. Are the Monthly Live Q&As really worth blocking out your limited hours for? Once a month, Annie Schiffmann hosts a group to learn business and marketing strategies with best-selling authors. Afterward, participants get small group coaching from Annie to personalize the material to their brands. Here’s a breakdown of what those events look like so you can decide if it’s worthwhile.
Most people are wasting money on advertising and don't even know it. This issue is a serious problem and needs to stop. In this article, Evan Cox from Caffeine Marketing, unpacks ten of the most common ways people waste money on advertising.
If your marketing isn’t connecting with your audience you might need a better messaging. Here’s how to tell if that’s the issue, and what to do if it is.
If you’ve clicked on a book recommendation from me, odds are good that you’ve been sent to BookShop.org. But what is this site? Why not use Amazon? Here’s why we recommend books through this site, and how buying books from Bookshop.org supports not only Downstage Media, but your favorite indie bookstore as well.
It can be hard to make the most of your email marketing. You don’t have the time to learn how to send out more than a quick blast but you don’t have the time to learn anything more. Annie Schiffmann is Mailchimp Certified and takes you through how that special training can help you reach your goals for your company.
A packed workday doesn’t necessarily mean you’re growing your consulting business. Here are three activities to make time for more often than not so you can create revenue, stay in front of prospective clients, and develop relationships that lead to new opportunities.
StoryBrand Guides have access to keynotes, frameworks, and tools designed to help them grow their businesses. The challenge is figuring out how to turn those resources into client work and revenue. That’s what inspired an internal StoryBrand pilot called What Does This Make Possible? Today, that idea has evolved into the StoryBrand Guide Podcast, co-hosted by Annie Figenshu and Tyler Pigott.
Should you use a StoryBrand BrandScript or the PEACE Framework? The answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Learn when to use each framework, how they work together, and why understanding the difference can help you create better marketing, faster.
Businesses assume they need a bigger audience. But many customers tune out much earlier than that. It just isn’t clear to them what the business does or why it matters to them. This post breaks down how messaging friction slows down sales, referrals, and conversions, and how to spot it before it costs you more business.
Most businesses aren’t losing customers because their product is bad. They’re losing customers because their marketing is too hard to understand. Downstage Media’s upcoming live session, How to Talk About Your Business So People Actually Buy, will teach founders and B2B business owners how to simplify their talking points so customers engage faster and buy with more confidence.
Most founder-led brands generate ideas faster than their teams can publish them. In this live workshop, Annie Figenshu introduces the Content Production Team framework, a simple system that helps small teams publish content more consistently without overwhelming the organization.
Content is easier to create than ever, and audiences are skeptical of its authenticity. If brands don’t adjust, their content will continue to be ignored. This post shares insights from The Marketing Algonquin, a private roundtable of New Jersey-based marketers, on the shift from creation to curation so your content earns what’s hardest to win: audience trust.
Most leaders have a hard time communicating clearly, which leads to checked out teams and missed opportunities. This post breaks down how improv principles fix that, so your ideas actually land and your audience gets on board.
Your LinkedIn Company Page isn’t struggling because you’re posting too little. It’s struggling because LinkedIn prioritizes people over logos. Here’s how employee engagement multiplies reach and helps your content travel further.
AI adoption is accelerating, but without clear positioning and documented messaging, it simply scales confusion. Drawing on new books by Allison Shapira, David Newman, and Erika Heald, this post explains why AI strategy for leaders starts with judgment, differentiation, and strong content foundations.
If your visual identity doesn’t match your message, people feel the disconnect before they understand why. In this conversation with designer Lee Seidenberg, we break down how to create a visual identity for thought leaders that reinforces authority instead of diluting it. Read on.
Being everywhere with your marketing sounds ambitious, but it often leaves teams stretched too thin and messages unclear. A focused marketing strategy helps people understand what you’re known for and gives your team room to do better work.
Budgets are tighter, trust is harder to earn, and content alone doesn’t carry the same weight it used to. This post explores why your network has become part of what clients are really buying, and how intentional relationship-building increases trust, retention, and long-term value.
New goals are easy to set in January. What’s harder is sticking to them when motivation fades later in the year. This post breaks down the three supports every business needs so progress doesn’t disappear in February, May, or the middle of summer.
If your email campaigns feel unpredictable, it’s probably not a tech issue. It’s a list issue. This post breaks down why cold emailing quietly damages deliverability, what spam filters actually look for, and how to rebuild your email program on permission, trust, and long-term visibility.
If your marketing feels scattered, you’re not alone. Most experts, founders, and speakers work way too hard for far too little traction because their message isn’t clear. This guide walks you through how to use a StoryBrand BrandScript to simplify your message, strengthen your content, and make marketing finally feel doable.
Every thought-driven brand faces the same challenge: the ideas come fast, but the content process lags behind. The Content Production Team helps you choreograph the content by defining who does what so your thought leadership becomes consistent, scalable, and effective.
If you’re a thought leader or the face of your brand, you’ve probably invested in a beautiful website that may not convert the way you want. In this post, web designer Kristin Madeja shows you how direct response marketing principles can help your site move people from “This looks nice” to “I’m ready to book.” You’ll learn about clarity, calls to action, testing, and photography, so your audience takes action.
Many thought leaders let their company blogs go quiet, which means their best ideas disappear the moment they speak them. New research shows exactly why 2026 is the year to revive a neglected blog and how content created with strategy can strengthen authority while influencing AI search results. This post shows you what works now and simple steps to bring your blog back to life.
If you keep calling your work “consulting” or “just working with me,” you are shrinking the perceived value of your expertise. The right name turns a loose idea into a structured offer that clients understand, remember, and trust. This post shows you how to name your offers and processes so they feel valuable, future ready, and easier to sell. Keep reading if you want clients to say yes faster.
Every thought-driven brand faces the same challenge: the ideas come fast, but the content process lags behind. The Content Production Team helps you choreograph the content by defining who does what so your thought leadership becomes consistent, scalable, and effective.
Email marketing has gotten more sophisticated. So even platforms like Mailchimp that may have seemed simple when you first signed up, require a little know how in order to get your money’s worth out of it. This blog post breaks down why working with a Mailchimp Pro Partner can help you get the results that you want so you can use email marketing to gain and retain clients.
You keep putting off blogging because it feels like too much work, and as a result, prospects lose interest and clients drift away. In this post, you’ll learn how to blog in a way that saves time, builds trust, and makes follow-up effortless so you can keep the clients you have and attract the ones you want. If you don’t blog yet, you’ll learn exactly how to start. If you already blog, you’ll see how to make it even more effective and how to contribute to Orbit Media’s annual blogging survey. Read the full post to start.
The Content Entrepreneur Expo isn’t just another industry event. It’s where creators, consultants, and founders go to sharpen their content strategy, meet real collaborators, and build businesses with staying power. Annie Figenshu—author of Simple Social Media and co-author of The Content Entrepreneur—will be there in Author Alley, ready to connect.
Growing your email audience shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. If you’re not sure what to offer, where to promote it, or how to keep it fresh, you’re not alone. In this post, you’ll get a simple, doable plan to build a healthy list filled with the right people. The kind of list that keeps your audience engaged, your content working, and your business moving forward.
Engagement posts are a smart way to build brand awareness. Used well, they boost visibility, train the algorithm, and keep you top of mind.
A cozy table. Sharp minds. And one very good reason to keep talking marketing offline. Here’s what happened at the first Marketing Algonquin.
You built a beautiful Squarespace website. The messaging is solid, the visuals are on point—but the traffic? Crickets. If you’re wondering why no one’s finding your site (and what to do about it), this post breaks it down. Learn why long-form content still matters, how blogging can be your website’s best traffic engine, and what a smart strategy really looks like—especially for Squarespace users who’ve done the brand work but still feel invisible.
Confused about StoryBrand Certified Guide vs Coach? Here’s what changed, why it changed back, and what it actually means for your marketing.
Blogging isn’t just another marketing tactic; it’s the backbone of a successful SEO strategy. Learn why consistent, strategic blogging can make or break your search engine rankings and overall online visibility.
AI adoption is accelerating, but without clear positioning and documented messaging, it simply scales confusion. Drawing on new books by Allison Shapira, David Newman, and Erika Heald, this post explains why AI strategy for leaders starts with judgment, differentiation, and strong content foundations.
Being everywhere with your marketing sounds ambitious, but it often leaves teams stretched too thin and messages unclear. A focused marketing strategy helps people understand what you’re known for and gives your team room to do better work.
If your marketing feels scattered, you’re not alone. Most experts, founders, and speakers work way too hard for far too little traction because their message isn’t clear. This guide walks you through how to use a StoryBrand BrandScript to simplify your message, strengthen your content, and make marketing finally feel doable.
Every thought-driven brand faces the same challenge: the ideas come fast, but the content process lags behind. The Content Production Team helps you choreograph the content by defining who does what so your thought leadership becomes consistent, scalable, and effective.
You keep putting off blogging because it feels like too much work, and as a result, prospects lose interest and clients drift away. In this post, you’ll learn how to blog in a way that saves time, builds trust, and makes follow-up effortless so you can keep the clients you have and attract the ones you want. If you don’t blog yet, you’ll learn exactly how to start. If you already blog, you’ll see how to make it even more effective and how to contribute to Orbit Media’s annual blogging survey. Read the full post to start.
High-stakes moments don’t give you time to clarify what you meant. When a message isn’t sharp, even a strong idea can lose the room. This post breaks down what happened in the Tank, the messaging work History By Mail did with Downstage Media ahead of the pitch, and what founders can learn about preparing their message before the pressure hits.
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.
I’ve returned to my maiden name, Annie Figenshu. If you’re searching for Annie Schiffmann or wondering what the name change means, here’s the clear answer and what hasn’t changed about my work.
You like how StoryBrand makes your customer the hero, but applying that same thinking to blog posts, videos, and emails is a little murkier. This post shows how to use the StoryBrand framework as a jumping off point for your content marketing efforts. The result is customer-focused content that’s easier to create and more effective at building relationships.
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.
Marketing budgets are tight right now. A recent Gartner survey of 395 CMOs and marketing leaders shows the average 2024 marketing budgets have dipped to 7.7% of overall company revenue, down from last year's 9.1%. That means that you have to be absolutely clear on how to make the most of your marketing to make it count.
In this blog post, I’m going to talk about the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream as a way to get the most out of your marketing dollars for the rest of the year.
At Social Media Marketing World 2024 there were 5 sessions about LinkedIn. I watched them all so you don't have to. Here's what you need to know.
Some online summits are a little… thin with speakers pitching more than presenting. It’s hard to know if the Coach Builder Summit is going to be worth carving out two days of your schedule for. Let’s go through what Coach Builder Summit is, plus give you 5 insider tips you may not have considered. When you see more info about it cross your desk, you'll be confident that you thought through your decision.
Get the scoop on why the book Simple Social Media won’t be available on Amazon at first, what to expect when it does become available, and why that is good for you! Learn how SMBs will benefit from this new marketing resource!
You’ve never heard of Creator Economy Expo before. So… is it worth your time? You don’t want to take days out of your business attending an event that won’t yield results for you in the upcoming year. In this blog post, I’ll talk about what it is, why it’s worth considering, and how to get it at a discount. So you can decide if it’s a good fit for you and your brand.
It’s not always clear how you can use StoryBrand on your social media. Much of the StoryBrand Framework is based around using marketing to increase sales - but social media is different than a website. And no one wants to turn their social media channels into a spammy billboard. Here you’ll learn a StoryBrand-inspired formula for writing copy on your social media posts, as well as different ways to use existing assets in your marketing - lead generators, BrandScripts, and more - in a way that works on social media.
Struggling to get your social media posts noticed? It might not be your content—it’s your strategy. By combining the StoryBrand BrandScript with Downstage Media’s PAGER method, you can create social posts that not only resonate but also drive real results. In this post, you'll learn a step-by-step approach to crafting clear, engaging content that doesn’t turn your feed into an endless ad, but a true engagement tool.
General Content is the “G” of the PAGER method, and it can be the most confusing because it’s the most vague category. But these are the posts that show your audience that you understand who they are and you know how to solve their problems. Read on to understand what these posts are, see them in action, and learn how to implement them into your content mix so you can turn your audience into your community.
It’s time to simplify social media for small businesses and brands. The PAGER Method is a social media strategy that you can easily use on any platform and in any niche. You’ll know what to create, ensure that your content isn’t too salesy, and still promote the events and initiatives that your business needs to survive. Here, get an overview of Downstage Media’s own content method with examples. This is the basis for Annie Figenshu’s book, Simple Social Media.
If you don’t post on social media about your promotions, initiatives, or events your audience won’t know what you have going on business-wise. So you can start to question whether all of the time that you spend posting is worthwhile at all. Here you’ll learn a simple system to create posts that will help you reach your business goals without making your account seem like a salesy billboard.
It can be hard to make the most of your email marketing. You don’t have the time to learn how to send out more than a quick blast but you don’t have the time to learn anything more. Annie Schiffmann is Mailchimp Certified and takes you through how that special training can help you reach your goals for your company.
No one wants to spend time crafting an email that will be ignored. Learn these best practices gleaned from Mailchimp’s Content Optimizer to get your audience to actually read the emails you send out.
The StoryBrand Marketing Livestream is a two day investment in your business. But if you don’t take time to prepare, you could get a low return on that investment. Learn success tips from facilitators who’ve ushered hundreds of attendees through the workshop.
The internet is full of marketing advice, predictions, and trends for the new year. Many of them, though, don’t quite apply to an arts-focused brand. Here, I’ll take some marketing trends for 2022 and filter them through the lens of the performing arts, offering my insights for how brands in the arts can use them now.
You do more copywriting than you think. Any post, email, or webpage where you want a reader to take action counts as copywriting. Unfortunately, lots of copywriting misses the mark which leads to lower clicks, conversions, and sales. In this post, you'll learn simple copywriting tweaks that will personalize, activate, and strengthen your work so you can connect with your audience.
The prices for online courses and coaching programs varies wildly - with some as low as $47 and others are high as $5000. So when you’re considering an online course and a coaching program, it’s important to know what’s in store, and how it compares to other comparable courses. Downstage Media has partnered with Business Made Simple to offer a suite of online courses and a marketing mentorship as well. Here’s what you can expect to pay, and what is included, and how it compares in the marketplace.
Like what we’ve done for your company? Think other organizations need to get their work out there? Here are the easiest ways to leave us a review that will answer the questions our potential clients often have. Whether you prefer to fill in the blanks, tap record, or write on a form, answer these five questions and you’re all done!
Understanding the difference between a hashtag and a handle can instantly strengthen your social media presence. If you’ve been guessing or mixing the two, you’re not alone — and it’s hurting your visibility. This post breaks down both tools in plain English and shows you how to use them strategically so your content is easier to find, easier to engage with, and easier to manage. Keep reading to make your next post clearer and far more effective.
Annie Figenshu
Annie Figenshu is keenly aware that many companies are pressed for time, and every minute counts. She helps brands make the most of their content marketing so that their hard work is shared with the world. Annie is certified in both StoryBrand and Mailchimp, has two kids with Beatles-themed names, and is afraid to think what a day without coffee would look like.
Should you use a StoryBrand BrandScript or the PEACE Framework? The answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Learn when to use each framework, how they work together, and why understanding the difference can help you create better marketing, faster.