Amy Bonsall’s Post

Marketing is not just a support function - it's a strategic lever, and startups with marketing advantages are more likely to secure a 'YES' from investors. According to Emily Kramer, co-founder of MKT1 and former marketing leader at Asana and Carta, leveraging marketing advantages is critical to a startup's overall success. Here’s how you can build a strategy and marketing plan around your advantages. 1️⃣ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 Recognize the unique dynamics in your business, product, or market that inherently drive growth. Examples include network effects, free plans, integrations, community demand, and more. 2️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 Once identified, fuel these advantages through targeted strategies. For instance, use inbound marketing to drive users to your free plan or co-marketing to expand reach via partners. 3️⃣ 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 Tailor your marketing strategy to align with your identified advantages. For example, if you have a strong founder story, utilize it to build credibility and drive engagement. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀 Choose marketing channels that complement your advantages. Whether it's SEO for regulatory trends or social media for community engagement, ensure your channels amplify your strengths. For more actionable insights, take a look at the visual. 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀? I help startups identify and accelerate their unique marketing advantages to gain a competitive edge. Explore how we can work together: https://lnkd.in/gRYiGxcn #marketing #startups #GTM #entrepreneurship #founders

Got a great product? Let's make sure everyone knows about it! 🚀 As a founder focusing on the technical side of things can seem very logical but building an amazing product alone won't make it sell. -𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹.- But how will you make people aware of your product and where to start if you don't have a plan or a huge budget? I believe it's actually important to simplify your Marketing and not overcomplicate your plan, especially in the early stage of your business. Have you heard about the 𝟭 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗯? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: You only focus on 3 Phases of your Marketing Plan: 1. 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲: • Identify your target market • Clarify your message • Determine the media to reach your market 2. 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲: • Capture leads with a funnel • Nurture those leads • Sales Conversion Strategy 3. 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲: • Deliver a world-class experience • Increase the customer lifetime value • Stimulate referrals I’ve seen firsthand how startups can struggle with marketing. They’re often overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. This framework simplifies marketing, making it accessible and effective. What's your experience with creating a Marketing Plan? #MarketingStrategy #Startups #BusinessGrowth

Most founders scale marketing the wrong way after finding product-market fit. Here's what I've learned from helping more than a dozen B2B SaaS companies scale marketing efficiently: First, nail your ICP, positioning and messaging. Too many startups rush to spend more money before these fundamentals are solid. Make sure you can check all of the boxes below before turning up your marketing spend. Pre-Scale Marketing Checklist: ✅ Clear ICP definition backed by win/loss data ✅ Positioning and Messaging that resonates (validated through customer interviews) ✅ Documented customer stories ✅ At least 2 proven acquisition channels ✅ Basic marketing ops infrastructure ✅ Tracking in place for key metrics & CAC Once these are in place, here's your 90-Day Scale-Up Plan: 1️⃣ Build systematic outreach playbooks, including channel-specific templates and scripts 2️⃣ Optimize your highest-ROI channel. Then turn up your spending. 3️⃣ After all your existing channels are humming test a new channel (just one!) #ProTip: Resist the temptation to add multiple new channels simultaneously. I've seen too many startups spread resources too thin, trying to be everywhere at once. The secret? Double down on what works before expanding. When one channel is truly humming, then add another. Remember: Sustainable growth beats rapid burnout every time. What's been your experience scaling up marketing after you find product market fit? I'd love to hear what worked for you in the comments below. #B2BSaaS #Startups #b2bmarketing #ProductMarketFit Photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash ------------------------ I'm Steve Offsey. I'm a 3X CMO and growth driver for more than a dozen companies with 6 exits. I founded MarketBuildr to help B2B startup founders, CEOs, CMOs and CROs like you accelerate growth. For more tips and insights on B2B startup marketing follow me on LinkedIn. ⬆ Then click 'Visit My Website' under my name to head over to my website and 'subscribe' for more awesome content delivered straight to your inbox! ⬆

Many startup founders underestimate the importance of Marketing when they are building their business. But as my partner, Michelle Waite, explains in her latest article, this oversight can have significant consequences. Michelle highlights the importance of Category Design and how it should be the starting point for any founder with an idea. This approach will save you from future headaches on your startup journey. Check out Michelle's insightful article on redefining startup marketing to learn more. #founder #leadershipadvice #fractionalcro #fractionalcmo #fractionalexecutive #fractionalleadership #fractionalexecutives #WhereStartupVisionMeetsExperience Susan Beans Amy Bonsall Jen L. Cohen Michael Sattler Rachel Taylor

🚀 How We Help Startups Thrive at RPKD Marketings 🚀 In the fast-paced world of startups, growth isn’t just about having a great idea. It’s about executing strategies that drive brand awareness, generate qualified leads, and scale sustainably. At RPKD Marketings, we understand the unique challenges that startups face, and we’re here to support you every step of the way—from brand development to lead generation. Here’s how we help startups turn potential into performance: 1️⃣ Building a Strong Brand Identity We don’t just create logos—we craft brand stories. 💡 Your brand is your startup’s most valuable asset, and we ensure it stands out with: • A unique voice that resonates with your target audience • Consistent visual elements that build recognition • Compelling narratives that showcase your value proposition 2️⃣ Effective Lead Generation Tactics Your startup thrives on leads, and we know how to get them. 🎯 Using a combination of performance marketing, social media strategies, and personalized outreach, we ensure you connect with your ideal customers who are ready to take action. 3️⃣ Performance Marketing that Delivers Results Results aren’t just numbers on a screen; they’re milestones of success. 📊 Our expert team runs data-driven campaigns that optimize your marketing spend while delivering the highest ROI, from Google Ads to social media campaigns. We continuously monitor and tweak campaigns to drive real results for your startup. 4️⃣ Scalable Strategies for Long-Term Growth We don’t believe in quick wins that fizzle out. 🔝 Our focus is on long-term, sustainable growth. We create strategies that adapt as your startup evolves, allowing you to scale without losing momentum. At RPKD Marketings, we don’t just want your startup to survive—we want it to thrive. 💪 Let us help you transform your vision into reality through expert marketing and lead generation that drives tangible results. Are you ready to take your startup to the next level? Let’s connect and discuss how we can help! 🔗 #Startups #MarketingAgency #LeadGeneration

While I was running my campaigns for Avenia, I kept seeing startups that are doing the same mistakes over.. and over.. and over again. I‘ll keep this post concise, here are my observations: 🎯 Mistake #1: Chasing the Wrong Customers You're trying to be everything to everyone. Stop it. You can't please the whole market, and you shouldn't try. Focus on the customers who truly need what you offer. Quality over quantity wins every time. 📢 Mistake #2: Neglecting Marketing If you neglect marketing, you will notice it. Without marketing, you won’t have sales, and you won’t be able to adapt your product to market-needs. Marketing isn't a "when we have time" activity. It needs to be consistent, and strategic. Or else everything else down the line (sales & product-market fit) will take on the negative effects. 🏃♂️ Mistake #3: Rushing Product Development You're so eager to launch that you're skipping crucial steps. Slow down. Test thoroughly. Validate the market - through marketing! Get real user feedback. A half-baked product can damage your reputation more than a delayed launch. Take your time to actually market correctly If marketing, go-to-market or sales seem to be a problem at your startup: 1. Connect with me 2. Message me "growth" to learn how we can set up your startup for exponential growth.

Founders, I hate to break it to you: your business is not that special... Every business is just a series of hypotheses until you validate it with Happy Paying Customers. Yes, even if you 'validated’ your idea (ie. asked folks woukd you use it?) Or, even if you have a product. &, even if you raise money. As a go-to-market expert working with 9 founders right now, many more in Founder-Led Marketing Club, and having advised 100s in the last few years alone... I've seen founders obsess over product features, funding rounds, and vanity metrics. Many waste not months, but years, and their life savings on 'validating' their idea. Eventually, they exhaust themselves and give up. The only validation that truly matters is when someone opens their wallet and becomes a satisfied customer. Why you should focus on Happy Paying Customers: + It validates your business model + It provides honest feedback to you + It generates word-of-mouth marketing + It creates a sustainable revenue stream + It builds founder confidence and motivation Remember, your goal isn't just to get users – it's to get paying customers who are getting value from your solution. And, to turn them into happy, loyal customers who will stick with you and spread the word. That's the foundation of a successful, scalable business. Ready to get on the path to 100 Happy Paying Customers for your startup?👇 Join the Founder-Led Marketing Club: + I'll personally help you design a micro-test + you’ll be in a small group coaching program At a price that members are saying is a "steal" (until I increase it 🤫) - $250 / quarter. DM me to snag your spot. Only 4 spots open currently.

Marketing used to be advertising. Now, marketing is everything you do. That’s what Seth Godin once wrote. And that’s how it is… Marketing now influences practically every area of company. The advertising and public relations industry has seen significant changes. In this changing scene, the term "growth marketing" was born. Growth marketing is an attempt to connect Marketing, Data, and Product. To get optimal growth results, marketing must be connected with all aspects of the business. There have been changes in growth marketing though. It is no longer about hacks, but rather a much broader umbrella of professionalised structures. Growth marketing is a lot easy than you believe. Today, most entrepreneurs can master growth marketing in a few weeks. There are frameworks and mental models available to help you address this topic confidently and clearly. There are systems that help startups grow. In this post, I want to share the two first concepts of how to get users for any starting business. ➜ Your growth strategy—how well you can recruit consumers at scale—is the most important predictor of business success/failure. Startups require a scalable and long-term strategy for client acquisition. ➜ Growth will not happen on its own. You must make that happen, and it is harder than it looks. Those systems do not construct themselves. Early-stage startups should probably balance their resources 50/50 between product development and "getting users" in order to discover early success. To summarize… ➜ Distribution is the most significant indicator of success/failure. ➜ Deploy resources wisely. ⭣⭣⭣ 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥: ⤷ Click the “Repost” button ⤷ Hit “Follow” for daily insights ⤷ Connect and just say 👋 Martin Palmet #Growth #Strategy #Marketing #Startup #Business

Unpopular opinion: "Marketing in a startup wastes money." As someone who has been marketing startups for over 6 years, I agree. But let me explain why. When you are in an early-stage startup, you have a limited budget, and wasting time, money, and resources on every random tactic you see online is not an option. Here's why: 1️⃣ You don't have marketing goals that align with business goals. Sometimes because you don't even have business goals yet! 2️⃣ You try to target everybody because you don't know who your target audience is. 3️⃣ You copy competitors with bigger budgets. 4️⃣ You don't stick to one thing and try every hack marketing gurus share to get likes. 5️⃣ You wing it because you don't have a strategy. However, marketing can also be the biggest asset to your startup. Here's how to approach it to save money: #1 Understand business goals and create marketing goals based on them. (Bonus Tip: Use OKRs to bring alignment to your startup) #2 Create a target audience - think about who is the perfect person who needs your solution. Understand their pain points and how you can solve them. #3 Forget about your competitors for now, and just focus on your solution and how it benefits the ideal buyer. #4 Choose one tactic and stick to it consistently. If you have customers already, focus on scaling how you acquired them first. However basic. #5 Create a simple strategy that focuses on marketing one aspect of your product to one pain point of one of your ideal customer profile (ICP)'s pain points. So, remember, marketing can either be the biggest waste of money or the biggest asset to your startup. It's up to you which one it is. For more advice on marketing your startup, hit the follow button. #startupmarketing #startupadvice #marketing101

The USP Whisperer Needed! Attract & Retain Customers Like Magic! Feeling lost in a sea of "me-too" startups? Struggling to break through the noise and attract customers who stick around? Here's the secret weapon you NEED: A crystal-clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP)! But WHY is a USP so darn powerful? It's Your Customer Magnet: A strong USP acts like a beacon, attracting customers who resonate with your unique value proposition. Loyalty Potion Included: Once customers understand what sets you apart, they'll be less likely to be swayed by competitors. Brand Story Magic: A well-defined USP becomes the core of your brand story, making it memorable and impactful. Ready to unlock the power of a killer USP for your startup? That's where I come in! I'm [Your Name], a digital marketing & SMM guru obsessed with helping startups craft USPs that convert. I'll help you: Identify your unique value proposition (it's more than just a fancy tagline!) Craft a clear and compelling message that resonates with your target audience Develop a brand story that ties it all together Stop blending in. Let's turn your USP into a customer-attracting machine! DM me for a free consultation and see how I can help your startup take flight! P.S. Share this post with any startup friends who might be struggling to find their footing! #StartUpLife #EntrepreneurLife #MarketingTips #SMMExpert #USPWorkshop #FreeConsultation