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If you’ve been sitting on a quiz idea for months (or… 18 months 👀), this is your sign. Today, Lauren and Aurrie map out how to launch a quiz scrappy, use it as a data engine (not just a cute lead magnet), and build the “wings” after it’s already in the air. From results-first planning to routing logic, landing pages, email segmentation, and IG-era distribution (hello, ManyChat), this episode is your no-excuses quiz playbook. ✈️ GET THE FLIGHT DECK BREAKDOWN: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter In this episode, we cover: Why the quizzes that win are the ones that actually get launched (messy action > perfect funnels)Quiz types that convertSimplifying language so beginners can answer (no “macro” talk if your audience is brand-new)Where your quiz should liveWhat happens after the quiz: result pages, personas, and non-salesy CTAs that still convert & email segmentation 101Retargeting + lookalikes: using quiz data beyond email (especially for e-comm)Modern distribution ideasTimestamps 2:17 – The perfectionism trap (especially for designers) + why you’ve gotta ship it4:14 – The #1 quiz unlock6:10 – Simplify the language or your quiz dies (aka “don’t lead with macros”)7:03 – E-comm vs service quizzes: product match vs assessment (and why both work)8:29 – Where to steal inspo: Interact’s industry examples (juice cleanses, real estate, relocation)12:40 – Routing logic without spiraling: scoring, branching, follow-the-path16:49 – “Close the loop” psychology + how to set expectations upfront (no scammy vibes)19:11 – Best practice: build a landing page on your site to house + promote the quiz20:38 – After-the-quiz strategy23:07 – Email automation + segmentation25:30 – Paid ads + retargeting27:05 – List hygiene + re-engagement: quizzes as a “come back” hookNavigator’s Resources (mentioned) Interact (quiz builder + examples by industry + lead capture + logic tools) Use our link to get started: https://get.tryinteract.com/jkx44i3di07w ChatGPT (help with scoring + routing logic planning)ManyChat (DM-based distribution: “comment X and we’ll send the quiz”)Pinterest placements (quiz visibility + evergreen discovery)Meta Ads (retarget quiz-takers + build lookalike audiences)Landing page embed strategy (quiz housed on your site for better ownership + conversion control)Meet Your Co-Pilots Lauren Loreto — Founder, Brand Good Time® Expert in content marketing and web design Website: brandgoodtime.com • Instagram: @brandgoodtime Aurrie Hicks — Founder, Hopson Rae Expert in digital content and brand strategy Website: hopsonrae.com • Instagram: @hopsonrae 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Follow MAPPED OUT wherever you get your podcasts. P.S. Want the step-by-step version, templates, and links we referenced? Join The Flight Deck: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter

Every industry has one person quietly powering the success of thousands of brands—and in the quiz-funnel world, that person is Josh Haynam, Co-Founder & CEO of Interact, the quiz builder behind 100M+ leads, 1.3B quiz views, and some of the biggest brands and creators online. Bootstrapped, profitable, and still founder-led after 12 years, Interact has survived four waves of VC-backed competitors—not because it had the most features, but because Josh bet everything on relationships, product clarity, and human psychology. In this episode, Josh shares how he built a tech company that refuses to chase shiny objects… and still wins. ✈️ GET THE FLIGHT DECK BREAKDOWN: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter In this episode, Josh walks us through: ⚡ How Interact survived—and outperformed—VC competitors for 12 years ⚡ The psychology behind quizzes (and why we’re now in the “Instagram Age”) ⚡ Why the best founders move fast—and why perfection is killing your results ⚡ How Interact scaled to $3.3M ARR with only 9 team members ⚡ What 8,000+ customer conversations taught him about modern marketing ⚡ What’s coming next for Interact’s design updates ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 3:38 – Competing with VC-backed copycats and why Interact chose relationships over features 8:23 – The real history of quizzes (yes, it starts in 1700s Irish pubs) 12:41 – Why agency partners, copywriters, and designers (“the Rich Pauls”) became Interact’s growth engine 16:11 – The shiny objects they did chase—and why they walked away 17:46 – What “ROI” actually looks like for quiz funnels 21:09 – What Josh is learning from today’s top creators generating 140K+ leads 27:18 – Building a no-ego team and the role of coaching inside the company 30:30 – Why quarterly offsites changed everything for their remote culture 33:06 – What’s coming in Interact’s design refresh 35:01 – Where quizzes are headed in the next 5 years 41:00 – Why founders over 30 struggle with speed—and how to fix it 48:29 – Josh’s 90-Day Marketing Playbook if he were starting Interact today 52:48 – HIGH / LOW / STOW 🔗 CONNECT WITH JOSH HAYNAM LinkedIn: Josh HaynamInteract: tryinteract.com👩‍✈️ MEET YOUR CO-PILOTS Lauren Loreto Founder, Brand Good Time Instagram: @brandgoodtime LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto Aurrie Hicks Founder, Hopson Rae Instagram: @hopsonrae LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Follow Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Every big brand starts in the trenches—and sometimes the most powerful growth lever is sitting in your inbox. Today, Lauren and Aurrie react to their chat with Ari Murray and go all-in on founder-led newsletters: quick history, what’s working now, and a simple way to structure a newsletter people actually look forward to. ✈️ GET THE FLIGHT DECK BREAKDOWN: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter In this episode, we cover: A (very) fast history of newsletters and why the “personal blog energy” is backThe #1 rule: your newsletter must solve a specific problem (not “updates”)How to create a predictable format readers recognize on sightFounder tone without the “dear diary” trap: storytelling that serves the readerTools, workflows, and idea capture so you never face a blank pageWhere Substack fits (and when to start there)Timestamps 0:48 – Why we’re obsessed with newsletters (and why this pairs with a Season 2 tactical episode)3:04 – The quick history: from Roman “daily acts” to Substack’s blog-era revival6:38 – ROI, owned channels, and where email still wins for both e-comm and services8:42 – Start here: define the problem your newsletter solves (real examples)11:22 – Format > vibes: building a predictable structure your audience can scan14:10 – Lauren’s format teardown (campaign breakdowns, “second bests,” poll, light CTA)16:21 – Aurrie’s format teardown (cultural tie-ins + signature recipe closer)18:46 – Brand voice without oversharing: micro-stories that pull weight23:00 – The capture system: docs, notes, Slack to self, saved IG folders26:55 – Substack as a no-friction starting line (and why “messy action” wins)27:35 – What’s next: list growth ideas and a tease for our quiz-powered episodeYour Mapped Out Moment (homework) Audit your newsletter (or the one you’re about to start): Problem: What specific problem does it solve for readers? Write one sentence.Name/Promise Match: Does the title clearly signal that problem?Format: Lock a repeatable skeleton (e.g., Hook → Deep Dive → Second Bests → Wildcard → Quick CTA).Hook & Shareability: What’s the forward-worthy angle this week (story, hot take, or “steal this” template)?Friction-free Setup: Pick your platform (Substack is great to start) and set up a running idea dump (Doc/Notes/Slack).Navigator’s Resources (mentioned) Substack (easy start + built-in discovery)A simple capture stack: Google Doc + Notes app + “DM to self”/Slack channelReader poll at the end of each send (tiny habit, big signal)Meet Your Co-Pilots Lauren Loreto — Founder, Brand Good Time® Expert in content marketing and web design Website: brandgoodtime.com • Instagram: @brandgoodtime Aurrie Hicks — Founder, Hopson Rae Expert in digital content and brand strategy Website: hopsonrae.com • Instagram: @hopsonrae 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Follow MAPPED OUT wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t miss the next stop in Season 3 as we keep unpacking the real-world playbooks modern brands are using to grow. P.S. Want the step-by-step version, templates, and links we referenced? Join The Flight Deck: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter

Every brand story has a turning point—and Ari Murray’s begins with dropping out of law school. From customer service agent to VP of Growth at Sharma Brands, Ari’s career has been a masterclass in turning setbacks into strategy. Now, as the creator of Go-To-Millions, one of the most-loved newsletters in marketing, she’s redefining how founders build audiences—with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of exclamation marks. ✈️ GET THE FLIGHT DECK BREAKDOWN: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter In this episode, Ari shares how she: Went from answering customer service emails to leading growth for iconic DTC brands.Built Go-To-Millions from 400 early subscribers to 50,000+ loyal readers—without ever “playing the algorithm.”Turns humor and humility into her biggest brand differentiators.Balances honesty and hype in sponsored content (and what brands often get wrong about trust).Learned the real cost of inflexibility in e-commerce marketing—and how to pivot when things go off-script.Keeps her content consistent while juggling motherhood, a career in growth, and one very viral marketing household.If you’ve ever wondered how to build an audience around authenticity—or how to stay relevant when the internet moves faster than your strategy—this episode maps out the playbook. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 3:45 – What customer service teaches you about human behavior 7:20 – Branding, tone, and what “thank you!” says about your company 10:24 – The voice behind Go-To-Millions: how Ari found her tone 15:50 – Building audience momentum from scratch 20:00 – Sponsorships, transparency, and what makes readers actually trust you 25:10 – How to grow a newsletter when you don’t have a million followers 38:40 – What most DTC brands get wrong about flexibility 45:10 – Why “newness” is the most underrated Black Friday strategy 49:10 – Life with The Marketing Millennials (and how their creative partnership works) 51:15 – What’s next for Go-To-Millions 52:20 – Ari’s High / Low / Stow 🔗 CONNECT WITH ARI MURRAY Website: gotomillions.coLinkedIn: Ari Murray 👩‍✈️ MEET YOUR CO-PILOTS Lauren Loreto  Founder of Brand Good Time Instagram: @brandgoodtimeLinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/laurenloretoAurrie Hicks  Founder of Hopson Rae Instagram: @hopsonraeLinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Follow Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 3 of MAPPED OUT! In this reaction episode, Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into Ashley Chang's guerrilla marketing origin story—specifically, her strategy of posting flyers on downtown light poles. This episode reframes how we think about out-of-home marketing in a digital-first world and challenges the myth that social media alone will launch your brand. If you've been pouring all your energy into TikTok, Instagram, or paid ads hoping for overnight success, this episode will shift your perspective. Lauren and Aurrie share real examples of major brands that started with grassroots, physical marketing tactics—and why meeting your customers in the real world might be exactly what your brand needs. Episode Highlights [00:00:55] Building on Ashley's flyer strategy and why out-of-home marketing deserves more credit [00:04:10] The TikTok slow burn myth—why going viral isn't a launch strategy [00:11:23] How Glossier built a beauty empire without traditional advertising [00:23:15] Red Bull's guerrilla marketing playbook—from college campuses to extreme sports [00:40:56] The eyeball surgeon billboard fail—when out-of-home goes wrong [00:43:04] Love Shack Fancy's pink Bronco—creative out-of-home done right Key Brands & Examples Discussed Glossier - Built through community and word-of-mouth before scaling digitallyRed Bull - Guerrilla marketing at college campuses and extreme sports eventsLove Shack Fancy - Custom pink Bronco as mobile brand experienceSprinter (Kylie Jenner's beverage brand) - Celebrity-backed product with instant recognitionVarious CPG startups navigating the TikTok landscape Resources Mentioned Startup CPG Slack communityTikTok Shop and TikTok Live featuresThe four-phase TikTok success wheel (Shop → Affiliate → Organic Content → Live Stream) Connect With Us Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeHave questions about out-of-home marketing or want to share your own guerrilla marketing wins? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights, visuals, and examples from each episode. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #OutOfHomeMarketing #GuerrillaMarketing #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #Grassroots #TikTokMarketing #CPGMarketing #SocialMediaStrategy #MarketingPodcast #DigitalMarketing #BrandGrowth

Every big brand starts in the trenches—and Ashley Chang is living proof that grassroots growth still wins. After watching her mom leave a software-engineering career to raise a family, Ashley made it her mission to build a future where no one has to choose between work and home. The result: Sundays—a company helping parents “scale their lives, not just their work.” ✈️ GET THE FLIGHT DECK BREAKDOWN: www.mappedoutpod.com/newsletter In this episode, Ashley shares how she: Personally interviewed 1,000+ parents before writing a single line of code.Printed flyers, taped them to telephone poles in San Francisco, and built her first customer base from there.Bootstrapped her company methodically to the $1 million mark—without a dime of traditional funding.Turned human connection (not algorithms) into Sundays’ most powerful marketing channel.If you’ve ever felt like you “need funding to grow,” this one proves how far resourcefulness, empathy, and great storytelling can take you. Timestamps 0:48 – Meet Ashley Chang: from Carta & Collective Health to starting Sundays 4:56 – Why she interviewed 1,000+ parents before launching 9:08 – Version 1: the “email-and-text” MVP that taught her everything 11:08 – Bootstrapping 101: blue flyers, printers, and San Francisco telephone poles 14:00 – LinkedIn as Sundays’ secret growth engine 17:10 – The hardest choices in a bootstrapped startup (and how she made them) 27:10 – Building a team of 30 moms—and why human connection beats AI 35:36 – How becoming a mom herself changed her mission 45:16 – Ashley’s High / Low / Stow  🔗 Connect with Ashley & Sundays Website: withsundays.comLinkedIn: Ashley ChangInstagram: @with_sundays Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonrae🎧 Listen & Subscribe Follow Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t miss the next stop in Season 3 as we continue unpacking how the industry’s best marketers built their brands from the ground up.

We are SOOOOO back!! Aurrie and Lauren sit down for a few mins to share what's to come for Season 3. We are SO EXCITED and cannot wait to share more about who is joining us, very soon.  → Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeConnect With Us Newsletter: mappedoutpod.com/newsletterInstagram: @mappedoutpodEmail: [email protected] wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if this season helped you level up your marketing game.

Welcome back to Mapped Out! Lauren and Aurrie are wrapping up Season 2 with a bang—diving into what made this season special, sneaking a peek behind the curtain of what's coming in Season 3, and giving you the mid-year goal check-in you didn't know you needed. If you've been wondering whether your goals still align with where you're headed (or if you're crushing them so hard you need to level up), this episode is your permission slip to realign and refocus. → Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Episode Highlights [00:00:33] Season 2 recap: 15 episodes of deep-dive marketing strategies and why this format was a game-changer[00:01:28] Why Season 2 felt like a mini marketing playbook—and how we took action from these conversations too[00:05:49] Season 3 sneak peek[00:09:52] Mid-year pulse check: Are your goals still aligned and what's shifted?[00:15:29] Lauren's ad campaign update: 1,000+ downloads, new funnels, and approaching that 3,000 subscriber goal[00:18:33] Aurrie's merch launch: Using Printify for made-to-order success (link dropping this week!)Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeEpisodes Referenced Stop #1: Goal Planning (still their most downloaded episode!)Stop #3: Mapping Out the Funnel (perfect diagnostic when things feel stuck)Season 2 as a whole: LinkedIn founder presence, copywriting deep-dives, customer journey mapping, swag shop setup, and more tactical playbooksReal Business Updates Lauren's Ad Results: 1,000+ downloads on lead magnet, strong engagement, almost at 3,000 email subscribers (500 away from goal)Aurrie's Merch: Samples approved, using Printify, link launching this weekTeam Growth: Lauren added 2 new team members since beginning of yearGoal Crushing: Both hosts hitting and exceeding their original bingo card goalsYour Homework Leave a review wherever you listen to podcastsShare your biggest takeaways from Season 1 or 2Mid-year goal audit: Go back to your goals—are they still aligned? Need to level up?Got connections? Know any CMOs, founders, or marketers at household name brands? We'd love an intro for Season 3!Connect With Us Newsletter: mappedoutpod.com/newsletterInstagram: @mappedoutpodEmail: [email protected] wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if this season helped you level up your marketing game—we'll see you at the next stop for Season 3 this fall! #MappedOutPodcast #SeasonFinale #GoalSetting #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #PodcastRecap #Season3Preview #MidYearGoals #MarketingPodcast #FounderLife

Welcome back to Mapped Out! Lauren and Aurrie are diving into the unsexy but absolutely critical world of client onboarding. If you've ever wondered why some businesses are sales machines but can't figure out their churn rate, this episode breaks down exactly how to nail the handoff from "yes" to delivery—and why this phase is actually your most important marketing. → Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Episode Highlights [00:01:17] Why client onboarding IS marketing and the most important marketing you'll ever do[00:03:39] How mature businesses handle the gap between "yes" and delivery[00:05:23] The hidden costs: It's 5-25x more expensive to acquire new customers than retain existing ones[00:07:45] The three critical layers: Trust transfer, experience design, and team empowerment[00:13:05] Meet Sarah from Vivid Impact Partners with expert insights from scaling an agency to almost $10M[00:29:26] The trust transfer breakdown and why signing contracts is the starting line, not finish line[00:32:27] The "we vs. I" language trap that keeps founders stuck in every client relationship[00:39:00] Metrics that matter: From trust transfer to team empowerment KPIsMeet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonrae Meet The Guest Sarah – Vivid Impact Partners Founder of Vivid Impact PartnersStrategic partner to agencies ready to scale without chaosMission: Helping agencies grow with clarity, confidence, and zero founder bottlenecksWebsite: vividimpactpartners.comLinkedIn: Sarah at Vivid Impact Partners Brands & Examples Mentioned Handwrytten – Used as part of a high-touch onboarding experience to send automated, branded handwritten notes and birthday cards to new clients.Monday.com – A project management tool leveraged to streamline due dates and internal workflows across onboarding and offboarding stages.Slack – Employed with custom SOPs and pinned templates for seamless sales-to-delivery handoffs, internal team communication, and proactive client updates.ChatGPT – Used to analyze client sentiment from onboarding surveys and improve internal processes with clearer feedback patterns.HoneyBook – Utilized to automate offboarding workflows and schedule client satisfaction surveys post-project.AI Note Takers (like Fireflies or Fathom) – Suggested to summarize client calls and reduce knowledge gaps in the trust transfer process.Google Drive – Central hub for branded onboarding documents, client resources, and experience design touchpoints. Connect With Us Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to leave a review if this episode helped you tighten up your client process—we’d love to hear from you! #MappedOutPodcast #ClientOnboarding #RetentionStrategy #MarketingOps #ClientExperience #BusinessGrowth #AgencyLife #FounderLife #ServiceBusiness #CustomerSuccess #MarketingPodcast

This week Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into the world of branded merchandise strategy with guest expert Amanda Hoffman from Go to Market Studio. This episode breaks down why traditional merch tactics are failing and how to create a strategic approach that actually builds your brand instead of ending up in landfills. --> Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Episode Highlights [00:02:19] Why 73% of promotional products end up in landfills within one year[00:04:36] The trap of "logo drops" and why bulk ordering is so 1990s[00:08:15] How merch strategy should mirror your brand strategy and values[00:14:23] Choice vs. bulk: Why offering options dramatically reduces waste[00:15:23] The psychology behind making merch that doesn't end up in the trash[00:18:33] How to figure out what merch will actually make an impact for your brand[00:26:31] The choice principle: Why personalization beats bulk every time[00:33:51] Print-on-demand vs. bulk ordering ROI considerations[00:36:19] Sustainability metrics as brand reputation protection[00:46:17] The mapped out moment: Three action steps for strategic merch What You'll Learn Why most companies treat merch as an afterthought and how to flip that mindsetThe four pillars of strategic merch: choice, brand differentiation, values alignment, and strategic purposeHow to move from "logo drops" to lifestyle-based merchandise that people actually wantThe difference between disposable vs. sustainable merch strategiesReal examples of brands doing merch strategy brilliantly (and why it works)How to measure merch success beyond "how many did we give away"The adjustment protocol for when your merch strategy isn't workingCreative ways to incorporate your brand messaging into physical products Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonrae Meet The Guest Amanda Hofman - Go to Market Studio Co-Founder & CEO of Go to Market StudioExpert in sustainable, strategic branded merchandiseWebsite: gotomarket.studioLinkedIn: Amanda Hofman (with one F) Brands & Examples Mentioned Bucc-ee’s (nostalgia-driven merch mastery)Chuy’s restaurant (creative taco cat t-shirts)Book of the Month (strategic bookmark messaging)Calendly (functional ring light swag)SeaKeeper (clever maritime-themed messaging)Seaside (exclusivity and lifestyle branding)Goody (choice-based gifting platform)Salty Dog Cafe (location-based nostalgia) Connect With Us Have questions about merch strategy? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #MerchStrategy #BrandedMerchandise #PrintOnDemand #SustainableMerch #BrandStrategy #MarketingPodcast #BusinessGrowth #BrandConsistency

Welcome back to MAPPED OUT™! Lauren and Aurrie tackle the AI revolution that's completely reshaping SEO and search behavior. Joined by SEO expert Meg Clarke from Clapping Dog Media, this episode breaks down why traditional SEO tactics are failing and how to position your brand for the new era of AI-powered search. --> Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Episode Highlights [00:02:56] Why clients don't ask about "getting on the first page of Google" anymore[00:05:26] How search behavior has fundamentally shifted beyond Google[00:07:14] Why AI search tools prioritize authority over engagement[00:09:02] The four pillars of strategic SEO in the AI age[00:16:32] Page purpose strategy: Making your value proposition findable[00:18:51] Domain authority secrets: Why LinkedIn posts now show up in search results[00:21:07] AI optimization: What search bots look for to verify expertise[00:24:47] Meg's breakdown: Traditional SEO vs. AI search visibility[00:26:06] The EAT framework: Expertise, Authority, and Trust[00:31:44] Why 75% of AI tools surface answers without linking out[00:38:58] The adjustment protocol for low AI visibilityWhat You'll Learn How the game has changed when it comes to how people use search enginesThe psychology behind how people actually use AI search toolsWhy search engines now prioritize expertise over keyword optimizationThe exact difference between traditional Google SEO and AI search visibilityHow to structure content for citations rather than clicksThe metrics that actually matter in AI-powered searchWhy cross-platform visibility is now essential for search authorityFlight Facts Featured 27% of Americans now prefer AI chatbots over traditional search engines (December 2024)75% of Gen AI search tools surface answers directly without linking outWine label branding agency example: Hyper-niching leads to #1 ChatGPT rankingMeet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeMeet The Guest Meg Clarke - Clapping Dog Media SEO expert specializing in AI search optimizationExpert in the transition from engagement-based to expertise-based searchFocus on building authority across multiple platformsWebsite: clappingdogmedia.com LinkedIn: Meg ClarkeResources Mentioned SEO research tools: Answer the Public, SEMrush, Keywords EverywhereAI search platforms: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Mode, ClaudeConnect With Us  Have questions about AI and SEO? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #AISEO #SearchOptimization #AISearch #DigitalMarketing #SEOStrategy #ChatGPT #Perplexity #MarketingPodcast #SearchMarketing #BusinessGrowth

GET ON OUR FLIGHT DECK EMAIL LIST: https://mappedoutpod.com/newsletter Welcome back to MAPPED OUT! Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into email marketing that actually moves the needle in the middle of the funnel. Joined by email marketing strategist Gabriella Rezex, this episode breaks down why most brands are doing email wrong and how to fix it with three simple pillars: design, data, and deliverability. Episode Highlights [00:01:00] Why your email subscribers are skimming, not studying your content[00:09:29] How to think about flows as your 24/7 sales team[00:13:26] The four biggest email mistakes brands make (and how to avoid them)[00:16:03] Segmentation strategies: engagement, interest, location, and action-based[00:17:11] Why you need both sales AND nurture content (not just one)[00:18:26] The quarterly flow audit that protects your email success[00:20:58] Why your email footer is precious real estate you're probably wasting[00:23:17] Essential flows for product-based businesses vs. service-based brands[00:29:11] Creative ways to grow your email list (beyond the basic pop-up)[00:42:27] Troubleshooting guide: High opens but low clicks, low engagement, and moreWhat You'll Learn Why segmentation from day one yields results faster than generic welcome sequencesThe exact flows every product and service business needs to convert subscribersHow to use your email footer to build authority and drive additional engagementThe psychology behind why people actually read emails (hint: it's not what you think)Data-driven approaches to A/B testing that actually improve performanceCreative list-building strategies that go beyond discount pop-upsHow to balance nurture and sales content without being spammyThe metrics that matter most (spoiler: it's not open rates)Meet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeMeet The Guest  Gabriella Rezex Email marketing strategist specializing in middle-of-funnel conversionLinkedIn: Gabriella RezexResources Mentioned Jeff Felten on Threads: @heyjefffelten (original quote about how subscribers really read emails)Corrie Meyers newsletter: Featured example of using Loom videos in newsletters (example Loom video)Email inspiration sites: milled.com, reallygoodemails.com, emaillove.comPlatform recommendations: Flodesk, ConvertKit, Klaviyo, and MailChimpSuperhuman for email managementExit-intent and scroll-based pop-up strategiesConnect With Us  Have questions about email marketing? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #EmailMarketing #MiddleOfFunnel #EmailStrategy #MarketingAutomation #EmailDesign #ConversionOptimization #MarketingPodcast #EmailSegmentation

Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into LinkedIn strategy with expert Molly Godfrey, who breaks down her three-posts-per-week framework that's helped over 200 founders build their voice and generate real business on the platform. If LinkedIn has ever felt like a chore or a weird networking event, this episode will completely change your approach. Episode Highlights [00:00:37] Why LinkedIn feels like a chore and how to change that energy[01:16] The shift toward humanizing brands through founder presence on LinkedIn[06:21] Core frameworks for creating content without it taking over your life[13:50] The three-part content strategy: Value, Personal Story, and Social Proof[14:46] Why thought leadership posts need to dig deeper than basic how-tos[17:42] Bottom-of-funnel content that actually converts to sales[20:31] How LinkedIn works as a relationship nurturing tool[22:29] Using LinkedIn to warm up prospects after sales calls[36:40] Metrics that actually matter on LinkedIn[41:12] Mapped Out Moment: Your three-post framework homeworkWhat You'll Learn How to create a sustainable three-posts-per-week LinkedIn strategyThe difference between value content that builds trust vs. basic educational postsStrategic personal storytelling that connects without oversharingHow to create social proof content that naturally leads to sales conversationsWhy giving each post a specific job (trust, connect, convert) improves resultsHow to use LinkedIn as a nurturing tool for sales prospectsMetrics that matter more than vanity engagement numbersHow to format posts for easy reading and better engagementThe power of boilerplate signatures to reinforce your expertiseMeet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonraeMeet The Guest Molly Godfrey LinkedIn strategist and coachHelped over 200 founders build their voice on LinkedInAdvocates for minimalist, strategic approach to LinkedIn contentFind her on LinkedIn: Molly GodfreyNewsletter: https://molly-godfrey.kit.com/mailinglist?_gl=1*5tydo3*_gcl_au*NDE2MDE5NDExLjE3MzgwMDE1MzQ.Resources Mentioned Three-post weekly framework: Value, Personal Story, Social ProofLinkedIn boilerplate strategyPost formatting for easy readingSales Navigator for outbound strategyConference networking + LinkedIn content combinationConnect With Us  Ready to implement Molly's strategy? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper LinkedIn tactics and templates. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if this episode helped clarify your LinkedIn strategy! #MappedOutPodcast #LinkedInStrategy #ContentMarketing #ThoughtLeadership #B2BMarketing #PersonalBranding #SocialSelling #LinkedInContent #FounderLife #BusinessGrowth

Welcome to another episode of Season 2 of MAPPED OUT! Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into the art and science of sales copy with messaging strategist Lucy Bedewi of My Write Hand Woman. If you've ever struggled with writing copy that converts or wondered why your beautiful words get compliments but don't drive sales, this episode breaks down exactly how to create messaging that triggers decisive "hell yes" or "hell no" responses. Episode Highlights [00:01:17] Why handpicked experts matter and the problem with AI-generated copy[00:02:12] The difference between copy that gets compliments vs. copy that gets conversions[00:04:18] Lauren's framework: storytelling over literal benefit listings[00:07:03] The jargon trap and when technical language belongs[00:08:43] Lucy's approach: dismantling vs. differentiating in sales copy[00:19:03] Lauren and Aurrie's biggest takeaways from Lucy's framework[00:21:13] How to get weird and specific with your messaging[00:24:17] The toddler book test: why shorter sentences win[00:26:04] How messaging shows up in paid ads with specific examples[00:30:33] The Numbers Game: conversion rates, A/B testing, and quality metrics[00:34:58] Troubleshooting high traffic/low conversion scenarios[00:37:20] LinkedIn storytelling vs. story selling strategies[00:39:01] Speaking to humans, not robots - the power of authentic voiceWhat You'll Learn Why copy that gets compliments rarely drives salesHow to identify and articulate your unique "dismantle"The psychology behind visceral verbs and sensory-focused languageWhy your sales copy should repel wrong-fit clientsHow to write concisely without losing impactThe difference between copy that sells vs. content that nurturesSpecific tactics for A/B testing messaging effectivenessHow to troubleshoot messaging when attracting wrong clientsWhy authentic, human voice beats polished perfectionReal examples of spicy ad copy that convertsMeet Your Hosts Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good TimeExpert in content marketing and web designWebsite: brandgoodtime.comInstagram: @brandgoodtimeAurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson RaeExpert in digital content and brand strategyWebsite: hopsonrae.comInstagram: @hopsonrae Meet The Guest Lucy Bedewi Founder of My Write Hand WomanSales copy specialist focused on conversion over complimentsExpert in positioning and messaging with convictionOffers sales page writing services and messaging assessmentsInstagram: @mywritehandwoman (w-r-i-t-e)Website: mywritehandwoman.com Resources Mentioned My Write Hand Woman messaging superpower quizHotjar for website heat mapping and user behavior analysisChatGPT for visceral verb brainstormingA/B testing tools for landing pagesHeat map analysis for page engagementQuality lead tracking metrics Connect With Us Have questions about sales copy and messaging? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic - this week we're diving deeper into sales page strategy! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #SalesCopy #Copywriting #Messaging #MarketingStrategy #ConversionCopy #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #SalesStrategy #

Welcome to Season 2 of MAPPED OUT! Lauren and Aurrie are kicking things off with a new format and a deep dive into paid advertising with guest expert David Nipps of NIPPS Media. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of running paid ads or wondered if they're worth the investment, this episode breaks down a VERYYYY practical, approachable framework for success. Episode Highlights [00:00:33] Welcome back to Season 2 with a brand new format[00:02:12] Introduction to the voice memo guest format and paid ads focus[00:03:38] The non-negotiable nature of paid ads for visibility and growth[00:05:44] Introduction to David Nipps, founder of NIPPS Media[00:06:34] David's three essential mindset shifts for successful paid advertising[00:08:27] Why your audience IS on social media (no matter what you think!)[00:09:28] The three-phase cycle: Ignite, Optimize, and Scale[00:14:25] Vertical vs. horizontal scaling and how to protect your margins[00:17:37] Why measuring daily is critical for learning and pivoting quickly[00:21:27] The importance of creative and messaging in ad performance[00:24:24] Why ad length isn't as important as an engaging hook and story[00:29:11] Real-world testing strategies and funnel optimization[00:31:14] Using automation to track and celebrate conversion wins[00:34:13] B2B vs B2C advertising considerations What You'll Learn Why viewing ads as an investment (not an expense) changes everythingHow to test small audiences before scaling your budgetThe exact formula for increasing your ad spend (15-20% per day)Why conversions require more skill than just getting clicksWhen to cut underperforming ads and how to duplicate winnersThe balance between highly produced ads and authentic UGC contentPractical metrics to track daily to protect your marginsReal examples of ads that maintain audience attention beyond the first few secondsHow to optimize landing pages based on ad performance Meet The Guest David Nipps Founder of NIPPS MediaExpert in paid advertising strategy3+ years collaborating with Aurrie on successful ad campaignsWebsite: nippsmedia.comInstagram: @nippsmedia Resources Mentioned Three-phase ad approach: Ignite, Optimize, ScaleMeta Ads ManagerSlack automation for conversion trackingChatGPT for marketing strategy integrationFlodesk for email marketingSuperhuman for email management Connect With Us Have questions about paid advertising? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! #MappedOutPodcast #PaidAds #DigitalMarketing #MetaAds #MarketingStrategy #AdStrategy #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #ROI #ContentCreation 🎯 Mapped Out Moment (Your Homework) View ads as an investment machine, not an expense. When you see paid advertising as a system that can turn $1 into $5 rather than just another bill, you'll approach scaling with excitement instead of hesitation.Follow the three-phase cycle: Ignite, Optimize, and Scale. Most businesses fail because they collapse these phases. Start with small tests, cut what doesn't work, and gradually increase spending on the winners.Measure your ads daily with intention. The businesses that successfully scale with paid ads monitor daily like a ritual, allowing them to learn faster and pivot quickly when performance changes.