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I don't do brand partnerships lightly. So when I tell you I became an official GoHighLevel partner, I want you to know exactly why — because I was a skeptic first.In this episode I'm walking through the full story: why I went down the rabbit hole in the first place, what I was trying to solve for in my business before maternity leave, and what actually happened when I got inside the platform. Within three days I was handing over my credit card. Within weeks I had canceled MailerLite, ManyChat, Zapier, SignNow, and more — saving around $3,500 a year immediately.This isn't a sponsored read. It's a full breakdown of what we actually moved over, what it's actually doing for my business and my team, and why I think it's one of the most underrated tools in the online business space right now.Key Takeaways:What I was originally trying to solve for (intimacy at scale — automating client engagement without losing the personal touch)Why I was skeptical of all-in-one platforms and what changed my mind within 72 hoursEverything we migrated over: email marketing, funnels, sales pages, course portals, contracts, calendaring, automations, mastermind application process, affiliates, and moreHow having everything in one place has changed the mental load for me and my team — especially heading into maternity leaveWhy the GoHighLevel + Claude integration is the next frontier and what that's already starting to look likeLinks:GoHighLevel 30-day free trial — double the standard trial so you actually have time to see if it's a fit: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=taylorslangoScaling to multiple 6-figures? Apply for the CEO Mastermind here.Stabilizing your revenue before your scale? Get inside The Inner Circle here.Integrate AI systems & workflows into your business this weekend: Save $100 on Claude in a WeekendTry out the software I use to run my ENTIRE business: 30 day free trial for Go High Level
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 286 - T.K. King & Koltin Thompson of Galactic Cruise join Andrew to discuss generating community interactions during the mid-campaign of your Kickstarter. Must Watch Episodes
FREE Two Day Event: Farm Marketing Week - June 2026 Sign Up HERE Does Email Marketing Actually Work for Farms — and Why Are My Emails Going to the Promotions Folder? Email marketing is the most powerful tool a farm has — when it's done right. This episode covers why email outperforms every other platform, why your emails might be sitting unread in the promotions folder, and exactly what to send your list once you have one. Why is email marketing more effective than social media for farms? Email marketing is estimated to be thousands of times more effective than other marketing platforms because subscribers have given explicit permission to be contacted, there's no algorithm filtering your message, and you own the list. Social media is where people scroll. Email is where people buy. When someone is ready to make a purchasing decision, they go to their inbox, because that's where trust lives. Why are my farm emails going to the promotions folder? Emails go to the promotions folder for two main reasons: deliverability problems (account setup, sending patterns, list hygiene) and weak subject lines that don't earn the open. Both are skill gaps, not signs that email marketing doesn't work. Subject lines are the single most fixable variable. They need to feel personal, specific, curious, or directly tied to a problem your reader has right now. Generic subject lines like "Farm Update" get ignored every time. How do you write farm email subject lines that actually get opened? Write subject lines that sound like a friend texting you, not a marketer broadcasting an announcement. Think about your own inbox: you open emails that feel personal, that hit on something you care about, or that promise to solve a real problem. Subject lines like "The 5:30 freezer moment" outperform "Farm Update" because they're specific to a real situation your customer experiences. How do you build a farm email list from scratch? Build your list through three channels: a lead magnet on your website, social media posts that funnel people to your list, and in-person opportunities like library workshops, garden clubs, and partnerships with local wellness businesses. A great example: Charlotte's student Cassie built "5 High-Protein Dinners to Simplify Your Life." Five recipes featuring her ground beef, with a meal plan and her phone number on the last page. Made in Canva in an afternoon. Other farmers asked her for the file before she finished showing it. What should farmers email their customers about? Email about things your customers actually care about: their lives, problems, and goals. Not just what's available this week. Pure transactional emails ("Eggs available, $6/dozen") feel like a stranger asking for money. Story-based emails build relationship. Charlotte once sold out of London broil she didn't know what to do with by sending one email with a recipe and the story of how she figured it out. Relationship comes first; the sale follows naturally. How often should farmers email their customers? More often than you think. At least weekly during selling seasons, and consistently year-round to stay top of mind. A cold list is hard to sell to. The goal is for customers to see your name in their inbox and feel something positive. Not every email is a pitch. Some are stories, some are tips, some are farm updates, and the rhythm matters more than the perfection. Can someone write farm marketing emails for me? Short answer: yes. For the June 2026 cohort of the Profitable Farmer Marketing program, full-pay students get a private 2.5-hour session with Charlotte's operations lead, Rebecca, who builds an entire year of marketing assets specifically for their farm. This includes the lead magnet, welcome sequence, weekly emails laid out across the year, seasonal launch emails, and matching social posts (all customized to your customer interview language). The first farmer who tested this cried when she saw it. This bonus is only available for full-pay June 2026 enrollment; the next opportunity is October. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free email marketing course for farmers - charlottemsmith.com/free-email-course Profitable Farmer Marketing program — June 2026 cohort opens with 'The Power of One' welcome workshop on Tuesday, June 23rd. Full-pay enrollment includes the done-for-you year-of-marketing-assets bonus. Sign up at charlottemsmith.com/masterclass FAQ Q: What email platform should farmers use? Kit (formerly ConvertKit) and MailerLite both have free tiers under 1,000 subscribers and work well for farms. Pick one and learn it well rather than switching tools. Q: How long should a farm marketing email be? Long enough to tell the story, short enough that nothing extra survives. Most strong farm emails land between 200 and 500 words. Q: Will my customers unsubscribe if I email weekly? Some will, and that's fine — those weren't your customers anyway. The right people will look forward to your emails. Q: Do I need to write a year of emails before I start? No. Start with one email a week. The discipline matters more than the inventory. Q: How do I avoid sounding salesy in my emails? Read every email out loud before sending. If you wouldn't say it to a friend at your kitchen table, rewrite it. Connect with Charlotte Sign up for Farm Marketing Week at charlottemsmith.com/masterclass. Subscribe and Review Subscribe to The Profitable Mindset Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. And consider leaving a review. Your reviews help other farmers find this work. Click HERE and Let's Meet! Chat with us to see if The Profitable Farmer can break you out of marketing misery.
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 285 - Andrew and Sean help you think about the goals of your table top business and how to develop products that markets actually want. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 284 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 24 hours out from launching your Kickstarter. Kickstarter Page Review Service https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/kickstarter-gamefound-hygine-test-report-delivered-as-a-pdf-before-launch 1-On-1 Video Consulting https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/1-on-1-facebook-ads-consultation How to Market Your Kickstarter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGbW8HEKAMk&list=PLNUl_AIQk_sLzxir2dmtCs0j4tQRs9xpi https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Thank you to our sponsors! TableTone - https://tabletone.app https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Qué pasa hacedor/a.Antes de empezar, una cosita: este ha sido el episodio 200 de Haciendo Cosas.Cinco años. Doscientos episodios. Una barbaridad.Lo decimos sin aspavientos porque tampoco somos muy de auto-palmaditas, pero sí creemos que merece una mención antes de entrar en faena. No es obligatorio, pero déjanos tu felicitación en los comentarios ;)Empezamos este podcast cuando la inteligencia artificial era una cosa que pasaba en servidores de los que nadie hablaba. Hoy grabamos con Codex trabajando en segundo plano, con agentes de memoria corriendo en un servidor propio y con Guillermo que acaba de dar de baja Claude en abril para probar si se arrepiente (WTF).Antes de grabar el episodio estuvimos haciendo memoria de las herramientas que hemos usado en estos cinco años. Y la lista de las que hemos dejado atrás da un poco de vértigo.Zencaster, Gumroad, Mailerlite, Revue (que compró Twitter y se cargó), Recall, Snipd, Gemini Pro que usamos mucho cuando salió el 3.1 y que ahora está en desuso total, WordPress como CMS (hace ya 2-3 años que todo corre desde Substack)...Parece otra vida. Porque es otra vida.Así que el episodio de hoy es una especie de auditoría de herramientas: qué usamos ahora mismo, por qué, y cuánto tiempo creemos que lo vamos a seguir usando. Sin filtro.Aquí va el resumen:* Lo que sigue: Notion ha sobrevivido, aunque ambos hemos pasado por esa curva de “esto es la hostia → odio Notion → he vuelto a Notion” que seguramente te suena. Obsidian también aguanta como editor de escritura, con la IA fuera de la ecuación pero alimentando lo que se escribe dentro. Muchas más apps que te contamos en el episodio.* Lo que manda ahora: Guillermo tiene Codex como herramienta maestra para Vibe Coding, con un sistema de archivos de memoria forzada que le permite no empezar de cero en cada sesión. Víctor también lo está probando junto con un sistema bien orquestado en Claude.* Las que probablemente caigan pronto: VoiceDash, que transcribe lo que dictas al ordenador, tiene los días contados porque Codex ya incluye dictado que funciona muy bien y se lleva a cualquier parte. Cuando eso ocurra, una suscripción menos.Y lo que no ha cambiado en el fondo. La filosofía. No casarse con ninguna herramienta. Ser dueño de tus archivos, no que tus archivos sean propiedad de la plataforma que te los aloja. Poder cambiar de modelo en una tarde sin que eso te rompa el flujo de trabajo.Que es exactamente de lo que va Más Listo que la IA.Más de 100 personas ya dentro. Acabamos de subir el playground de Claude Design y muy pronto grabamos el de Codex. Y el precio sube pronto, así que si llevas tiempo dándole vueltas, déjanos tu correo aquí porque estamos preparando algo muy chulo.→ https://soy.maslistoquelaia.com/picarescaNos vemos haciendo cosas. Guillermo, Víctor y el
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 283 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 1 week out from launching your Kickstarter. Kickstarter Page Review Service https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/kickstarter-gamefound-hygine-test-report-delivered-as-a-pdf-before-launch 1-On-1 Video Consulting https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/1-on-1-facebook-ads-consultation How to Market Your Kickstarter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGbW8HEKAMk&list=PLNUl_AIQk_sLzxir2dmtCs0j4tQRs9xpi https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Thank you to our sponsors! TableTone - https://tabletone.app https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 282 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 1 month out from launching your Kickstarter. Your Kickstarter Thesis Statement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShMbefsh4AE Kickstarter Page Review Service https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/kickstarter-gamefound-hygine-test-report-delivered-as-a-pdf-before-launch 1-On-1 Video Consulting https://course.crowdfundingnerds.com/p/1-on-1-facebook-ads-consultation How to Market Your Kickstarter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGbW8HEKAMk&list=PLNUl_AIQk_sLzxir2dmtCs0j4tQRs9xpi https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Thank you to our sponsors! TableTone - https://tabletone.app https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 281 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 3 months out from launching your Kickstarter. How to Market Your Kickstarter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGbW8HEKAMk&list=PLNUl_AIQk_sLzxir2dmtCs0j4tQRs9xpi https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Thank you to our sponsors! TableTone - https://tabletone.app https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Welcome to the 9th episode in our Candle Maker Connections series. This episode is all about email marketing. ---------- SHOW LINKS: Email software - Klaviyo: https://www.klaviyo.com/au/ Email software - Mailerlite: https://www.mailerlite.com/ Photo magnets: https://www.magnetisedmemories.com.au/ Make sure you subscribe/follow so you don't miss any future episodes. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and a review ✨
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 280 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 6 months out from launching your Kickstarter. How to Market Your Kickstarter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGbW8HEKAMk&list=PLNUl_AIQk_sLzxir2dmtCs0j4tQRs9xpi Thank you to our sponsors! TableTone - https://tabletone.app https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive - Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV - We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Official Website: https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling Crowdfunding Nerds Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 279 - Andrew and Sean outline what you need to do when you are 1 year out from launching your Kickstarter. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 278 - Andrew and Sean interview Marcel Köhler, the designer of the historic board game Dutch Resistance: Orange Shall Overcome Order the Dutch Resistance board game here - https://www.hiveinteractive.net/projects/dutch-resistance-orange-shall-overcome-late-pledge-store-402?ref=9mhoa730 Must Watch Episodes
* Listen on Spotify* Listen on Apple* Listen on Youtube* Listen on Pocketcasts* Book Launch checklist: https://BookHip.com/BDSWRRT* Millionaire Author Mastermind Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireauthormastermind/* http://hapitalist.com/* https://link.tertulia.com/ykHxfSIn this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee sit down with Lynda Hammes, co-founder of Tertulia, to explore a tool built to solve one of the most exhausting parts of the author business: the messy, expensive, duct-taped-together stack of websites, email tools, direct sales platforms, and assorted software subscriptions. Lynda explains how Tertulia began as a book discovery platform and online bookstore, then expanded into Tertulia for Authors, a streamlined author platform designed to make websites and audience-building dramatically easier.The conversation centers on a live walkthrough of the Tertulia website builder, showing how quickly an author can generate a site from an ISBN or ASIN and an Instagram handle, then customize colors, branding, books, blog posts, and calls to action. Lynda demonstrates how the platform imports metadata, reviews, retailer links, and book information, then layers in tools for lead magnets, blogs, custom pages, email campaigns, and direct sales. The core promise is simple but powerful: authors should be able to build a polished home base in minutes, not wrestle for weeks with a pile of disconnected tools.Russell and Lee also dig into a larger issue underneath the tech demo: why so many authors still avoid building a real online home base, even in 2026. The answer is not usually philosophical resistance so much as tool fatigue and intimidation. Tertulia's pitch is that authors already know they need a website, an email list, and better direct reader relationships. They just do not want to become accidental web developers to get there. That is where the platform is trying to meet them: less friction, fewer subscriptions, and less maintenance over time.A major thread in the episode is author audience ownership. Lynda notes that one recurring lesson from Tertulia's work with authors is that social media attention is far less durable than a reader email list, and that email campaigns often outperform social in actual sales. Tertulia's built-in tools are meant to make that shift easier by combining reader magnets, email capture, newsletter templates, and direct sales in one place. For authors tired of bouncing between MailerLite, BookFunnel, Shopify, and a website builder, this consolidation is a major part of the appeal.The episode also opens the door to Tertulia's broader ecosystem beyond author websites. Lynda describes the original Tertulia business as a book discovery and commerce platform, featuring curated recommendations, celebrity book clubs, indie press roundups, and author recommendation content. That context matters because it positions Tertulia not just as a software tool, but as a company thinking seriously about reader discovery, book buying, and the relationship between authors and audiences.By the end, the episode makes a clear case for what Tertulia is trying to become: not just “another website builder,” but an increasingly complete ecosystem for authors who want to look professional, grow an email list, sell direct, and simplify their business infrastructure without paying for five separate services or spending their creative energy on backend chaos.Topics Covered:* What Tertulia is and how it evolved from a bookstore and discovery platform into Tertulia for Authors* Lynda Hammes's overview of Tertulia's mission to simplify the author tech stack* Why authors still resist building websites, even though they know they need one* The “Frankenstack” problem: juggling Wix, WordPress, MailerLite, BookFunnel, Shopify, and other disconnected tools* Live demo of building an author website using only an ISBN/ASIN and Instagram handle* Importing books, metadata, retailer links, descriptions, and reviews automatically into an author site* The design process: choosing templates, updating colors, branding, and layout quickly* How Tertulia handles blogs and custom pages for authors who want more than a static website* Reader magnets and lead capture built directly into the website platform* Replacing the BookFunnel + MailerLite + website combo with a more unified toolset* Email campaigns inside Tertulia, including book-specific newsletter templates for cover reveals, preorders, and more* Why Tertulia prioritized easy, author-specific email templates before more advanced automation features* Selling ebooks and audiobooks direct through the site using Stripe checkout* Tracking direct buyers and audience data inside the platform* The option to prioritize direct buying while still linking to outside retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble* Discussion of embedding pixels for ad tracking and direct sales campaigns* Using Tertulia even if some products are sold elsewhere, such as Shopify or Kickstarter* Adding books manually when they are not widely distributed or do not yet have standard metadata in major systems* Review curation and why Tertulia prefers a cleaner “top review” approach instead of dumping in hundreds of raw reviews* The role of discoverability and how Substack-style discovery compares to bookstore-based discovery* Tertulia's roots as a discovery engine for books, with curated recommendations and retail built in* Author recommendation content and why author-to-reader recommendation paths can be especially powerful* Tertulia's celebrity and hosted book club ecosystem, including Bellatrist Book Club* The Tertulia co-op membership for readers and how it differs from the author-facing subscription* Pricing for Tertulia for Authors, including the free trial and monthly subscription tiers* Why onboarding without requiring a credit card lowers friction for authors who just want to test a site first* Domain transfer and setup options for authors moving over from older platforms* Future roadmap: automation sequences, author-fulfilled print commerce, and broader fulfillment solutions* Tertulia's Friday Zoom office hours and author community support model* Why the long-term maintenance burden is often worse than the initial website setup itself* Final takeaway: for many authors, the real value is not “more tech,” but less chaos, fewer subscriptions, and a website they will actually keep updated This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 277 - The Crowdfunding Nerds sit down with Galen McCown of Galen Games to discuss making tiny, pocked-sized Mint Tin Games. Mint Tin Series on Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/galensgames/galens-games-mint-tin-series-2?ref=dbleeb Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 276 - Andrew and Sean discuss the 3 outcomes of every crowdfunding campaign that you need to consider and plan for. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 275 - Andrew & Sean discuss the layout of your Kickstarter page how your thesis statement impacts the perception of your product offer. How to improve your Kickstarter page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nimblerpg/monsters-and-more-a-nimble-ttrpg-reprint-and-expansion Must Watch Episodes
Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS hosts a two-part deep dive on email marketing and CRM platforms from the Marketing Club on Clubhouse, joined by Alex (HubSpot, agency owner), Sandra (MailerLite, digital products coach), and David (Flodesk, just starting out).The conversation spans why four out of five marketers prefer email over social media, how a single font size change drove a 73.7% open rate,Flodesk's Magic Links and auto-segmentation features (Read on G2 Reviews), subject line testing with CapitalizeMyTitle.com, deliverability testing with mail-tester.com, the "send fewer emails, get higher clicks" strategy, and the critical difference between first-party and second-party data.Book SEO Services? Save These Quick Links for Later>> Book SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike>> Visit Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services>> Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community>> Read SEO Articles>> Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast>> Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online>> Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links>> Start Recording your Podcast with Riverside Today | Sign Up with My Affiliate Link HereKey TakeawaysFont size 16 is the email sweet spot. Favour moved from 12/14 to 16 and hit a 73.7% open rate and 68.9% click rate — his highest ever.Send fewer, better emails. Cutting from 16 emails/month to 4 increased click rates from 3.5% to 17.9% over three months.For every $1 spent on email marketing, expect $42 back in impact across traffic, connections, and conversions.Flodesk Magic Links auto-segment subscribers based on what they click, eliminating manual workflow creation.Test deliverability before sending. Use InboxBooster.com to check inbox placement across Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and AOL. A Wikipedia link triggered spam in Favour's test.Use CapitalizeMyTitle.com to score subject lines on readability, SEO, and sentiment. Score green on all three before sending.Memorable Quotes"Four out of five marketers say they would rather give up social media marketing than email marketing." — Favour [03:10, Pt.1]"It's not just what you say. It's how you say things, and how it's layered." — Favour [13:05, Pt.1]"The content you send to your audience is more important than what platform you use." — Sandra [31:18, Pt.2]"Email marketing is like an animal in itself. It's not just about sending email. It's about analyzing the data." — Sandra [29:41, Pt.2]"We divided our time in half and got more impact. From 16 emails in May to 4 in August — 15% increase in click rates." — Favour [52:00, Pt.2]FAQsQ: Which CRM platform does Favour recommend?Flodesk. He has used it since 2019 (beta). It partners with Amazon SES for high deliverability, costs $19/month for unlimited subscribers, and offers Magic Links for auto-segmentation.Q: What other platforms were discussed?Alex uses HubSpot (B2B agency), Sandra uses MailerLite (small list, digital products), Melo uses MailChimp, and Ty uses Klaviyo. Each fits different business needs and budgets.Q: How do I improve my email open rate?Increase font size to 16, test subject lines on CapitalizeMyTitle.com, test deliverability on mail-tester.com, and segment your list so every email is relevant to the recipient.Q: How often should I send emails?Quality over quantity. Favour cut from 16/month to 4/month and saw click rates jump from 3.5% to 17.9%. Send fewer emails with more substance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 274 - Discord has postponed an update to require ID verification through biometric face-scanning which raises privacy concerns for gamers and publishers of games. On this episode you will learn about how to create robust passwords, protect your online identity and future proof your business by adopting a privacy focused community space. Simplified Privacy: https://simplifiedprivacy.com/ Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 273 - Evan Diaz joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the success of the Nimble RPG. Nimble on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nimblerpg/monsters-and-more-a-nimble-ttrpg-reprint-and-expansion Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 272 - Jacob & Jonathan Fryxelius of FryxGames join the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the making of Terraforming Mars. FryxGames https://fryxgames.se/ Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 271 - Jay Cormier of Off The Page Games joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss the making of Corps of Discovery and the origins of Mind MGMT. Corps of Discovery on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mindmgmt/corps-of-discovery-2nd-ed-duo?ref=2e98qa Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 270 - Andrew and Sean discuss how the SAS "hearts and minds" psychological warfare technique applies to business and crowdfunding. Cypherpunk Board Game: https://cypherpunkboardgame.com Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 269 - Andrew & Sean discuss the implications on crowdfunding that the newly announced ChatGPT ads could have on publishers. ChatGPT Ad Announcement - https://openai.com/index/our-approach-to-advertising-and-expanding-access/ Nostr Crash Course - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heJ5Iw_UpD8 Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 268 - Marco Pecota of Raybox Games discusses the making of the narrative immersive board game, The Cats of Mont Saint Michel. The Cats of Mont Saint Michel - https://gamefound.com/en/projects/rayboxgames/the-cats-of-mont-saint-michel Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 267 - Ashton Wu joins the Crowdfunding Nerds to discuss how game designers can avoid common board game design cons and mistakes. Shelfside YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shelfside Shelfside services: https://www.shelfside.co/consulting ----------------------- Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 266 - Andrew Lowen, Chazz Young & Dan Maynard of the Deliverance Board Game team discuss the process and challenges of creating lifestyle board games. Must Watch Episodes
What does it really mean to “build a platform” as a Christian writer—and why does the idea make so many of us uncomfortable?In this episode, I kick off a new season focused on building your platform without losing your soul. I lay the foundation by answering a fundamental question many writers wrestle with: Why can't I just write?You'll learn why a platform isn't about self-exaltation or chasing followers, but about creating a practical, faithful way for readers to actually find and benefit from your words.In This Episode, You'll Learn:* Why writing for readers means helping readers find you* The critical difference between a platform and a pedestal* How Christians often misunderstand platform-building—and why that matters* Why a platform is about logistics, not ego* What a writing platform actually is (and what it isn't)* Why your email list is the true hub of an effective platform* Practical next steps if you're starting from zero—or feeling overwhelmedKey Takeaway:Building a platform isn't about putting yourself above others. It's about stewarding your message well so the people who need your words can hear them.Simple Next Steps:If you're ready to begin (or refine) your platform, consider starting here:* Choose an email service provider (like Mailchimp, MailerLite, Kit, FloDesk, or Substack)* Decide how often you can realistically communicate with your readers* Create a helpful lead magnet that serves your audience and invites them onto your email listNeed Personal Guidance?If platform-building feels confusing or overwhelming, you don't have to figure it out alone. Book a coaching session with me to clarify your next steps and create a realistic, actionable plan that fits your life.I also have a new 3-session coaching package called “The Path to Purposeful Writing” that is on sale until January 15, 2026. It includes guidance, accountability, and writing evaluation.Learn more at amylynnsimon.com/coachingYou can also find the podcast on YouTube @amysimonwriter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 265 - Andrew & Sean reflect on their 2025 tabletop industry predictions and discuss their thoughts on where the market will go in 2026. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 264 - Filmmaker Adam William Cahill joins the Crowdfunding Nerds on episode 264 to discuss the challenges of marketing films in a streaming world. Follow the Dead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yugez8f6O0k Must Watch Episodes
Start selling digital products and services with MiloTree for FREE! If you're an online coach, course creator, or digital product seller, you've probably experienced this: You're working 35-45 hours a week managing sales, manually sending products, and personally following up with every customer. You're making some money, but you're completely burnt out. Sound familiar? In my newest episode, I shared the exact automation strategy that helped our MiloTree customer Ava transform her business. She went from making $1,800 a month while working 45 hours a week to earning over $11,000 a month working just 9 hours a week. The secret? She automated three key parts of her sales process using MiloTree. And in this post, I'm going to show you exactly what she automated and how you can set up the same system to sell digital products on autopilot. Show Notes: MiloTree Free Plan MailerLite (recommended email service provider) Goldmine Product AI Prompt Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify The Problem: Manual Sales Are Killing Your Business Growth Here's what's happening to most digital product creators. You've built amazing products—courses, coaching packages, memberships, digital downloads. You're getting some sales, but you're stuck in a manual sales cycle that looks like this: Someone downloads your freebie → You manually add them to your email list → You manually send follow-up emails → You manually process orders → You manually deliver products → Repeat. This manual process has three major problems: Time Drain: You're spending hours every week on tasks that could be automated Revenue Cap: You can only make as much money as the hours you can physically work Burnout Risk: Eventually, managing everything manually becomes unsustainable The good news? You can automate your entire sales process so your business runs without you working harder—you just work smarter. The Solution: Three Types of Sales Automation That Actually Work There are three powerful ways to automate your digital product sales: tripwires, order bumps and upsells, and email sequences. Let me break down each one and show you exactly how they work together to create a sales system that runs on autopilot. 1. Tripwires: Turn Freebie Seekers Into Buyers Instantly A tripwire is a low-cost product (usually $7-$27) that you offer immediately after someone opts in to get your free lead magnet. Here's how it works: Someone sees your content on social media → They click to download your free cheat sheet → They enter their email on your opt-in page → They land on the thank you page → Right there, they see an offer for your complete toolkit for just $17 → They click, they buy → MiloTree delivers the product automatically. You do nothing. It all happens automatically. The beauty of tripwires is that they convert freebie seekers into paying customers right away. Once someone has bought from you once, they're 9 times more likely to buy from you again. 2. Order Bumps and Upsells: Increase Average Order Value Without More Traffic Here's where things get really powerful. Someone's already buying your $47 course. At checkout, you offer a $12 complimentary workbook with one simple checkbox. They tick the box—boom, they've added it to their order. After they complete the purchase, they land on your thank you page. Now you offer them your $97 "done-for-you" premium version. With another click, they've purchased that as well. You just turned a $47 sale into a $156 sale without getting a single additional customer. Order bumps and upsells can increase your revenue by 30-50% without any additional marketing. You're simply maximizing the value of customers you're already getting. 3. Email Sequences: Build Relationships and Sell While You Sleep This is the foundation that makes everything else work. An email sequence is a series of automated emails you set up once that go out to new subscribers automatically. One of our MiloTree customers, Amanda, set up her main email sequence six months ago. That one sequence generates over $1,500 a month for her business, and she hasn't touched those emails since she initially created them. Here's what a good email automation does: Builds Relationships: Your subscribers get to know, like, and trust you through consistent communication Delivers Value: You're providing helpful content that solves their problems Sells Naturally: You're making offers that feel like helpful solutions, not pushy sales pitches Email is one of the best channels for sales. For every $1 you spend on email marketing, you typically make about $36 in return. That's a 3,600% ROI. Why You Can't Do Email Marketing Through Gmail (And What You Need Instead) Here's something crucial to understand: You cannot do email marketing through Gmail, Yahoo, or any regular email account. You need what's called an email service provider (ESP). An email service provider is a platform like MailChimp, MailerLite, Kit, or Flodesk. It's built specifically for business email marketing. Here's what ESPs do that regular email can't: Deliverability: They get your emails into people's inboxes instead of spam folders Analytics: They track who opens your emails, who clicks links, and who buys Segmentation: They let you organize subscribers based on their interests and behavior Automation: They let you set up those money-making email sequences we talked about My favorite email service provider is MailerLite. We use it ourselves for MiloTree's email marketing. I recommend it for three reasons: Free to Start: You get your first 1,000 subscribers completely free User-Friendly: It's the easiest ESP I've used—intuitive drag-and-drop design Seamless Integration: It works perfectly with MiloTree for automated product delivery MiloTree integrates with 24 email service providers, including MailChimp, Kit (formerly ConvertKit), Flodesk, ActiveCampaign, MailerLite, Klaviyo, and many others. We're always adding new integrations based on customer requests. But if you're just starting out and asking me what to try first, I'd go with MailerLite. How MiloTree and Your Email Service Provider Work Together Let me show you the exact flow of how MiloTree and your email service provider work together to automate your sales. This is where the magic happens. Here's the complete automated workflow: Step 1: Someone sees your content on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, or your blog Step 2: You offer a lead magnet (a free download, cheat sheet, template, etc.) Step 3: They click and land on your MiloTree opt-in page where they enter their name and email Step 4: MiloTree captures that email and automatically sends it to your email service provider Step 5: MiloTree instantly delivers the freebie to your new subscriber on the thank you page—they can download it immediately Step 6: At the same time, MiloTree sends a "tag" to your email service provider Step 7: That tag triggers your automated email sequence to start Step 8: Your welcome sequence begins—usually 5-7 emails that go out over the next week Step 9: These emails build the relationship, provide value, and make offers Step 10: When someone clicks to buy, MiloTree processes the payment and delivers the product automatically You do nothing. It all runs on autopilot. The Power of Tags: How to Trigger Different Email Sequences Here's what makes this system so powerful: tags. A tag is simply a label you assign to a subscriber based on what they've downloaded or purchased. Let's say you have three different freebies: A "Social Media Content Calendar" (tagged: social-media-freebie) A "Product Launch Checklist" (tagged: launch-freebie) An "Email Marketing Guide" (tagged: email-freebie) When someone downloads your Social Media Content Calendar, MiloTree automatically tags them with "social-media-freebie" in your email service provider. That tag triggers your social media email sequence. The beauty of this system is that different freebies can trigger different email sequences. Someone interested in social media gets emails about social media. Someone interested in email marketing gets emails about email marketing. You're sending the right message to the right person at the right time—all automatically. How to Set Up Your MiloTree and Email Service Provider Integration in 2 Minutes Setting up this automation sounds complicated, but it literally takes about two minutes. Let me walk you through it step by step. Step 1: Log into your MiloTree dashboard at milotree.com Step 2: Click on "Email Integration" in the menu Step 3: Select your email service provider from the dropdown menu (MailerLite, MailChimp, Kit, etc.) Step 4: Follow the simple connection instructions—every platform is slightly different, but we have step-by-step guides for each one Step 5: Test the connection to make sure it's working That's it. Now every time someone opts into your freebie, their email automatically flows into your email service provider and triggers your automated sequence. If you have any trouble with the setup, just email me at jillian@milotree.com and I'll personally help you get it working. Your Action Plan: Set Up Your Automated Sales System Today Here's exactly what I want you to do right now to start automating your sales: First, if you don't have an email service provider yet, sign up for one. I recommend MailerLite to start because it's free for your first 1,000 subscribers and it's incredibly user-friendly. Second, sign up for MiloTree if you haven't already. Start with our free plan to test everything. You can create a freebie opt-in page for free, sell a product for free, and see how the system works. Then when you're ready to scale, upgrade to one of our paid plans to run your entire digital product business with MiloTree. Third, connect MiloTree to your email service provider using the two-minute process I outlined above. Don't worry if you get stuck—just reach out and we'll help you. Fourth, create your first lead magnet if you don't have one yet. Download my free AI prompts that will help you create an irresistible freebie in about 10 minutes: The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Fifth, set up your welcome email sequence. This is the series of 5-7 emails that will build relationships and make sales automatically. Why MiloTree Makes Selling Digital Products Easier Than Any Other Platform At MiloTree, we built our platform specifically for coaches, course creators, and digital product sellers who want to automate their sales without dealing with complicated tech. Here's why creators love MiloTree: All-in-One Platform: Sell digital products, offer unlimited freebies, grow your email list, process payments, and deliver products—all from one simple dashboard No Tech Skills Required: Our AI tools help you create opt-in pages, sales pages, and checkout pages in minutes, not days Start Free: Test everything with our free plan—no credit card required. Create opt-in pages, deliver freebies, and see how the system works before you upgrade Affordable Pricing: Our paid plans start at just $9/month and grow with your business. No surprise fees or complicated pricing tiers Built for Creators: Unlike generic ecommerce platforms, MiloTree is designed specifically for digital product creators, so everything is streamlined for your needs Integrates With Everything: We connect with 24 email service providers, plus all major payment processors Personal Support: When you have questions, you can email me directly at jillian@milotree.com and I'll help you personally
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 263 - Andrew & Sean sit down to discuss essential e-commerce and Shopify strategy that you need to know about if you are starting from ground 0. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 262 - Andrew, Sean and Donnie discuss how your crowdfunding business should build community from lessons learned from the 1948 film classic 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Must Watch Episodes
In today's episode, I answer the question: “Should I use Substack for my newsletter or something like Kit (formerly Convertkit)?” I explain that Substack is a good fit for people who primarily want to share their thoughts or report news to an audience, especially writers and journalists. You can set a premium price for subscribers, though Substack takes a percentage of your earnings.SubstackSubstack is a newsletter-first publishing platform built around simple creation and monetization of written content. It lets creators publish posts that go both to an email inbox and a web page, with built-in tools for paid subscriptions and community engagement (comments, chat, Notes).Kit (formerly Converkit)Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is an email-marketing platform designed for creators who want more control over audience relationships, automation, and monetization — not just basic newsletters. It includes advanced segmentation, automation workflows, and tools for selling digital products alongside newsletters.Growing Your ListI talk about the low conversion rate for newsletter signups—typically only 3-5% of your audience might subscribe, and having a strong lead magnet helps increase that number.Personally, I use my newsletter in a hybrid way: I share my thoughts on podcasting, updates on my latest content, things that have caught my eye, and a call to check out the School of Podcasting. However, if your main goal is marketing, Substack isn't the best choice. Tools like Kit, MailerLite, and Beehiv are better for things like automated sequences, lead magnets, and selling advertising.I also discuss how some platforms—like Riverside and Kajabi—offer podcast hosting, but I don't recommend using services that aren't specifically built for podcast hosting. If you're considering a platform, always check if they offer important tools like 301 redirects for your podcast feed.Got More Questions?In summary, if you just want to inform and connect with your audience, Substack is an easy and free option. If you want to do marketing or advanced list-building, platforms like Kit or MailerLite are better suited.If you need help with any of this, don't hesitate to reach out or join the School of Podcasting, where you'll find step-by-step courses, consulting, and a supportive community.This content may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I trust and believe will provide value to you. Thank you for your support!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Episode 261 - Andrew sits down with Cody Miller & Ira Fay to discuss the development of the massive open world board game Arydia. Must Watch Episodes
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Episode 260 of the Crowdfunding Nerds Podcast. Marketing advice you have heard before and need to hear again! Thank you to our sponsors. https://herotime1.com/ - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 https://bridgedist.com/ - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! https://store.tabletone.app/ - TableTone is your ultimate tabletop audio gaming tool that uses studio recorded soundscapes from real musicians and sound engineers. Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV https://crowdfundingnerds.com/academy/ - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at https://crowdfundingnerds.com/ and join our bustling community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crowdfundingnerds/ Stay Nerdy!
Black Friday brings the biggest savings of the year for authors, and I rounded up the deals you will not want to miss. From writing tools to book promotion to web hosting, these offers help you grow your author business without breaking the bank. Check the show notes for all the links and deadlines. Grab what fits your goals before the sales end. Full disclosure: Most of these links are part of affiliate programs where I get compensated for any sales made through them. This is at no extra cost to you and greatly helps support this podcast. Thanks for your understanding and support. Links: YouTube for Authors (paperback) - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeForAuthors - 25% off through Dec. 1, 2025 YouTube for Authors (hardcover) - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeHardcover - 34% off through Dec. 1, 2025 Lulu: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide - https://dalelinks.com/giftguide2025 Lulu - https://Lulu.com - Use WRITE30 for 30% off all print products Miblart - https://DaleLinks.com/MiblartDesign - Coupon Code: BLACK20 for 20% off Book Covers - valid till December 3 Getcovers - https://DaleLinks.com/GetCovers - Coupon Code: BLACK25 for 25% off all services - valid till December 3 ProWritingAid - https://DaleLinks.com/ProWritingAid - 50% off yearly and lifetime plans - ends December 3 Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate - Get 30% off three months of the Pro Plan with BLACKFRIDAY30, and get 40% off Add-on Tokens for Create with BLACKFRIDAY40 - Offer expires Dec. 2, 2025 Dibbly - https://DaleLinks.com/Dibbly - Get 12% off all services with BLACKFRIDAYTUW12 - Offer expires Dec. 2 Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket - $30 off, plus access to Mastering Keywords & Categories Course (normally $49.99) - Offer ends on Dec. 3, 2025 Cravebooks - https://DaleLinks.com/Cravebooks - 5-Day Black Friday Countdown Sale - 50% off on November 28, 2025, then the discount goes down by 10% everyday AppSumo - https://DaleLinks.com/AppSumo - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 AppSumo Deal: DepositPhotos - https://DaleLinks.com/DepositPhotos - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 MailerLite - https://DaleLinks.com/MailerLite - 25% off annual plans - Good till December 16, 2025 Kit - https://DaleLinks.com/Kit - Get 60% off 3 months of the Creator Plan - Good till December 2, 2025 Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com - Promotion available for a limited time Gemsy- https://DaleLinks.com/Gemsy - Get 50% off the yearly plan with promo code DALEBF50 - good through Dec. 5, 2025 SiteGround - https://DaleLinks.com/SiteGround - 85% off Premium Web Hosting, plus 3 months FREE Site Scanner & Premium Backup - Sale ends Dec. 2, 2025 ContentStudio - https://dalelinks.com/contentstudiodeal - 40% off annual plan - Offer ends on Nov. 30, 2025 Riverside - https://DaleLinks.com/Riverside - 35% off annual plans for new users with code BF2025 -Offer ends Dec. 1, 2025 AuthorAI - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorsAI - 25% off with code BFDEAL - Good through Dec. 1, 2025 Other relevant links: Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKv8xcrFntOERL7NUXgkypg/join Join my Discord community - http://dalelinks.com/discord Check out my podcast channel - https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Ever wondered how to elevate your podcast game and marketing strategy? In Episode 259 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, your hosts Andrew and Sean take you behind the scenes as they embark on a journey to upgrade both the audio and video quality of their show. Why is authenticity the secret sauce in marketing, and how can a simple AI-generated ad go hilariously wrong? We dive into these questions and more! Discover the importance of having a guiding principle, or "lonely mountain," to navigate through the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Learn why building an email list is more reliable than solely depending on Kickstarter followers, and explore the potential pitfalls of the $1 VIP pledge strategy. Join us as we chat about the power of diverse guest perspectives and the continuous learning needed to thrive in the crowdfunding world. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to boost your marketing game. Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Are you ready to level up your post-campaign sales game? In episode 258 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Sean and Andrew, dive deep into the art of manufacturing, bundling, and distribution. Ever wondered how to maximize your returns after a successful Kickstarter? We've got you covered! Sponsored by HeroTime Manufacturing, we explore how to strategically plan your manufacturing orders, using my own game, Deliverance, as a case study. Discover how accessories and add-ons can boost your average order value and why a web store is essential for offering exclusive bundles. We also unravel the complexities of Amazon distribution and how to keep your profits intact. Plus, Sean reveals how ClickFunnels can transform your checkout process with upselling magic! Tune in for insights on controlling product flow, avoiding deep discounters, and innovative marketing strategies that could revolutionize your game sales. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips for long-term success! Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: www.tabletone.app Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Ready to level up your game design and marketing strategies? In episode 255 of the Crowdfunding Nerds podcast, hosts Andrew and Sean dive deep into the art of strategy, tactics, and operations. Ever wondered how military doctrines could inspire game design? Or how a clear strategic vision can revolutionize your marketing efforts? Join us as Sean shares his intriguing research into military operations and how these concepts can transform both game development and marketing. From defining strategy as the "why" to tactics as the "way," we explore how these elements play out in chess, game design, and crowdfunding. Andrew talks about optimizing player engagement from the first move, while Sean outlines how strategic clarity can prevent marketing missteps. Whether you're a game designer or marketer, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your projects. Don't miss out on creating a well-designed product and executing a thoughtful marketing strategy! Links to Check Out: UK Defense Doctrine 6th Edition: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63776f4de90e0728553b568b/UK_Defence_Doctrine_Ed6.pdf Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
How do you craft a video game that hooks players and keeps them coming back for more? Dive into Episode 256 of Crowdfunding Nerds, where Andrew along with special guest Chris Cantero, unravel the magic behind addictive gameplay loops and reward systems. Chris, who has worked on iconic titles like Doom Eternal, shares insights from his latest roguelite creation, High Fructose. Imagine a thrilling mix of Fruit Ninja, Brotato, and Ghost Runner, where battling fruit-themed foes is just the beginning! We explore how meaningful choices and innovative mechanics, like High Fructose's card-based system, keep players engaged. Plus, discover the secrets of indie game marketing with stories of viral successes like Mega Bonk. Whether you're a budding developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with tips on creating captivating games and standing out in a crowded market. Tune in for a masterclass in game design and marketing! Links to Check Out: AsmonGold talks Megabonk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaet9XyFMOU Connect with Chris: X: https://x.com/canterochris/ Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/canterochris.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playchazakgames/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chriscantero889 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChazakGames/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscantero Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Ever wondered what makes a game truly addictive? Join us on this episode of the Crowdfunding Nerds as Andrew and Sean, along with game design expert Evan Gilcrest, unravel the secret sauce behind captivating gameplay loops. From the indie darling "Megabonk" to the colossal "World of Warcraft," we explore how balancing complexity and simplicity can make or break a game's success. Discover how "Megabonk" achieved indie fame with a shoestring budget and learn how these principles can transform tabletop gaming. We dive deep into the art of scaling challenges to match player skill, ensuring that newcomers aren't overwhelmed while seasoned players stay engaged. Plus, we tackle the "gear treadmill" dilemma in lifestyle games and share how to keep your players coming back for more. Whether you're a developer or a gaming enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights to level up your understanding of game design. Tune in now! Links to Check Out: Table Tone App: https://www.tabletone.app/ Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook.Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Ever wondered why your Facebook ads aren't hitting the mark? In episode 254 of Crowdfunding Nerds, Andrew and Sean unravel the mysteries of Meta advertising and share how to avoid costly pitfalls. Are you targeting the "lowest hanging fruit" in your marketing, or is Meta's AI leading you astray? We dive into the importance of manual control over ad settings to maximize effectiveness and prevent wasted spend. But that's not all! We also explore the critical role of playtesting and physical prototypes in game design. Discover how engaging directly with your audience can refine your game and marketing strategy. Plus, we chat about AI in content creation—how much control should you really give it? Tune in for practical advice and insights, and don't forget to check out the Crowdfunding Nerds Academy for more strategies to supercharge your crowdfunding campaigns. Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? In episode 253 of the Crowdfunding Nerds, we tackle the art of time management and the power of 'no' in business. Have you ever missed a crucial meeting because your schedule was bursting at the seams? Andrew and Sean share personal stories and strategies to help you avoid this pitfall. We dive into the first six months of SEO marketing and why they're crucial for building client trust. Discover how tech titans like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk master their priorities, and learn how you can, too, using tools like Google Tasks. Delegation, scope creep, and guarding your personal time—it's all on the table. Are you ready to reclaim your schedule and focus on what truly matters? Tune in and transform your approach to time management! Thank you to our sponsors! HeroTime1.com - Get a 3% discount off your Hero Time Manufacturing order using code: CrowdfundingNerds101 BridgeDist.com - We recommend Bridge Distribution & Fulfillment for US fulfillment and Amazon fulfillment. We use them for our own projects, too! Hive Interactive Pledge Manager - http://crowdfundingnerds.com/hive We recommend Mailerlite for building your community [Affiliate] - https://www.mailerlite.com/a/6K95GNejWHMV CrowdfundingNerds.com/Academy - If you are looking to DIY your crowdfunding, we have highly impactful courses that teach you how to build, excite, and prepare a crowd to fund you on Launch Day! Check out our website at crowdfundingnerds.com and join our bustling community on Facebook. Stay Nerdy!
Crowdfunding Nerds: Kickstarter Marketing For Board Games & Beyond!
Ever wondered how game designers breathe life into immersive worlds? Or how family dynamics shape creative processes? Join us on this captivating episode of Crowdfunding Nerds as Sean and Donnie sit down with Cody Pondsmith from R. Talsorian Games to explore these very questions. Dive into Cody's fascinating journey from his early days in game design, under the tutelage of his legendary father, Mike Pondsmith, to his groundbreaking project, Shadow Scar. Discover the meticulous process behind adapting systems like Cyberpunk to fit The Witcher's fantasy realm, and gain insights into the unique challenges of working within a family business. Cody shares his two-decade-long passion project, Shadow Scar, emphasizing stealth over combat and the importance of cultural sensitivity in game design. Don't miss Cody's invitation to explore the Shadow Scar Kickstarter and learn how you can join the Crowdfunding Nerds community to fuel your own creative ventures. Tune in and level up your game design knowledge!
If you're tired of chasing one-off ebook/course sales and want income that stacks every month, a low-key membership is the fastest, simplest path—built with tools you already use (Zoom + Facebook/WhatsApp + your email service). In my latest Blogger Genius episode, I break down the exact approach (plus 2 copy-and-paste AI prompts) to design, launch, and grow a membership that compounds without burning you out. Show Notes: MiloTree Free Plan Low-Key Membership Prompt Pack Digital Product Ladder AI Prompt (Free Download) 6 Purchasing Triggers Test Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify TL;DR (Problem → Solution) Problem: One-off product sales force you to keep launching and promoting to make money and for many people that is hard. Solution: A low-key membership: 2 Zoom sessions/month + lightweight community + simple emails. That's it. Recurring payments keep coming in—even when you're not launching. Why “Low-Key Memberships” Win in 2025 Recurring revenue > one-offs: Each new member adds to your baseline. Members stay for community, not modules: Overstuffed content = churn. Connection and momentum = retention. Zero tech headaches: Use platforms people already check daily (FB/WhatsApp) and Zoom they already know. Real-world results shared in the episode: Weight-loss creator: $300/mo → $2,800/mo with Zoom + private FB group. Anxiety coach: $4,100/mo with WhatsApp + biweekly calls. Your Starter Stack (Keep It Simple) Delivery: 2 Zoom sessions/month (Teaching + Q&A). Community: Facebook Group or WhatsApp for quick wins + peer support. Communication: Your existing email service provider (Mailchimp, MailerLite, Flodesk, ConvertKit). Payments & pages: MiloTree—AI sales pages, Stripe checkout, recurring billing. Start free to grow your list; upgrade when you're ready to accept membership payments. 7-Day Launch Plan (No Pre-Recorded Library) Day 1: Pick your promise (one painful problem you'll help members solve monthly). Day 2: Post your interest waitlist with a freebie (see below). Day 3: Price: $27–$97/mo. Add a 10× annual option (e.g., $47/mo or $470/yr). Day 4: Create an outline for your first month's sessions. Day 5: Open your MiloTree membership (AI sales page + Stripe billing). Day 6: DM warm leads (from FB groups/WhatsApp/LinkedIn) with your waitlist link. Day 7: Host a founders' kickoff (set expectations, celebrate early wins). Pro tip: Build with your members. Teach what they ask for next. That “fluid plan” keeps content laser-relevant and retention high. Copy-and-Paste AI Prompts (Use These to Build It Fast) Prompt #1 — Design your membership “Design a low-key membership for my expertise in [YOUR NICHE]. I want something simple that builds community using free platforms people already know. First, validate my niche using these six purchasing triggers: makes money, saves money, saves time, moves toward happiness, moves away from pain, raises social status (explain which apply). Then create a concept that: meets twice monthly (1 teaching call, 1 Q&A via Zoom); uses Facebook Groups/Discord/WhatsApp for interaction; uses email for schedules/recordings/updates; focuses on implementation (not info overload); builds naturally without tons of pre-created content; develops a supportive community; and is priced $27–$97/mo. Finally, give me the name, core promise, monthly structure, and an engagement + referral strategy.” Prompt #2 — Find your first members “I'm launching the [MEMBERSHIP NAME] from the previous prompt. Give me the 10 best places to attract ideal members with specific strategies. Include communities, social platforms, networking, and partnerships. For each, show how to introduce my offer naturally (not salesy), what value to lead with, and how to start DMs that convert. Also give me 5 content ideas that demonstrate expertise and nudge people toward ongoing support.” Pricing & Positioning (Simple Rules) Start $27–$97/mo; add a 10× annual plan to boost cash flow and commitment. Promise one result per month (not a giant library). Sell outcomes: “From stuck to consistent posting,” “From chaos to meal-prep routine,” “From anxiety spiral to daily calm.” Retention Playbook (Why Members Stay) Two predictable touchpoints (Teaching + Q&A). Community micro-wins (weekly check-ins, share wins, peer feedback). Fluid curriculum (teach what members ask for next). Use MiloTree to Power It (Free → Paid, Without Friction) Start free: Use MiloTree Free Plan to build your list fast—create an AI-generated opt-in page for your freebie, store the file, and deliver it automatically. When ready to charge: Upgrade to accept recurring membership payments—MiloTree auto-generates your sales page with AI and runs Stripe billing for you. Set monthly + annual prices in minutes. Freebie to Kickstart Signups Offer something your ideal member can use this week, e.g.: “7-Day Kickstart Calendar” “Swipe Files: Posts/Emails/Templates” “Quick-Wins Checklist” My freebie: Low-Key Membership AI Prompt Pack—the exact prompts above, ready to paste and launch. (Grab it below.) Show Notes / Resources MiloTree Free Plan – start building your email list and delivering freebies today. Low-Key Membership AI Prompt Pack (Free) – copy, paste, launch. Set Up Your Membership in MiloTree – add your name, price (monthly + annual), and let AI build your page; Stripe handles recurring payments. FAQ Do I need a content library before launch? No. Teach live, capture recordings, and let member questions shape the roadmap. That's what keeps it relevant and light for you. Which platform for community? Pick where your audience already is (FB Group, Instagram, Discord, WhatsApp, Slack, etc.). Lower friction = higher engagement. How soon can I hit $1K/month? Many creators reach their first $1K within ~90 days using this simple stack and outreach. Your mileage varies—but the model compounds. Call to Action
On this week's episode of The Terrific Teacherpreneur, I discuss the big changes coming to email service providers.In this episode, I discuss:Exactly what changes are coming to Flodesk, Kit, & MailerliteWhether you should start email marketing as a newbieWhether you should switch to Flodesk if you already have a listWhy it's okay to care about pricingTune in to hear my honest thoughts on the current news with email service providers! Get 50% off your first year with Flodesk here.Check out my email marketing course for TPT sellers here.- Like what you're hearing? Feel free to leave a review for this podcast!- Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so that you don't miss an episode!Interested in learning more about TPT, Pinterest, or email marketing? Check out my TPT seller courses here!
Send us a text! (Your number stays private)I've been watching everyone panic about switching email platforms lately - Flodesk ending flat rate pricing, Kit raising prices, Mailerlite making changes. But here's what's making me cringe: almost every post I see is driven by one thing - price. And as someone who's switched platforms 5+ times (embarrassing, I know), I had to share why not the way you should be making this decision. Your email platform is one of the most important pieces of your business. Before you jump ship to save a few bucks, there are hidden costs and better alternatives you need to consider. Instead of chasing the cheapest option, I'm sharing what actually matters and how to invest that switching energy into better email marketing results. 02:00 - The email platform price increase drama everyone's talking about 03:15 - Hidden costs of switching that no one mentions04:30 - My embarrassing platform-switching confession 05:15 - What actually matters when choosing an email platform 06:30 - Smart alternatives to switching platforms 08:00 - My 90-day cold subscriber automation that saves moneyLinks & Resources:The Savvy Seller CollectiveFollow me on Instagram @kristendoyle.co Check out my Everything Page: a one-stop shop for savvy selling!Rate & review The Savvy Seller on Apple PodcastsCheck out my Everything Page at https://kristendoyle.co/everything
KDP has quietly confirmed a huge change to the Select program, and we've got the update. Plus, big audiobook news from ElevenLabs, a lifetime discount on Authorbase, and a special report from Jane Friedman on the past decade of publishing. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News for September 9, 2025. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter Email Marketing for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook Sources: KDP: How to enroll in KDP Select - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GD9PMU58BV24QFZ7#enroll Kindlepreneur: ghost categories. - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/ Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) Amazon Ads - https://advertising.amazon.com Writer Beware: If Your Publisher Promised to Register Your Copyright, Check Your Registration Now - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/29/if-your-publisher-promised-to-register-your-copyright-check-your-registration-now Jane Friedman: How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 - https://janefriedman.com/how-publishing-has-changed-since-2015/ GeniusLink - https://DaleLinks.com/Genius (affiliate link) ALLi's 2025 Author Income Survey - https://allianceindependentauthors.org/survey (deadline September 17, 2025) MailerLite: Free plan update: What you need to know - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/free-plan-update-faq MailerLite - https://dalelinks.com/mailerlite (affiliate link) Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) ElevenReader - https://elevenreader.io/ AuthorBase - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorBase (affiliate link) Lock in 20% off for life till September 30th. September 2025: Creating Multiple Income Streams from Your Book - https://twinflamesstudios.com/monetize?partnerid=r1397 (affiliate link) Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insider: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=JY2_3R4oSxEeCSlv Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts