Clicks and bricks Podcast

Episode #259: Alyson Shane Part 2

Alyson Shane of Starling Social on Smarter Content, Email, and Ads That Actually Perform Alyson Shane is the founder of Starling Social—a nimble, data-driven digital marketing agency focused on strategy, social media and ads, PPC, and content that moves the needle. She’s a lifelong writer and A-type operator who brings order to chaos, builds clear processes, and believes in radical transparency with clients. If you care about measurable marketing (not vanity metrics), this conversation is for you. Why she matters: Alyson breaks down where small and mid-sized businesses should actually spend time and budget—from platform focus to blogging frameworks and email that converts. Her approach blends bullet-proof reporting, real accountability, and practical execution you can implement today. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Own your data & access. Run ads under your accounts and insist on transparent reporting you can verify directly in your dashboards. Skip co-managing chaos. Shared control of campaigns invites finger-pointing and mistakes—assign clear ownership for better results. Be where your buyers are (not where the hype is). TikTok can be resource-heavy and may not match your audience; diversify platforms with purpose. Email is a massive, underused advantage. Think of it as the “spare key to someone’s house”—direct, opted-in access where action is required. Blogging is a long-term growth engine. Use listicles, how-to posts, strong headers/structure, and the “bricks & feathers” model to repurpose big pieces into many smaller assets. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF1jEx3sys8 Memorable Quote: “Email marketing is like getting the spare key to someone’s house.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now

Episode #236: Jordan Hinsch

Jordan Hinsch — Never Jordanary (Blogger & Travel Creator) Jordan Hinsch is a native New Yorker turned Miami-based sales and business development pro who channels his “thoughtful risk-taking” into a thriving travel-and-lifestyle blog, Never Jordanary. By pairing a steady W-2 career in commercial real estate and live events with smart side hustles, Jordan shows how creators can build durable income streams without abandoning stability. A data-driven marketer, avid traveler (39 U.S. national parks and counting), photographer, and paddleboarder, Jordan built an audience with practical, list-style posts (“weekend getaways,” “best paddleboard spots”) and an authenticity that attracted brands—while staying selective about partnerships. Key Takeaways: Thoughtful risk-taking beats reckless leaps. Jordan plans moves analytically—even taking a career pause to realign—while keeping the benefits of a W-2 (income, insurance) as a strategic base. Blogs are real businesses. Listicles and evergreen guides are highly consumable and can monetize through AdSense and affiliate links—if you publish consistently. If a post ranks, hands off. Resist the urge to “improve” a winner; unnecessary edits can tank SEO. Avoid year-stamped titles that age out fast. Make time your advantage. Treat a “half-day” like 12 hours and squeeze value from your 1,440 minutes—create, learn (he’s tackling Portuguese), and still leave room to unwind. Never run out of first times. New experiences keep life, relationships, and business fresh—whether it’s a new workout, a date spot, or a bold travel itinerary. Catch the full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XfVtZe_dRw Memorable Quote: “Never run out of first times.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Jordan Linkedin Globe Youtube Instagram