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 #245: Annette Gallagher Part 2
Annette Gallagher, Red Tornado Communications: From Layoff to Solopreneur Momentum Annette Gallagher is the high-energy founder behind Red Tornado Communications, a writer and strategist who turned a 2020 layoff into a thriving solo practice. In this episode, she breaks down how a journalist’s deadline discipline, a deep professional network, and smart subcontracting let her deliver “full-team” results without building a payroll. If you’re debating the leap from paycheck to client work, Annette’s story is a playbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uV9zZf86g4 Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Email Marketing Isn’t Dead: Annette emphasizes that while many dismiss email, it remains one of the most powerful tools when done right, especially in B2B. Nuance Matters: A single line in an email can mean the difference between no responses and a 10% success rate. Precision and testing are everything. B2B vs. B2C Marketing: B2C can thrive on discounts and coupons, but B2B requires building trust, speaking to multiple decision-makers, and proving long-term value. Content Marketing Has Deep Roots: From the Guinness Book of World Records to the Michelin Guide, smart content marketing has been driving business for more than a century. The Power of Freelancing: Annette shares her journey of leaving restrictive office environments to thrive as a freelancer, highlighting the freedom, flexibility, and creativity it unlocked. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uV9zZf86g4 Memorable Quote: “If email marketing didn’t work, my inbox wouldn’t be overflowing right now.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Annette Linkedin Globe
Episode #222: Evan Weber – PublisherFinders.com & Experience Advertisin
Evan Weber (PublisherFinders.com & Experience Advertising): Ads That Click, Affiliates That Scale Evan Weber is a 20+ year digital marketing veteran who’s helped 300+ brands win with paid media, affiliate programs, and conversion rate optimization. On Clicks & Bricks, he breaks down why compelling headlines, smart tools, and residual revenue models separate the hobbyists from the operators. Evan recently launched PublisherFinders.com, a SaaS that helps companies find and recruit high-quality affiliates, bloggers, and partners—born from his decades of hands-on experience. Why he matters: Evan’s track record spans eCommerce, B2B, and B2C, and his playbook is relentlessly practical: tighten your ads, test your landing pages, add the right widgets, and retarget everywhere (with sane budgets). If you’re building a tool, an affiliate program, or just trying to make paid traffic pay, this episode is a clinic. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Headlines drive cost-per-click. More clickable ad headlines push CPC down—always test multiple variations and let the platforms show you the winners. Optimize the landing page, not just the ad. A/B test headlines, CTAs, and imagery; pair it with behavior tracking (think session recordings/heatmaps) to remove friction. Retarget on every platform—lightly. Run low daily budgets across Facebook/Instagram, YouTube, Google, Pinterest, TikTok, and web display to stay visible without overspending. Affiliate strategy: chase residuals. B2B/SaaS affiliate programs with monthly commissions create true “semi-passive” revenue; one-time eCom payouts rarely do. Build tools, not just campaigns. Subscription software solves real problems and compounds revenue—spec it tightly, avoid scope creep, and combine vetted dev teams with strong product leadership. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM9s7P0YQ8 Memorable Quote: “We’re only getting started, baby.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Evan Linkedin Globe Phone-alt