In this episode, we dissect Interact with Riddle. Two quiz creators.

Interact nails it with a clear pitch: "Make Quizzes That Convert." It’s a lead-gen machine, perfect for crafting product recommenders or capturing emails with laser focus. Think of it as the smooth-talking salesperson who knows exactly what you need—before you do. But calling it a "quiz" feels like a pop quiz you didn’t study for.

Riddle, dubbed the "Ultimate Quiz Maker and Engagement Platform," fumbles with vague buzzwords. It throws "publishers" and "sports teams" into the mix but doesn’t explain how. It’s like a coach hyping a game plan with no playbook. Leaderboards and sports flair give it a slight edge for fun, but the messaging flops.

The Verdict: Interact wins for clarity and conversion focus; Riddle’s got potential but needs to quit riddling us with confusion.

In this Episode, Dallin and Cameron critique the vague, jargon-heavy branding of Lucid’s “work acceleration platform” and Miro’s “innovation workspace,” arguing that both companies overreach by tying their products to lofty concepts like innovation and transformation, rather than emphasizing their core value: collaborative virtual whiteboards. They highlight how Lucid’s product-level messaging—focused on use cases like agile planning and system architecture is far clearer than its macro-level fluff, while Miro’s “one place where all teams gather” resonates but lacks specificity. The episode explores the pitfalls of “shiny object syndrome” in branding, the importance of consistent messaging across platforms like Instagram, and the need for a clear messaging hierarchy. If you’re struggling to differentiate your product in a competitive space, this episode offers insights on cutting through the noise.

Blending in with the competition is a death sentence for founders. Creating clear, consistent messaging can create a lasting competitive advantage. Dallin and Cameron compare Dell Technologies to the sharp, visually compelling differentiation of Framework, a company offering customizable, upgradeable laptops. From critiquing Dell’s “nothing burger” website to praising Framework’s “configure once, upgrade whenever” approach, Cameron and Dallin break down what works, what doesn’t, and why your messaging matters. They also touch on the pitfalls of kitschy branding and the importance of aligning your Instagram, LinkedIn, and website to tell a cohesive story. If you’re a founder staring down industry giants, this episode is your guide to bulletproofing your brand and capturing market share.

SpaceX vs Blue Origin. While both companies share a bold vision for humanity's future in space, their approaches to differentiation couldn't be more distinct. From Blue Origin's focus on space tourism and aspirational messaging like "Fly to Space on New Shepard, Become an Astronaut," to SpaceX's emphasis on reusable rocket technology and multi-planetary ambitions, the hosts unpack how each company carves out its unique position in a crowded market. They explore the power of targeting specific audiences, leveraging proprietary technology, and crafting compelling brand messages to create lasting competitive advantages. Tune in to discover what sets these billionaire-backed ventures apart and how differentiation drives success in the final frontier.

Cameron and Dallin explore the competitive landscape of online therapy platforms, pitting BetterHelp against Talkspace. With both companies offering virtual therapy, the hosts dive into how each differentiates itself in a crowded market. BetterHelp leans heavily on aspirational hero language like "Get Help, Get Happy" and a robust influencer marketing strategy to drive growth. Meanwhile, Talkspace stands out by emphasizing its in-network status with major insurance providers, potentially creating a significant barrier to entry. The hosts analyze how these platforms use product, sales channel, and messaging strategies to carve out their unique identities, discussing the power of clear communication and strategic differentiation. Tune in to discover which platform comes out on top and what lessons their approaches offer for standing out in any industry.

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill sit down with Marty Ringlein, CEO of Agree.com, to explore how the company is disrupting the DocuSign-dominated e-signature market.

Agree.com offers free e-signatures, earning revenue through invoicing and payments, and uses AI to streamline contracts from signing to payment in minutes. While DocuSign excels with enterprise integrations, Agree.com focuses on speed, simplicity, and affordability for freelancers and small businesses.

Tune in to learn how Agree.com’s wedge strategy sets it apart—and how you can use the same principles to strengthen your own brand. Visit protagonistcomms.co for a free message audit.

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill break down how Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, is taking on beverage giant Coca-Cola. Poppi appeals to health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials with a low-calorie, low-sugar formula made with real fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and prebiotics—contrasting Coca-Cola’s high-calorie, high-sugar sodas.

The hosts highlight Poppi’s bold packaging and social media community-building but note its website lacks clear messaging. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola leans on its iconic brand and nostalgia, yet struggles to adapt to rising demand for healthier drinks.

Tune in to see how Poppi challenges Coca-Cola’s dominance and why sharp, consistent messaging is key to standing out. Visit protagonistcomms.co for a free message audit and competitive analysis.

Startups can avoid blending in with the competition and create a lasting competitive advantage. This episode focuses on two AI note-taking companies, Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai, dissecting their strikingly similar marketing strategies and why claiming to be "number one" fails to set them apart. With sharp insights and a touch of humor, Cameron and Dallin critique the lack of originality in their messaging, from nearly identical website copy to overlapping product features, and discuss why low-effort marketing tactics can harm a brand’s credibility. Tune in to learn how to craft a unique brand identity and avoid the pitfalls of copycat marketing.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team’s messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand with MessageOS. Visit protagonistcomms.co for more.

Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill analyze the messaging of meal delivery services like Beehive Meals and Factor, critiquing their website clarity and differentiation. From the pitfalls of confusing rotating hero banners to the power of clear, targeted product language, they share actionable tips for founders and marketers. Plus, enjoy personal stories about meal prep and parenting, and learn how MessageOS can keep your brand consistent. Tune in to discover how to make your brand stand out and create a lasting competitive edge.

In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the challenge of differentiation in the saturated world of personal injury law. They analyze two major Utah-based firms, Craig Swapp & Associates and Good Guys Injury Law, revealing how their websites and messaging are nearly identical, offering no clear reason for clients to choose one over the other. From "free consultations" to "no fees until you win," both firms lean on generic promises that fail to stand out. The hosts explore why differentiation is critical in a market with constant demand and suggest specializing in niche areas, like wrongful death lawsuits or targeting specific audiences, to create a competitive edge. They highlight Moxie Law Group, a female-led firm, as an example of effective differentiation by focusing on a unique identity and selective case acceptance. Tune in for practical insights on avoiding the trap of sounding like everyone else and building a distinct brand.

Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team's messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand with Message OS. Visit protagonistcomms.co to learn more.