Feeling stuck with limited resources? In this episode, Lauren and Aurrie break down exactly how to move the needle in your marketing with zero dollars and minimal time. Discover the M.E.R. Mapped Out Method (Messaging, Existing Presence, Relationships) that prioritizes high-impact strategies over expensive campaigns. Whether you're bootstrapping a startup or managing a lean team, you'll learn actionable ways to optimize what you already have before investing in paid marketing.

Episode Highlights

• [00:01:03] The startling stat: 44% of businesses lack a quantitative understanding of their marketing's impact
• [00:02:11] Why many businesses struggle to allocate marketing budgets effectively
• [00:05:31] The M.E.R. Method: Messaging, Existing Presence, Relationships as zero-budget priorities
• [00:10:15] How to craft a clear pitch that anyone can understand in 5 seconds
• [00:14:19] Creative call-to-action strategies that actually convert (beyond "Learn More")
• [00:18:34] Optimizing Google Business Profile for local and AI search visibility
• [00:21:38] Leveraging existing relationships as your most powerful free marketing tool
• [00:28:00] Strategic social proof collection that drives conversions
• [00:35:03] Simple UGC strategies when you're bootstrapping your content
• [00:37:19] When to start spending and how to determine your first marketing investment
• [00:41:26] The phased approach to building a sustainable marketing strategy

What You'll Learn

• How to refine your messaging for maximum impact without spending a dollar
• The importance of A/B testing your communication across platforms
• Simple ways to optimize your existing web presence and social profiles
• Techniques for leveraging past client relationships to drive new business
• Why strategic partnerships might be your most valuable marketing asset
• Methods for collecting and utilizing powerful social proof
• How to develop content without a production budget
• When it's time to start allocating budget and where to invest first
• Creating a phased marketing approach that funds itself

Meet Your Hosts: 

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 75+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Connect With Us

Have questions about marketing on a limited budget? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com for more episodes and to connect with us.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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