The Stupid, Simple Marketing Podcast

Summary

Navigating the demands of marketing as a small team often means feeling inundated by big-budget strategies, shiny new tactics, and outsized expectations. In the latest episode of Stupid, Simple Marketing, Bryan Fittin and published author, Brad Alexander, break down why smaller teams have strengths that are too often overlooked and how to leverage them for outsized impact.

Rather than chasing every webinar or trying to replicate the campaigns of massive brands, Brad advocates for what he calls the five disciplines: crystal clear messaging, refreshingly proactive communication, unforgettable customer experience, relentless consistency, and unmistakable human touch. As he shares, clarity in messaging magnifies every aspect of your business, from sales conversations to customer retention. Proactive updates and a personalized approach, meanwhile, build trust and spark word-of-mouth, which is a superpower for teams with limited budgets.

Additionally, Brad and Bryan dig into the pitfalls of adopting playbooks built for bigger teams, highlighting the frustration and disappointment that can arise when small marketing departments are handed plans designed with a staff of twenty in mind. The conversation pivots quickly, however, celebrating the nimbleness, customer proximity, and rapid execution possible in a small team. Instead of apologizing for their size, Brad encourages marketers to embrace their ability to implement creative changes quickly and connect deeply with customers.

Closing with practical advice, Brad underscores the importance of consistency and focus: don’t let the chase for new tools or shiny tactics dilute your efforts. With the right mindset and disciplined approach, small teams can compete, and win, on their own terms. Listen today!

Show Notes

00:00 Philosophies for Small Teams

04:31 Improving Business Communication Strategies

07:09 Maintaining Consistency and Human Touch

10:42 Resource Disparities in Business

13:13 Embracing Small Team Agility

17:17 Creative Struggles in Marketing

22:54 Growing Your Marketing Team

26:57 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Summary

Do you ever feel like having a small team is a disadvantage in business or marketing? If so, you’re not alone, but you might be overlooking your greatest asset. In the latest episode of the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast, Bryan Fittin and co-host Brad Alexander dive deep into the small team advantage, sharing how small teams can outperform larger competitors by leveraging agility, human touch, and focused strategy.

Brad, fresh off writing a book on this very topic, brings firsthand experience from years of consulting businesses ranging from mom-and-pop shops to multimillion-dollar companies. Through their conversation, Bryan and Brad deconstruct the commonly held belief that bigger is always better, highlighting instead the unique advantages small teams have—like quick decision-making, personalized customer service, and the ability to build genuine connections.

Listeners will learn about the five disciplines that create a standout small team: ridiculously clear messaging, refreshingly proactive communication, unforgettable customer experiences, relentless consistency, and an unmistakable human touch. By focusing on these principles, small teams can not only survive, but thrive, turning limitations into superpowers.

What’s especially powerful about this episode is the actionable insight: Start by refining your messaging. Even minor changes can elevate every aspect of your business, from sales to client relationships. Whether you’re an agency, a service provider, or a small business owner, Bryan and Brad offer a compelling roadmap to making your small team your biggest advantage!

Show Notes

00:00 Consulting Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

04:25 Embracing Company Size and Strengths

08:22 Improving Client Experience Strategies

12:59 The Importance of Clear Messaging

18:32 Standing Out with Unique Experiences

23:05 Focusing on Consistent Strategies

30:45 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Summary

Are you convinced your website just needs a facelift to boost sales and traffic? In this episode of the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast, Bryan Fittin, Brad Alexander, and guest Jason Rutel challenge the idea that surface-level redesigns are the key to digital success.

Too often, marketers rush straight into colors, layouts, and trendy visuals, neglecting the true foundation of a high-performing website: clarity and intention. Jason explains that your website should serve as a central hub within a broader ecosystem, not the solitary hero of your marketing strategy. Traffic and conversions come from aligning your website’s purpose with social media, SEO, email, and a message that speaks directly to your audience.

One standout tip from Jason is to address the “zero dollar problem”—improve your site’s content before investing in a full-blown redesign. Do your hero images and headlines clearly explain who you are, what you do, and how you help? Are calls to action obvious and compelling? A simple, functional site with focused messaging always outperforms a beautiful but confusing one.

Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to step back and audit their goals, content, and processes before splurging on new designs. For any marketer tired of tweaks that don’t convert, these insights could save both money and time—and deliver the website clarity your brand really needs. Tune in today!

Show Notes

00:00 Improving Website Profitability

04:42 Managing Website Complexity

06:57 Increasing Local Search Visibility

11:47 Using the StoryBrand Framework

14:44 How Website Redesign Impacts SEO

19:49 Crafting Effective Landing Pages

25:36 Choosing the Right Type of Website

31:38 Keeping Call to Actions Consistent

33:11 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Jason Rutel

Creative Nomads

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! In this episode, hosts Brad Alexander and Bryan Fittin are joined by Jason Rutel, owner of Creative Nomads, for an insightful and practical exploration of how marketers, especially those in small or medium teams, can leverage AI to supercharge their workflows, create more authentic content, and keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape.

Today’s conversation is all about demystifying AI for marketers who are curious, cautious, or just overwhelmed by the hype. Jason  walks us through the nuts and bolts of the most popular AI platforms, revealing what each does best and where they can fall short. We’ll break down the important concept of “feeding” AI with your past work to help it sound just like you, and discuss ways to use AI as a collaborative partner rather than a total replacement for your voice.

Additionally, Jason digs into how AI can integrate across tools like project management and CRM systems, automating repetitive marketing processes and freeing up your time for higher-impact work. Whether you’re getting stuck on how to prompt AI tools, worrying about the quality or security of automated content, or wondering how to scale your marketing impact without losing authenticity, this discussion is packed with actionable takeaways.

If you’re ready to make AI work for you, amplify your unique voice, and get more done with less stress, you won’t want to miss this episode. Listen today!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:27 Discussing AI Research Tools

08:40 Getting Comfortable Using AI

12:33 Understanding AI Context Windows

13:31 Testing AI’s Writing Capabilities

20:18 Creating Content Efficiently

25:24 Humanizing Brand Leadership Online

27:41 Managing Time Pressures

31:59 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Jason Rutel

Creative Nomads

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! Today, your hosts Brad Alexander and Bryan Fittin are joined once again by Cari Kaufman to talk about search—only this time, we’re diving deep into the fascinating, rapidly shifting world of AI-driven search.

If you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or small business owner who’s finally figured out Google SEO, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed hearing about ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and all the new AI platforms that people are turning to with their search queries. Is your SEO experience still relevant in this AI age? Should you start optimizing for AI search bots? And what’s really changed about the way people search for information, both on traditional engines and new AI platforms?

In this episode, we’ll unpack how audience search behaviors have evolved over the last few years, from short keywords in Google to conversational queries to now entire questions posed to AI chatbots. Cari clarifies the differences between traditional Google search, Google’s own AI-generated experiences, and open AI platforms like ChatGPT, explaining not only how each interprets and displays information but also why ranking in AI search may not be as important or as predictable as you think.

You’ll learn why consistency across platforms, structured content, and a clear brand story are more crucial than ever before, and why understanding your audience’s habits should guide your marketing decisions. Plus, get simple, actionable advice on how to create content that serves your human audience first but still helps you get discovered, no matter where or how people are searching. Tune in to the full conversation today!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:23 Discussing Changes in Content Strategy

09:31 Understanding Content Recommendations

11:01 Analyzing AI’s Impact on Brand Strategy

19:10 Marketing Strategies of AI Consistency

20:43 The Importance of Structured Content

23:39 Explaining the Endless Customers Concept

25:16 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Cari Kaufman

Storyteller Wordsmith

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! Today, Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander are in the studio with an episode laser-focused on simplicity and immediate action. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the marketing options out there, confused by poor results, or unsure where to start, this is the episode for you.

This week, our hosts break down the farming, fishing, and hunting framework—a no-nonsense way to categorize every marketing and sales activity you do. Using this approach, Bryan and Brad show how to stop the guesswork and start seeing measurable results by understanding the right mix of long-term nurturing, relationship-building, and direct outreach. Whether it’s making the most of your email list, showing up consistently on social media, or learning when it’s time to make a hard ask, you’ll hear practical advice, common mistakes to avoid, and easy-to-implement tactics that you can bring to your business right now.

Packed with relatable stories and actionable steps, this episode will teach you how to escape “survival mode” marketing and build a thriving, sustainable system. As always, the focus is on stupid, simple strategies you can tackle as soon as Monday morning. Get ready to rethink your marketing—and see new results you never thought possible.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:19 Why Marketing Efforts Fail

08:18 Building and Nurturing Your CRM

15:22 Navigating Survival Mode Marketing

21:02 Capitalizing on Local Networking Opportunities

24:55 Passive vs. Aggressive Advertising

27:39 Growing and Utilizing Your Email List

34:46 Closing Thoughts 

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! This week, hosts Brad Alexander and Bryan Fittin sit down with Blake Binns from Good Advice for part two of their honest and practical conversation about marketing strategy for solo marketers and small teams. If you’ve ever felt like strategy is just a buzzword thrown around in business meetings, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Blake, Brad, and Bryan cut through the clutter and hype around marketing strategy. They explore why true strategy isn’t about chasing every shiny new platform or trend, but instead about clearly choosing what not to do. You’ll get real-world stories about resisting the urge to jump on trends like AI, the importance of ignoring unhelpful outside advice, and learning how to say no so you can stay focused on what actually works for your business. 

They also talk through how to define what winning really looks like for your organization, and the value of balancing both creativity and data-driven decision making. Along the way, you’ll hear candid insights and relatable struggles, including how to manage feedback from bosses who may not fully understand marketing, how to present ideas and set realistic expectations, and why almost every success story is built on a long trail of mistakes and iterations.

Whether you’re the only marketer in the building or leading a tiny team with big goals and limited budgets, this episode is packed with advice, encouragement, and tactical tips you can actually use. Tune in to learn how to make marketing simpler, smarter, and just a little less overwhelming!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:38 Avoiding “Shiny Object Syndrome”

08:35 Defining Goals and Avoiding Distractions

12:51 Handling Unsolicited Advice

17:18 Why Data Matters for Brands

21:31 Focusing on Brand Awareness Strategy

26:56 Building a Reliable Sales System

28:08 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Blake Binns

Good Advice

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! In this episode, Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander are joined once again by the insightful Heather Applegate of PivotX Coaching, diving deep into the ins and outs of personal branding for leaders and marketers. If you've ever struggled to get yourself—or your team’s leader—comfortable in front of the camera, this conversation is packed with practical advice and mindset shifts to help you break through those barriers.

Heather tackles topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your authentic voice, and the real value of showing up with authority for your company’s brand. She shares tactical steps to ease the reluctance around creating video content, including her favorite low-pressure practice tools and why sometimes, you might just need to “leave your humility at home” to claim your space as a leader.

Whether you’re a solo marketer, an executive, or someone trying to rally your company to build a stronger brand presence, get ready for actionable tips, fresh perspectives, and a dose of encouragement. Tune in to learn how bringing the human element to your brand can transform everything from recruitment to customer engagement—and why consistency and a clear point of view are truly game changers.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:39 Leveraging Personal Branding Tactics

08:03 Choosing Company Spokespersons Wisely

11:50 Simple Video Production Tips

16:45 Serve the One Watching

19:24 Defining and Targeting Leadership Coaching

25:08 Boosting Visibility and Connection

27:56 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Heather Applegate

Pivot X

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! In this episode, hosts Brad Alexander and Bryan Fittin dive into the power of an old-school tactic that might sound almost retro—actually picking up the phone and calling your prospects, previous clients, and even business friends. While most marketers are busy chasing the latest digital hacks, Brad and Bryan challenge you to stand out in today's hyper-digital world by creating genuine, human connections, one phone call at a time.

You’ll hear real stories about overcoming awkwardness, tips for re-engaging old contacts, and even creative ways to add an incentive to get the conversation started. They don’t stop at just why calls matter, but get tactical, sharing scripts, mistakes to avoid, and clever ideas to spark meaningful conversations with the people who already know and love your business.

If you've ever struggled to cut through the digital noise, re-ignite past relationships, or simply "land the plane" in a sales call, this episode is for you. Grab your phone, and get ready to reconnect—marketing doesn’t get much simpler than this!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:47 The Impact of an Unexpected Phone Call

07:00 Reconnecting After Years Apart

12:58 Getting Started with Outreach

16:30 Valuing Time Through Thoughtful Gifts

19:41 Pipeline Management Insights

22:44 Authentic Connections Through Check-Ins

29:10 Custom Gifts for Client Connection

33:12 Closing Thoughts

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Summary

Welcome back to the Stupid, Simple Marketing podcast! In this episode, your hosts Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander take on one of the most confusing and commonly misunderstood topics in digital marketing: SEO. If you’ve ever felt like search engine optimization is some kind of wizardry reserved for techies and code-breakers, you’re definitely not alone. But today, Cari Kaufman, founder of Storyteller Wordsmith, is here to prove that with a bit of intention and the right best practices, anyone can improve their website’s ranking without needing to be a master web developer.

In this conversation, Brad, Bryan, and Cari break down what’s changed in SEO over the years and why it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Cari shares the most common mistakes business owners make, elaborating on how to focus on quality content over simply churning out more. She also shares why your FAQ section is SEO gold, and how to develop a basic but effective keyword strategy for your core pages, even if you’ve never touched SEO before.

Whether you run a local business wanting to stand out in your own town or you’re dreaming of national reach, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Tune in to find out how to get found online, build trust with both search engines and your customers, and finally turn your website into a powerful tool that actually works for you. This is SEO made stupid simple!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:59 SEO Rankings: Magic and Strategy

09:41 Better Content, Not More

11:50 Keyword Basics for Beginners

15:21 Balancing Keywords and User Engagement

17:23 Building Trust with SEO Strategies

22:03 Closing Thoughts 

Links

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue Studio

Brad Alexander

ClarityFirst Marketing

Cari Kaufman

Storyteller Wordsmith