Send us a text

In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with Berlyn, founder of Planted Marketing and creator of The Greenhouse community, to explore what it truly takes to build a strong and sustainable brand in today’s digital-first world. From simplifying your marketing strategy to embracing what works best for you, this conversation is full of practical insights for business owners at every stage.

The Evolution of a Modern Marketer

Berlyn shares her journey from photographer to agency owner—how creativity, curiosity, and a desire to make an impact led her to launch Planted Marketing in 2020 and later, The Greenhouse in 2025. The Greenhouse supports solopreneurs and small business owners in the DIY phase of marketing, helping them grow confidently with practical strategies and community support.

Building a Strong Brand Foundation

We dive into the three essential pillars every business needs before they dive headfirst into digital marketing:

• Clarify Your Brand Identity: Beyond logos and colors—define your mission, values, and why. Putting this on paper creates alignment across everything you do.
• Own Your Online Space: Your website is more than a link in bio. It’s your home base for traffic, email collection, and long-term growth.
• Create a Marketing Wheel: Don’t rely solely on one channel. Develop a balanced strategy across multiple touchpoints—like SEO, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or email—so your business doesn’t collapse if one channel falters.

Simplifying the Marketing Process

With endless platforms and strategies available, Berlyn emphasizes the importance of choosing what fits your strengths:

• Do you love creating videos? Lean into Reels or TikToks.
• Prefer writing? Focus on blogs or newsletters.
• Thrive in conversation? Build through networking and community events.

Consistency, not ubiquity, is the goal. You don’t have to be everywhere—just show up where you enjoy creating.

Community as a Growth Engine

Community building, both online and offline, is a key growth driver. Berlyn highlights:

• Using social media as a nurturing tool—not just for visibility but for deepening relationships.
• Engaging authentically through DMs, comments, and Threads to strengthen visibility and trust.
• Creating systems to stay connected beyond initial meetings—through intentional engagement, coffee chats, or follow-up messages.

Email Marketing: The Underrated Powerhouse

Both Kendra and Berlyn agree—email is your most valuable marketing asset.
Social media algorithms change, but your email list is yours to own. It’s the most reliable channel for building ongoing relationships, sharing updates, and staying in front of your audience.

The Rise of AI in Discovery

Berlyn shares a surprising trend: businesses being found through ChatGPT search—even without formal SEO strategies.

Her advice? Make sure your keywords and messaging are consistent across all platforms. Even a single optimized landing page can make a difference in how AI tools surface your brand.

Key Takeaways f

Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?

Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube.

From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain.

Watch here