The Stupid, Simple Marketing Podcast

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction04:27 Discussing AI Research Tools08:40 Getting Comfortable Using AI12:33 Understanding AI Context Windows13:31 Testing AI’s Writing Capabilities20:18 Creating Content Efficiently25:24 Humanizing Brand Leadership Online27:41 Managing Time Pressures31:59 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingJason RutelCreative Nomads

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction03:23 Discussing Changes in Content Strategy09:31 Understanding Content Recommendations11:01 Analyzing AI’s Impact on Brand Strategy19:10 Marketing Strategies of AI Consistency20:43 The Importance of Structured Content23:39 Explaining the Endless Customers Concept25:16 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingCari KaufmanStoryteller Wordsmith

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction03:19 Why Marketing Efforts Fail08:18 Building and Nurturing Your CRM15:22 Navigating Survival Mode Marketing21:02 Capitalizing on Local Networking Opportunities24:55 Passive vs. Aggressive Advertising27:39 Growing and Utilizing Your Email List34:46 Closing Thoughts LinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst Marketing

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction05:38 Avoiding “Shiny Object Syndrome”08:35 Defining Goals and Avoiding Distractions12:51 Handling Unsolicited Advice17:18 Why Data Matters for Brands21:31 Focusing on Brand Awareness Strategy26:56 Building a Reliable Sales System28:08 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingBlake BinnsGood Advice

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction03:39 Leveraging Personal Branding Tactics08:03 Choosing Company Spokespersons Wisely11:50 Simple Video Production Tips16:45 Serve the One Watching19:24 Defining and Targeting Leadership Coaching25:08 Boosting Visibility and Connection27:56 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingHeather ApplegatePivot X

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction04:47 The Impact of an Unexpected Phone Call07:00 Reconnecting After Years Apart12:58 Getting Started with Outreach16:30 Valuing Time Through Thoughtful Gifts19:41 Pipeline Management Insights22:44 Authentic Connections Through Check-Ins29:10 Custom Gifts for Client Connection33:12 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst Marketing

SummaryWelcome 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 Notes00:00 Introduction03:59 SEO Rankings: Magic and Strategy09:41 Better Content, Not More11:50 Keyword Basics for Beginners15:21 Balancing Keywords and User Engagement17:23 Building Trust with SEO Strategies22:03 Closing Thoughts LinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingCari KaufmanStoryteller Wordsmith

SummaryWelcome to another episode of Stupid, Simple Marketing! Today, Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander are back in the studio to tackle a topic every marketer and business owner faces: how to nail your messaging so it’s not just clever, it’s crystal clear and authentically you.Kicking things off with a focus on authenticity in branding, Bryan and Brad discuss the importance of diagnosing your customer’s pain points before selling them your solution. They share why so many businesses overlook the “simple stuff” like website copy, LinkedIn bios, and even email responses, despite these being the foundation of effective marketing.Throughout the episode, the hosts workshop real-world messaging challenges from various industries. They highlight the significance of stating exactly what you do and what makes you different, steering clear of vague or generic claims like “we care about our customers.” Instead, they emphasize the power of directness: whether that’s a dentist making visits fun for kids or a landscaping company turning neglected yards into family oases.You’ll also hear their honest takes on why “lazy creativity” and cute taglines often fall flat, and how a team-wide approach to consistent messaging can transform your marketing results. Bryan and Brad will help you rethink how you talk about your business so you can stand out, connect, and ultimately, sell more. If you’re ready to see immediate improvements in your brand communication, this conversation is packed with value you can use right away!Show Notes00:00 Introduction03:41 Clearly Communicate What You Do07:19 Strategic Marketing Diagnosis Explained14:16 Differentiation Through Core Values16:30 Refining Messaging Experiment24:35 Brainstorm, Plan, Act25:40 Closing ThoughtsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst Marketing

SummaryWelcome to another episode of Stupid, Simple Marketing! Today, hosts Brad Alexander and Bryan Fittin sit down with Blake Binns, the founder of Good Advice, a growth-focused consulting company that helps small businesses stand out and make more money. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of content creation, with a special focus on podcasting as a practical content platform.Blake draws on six years of experience posting consistent content and shares the real, unfiltered challenges and wins of building an authentic brand online. Together, the group discusses the realities behind flashy marketing promises, why committing to content is a long-term game, and the critical importance of building trust through authenticity rather than perfection.Listen in for honest advice on choosing the right content channel, setting realistic expectations, and discovering why even the most niche audiences are worth showing up for—every single time. Whether you're flying solo in your business’s marketing efforts or just getting started in the podcasting game, you'll walk away with stupid, simple actionable steps to help your brand grow. Let's get into it!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(04:29) Content Strategies That Work(09:36) New Business Marketing Struggles(11:53) Scalability in Content Creation(14:28) Balancing Budget and Content Quality(17:20) How Building Trust Takes Consistence(22:22) The Importance of Committing to Your Voice(24:38) Start Easy, Focus on the Next MediumLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingBlake BinnsGood Advice

SummaryWelcome back to Stupid, Simple Marketing! In today’s episode, Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander are joined by Heather Applegate, owner of Pivot X Coaching, for a conversation about building and leading creative marketing teams, even if you're starting out solo. Drawing from her background in brand building, creative management, and executive coaching, Heather shares practical tips for figuring out the right first hire, assessing your own strengths and energy drains, and creating a healthy team culture.From the importance of hiring slow and parting ways quickly, to letting go of control and providing opportunities for safe failure, Heather gets real about what it takes not only to grow your team, but to keep the right people motivated and thriving. Whether you’re a business owner, the lone marketer, or starting to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice on everything from interviewing and onboarding, to feedback and building trust. If you’re ready to get smarter about team-building—and maybe relinquish some control for the greater good—this episode is for you!Show Notes00:00 Navigating People in Leadership03:24 Marketing Role Prioritization Guide07:00 Self-Discovery Through Working Genius12:45 Open Conversations in Hiring15:03 Effective Interviewing with Practical Testing16:49 Embracing Growth in New Roles20:25 Let Go of the Vine24:43 Building Collaborative, Trust-Based Team Culture27:26 Hiring and Leadership InsightsLinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst MarketingHeather ApplegatePivot X

SummaryWelcome to the very first episode of the Stupid, Simple Marketing Podcast, where hosts Bryan Fittin and Brad Alexander cut through the noise and make marketing manageable for the everyday marketer. In this kickoff episode, Bryan and Brad dive into the real challenges faced by small marketing teams who are expected to drive results despite minimal resources and towering expectations. They shine a light on the overwhelm of constantly chasing trends and the pressure to master every new tool, all while reminding listeners that the basics—consistency, clarity, and prioritization—are what really move the needle.Whether you’re a business owner, marketing director, or the one-person marketing department, Bryan and Brad share actionable advice and relatable stories to help you focus on what works without the stress of overcomplicating your strategy. The hosts also tease upcoming guests, practical challenges, and tactical takeaways designed to bring confidence and simplicity back to your marketing journey. If you’re ready to ditch the chaos and start getting optimal outcomes with stupid, simple marketing, you’re in the right place!LinksBryan FittinGo Rogue StudioBrad AlexanderClarityFirst Marketing

Marketing shouldn’t feel like rocket science. If you’re a marketing director, small business owner, or founder tired of overcomplicated strategies that never get used, this podcast is for you.In this trailer, Brad and Bryan introduce The Stupid, Simple Marketing Podcast — a show where each week, they break down one clear, actionable tactic you can use today to grow your business. No jargon. No funnel bro nonsense. Just real marketing that works.Whether you're trying to get more leads, boost sales, or win back old customers — this is your new secret weapon.Subscribe now, and let’s make marketing stupid simple.