In this episode, we put Clay and Freckle head-to-head. While they may look similar on the surface, one company absolutely crushes the other when it comes to messaging and differentiation.
The key with difficult to understand companies is clarity. If you confuse, you LOSE.
We couldn't just choose one streaming service, so we used them all! There is one standout, but overall, they all said the same thing. Cameron and I completely demolish the messaging of Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and many more.See how you can stand out in a crowded market at protagonistcomms.co
Have you ever heard of these two small business credit card companies? In this episode of Differentiate or Die, Dallin and Cameron dissect how these two companies are unique or exact copycats.
See how you can be different from your competition at protagonistcomms.co
Firefly just received one of the highest scores we have ever given! Find out how they not only are different, but consistent. They are a great example of finding solutions to real problems and messaging that clearly.
If you feel undifferentiated, hit us up at protagonistcomms.co!
Dallin Merrill and Cameron Olds highlight Mint Mobile burst onto the scene with a cheeky, no-nonsense pitch: "Premium wireless for $15/mo—because overpriced plans are so last decade." It’s the budget rebel, waving the flag of affordable prepaid plans and no contracts, all on America’s largest 5G network (T-Mobile’s). Mint’s messaging screams freedom from “Big Wireless” with a playful nudge to ditch the old guard.
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.
In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill introduce a new segment, "Differentiation in the News," where they analyze real companies making waves in the market. This week, they dive into Anthropic’s audacious strategy of offering its AI model, Claude, to the entire U.S. government—across all three branches—for just $1 per agency per year. Cameron and Dallin discuss how this aggressive pricing move highlights a lack of differentiation in the AI market, forcing companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI into a race to the bottom on price. They explore how a failure to create a unique value proposition leaves price as the only competitive lever and speculate on whether Anthropic’s move is a strategic loss leader to secure lucrative government contracts. Tune in for a sharp breakdown of how differentiation—or the lack thereof—shapes market outcomes.
Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team’s messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand with MessageOS. Visit protagonistcomms.co for more.
In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the art of standing out in a competitive market. They explore why simply being better isn’t enough—you need to be different. Using Figma’s rise as a case study, they break down how its real-time collaboration feature disrupted Adobe XD, unseating a market giant. The hosts discuss the importance of clear, consistent messaging and critique Figma’s current website for lacking focus on its differentiated value. They also tackle why marketers often fall into the trap of chasing clever, gimmicky campaigns instead of sticking to disciplined, repetitive messaging that educates the market. Tune in for insights on building a lasting competitive advantage and avoiding the pitfalls of unclear branding.
Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team’s messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand with MessageOS. Learn more at protagonistcomms.co
In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill explore the battle between Starlink and Xfinity, focusing on how true differentiation can shake up a saturated market. They dive into Starlink’s game-changing approach—delivering high-speed internet via satellites to even the most remote locations, from mountaintops to the middle of the ocean. Meanwhile, Xfinity’s messaging, while clear, leans on generic benefits like “no annual contract” and feels uninspired, failing to stand out in the telecommunications space. The hosts critique Xfinity’s lackluster social media presence and contrast it with Starlink’s bold, innovative product that’s redefining connectivity. Tune in for insights on how solving unique problems can create unmatched competitive advantages and why differentiation is key to avoiding the commodity trap.
Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team’s messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand across every channel. Discover more at protagonistcomms.co
In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill dive into the art of standing out in a competitive market. They explore why being "better" isn't enough—you need to be different. Using the example of Cafe Rio and Costa Vida, two Mexican restaurant chains with strikingly similar menus, the hosts unpack the pitfalls of undifferentiated branding. From urban legends about their origins to critiques of generic marketing tactics like "fresh" and "made from scratch," they highlight the need for clear, consistent, and unique messaging. Tune in for a lively discussion on avoiding the trap of blending in, with practical tips for creating a lasting competitive advantage.
Sponsored by MessageOS: Keep your team's messaging clear, consistent, and on-brand with every interaction. Learn more at protagonistcomms.co
In this episode of Differentiate or Die, hosts Cameron Olds and Dallin Merrill tackle the challenge of standing out in the crowded online course platform market, focusing on Kajabi and Teachable. They dive into how these platforms target creators and influencers, offering tools to monetize expertise through courses, memberships, and more. Analyzing their websites, the hosts praise Kajabi’s clear, aspirational messaging—like “Dream it, build it, monetize it” and its emphasis on multiple revenue streams—while noting Teachable’s similar approach but weaker differentiation. Both platforms lack strong problem-focused language, leaving room for improvement. Cameron and Dallin explore why niching down isn’t enough when competitors mirror your strategy and discuss how to build a lasting competitive moat.
Tune in for actionable insights on crafting a unique brand identity in a saturated market.
Sponsored by MessageOS: Ensure your team’s messaging is clear, consistent, and on-brand across every channel. Discover more at protagonistcomms.co
