Where should small and medium businesses really start with marketing?In this episode of Growth Architects, I talk with Reed Hansen, a marketing strategist who helps SMEs build strong, realistic marketing foundations — without wasting money on the wrong channels.We break down what actually works when you’re trying to grow a business in a crowded market, and how to combine strategy with execution for lasting results.We discuss:
Doing too much for marketing and nothing works? Then this episode brings it back to clarity, structure, and strategy.🚀 Build a website that converts and amplifies your marketing:👉 https://sparkr.co👉 Reed Hansen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedhansen
If you're curious to dive into the behavioral aspects of storytelling, this episode is for you.My guest Jimi Gibson, now a successful marketeer and speaker at TEDx, started his career as a magician. The skills he has learned as a magician have been very powerful in his career and he's sharing them with us. Along the way, he mastered the art of grabbing attention and keeping it and today, he shares a framework you can apply to your presentations, outreach, and marketing.We dive into:- Jimmy’s journey from performing magic to building digital strategies- The 5 pillars of communication: promise, passion, villain, direction, success- Why curiosity is the secret ingredient for engagement- How to use storytelling to sell ideas, products, or services- Simple tweaks that make public speaking more impactful- The role of social proof in outreach and conversionIf you’re a business owner, marketer, or leader looking to sharpen your communication and make your presentations unforgettable, this episode is for you.🚀 Want help designing a site that communicates your value clearly?👉 https://sparkr.co
What separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest? And how can authors use those insights to grow their brand and sell more books?In this episode, I talk with Robert Plank — author of Next Level Self, host of DFY Podcast, and a master of getting things DONE. We dig into the lessons from his book (inspired by dozens of high-performing entrepreneurs) and how authors can apply these insights to write, market, and monetize their work like pros.Here’s what we cover:- The mindset patterns that top entrepreneurs share- How to actually finish your book (instead of just talking about it)- Tricks to market and distribute using Amazon the smart way- Why web design matters more than ever for authors- How podcasts can be your most powerful tool for growthThis episode is a must-watch if you’re an author who wants to stop dabbling and start building a brand around your expertise.🔗 Check out Robert's work:🎙 Podcast: https://dfypodcast.com📘 Book: https://nextlevelselfbook.com🚀 Need a high-converting author website?Visit: https://sparkr.co
In this episode of Growth Architects, we interview Dmitri Dragilev, a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in SEO and PR.Dmitry has launched several companies and sold them to the likes of Google and SEM Rush.Dmitri shares insights on the importance of combining technical and marketing skills for SEO success, the evolution of SEO in the age of AI, and his personal journey from developer to entrepreneur.He shares the secrets of unique content, the challenges of building a strong team, and the lessons learned from selling a company to Google.
To learn more about Dmitry visit his linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitrydragilev/
https://www.criminallyprolific.com/dmitry/More about Sparkr: sparkr.co
What if your book wasn’t just a book, but the starting point for a profitable online course, a loyal community, and a sustainable business?In this episode, I talk to Josh from CADClass, who went from studying pharmacy to becoming an educator in 3D printing and CAD design. But this isn’t just a story about design—it’s a blueprint for authors, educators, and niche creators who want to turn their knowledge into a movement.We dive into:- How Josh used his book to build trust and authority- Why offering it for free (or donations) helped him grow faster- How Reddit marketing and community-building on Discord fueled his success- The power of solving real problems and listening to your audience- His long-term vision for product development — and what authors can learn from itIf you're an author looking to market your book, build a following, and monetize beyond just sales, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.More about Sparkr: www.sparkr.coContact: www.sparkr.co/contact
When your company manages multiple brands, it’s easy for things to get messy — fast. In this episode of Growth Architects, I break down how to maintain brand consistency across different sub-brands, business units, or products — without losing strategic clarity or confusing your audience.We also dive into how to design product experiences that drive adoption from day one, and what it really takes to successfully launch new products — from UX principles to positioning and internal alignment.Whether you’re scaling a product portfolio or managing multiple business lines under one umbrella, this episode gives you the clarity to move faster — without sacrificing coherence or user experience.Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZlmLYuRsFu8A9DrwItCt8?si=c1aeb03cbed944d7Check my web design work: sparkr.co/workWork with me: sparkr.co
In this episode of Growth Architects, I sat down with Ben Wainwright to unpack how he built a successful coaching business—one that doesn’t just sell sessions, but defines a whole new category around mental fitness.
We talked about what it takes to stand out in the crowded services space, how to build a real community around your offer, and why launching a coaching business today is less about credentials and more about clarity, consistency, and creativity.
Here’s what we got into:
Why mental fitness should be treated like physical fitness—and how that idea became a movement
How Ben created a new category in the coaching space and built a product ecosystem around it
The power of consistent outreach and energetic, memorable events
Why shared values—not just content—fuel community engagement
How lead magnets, freebies, and 30-day challenges actually drive conversions
The role of daily routines and implementation in long-term success
If you're building a service business and want to position yourself beyond the usual “coaching” label, this episode is packed with practical steps and strategic insight.
Thinking about launching a micro-SaaS to make some extra income—or even build a sustainable solo business?
Ivan Homola, an Indie Maker who lives off the products he builds and sells online, joins us to share exactly how he does it.
In this episode, Ivan walks us through his journey from freelancing to launching multiple SaaS products, his approach to validating ideas quickly, and why distribution often matters more than the idea itself.
We dive into:
Whether you're just getting started or looking for your next side hustle, this one’s packed with practical tips and inspiration.
All episodes here: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing
Youtube: https://youtu.be/BeBGWqvwPAE
You’ve validated your product—now how do you scale it? Simone Angeloni, Head of Product at CareerFairy, joins us to break it down.
With a background in innovation at one of the Big Four, Simone has helped CareerFairy become a leading platform for HR events across Europe. His approach? Razor-sharp product development rooted in user needs.
In this episode, we discuss:
Tune in for actionable insights on scaling with precision.
In this episode of Growth Architects, I'm joined by Hannah Boomgaarden from Plug and Play. We discuss the dynamics of collaboration between startups and large corporates.
We explore the concept of open innovation, the importance of building trust, and the steps necessary for successful partnerships.
Leveraging her experience, Hannah shares insights on navigating the tender process, the phases of collaboration, and common pitfalls to avoid.
We also share some personal stories and dos and don'ts on how to land a successful cooperation, if you're considering starting one.
Lastly we look at the role of Plug and Play in facilitating these connections.
More on plug and play: www.plugandplaytechcenter.com
More on Sparkr: www.sparkr.co
What are the elements that influence growth in a startup? And how has the role of user experience changed over time?
I'm your host Federico and in this episode of Growth Architects, I'm joined by Andy Budd, VC investor and a pioneer in UX design and author of 'The Growth Equation'.
We discuss the evolution of user experience design, its strategic role in business, and how design can significantly impact startup growth.
Andy shares his formula to find product market fit, the seven elements that influence growth, and the ethical considerations in design practices.
Subscribe to Growth Architects to never miss an episode.
In this episode, Federico interviews Ed Johnson, the founder of Pushfar, a mentoring platform.
Ed has launched, scaled and exited Pushfar and has been awarded as Forbes 30 under 30 in Europe this year.
He shares with us his entrepreneurial journey, importance of profitability from day one, trust in co-founders, and the value of hiring self-motivated individuals.
Ed also shares the challenges of product development, the significance of selling a vision to prospects, and the strategic decisions behind planning an exit.
Takeaways
Find Ed on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edzjohnson/
Link to Ed Johnson new company uRoutine: uroutine.com
To know more about Sparkr: sparkr.co
Welcome back to Growth Architects, the podcast where we break down the strategies, tools, and insights mid-sized companies need to scale effectively. In this episode, I’m joined by Fabian Maume, a former founder who has mastered the art and science of digital marketing. With expertise in SEO, email marketing, and paid ads for B2B SaaS, Fabien now works with funds and investors to grow their portfolio companies.
Fabien shares his journey and offers powerful advice on building a robust marketing engine that balances acquisition and retention. Whether you’re a founder trying to crack product-market fit or a growing company fine-tuning your funnel, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
What We Cover in This Episode:
Why understanding product-market fit is crucial for startup success. SEO as a long-term strategy: how to make it work and when to expect results. Diversifying your marketing channels: why paid ads shouldn’t dominate your strategy. Using email marketing to re-engage churned users effectively. Breaking down the marketing funnel: awareness, activation, retention, and upsell. Leveraging niche keywords to improve SEO in competitive markets. The power of experimenting with messaging to re-engage users. How video content can enhance engagement on platforms like Quora. Why retention strategies are just as important as acquisition strategies. The importance of analyzing funnel metrics to optimize your efforts.Keywords:
SaaS marketing, growth marketing, product-market fit, B2B marketing, SEO, paid ads, marketing funnel, email marketing, customer retention, marketing strategies
Takeaways:
Fabien emphasizes a holistic approach to marketing, where acquisition is only one piece of the puzzle. He highlights that:
Listen to the episode now and subscribe to Growth Architects for more expert insights on design, strategy, and scaling your business. Don’t forget to leave a review and share the episode with a friend or colleague!
Summary
In this episode, Federico interviews Enrique Hoyos, CMO of Pexels, discussing the importance of data in driving growth, the integration of marketing and product strategies, and the unique challenges of managing a free content platform. Enrique shares insights from his journey in marketing, the significance of onboarding for contributors, and how qualitative insights can lead to better decision-making and retention strategies.
Takeaways
Enrique's role involves marketing, product monetization, and data management.
Marketing and product should work together to deliver value to users.
Pexels operates as a marketplace with two distinct audiences: users and contributors.
Cultural relevance in content creation is crucial for user engagement.
Team alignment and communication are ongoing challenges in organizations.
Data-driven design is essential, but intuition also plays a role.
Onboarding is critical for contributor retention and satisfaction.
Retention strategies can significantly improve user engagement and loyalty.
Qualitative insights from users can uncover the reasons behind data trends.
In this episode of Design is Marketing, Rafa Brandao, Head of UX at iFood and previously Head of UX at HBO Max, discusses the role of UX and design in different industries and the importance of collaboration with other teams.
He emphasizes the need for UX specialists to contribute to strategic conversations and bring user insights to drive business decisions.
Rafa shares his experience in building a central repository of knowledge, focusing on mobile experiences, and the challenges of personalization and engagement.
He highlights the importance of understanding user behavior and preferences to deliver relevant and satisfying experiences.
If you want to know where product design is going, what challenges it faces and what are the dynamics that will influence the next 5 years, don't miss a second of this episode.
Takeaways
All episodes: sparkr.co/design-is-marketing
In this episode of "Design is Marketing," we tackle the challenge of creating engaging learning journeys in the crowded e-learning market. We welcome Henny Hoekstra, the Chief Customer Officer of Pluvo, a leading online learning platform in Europe.
Together, we explore Pluvo's evolution from a startup to a major player in the industry, highlighting their emphasis on user-friendly design and product-led development.
Henny shares insights on the importance of good design in learning platforms and the necessity of structuring content effectively. We discuss the crucial role of customer support in maintaining learner engagement and the significance of a well-designed onboarding process. Additionally, we delve into the value of community support and the challenges of project management in creating successful learning experiences. Join us for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice and industry insights.
Key Takeaways
Engaging Learning Experiences: Effective learning journeys require a balance of good design, didactic methods, and user-friendly interfaces.
Pluvo's Evolution: Started as a small startup, Pluvo has grown by focusing on creating accessible and beautifully designed e-learning platforms for companies and individual content creators.
Design Matters: The appearance and usability of a learning platform significantly impact user engagement and effectiveness.
Support and Resources: Providing robust onboarding, ongoing support, and educational resources like blogs and podcasts are crucial for user success.
Project Management: Successful e-learning projects need structured project management and dedicated roles to ensure timely and effective content delivery. Episode notes: sparkr.co/design-is-marketing/ep-16
In this insightful episode of "Design is Marketing," host Federico tackles the crucial question of choosing the right platform for building websites for course creators and learning companies.
Federico emphasizes the importance of aligning your platform choice with your goals, target audience, and content types.
The episode delves into key features like ease of use, customization, scalability, and integration with marketing tools.
The episode provides an overview of popular platforms such as Webflow, WordPress, Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, and Udemy, discussing their strengths and limitations. Budget considerations, including subscription models and additional costs, are also covered.
The episode includes case studies and success stories, offering practical insights and recommendations to help you find the perfect platform for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Full episode: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing/ep-15
Get your free website consultation: https://www.sparkr.co/contact
In this episode of "Design is Marketing," Federico interviews Elisabet Innala, the head of marketing at Planacy, about effectively redesigning a B2B SaaS website.
Elisabet shares her extensive experience in marketing, particularly in the B2B tech industry, and discusses the strategic and executional aspects of website redesign.
She highlights the importance of understanding the target audience, the balance between quantitative and qualitative data, and the necessity of having a clear and concise message.
Elisabet also emphasizes the value of customer testimonials and continuously improving the website for better lead generation and conversion rates.
Key Takeaways
Strategic Timing for Redesign: Recognize the right moment for a website redesign based on both qualitative insights and quantitative data, such as high click rates but low conversions or outdated aesthetics.
Simplicity and Clarity: Ensure your website answers the key questions—what is this, who is it for, and why do I need it—clearly and concisely to prevent visitors from getting overwhelmed and leaving.
Continuous Improvement: Treat your website as a living entity, making regular updates and adjustments rather than waiting for a full redesign every few years.
Engagement Through Relevant Content: Enhance engagement by offering content relevant to the user's interests, such as webinars, articles, and product sheets, directly on the related pages.
Incorporating Customer Insights: Utilize feedback from sales and customer success teams, as well as former customers working within your company, to align your website's messaging and functionality with the actual needs of your target audience.
Full episode: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing/ep-14
All the episodes: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing More on Sparkr: https://www.sparkr.co
Connect with the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-spiezia
In this episode of "Design is Marketing," our guest is Carly Shutes, an experienced marketing manager currently serving as the head of marketing at FoodCycle.
For most non-profits and NGOs, it is challenging to keep their audience engaged and motivated. The impact on their growth and mission can be significant.
Carly seems to have cracked the nut! She shares her experience with marketing and communications for non-profit organizations, emphasizing the importance of a well-designed website and effective storytelling to build trust and attract support.
From understanding your audience better to crafting compelling narratives that resonate, his tips are designed to make your marketing efforts more effective.
Main Takeaways
Non-Profit Marketing Dynamics: Non-profits can benefit significantly from adopting commercial marketing practices to enhance their operations and outreach.
Website Importance: A well-designed website acts as a crucial tool for non-profits, serving as a "shop window" that builds trust and communicates the organization's impact to various audiences.
Storytelling and Impact: Sharing real-life stories and demonstrating the tangible impact of the organization's work are key strategies for building trust and engaging supporters.
Audience Segmentation: Non-profits need to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including beneficiaries, volunteers, and donors, each requiring tailored messaging.
Strategic Investments: Even with limited budgets, strategic investments in marketing and communication tools, such as phased website updates, can yield significant returns in terms of donations and volunteer support.
Full episode: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing/ep-13
All the episodes: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing
Sparkr: https://www.sparkr.co
This episode with Jenny is everything you need to know about landing pages.
In this interview we look at:
- how many landing page you should create
- how to create a landing page that converts
- what goals to set for your landing page
- how to change your landing page strategy as your company evolves
- why your landing page is not ranking high on search engines
Jenny Shymon, a marketing manager with expertise in B2B and SaaS. Jenny has launched hundreds of landing pages in her career.
She shares her experience with Hotel Friend, highlighting the need for tailored landing pages for different customer segments and the importance of clear and concise messaging.
We also look at how to adapt your landing pages when your traffic comes from e.g. rating websites like Capterra.
Lastly we discuss tips to convert even when you don't manage to make a hard conversion goals, such as email sign-ups and webinars. Key Takeaways
Full episode: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing/ep-12
All the episodes: https://www.sparkr.co/design-is-marketing More on Sparkr: https://www.sparkr.co
Connect with the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-spiezia