Watch my Monthly Recap Playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlh2CSTVNn7zEbgJQp4AlbUQL5Xembsgs
In this episode, I walk you through my September 2025 business recap—real numbers, real decisions, and the actions I’m taking next. I break down recurring vs. project revenue, where expenses went (including a special studio session), and how I’m using testimonials, systems, and better habits to drive margin and momentum. If you like transparent ops and takeaways you can steal, this one delivers.
Resources I Mention
Notion • Google Sheets • Moxie • Monarch Money • Senja • Webflow • Framer • Riverside • Brick House Blue • Creator Science (The Lab) • Google Workspace • Adobe • Shutterstock • Podmatch • OpenAI
Timestamps
00:00 – Why I publish monthly, publicly01:25 – My retro format + goals03:10 – Revenue snapshot: $19,440 topline05:35 – Recurring vs. project work: where my margin lives08:05 – Expense breakdown & studio investment11:20 – Contractor hours, Moxie workflow, and margin14:45 – Reading cash-flow in Monarch Money18:00 – Spinning up a testimonial flywheel with Senja21:40 – The Jay Klaus session and why it mattered26:10 – Wins: revenue, AMA site kickoff30:55 – Losses: follow-ups, double work, procrastination36:30 – Personal notes: stress, solitude, discipline41:20 – 33 episodes in the queue—publish faster46:05 – October plan: ops, cadence, 3 launches51:10 – Closing mindset + accountability
If you found value in this episode, please rate and review Marketing by Design on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps us reach more high-performing marketers.
Follow Me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/
In this episode, Brad Griffith, Founder of Buckeye Innovation, shares how he works with nonprofits and civic partners who aren’t always a budget fit — by reducing scope, not standards. He explains how curiosity, consistency, and creativity help him deliver impact while protecting the integrity of his team’s work.
CONNECT WITH BRAD🌐 Website: https://www.buckeyeinnovation.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradgriffith/🏢 Brick House Blue (New Albany): https://www.brickhouseblue.com/locations/new-albany-waters-edge
CONNECT WITH ANDY🌐 Website: https://www.mmgdesign.net/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmilligan/
Listen to this episode to learn how to protect your craft, serve your clients well, and still say “yes” — without selling yourself short.
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MMG Design is my web design studio that's helped 80+ businesses clarify their offer and design a website they’re proud to share.
Marketing by Design is my podcast where we learn how high-performing marketers and founders built their success... by design.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Jason VanDevere—founder of Goal Crazy and author of Dream Driven—shares how to stop guessing and start validating.
He walks through his two-step process (focus groups + presell), the daily systems that make discipline automatic (scorecard day, alarm stacking, junk-drawer blocks), and his mindset shift: discomfort is what growth feels like.
You’ll learn how to design your ideal day, take real signals from your network, and build something that lasts.
📘 Dream Driven → https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CYQQZBW8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0
🗓 Goal Crazy → https://goalcrazy.com
Fire&Spark founder Dale Bertrand explains zero-click search and why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) changes how we win attention. He shares the shift from SEO’s performance focus to GEO’s brand-visibility advantage, plus concrete tactics to research longer, more complex queries using niche communities and real customer language.
Listen to this episode to learn how to adapt your content strategy for AI-driven search, reset traffic expectations, and build visibility where your buyers now look.
CONNECT WITH DALE🌐 Website: https://www.fireandspark.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalebertrand/📹 Speaking: https://dalebertrand.com/
CONNECT WITH ANDY🌐 Website: https://www.mmgdesign.net/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmilligan/
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MMG Design is my web design studio that's helped 80+ Businesses clarify their offer and design a website they are proud to share.
Marketing by Design is my podcast where we learn how high-performing marketers and founder built their success, and told their stories...by design.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
TAS Bober—founder of The Scroll Lab and co-host of Notorious B2B—shares how one year in sales made her a far better marketer, why she productized landing pages, and how she designed a three-day workweek without sacrificing quality.
We cover the in-house → solo transition (insurance, runway, expectations), her comments-first LinkedIn strategy, and the “time–money–quality” triangle that guides her decisions.
Listen to this episode to learn how to use sales insights to build better marketing, structure a productized service, and ship imperfectly without imposter syndrome.
Resources Mentioned:
The Scroll Lab https://thescrolllab.com/#about Tas's Sass Playground (aka Linkedin)https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasbober/Notorious B2B (TAS & Tim)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-notorious-b2b-shows-podcast/id1806951823Exit Five Communityhttps://www.exitfive.com/Columbus AMAhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/3736263/TAS’s “TAS” Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QpUdJqY1jAbVJ2ojbG4Ov?pi=V-fe_DkkRc2y6&nd=1&dlsi=d170e7eff9864e8e
Host (Andy Milligan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmilligan/
Website & Production: https://www.mmgdesign.net/
Hey Friends!
Recently I made an appearance on the "Just Get Started" Podcast with Brian Ondrako.
Brain is an amazing host and literally gave me my hall of fame interview on this show. Be sure to check out the Just Get started Podcast and all of Brian's links below:
Shownotes Page for This Episode: https://brianondrako.com/podcast/andy-milligan
Just Get Started Podcast: https://brianondrako.com/podcast
Work With Brian: https://brianondrako.com/sales-coaching
Follow Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianondrako/
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MMG Design is my Web Design Strategy Studio that has helped 80+ founders and marketing teams design a website that they are proud to share.
Marketing By Design is my podcast that interviews high performing founders and marketers and discover how they built their discuss and told their stories, by Design.
For more, go to www.mmgdesign.net
⭐️ Discount Treat: AMAPALS25
Nick Brunker (VML) and Jessica Guido (St. Elizabeth Healthcare) join us to preview AMA Cincinnati’s Ignite Conference 2025.
Together, they highlight why Cincinnati’s marketing community deserves a bigger spotlight and what makes Ignite a can’t-miss event.
Listen to this episode to learn what sets Ignite apart, how CX leaders are rethinking brand experiences, and why being in the room creates conversations you can’t get online.
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MMG Design is my studio that’s helped 80+ start-ups drive results from website strategy.
If that’s something you’re interested in, I’d love to have a conversation.
Marketing by Design is where we interview our favorite founders and marketers andlearn how they built their success and told their stories... by design.
Start a Convo on Linkedin or Book a Free Homepage Audit (Normally $500):In this episode of Marketing by Design, I sit down with Anthony Pierri, Co-Founder of Fletch PMM, to talk about why most agencies are set up to fail — and why productized consulting is the way forward. Anthony shares how doing one service over 400 times took him from 40% client satisfaction to 95%, why public pricing builds trust, and how to make your homepage work like a product page.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – The agency model is broken02:34 – Why paid can’t fix bad packaging06:51 – Good/Better/Best = three businesses10:08 – Why productized margins rise with scale13:34 – 400 reps to 95% satisfaction19:21 – Design still matters (even in wireframes)23:29 – Make your homepage a product page26:19 – Pricing in the hero (controversial experiment)31:18 – The BOM video: pre-qualify buyers34:49 – Why Fletch shares their entire playbookCONNECT WITH ANTHONY💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypierri/🌐 Website: https://www.fletchpmm.com/CONNECT WITH ANDY💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmilligan/🌐 Website: https://www.mmgdesign.net/TEAM🎙 Host // Andy Milligan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/🎥 Production // MMG Design: https://www.mmgdesign.net/🤝 Powered by // AMA Columbus: https://amacolumbus.org
Join 211 Founders and Marketers on My Newsletter.
Maria Marchewka always heard people describe ghostwriting as “writing in the shadows.” But when she started ghostwriting on LinkedIn for busy founders and executives, she realized the truth was far more powerful — ghostwriters are building authority, credibility, and opportunity behind the scenes. In this episode, Maria shares what ghostwriting really looks like, why marketers misunderstand it, and the impact it can create when done well.
Listen to this episode to learn why ghostwriting is one of the most underrated growth levers for modern marketers.
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MMG Design is a web design studio that helps founders and marketing teams quickly explore a new design direction for their website
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Vincent Grippi, Founder & CEO of Grippi Media, shares how moving from “post daily” to campaign-first content created deeper engagement and better clients. With 16+ years of experience in healthcare and tech marketing, Vincent explains how one flagship video can expand into an article, newsletter, and carousel—without burning out your team. We also dig into why smaller audiences convert better, why community is the next marketing moat, and how to measure depth instead of likes.
Listen to this episode to learn how to design fewer, better content assets that actually drive pipeline.
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MMG Design is a web design and agency working with B2B founders and marketing teams to quickly a higher-converting design direction for their website.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net/podcast.
Join My Newsletter To Learn More Every Week!
📚 Marketer's Essential Reading List Free Notion Database: https://www.mmgdesign.net/books
In this episode, I answer Reddit’s most popular questions about web design freelancing, lead generation, and building systems as a solo founder. I share exactly how I’ve landed clients through podcasting, how I use LinkedIn to spark real conversations, and what I do to keep my pipeline full even in slow seasons—all from my perspective running a six-figure web design studio.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro02:12 – What’s the fastest way to turn a podcast guest spot into a client?07:45 – How do I structure a podcast to lead to business?12:30 – What podcast format brings the best ROI?16:05 – What LinkedIn post types actually spark client conversations?21:22 – How do I grow my LinkedIn without spamming?25:50 – How do I follow up with LinkedIn engagers?30:18 – If I needed 3 clients this month, where would I start?36:42 – How do I qualify leads to avoid bad-fit projects?42:20 – How do I keep my pipeline full in slow seasons?49:05 – Why I prefer Webflow over other platforms54:40 – What tools make my client handoff process smooth and foolproof?01:01:10 – How I test new designers before giving big projects01:07:12 – My advice for scaling without full-time hires
CONNECT WITH ME
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmilligan/Website: https://www.mmgdesign.net/
TEAM🎙 Host // Andy Milligan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/🎥 Production // MMG Design: https://www.mmgdesign.net/🤝 Powered by // AMA Columbus: https://amacolumbus.org
Allison Ditmer proves you don’t need to post selfies or overshare online to build an authentic personal brand. As a brand messaging strategist, she’s helped founders, solopreneurs, and professionals clarify their positioning on LinkedIn, attract clients, and build trust without the cringe.
Listen to this episode to learn how to authentically grow your brand on LinkedIn—and join us live for Allison’s AMA Columbus event at Cohatch Polaris.
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Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers and founders to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Book a Homepage Roast:
https://www.mmgdesign.net/free-auditI’m pulling back the curtain on how I use AI to move from kickoff call to live website with agency-level quality and solo-freelancer speed.
Step by step, I’ll show you the exact tools that help me slash timelines, stay laser-aligned with clients, and keep sites evolving after launch.
🎙 Host // Andy Milligan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmgdesign/🎥 Production // MMG Design: https://www.mmgdesign.net/🤝 Powered by // AMA Columbus: https://amacolumbus.org
In this episode, I’m talking with Felicia Wagner of Portfolio Creative about how to navigate the 2025 job market as a marketer or creative.
We talk through my own layoff story, why most creatives undersell themselves, and how to move forward even when the job search feels overwhelming.
Listen to this episode to learn how to confidently job hunt as a creative in 2025—even if you're feeling stuck.
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MMG Design is a web design studio that’s helped 80+ startups clarify their offer and express it through bespoke, modern websites.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Recently, my friend Anthony Holliday and I had one of those off-the-cuff chats that just hits different.
We weren’t planning to record it, but after he broke down how he’s using Reddit to drive real traffic and high-ticket leads, I had to share it with you. It’s weird, casual, and packed with insight.
Enjoy .
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Anthony Holliday is the founder of Sitka Design, a studio helping creatives and service businesses grow with intentional Webflow websites, content strategy, and branding.
Website: https://www.sitka.design/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-holiday/
—MMG Design is a web design studio that’s helped 80+ startups clarify their offer and express it through bespoke, modern websites.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
This week, I reached my goal of making $100k in Revenue. What does that mean for the business?
Hey Friends!
In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the three biggest mistakes Im seeing as I do a lot of site audits these days.
After doing dozens of homepage breakdowns lately, I started noticing a pattern: and these aren’t just design tweaks, they’re trust killers. We’ll talk through UX blind spots, the problem with building for yourself instead of your buyer, and something I call “peacocking” that’s holding a lot of people back.
Listen to this episode if you’ve ever wondered why your website isn’t landing the way it should.
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MMG Design is my web design studio that’s helped 80+ startups clarify their offer and express it through bespoke, modern websites.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Logan Lyles is the, the founder of DemandShift.
In this episode, he shares how a simple two-step webinar funnel is helping teams book 5x more sales calls while building trust with the right audience.
Listen to this episode to learn how to run smarter webinars, improve your sales messaging, and build a business around what actually works.
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MMG Design is a web design studio that’s helped 80+ startups clarify their offer and express it through a website they are proud to share.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net
Homepage Breakdown: https://www.mmgdesign.net/free-audit
Laurie Leer shares how she transitioned from 18 years of running her own design business into leading marketing for SingerLewak, a $60M+ advisory and accounting firm with 500+ professionals. She breaks down how to keep your energy high, manage a team across 18 locations, and build internal trust through creative collaboration.
Listen to this episode to learn how Laurie keeps her team aligned, her systems organized, and her optimism contagious,while managing big goals and bigger expectations.
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MMG Design is a web design studio that’s helped 80+ startups clarify their offer and express it through bespoke, modern websites.
Marketing by Design is a podcast where we share the stories and strategies of high-performing marketers in every niche to learn their secrets.
To learn more, visit mmgdesign.net