Small businesses are an essential part of our economy and Melanie Deziel believes it’s our responsibility to help them thrive. Formerly the editor of branded content at the New York Times and director of content at Foundation, Melanie is the co-founder of The Convoy, an online marketplace for small business owners to save on everyday expenses. She is a writer, speaker and the author of “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas.” Melanie talked to us about the role that small businesses play in our neighborhoods, the importance of being authentic both online and in-person, and why sharing knowledge is the best way to help others.Show TopicsSupport communities through small businessWork with subject matter expertsBreak large tasks into smaller chunksUse examples to enhance your writingRemind people of their creativityShow Links Check out The ConvoyCheck out The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story IdeasFollow Melanie Deziel on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)0:57 Ross Simmonds on Life Lessons from Nanna and Building a Content Distribution Engine019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)062: Why Social Proof is the Key to Every Type of Marketing with Andy Crestodina (Orbit Media Studios)056: How SparkToro Approaches Growth & Productivity (Rand Fishkin)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:0:59 Kitchen Side: How To Build an Audience with Content Marketing015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/---Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Productivity is essential to everybody’s workday, but it’s about more than filling up your schedule with tasks. Ashutosh Priyadarshy, Founder of Sunsama, believes that productivity should support a healthy and well-rounded life, not just an ambitious workload. He talked to us about building a productivity tool for profitability first, working with an asynchronous remote team, and helping others achieve a calm, intentional workday.Show TopicsIterate based on feedbackBuild with your mission in mindFocus on qualityProduce content based on your valuesBlend the practical with the philosophicalLet customers define your visionManage trade-offs of remote workCreate camaraderie with remote teamsCut down on meetingsRethink productivityShow LinksCheck out SunsamaFollow Ashutosh Priyadarshy on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)0:57 Ross Simmonds on Life Lessons from Nanna and Building a Content Distribution Engine019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)062: Why Social Proof is the Key to Every Type of Marketing with Andy Crestodina (Orbit Media Studios)056: How SparkToro Approaches Growth & Productivity (Rand Fishkin)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:0:59 Kitchen Side: How To Build an Audience with Content Marketing015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Influencer marketing has been vastly misunderstood. It’s not just celebrity accounts with tons of fake followers. It’s your customers, your employees, and your peers who are influential experts in your industry. These influencers have followers who are primed to hear your message. In an era of declining organic reach, collaborating with influencers gives you access to high-value content and greater exposure for your product or service. It allows you to cut through every social media algorithm and reach your ideal audience. In this episode, marketing expert and author of The Age of Influence, Neal Schaffer, discusses how you can use it effectively.Show TopicsRank with expertiseUnderstand the value of influencer marketingFill in the gaps before using influencer marketingCollaborate with content creatorsPost content your followers want to readInvolve experts to build credibilityShow Links Check out Neal SchafferCheck out The Age of Influence, The Power of Influencers to Elevate Your BrandFollow Neal Schaffer on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)0:57 Ross Simmonds on Life Lessons from Nanna and Building a Content Distribution Engine019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)062: Why Social Proof is the Key to Every Type of Marketing with Andy Crestodina (Orbit Media Studios)056: How SparkToro Approaches Growth & Productivity (Rand Fishkin)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:0:59 Kitchen Side: How To Build an Audience with Content Marketing015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Is building a B2B audience as challenging as it seems? Dave Gerhardt knows from experience that it takes engagement, valuable content, and authentic connection to build a B2B audience. As former CMO at Privy and Chief Brand Officer at Drift, he now helps B2B marketers through his consultancy, DGMG, and his new book, Founder Brand. He talked to us about the importance of building an audience, how to use an audience to drive results and why you need to have something interesting to say.Show TopicsWrite to clarify your ideasInvolve your communityBe the number one resourceDrive results through engagementUnderstand the power of an audienceGet people to know, like and trust youMap out your funnelBuild as you goUse the one-two-punch approachBe yourselfShow LinksCheck out Founder BrandCheck out DGMGCheck out Exit FiveFollow Dave Gerhardt on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

What makes a great LinkedIn post? One that keeps someone reading and makes them want to hit the follow button. First, you have to have a great idea. Something that resonates with people or gets them thinking. Second, you have to have a great delivery. That can be in a well-written text post, video, or graphic. A powerful idea can occasionally do well even if the delivery is lacking, but the combination of both and done consistently? That’s how you build an audience. In this episode, expert marketer and copywriter Liz Willits discusses how she’s built a 50k strong LinkedIn following and the tricks we can use to grow our own audience.Show TopicsUse pain points to connectKeep testing new postsGreat ideas need great deliveryEverything should be copyPost regularly to stay top of mindDevelop the hook without distractionShow Links Follow Liz Willits on LinkedInCheck out Liz’s free Email Open Rate GuidePast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Whether you’re a fiction writer or a content marketer, your goal as a storyteller is to capture and keep your audience’s attention. And the best way to do that is by telling a story your audience can connect with on a personal level. Matthew Dicks, an internationally bestselling author and an expert storyteller. Also a record 55-time Moth StorySLAM and 7-time GrandSLAM champion, Matthew has performed for audiences all over the globe. In this episode, Matthew shares why stories are so important, and how to breathe life into the stories you choose to tell.Show TopicsConnect with other people’s experiencesTell relatable storiesKeep your audience curiousGive your audience information in the right wayMake every moment essentialStart with the storyTell stories to yourselfDon’t be afraid of vulnerabilityBe available for othersValue your timeShow Links Check out Speak UpFollow Matthew Dicks on LinkedIn or TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

The old framework of the buyer’s journey is broken. Customers expect more access than ever to educational, engaging content at every stage of their decision-making. Ashley Faus believes it’s time to reframe the buyer’s journey as the content marketing playground where customers can learn, engage, and interact with content on their own terms—building trust and affinity that lasts a lifetime. As the Content Strategy Lead of Software Teams at Atlassian, Ashley manages a team for content and distribution for iconic software solutions that unleash the potential of every team. She talked to us about how to fully embody your audience, focus on building relationships, and reframe the content marketing funnel.Show TopicsFully embody your audienceFocus on authenticityTake time to understand the problem setSeek out potential storiesUnderstand how content marketing fits into the bigger pictureView marketing as relationship-buildingReframe the old buyer’s journeyBuild a content marketing playgroundReimagine the content marketing funnelCreate content for the whole playgroundShow Links Check out AtlassianFollow Ashley Faus on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Any marketing claim you make that doesn’t have some form of evidence is a weak statement. Unsupported claims just lead to undifferentiated content, a lack of trust, and low conversions. But proof on your web pages and in your content does the opposite. It builds credibility and gives people a reason to believe in your brand. One piece of content that offers social proof, acts as conversion copy, and works in a content strategy: case studies. In this episode, Andy Crestodina, the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media Studios, explains how proof is the key to every type of marketing, whether you’re playing the long game of account-based marketing (ABM) or building your email list.Show TopicsUse case studies to build trustData points can support sales messagesReduce the investment in the ROICreate sales enablement contentDon’t publish content without an expert contributorHave prominence, promise, proofShow Links Check out Orbit MediaFollow Andy Crestodina on LinkedIn or TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Watch a video clip and find key takeaways hereContent creation is a tricky business. You have to know what your clients want, when to say yes to new projects, and how to find the writers you need. For Brad Smith, creating and producing top of the line content is his bread and butter. Brad is the CEO of Wordable, co-founder of uSERP, and founder and CEO of Codeless, all of which are aimed at producing, ranking, and publishing SERP-topping content. During this episode of The Long Game, Brad shared with us his insight on determining content quality, how to work with clients, and what you need to scale content writing production.Show TopicsTrain your writers on consistent practicesFind out what content quality meansKnow when your client needs an in-house writerFigure out the client’s styleDisqualify people as soon as possibleLook at quality versus cost of applicantsDon’t work with people who aren’t a good fitWait to interview writersEmbrace a ‘good enough’ mentalityShow Links Check out WordableCheck out uSERPCheck out CodelessPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

A sustainable freelance career requires you to balance stability with growth. Think of that balance like a barbell. Half of your time should be spent on your retainer clients that bring you a guaranteed income. The other half should be spent on riskier projects where you charge higher initial rates or negotiate a stake in its performance. The steady work is how you pay the rent, but the risks are how you get to the next level. That balance doesn’t just apply to how you should divide your clients, but how you break up your time between billable and non-billable hours, and current work and future work. Freelance Like a Pro founder and freelance copywriter Brian Speronello has spent a decade managing that balance. In this episode, he gives us his tips and hard-won lessons.Show TopicsUse a barbell strategy for your projectsFreelancers have to know how long things takeSet retainers for a maximum amount of hoursAsk for the last month upfrontExchange your time and focus for referralsYou need some non-billable hoursShow Links Check out Freelance Like a ProFollow Brian Speronello on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sean Blanda (Crossbeam), Ilona Abramova (AppSumo), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:020: Spark Creativity and Generate Memorable Content with Ryan Law (Animalz)041: Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)045: Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)009: The Long Game Podcast: Building Communities, Teams and Companies through Marketing with Sabel Harris019: Peak Performing, High-Earning Freelance Writing with Michael Keenan (Co-Founder at Peak Freelance)028: Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:015: Should You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?017: How Do Growth and Content Overlap?027: Is Organic Traffic the Best Traffic?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/