Startup marketing can feel like a maze, right? In this episode of Rogue Startups, Craig chats with  Brendan Hufford of Growth Sprints about how to cut through the noise and actually connect with your audience. They dig into everything from creating raw, authentic content to dialing in your SEO strategies and uncovering your brand’s real voice. If you’ve ever felt a little lost with your marketing (or just want some fresh ideas to make your plan actually work), this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Highlights from Craig and Brendan Hufford’s conversation:

• AI in SEO: how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital marketing landscape
• Why old methods don’t work anymore—and the mindset shift needed to move forward
• Building new skill sets: why continuous learning is essential for marketers and founders
• Staying ahead of the curve with new tech, trends, and tools
• How entrepreneurs can use AI to market their businesses more effectively
• Content atomization and distribution: breaking big ideas into bite-sized content across multiple channels
• Maximizing social platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and more
• “Zero-click content”: how to thrive on platforms that discourage external links
• Optimizing for virtual retargeting and platform-native algorithms
• Overcoming the “trust recession” and rebuilding credibility with your audience
• Turning one-star reviews into marketing gold
• Creating a gravitational pull that draws customers toward your brand and story
• The power of self-perpetuating content that continues to work for you over time
• Why founders shouldn’t try to do everything alone—and how to delegate effectively
• Finding your authentic founder’s voice and building trust through genuine content

Resources and Links from This Episode

• Brendan Hufford on LinkedIn: com/in/brendanhufford
• Growth Sprints: https://growthsprints.co/
• Email me: podcast@roguestartups.com
• Find me on Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt

If you feel like Rogue Startups has benefited you, and it might benefit someone else, please share it with them. If you have a chance, give Rogue Startups a review on iTunes.

Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas for future episodes? Feel free to reach out to me:

• Twitter: @TheCraigHewitt
• LinkedIn: Craig Hewitt
• Email: podcast@roguestartups.com

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The Best Guest for Marketing: Brendan from Growth Sprints
• (00:00:54) - How to Get Out of Stuck in the Past With SEO
• (00:05:33) - What Do You Do To Stay Fresh?
• (00:07:33) - Where Are You on the AI Spectrum?
• (00:12:32) - How to Leverage AI in Content
• (00:14:56) - Instagram vs. Twitter: Brand Safety
• (00:19:14) - PODCAST: Short Form and Long Form
• (00:19:51) - Facebook, LinkedIn: No More 'Zero Click'
• (00:20:59) - Content and Zero-Click Marketing
• (00:24:57) - Content Investment: The Trust Recession
• (00:30:19) - How to Build a Growth Strategy With SaaS Founders
• (00:33:10) - There's a better way to sell an SEO
• (00:36:51) - In the Elevator: Founder Gravity
• (00:37:55) - How to manage your LinkedIn and YouTube accounts
• (00:42:39) - How to Start a Business on a Single Channel
• (00:45:41) - Growthsprints: End of 2021
• (00:48:16) - Ideas for Digital Marketing...
• (00:52:46) - How to Build a Content Board with a Single Person
• (00:56:16) - How to Tell a Funny Story on a Podcast
• (00:57:00) - Brendan on Talking To Himself