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Author: Reece Smith

As a results-driven marketing and entrepreneurship professional, I’ve built my career at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and innovation. With a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Mass Communications, my journey began before I graduated by helping my mother grow her digital marketing agency, where I gained invaluable experience and discovered a passion for driving business success. Graduating in May of 2020 during an uncertain time taught me resilience and adaptability, qualities that have shaped my approach to leadership and problem-solving. Marketing and entrepreneurship are extraordinary forces that shape industries, create opportunities, and connect people in meaningful ways. They hold the power to turn ideas into action and generate measurable impact. What inspires me most is the ability to craft strategies and solutions that drive growth and improve lives. This passion led me to connect with gotcha! as a partner, where I was so inspired by the company’s vision and innovation that I joined the gotcha! family. Today, I am proud to contribute my expertise and leadership to an organization dedicated to reshaping the digital marketing landscape. Outside of work, I prioritize balance and personal growth. I enjoy spending time with my two Labrador retrievers, my cat, and my fiancé. Family is central to my life, whether it’s with my sisters, niece, brother-in-law, parents, or my fiancé’s family. My hobbies include golfing, boating, beach outings, working out, bowling, and cheering on the Florida Gators in football and basketball. Staying active and fostering meaningful relationships mirror my professional commitment to growth and connection.

Marketing Should Make You Money, Not Just Look Good

Posted on by Reece Smith

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen companies treat marketing like it lives in its own little world, totally disconnected from sales and business development.

They see it as “brand awareness” or something they know they need, something that makes you look more “real”, but not something that drives revenue.

Let me be blunt:
 If your marketing isn’t helping you sell, it’s not doing its job.

That doesn’t mean your marketing needs to be pushy or aggressive by any means. But it should be doing the work behind the scenes. It should be warming people up, answering questions, and having a funnel that does its job in getting in front of the right people before your sales team even steps in.

Good Marketing Makes Selling Easier

Before someone ever fills out a form or hops on a call, they’ve already done the research. They’ve Googled you. Scrolled through your website. Checked your social media. Maybe clicked an ad or read a blog post.

That’s your chance to make an impression before the conversation ever starts.

If your marketing is aligned with what your sales team is saying, that prospect already understands who you are, what you do, and why it matters. There’s a level of trust and familiarity that turns cold leads into warm ones.

And when that happens, that first sales conversation?

It becomes ten times easier.

Content Is a Sales Tool

Think about how often your team has to answer the same exact questions over and over again.

What’s included?

How does this work?

Why should we choose you?

This is where strong content matters.

A solid landing page. A well-written blog post. A simple case study. These tools pre-answer those questions. They reduce friction, build trust, and move people further down the funnel… all before your sales team gets involved.

Less explaining means more time selling, and more time selling means more deals closed. That’s real ROI.

Stop Posting Just to Post

There’s a big difference between having an active presence and having an intentional one.

Social media isn’t just about filling a calendar or checking a box. It’s about staying top of mind.

Even if someone isn’t ready to buy right now, your content keeps you in their orbit. It keeps your brand familiar. And when the timing is right? You’re already on their radar.

The same goes for email. If you’re just blasting out generic newsletters or aimless updates, you’re missing the point. Your emails should be helpful. They should guide people toward the next step. If they aren’t doing that, they’re just adding to the noise.

Sales and Marketing Are on the Same Team

If your sales team is grinding every day, cold calling, following up, and trying to close, but your marketing team is disconnected from the process, you’re leaving money on the table.

Marketing should be the fuel behind your sales engine. It’s not just about pretty graphics or catchy captions. It’s about strategy. Alignment. Support.

Everything your marketing team does should make your sales team’s life easier. It should be creating opportunities, warming up leads, and reinforcing your brand story every step of the way.

Ask Yourself This

If all your marketing stopped today… Would your sales pipeline take a hit?

If the answer is no, then something’s off. Because marketing isn’t just about making you look good… It’s about helping you grow.

It’s about turning visibility into opportunity, curiosity into conversion, and connections into customers.

And when you treat marketing as a growth engine, not just a creative one, that’s when things start to shift.

Ready to build a marketing strategy that supports your sales goals?

Let’s talk. Because good marketing doesn’t just get attention. It closes deals.

 

Marketing Is Everywhere—Yes, Even Your Deodorant

Posted on by Reece Smith

Let me just start by saying this: marketing is everywhere. Like everywhere. From the clothes you’re wearing right now to the shampoo in your shower to the overpriced snack you impulse-bought at the checkout line. It’s all marketing.

And once you start noticing it, you can’t unsee it.

I was thinking about this the other day while getting dressed. I threw on a hoodie I’ve had for years. Comfy, reliable, kind of my go-to. And without thinking about it, I caught myself admiring the logo on the sleeve. It’s not even a brand I care about that much—but it’s there. In my face. Reminding me it exists. That’s marketing. That hoodie? It didn’t just randomly show up in my drawer. I chose it. And I chose it because, at some point, I was influenced. Maybe by an ad. Maybe by a friend wearing it. Maybe because I saw it on TikTok and didn’t even realize it.

That’s the wild part. So much of what we buy, believe, or even think about—it’s been marketed to us. On purpose. And it works.

We Don’t “Find” Products Anymore—They Find Us

Think about the last thing you bought. Maybe it was a supplement. A candle. A pair of sneakers. You probably didn’t just randomly walk into a store and grab it. Nah.

  • Maybe you saw someone post about it.
  • Maybe your friend swore by it.
  • Maybe it was in a cute little section of Target that somehow always knows your vibe.

We don’t just shop anymore. We experience brands. Constantly. From every direction.

But here’s the thing I really want to talk about…

Even When It Starts Offline, It Ends Online

Let’s say you’re walking around and you see someone wearing shoes you love. You’re not gonna chase them down the street (I mean, maybe, but let’s be real). You’re gonna do what all of us do: pull out your phone and Google that brand.

Boom. Offline experience → online curiosity.

Or maybe you hear about a new coffee shop. You want to check it out. But first, you’re gonna see if they have:

  • A website
  • A menu online
  • Reviews
  • An Instagram page to see if it’s cute enough to bother going

If they’re not online? You lose interest. You forget. You move on. That’s the reality.

So even when something feels super organic—like “I just stumbled on this brand!”—digital is still the glue holding it all together. Without it, that connection doesn’t stick.

This Is Where Digital Marketing Comes In (aka the Behind-the-Scenes Magic)

Every brand you interact with online or offline? If they’re smart, they’ve got a whole digital strategy running in the background.

  • A website that doesn’t make you want to throw your phone
  • A Google listing that actually shows up when you search
  • Ads that magically pop up after you think about something one time (creepy but effective)
  • Emails that somehow know when you’re most likely to click “add to cart”
  • Social content that makes you feel like the brand gets you

That’s not by accident. That’s digital marketing.

And the truth is: without it, most brands would be invisible. I don’t care how good your product is—if no one can find you, it doesn’t matter.

You Can Have the Coolest Brand Ever, But If I Google You and Nothing Shows Up… Bye.

Let’s be blunt for a second.

I don’t care if your product changes lives. If I can’t find you online in two seconds flat, I’m over it. And most people are the same.

We don’t have time. We don’t want to dig. We don’t want to work for it.

We want:

  • Instant answers
  • Clean design
  • Easy checkout
  • Validation that you’re legit

So yeah. The shirt you wear might be marketing. The water bottle you bring to the gym? Also marketing. But the real power move is what happens when someone sees that and goes, “Ooh I like that—let me look it up.” Because that’s where the sale happens. That’s where trust is built. That’s where your brand either shows up or disappears.

Bottom Line? Everything Is Marketing. But Digital Is the Backbone.

You can do all the things—sponsor events, get into retail stores, get featured by influencers, whatever.
But if you don’t have your digital sh*t together? You’re missing the point.

You need:

  • A website that looks and works good (yes, both)
  • SEO so people can actually find you
  • Ads that reach the right people
  • Social content that doesn’t make people cringe
  • Reviews that tell the story when you’re not there to tell it

Because no matter where someone sees you—real life or online—they’re gonna look you up. And when they do, you better be there, loud and proud.

Marketing Is Everywhere. Might As Well Make It Work for You.

The next time you see someone rocking a brand and think, “That’s cute,” just remember: that didn’t happen by accident. Someone, somewhere, spent time, energy, and money to make sure that brand was in your line of sight.

And behind the scenes? There’s a digital strategy doing the heavy lifting.

So if you’re building a business, launching a brand, or trying to grow—don’t sleep on digital. It’s not just one piece of the puzzle. It’s the whole damn frame holding it together.

Everyone Wants to Start a Marketing Business These Days—And What That Means for Real Marketing

Posted on by Reece Smith

The Digital Marketing Gold Rush

Lately, it feels like everyone is jumping into digital marketing. Whether it’s people looking for a side hustle, entrepreneurs, influencers, or business owners looking for an easy way to add another revenue stream, starting a marketing business is more popular than ever. And I get it—on the surface, it looks simple. Digital marketing seems like something you can easily learn, automate, scale, and turn into an easy money-maker. But in this rush to scale and make money quickly, something important is getting lost: creativity, strategy, and trust.

The problem? Digital marketing isn’t just a business model. It’s an art and a skill. It requires deep understanding, adaptability, and, most importantly, a human touch. But today, everyone is treating it like a formula they can apply to any business, slap on some ads, and call it a day. And that’s why so much of today’s marketing feels uninspired and ineffective.

The Rise of Cookie-Cutter Marketing

A lot of these so-called marketing businesses rely on the same pre-made templates and automated processes. Instead of taking the time to understand each client’s business, audience, and goals, they push out the same cookie-cutter strategies for every client. And here’s the issue: real marketing isn’t plug-and-play.

Think about it. If every business were truly the same, marketing wouldn’t even be necessary. Customers could just pick whatever shows up first. But that’s not how people make decisions. Marketing should be about helping brands stand out, not blend in. Instead, these mass-market approaches are stripping away uniqueness, reducing brands to nothing more than generic messages that lack authenticity.

Automation has its place, but when marketing is only about automation, the results are robotic and lifeless. Strategy takes a backseat. Brand identity disappears. And instead of making businesses more competitive, these templated solutions make them indistinguishable from their competitors.

The Trust Issue: Why Real Relationships Matter

One of the biggest casualties of this mass-produced marketing approach is that it kills trust. The best marketing comes from actually knowing your clients—their industry, their challenges, their goals. But when agencies don’t take the time to dig deep, their work feels generic and out of touch.

Businesses that invest in these automated solutions quickly realize something’s off. Their marketing doesn’t speak their language. It doesn’t reflect their values. And worst of all, it doesn’t resonate with their customers. Why? Because it was never truly made for them in the first place.

Clients notice when they’re just another name on a list. They don’t feel heard, they don’t feel understood, and they definitely don’t feel confident in the marketing strategy they’re paying for. And let’s be real—when trust is gone, so is the business relationship. That’s why so many clients bounce from agency to agency, constantly searching for someone who actually gets them.

The Impact: When ‘Marketing’ Becomes a Commodity

Because marketing businesses are popping up everywhere, marketing itself is starting to feel like just another commodity. It’s no longer about strategy or creative execution—it’s just another service people are selling. The result?

– More agencies offering cheap, ineffective marketing that doesn’t drive results.

– Businesses struggling to tell the difference between legit experts and people
just trying to cash in.

– A market flooded with cookie-cutter campaigns that all look and feel the same.

The worst part? Bad marketing makes people think marketing doesn’t work. When businesses don’t see results, they assume marketing itself is the problem—not the quality of the marketing they’re getting. And that’s dangerous. It makes business owners skeptical of investing in marketing at all, even when they actually need it to grow.

The Alternative: Quality Over Scalability

So, what’s the solution? It’s not about rejecting scalability altogether—I’m all for efficiency. But there’s a right way to do it. The best marketing businesses scale without sacrificing quality, creativity, and relationships.

That means:

– Taking the time to actually understand each client’s industry and goals.

– Customizing strategies instead of copy-pasting templates.

– Using automation wisely, but never at the expense of originality.

– Building real relationships with clients, so they know you’re invested in their success.

This is what separates real marketers from those just trying to make a quick buck. Marketing is about creativity, psychology, and communication—not just slapping together some ads and calling it a day.

The Future of Digital Marketing

AI and automation aren’t going anywhere, and I’m not saying they’re all bad. But businesses need to be smart about how they use them. The brands that win will be the ones that invest in creativity, authenticity, and trust.

If you’re looking for marketing support, here’s my advice: choose your marketing partners wisely. Don’t just go for the cheapest or most scalable option—go for the one that actually understands your business and will take the time to get things right. Because at the end of the day, scalability should never replace strategy, relationships, and creativity.

That’s the difference between just selling marketing—and actually making marketing work.

Stop Selling: The Key to Marketing Success in Today’s World

Posted on by Reece Smith

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of modern marketing, one principle stands out as a game-changer: stop selling. This may seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t the entire purpose of marketing to sell products or services? Yes and no. While sales are the ultimate goal, the path to achieving them has fundamentally shifted. Today, consumers are savvier, more skeptical, and more informed than ever. The hard-sell tactics of yesteryear are no longer effective. Instead, the most successful marketers focus on building trust, providing value, and fostering genuine connections.

The Shift in Consumer Behavior

The digital revolution has fundamentally changed how consumers interact with brands. Gone are the days when a flashy advertisement or a persuasive salesperson could seal the deal. Today’s consumers have access to endless information at their fingertips. They research products, read reviews, and compare options long before making a purchasing decision.
In this environment, traditional sales tactics often come across as pushy or inauthentic. Consumers are more likely to tune out or even distrust brands that prioritize selling over solving problems. This shift necessitates a new approach: one that prioritizes the customer’s needs, desires, and pain points above all else.

The Philosophy of “Stop Selling”

“Stop selling” doesn’t mean abandoning the goal of revenue generation. Instead, it’s about rethinking how you achieve that goal. Here are the core tenets of this philosophy:

1. Focus on Value: Instead of promoting your product’s features, emphasize how it can improve the customer’s life or solve their problem.

2. Build Relationships:
Long-term success comes from nurturing trust and loyalty, not chasing quick wins.

3. Educate and Empower:
Equip your audience with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. When they feel confident, they’re more likely to choose your brand.

4. Prioritize Authenticity:
Be transparent and genuine in your communication. Authenticity breeds trust, and trust leads to sales.

Practical Strategies to Implement “Stop Selling”

1. Content Marketing That Adds Value
• Create blog posts, videos, and guides that address common questions or challenges your audience faces. For example, if you sell skincare products, share tips on building a skincare routine or understanding ingredients.
• Position yourself as a trusted resource, not just a vendor.

2. Storytelling
• People connect with stories, not sales pitches. Share the story behind your brand, highlight customer success stories, or showcase your impact on the community.
• Stories humanize your brand and make it relatable.

3. Social Media Engagement
• Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn to interact with your audience authentically. Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and share behind-the-scenes content.
• Avoid constant promotion; focus on building community.

4. Solve Problems, Don’t Push Products
• Listen to your audience’s pain points and tailor your messaging to address them.
• Show how your product or service fits into their lives rather than forcing it upon them.

5. Leverage Email Marketing for Relationship Building
• Create email sequences that educate, entertain, and engage rather than just selling. Share helpful tips, exclusive insights, or stories that resonate with your audience.

Real-World Examples

HubSpot
HubSpot revolutionized inbound marketing by offering free resources, tools, and educational content. They focus on helping businesses grow rather than pushing their software. As a result, they’ve built a loyal customer base and a globally recognized brand.

Apple
Apple’s marketing rarely focuses on selling. Instead, they highlight how their products improve lives, inspire creativity, or solve problems. Their ads and campaigns evoke emotions and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Patagonia
Patagonia prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility in its messaging. They focus on their mission and values rather than simply selling clothing. This authenticity resonates with consumers and drives loyalty.

The Benefits of “Stop Selling”

When you embrace this approach, the benefits are multifold:

1. Increased Trust: Customers trust brands that prioritize their needs over profits.
2. Stronger Loyalty: When customers feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to stick with your brand.
3. Higher Engagement: Authentic, value-driven content generates more interest and interaction.
4. Sustainable Growth: Instead of short-term sales spikes, you’ll achieve consistent, long-term success.

Conclusion

In today’s world, marketing success isn’t about selling harder; it’s about selling smarter. By focusing on value, authenticity, and relationships, you can build a brand that not only attracts customers but retains them for the long haul. Remember, the best way to sell is to stop selling.

The Power of Creating a Website with a Strong Funnel

Posted on by Reece Smith

In today’s digital-first world, having a website is no longer optional for businesses—it’s a necessity. But simply having a website isn’t enough. To truly succeed, your website needs to be a well-oiled machine designed to convert visitors into leads, and leads into loyal customers. This is where the concept of a strong funnel comes into play. A website funnel guides visitors through a carefully crafted journey, addressing their needs and building trust at every stage. The result? Increased engagement, better conversion rates, and long-term business growth.

Understanding the Website Funnel

A website funnel, also known as a sales or marketing funnel, is the series of steps a visitor takes on your site to achieve a specific goal, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or scheduling a consultation. The funnel typically consists of four stages:
Awareness: Attracting visitors to your website through marketing channels such as social media, search engines, and email campaigns.
Interest: Engaging visitors with valuable content, clear messaging, and an intuitive design.
Decision: Persuading visitors to take a specific action by addressing their pain points and showcasing your value.
Action: Converting visitors into customers or leads through optimized calls-to-action (CTAs) and seamless user experiences.
Each stage of the funnel requires a strategic approach to ensure visitors progress smoothly from one step to the next.

Why a Strong Funnel Matters

A strong website funnel is crucial for maximizing the ROI of your online presence. Here’s why:

1.Improved User Experience: A well-designed funnel provides visitors with a clear path, reducing confusion and frustration.
2.Higher Conversion Rates: By guiding visitors through a targeted journey, you increase the likelihood they’ll take the desired action.
3.Data-Driven Insights: Funnels allow you to track user behavior and identify areas for improvement, enabling continuous optimization.
4.Scalability: A strong funnel can handle increased traffic without sacrificing performance, making it an essential tool for growth.

Building an Effective Website Funnel

Creating a strong website funnel requires thoughtful planning and execution. Here are the key components:

1.Clear Objectives • Define the primary goal of your funnel. Is it to generate leads, drive sales, or increase sign-ups? Clarity in your objectives will shape the rest of your strategy.
2.Target Audience Research • Understand your audience’s needs, pain points, and preferences. This knowledge will inform your content, design, and messaging.
3.Compelling Content • Create content that resonates with your audience at each stage of the funnel. For example, blog posts and videos for the awareness stage, case studies for the decision stage, and testimonials for the action stage.
4.User-Friendly Design • Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. A cluttered or confusing design can derail even the best funnel.
5.Strategic CTAs • Place clear and persuasive CTAs throughout your website. Use action-oriented language and emphasize the benefits of taking the next step.
6.Landing Pages • Create dedicated landing pages for specific campaigns or offers. These pages should be focused, relevant, and optimized for conversions.
7.Lead Magnets • Offer valuable resources such as eBooks, templates, or free trials in exchange for visitors’ contact information. This helps you capture leads and nurture them over time.
8.Analytics and Testing • Use tools like Google Analytics and heatmaps to track user behavior and identify drop-off points. Regularly test and optimize your funnel elements to improve performance.

Real-World Examples of Strong Website Funnels

1. Shopify Shopify’s website funnel is a masterclass in simplicity and effectiveness. Their homepage immediately communicates value and directs visitors to start a free trial. Throughout the funnel, they use clear CTAs, customer success stories, and personalized recommendations to guide users toward becoming customers.

2. HubSpot HubSpot leverages an extensive library of free resources to attract and engage visitors. Their funnel seamlessly transitions from educational content to lead generation, with targeted CTAs and a user-friendly experience.

3. Airbnb Airbnb’s website funnel focuses on building trust and removing barriers. They use high-quality visuals, personalized search filters, and clear messaging to guide users from browsing to booking.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While building a website funnel, watch out for these common mistakes:

1.Lack of Clarity: If visitors can’t understand your value proposition or next steps, they’re likely to leave.
2.Too Many Distractions: Avoid cluttered pages with excessive links, pop-ups, or irrelevant content.
3.Ignoring Mobile Users: Ensure your funnel is fully optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of traffic comes from smartphones.
4.Neglecting Follow-Up: A funnel doesn’t end at conversion. Use email campaigns and retargeting ads to nurture leads and encourage repeat business.

Conclusion

A website with a strong funnel is more than just a digital presence—it’s a strategic asset that drives measurable results. By understanding your audience, crafting compelling content, and optimizing each stage of the funnel, you can transform your website into a powerful tool for growth. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, investing in a strong website funnel is one of the smartest decisions you can make in today’s competitive marketplace. Start building your funnel today and watch your business thrive.