I set a simple goal: get 10 new email subscribers by March 31. No ads. No big campaigns. Just smarter placement, clearer messaging, and a system that could run while I focused on client work. Here’s what worked, what didn’t—and what I’ll try next time.

This week’s Email Signup Experiment took an unexpected turn—zero conversions despite steady traffic. What went wrong? We break down the data, analyze possible causes, and outline next steps to get signups back on track.

This week’s Email Signup Experiment revealed a surprising boost in signups, with the pop-up and sticky footer leading the way. But high-traffic blog pages still aren’t converting. See what’s working, what’s not, and the next steps to optimize our strategy.

Tracking the right data makes all the difference. This week, we uncovered signups from unexpected sources, proving that expanding what we measure is just as important as optimizing how we capture leads.

The Email Signup Experiment just hit a turning point—our latest numbers are at zero signups for the week. If you neglect your own marketing, your results will suffer. In this update, we analyze why conversions have stalled and what needs to change immediately to turn things around.

This week’s Email Signup Experiment proved that doing nothing leads to… well, not much. With no changes made, our pop-up maintained its underwhelming conversion rate, and high-traffic blog pages still didn’t deliver signups. Next week, we’re adjusting timing, refining our CTA, and rethinking form placement to finally break through.

The Email Signup Experiment continues, and this week’s data reveals some unexpected shifts. While the home page saw its first signup, the pop-up’s conversion rate dropped significantly. Are visitors tuning it out? We’re making key adjustments to timing, messaging, and placement to improve performance. Read on to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we’re testing next.

The Email Signup Experiment is in full swing, and this week’s results revealed both progress and challenges. While adding the form to high-traffic blog posts didn’t generate signups, the pop-up saw a 5.9% conversion rate—better than nothing, but still below the industry average. With a combined conversion rate of 2.3%, it’s clear we need to refine our approach. The focus now? Improving visibility, tweaking messaging, and driving more traffic to high-converting pages. Can these adjustments push us closer to our goal of 10 new subscribers by March 31? We’re about to find out.

Join Annie Figenshu and her AI assistant, Betty Bot-ley, as they dive into this week's Email Signup Experiment results. Discover insights from Newsletter Form 5 2, including a solid 7.7% conversion rate but low traffic challenges. Learn actionable strategies to boost visibility and engagement while working toward the goal of 10 new subscribers by March 31. Ready to optimize your own signup forms? Let's explore together!

Get your business ready for 2025! In this post, you’ll learn a streamlined, five-step plan designed for small teams. From choosing your top focus to setting up automations and tracking the right metrics, each step is crafted to help you make an impact with clarity and confidence. Let’s start the new year with a marketing strategy that’s both manageable and powerful.

Tilt Publishing isn’t just about getting your book on the shelves—it’s about giving authors the control, reader data, and engagement they deserve. As the publisher of The Content Entrepreneur and Simple Social Media, I chose Tilt for the same reasons you might: meaningful connections, long-term growth, and turning a book into a true brand-building tool. Discover how Tilt’s unique approach can transform your book from launch day to lasting impact.

Discover how the StoryBrand framework can transform your content marketing strategy from chaotic to cohesive. By applying StoryBrand across your emails, social media, and website, you’ll create messaging that resonates with your audience, increases engagement, and drives real results. Learn why this proven approach can make your marketing easier and more effective—and how Annie Figenshu can guide you every step of the way.

After attending a retreat or conference, your head is full of fresh ideas and strategies that could drive your business forward. But without a plan to act quickly, those sparks of inspiration could fade. In this post, we’ll cover why it’s crucial to block time for implementation right after an event and offer practical steps to turn those ideas into long-term growth.

Service-based businesses often overlook holiday marketing, but with the right strategy, you can stand out, boost engagement, and increase revenue. By focusing on what your clients need for the new year and automating your marketing, you’ll position your business for long-term success. Don’t let the season pass you by—take charge of your holiday campaign today!

Get your email marketing ready for the holiday rush with a fully optimized email funnel before Halloween. Personalization is the key to boosting engagement and driving sales, as Mailchimp’s "This Holiday, It’s Personal" report shows that targeted emails can increase open rates by 29%. Start now and let your automated email campaigns work seamlessly through the busiest shopping season, leaving you free to focus on your business.

Discover how to use AI to streamline your content creation without losing the clarity that the StoryBrand framework provides. In this post, I share five steps to train AI on your brand voice and offerings, helping you create customer-focused content that converts while saving you time.

The Power of a Clear Brand Message: It's not easy to connect with your audience right now. Discover how a clear and compelling brand message can transform your business. Learn why a clear message drives revenue. Plus, learn what you must do before, during, and after you craft your brand message so you can get the most out of your marketing.

Struggling to find a marketing partner you can trust? You’re not alone. At Downstage Media, we understand the challenges and have built our reputation on earning the trust of clients just like you. With our Referral Madness program, you can save big while helping your friends grow their businesses. Refer a friend today, and both of you will enjoy 15% off your next invoice. It’s a win-win—join the Referral Madness and start sharing the love!

Struggling to make your sales pitches resonate? Discover the transformative power of storytelling in sales. Learn how the StoryBrand framework can help you connect with potential customers, increase engagement, and boost your revenue. Dive into our guide and register for the Close More Sales with Storytelling webinar to refine your skills and drive your business forward. Limited spots available – don’t miss out!

You want to send emails out regularly, but life gets in the way. If you don’t find a sustainable way to manage your email marketing, you risk losing potential revenue. Plus, you might find yourself stuck on the content hamster wheel, always scrambling to keep up. Evergreen content is your new best friend. Create an email automation around that content and you will be able to relax and focus on other areas of your business. Here’s how to do it.

Struggling with inconsistent messaging and low engagement in your email marketing? Discover how a BrandScript can transform your Mailchimp campaigns. Learn how clear, compelling messaging can boost open rates, click-through rates, and strengthen your brand identity. In this blog post, I'll share practical steps to implement a BrandScript and real-life success stories that prove its impact. Ready to elevate your email marketing strategy? Read on to find out how!

Ever struggled to explain what your business does in a few seconds? You're not alone! A strong one-liner is your secret weapon for capturing attention and sparking curiosity. In this post, we explore the importance of a one-liner and how our Pitch Perfect One-Liner Workshop can help you craft a compelling message that resonates. Learn about common challenges, our proven framework, and hear success stories from those who’ve transformed their business communication. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a memorable impression and elevate your marketing game!

Marketing budgets are tight right now. A recent Gartner survey of 395 CMOs and marketing leaders shows the average 2024 marketing budgets have dipped to 7.7% of overall company revenue, down from last year's 9.1%. That means that you have to be absolutely clear on how to make the most of your marketing to make it count.

In this blog post, I’m going to talk about the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream as a way to get the most out of your marketing dollars for the rest of the year.

At Social Media Marketing World 2024 there were 5 sessions about LinkedIn. I watched them all so you don't have to. Here's what you need to know.

Our email inboxes and social media feeds are overloaded with marketing advice. It’s easy to tune it all out. But small adjustments to your content marketing strategy can make a big difference in your results. In this blog post, you’ll learn about Downstage Media’s PAGER zine and how you can get practical, tactical ideas sent straight to your door.