DOWNSTAGE MEDIA BLOG
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY, MESSAGING, AND EMAIL MARKETING TIPS
How to Use a StoryBrand BrandScript to Clarify Your Message (Examples Included)
If your marketing feels scattered, you’re not alone. Most experts, founders, and speakers work way too hard for far too little traction because their message isn’t clear. This guide walks you through how to use a StoryBrand BrandScript to simplify your message, strengthen your content, and make marketing finally feel doable.
What Thought Leaders Can Learn from Junk Mail About Clearer Websites
If you’re a thought leader or the face of your brand, you’ve probably invested in a beautiful website that may not convert the way you want. In this post, web designer Kristin Madeja shows you how direct response marketing principles can help your site move people from “This looks nice” to “I’m ready to book.” You’ll learn about clarity, calls to action, testing, and photography, so your audience takes action.
How to Name Your Offer So It Actually Sells
If you keep calling your work “consulting” or “just working with me,” you are shrinking the perceived value of your expertise. The right name turns a loose idea into a structured offer that clients understand, remember, and trust. This post shows you how to name your offers and processes so they feel valuable, future ready, and easier to sell. Keep reading if you want clients to say yes faster.
What Is a StoryBrand Certified Coach? (And Why the Title Changed)
Name changes are so 2025! StoryBrand Certified Guides are now StoryBrand Certified Coaches. If you're wondering why, what changed this post clears it all up.
What Happened When History By Mail Hit the Shark Tank Stage
When History By Mail founder Ari Siegel stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, he had just 90 seconds to make his pitch count. Here's how we helped him craft a message that led to a $250,000 deal—and what you can learn from it about clarity, storytelling, and showing up with confidence when it matters most.
Downstage Media’s Client History By Mail Tests Its Brand Message on Shark Tank
When Ari Siegel, founder of History By Mail, landed a coveted spot on Shark Tank, he turned to Downstage Media for help crafting a pitch that would resonate with both the Sharks and millions of viewers. Here’s how we shaped the message, rehearsed every word, and got ready for a once-in-a-lifetime moment on national TV.
Follower Count Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think
You don’t need a massive following to grow your business—you need a smart content strategy and the right systems. In this post, Annie Figenshu breaks down why email marketing still outperforms social media, how to build trust with a smaller audience, and what to focus on if you’re ready to stop chasing followers and start seeing results.
StoryBrand for Content Marketing: Using Frameworks to Improve Blog Posts, Social Media Posts, and Email Campaigns
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.
Why Taking Action After a Conference Is Key
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.
Why Service-Based Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Holiday Marketing
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!
Make the Most of the Holiday Rush: Expert Tips to Boost Your Campaigns
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.
StoryBrand Marketing with AI: Insights from a Certified Guide
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.
Why a Clear Brand Message is Key to Growing Your Business (And How You Can Master It)
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.
Improve Your Sales Game: How Storytelling Can Drive Revenue
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!
Embracing Evergreen Email Automation
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.
How Can a Clear BrandScript Boost Your Mailchimp Campaigns?
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!
Why a Strong One-Liner is Essential for Your Business and How the Pitch Perfect Workshop Helps You Create One
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!
Maximize Your ROI: What to Know Before Signing Up for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream
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.
How can I make the most of Coach Builder Summit? 5 insider tips!
Some online summits are a little… thin with speakers pitching more than presenting. It’s hard to know if the Coach Builder Summit is going to be worth carving out two days of your schedule for. Let’s go through what Coach Builder Summit is, plus give you 5 insider tips you may not have considered. When you see more info about it cross your desk, you'll be confident that you thought through your decision.
Fly Far and Fast with Small Business Flight School
Owning a small business is often compared to throwing yourself off a cliff and building an airplane on the way down. Guest contributor Ali J. Taylor discusses his new program so small business owners get the support they need to maximize what's working and fix what isn’t.