Marketing In Action Podcast

Putting marketing into action, one conversation at a time.

Each week, we feature inspiring interviews with successful marketers and founders who are putting marketing into action across Africa and beyond. newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

Episodes

  1. 11/03/2025

    MIA Podcast #05: Building a Growth Process & Growth Machine (+Template)

    Podcast from www.marketinginaction.xyz Welcome to the fifth episode of the Marketing In Action podcast. Every startup wants growth, but not every team knows how to make it predictable. In this episode, we break down a 10-step system for building a growth process that’s not just reactive, but repeatable. From identifying your growth levers to testing ideas through data and intuition, this framework shows how to move from random wins to measurable, scalable results. Whether you’re a founder trying to find traction or a marketer aiming to build a growth engine that works across channels, this episode is your blueprint. Read the full article here: Key Takeaways 1. Growth isn’t a hack – it’s a process. The most successful teams build systems that are measurable, testable, and scalable. 2. Start with your levers – Acquisition, retention, and activation are your growth levers. Each one needs clear objectives and metrics. 3. Data isn’t just numbers – True growth analysis combines quantitative data, qualitative feedback, and intuition. 4. Prioritize with clarity – Use the ICE framework—Impact, Confidence, Effort to rank ideas before testing. 5. Test small, scale fast – Run experiments, document what works, and either productize or playbook your successful tactics for consistency. 6. Build to last – Growth isn’t about one-off campaigns, it’s about creating repeatable systems that compound over time. Soundbites “Growth isn’t magic—it’s math, method, and momentum.” “If your process isn’t repeatable, your growth isn’t sustainable.” “The ICE framework helps you stop chasing shiny ideas and start testing what truly moves the needle.” “Data gives you direction, but intuition gives you insight; you need both.” “The best growth marketers don’t chase trends. They build machines.” ​​What do you think? 📘 Marketing that drives real growth starts with the right strategy. Learn how to drive growth using frameworks like AARRR, virality loops, and conversion levers. Grab the Growth Marketing Handbook. 20% off all MIA handbooks and templates when you use the code: MIA Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

    16 min
  2. 09/15/2025

    MIA Podcast #04: Building a Growth Team & Executing a Growth Motion (+ Template)

    Podcast from www.marketinginaction.xyz Welcome to the fourth episode of the Marketing In Action podcast. Everyone wants growth. But here’s the truth: one “growth hire” won’t magically solve your problems. Growth isn’t a title—it’s a motion. In this episode of Marketing In Action, we break down what it really takes to build and execute a growth strategy. We’ll explore the difference between growth, marketing, growth marketing, and growth hacking, unpack how to identify the right Go-To-Market motion for your business, and look at practical team structures that actually work. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a company, this episode gives you the blueprint for building a team that drives sustainable growth. Now, let’s get into it. Read the full article here: https://newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz/p/mia-03-growth-teams-and-growth-motions Key Takeaways 1. Growth ≠ Marketing ≠ Growth Marketing ≠ Growth Hacking – Each has its own focus, metrics, and impact. Knowing the difference saves you from wrong hires and wasted time. 2. Start with the GTM Motion – Product-Led, Sales-Led, or Hybrid. Your growth team should be built around the motion that drives your business. 3. Team Structure Matters – From centralized growth teams to embedded squads, the right setup depends on stage, resources, and company goals. 4. Growth is a Mindset – It’s not just about tactics. Continuous learning, rhythm, autonomy, and accountability are the backbone of long-term growth. Soundbites “A single hire won’t fix growth. You need a motion, not a messiah.” “Product-Led growth means your product is your best salesperson.” “Sales-Led growth thrives where relationships close the deal.” “The best growth teams aren’t just executing tactics—they’re creating a rhythm of learning and iteration.” “Growth is less about titles, more about mindset.” ​​What do you think? 📘 Marketing that drives real growth starts with the right strategy. Learn how to drive growth using frameworks like AARRR, virality loops, and conversion levers. Grab the Growth Marketing Handbook. 20% off all MIA handbooks and templates when you use the code: MIA Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

    14 min
  3. 08/04/2025

    MIA Podcast #03: How to Find & Hire a Growth Marketer

    Podcast from www.marketinginaction.xyz Welcome to the third episode of the Marketing In Action podcast. Today, we're diving into a hot topic for any scaling business: how to find and hire a true growth marketer. If you've ever posted a job ad and gotten a confusing mix of SEO specialists, brand strategists, and performance marketers all claiming the "growth" title, you're not alone. This episode unpacks what growth marketing actually means, how to hire the right person for your stage, and why building a cross-functional team is your real growth unlock. Let’s get into it. Read the full article here: Key Takeaways 1. Not all growth marketers are the same The term "growth marketer" is often used loosely. This guide categorizes the different types of professionals who wear the title, from generalists to channel-specific experts, so you know exactly who you're hiring. 2. Avoid early-stage hiring mistakes Many companies make the mistake of hiring a specialist too early. What you need first is a T-shaped generalist – someone with wide marketing knowledge and deep expertise in one growth-driving area. 3. Build in phases, not all at once Start with one great generalist, then layer in channel-specific specialists as your company grows and your needs get clearer. 4. Growth isn’t siloed—it’s a team sport The best growth teams integrate design, data, engineering, and marketing. Without cross-functional collaboration, your growth strategy will hit a ceiling. 5. Use hiring templates and scorecards A structured process, including clear job descriptions, project-based assessments, and success scorecards, increases your chances of hiring the right fit. Soundbites "Growth marketing isn’t a magic hire. It’s a cross-functional effort." "Before you hire a specialist, make sure your generalist can stretch." "If everyone’s a growth marketer, then no one really is. Define what growth means for your company." "Design, engineering, data, and marketing – when these work together, that’s when real growth happens." "Don't just post a job. Define the stage, the skills, and the outcomes you want." ​​What do you think? 📘 Marketing that drives real growth starts with the right strategy. Learn how to drive growth using frameworks like AARRR, virality loops, and conversion levers. Grab the Growth Marketing Handbook. 20% off all MIA handbooks and templates when you use the code: MIA Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

    13 min
  4. 07/01/2025

    MIA Podcast #02: A Positioning Case Study With MIA

    Podcast from www.marketinginaction.xyz Welcome to the second episode of the Marketing In Action podcast. Today, we’re flipping the script by turning our own newsletter into a case study, showing you how to position your product, brand, or content with clarity. If you've ever struggled to explain what you do, who it’s for, or why it matters, this one’s for you. You’ll learn how to define your audience using the Job Story Framework, craft segment-specific value propositions, and turn copywriting principles into marketing fuel. Let’s dive into how we positioned MIA, and how you can apply the same process to your own projects. Read the full article here: Key Takeaways 1. Positioning Begins with Understanding Your Audience Use the Job Story Framework to define your audience through their context, motivation, and desired outcome: “As a [persona], at a [company type], when I [situation], I want to [motivation], so that I can [outcome].” As a marketer at a B2B SaaS Startup, when I’m not generating qualified leads, I want to find practical Demand Gen, Lead Gen, and ABM strategies, resources, and frameworks, so that I can succeed in B2B startup marketing. 2. Clarity Comes from Segment-Specific Value Propositions Tailor your messaging to the distinct goals of each audience, whether they’re founders, marketers, or agencies. Relevance is built through specificity. 3. Your Name Is Part of Your Strategy “Marketing In Action” (MIA) wasn’t just catchy, it captured the core value proposition: less theory, more doing. A great name reinforces your positioning. 4. Great Positioning Is Built on Strong Copywriting Infuse your messaging with: * Value (templates, examples, frameworks) * Credibility (trusted voices in growth and product marketing) * Audience Fit (B2B/B2C startups in the US & EMEA) * Social Proof (trusted by 1,000+ marketers and founders) 5. Write for the Person You Once Were Authentic content is born from experience. Speak to past challenges you've overcome—that’s how you build connection and trust. 6. Content Creation Isn’t Complete Without Distribution The job isn’t done when you hit publish. Repurpose across formats—carousels, reels, podcasts, email, and meet your audience where they are. Soundbites “I’m writing this for the marketer I used to be.” “Positioning isn’t theory—it’s your story, said clearly and compellingly.” “Marketing In Action means execution, not empty ideas.” “Your value prop should hit like a LinkedIn hook—specific, relevant, and real.” “A good brand name is a positioning statement in disguise.” “If your copy lacks credibility, your audience will scroll past—no matter how clever the tagline.” “Social proof isn't fluff—it's a shortcut to trust.” What do you think? 📘 Marketing that drives real growth starts with the right strategy. Learn how to drive growth using frameworks like AARRR, virality loops, and conversion levers. Grab the Growth Marketing Handbook. 20% off all MIA handbooks and templates when you use the code: MIA Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

    7 min
  5. 10/28/2024

    MIA Podcast #01: I Launched a Podcast with AI Hosts

    Podcast from www.marketinginaction.xyz What if you could run an entire podcast with AI hosts? No setup, no guests, no audio equipment, no edits… yet still deliver engaging content effortlessly? Well, that’s exactly what I’m daring to do. In the MIA Newsletter, I host interviews with marketers and founders. So far, all of these interviews have been transcribed and published as newsletter articles. Personally, I lean towards written content, so I’m more suited to creating content on channels like Substack, LinkedIn, and Twitter that favor long-form writing—unlike platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. I planned to make audio and/or video content available as podcasts for those who prefer audio and video over written content—and for those who’d rather binge-watch TikTok, Instagram, or Netflix than read a book or newsletter (like my wife 🙂). Audiovisual content is often more engaging, with emotional cues, and is easier to consume hands-free, fitting seamlessly into mobile-first lifestyles. Imagine my fascination (and joy) when I heard that Google released NotebookLM with an Audio Overview feature that turns documents and websites into AI-generated podcast conversations, hosted by AI. Now, I can release a few podcasts quickly while I work on my actual podcast setup, book time with guests, and handle all the pre-production and post-production tasks that make podcasting a high-effort endeavor. In this AI-led podcast, the hosts (I call them Gemini and Bard 🧠🎙️) discuss what they think the MIA Newsletter is all about.  What do you think? 📘 Marketing that drives real growth starts with the right strategy. Learn how to drive growth using frameworks like AARRR, virality loops, and conversion levers. Grab the Growth Marketing Handbook. 20% off all MIA handbooks and templates when you use the code: MIA Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz

    17 min

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Each week, we feature inspiring interviews with successful marketers and founders who are putting marketing into action across Africa and beyond. newsletter.marketinginaction.xyz