Episode Summary: In the first part of this episode, hosts Alex Radford and Jon McGreevey reflect on their three-year journey with the "SaaSy as F**k" podcast. They delve into the emotional impact of discovering another podcast imitating their name and logo, discussing the challenges of plagiarism in creative fields and how it fuels their motivation. The conversation then shifts to the world of social media, exploring their recent venture onto TikTok, its surprising effectiveness for podcast growth, and why many SaaS companies struggle to create engaging, authentic content on the platform. They emphasize the critical importance of authenticity in marketing and offer sharp critiques of often-misguided corporate humor.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Podcasting Journey & Brand Building (3 Years)

* Plagiarism and Imitation in Creative Fields

* Emotional Impact of Brand Theft

* Using Competition as Motivation

* Originality vs. Imitation

* Podcast Content Creation Challenges

* Exploring TikTok for Podcast Growth

* Understanding TikTok's Content Dynamics

* SaaS Marketing Challenges on TikTok

* Authenticity in Marketing & Branding

* Critiquing Corporate Humor

* Marketing Strategies & Playing to Strengths

Key Takeaways:

* Maintaining originality and dealing with imitation are significant challenges in podcasting.

* Competition can be a powerful motivator for content creation.

* Building a brand over time creates investment and attachment.

* Plagiarism can be emotionally taxing for creators.

* TikTok can be surprisingly effective for podcast promotion, even for new accounts.

* Many SaaS companies struggle with creating genuine, engaging content tailored for TikTok.

* Authenticity is crucial in marketing; brands should play to their strengths rather than forcing humor.

* Viral content isn't the only goal; consistency and value matter.

* Adapting marketing strategies to fit a platform's culture is important.

Memorable Quotes (Sound Bites - Likely from Part 1):

* "We've been around for three years"

* "Somebody's stolen our podcast"

* "We need to stay ahead of the game"

* "I think that would hurt my soul"

* "I hate plagiarism so much"

* "There's a good one and a bad one"

* "We're the one with a really cool logo"

* "We're now on TikTok, Alex."

* "I love TikTok."

* "SaaS companies are s**t at TikTok."

* "If you're not funny, don't be funny."

* "You don't need to be viral."

Chapters:

* 00:00 - Introduction to Sassy as F**k Podcast

* 03:02 - The Journey of Podcasting and Building a Brand

* 06:02 - The Challenge of Imitation: A Podcast Stolen

* 11:54 - The Emotional Impact of Plagiarism

* 17:57 - The Future of Sassy as F**k Podcast (Responding to Competition)

* 26:04 - Exploring TikTok's Impact on Podcast Growth

* 29:00 - Understanding TikTok's Unique Content Dynamics

* 29:49 - Challenges for SaaS Companies on TikTok

* 34:02 - The Importance of Authenticity in Marketing

* 38:59 - Navigating Corporate Humor and Marketing Strategies

Keywords: Podcasting, plagiarism, branding, creativity, content creation, marketing, originality, engagement, TikTok, podcast growth, SaaS marketing, authenticity, corporate humor, competition, brand identity.

In this fun chat, Joel Klettke, a renowned SaaS copywriter, discusses the importance of standing out in the crowded field of copywriting, particularly in the B2B space. He shares insights on the common fears that hold businesses back from being innovative and how to break free from clichés in copywriting. Joel also recounts his personal journey into the world of copywriting, the founding of Case Study Buddy, and the common mistakes companies make when creating case studies. He emphasises the need for a proactive approach and the importance of understanding the audience's needs to create compelling narratives. In this conversation, Joel Klettke discusses the importance of promoting and distributing content effectively, emphasizing the need for customer-centric storytelling. He shares his journey of selling Case Study Buddy, highlighting the personal and professional challenges he faced. Joel reflects on redefining success and fulfillment, exploring new ventures, including a focus on parenting and the potential of AI in business.

Takeaways

* Standing out in a crowded market is crucial.

* Fear of being different often stifles innovation.

* Most companies settle for safe, cliché copy.

* Proactive planning is key to effective case studies.

* Understanding the audience is essential for impactful storytelling.

* Case studies should focus on one big win.

* Sales teams prefer concise, actionable content.

* The journey into copywriting can be unexpected.

* Building a team can enhance service offerings.

* Mistakes in case studies often stem from lack of strategy. Promotion and distribution are crucial for content success.

* Customer stories should focus on the customer's journey, not the company's achievements.

* Selling a business can be driven by personal happiness and market conditions.

* It's important to recognize when to step away from a venture for personal well-being.

* Success is subjective and can be redefined at different life stages.

* Exploring new opportunities can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

* Parenting support for dads is a needed area of focus.

* AI presents new opportunities for businesses and should be embraced, not feared.

* Joy should be an indicator of whether you're on the right path in life.

* You have the power to define your own career trajectory.

Titles

Chapters

00:00

The Importance of Standing Out in Copywriting

06:01

Breaking the Mold: Copywriting Beyond Clichés

12:11

Transitioning into Copywriting: A Personal Journey

18:09

Common Mistakes in Case Studies and How to Avoid Them

33:42

The Importance of Promotion and Distribution

39:45

Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

Keywords

copywriting, SaaS, B2B, case studies, marketing, innovation, storytelling, business strategy, unique voice, personal journey, promotion, distribution, customer storytelling, Case Study Buddy, personal challenges, success, fulfillment, new ventures, AI, parenting

In this engaging conversation, Jon and Jane Portman discuss the multifaceted journey of building a SaaS business while balancing personal life. Jane shares her experiences transitioning from a UI/UX consultant to co-founding User List, an email automation platform. They explore the challenges of slow growth in the SaaS industry, the importance of niching down, and the realities of technical hurdles. Jane emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and adapting in the ever-evolving tech landscape, while also offering insights for aspiring podcasters. In this engaging conversation, Jane Portman discusses the long-term benefits of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of networking and learning from guests. She highlights the necessity of delegating production tasks to focus on content creation and shares insights on investing in quality equipment for better audio production. The conversation culminates in a light-hearted quiz segment, showcasing the fun side of podcasting while reinforcing the value of collaboration and creativity.

Takeaways

* Balancing personal life and entrepreneurship is challenging but possible with support.

* The journey from consultant to co-founder involves leveraging existing skills.

* Evolving a product is a gradual process rather than a sudden pivot.

* Technical challenges are significant, and having a reliable team is crucial.

* Slow growth can be beneficial, allowing for steady learning and adaptation.

* Narrowing down the target market can help in finding ideal customers.

* Limited resources force prioritization and focus in product development.

* Understanding the market and customer needs is essential for success.

* Building a SaaS business requires patience and resilience.

* Advice for podcasters includes finding a niche and staying consistent. Podcasting is a long game, focused on enjoyment and learning.

* The primary benefit of podcasting is networking with interesting people.

* Delegation of production tasks is crucial for efficiency.

* Investing in quality equipment can significantly improve audio quality.

* Learning from guests is a unique privilege of podcasting.

* Quality production can be outsourced affordably.

* The right tools, like a boom arm, can enhance the podcasting experience.

* Editing can be time-consuming; consider hiring help.

* Engaging with guests in-depth is a rare opportunity.

* Podcasting can be both fun and a valuable learning experience.

Titles

* Navigating the SaaS Landscape: Insights from Jane Portman

* From Consultant to Co-Founder: A SaaS Journey

* Balancing Life and Business: The Reality of Entrepreneurship

* The Evolution of User List: A SaaS Success Story

* Slow Growth vs. Overnight Success: The SaaS Dilemma

Sound Bites

* "It's always been like a mix of things."

* "The product itself did not pivot."

* "Just keep going. That's the lesson."

* "It's always a game of limited resources."

* "What advice would you have for them?"

* "It's a long game."

* "You can't get people to do that generally."

* "Please, please delegate the production."

* "It's a spectrum of costs."

* "I was doing deep audio editing."

* "Use a boom arm, please."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Awkward Beginnings

03:05

Balancing Life as a Founder and Parent

06:07

The Journey from Consultant to Co-Founder

08:58

Evolving the Product and Business Model

11:59

Navigating Technical Challenges and Team Dynamics

14:52

The Reality of Slow Growth in SaaS

18:01

Lessons Learned from Building a SaaS Business

21:08

Future Aspirations and the SaaS Landscape

23:57

Narrowing Down the Target Market

27:01

Overcoming Fears of Niching Down

29:52

Advice for Aspiring Podcasters

37:08

The Long Game of Podcasting

38:02

Networking Through Podcasting

39:45

The Importance of Delegation

40:55

Investing in Quality Production

42:51

Learning from Experience

44:12

The Right Equipment Matters

46:45

Fun and Games: The Surprise Quiz

Keywords

podcasting, SaaS, entrepreneurship, user list, email marketing, business growth, co-founder, balancing life, niching down, startup challenges, podcasting, networking, delegation, production, equipment, learning, user list, marketing, audio editing, guest interviews

Episode Summary:

After 18 months, Alex Radford and Jon McGreevy have returned, brimming with the usual SaaS and a dash of nostalgia. In this comeback episode, they chat candidly about what they've been up to, the evolution of their careers, and the future of SaaSy as F**k. Expect laughs, tangents, and a peek into their renewed vision for the podcast.

Highlights:

00:00 - 03:30 | Technical Chaos: After wrestling with tech, Alex and Jon kick off with a “cold open” in classic, chaotic SaaSy as F**k fashion.

03:30 - 10:45 | Reflecting on the Hiatus: Alex and Jon reflect on their evolution, sharing why they’re ready to get back in the saddle.

10:45 - 22:00 | Origins and Growth: Jon recounts his shift from software testing to full-time SaaS copywriting, while Alex shares his journey to becoming a multimedia wizard.

22:00 - 32:00 | The Future of the Show: They lay out plans for a casual yet informative format, with insightful guest interviews balanced by lighthearted banter.

32:00 - 40:00 | Content Direction and AI’s Role: They vow to keep it real, free of overly “AI-driven” content and affiliate shilling, keeping the focus on quality insights.

40:00 - 47:00 | Behind the Scenes: Jon and Alex discuss the process of running a podcast, using WordPress, and the power of simplicity in content.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on SaaS Insights – Expect valuable insights from experts in SaaS marketing, branding, content creation, and more.

Non-Traditional Format – The podcast remains casual and conversational, aiming for genuine discussions rather than scripted Q&A.

Connect with the Hosts:

Jon McGreevy: heyreadthis.com | LinkedIn: ThatWriterJon

Alex Radford: alexradford.uk | Instagram: alex_theproducer

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guest interviews, industry tips, and, as always, plenty of SaaS!

SaaS copywriter Gill Jones joins us to discuss story-driven copy, the pros and cons of being a copywriter with ASD, and her hatred of cruises.

• Follow her on Twitter
• Visit her website

This is our last episode for a while, as we focus on other projects, but we hope to be back towards the end of the year!