FiredUp! - The Startup Marketing Podcast

Hosted by Firebrand

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140

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Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

FiredUp! is the show for marketers working in early and late-stage startups. Each week, we walk through fresh strategies and tactics to build brand and drive demand for your startup. Featuring interviews with marketing leaders, our take on the latest trends, and practical tips about PR, content marketing and growth marketing, we promise plenty of signal with some noisy fun along the way. FiredUp! is hosted by the team at startup marketing agency, Firebrand. Learn more at firebrand.marketing today.

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June 11, 2026Episode 13735 min

What Does the AI Backlash Mean for AI Comms?

Today, tech brands are running headfirst into a massive wave of AI backlash marked by growing public skepticism, data center infrastructure pushback, and intense resentment toward automated technologies. If your company is trying to announce an AI-native interface, launch autonomous agents, or roll out a new usage-based pricing model, traditional marketing playbooks are falling flat. On this episode of FiredUp!, we tackle the critical challenge of navigating AI company communications in an increasingly hostile market. We address the problems founders face when trying to break through widespread AI skepticism and deliver a clear, tactical roadmap to achieve a perfect media message fit. Learn how to distance your brand from industry hype, ground your value proposition in concrete customer outcomes, and shift your public narrative from artificial intelligence novelties to undeniable, real-world utility. This week, episode 137 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what the AI backlash means for AI comms! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares about the growing skepticism about AI delivering the promised value and actionable steps you can take right now to navigate the AI negativity as a marketer in tech. Morgan and Chris discuss:Read the Room on Hype: The window for celebrating AI for AI’s sake is completely closed. To cut through the noise of the AI backlash, strip away empty promises of "autonomous magic" and ground every single piece of outbound messaging in concrete, measurable business value.The Media Message Fit Test: Journalists are actively screening for overblown tech claims. When pitching your AI native platform, focus entirely on the explicit customer outcomes and the human problem your technology solves, rather than the mechanical sophistication of your underlying models.Pricing Model Transparency: Shifting from standard subscriptions to consumption or usage-based pricing models requires flawless internal and external alignment. Structure your pricing communications to clearly tie increased customer usage to clear business success, neutralizing any financial anxiety or skepticism from your buyers.Leverage Independent Validation: In a skeptical market, self-promotion isn't enough. Lean heavily on your industry analyst relationships and existing customers to carry some water for you, utilizing their third-party endorsements to inject external weight and philosophy into your major transitions.Building an AI startup into the eye of a market storm is undeniably difficult, but it forces an invaluable discipline: your messaging has to be built on reality, not just potential. Are your communications still coasting on yesterday's hype, or are you ready to prove your brand's undeniable utility? Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

May 28, 2026Episode 13632 min

When Not to Use AI

AI has enormous potential to accelerate our workflows and to accelerate content production, but it can also slow things down. While generative AI tools have enormous potential to speed up your daily marketing operations, relying on them for all of your external communications is creating a massive hidden tax on your productivity. Many marketing teams are trapped in a cycle of relying on automated content, only to find that their messaging has become completely bland, flat, and filled with inaccuracies. In this episode of FiredUp!, we explain how over-reliance on AI can erode your strategic thinking and flag the specific areas where human judgment and taste must remain completely non-negotiable. This week, episode 136 of the FiredUp! podcast is about when not to use AI! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the two main areas where AI can create challenges in your agency and actionable steps you can take right now to incorporate AI where it counts but keep a human hand in the process. Morgan and Chris discuss:The Commodity Language Trap: When you use AI to draft your external communications, your messaging automatically reverts to the mathematical average. Relying heavily on automated tools guarantees you will produce commodity language that makes it impossible for your brand to stand out in a crowded market.The Doom Spiral of Thought Leadership: Outsourcing your writing to AI doesn't just make the copy worse—it degrades your strategic thinking. The manual process of writing and editing is exactly where you sharpen your unique point of view, discover insights, and find your voice.Guard Your External Messaging: While AI is highly effective for internal brainstorming and structure, it introduces major risks to your public-facing assets. Human judgment and editing are mandatory to prevent AI-generated errors and to protect your hard-earned brand authority.The AI Brief Paradox: AI-generated briefs often lack context and taste, creating a disconnect that can actually slow down content production. To keep workflows fast and accurate, the strategic foundation of any campaign must come directly from human experience and insight.We are huge believers in the power of AI, but as marketers, our ultimate value lies in our taste, our judgment, and our creativity. If we delegate our core thinking to the machine, we sacrifice the very traits that make our brands distinctive. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

May 14, 2026Episode 13531 min

AI Search Monitoring Using Scrunch with Kevin White

Traditional SEO rankings are no longer enough to guarantee visibility as B2B buyers shift their research to AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. For many startup marketers, these platforms represent a blank space where traditional tracking tools fail to provide clear insights. In this episode, we dive into the fundamental shift from deterministic search to probabilistic AI platforms with Kevin White, head of marketing at Scrunch. This week, episode 135 of the FiredUp! podcast is about AI search monitoring using Scrunch! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Kevin White shares the importance of measuring and reporting brand performance over time despite the probabilistic nature of AI search and actionable steps you can take right now to adapt and change as information on AI search becomes more available. Kevin White is the head of marketing at Scrunch AI, where he’s building visibility infrastructure for the post-LLM web — analytics and optimisation that show brands how they’re being represented inside ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google AI Overviews. Before Scrunch, Kevin spent a decade marketing for the companies that defined the modern operator stack — Common Room, Retool, and Segment — and has advised teams at Ashby and Deepnote.Kevin, Morgan, and Alastair discuss:SEO vs. AI Search Monitoring: Understand the shift from deterministic rankings (static lists of links) to probabilistic platforms (AI answers that change based on the prompt). To win in 2026, you must monitor citation performance across thousands of synthetic prompts to see if your brand is consistently recommended.The Power of Fan-Out Queries: Learn how to move beyond simple keyword searches. Successful AI search optimization involves testing fan-out queries—the natural, conversational questions your buyers are actually asking—to understand how AI engines perceive your brand's authority and relevance.PR and Content Synergies: AI search visibility isn't just a technical task; it's a content and PR challenge. LLMs rely heavily on high-authority sources and third-party mentions. Strengthening your earned media and byline programs is now a direct lever for improving your rankings in ChatGPT and Perplexity.Structured Data Still Matters: While AI is smart, it still craves organization. Implementing robust structured data and clear site architectures helps AI agents crawl and "digest" your information more effectively, increasing the likelihood of being cited as a primary source.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH KEVIN WHITE:LinkedInScrunch AICONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

April 30, 2026Episode 13437 min

Turning Events Into PR Wins

Event season is back, and for many marketers, it feels like a high-stakes gamble. You’ve invested in the floor space, the logistics, and the senior team's travel, but breaking through the noise of a crowded conference center is harder than ever. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the strategic playbook for maximizing your time at events. We address the common pain point of booth invisibility and show you how to transform a physical presence into a powerful media moment. From pitching early to the art of the off-site media breakfast, we unpack how to wring every drop of PR value out of your event investment. This week, episode 134 of the FiredUp! podcast is about turning events into PR wins! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the importance of planning your event strategy well in advance and actionable steps you can take right now to create meaningful visibility for your brand and products. Morgan and Chris discuss:The Six-Week Sprint: Don't wait until you're on the event floor to start talking to reporters. Success is built in the 4-6 weeks before the event. Identify your product launch or key news early to secure a spot on a busy journalist's calendar.Master the Media List: The official event media list is your starting point, not your destination. Use it to identify which beats are being covered and cross-reference with your own targeted outreach to ensure you're reaching the right people.Demos Over Discussions: If you have a booth, use it as a stage. Reporters want to see the "how" and "why" of your product. A high-quality, physical demo is often a more compelling hook than a standard executive interview.Win the Off-Floor Game: Sometimes the best PR happens away from the noise. Consider hosting media breakfasts or using dedicated media lounges to provide a quiet space for deeper, more meaningful conversations with key reporters.The Follow-Up is the Finish Line: Coverage often depends on the assets you provide after the conversation. Ensure you have graphics, screenshots, and summary notes ready to send immediately so your story doesn't fall through the cracks.If you have an event coming up in the next two months, identify one "concrete deliverable" (a graphic, a data point, or a demo) that you can offer a reporter today to start the conversation early. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

April 16, 2026Episode 13341 min

Hiring Your First Sales Team with Andrew Boos

In 2026, B2B buyers are more insulated than ever. The explosion of AI-generated emails and automated cold calls has made it nearly impossible for startups to break through using traditional spray and pray tactics. On this episode of FiredUp!, we explore the fundamental shift in B2B buyer behavior and what it means for founders hiring their first sales team. We address the specific pain point of declining outbound conversion rates and discuss how to pivot toward a consultative selling model that prioritizes human credibility and in real life connection over raw volume. This week, episode 133 of the FiredUp! podcast is about hiring your first sales team! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Andrew Boos shares the importance of brand and credibility in closing deals, especially for startups without an established brand and actionable steps you can take right now to avoid common mistakes startups make when building their sales teams. Andrew Boos is the CEO and founder of Darwinian Ventures, a firm that specializes in building and running high-performance sales teams for tech startups. Andrew is a seasoned sales leader with a deep track record of taking early-stage companies from founder-led sales to a repeatable, scalable revenue engine.Andrew and Morgan discuss:The Rise of the AI Researcher: Buyers are now using AI agents to vet vendors before ever speaking to a human. Your sales team must transition from providing basic product information to acting as high-level consultants who can navigate the specific, complex needs of an already-informed buyer.The "Death of the SDR" for Generic Outreach: High-volume, automated "spam" is a liability in 2026. Success now requires a "surgical" outbound approach—combining targeted, value-based outreach with strong brand credibility and strategic in-person networking.Hire for Curiosity, Not Just Quota: Your first sales hire shouldn't just be a "closer." Look for candidates with high emotional intelligence and deep industry curiosity. In an AI-saturated world, the ability to build a genuine, empathetic relationship is the ultimate competitive advantage.Leverage Brand Credibility as a Sales Tool: B2B buyers are increasingly looking for social proof before they engage. Using channels like Meta ads for targeted brand awareness and participating in "IRL" events are now primary levers for building the trust needed to fuel your sales pipeline.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH ANDREW BOOS:LinkedInab@darwinian.comDarwinian VenturesCONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

April 2, 2026Episode 13231 min

How to Announce New Products in 2026

The pace of software development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, driven by AI tools like Cursor and Claude Code that allow companies to launch features faster than ever before. For startup marketers, this speed creates a new dilemma: how do you manage a product PR program when feature fatigue makes traditional announcements less effective? If your brand is simply shoving a grab bag of features out the door, you are likely getting minimal traction and missed editorial coverage. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the evolution of product news in 2026. This week, episode 132 of the FiredUp! podcast is about how to announce new products in 2026! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the importance of AI in promoting product visibility and actionable steps you can take right now to get your product covered by journalists. Morgan and Chris discuss:Narrative Over Grab Bags: Grouping features into a meaningful theme is critical; a grab bag of unrelated updates often results in low-value, automated coverage, whereas a themed announcement builds a much stronger corporate narrative.The One-Week Pitch Rule: Speed is great, but effectiveness requires lead time. For any important announcement, ensure your PR team has at least one week to pitch busy reporters to maximize editorial coverage.Optimize for AI Visibility: Modern product PR isn't just for humans. Structuring your announcements to be indexed correctly is essential for appearing in AI recommendations and competitive listicles where prospects do their research.Define the "So What?": Before going to market, define the core message of your announcement by figuring out what is most meaningful for the reporters you are targeting. If the announcement lacks a newsworthy hook, it won't move the needle beyond a basic press release reprint.Is your product news driving your corporate narrative, or just adding to the digital noise? In a world of accelerated development, the brands that win are those that can turn fast features into compelling stories.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

March 19, 2026Episode 13133 min

What’s New in Funding News?

You’ve spent months pitching investors, navigating due diligence, and finally closing your latest round of funding, only to realize that announcing it is harder than ever. With over 3,300 VC deals per quarter and a shrinking pool of dedicated venture reporters, your news is fighting for airtime in a saturated market. On this episode of FiredUp!, we address the frustration of silent launches and explain why the traditional embargoed press release is giving way to the media exclusive. We dive into the evolving playbook for funding announcements, teaching startup marketers how to pivot from simple statistics to high-impact storytelling that captures the attention of investors and customers alike. This week, episode 131 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what’s new in funding news! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the differences in funding announcements in recent months and actionable steps you can take right now to maximize your chances of your funding announcement being reported on. Morgan and Chris discuss:The Shift to Exclusives: In a world with fewer reporters covering financing, the broad embargoed pitch is losing its effectiveness. To anchor your news, focus on securing a high-impact media exclusive with a reporter who understands your niche.Storytelling Over Statistics: A funding amount is a statistic, not a story. To get covered, you must provide the raw materials of a narrative—including your team's unique background, proprietary data, or a provocative point of view on where the industry is heading.Target "Unconventional" Outlets: Don't limit your reach to traditional print magazines. Some of the most impactful coverage in 2026 is happening in industry-specific newsletters and hot digital broadcast outlets like TBPN.Transparency with Your PR Team: Your communications team needs more than just the deal size. Give them full visibility into your company’s threads—the small, interesting details that can be pulled into a larger, more compelling story for a time-strapped journalist.Put in the Work: Raising the money is a relief, but the announcement requires its own dedicated effort. Be open to creative storytelling angles that might not make immediate sense to a founder but have been proven to cut through the noise.Before your next announcement, identify three human threads in your company that have nothing to do with your valuation. These are the hooks that will help your PR team secure the coverage you deserve.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

March 5, 2026Episode 13043 min

AI Agents and Vibe-Coding in PR

Is AI coming for your PR job, or is it just coming for the tedious parts of your workflow? Many communications professionals are stuck in ChatGPT limbo—using basic prompts but failing to unlock the true potential of AI agents and agentic workflows. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the frontier of vibe coding and PR automation. This week, episode 130 of the FiredUp! podcast is about AI agents and vibe-coding in PR! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares what non-standard PR tasks can look like if using AI for assistance and actionable steps you can take right now to implement vibe-coding as an option for internal projects. Morgan and Chris discuss:From Chat to Agents: Move beyond simple text generation. The real power of AI in PR lies in agentic workflows—AI systems that can plan, execute multi-step tasks, and use tools autonomously to solve complex problems.The Rise of Vibe Coding: Discover how "vibe coding" allows PR professionals to create custom software and tools using natural language. You don't need to be a developer to build the specific PR utilities your team needs to scale.Adaptability Over Displacement: AI isn't necessarily taking jobs, but those who master AI are taking the lead. Learn why "onboarding" to agentic tools is now easier and more intuitive than earlier, more rigid iterations.Automating the "Non-Standard": AI is moving into the realm of non-standard PR work. By applying agentic workflows to research, monitoring, and outreach, consultants can free up time for high-level strategy and relationship building.The tools are getting better, faster, and more accessible every day. The question isn't whether AI will change PR, but whether you will be the one directing the agents.This week’s challenge: Revisit an AI tool you "bounced out of" six months ago. Whether it’s an agentic platform or a specialized PR utility, the technology has likely leaped forward. See if it can now handle that one manual task you dread most.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

February 26, 2026Episode 12935 min

The Secrets of Rapid Response and Newsjacking

In the hyper-competitive tech landscape of 2026, waiting for your own "big news" isn't enough to stay relevant. Startups often struggle to break into top-tier publications or build relationships with new reporters because they are shouting into a void of crowded inboxes. On this episode of FiredUp!, Morgan and Chris unpack the world of newsjacking for tech brands. They address media invisibility, explain how to turn breaking industry news into an opportunity for your brand to lead the conversation, and more. This week, episode 129 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the secrets of rapid response and newsjacking! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the state of rapid response PR in 2026 and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare your PR teams and executives for rapid response opportunities. Morgan and Chris discuss:Why Insight Trumps Information: To win at newsjacking, provide a unique "so what?" that helps the journalist build a deeper story for their audience.The First Responders Rule: Speed is the ultimate currency in rapid response. Build a short-list of pre-approved spokespeople to ensure you can move at the speed of the news cycle.Avoid the AI Microplastics Trap: Reporters know how to spot AI slop. Ensure your commentary is uniquely human in a way that LLMs can’t replicate.Leverage Calls for Sources: Beyond reacting to the news, proactively monitor platforms like Help a Reporte" or specialized Slack groups. These are direct open-door invitations from journalists looking for specific expertise, making them the highest-conversion opportunities in PR.Strategy Over Volume: Not every breaking story is your story. Only "newsjack" when you can provide a legitimate connection to your brand’s core mission.Building a successful PR program in 2026 requires more than just a list of reporters; it requires a commitment to being a helpful, fast, and authoritative resource.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026

February 19, 2026Episode 12832 min

Burning Questions About Tech Marketing

As the first quarter of 2026 hits its stride, marketing leaders are facing a new kind of pressure. The traditional marketing playbooks are being rewritten by the shift from keyword-based SEO to AI-driven search. Are you prepared for the April 1st Board Meeting question: How is AI search actually impacting our bottom line? On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the mailbag to answer the burning questions from our community of startup marketers. We tackle the anxiety surrounding board expectations, the shifting dynamics of marketing budget allocation, and why your "Share of Voice" might look different in a world of LLM citations. This week, episode 128 of the FiredUp! podcast is about your burning questions about tech marketing! Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.In this episode of the FiredUp! Podcast, the Firebrand team shares the importance of finding ways to measure your AI visibility and actionable steps you can take right now to be prepared for questions you might get asked at your Q1 board meeting. Morgan and Nicole discuss:Own the AI Citation Metric: Boards are moving beyond simple traffic numbers. You must be able to demonstrate whether your brand is being cited by AI agents as a top solution. Start tracking your AI Share of Voice to prove your brand's authority in generative search results.The 60/40 Budget Reality: While the classic split between brand awareness and demand generation remains a benchmark, the AI era rewards those who build a deep lake of content. High-quality, original content is the fuel that allows AI crawlers to recommend your brand to prospects mid-funnel.Focus on the Returning Visitor: In a buyer journey that now averages over 200 days and 70+ touches, one-and-done traffic is a vanity metric. Success is measured by how many people return to your site directly after their initial discovery phase in an LLM.Human Authenticity Wins on LinkedIn: Executive presence is more critical than ever, but beware of the automated reply trap. Using generic AI-generated comments to boost impressions will ultimately erode trust. Real engagement requires a human pulse and a fragrant, unique point of view.The marketing landscape is changing fast, but the fundamental need for human connection and authoritative expertise remains constant. Don't let the technical shifts of 2026 distract you from the power of a well-told story and a clear point of view.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.YoutubeLinkedInX (Formerly Twitter)Work with FirebrandApply to Be a Podcast GuestSend us Fan Mail5.5.2026