Empowering Marketers with Growth Design | Dan Foster | Drop 2 Ep.04
Dan Foster, co-founder of MakeBuild, a London-based Webflow specialist agency, joins us for a fascinating conversation. Dan shares his journey from teaching UX design to building high-performing marketing websites, revealing the power of no-code tools, the importance of user-centric design, and the MakeBuild approach to growth design for a special niche, marketers.
Discover how their HOP framework (Hunt, Order, Prove) helps marketing teams identify, prioritise, and validate growth ideas, and learn how MakeBuild empowers clients to manage their websites while providing strategic support.
Dan also shares insights from his Webflow conference talk, "20 Tactics to Optimize Growth on Your Marketing Site," and offers advice for designers interested in specialising in marketing-focused growth design.
Dan introduces the Flow Growth Library as a valuable resource and advocates for the power of no-code tools to democratise design.
Key Topics Discussed
- Navigating Growth Design and Marketing
- Why Webflow is the Future of Design
- Empowering Clients with Webflow
- Understanding Client Needs in Marketing
- Challenges in the Marketing Landscape
Key Takeaways
- Growth design blends design and marketing
- Data-driven design is essential
- Specialization and visibility are key to success
- Continuous learning and open communication
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Ground Rules
01:20 Exploring Growth Design and Marketing
03:26 The Story Behind MakeBuild
07:20 Why Webflow? The Tool of Choice
10:14 Client Engagement with Webflow
13:13 Types of Clients and Industries
16:37 Challenges Faced by Marketers
21:41 The Dangers of Copycat Approaches
24:43 Low Code Tools and Growth Design
27:07 Standing Out in a Saturated Market
31:45 The Importance of Processes in Agencies
32:37 Introducing Flow Growth Library
34:23 Inspiration and Growth Practices
39:05 User-Centered Design in Marketing Workshops
41:49 Data-Driven Decisions in Growth Design
45:20 The Shift from Product to Marketing Focus
50:38 Visual Development and No-Code Tools
55:57 Advice for Aspiring Growth Designers
Guest:
Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfoster29/
MakeBuild: https://www.makebuild.studio/
Flow Growth Library: https://www.makebuild.studio/flow-growth
Webflow Conference Talk: https://webflow.com/webflowconf/session/20-tactics-to-boost-your-websites-growth-presented-by-makebuild-london
Host:
IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/
Production by https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
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59:24
An Alternative Career Path: A Growth Designer’s Solopreneur Guide | Kristina Volchek | Drop 2 Ep. 3
Kristina Volchek is a Senior Product Designer who shares her journey from being a Chief Marketing Officer to a successful solopreneur. The conversation delves into essential skills for designer solopreneurs, the importance of personal branding, strategies for finding clients, and effective pricing techniques.
She emphasizes the significance of time management and the challenges faced in solopreneurship, while also discussing the benefits of building a support network and creating an impactful portfolio. The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring freelancers and solopreneurs.
Key Topics Discussed:
Personal Branding and its elements
What’s in a Solopreneur's Toolkit?
Creating an Ideal Work-Life Balance
Time management and how to scale.
How to Niche Down to Stand Out
Takeaways.
Freelancing for the first time can be challenging.
Running a business requires understanding financial management.
Personal branding is crucial for solopreneurs.
Clients often find you through your personal brand.
Questioning pricing can indicate a problematic client.
Time management is essential for maintaining work-life balance.
Starting as a generalist can provide valuable experience.
Networking is a proactive effort that pays off.
Visual appeal is critical in a designer's portfolio.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Grow Design Podcast
02:24 Christina's Journey: From CMO to Solopreneur
11:17 Essential Skills for Solopreneurs
16:59 Building a Personal Brand as a Solopreneur
25:20 Finding and Landing Clients
34:56 Pricing Strategies for Freelancers
47:33 Time Management Techniques for Solopreneurs
52:15 Challenges Faced in Solopreneurship
57:31 Niche Down or Generalist: Finding Your Path
01:01:13 Building a Support Network
01:07:26 Creating an Effective Portfolio
01:10:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Where to find Kristina Volchek:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-digital/
- Website - https://kristi.digital/
Co-hosts:
Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/
IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/
Production by https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
Zachary Bolton is a product strategist with over 15 years of experience navigating the triumphs of product development. He is a partner at Other Land, a design studio that helps B2B product leaders decide what needs to change to improve growth. Zach shares insights from his career, including his transition from advertising to founding the agency, Otherland. He challenges traditional strategy frameworks, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer value. The discussion explores practical strategies for aligning teams within organizations, fostering a growth-oriented culture through leadership, and providing actionable advice for designers looking to launch their practices.Key Topics DiscussedDeconstructing Traditional Frameworks.Uncovering True Customer Value Growth Mindset in Established Companies Bridging Customer Insights and Product StrategyFacilitating Cross-Department CollaborationKey Takeaways- Product strategy is about understanding unique value.Frameworks should serve the strategy, not hinder it.Customer insights are crucial for an effective strategy. Collaboration across departments is key to success.Simplicity in communication enhances understanding.Mistakes are part of the learning process.Referenced Resources:- No Bullsh*t Strategy by Alex M H Smith https://a.co/d/c3pkKTDRunning Lean by Ash Maurya - https://a.co/d/a6BpApWHouse of Suns by Alastair Reynolds - https://a.co/d/17pFCB9Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:52 Zachary Bolton's Journey and Background05:50 Understanding Product Strategy11:45 The Complexity of Strategy18:02 Challenges in Traditional Product Strategy24:02 Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy30:12 Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration36:07 Leadership and Growth Mindset42:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for DesignersWhere to find Zachary BoltonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbolton/Agency Website: https://www.otherland.studio/Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/Production byhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
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53:53
Exploring Founder-Focused Growth Design | Adi Kujal | Drop 02. Ep. 01
Adi Kujal, a seasoned growth product designer shares his insights on applying growth design principles within the fast-paced world of early-stage startups. He discusses his transition from traditional design to a growth-focused approach, emphasizing the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, a deep understanding of user psychology, and navigating the unique challenges of the startup environment.
He delves into the power of emotionally driven user research, exploring the balance between persuasive design and ethical considerations. He also examines the evolving role of designers in startups and offers practical advice on identifying red and green flags when considering joining an early-stage company.
He offers valuable insights into recognizing red and green flags when joining early-stage companies and addresses the pervasive experience of imposter syndrome among designers.
Key Topics Discussed:
Expectations for Designers in Founding Roles.
Approaching Conversations with CEOs About Design's Influence.
Setting Up Experiments and Working with Limited Data.
Incorporating Sales Psychology and Behavioural Science into Design Work
Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories From Working With Startups
Takeaways.
Connecting psychology with design enhances user experience.
Proactivity is key in early-stage startups.
Small wins can lead to bigger opportunities.
Experimentation is necessary in the absence of data.
Emotional user research can yield deeper insights.
Qualitative data is essential when quantitative data is lacking.
Experimentation should be fun and engaging for teams.
Sales psychology can enhance design effectiveness.
Referenced Resources:
Sera Tejima’s Growth Playbook
The Creative Act - Rick Ruben
Creative Confidence: Tom Kelley, David M. Kelley
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Growth Design and Adi’s Background
02:47 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset in Design
06:03 Aha Moments in Growth Design: Psychology and Sales
08:53 Challenges of Working in Early Stage Startups
12:13 Misconceptions About Founding Designer Roles
15:02 Navigating Responsibilities in Sensitive Fields
17:48 Essential Skills for Designers in Startups
21:00 Communicating Design Value to Founders
23:53 Proactive Design Strategies and Small Wins
27:11 Validating Design Decisions with Limited Data
35:32 Emotional User Research
36:52 Navigating Growth Design with Limited Data
39:11 Fun and Impactful Experimentation
40:36 Integrating into Team Structures
43:02 Sales Psychology in Design
46:12 Balancing Persuasion and Ethics
48:06 Applying Behavioral Science Principles
50:58 The Evolving Role of Designers
55:46 Generalists vs. Specialists in Design
01:00:08 Lessons from Startups
01:04:29 Identifying Green and Red Flags in Startups
Where to find Adi Kujal
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-kuja
- Website: https://www.rootdesign.net/
Co-hosts:
Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/
IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/
Production by https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
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1:11:01
The Future of Design is Business | Mindaugas Petrutis | Drop 01. Ep. 04
Mindaugas Petritis, founder of Coho, joins us to discuss the future of design and its crucial intersection with business. He shares his unconventional journey from hospitality to community building and entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of authentic relationships and understanding the challenges designers face in aligning their work with business objectives.
We explore the evolution of Coho, from a fellowship to a platform focused on peer learning and unlocking hidden knowledge within organizations. Mindaugas also shares his insights on the evolving nature of work, the power of curated peer groups, and why more designers should consider the founder path.
The conversation delves into the impact of AI on the design landscape, the need for designers to develop broader skills like communication and critical thinking, and practical advice for aspiring design founders.
Key Topics Discussed:
The future of work and the increasing importance of peer groups
The benefits and challenges of designers becoming founders
Bridging the gap between design and business objectives
The impact of AI on the role of designers and the need for new skills
Practical advice for building relationships within organisations
Takeaways:
Building authentic relationships is crucial for career growth and understanding the business context.
Designers can gain valuable business insights by proactively engaging with other departments.
Peer groups offer a powerful way to navigate the changing work landscape and share knowledge.
Designers should consider the founder's path and experiment with side projects.
The future of design requires strong communication, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Don't outsource your thinking to AI; focus on developing core skills.
Referenced Resources:
Business Thinking for Designers by Ryan Rumsey
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:58 From Hospitality to Community Building
08:16 Understanding the Challenges of Designers
12:30 Transition from InVision to Coho
22:22 The Importance of Curated Peer Groups
29:16 The Future of Work and the Role of Coho
35:05 Designers as Founders
38:20 Challenges Faced by Growth Designers
48:23 The Impact of AI on Design
49:26 Developing Skills Beyond Design
59:47 Building Relationships and Collaboration
01:10:06 Advice for Designers Who Want to Be Founders
01:12:18 The Importance of Side Projects and Experimentation
01:14:38 The Role of Sales and Marketing in Entrepreneurship
01:18:03 Founder vs CEO: Understanding the Difference
01:26:34 If Not a Founder, Then a Restaurant Owner
01:27:44 The Books, Movies, and Profession That Inspire Mindaugas
Where to find Mindaugas:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindaugaspetrutis/
- Website: https://www.joincoho.com/
Co-hosts: Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/
IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/
Production by https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]
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1:14:19
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Explore growth design with insights from industry-leading designers. Gain actionable best practices and tools to fuel your design journey.