Marketers are trained to think about the next step.
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Calls to action are important. Marketing should ultimately help move people toward action.
But does every interaction need to ask for something?
That’s one of the questions Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider tackle in the Season 2 finale of Better Merch… Better Marketing.
Are We Asking Too Much?
There is a time to ask customers to take action. But there’s also tremendous value in simply giving.
Give someone useful information.
Make them laugh.
Send them something thoughtful.
Celebrate an accomplishment.
Help them solve a problem without immediately asking for something in return.
It’s the classic jab, jab, jab, right hook philosophy: consistently provide value before making the ask.
When every interaction becomes transactional, customers begin to feel it. Sometimes the smartest marketing decision is to remove the call to action entirely and focus on creating a positive experience.
Appreciation Marketing in Action
Kirby and Jade experienced a great example of this firsthand when their partner commonsku sent Jade a congratulations gift for her new baby.
There wasn’t a sales pitch attached.
There wasn’t an offer.
There wasn’t a button asking her to schedule a demo.
It was simply a thoughtful gesture celebrating an important moment in her life.
That’s appreciation marketing.
Great appreciation marketing isn’t about putting your logo on something and hoping the recipient remembers you. It’s about demonstrating that you remember them.
Those experiences create positive memories—and positive memories build stronger relationships.
Finding the Balance Between Giving and Asking
This doesn’t mean businesses should stop using calls to action.
Far from it.
The challenge is finding the right balance.
If every interaction asks the customer to do something for your business, eventually the relationship becomes one-sided. Strong brands intentionally create moments where they provide value without expecting an immediate return.
Give. Give. Give.
Then, when the time comes to ask, you’ve earned the opportunity.
What’s Coming With HYBRID Marketing?
Kirby also shares an update on his upcoming book, HYBRID Marketing, which explores how businesses can intentionally combine digital and physical marketing to create a stronger, more complete strategy.
More details about the launch are coming soon.
Product of the Week: BruMate MUV
This week’s Product of the Week is the BruMate MUV, premium drinkware designed for everyday use and a great example of branded merchandise people will actually want to keep.
This episode also marks the end of Season 2 of Better Merch… Better Marketing.
With Jade preparing for a new baby and both hosts having some travel ahead, Kirby and Jade are taking a well-earned break before returning for Season 3.
Until then, there’s one marketing question worth considering:
Are you giving your audience enough reasons to appreciate your brand—or are you always asking them for something?
Businesses spend an incredible amount of time thinking about first impressions.
They perfect their website. They rehearse the sales presentation. They design an eye-catching trade show booth. They polish the handshake.
But what happens next?
That’s the question Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider tackle in this week’s episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing.
Great Ideas Can Come From Unexpected Places
The episode opens with the story behind The Bad Review Shirt, proving that even criticism can spark creativity when you’re willing to look at it differently.
It’s a fun reminder that marketing opportunities often come from places we least expect.
Why HYBRID Marketing Works
Kirby and Jade also revisit the concept of HYBRID Marketing—the intentional combination of digital marketing and physical marketing.
Digital channels are incredibly effective at creating awareness and driving action. Physical marketing builds memorable experiences and strengthens relationships.
The businesses that consistently outperform their competitors understand they don’t have to choose one or the other—they use both together.
The Most Overlooked Moment in Marketing
The heart of this episode centers around one simple idea:
Your second impression often matters more than your first.
Think about the moments businesses frequently overlook:
After a customer makes a purchase.
After a candidate finishes an interview.
After a new employee joins the team.
After someone visits your booth at a trade show.
These follow-up moments communicate whether your business truly values the relationship or simply wanted the transaction.
Companies that intentionally design these experiences create stronger loyalty, better retention, and more referrals over time.
This Week’s Giveaway
This week, instead of featuring a Product of the Week, Kirby and Jade are giving away a FREE copy of Hit the TARGET.
Grab your copy here:
👉 HitTheTARGETBook.com
Watch the Full Episode
If you’re ready to improve your customer experience beyond the first impression, this episode is full of practical ideas you can implement immediately.
Because while everyone remembers to make a great first impression…
The businesses people remember are the ones that make an even better second impression.
What do Tom Holland, career advice, personal branding, and a premium tumbler have in common?
More than you might think.
In this week’s episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider cover a wide range of topics, but they all point back to one important lesson: people connect with authenticity.
Career Advice That Goes Beyond the Job
The episode kicks off with Jade turning to Kirby for career advice. Their conversation explores how to navigate opportunities, make intentional decisions, and continue growing professionally. Whether you’re early in your career or leading an organization, the discussion is full of practical insights about investing in yourself and keeping your long-term goals in focus.
Does Tom Holland Intentionally Spoil Movies?
Tom Holland has become famous for accidentally revealing Marvel plot details during interviews. But is it really accidental?
Kirby and Jade explore the idea that some of these “spoilers” may actually serve as brilliant marketing. Whether intentional or not, the conversation highlights how curiosity, conversation, and anticipation can become powerful tools for capturing attention.
It’s a fun discussion that also raises an interesting marketing question:
Sometimes the best marketing isn’t about giving people all the answers—it’s about giving them just enough to keep talking.
Why Authenticity Wins in Personal Branding
One of the biggest conversations in this episode centers around personal branding.
With so many people trying to build an online presence, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating a version of yourself that isn’t real. Kirby and Jade discuss why authenticity almost always outperforms perfection in the long run.
People don’t build trust with polished personas.
They build trust with real people.
The conversation offers practical reminders for anyone looking to strengthen their personal brand without trying to become someone they’re not.
Product of the Week
This week’s featured promotional product is the Rockford 28 oz Vacuum-Sealed Tumbler.
With premium insulation, a comfortable design, and everyday usability, it’s the kind of branded merchandise recipients actually keep and use—making it a great opportunity to keep your brand in front of customers long after the first impression.
Whether you’re interested in promotional products, marketing strategy, personal branding, or simply enjoy hearing honest conversations about business and growth, this episode has something for you.
Watch the latest episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing and let us know what you think.
In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider (the Branding Bestie) dig into one of the most exciting trends in marketing right now — combining physical and digital marketing for maximum impact — react to a viral Kim Kardashian quote about social media that had them both nodding along, and break down a simple but powerful branding lesson from Alex Hormozi that might make you rethink what you are wearing tomorrow. And before you dive in, grab your free spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
The Trend Worth Paying Attention To: Physical Meets Digital
There is a marketing trend gaining serious momentum right now, and both Kirby and Jade are genuinely excited about it — combining physical marketing and digital marketing into one connected strategy.
The idea is straightforward but powerful. Your branded merch drives people to your digital assets. Your digital content drives people to want your physical products. The two work together to create a loop that keeps your brand in front of people in multiple places at once.
Think about it this way — a branded item with a QR code that drives traffic to a landing page. A social media campaign that rewards engagement with exclusive merch. A piece of swag that becomes a conversation starter and a content opportunity at the same time.
When you stop thinking about merch and digital as separate buckets and start seeing them as one connected strategy, the possibilities open up fast. Kirby and Jade broke down several ways to make this work for businesses of any size — and this is one trend you do not want to sleep on.
Kim Kardashian Said It. We’ve Been Saying It.
A trending sound featuring Kim Kardashian made the rounds recently with a simple but direct message: if you are trying to build a brand and you are not on social media, you are failing.
Jade and Kirby’s reaction? Basically — yes, obviously, and we have been saying this for years.
But here is the thing. Knowing you should be on social media and actually doing it in a way that builds your brand are two very different things. So rather than just nodding along, they used it as a jumping off point to share some practical tips for creating social media content that actually provides value.
The key word there is value. Social media that works is not about posting for the sake of posting. It is about showing up consistently with content that teaches, entertains, or inspires your audience. Give people a reason to follow you, and the rest starts to take care of itself.
If you have been putting off getting serious about social media, consider this your sign. Kim K and the Branding Bestie are both telling you the same thing.
Alex Hormozi Made Kirby Rethink His Wardrobe
This might be the simplest marketing lesson in the episode — and maybe the most impactful.
Kirby came across a video of Alex Hormozi where someone asked him why he always wears his logo. His answer was so straightforward it almost stings: Why would you not?
That’s it. That is the whole philosophy. Every time you walk out the door wearing your brand, you are a walking billboard. You are starting conversations. You are building recognition. And it costs you nothing extra.
It is the kind of simple, obvious move that is easy to overlook — and Kirby admitted it made him feel like he has been leaving easy brand exposure on the table. If you are a business owner or marketer, ask yourself the same question Hormozi flipped back: why would you not?
Product of the Week: The Scribbler Go Notebook and Whiteboard
This week’s featured product is theScribbler Go Notebook and Whiteboard — a versatile, practical tool that combines two everyday essentials into one branded product. It is the kind of item people actually use, which means your logo stays visible and in front of the right people day after day. Check it out here.
Grab Your Free Spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp
Ready to get more intentional about your marketing? The FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp is a great place to start. Get access now at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
And if you are not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every week.
You know what time it is! It’s time for Thirsty Thursday! Thirsty Thursday is the award-winning piece of content from Hasseman Marketing where we take a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware! Be careful…it’s not for everyone. This week we feature the Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth 24oz Bottle with Flex Straw Cap from PCNA. It’s a fun one. Get ready to giggle…and be jealous of this new piece of drinkware. Watch now!
Welcome to another exciting episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we explore the world of beverages, one sip at a time. In this episode, our hosts are faced with a mystery drink, concealed within a branded Hydro Flask Wide-mouth 24 oz bottle with a flex straw cap. This intriguing drinkware was generously donated by PCNA, adding an extra layer of suspense to our taste-testing adventure.
For those new to Thirsty Thursday, our series is all about the exploration and discovery of new flavors, with a healthy dose of fun and banter. Our hosts, a diverse group of beverage enthusiasts, are always eager to take on the challenge of identifying and reviewing mystery drinks. The Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth 24oz Bottle with Flex Straw Cap with its sleek design and practical flex straw cap, is the perfect vessel for today’s mystery drink. Retailing for just under $50, it’s a high-quality piece of drinkware that’s sure to keep our beverage at the perfect temperature.
Initial Reactions to the Mystery Drink
As the hosts uncapped the Hydro Flask, the anticipation was palpable. They revealed that the mystery drink had been marinating since the last recording, adding a touch of apprehension to their initial excitement. The Hydro Flask, with its high-quality build and stylish design, was met with unanimous approval. However, the mystery drink inside was a different story.
The revelation that the drink had been resting in the flask since the last recording led to a mix of excitement and apprehension. Would the flavors have intensified over time, or would they have mellowed out? The hosts were eager to find out. Their initial reactions were a mix of curiosity and apprehension, with the Hydro Flask’s high perceived value adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Tasting the Mystery Drink
Upon tasting, the hosts had mixed reactions. Some found the mystery drink bland, while others detected notes of cherry, raspberry, and possibly green tea. The drink had a slight burn, not too sweet, and more fruity than sugary, which led to a unanimous description of it as a “Kool-Aid with a burn”.
The hosts engaged in a lively discussion about the possible flavors detected in the drink. They compared the mystery drink to other known beverages, trying to pinpoint its unique flavor profile. Despite the mixed reactions, the hosts were all intrigued by the complexity of the mystery drink and its unexpected flavor combination.
Revealing the Mystery Drink
The moment of truth arrived, and the mystery drink was revealed to be an Absolute Pineapple Martini. This revelation surprised the hosts, as none of them had detected any pineapple flavor. The unexpected flavor profile of the drink sparked a lively discussion among the hosts, who were intrigued by the unexpected twist.
The hosts expressed their surprise at the revelation, with some even questioning their taste buds. The unexpected flavor profile of the Absolute Pineapple Martini led to a lively discussion about how flavors can be masked or enhanced by other ingredients. Despite the surprise, the hosts agreed that the mystery drink was a refreshing change from the usual beverages they encounter.
Final Verdict
Despite the unexpected reveal, the hosts gave the Absolute Pineapple Martini a thumbs up. They suggested that it would be refreshing on ice, making it a perfect drink for a hot summer day. The Hydro Flask also received high praise for its high perceived value and practical design, with the hosts recommending it to viewers as a stylish and durable drinkware option.
The hosts’ final verdict on the mystery drink was positive, with many expressing a desire to try it again in the future. They also shared their recommendations for how to best enjoy the Absolute Pineapple Martini, suggesting it would be perfect for a summer barbecue or a relaxing evening at home. The Hydro Flask was also a hit, with the hosts praising its high perceived value and recommending it to viewers as a worthy investment.
Conclusion
The hosts expressed their appreciation for PCNA’s donation of the Hydro Flask, which added an extra layer of excitement to the taste-testing experience. They encouraged viewers to check out more drinkware pieces on their shop, promising a wide range of high-quality options to suit all tastes and budgets.
In their final remarks, the hosts thanked PCNA for their generous donation and encouraged viewers to continue exploring new flavors and beverages. They signed off with a reminder to stay hydrated and keep an open mind when it comes to trying new drinks. After all, you never know when you might stumble upon your next favorite beverage.
“Eric, I’ve had my website for 5 years, is it time to do a website redesign?”
This, or some form of it, is a question we get asked from business owners who understand the value having the right website brings to their business. Some had made their own website when they were a startup entrepreneur, others have had a professionally designed website for years.
Now I think the answer we give normally catches them off guard.
In short, the answer is the good ‘ole frustrating cliche; “it depends.”
Signs It May Be Time For A Website Redesign
1. Your website focuses on you and not your audience.
If your website is all about you, your services, and/or your products; it’s time for a redesign. I’m not saying don’t highlight your services or products, but does your website help the person looking at the site see them using and benefiting from what you have?
Don’t list a product/service, demonstrate the benefit. I love the saying; “no one buys a drill, people are buying the hole the drill will make.” What is the problem your product solves? And, why does your drill make getting the hole better than another drill?
2. Your website isn’t up to date with best practices to provide an amazing user experience.
Is your phone number easy to access? Is your address located at the bottom of every page in an area known as the footer? Do you have enough contrast between colors so individuals with vision disabilities can easily read your site? Is your website designed for people who use adaptive equipment? How about security? Does your website address have “http” in front of it or does it have what it should have with “https” in front of it?
If you answered no to these questions DON’T REDESIGN YOUR WEBSITE.
Well, maybe redesign your website. Some of these common mistakes can be fixed by just updating content. If you’d like a custom audit free website audit, just click here and email me. My name is Eric, and I’m the lead web designer for Hasseman Marketing. I’ll take a look at your site and let you know if it’s compliant with the American’s With Disability Act, how it compares to websites with best practices for user experience, and I’ll show you exactly how you fix any issue on your own. I promise to never email you again with a sales email.
3. Your website isn’t ranking in search results.
When someone does a search on the internet looking to solve the problem your service or products solves, and they don’t see your website in the search results, that’s lost sales. Sales that are going to your competition. Ouch.
The hard truth about ranking in search results is this. Google doesn’t rank you, your competition does. If their website is structured for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and your’s isn’t, They win.
Again, you may not need an entire redesign of your website, you may just need some tweaks to the content.
In fact, you can get a free audit of your site’s SEO right now with our free tool. Just enter your website’s address and email below:
4. Your website looks and feels dated.
Unless vintage is your brand, a vintage feeling website isn’t going to help you. By now, it’s just expected that a website will be responsive to different screen sizes. It’s expected that you’ll have up to date information. I mean, have you ever been on a website and they had an announcement for something that happened three years ago? If your site is not up to date, your visitors are quickly going to leave.
So, when is the last time you took a very close look at every word on every page of your website? If it’s been awhile, that’s probably your first step.
BONUS INFORMATION
What’s the benefit of a website redesign?
Simple. A new site gives you something to promote. It’s an updated tool to help you do more business or reach more people with our message. It helps you reconnect with current customers that have drifted away and helps you find new a new audience.
For example, we just did a redesign in the last couple of months of this website. The results? A 41% increase in visitors. That’s a big result that you could have for your website as well.
Again, feel free to take us up on our offer to look your site over by sending us an email here. Or, use our free SEO audit tool above for a free instant report.
“Eric, I’ve had my website for 5 years, is it time to do a website redesign?”