Welcome back to the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 2, where Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman dive into exciting topics in marketing, business, and branded merchandise—all while adding their unique father-daughter dynamic to the mix. If you missed Episode 1, don’t worry; you can catch up anytime. But today, we’re diving into new discussions that we think you’ll love.
Check out the latest episode below:
What’s in Episode 2?
Here’s a rundown of what we covered in this week’s podcast:
1. The TikTok Drama: What Happened and What’s Next?
We kicked off this week’s episode by discussing the recent TikTok drama. From its sudden removal to the widespread reaction, Jade shared how she felt when the app disappeared briefly and what it meant for content creators and marketers alike. Kirby and Jade also speculated on what might come next for the platform and how businesses should approach TikTok moving forward. Spoiler alert: This conversation was packed with insights into adapting to change in the digital marketing landscape.
2. Lessons from the PPAI Expo
Last week, we attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the premier event for promotional products and branded merchandise. We had the chance to explore new trends, connect with industry leaders, and come away with some important lessons in business. In this episode, we share our key takeaways that can help you in whatever business you are in!
3. Audience Question: How Can You Attract and Retain Clients?
This week’s listener question comes from someone who tuned in to Episode 1: How can you attract and retain clients? Kirby broke down his TARGET method for effective marketing, offering actionable steps to help businesses stand out and build lasting relationships.
To make it even better, Kirby is giving away his book, Hit The TARGET, for free! Head over to HitTheTargetBook.com to grab your free copy, which includes the ebook, audiobook, and online course.
4. When Dad Was Wrong
In this week’s fun and lighthearted segment, Jade turned the tables and shared an area where she thinks Kirby is wrong. This playful moment highlighted how different perspectives—even within a family—can lead to some lively discussions and even better ideas.
5. Shout Out to Local Stars: Main Street Station & Sorrell’s on the Square
We wrapped up the episode by celebrating two amazing Coshocton businesses, Main Street Station and Sorrell’s on the Square, both of which were recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants. These local spots are doing incredible things for our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a spotlight on their achievements. If you haven’t visited them yet, make it a priority!
Key Takeaways from Episode 2
TikTok’s impact on marketing is undeniable, and adaptability is key as platforms evolve.
Live events like the PPAI Expo are invaluable for networking, learning, and staying ahead in your industry.
Attracting and retaining clients requires a clear strategy, like Kirby’s TARGET method, and a focus on delivering value.
It’s okay to challenge ideas and perspectives—that’s where growth (and sometimes laughter) happens.
Supporting local businesses is a vital part of building strong communities.
What’s Next?
We’re already planning Episode 3, and we’d love to hear from you! Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Send it our way, and we might feature it in an upcoming episode. Whether it’s about branded merchandise, marketing strategies, or building better business practices, we’re here to help.
Make sure to watch Episode 2 above, share your thoughts, and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Together, we’re creating Better Merch…Better Marketing!
Have a question or comment? Drop it below or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you!
If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
If you’ve been missing our Thirsty Thursday videos, we’ve got good news: we’re bringing them back! 🎉
For those who don’t know, Thirsty Thursday is one of our favorite video series here at Hasseman Marketing. In each episode, we try a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware. The catch? We have no idea what the drink will be. Sometimes it’s delicious, and sometimes…well, not so much. 😂
It’s been a few months since our last episode, so to get back into the groove, we went through some of our older episodes and pulled together a collection of the funniest moments. From unexpected reactions to some questionable drink choices, this video will remind you why Thirsty Thursday is always a good time.
We love doing these videos because they’re a fun way to showcase branded drinkware while sharing a laugh with our audience. And the best part? New episodes are starting again soon! So stay tuned as we dive into more mystery drinks, more laughs, and more (hopefully) tasty surprises.
In the meantime, check out our “funny moments” video and let us know which clip made you laugh the most.
Social media can be one of the most powerful tools to grow your organization, connect with your audience, and build your brand. But let’s be honest—many businesses struggle to make it work. Why? Because they focus on being perfect instead of simply being better.
At Hasseman Marketing, we believe the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. The key is to consistently get a little better each day.
If you’re looking to improve your social media presence, here are 5 simple tips to do social media BETTER for your organization. And if you want to dive deeper into this, head HERE to get the Hit The TARGET book for free.
1. Give Value First
Too many organizations treat social media like traditional advertising: Buy this. Hire us. Look at us. But social media is different. It’s about building relationships, and relationships thrive on value.
Ask yourself:
How can I help my audience?
What can I teach, inspire, or share that will make their lives better?
Providing value could mean sharing helpful tips, answering FAQs, entertaining with behind-the-scenes content, or offering inspiration. When you lead with value, people will engage, trust you, and stick around for the long term.
Remember: give first, ask second.
2. Be Consistent
Social media is like fitness—you can’t post once or twice and expect results. You build trust and credibility with consistency. Whether you post daily, three times a week, or weekly, the key is to show up regularly.
Here’s why consistency matters:
It keeps your brand top of mind.
It builds integrity (your audience knows they can rely on you).
Social media algorithms reward consistent posting.
The good news? You don’t need to go viral to succeed. Small, consistent efforts over time create meaningful results. Keep showing up, and the growth will come.
3. Post More
If you’re struggling with social media growth, ask yourself this: Are you posting enough? Many organizations are hesitant to post frequently, worrying about “bothering” their audience.
Here’s the truth: social media is a free tool to grow your business. Use it!
The more you post:
The better your reach and engagement will be.
The more opportunities you have to connect with your audience.
The more content you can test and learn from.
If you’re not sure where to start, try this:
Share updates about your team, products, or community involvement.
Post tips, quotes, or behind-the-scenes videos.
Repurpose older content into new formats.
Social media is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
4. Engage With Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. If someone takes the time to comment on your post, comment back! Engagement isn’t just polite—it’s how you build relationships.
When you respond to comments or messages, you:
Show your audience that you care.
Build a loyal community around your brand.
Increase the visibility of your posts (engagement boosts algorithms).
It doesn’t take much—a quick “Thank you!” or a thoughtful reply can go a long way. The brands that succeed on social media don’t just talk at their audience—they talk with them.
5. Gather Information
Social media is not just a place to post—it’s also a tool to gather valuable information for your business.
Here’s how you can leverage it:
Encourage people to sign up for your email list.
Use polls or surveys to learn what your audience wants.
Offer lead magnets (like free guides or webinars) to build your database.
Your ultimate goal should be to take your audience off social media and into your ecosystem—like your email list—where you can communicate directly. Social media is borrowed space, but your list? That’s something you own.
Social Media: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, follow these 5 tips, and focus on getting better—one post, one conversation, one audience interaction at a time:
Give value—be helpful, inspiring, or entertaining.
Be consistent—show up regularly to build trust.
Post more—take advantage of this free tool.
Engage with your audience—reply, connect, and build relationships.
Gather information—turn your audience into lasting relationships.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about showing up, providing value, and putting in the work over time. That’s how you’ll grow your brand, strengthen your community, and do social media BETTER.
Are you ready to improve your organization’s social media presence? Start with one tip today, and let’s pursue better together.
If you need help creating social media content that connects, reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
In today’s competitive marketplace, finding a marketing partner who truly understands your needs and delivers results can be challenging. At Hasseman Marketing, we pride ourselves on standing out from the crowd. What makes us different? It comes down to two key elements: our Proven Process and our 3 Uniques. Together, these cornerstones of our business are designed to ensure our clients not only achieve their goals but enjoy the journey along the way. Here’s how:
The Proven Process: A Roadmap to Success
We believe great marketing doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’ve developed a Proven Process that guides every project we undertake. This structured approach ensures consistency, quality, and results for every client, no matter the project size or scope. Our process includes five key steps:
Discovery – We begin by listening. Understanding your goals, challenges, and vision is the foundation for everything we do. By getting to know you and your business, we can craft a strategy that truly aligns with your needs.
Present Solutions – Once we understand your objectives, we present customized solutions designed to achieve your goals. Whether it’s branded merchandise, a digital campaign, or a comprehensive marketing plan, every solution is tailored specifically to you.
Implement & Deliver – Execution is where ideas come to life. From design to delivery, our team ensures every detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Follow Up – We don’t stop at delivery. We follow up to make sure you’re thrilled with the results and that the project met your expectations.
Repeat – Our goal is to build lasting partnerships. With each project, we aim to deepen our understanding of your business and continue delivering value over time.
This Proven Process not only ensures a seamless experience but also gives you peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place from start to finish.
The 3 Uniques: Why Clients Love Working with Us
Beyond our process, we’ve identified three key qualities that set us apart from other marketing agencies. These are our 3 Uniques:
Full House – In House: Unlike many agencies that outsource key services, we do it all in-house. From video production to graphic design and branded merchandise, we have the expertise and tools to manage your marketing under one roof. This means faster turnaround times, better communication, and a more cohesive strategy.
Customer Centric: Your success is our success. We align our goals with yours, focusing on what matters most to you. Whether it’s driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or building stronger employee relationships, our team is committed to delivering results that align with your vision.
No Surprise Charges: Transparency is essential in any partnership. With Hasseman Marketing, you’ll always know what to expect. We provide upfront invoices so you’re never caught off guard by hidden fees for proofs, shipping, or art charges.
Why This Matters for You
When you choose Hasseman Marketing, you’re not just hiring a vendor—you’re gaining a partner. Our Proven Process ensures every project is handled with care and precision, while our 3 Uniques guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.
This combination of structure, expertise, and customer focus is why so many of our clients come back to us year after year. Whether you need branded merchandise, digital marketing, or a comprehensive marketing strategy, you can trust us to deliver Marketing Joy every step of the way.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Let’s start the Discovery phase today!
Coshocton, Ohio – November 2024 – Hasseman Marketing, a full-service marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through innovative marketing solutions, is thrilled to celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. Founded in 2004, the Coshocton-based agency has grown from a small startup into a trusted partner for clients across industries, providing a full spectrum of marketing services, from branding and promotional products to social media strategy and content creation.
Hasseman Marketing Celebrates 20 Years
Over the past two decades, Hasseman Marketing has established itself as a go-to agency for businesses in Ohio and beyond, consistently delivering customized solutions that drive results. Known for its commitment to customer service and a personalized approach to each client’s needs, the agency has helped numerous local businesses, nonprofits, and larger organizations achieve their marketing goals.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years,” said Kirby Hasseman, founder and CEO of Hasseman Marketing. “Our success is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our clients have placed in us. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to innovate and support our clients in an ever-changing marketing landscape.”
In addition to its client work, Hasseman Marketing is deeply committed to the local community. The agency has been involved in numerous initiatives to support local organizations, foster community spirit, and encourage local business growth.
To commemorate this special occasion, Hasseman Marketing will be creating amazing branded merch (no surprise) and creating social content to celebrate and look back. These celebrations are both a way to thank their clients and the Coshocton community that has supported them from the start.
About Hasseman Marketing: Founded in 2004, Hasseman Marketing is a full-service marketing agency based in Coshocton, Ohio. With a focus on strategic and creative marketing solutions, Hasseman Marketing offers branding, promotional products, social media strategy, content creation, and much more to help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.
What do you do when it’s been a long week, and the energy seems low? You pump yourselves up by doing a brand new Thirsty Thursday with a Peanut Butter Pick Me Up! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This time we are trying the mystery drink out of the 9 oz Rocks Tumbler from our friends at CPS. Watch the latest episode now!
Why The 9 oz Rocks Tumbler?
While the feedback on the drink each week can have mixed reviews, this quality drinkware piece got thumbs up all around. We loved the size of the tumbler, the decoration capability, and the double-walled construction of the tumbler that will keep your drink cold for hours. This is a perfect year end gift for any one on your list.
If you are interested in finding out more about the 9 oz Rocks Tumbler (or any of the other drinkware we feature) check out our shop here.
As for the drink…we really liked this one! What was it? Watch the full episode to find out!
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
