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#138 The Art and Edge of Modern Marketing with Molly Sperlich & Bryan Nowlan

Molly Sperlich is a passionate storyteller and communications professional with a strong foundation in journalism and media. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, she holds degrees in Media & Journalism and English. Molly has honed her skills through roles such as Digital Editor and Anchor for Coyote News, as well as a writing internship with 605 Magazine. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Hootsuite-certified in social media marketing, she combines creativity with technical expertise to craft compelling content across various platforms.​ Bryan Nowlan is a dedicated marketing professional with over eight years of experience, including more than six years specializing in Web3 marketing. Since entering the cryptocurrency space in 2016, he has developed a deep passion for innovation and creating impactful marketing strategies in this fast-paced industry. His expertise spans social media, content creation, event management, email marketing, growth strategies, and website development. A Bentley University graduate, Bryan is known for his strong work ethic and commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends—both in marketing and the Web3 space. In this episode, we dive into how modern marketers can adapt to evolving landscapes using both traditional and cutting-edge techniques.
“But we really want to showcase that South Dakota and other areas in the Midwest can produce amazing, talented marketers.” — Molly Sperlich
“Working with vendors that help automate a lot of research and data analytics is another way that we’re kind of staying ahead of the curve.” — Bryan Nowlan

About the Episode

Welcome to an enlightening journey through the world of marketing innovation, startup culture, and the unique charm of tech communities. Molly Sperlich, the marketing coordinator at PropertyMeld, recently shared her experiences and insights on the NTM Growth Marketing Podcast. In this comprehensive discussion, Molly was joined by Bryan Nowlan, Marketing Manager at HorizenLabs, as they explored themes from the whims of startup life to strategic marketing in the web3 space.

South Dakota’s Rising Tech Hub: The Silicon Prairie

Setting the Scene

In the scenic surroundings near Mount Rushmore, the South Dakota tech scene is quietly making its mark on the industry. Molly highlights how Rapid City, enriched by the School of Mines and Technology, serves as a nurturing ground for tech startups like PropertyMeld.

“It’s not common to find tech startups here, but this is where we’ve chosen to lay our roots down.” — Molly Sperlich

From Humble Beginnings to Evolving Innovators

PropertyMeld, a maintenance platform designed to streamline rental processes across the US and Canada, started in Rapid City. The supportive environment and solid incubator program facilitated its growth.

Life as a Marketing Coordinator

Wearing Many Hats

Molly balances numerous responsibilities as a marketing coordinator, from inbound lead generation to crafting sales emails and orchestrating ad campaigns in a lean startup environment.

  • Inbound Lead Generation: Driving traffic and generating interest in their software.
  • Event Marketing: Organizing an annual summit in Rapid City, growing attendance significantly.
  • Customer Marketing: Ensuring customers see value through retention strategies and updates.

Beyond the Screen: The Importance of In-Person Connection

Post-COVID marked a noticeable shift back to physical gatherings. PropertyMeld’s annual summit showcases South Dakota’s tech capabilities.

“But we really want to showcase that South Dakota and other areas in the Midwest can produce amazing, talented marketers.” — Molly Sperlich

Leveraging Creative Marketing Strategies

Implementing StoryBrand

By using Donald Miller’s “Building a StoryBrand” principles, PropertyMeld positions the customer as the hero of their narrative, seeing significant impacts on email engagement.

Dynamic Lead-Scoring Systems

PropertyMeld’s in-depth lead-scoring system enhances their communication strategies, benefitting both inbound and outbound efforts.

AI: Friend or Foe?

Navigating AI Integrations

Molly uses AI platforms like ChatGPT for content optimization and storytelling to maintain a StoryBrand framework beneficial for marketers.

  • Content Optimization: AI refines marketing messages.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Marketers focus on strategic and creative tasks.

“It’s not like we have a dedicated email marketer, a social media manager, an SEO specialist. That’s all me.” — Molly Sperlich

Demand Jump: An Integrated Approach

With AI-driven platforms like Demand Jump, PropertyMeld optimizes SEO strategies through pillar-based marketing, providing structured paths for content creation.

HorizenLabs and the Power of Education

Bryan Nowlan, Marketing Manager at HorizenLabs, emphasizes the importance of demystifying blockchain technology through education, helping to onboard users with ease.

Educating Through Experience

At HorizenLabs, education is a strategic pillar. Initiatives like collaborative courses with Meta School offer an understanding of blockchain technology’s foundations.

“Before we even dive in on exactly what our projects are, we always take a step back and provide a higher level view on what is blockchain technology.” — Bryan Nowlan

Embracing AI and Data-Driven Strategies with HorizenLabs

Harnessing AI for Efficiency

Bryan integrates AI into marketing efforts, utilizing tools like Opus Clip for engaging video content on platforms such as Twitter.

Data-Driven Decisions

Through tools like The Tie, HorizenLabs conducts social media research and competitor analysis, demonstrating the importance of data in decision-making.

“Working with vendors that help automate a lot of research and data analytics is another way that we’re kind of staying ahead of the curve.” — Bryan Nowlan

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Marketing

The combined insights of Molly and Bryan offer a comprehensive look at adapting to evolving landscapes using both traditional and cutting-edge techniques. Their commitment to innovation and community highlights the importance of connecting with people in effective marketing strategies.

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