If we aren't curious, we aren't learning. Curiosity breeds energy and creativity in your organization and within your team. In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of curiosity marketing with the brilliant Emily Aborn. Emily shares her insights on how we can use curiosity to better connect with our audiences, both online and offline. Whether you're a nonprofit, small business, or just someone who wants to have more engaging conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you won't want to miss.

What you'll learn: → What curiosity marketing is and how it can benefit your organization → The four different types of curiosity and how to tailor your approach for each → Practical ways to incorporate curiosity into your marketing and team culture → How to build trust and encourage more meaningful conversations → Tips for refreshing and revamping your existing content and resources

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways: [03:34] Curiosity marketing is about opening a gap between what someone knows now and what they want to know. It is an opportunity to dive deeper into a topic, learn and figure out things you didn't even know you needed to know. [08:34] There are four main types of curiosity: problem solver, fascinated, empathizer, and hard to reach. Understanding your audience's curiosity type can help you connect with them more effectively. [15:01] Tapping into the curiosity of your audience and potential audience can lead to higher conversions. Using questions, stories, and everyday language can help create curiosity and engagement, rather than just pushing information at your audience. [22:06] It's important to stand up for relevant issues and not try to be everything to everyone. This can help build deeper relationships with the right people. [27:25] Curiosity also has a place in the workplace. Fostering a culture of curiosity within your team, by asking different types of questions, can lead to better collaboration and understanding.

Emily Aborn Want to know a secret about today's guest? Want to know a little secret? Emily Aborn writes for a living and even she sometimes struggles to write for herself or about herself. As a Copywriter, Podcaster, and Content Marketing Consultant, Emily helps small business owners overcome the blinking cursor of doom by taking writing website copy, blogs, emails, and other marketing materials off their plate entirely. An entrepreneur for over a decade, Emily's had experience in over 110 industries and has guided thousands of nonprofits and businesses to find their voice, make their impact, and connect with those who need them most. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog Clyde and enjoys game nights, hiking, and a stack of emotional support books on her night stand. http://facebook.com/Emily.CatherineGrace http://instagram.com/EmilyAborn http://linkedin.com/in/EmilyAborn

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 288 - Replay | Encouraging Curiosity with Donors and Your Community with Emily Aborn

Ep 321 | The Most Common Mistake I See on Websites

Are you struggling to create website content that truly connects with your audience? In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Husack, a business owner who grew his company from one employee to 130 while earning Inc. 5000 recognition four years running. We explore how artificial intelligence can help you shift from writing content that makes sense to you, to creating content that resonates with your readers and drives them to take action.

Moving Beyond Your Own Perspective Aaron shares valuable insights on: - Why thinking like your audience is more important than analytics when you're starting out - How to create a master prompt that ensures consistent voice and messaging - The power of asking AI to review your content from your reader's point of view

Structuring Content for Maximum Engagement Discover practical strategies for making your content more user-friendly: - Creating TLDR sections that help readers quickly assess value - Using AI to format content with proper headings and internal links - Testing different content structures to see what resonates best with your audience

Building Trust Through Comprehensive Coverage Learn how to position your organization as the go-to resource: - Developing pillar content that covers topics from every angle - Using social media questions to generate new content ideas - Creating content that addresses common objections and concerns before they arise

Practical AI Applications for Nonprofits We address real-world implementation strategies: - Leveraging multiple AI platforms to find what works best for your organization - Turning frequently asked questions into valuable website content - Using AI to ensure your content speaks to your audience's emotional needs, not just their logical ones

Whether you're just getting started with content creation or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help you create content that truly serves your community and drives meaningful engagement.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: - 08:45 Creating Your Master Prompt Learn how to develop a comprehensive guide that helps AI write in your voice and speak to your specific audience. - 15:20 The Reader's Perspective Exercise Discover how to use AI to review your content through the eyes of your ideal supporter or program participant. - 22:10 From Questions to Content Explore how social media questions and common inquiries can become valuable website resources. - 28:30 Building Content Pillars Understand how comprehensive topic coverage helps establish your organization as a trusted authority.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI can help you create content that truly connects with your community and drives the actions you need. Tune in for strategies that could change how you approach all your written communications.

Resources Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/app Claude - https://claude.com/ Manus AI - https://manus.im/ "They Ask, You Answer" - https://marcussheridan.com/they-ask-you-answer/#:~:text=For%20almost%20a%20decade%2C%20Marcus,Books%20Every%20CMO%20Should%20Read%E2%80%9Dhttps://marcussheridan.com/they-ask-you-answer/#:~:text=For%20almost%20a%20decade%2C%20Marcus,Books%20Every%20CMO%20Should%20Read%E2%80%9D

Aaron Husak Aaron Husak, has spent 20+ years in HVAC, plumbing, solar, and energy-efficiency – building businesses. He founded Balanced Comfort in Fresno, CA in 2012 and grew it from 1 employee to a peak of 130+, earning Inc. 5000 4 years in a row, peaking #511 and at the same time earned the Great Place to Work® certification 3 times. All while building a 5-star service culture with 4,000+ five-star reviews online.

Learn more at https://www.sequioageo.com https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaGeoMarketingAgency https://www.linkedin.com/company/sequoia-geo

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The

Ep 320 | Using AI to Increase Website Clarity with Aaron Husak

Are you spending weeks creating fundraising campaigns that could be done in hours? In this episode, I sit down with Russell Van Broecklen, a New York State Senate-funded dyslexia researcher and founder of dyslexiaclasses.com, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your campaign development process. We discuss practical strategies for using AI tools to create compelling, authentic messaging that connects with your donors and community.

Finding Your Campaign's Universal Theme - Identifying the core message that drives your entire campaign - Using AI to refine broad concepts into focused, actionable themes - Avoiding jargon-heavy language that disconnects you from your audience - Creating messaging that resonates emotionally with supporters

The Step-by-Step AI Campaign Creation Process Discover how to leverage multiple AI platforms effectively: - Starting with ChatGPT Thinking to develop your foundational concepts - Moving to Claude Opus for superior writing quality - Using specific prompts to guide AI through multiple revision cycles - Implementing a quality control system that ensures publication-ready content

Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls We address critical considerations for maintaining authenticity: - Why rushing through the process leads to generic "AI slop" - How to balance efficiency with quality in your campaign materials - The importance of human oversight in the creative process - When to involve team members versus maintaining singular vision

Building Better Campaigns Through Data and Iteration Learn strategies for continuous improvement: - Using results from previous campaigns to inform future messaging - Incorporating feedback loops to refine your approach - Balancing team input with focused decision-making - Measuring success and adapting your strategy accordingly

Whether you're a small team handling multiple responsibilities or looking to streamline your campaign creation process, this conversation offers practical insights to help you create more effective fundraising materials in less time.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: - 08:45 The Universal Theme Methodology Learn how to identify and refine the core message that will drive your entire campaign strategy. - 15:22 Platform-Specific AI Strategies Discover why different AI tools excel at different tasks and how to use them strategically. - 23:10 The Revision Process That Works Understand the specific prompts and quality checks that ensure your content is ready for publication. - 31:40 Balancing Team Input with Vision Explore how to incorporate stakeholder feedback while maintaining message consistency and focus.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI can help you create more compelling campaigns while freeing up time for other critical nonprofit activities. Tune in for strategies that could transform your approach to fundraising communications.

Russell Van Brocklen is a New York State Senate–funded dyslexia researcher and the founder of **DyslexiaClasses.com**, where he has spent over a decade helping students transform from hesitant writers into confident communicators.

His groundbreaking approach, *The Writing Method*, was developed by combining the brain research from *Overcoming Dyslexia* by Dr. Sally Shaywitz with the practical classroom strategies from *Strategies for Struggling Writers* by James Collins. This blend of neuroscience and pedagogy became the foundation for his research, later owned by the **SUNY Research Foundation**.

Russell's students—many diagnosed with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences—have achieved remarkable progress, often improving their writing by **seven to eight grade levels in a single academic year**.

He has presented his work at the **Everyone Reading Conference in Manhattan** (2006, 2014–2019) and the **Learning Disability Association of New Jersey Conference** (2018), sharing his mission to m

Ep 319 | Step by Step Campaign Messaging Creation using AI with Russell Van Broklen

Are you struggling to build trust with your donors and community members? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Schuessler, a marketing strategist and videographer who has reached over 1.4 million users through authentic testimonial content. We explore how video testimonials can transform your nonprofit's credibility and help you connect more deeply with potential supporters.

Overcoming the Fear of Asking

Jonathan shares insights on:

 * Why three out of four people say yes when asked for testimonials
 * How requesting reviews actually increases referrals and word-of-mouth marketing
 * Breaking through the mental barriers that prevent us from reaching out to satisfied supporters

Strategic Interview Techniques That Get Results

Discover practical approaches for conducting powerful testimonial interviews:

 * The 10-question framework that puts the most important question at position six
 * How to make people comfortable on camera, even with minimal equipment
 * Using doorways for optimal lighting when filming with just a phone

Maximizing Impact Across Multiple Platforms

Learn how to:

 * Create short, focused versions that capture the most compelling moments
 * Repurpose content across social media platforms for maximum reach
 * Use transcripts strategically to improve search visibility and AI discovery

Building Trust Through Authentic Stories

We discuss the power of featuring different perspectives:

 * Testimonials from people directly impacted by your work
 * Stories from recurring donors about their giving experience
 * Board members and volunteers sharing why they stay involved

Jonathan emphasizes that the uniqueness of any organization isn't in what they do, but in how they treat people and make them feel. Video testimonials capture this emotional connection in ways that written reviews simply cannot match.

Whether you're working with a professional setup or just your smartphone, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help you gather compelling testimonials that build trust and drive support for your mission.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:

 * 06:22 The Psychology of Asking Learn why most people are happy to help and how testimonials create a ripple effect of referrals.
 * 12:15 Strategic Question Placement Discover the interview framework that gets to the most valuable content naturally.
 * 19:30 Equipment and Setup Tips Understand how to create professional-looking testimonials with minimal resources.
 * 26:45 Repurposing for Maximum Impact Explore strategies for using one testimonial across multiple marketing channels effectively.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how authentic video testimonials can help your nonprofit build stronger relationships and increase support for your important work.

Jonathan Schüßler is a marketing strategist, photographer and videographer specialising in testimonial videos and weddings. With his organic content structure he reached over 1.4 million users in his target audience driving sales through building trust.

chuzlaire.com jonathanschuessler.com www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-schüßler-marketing https://www.instagram.com/chuzlaire/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathan_schuessler

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Creating Video Testimonals to Build Trust with Jonathan Schuessler | Ep 318

Are you feeling scattered by all the digital marketing advice out there? In this solo episode, I'm sharing some honest reflections on burnout, overextension, and why we took a break from the podcast. After 317 episodes, I've learned that sometimes stepping back is the best way to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Finding Focus When Everything Feels Overwhelming I open up about: - Why I overcommitted and how it led to podcast burnout - The importance of choosing projects that align with your core mission - How small teams can stay nimble while maintaining quality service

A New Way to Navigate Your Learning Journey Discover the game-changing resource we're launching: - A comprehensive spreadsheet organizing all podcast episodes by category - How to find exactly what you need when you need it most - Why implementation matters more than consuming endless content

Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times We explore strategies for: - Maintaining strong foundations when the world feels chaotic - Building collaborative networks instead of trying to solve everything alone - Focusing on excellence in your specific area rather than spreading too thin

What's Coming Next in 2026 Learn about our renewed focus on: - Website strategy and conversion optimization - Practical AI applications for nonprofits - Weekly resources through our revamped newsletter

Whether you're experiencing donor fatigue, struggling with focus, or simply need a reset, this episode offers practical wisdom for moving forward with intention and purpose.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:

- 05:15 The Reality of Burnout Honest insights about overcommitting and the importance of sustainable growth strategies. - 12:30 Your New Learning Roadmap How to use our episode categorization system to find exactly what you need for your current challenges. - 18:45 Building Collaborative Networks Why partnering with other organizations amplifies your impact without overwhelming your resources. - 24:20 Website Strategy Focus Our commitment to helping you convert more website visitors into supporters and donors.

Don't miss this opportunity to refocus your approach and make 2026 the year you implement rather than just consume. Tune in for a conversation that could reshape how you think about growth, collaboration, and sustainable impact.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 317 | Welcome to 2026 and Your Best Year Ever

Are you making the most of your nonprofit's content? In this episode, I sit down with TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital, to explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your content repurposing strategy. We discuss innovative ways to leverage AI tools that can help you connect with donors, save time, and stretch your budget.

Harnessing AI for Efficient Content Repurposing TJ shares insights on: - Creating a comprehensive brand guide using AI assistance - Developing a “brand ambassador” AI to maintain consistency across teams - Turning one piece of content into multiple formats for various platforms - Overcoming the fear of on-camera content creation

Practical Applications for Nonprofits Discover how AI can help you: - Craft consistent messaging across different departments - Repurpose video content into blog posts, social media updates, and more - Streamline your content creation process - Expand your reach with multi-platform distribution

Addressing Common Concerns We tackle important questions about: - Getting started with AI tools if you're feeling behind - Maintaining authenticity when using AI-generated content - Balancing efficiency with quality in your content strategy

Building Trust Through Video Content TJ recommends practical strategies for: - Overcoming camera shyness and creating authentic video content - Leveraging short-form video to stand out in a crowded digital landscape - Using video to build trust with your audience at scale

Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you leverage technology in your nonprofit's content strategy. Learn how to create more engaging content, save time, and stretch your resources further.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Creating a Brand Bible with AI Learn how to develop a comprehensive guide for consistent messaging across your organization.

12:47 Repurposing Content Across Platforms Discover how to turn one piece of content into multiple formats for maximum reach.

19:36 Overcoming Video Content Hesitation Explore strategies for creating authentic video content that builds trust with your audience.

26:15 Integrating AI into Your Workflow Understand how to incorporate AI tools into your daily tasks for increased efficiency.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can ethically and effectively utilize AI to amplify your nonprofit's message and reach more supporters. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to content creation and distribution.

TJ Robertson Meet TJ Robertson, founder of TJ Digital—an agency dedicated to helping small and medium businesses stand out in today’s AI-driven world. With 16 years in digital marketing, TJ is passionate about transparency, results, and making sure clients show up where it matters most: in AI-powered platforms like Google, ChatGPT, and TikTok. Outside of work, he’s a husband, dad of three, and a fan of board games and camping.

Learn more at tjrobertson.com https://www.youtube.com/@UCXo0fazQabsLonrHH4t9fBg  https://www.instagram.com/tjrobertsondigital/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-robertson-seo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@tjrobertson52?refer=creator_embed https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-robertson-seo/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 316 | How to Use AI to Repurpose your Content with TJ Robertson

Are you feeling overwhelmed as you gear up for the busy season? In this solo episode, I'm here to offer a much-needed pep talk and share some powerful mindset shifts to help you navigate the challenges ahead. As we transition from summer mode to year-end campaigns, it's crucial to approach our work with renewed focus and energy.

Embracing Imperfection in Your Nonprofit's Communications Let's talk about the paralyzing effects of perfectionism and how it can hinder your progress. I share: - Why minor mistakes in emails or social media posts aren't the end of the world - How to turn communication mishaps into opportunities for engagement - The importance of moving forward despite imperfections

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration Drawing inspiration from recent marketing phenomena, we explore: - Strategies for creating buzz around your campaigns through partnerships - How to make it easy for collaborators to amplify your message - The impact of coordinated marketing efforts in your local community

Staying True to Your Foundation When things get hectic, it's essential to: - Focus on consistent, foundational activities that drive long-term success - Avoid getting caught up in the comparison game - Remember that small, daily actions lead to significant results over time

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways. 06:22 Turning Mistakes into Opportunities Learn how to reframe communication errors as chances for deeper donor engagement.

12:15 Collaborative Marketing Strategies Discover ways to create a ripple effect in your community through strategic partnerships.

19:30 Maintaining Focus on Core Activities Understand the importance of consistent, foundational work in achieving your nonprofit's goals.

Don't miss this opportunity to reset your mindset and approach the busy season with renewed clarity and purpose. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your perspective on nonprofit leadership and impact.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 315 | Mindset Reset

Are you making the most of your website visitors? In this episode, I sit down with Abby James from Nonprofit Megaphone to explore innovative ways to connect with people who've shown interest in your organization. We discuss how to leverage website visitor data ethically and effectively to grow your supporter base and enhance your fundraising efforts.

Overcoming the “Creepy Factor” Abby shares insights on: - Why collecting visitor information isn't as invasive as you might think - How to approach outreach in a way that feels authentic and valuable - Balancing personalization with privacy concerns

Practical Strategies for Engagement Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with website visitors: - Crafting a welcoming initial email that sets clear expectations - Developing a consistent communication strategy beyond the first contact - Using segmentation to tailor your messaging effectively

Maximizing the Value of Visitor Data Learn how to: - Identify potential business partners and volunteers from your website traffic - Use visitor information to refine your programs and services - Leverage data for both online and offline marketing efforts

Getting Started with Visitor Engagement We address key considerations for implementing a visitor outreach strategy: - Essential tools and platforms to simplify the process - How to involve different departments in utilizing visitor data - Setting clear goals for your engagement funnel

Whether you're new to digital marketing or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you turn website visits into meaningful connections and support for your mission.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key moments: 05:40 Ethical Considerations Explore the balance between personalization and privacy in visitor outreach.

12:15 Crafting Effective Welcome Emails Learn how to make a strong first impression that encourages further engagement.

19:30 Data-Driven Decision Making Discover how visitor information can inform your organizational strategy and program development.

26:45 Building a Sustainable Engagement Funnel Understand how to create a journey that guides visitors towards deeper involvement with your nonprofit.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can ethically and effectively utilize your website visitor data to grow your nonprofit's impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to supporter engagement and fundraising.

Abby James Abby has been immersed in the Google Ad Grant world for over 5 years, holding various positions at Nonprofit Megaphone. Nonprofit Megaphone is a Google Certified Partner and manages more than 750 Google Ad Grant accounts for nonprofits. With her experience in managing accounts and background in marketing and development, she now consults with nonprofits every day on how to fully utilize this program and amplify their missions!

Learn more at nonprofitmegaphone.com https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitmegaphone/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofitmegaphone

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 314 | Connecting with Your Website Visitors with Abby James

Are you struggling to attract more visitors to your nonprofit's website? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, to explore the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for mission-driven organizations. We discuss why SEO is a crucial long-term strategy for increasing your online visibility and connecting with potential donors and supporters.

Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth Steven shares insights on: - Why SEO is like investing in your retirement account for your nonprofit - The importance of patience and consistency in your SEO efforts - How to balance short-term paid strategies with long-term organic growth

Practical SEO Strategies for Nonprofits Discover actionable advice for improving your website's search rankings: - Crafting content that aligns with what your audience is actually searching for - Leveraging free tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics - Optimizing your Google Business Profile for local nonprofits

Measuring Success and Adapting Your Approach Learn how to: - Track your SEO progress using key metrics and tools - Identify which content is resonating with your audience - Adjust your strategy based on real data and user behavior

Overcoming Common SEO Challenges We address potential hurdles in implementing an SEO strategy: - Balancing SEO efforts with other marketing priorities - Staying motivated during the initial “sandbox” period for new websites - Adapting to changes in search engine algorithms and user behavior

Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your current approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you increase your nonprofit's online visibility and connect with more supporters.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways: 06:28 Understanding Organic vs. Paid Traffic Learn the difference between organic search results and paid advertising, and how they can work together in your digital strategy.

12:15 Essential SEO Tools for Nonprofits Discover free and paid resources to help you research keywords, analyze your website's performance, and track your progress.

19:36 Creating Content That Ranks Explore strategies for developing blog posts and web pages that address your audience's needs and align with popular search terms.

26:15 Optimizing for Local Search Understand how to leverage your Google Business Profile to improve visibility for local nonprofits and events.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how SEO can help your nonprofit reach more people and make a bigger impact. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to online visibility and donor engagement.

Resources Google Ad Grant: https://www.google.com/grants/ Google Search Console & Analytics: https://search.google.com/search-console/about SEMRush: https://www.semrush.com/ Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/

Steven Schneider Steven is co-founder and CEO at TrioSEO, an agency that helps B2B brands design and implement ROI-focused SEO strategies.

Before TrioSEO, he co-owned a portfolio of 40 blogs, managed 400 articles monthly, and scaled to 7 figures via SEO – no paid ads, social media, or other strategies.

Today, TrioSEO creates content that converts browsers into buyers. Their team manages everything – the process is 100% hands-off for founders and CMOs

Learn more at TrioSEO.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneis/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Ep 313 | Setting a Strong Search Engine Strategy for Long Term Growth with Steven Schneider

Sami Bedell-Mulhern (@thefirstclick) · Zencastr

Sami Bedell-Mulhern (@thefirstclick)

Digital Marketing Therapy supports nonprofits in raising more money online. Learn ways to utilize your website, social media, content and email marketing to support your online fundraising and retention efforts.