In a digital world where paid advertising dominates the conversation, many entrepreneurs are left wondering: is organic marketing still effective? On the latest episode of the Simpler Business Podcast, host Marissa Roberts dives deep into this topic with seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur and coach, Dylan Jahraus. From building million-dollar businesses to scaling coaching programs, Dylan shares her proven strategies for leveraging organic marketing to grow an audience, generate leads, and drive revenue—all without spending a dime on ads.
Prefer to listen instead of read? Listen to the episode here.
The Power of Organic Marketing
Organic marketing is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategy that allows business owners to build trust, engage with their audience, and create meaningful connections. Unlike paid ads, which can be costly and uncertain, organic marketing focuses on authenticity and value.
Dylan is a living testament to this approach. Over the years, she has grown her Instagram following to over 50,000 and her email list to 45,000 subscribers—all organically. Her first business, an Etsy shop, surpassed a million dollars in profit and later expanded to Amazon and Shopify. These successes were achieved through consistent effort, strategic planning, and understanding her audience’s needs.
Platform Priorities: Where to Focus Your Energy
Choosing the right platform is crucial for maximizing organic growth. Dylan’s advice? Start with one platform that aligns with your business goals and audience preferences. Here’s what worked for her:
- YouTube: For her coaching business, Dylan focused on long-form content to build trust and nurture a warm audience. By posting daily videos with actionable tips and insights, she gained 1,000 subscribers in just 23 days. The key? Providing immense value and treating videos like mini ads, complete with strong hooks and engaging content.
- Instagram: With the help of a skilled marketing manager, Dylan’s Instagram strategy shifted to doing “more, better, and new,” following Alex Hormozi’s principles. This approach recently boosted her growth to 10,000 new followers a month.
- Pinterest and Blogs: For her product-based Etsy business, Dylan leveraged Pinterest and blogs to drive traffic and enhance visibility on Etsy, a platform optimized for search engines.
Top Organic Marketing Tips
- Give Generously: Share valuable, actionable content that other industry experts might gatekeep. As Dylan puts it, “The more free information, the better.” This builds trust and leaves potential customers curious about what’s behind your paywall.
- Focus on Data That Matters: Don’t chase vanity metrics like views or likes. Instead, analyze what drives meaningful results, like follower growth or email signups.
- Repurpose Content Strategically: Short-form content like Instagram Reels or TikToks can serve as a top-of-funnel strategy, driving new followers to your long-form content or lead magnets.
- Use Automation Wisely: Tools like ManyChat can streamline interactions, nurture leads, and grow your email list. For instance, Dylan’s team uses automated flows on Instagram to deliver lead magnets and follow up with prospects.
- Leverage a Team: Delegation is key to scaling. Dylan’s team includes marketing managers, setters, and closers who handle outreach and sales, allowing her to focus on delivering high-value coaching.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of chasing trends or optimizing for the wrong goals. Dylan warns against prioritizing viral content over quality engagement. A smaller, engaged audience can be far more valuable than a large, disengaged following. She also emphasizes the importance of not spreading yourself too thin across multiple platforms—master one before moving to the next.
Scaling with High-Ticket Offers
Dylan’s journey into coaching underscores the power of high-ticket offers. Transitioning from selling physical products to coaching allowed her to scale her business while maintaining quality. Her coaching programs, which range from $15,000 to $30,000, are tailored to provide personalized attention and measurable results—a level of service that free YouTube content can’t replicate.
The Bottom Line
Organic marketing is not a quick fix, but it’s a sustainable way to build a loyal audience and grow a business. Dylan’s story is proof that with consistency, strategy, and a focus on providing value, entrepreneurs can achieve incredible results without relying on paid ads.
If you’re ready to simplify your approach to marketing and unlock the potential of organic growth, start by focusing on one platform, delivering exceptional value, and using tools and teams to scale your efforts. As Dylan says, “Think big now, and you can achieve big results.”
For more insights, check out Dylan’s website and follow her on Instagram.
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