Iron Age Marketing – Details, episodes & analysis

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Melissa J Cave, author of the fantasy novel Traitor's Son.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Melissa J Cave   Melissa J Cave is a project manager and a veteran who has spent most of her life traveling, first as a military brat and then in the Air Force and Department of Defense. She has always been fascinated by new places, cultures, languages, and history, and there is no better place to indulge that interest than in fantasy writing. She currently lives in Virginia, where she is failing to grow strawberries for the third year running.   Exploring Fantasy Writing with Military Veteran Melissa J Cave   In this first of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest Melissa J Cave, a military veteran and debut author, to discuss her new fantasy series 'Traitor Son: First Book of the Empire of the Stars.' Melissa shares her background as a 'military brat' and soldier, and how these experiences have informed her writing. They delve into the misconception that military discipline stifles creativity and discuss the importance of diverse life experiences in storytelling. Melissa also talks about the themes in her series, such as post-war promises and hope, in contrast to the grimdark genre. With six books written before publishing the first, Melissa explains the advantages of completing an entire series ahead of time for tighter storytelling.   The Intersection of Romance, Family, and Marketing: An Author's Journey   In this second of three segments of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author Melissa J Cave dive into the writing and marketing journey of an experienced author who has been crafting stories since childhood. Beginning with a simple romance idea in 2019, the story expanded into a multi-book family saga, including elements of action and politics. The author discusses the importance of romance in storytelling, particularly in appealing to male readers. She shares insights on marketing strategies, using platforms like Net Galley and Book Sirens to gather feedback and generate buzz. The episode also covers building an audience through email lists and maintaining an online presence, focusing on marketing primarily to romance readers.   Navigating Self-Publishing and Gender Dynamics in Historical Fantasy Literature with Melissa J Cave   In this third and final segment of episode 51 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Melissa J Cave., who discusses her unique approach to writing fantasy literature, focusing on realistic character development and gender roles in historical contexts. The conversation explores Melissa's decision to self-publish her books, driven by a desire to maintain creative control and effectively target different audiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Melissa further delves into how she handles negative reviews, the limitations of traditional publishing, and the importance of showcasing the complementary roles of men and women in her medieval city-building narrative.   Hopefully, today's episode with Melissa J Cave serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Melissa J Cave Resources & Extra Media

• https://melissajcave.com/
• https://geni.us/traitorson-global (Amazon link)

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to C S Johnson, genre-defying novelist of multiple young adult series'.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator C S Johnson   C. S. Johnson is the award-winning, genre-hopping author of several novels, including young adult sci-fi and fantasy adventures such as the Starlight Chronicles series, the Once Upon a Princess saga, and the Divine Space Pirates trilogy. With a gift for sarcasm and an apologetic heart, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family.   Navigating Indie Publishing with Author C. S. Johnson   In this first of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with guest C. S. Johnson as she shares her extensive experience in writing, discussing her journey from vanity press beginnings in 2007 to crafting a vast collection of 40 books and multiple audiobooks. She delves into her strategies for maintaining creative control, her perspectives on traditional versus indie publishing, and the importance of genres in making money as a writer. The conversation also touches on balancing being a homeschool mom with writing, the challenges of staying disciplined, and the need for hopeful characters in fiction. Don't miss insights into her favorite genres, particularly romance, and her views on the evolving landscape of modern storytelling.   The Power of Independent Writing & Crowdfunding: A Conversation on Creativity   In this second of three segments of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P & author C S Johnson discuss the significance of the "Iron Age" ethos coined by RazörFist and how it benefits all writers, regardless of political leanings. The dialogue touches upon the downsides of the 'story by committee' approach and why individual creativity matters. The conversation highlights Brandon Sanderson's remarkable Kickstarter success, underscoring the potential of self-publishing. They delve into the importance of character connection in storytelling and the emerging popularity of graphic novels among younger readers. The discussion wraps up with insights on the critical role of family support and the value of investing in one's creative vision, despite the associated financial risks.   Navigating Your First Book Release: Insights for Aspiring Authors   In this third and final segment of episode 50 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest C S Johnson her advice for authors who are gearing up to release their first book. They discuss common pitfalls to avoid, such as lack of passion and poor character development, emphasizing the importance of writing what you believe in. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by new authors, comparisons with established names like Stephen King, and the significance of creating relatable protagonists. The speaker also reflects on their own journey, including lessons learned from their initial publication and the influence of cultural phenomena like Marvel and Harry Potter on their writing. The discussion concludes with thoughts on staying true to oneself and engaging with social media in the post-COVID era.   Hopefully, today's episode with C S Johnson serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     C S Johnson Resources & Extra Media

• https://www.csjohnson.me
• https://www.substack.com/@writercsjohnson
• https://www.x.com/writercsjohnson
• https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/writercsjohnson/slumbering-the-starlight-chronicles-1-the-graphic-novel

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Dicebag creator of the forthcoming TTRPG Crytures.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Dicebag   Dicebag describes themself as an artist, world builder, game designer, and occasional cryborg-lich vtuber. They are currently working on Crytures, a monster-collecting TTRPG.   VTuber Reveals Game Design Secrets | Dicebag on Creating 'Crytures' & Digital Identity In this first of three segments of episode 40 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P interviews Dicebag from Dicebag Games, exploring the world of VTubing, the importance of anonymity, and the journey into game design. They discuss the differences between tabletop and video games, the influences of Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons, and the mechanics behind Dicebag's game 'Crytures'.   Game Design Meets Marketing: Why Most Creators Fail | Dicebag on World Building & Promotion In this second of three segments of episode 40 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P & Dicebag discuss the intricate relationship between game design and world-building, emphasizing how mechanics can shape the narrative and feel of a game. The pair also delve into the stigma surrounding marketing, particularly among creatives, and the necessity of promoting one's work in a crowded marketplace.   Is YouTube Dying? VTuber Speaks Out | Dicebag on Creator Burnout & Solo Gaming In this third and final segment of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the importance of making wise financial decisions in creative projects, emphasizing the need to balance passion with practicality. Calvin shares insights on how to stay motivated as a creator, the challenges of navigating social media, and the significance of connecting with the audience. The discussion also touches on the value of self-investment and the impact of algorithms on visibility in social media.   Hopefully, today's episode with Dicebag serves as both inspiration and education on your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Dicebag's Resources & Extra Media

• Crytures Accounts:
• https://www.crytures.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_8UV__wdKCHg_EaaGQiElw https://x.com/CryturesRPG
• Personal Accounts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dicebaggery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjkbImOUhSeN0KN0X0tGSyQ
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/dicebaggery
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/Dicebaggery

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Calvin Gulotta, the creator behind the comic series, Underworld Don.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Calvin Gulotta   Calvin Gulotta is, in many ways, nobody and everyone emerging in today's media landscape. A true grey man in the comic creator's world, Calvin has created the comic series Underworld Don. As under-the-radar as he has opted to be as a creator his creation makes no claim to the same ambition. Drawing on classic mob movies & manga and blending all the above in a blender set to hell. Mobsters turned demons vying for a place to reach the top and become something far worse sets the stage for a truly original comic offering.   Comic Creator Exposes Industry's Hidden Struggles | Calvin Gulotta on Authentic Storytelling In this first of three segments of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P interviews Calvin Gulotta, a comic book creator who shares his journey into the world of comics. They discuss Calvins motivations for writing, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of character authenticity. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the comic book industry, particularly regarding agenda-driven narratives and the need for compelling character development.   From Script to Page: The Real Cost of Making Comics | Calvin Gulotta on Art Direction & Violence In this second of three segments of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the artistic choices and budgeting challenges faced while creating his comic, 'Underworld Don.' He emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate art style that aligns with the narrative's tone and the financial implications of these choices. Calvin also shares insights from his creative journey, including the lessons learned about budgeting, promotional strategies, and the pacing of storytelling, particularly in relation to graphic violence and character development.   Creator's Guide to Social Media Success | Calvin Gulotta on Money, Motivation & Marketing In this third and final segment of episode 41 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, Nicky P discusses with guest Calvin Gulotta the importance of making wise financial decisions in creative projects, emphasizing the need to balance passion with practicality. Calvin shares insights on how to stay motivated as a creator, the challenges of navigating social media, and the significance of connecting with the audience. The discussion also touches on the value of self-investment and the impact of algorithms on visibility in social media.   Hopefully, today's episode with Calvin Gulotta serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Calvin Gulotta Resources & Extra Media

• https://www.underworlddon.net/
• https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/underworld-don/underworld-don
• https://x.com/CalvinGulotta

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Christine Eriksen, marketing partner with Devon Eriksen, author of Theft Of Fire.   Let's Meet Iron Age Marketer Christine Eriksen Christine Eriksen is a wife of Devon Eriksen, author of Theft of Fire: Orbital Space #1. You've possibly seen her around Twitter, honking about how amazing his book is, because he is allergic to marketing.   From Code to Novels: Mastering Marketing for Tech-Savvy Authors In this first of three clips from episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P sits down with Christine Erickson, a software engineer turned marketing maven. Christine shares her unique journey from the world of tech to the realm of book publishing, as she supports her husband Devon Erickson's authorial debut. With her background in software engineering and sales, Christine brings a fresh perspective to the often-daunting task of marketing a novel in today's digital landscape.   The episode dives deep into the creation and promotion of Devon's novel, 'Theft of Fire.' Christine offers insights into the writing process and the book's themes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative journey. But the real meat of the conversation focuses on the marketing strategies employed to capture readers' attention. Christine emphasizes the critical role of SEO in book promotion and discusses how engaging storytelling can be leveraged not just within the pages of a novel, but also in its marketing campaign. This episode is a must-listen for tech-savvy creatives looking to bridge the gap between their analytical skills and the art of promotion in the publishing world.   Balancing Politics and Profits: Digital Strategies for Author Success In part 2 of 3 of episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P I Christine Eriksen delve into the intricate world of political themes in literature, using the popular Expanse series as a prime example. The discussion highlights the delicate balance authors must strike when presenting diverse political views without losing readers, a skill crucial for creating engaging and thought-provoking narratives. This segment offers valuable insights for writers aiming to tackle complex societal issues in their work while maintaining broad appeal.   The conversation then shifts gears to focus on the nuts and bolts of building an author's digital presence. Using Devin's experience on Twitter as a case study, Nicky P & Christine explore the impact of social media on book sales and author visibility. The episode also unpacks various monetization strategies for writers in the digital age, including the potential of platforms like Substack. For the tech-savvy audience, this part of the podcast offers a deep dive into the long-term planning required for content creation and potential book publishing, providing a roadmap for turning writing passion into a sustainable career in the online world.   Long-Term Content Strategies: Podcasting, Storytelling, and Audiobook Marketing for Authors In the third & final segment of episode 39 of Iron Age Marketing, Nicky P and Christine Eriksen dive into the intricacies of podcast engagement and long-term content strategy. They explore effective techniques for keeping an audience engaged and emphasize the critical importance of maintaining relevance in the fast-paced digital landscape. This discussion is particularly valuable for tech-savvy content creators looking to build a loyal following over time.   The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for an audiobook version of Devon's novel, highlighting the growing importance of audio content in the publishing world. Nicky and Christine stress the significance of character-driven storytelling in audio production, offering insights that bridge the gap between traditional writing and modern audio formats. This segment provides a forward-looking perspective on content creation, emphasizing the need for authors to be intentional and strategic in their marketing efforts across various media platforms. For the podcast's nerd-oriented audience, this final part ties together technical marketing know-how with creative storytelling techniques, offering a holistic view of modern author marketing.   Hopefully, today's episode with Christine Eriksen serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Christine Eriksen Resources & Extra Media

• On Twitter: @AnEriksenWife
• http://www.devoneriksen.com
• On Amazon at amazon.com/Theft-Fire-Orbital-Space-1-ebook/dp/B0CJHQ4LZN

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Arvid Nelson, writer of the forthcoming comic series Band Of Crows.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Arvid Nelson   Arvid Nelson has written for numerous outlets, including DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse, but he’s best known his original series, Rex Mundi. His latest venture, The Band of the Crow, is a fantasy story inspired by his love of Edwardian fairy tales, Japanese cartoons from the 1980s, and heavy metal music. In his spare time he likes to write about himself in the third person.   From Rejection to Success: Arvid's 20-Year Journey in Comics & Fantasy Writing   In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P chats with guest Arvid Nelson about his journey from music to comics and ultimately to fantasy writing. Arvid shares his experiences, getting kicked out of a band in college, forming a comic book club, and diving into the world of publishing. He reflects on the highs and lows of creating the comic Rex Mundy, including a crushing rejection from Image Comics that led to a breakdown in an airport, followed by eventual success.   Arvid talks about his passion for history, mythology, and world-building, which has shaped his current project, The Band of the Crow. This fantasy novel, rooted in Indo-European linguistics and pre-Christian traditions, has been 20 years in the making, and Arvid’s dedication to the story remains as strong as ever.   Adapting to Creative Shifts: Writing, Marketing & Audience Tips   Nicky P & Arvid reflect on the dramatic changes in the creative landscape over the past two decades, noting how career paths that seemed viable in 2005 are now quite different. Arvid discusses his journey in writing, emphasizing the significant difference between comic book writing and novel writing finding that having a novel ready to be published meant it needed to be fully edited beforehand, a process he found both challenging and enlightening.   The conversation shifts to the marketing challenges faced by creators. Nicky & Arvid note the increasing burden on writers to manage their own marketing and the frustrations of balancing creative work with promotional efforts. Arvid reflects on his experiences with crowdfunding and the complexities of handling various marketing tasks, such as designing packaging and creating promotional materials. For Arvid, effective marketing means standing out in a crowded field and interrupting the constant barrage of information that people are bombarded with daily. "Dunking people's heads into toilets" is how he characterizes it, pointing out the difficulty of competing not just with other creators but with the overwhelming amount of content people are exposed to.   How to Market Your Creative Project: Insights from Arvid & Nicky P   Nicky P and Arvid continue by diving into the intricacies of marketing for creative projects and the intersection of art and commerce. Nicky P emphasizes the importance of having a solid system in place highlighting the need for an effective lead magnet to attract and retain the right audience, noting that it's more beneficial to focus on engaged followers rather than a large, uninterested crowd. Arvid shares insights from his experience with webcomics, specifically discussing the success of "Brother Matthew" as a lead magnet that built a loyal audience for "Rex Mundy." He reflects on the value of consistent content creation, even when it involves working for free, as it helps keep creators relevant and engaged with their audience. Arvid even recounts a pivotal moment when he discovered his comic had sold out in a New York City store, attributing this success to the free content strategy.   The conversation naturally touches on the importance of building a network and audience well before a project is complete. Both Nicky P & Arvid appear to agree that waiting until a project is finished to start marketing is a big issue, as maintaining visibility and regular communication with your audience is crucial. Arvid discusses how brand recognition and high-profile endorsements, such as interest from Johnny Depp's production company, can significantly boost a project's success.   Hopefully, today's episode with Arvid Nelson serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Arvid Nelson Resources & Extra Media

• Xitter: @arvidthetwit
• My artist's twitter: @chlorenology
• Our YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7cQ7CApO8FPMRTFJQCZpIA

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Kristin McTiernan, author of a fantastic book on making money as a writer, Paid By The Word.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Kristin McTiernan   Kristin McTiernan has been a full-time editor and ghostwriter for close to fifteen years, founding The Nonsense-Free Editor after years of being an underpaid gig worker. She is also the author of paranormal mysteries and time travel dystopias, where her love of the supernatural and the captive woman trope shines through.  

Creating a Side Hustle in Writing

  In this segment of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P is joined by Kristen McTiernan, founder of The Nonsense Free Editor, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of art, business, and marketing. Kristen, originally a fiction author, shares her unique journey from military service to becoming a successful freelance editor and ghostwriter. Her experience highlights the challenges many authors face when transitioning from creative writing to the practicalities of publishing and marketing. Kristen's story is particularly relevant for those balancing creative aspirations with the need for financial stability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of writing, including the role of AI in content creation and the reality of self-publishing. Kristen also discusses her recent non-fiction book, which aims to provide practical advice for authors who want to make extra income without sacrificing their creative passions.  

Copywriting: A Gateway to Making Money as a Writer

  In this segment, Nicky P dives into the modern marketing landscape from an anarcho-capitalist perspective, exploring how intellectual property and patronage models have evolved. He critiques the romanticized views of historical systems and emphasizes the importance of validation and effective marketing for creators in today’s saturated market. Nicky P shares his personal experiences with marketing strategies, including copywriting, social media, and crowdfunding, and offers advice on client acquisition through platforms like Fiverr and YouTube. He also discusses the utility of various online tools and networks for building visibility and attracting clients.  

Hooking Readers with a Compelling Pitch

  In this segment, Nicky P discusses the challenges of marketing a book effectively, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what makes the book unique rather than leading with the title alone. Drawing from his own experiences and mistakes, Nicky highlights the need to hook potential readers with compelling ideas or themes that resonate with current conversations or issues, such as human trafficking in fiction. He also touches on the risk of burnout for creative professionals, sharing how he managed to balance his workload by hiring additional writers to handle various projects. Nicky advises on the value of pricing services appropriately to reflect one's expertise and the importance of setting realistic deadlines to avoid overwork. He concludes by discussing the ideal client avatar for copywriting and editing services, emphasizing the need for a strong portfolio and understanding of market rates.   Hopefully, today's episode with Kristin McTiernan serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Kristin McTiernan Resources & Extra Media

• Buy Paid by the Word: https://amzn.to/3VSzs5M
• For Editing, Ghostwriting, and Self-Publishing Services: https://nonsensefreeeditor.com

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Fabrizio Aiello, the creator of Horace H Hoover comic books.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Fabrizio Aiello   Fabrizio Aiello is a multi-disciplined artist, including 3d, comics, and illustration. Bringing a bronze age style to indie comics in 2019, he introduced the title, Horace H. Hoover, bringing a new type of occult detective combined with a traditional superhero. Fabrizio is the sole creator of H.H. Hoover, with several titles planned under his imprint Gloomy Wood Comics.   Behind the Scenes of Horace H. Hoover: From Superheroes to Occult Mysteries   In this episode, Nicky P interviews Fabrizio, a multi-talented comic book creator and programmer, who discusses his work on Horace H. Hoover, a unique 1920s occult detective series. Fabrizio shares his creative process, including writing, drawing, inking, and coloring the comic, which blends elements of horror, pulp fiction, and a dash of humor reminiscent of Mr. Bean or Douglas Adams. Currently a five-issue mini-series, Fabrizio is deep into the production of issue four.   Fabrizio's journey into comics is explored, noting his divergence from traditional superhero themes in favor of more eclectic and narrative-driven storytelling, influenced by works like Sin City and Hellboy. He highlights the importance of hope in his stories, offering an antidote to the dark, nihilistic trends that have dominated modern comics and media.   The conversation delves into the psychological effects of consuming dark and horror-themed content, with Nicky P sharing his personal experiences from a 105-night horror movie marathon. Fabrizio reflects on the impact such content has on creators, leading him to embrace a more optimistic tone in Horace H. Hoover.   Fabrizio also touches on his career as a game developer, where he combines programming with creative storytelling, although he notes the differences between the game development industry and comic book creation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the artistic value of video games, recognizing their potential as a medium for profound storytelling.   Game Narratives & Artistic Influences: Unpacking the Creative Process   Diving deeper into the evolution of storytelling within video games and its impact on the broader media landscape. Nicky P reflects on how video game narratives have grown into some of the most compelling stories in mass media today, highlighting the shift of talented writers into the gaming industry.   However, Nicky P also shares his personal experience of moving away from modern games, noting a shift towards MMORPGs and open-world formats that offer less directed narratives. He contrasts this with older, more cohesive games like Bioshock Infinite, which he praises for its incredible storytelling and artistry.   The conversation then shifts to the intersection of music, visual art, and gaming. Nicky P discusses how album art and imagery from his Catholic upbringing influenced his creative journey. He delves into the psychological impact of grand narratives found in religious iconography and classic rock and metal album covers, which shaped his appreciation for storytelling in various media.   The discussion also touches on the transition from physical to digital media and its effect on how stories and artwork are consumed. Nicky P reminisces about the tactile experience of exploring album covers and liner notes, expressing concern that future generations may miss out on this formative experience.   Finally, the conversation turns to the world of comics and crowdfunding. Nicky P discusses his own experience with crowdfunding for his comic book projects, weighing the benefits of creating a storefront versus launching a traditional crowdfunding campaign. He explores the psychology behind crowdfunding, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of community and urgency around supporting creative projects.   Transforming Gigs into Events: Creative Vision & Comic Book Insights   In this episode, Nicky P and Fabrizio discuss some experiences and insights on the evolution of marketing for musicians and how it parallels with comic book creation. He emphasizes the importance of treating every gig as an event rather than just a performance, noting that creating a sense of occasion can make people more inclined to invest their time and attention. Reflecting on Kiss's first show, he highlights how their commitment and high-value approach impacted the perception of their work. Fabrizio also delves into the significance of maintaining a singular vision in creative projects, balancing collaboration with staying true to core ideas to ensure authenticity. He critiques the lack of authenticity in corporate marketing compared to the genuine connections found in independent creative fields.    Discussing his comic book, Fabrizio explains his choice of a vintage color palette inspired by the Bronze Age, contrasting it with modern trends that wouldn’t suit his project. He shares his diverse artistic background and how it influences his comic book work, expressing a desire for his future documentary to reflect his broad artistic sensibility and unique approach. Fabrizio wraps up by inviting listeners to check out his comic book and expressing gratitude for the engaging conversation.   Hopefully, today's episode with Fabrizio Aiello inspires and educates you on your journey to bring your creation to the world.     Fabrizio Aiello Resources & Extra Media

• horacehoover.com
• https://twitter.com/FabrizioArtist

 

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Timothy Imholt, a scientist, author, and founder of disruptive technology.

Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Timothy Imholt

Timothy has a PhD in Physics. He spent more than a decade working with the fine folks at the MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. Additionally, he holds 23 US Patents, is a tech company founder, and is a science fiction enthusiast.

The Importance Of Data Analysis In Marketing

Nicky P and guest Timothy Imholt, a physicist and author, discuss his career journey and how he has applied predictive analytics to social media marketing. Timothy shares his insight on the importance of data analysis, engagement, and using hashtags effectively. In addition Tim also talks about his experience as an indie author and the challenges he has experienced marketing books himself. These experiences, combined with his background in tech, pushed him to develop an affordable tool to help creators with social media marketing. As a bonus, he shares his tips for building an engaged following over time.

Your Marketing Strategy Can't Just Be "Buy My Book" 

Nicky P & Timothy Imholt continue their conversation covering topics ranging from marketing to creativity and everywhere they overlap. It's difficult to talk about creators who have built things right without discussing the philanthropic efforts of Mr. Beast.  Additionally, the conversation jumps to a whole host of topics. The importance of building relationships in marketing and finding your target audience tops the list, but Timothy also brings up the value of quality in creative work and the challenges of self-promotion. The role of beta readers, dealing with negative reviews, and the impact of politics on social media also arise during the conversation. Timothy emphasizes the importance of having the right tools, being persistent, and maintaining the right presence for you on social media.

Expanding Your Marketing Beyond Writers

Nicky P. and Timothy Imholt conclude their conversation by imparting the importance of knowing your audience and leveraging your personal interests to connect with them. They both emphasize the need to go beyond marketing to other writers and instead focus on reaching people with similar interests. Timothy also highlights the value of word-of-mouth marketing and the impact it can have on the success of a book or movie. He reminds us of his app, 04A, which helps authors with marketing and provides professional-grade, user-friendly features at an affordable price.

Hopefully, today's episode with Timothy Imholt inspires and educates you on your journey to bring your creation to the world.

Timothy Imholt Resources & Extra Media
- o4a.com 
- timothyimholt.com

Shill
Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com

In today's episode of Iron Age Marketing, I talk to Christy McKenzie, part of the brain trust behind the satire magazine Flip City Mag.   Let's Meet Iron Age Creator Christy McKenzie   Christy McKenzie, along with her husband Scott, are the fearless super straight editors of FLIP CITY Mag. They put their lives on the line to bring you the free world's most based shits and/or giggles. Flip City Mag describes itself as America's premiere (albeit only) satirically correct magazine bringing you a hefty dose of humor and sass brought to you four times a year in print. Christy, as her online personality Kitty Filips, describes herself as a Public Relations novice and radical constitutionalist who loves Jesus and is simultaneously Salty&Sweet.   Expanding Reach and Attracting New Customers   Nicky P discusses with Christy from Flip City Mag's marketing strategies and the importance of expanding their reach beyond their current audience. Christy shares how Flip City Mag started and their mission to push back on mainstream narratives. She also places the magazine into the broader Truth and Freedom movement and explains how they found their way into it. Christy mentions her podcast, Creative Chaos, and its approach to featuring creators outside the mainstream, as well as discusses Flip City Mag's distribution model and a foray into crowdfunding.   Addressing The Marketing Challenges For Creatives   Nicky P and Christy continue their conversation around marketing a crowdfunding campaign for Flip City Mag. The discussion moves between relationship building, marketing strategies, the benefits of crowdfunding, the content of Flip City Magazine, and the challenges of marketing for creatives. Nicky P and Christy also touche on the importance of mindset and self-confidence in marketing and the need for creatives to step out of their comfort zones.   Strategies For Expanding Your Audience   In this conversation, Nicky P interviews Christie from Flip City Magazine about finding confidence and expanding the audience for creative endeavors. They discuss strategies for overcoming social media anxiety, creating a persona online, and dealing with the challenges of working with multiple contributors. They also touch on the importance of building relationships and finding the right platforms to reach the target audience. The conversation concludes with Christie offering advice for indie creators and promoting her marketing services.   Hopefully, today's episode with Christy McKenzie serves as both inspiration and education in your own journey to bring your creation to the world.     Christy McKenzie Resources & Extra Media

• flipcitymag.com
• Twitter: @kittyflipcity

Shill Need help connecting with or growing your audience for your book, comic, TTRPG, or other creative endeavor? Check out Nicky P @ ironagemarketing.com   Takeaways

• Creating a character can help overcome social media anxiety and connect with the audience.
• Building relationships and networking within a specific movement can help expand the audience.
• Working with multiple contributors can be challenging but requires trust and communication.
• Being active on social media and honing down the platforms that work best for your audience is important for audience growth.
• Crowdfunding can be a valuable strategy for funding and building hype for a project.

Sound Bites

• "I have social media anxiety. I freaking hate social media. I don't know how to be on it as me, Kristy from Flip City Mag. So what I did is I created a character and made that her social media."
• "That is my main focus right now, is just kind of making friends in the iron age of doing the crowdfunding."
• "We just need to have trust it's going to get done. Because this is like, oh, that's the thing, because we don't even know how many pages he's doing."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Marketing Strategies 03:23 Expanding Reach with Physical Media and Comics 04:49 Empowering Individuals to Release Their Own Stuff 06:11 Political Activations and Pushing Back on Insanity 09:07 Creative Chaos: Featuring Fascinating People 10:32 Magazine Distribution and Crowdfunding 11:21 Introduction and Relationship Building 13:10 Strategies for Crowdfunding Campaigns 14:35 Exploring Flip City Magazine 17:49 Challenges of Marketing for Creatives 20:44 The Role of Mindset and Self-Confidence in Marketing 22:26 Finding Confidence and Overcoming Social Media Anxiety 25:18 Navigating the Challenges of Working with Contributors 28:42 Strategies for Expanding the Audience 32:03 Advice for Indie Creators