Brendan Hufford

Director of SEO

Growth Sprints

We Help Take SaaS Companies From $10M to $100M ARR. Using our SaaS Growth Sprint Framework, we help Saas companies increase revenue from Google through short, focused marketing sprints.

Founder

ALL IN (allinhouse.co)

The #1 community for career-focused in house SaaS marketers.

Founder & Community Lead

Growing Up

A weekly SaaS marketing newsletter curing CMO FOMO for current and future marketing leaders.

Navattic

Advisor

SEO for the Rest of Us

Banzai

Strategic Advisor

Copy.ai

Adobe

This diverse group includes top executives, industry experts, major media correspondents, contributing journalists and pioneers in technology.

Adobe Insider

SparkToro

Interim Head of Marketing

The Blueprint Training

Head of Agency Coaching

Exploring how SaaS companies *actually* get customers

Getting results via my 4-part SaaS growth framework is what I do.

Having led and scaled growth teams at two agencies, most of the clients I worked with didn’t want (or need) 6-12 month marketing engagements. I knew there was a better way, so I created this service.

My best clients could be incredibly successful if only they just had a little help guiding them along the path of making sure they had a strong website and were perfectly positioned to rank in Google.

It’s why so many of them double, or even triple leads and MQLs after working together:

📈  +2,750% MQLs for ETL Software company

📈  Launched content marketing campaign that brought in 100k site visitors, 1,000 new backlinks and  $130,000 in monthly traffic value for Cloud Operations software company

📈  Led strategy for a multi-pronged SEO and content marketing campaign for an established software company resulting in +100% website traffic in only 3 months.

Sam Altman just asked for enough money to buy Japan.
He wants...

$7 trillion (more than Japan's GDP).

The biggest financial ask in human history.

And we don't even know... why?

Here's what's breaking my brain:

Kennedy's moon money? Gotta beat the Soviets.

The Manhattan Project? End the war.

Bank bailouts in '08? Prevent collapse.

$7 trillion. For what enemy? What crisis? What future are we building?

"AGI will change everything."

Cool story, bro. Change it how? For who?

And when Altman gets pressed on it in interviews?

He defends it with the arrogance of a Gringotts goblin.

This is me handing my kid 13 bucks for allowance and him holding out his other hand for 7,000.

Stone-faced. Like it’s normal.

Also a 13X multiple (Google is only 6x).

But we're not united around... anything.

Not a mission. Not a villain. Not even a clear promise.

Apple said "1,000 songs in your pocket."

Google said "organize the world's information."

OpenAI says "give us $7 trillion or get left behind."

Venture capital fanfiction.

At this scale, real marketing HAS to do one thing: unite us.

⚡️

PS - What's the Content IP (named problem) for OpenAI?

I genuinely can't think of it without drifting into Theranos/WeWork/FTX territory.

For those of us bad at math (me), 7 trillions would end world hunger for the next 175 years.

So the problem's gotta be bigger than that?

SaaS Marketing - Content, AEO & SEO | Newsletter: How SaaS companies *actually* get customers

Middle school. Elementary. Preschool. 4 kids. 3 schools. 1 dad slowly losing his mind.

7:42am - Drop off oldest at middle school. He forgot his project. Again.

8:20am - Preschool drop-off. Different school. Different side of town. "Dad, you're going the wrong way."

8:46am - Elementary. Third school. Third parking lot. Third sign-in process. I've written the wrong kid's name twice this week.

9:23am - Finally at my desk. Call in 7 minutes. Would've loved more prep time.

Here's what you see on LinkedIn:

Me at conferences. Speaking on stages. "SaaS marketing" in my bio.

48K followers watching me share frameworks and hot takes.

What you don't see:

My wife, Liz, does the above routine 99.999% of the time.

Liz handling the 12:30pm classroom party I didn't even know existed.

Liz managing three different school calendars while I'm "building my brand."

The 47 text messages she sends daily coordinating our chaos while I worry about clients.

Last week at Adobe Max, someone said: "Must be nice having that flexibility."

I laughed.

Because at that exact moment, Liz was simultaneously:

- At a parent-teacher conference
- Coordinating tomorrow's early dismissal  
- Explaining to our 5-year-old why dad's in LA again

Behind every thought leader is someone actually leading the thoughts at home.

I talk about work-life balance.

While my partner actually creates it.

Perspective is a hell of a drug.

Bad news: I don't have a framework for this.

Just a partner who makes my "flexibility" possible.

Who never gets the credit she deserves.

Who somehow makes three schools, four boys, and one chaotic business look manageable.

While I get the LinkedIn likes for talking about it.

⚡️

PS - Liz doesn't have LinkedIn. Probably because she's too busy actually running things while I'm here talking about running things. If you see her, tell her she's the real MVP. She already knows, but still.

I turned down 3 clients last month. Not because I don't need the revenue (I do).

But because they failed my 3-question test.

(note: your entire marketing team should also know the answers to these - make sure they do)

Here's the framework that saves me (and clients) from checkbox marketing doom every single time:

1. Do you know your ICP?

What did they do at work yesterday?

If you can't picture their actual workday, you're guessing at their problems.

2. Do you know their pain?

Can you tell me what keeps them stuck at work at 5pm when they wish they were with their kids?

The problem they can't quite articulate but know is slowly ruining their work

Last week a founder told me their customers need "better ROI."

That's not a pain. That's a checkbox.

The pain? Their CFO just cut their budget by 40% and they're trying to hit the same targets.

See the difference?

3. Are you willing to own one problem?

This is where 90% bail.

"But we solve 17 different problems!"

Cool. So does everyone else.

Content IP isn't about being everything to everyone. It's about being THE solution to one specific problem.

Sendoso owns digital fatigue.

UserEvidence owns the evidence gap.

One problem. Deeply owned.

Honestly, these aren't just client qualification questions.

They're the difference between content that changes businesses and content that just... exists.

Between building actual authority and playing checkbox marketing games.

So before you hire anyone (including me), ask yourself these 3 questions.

Because if you can't answer them clearly, no amount of content strategy will save you.

⚡️

PS - Marketers: Bookmark this. 

Next time someone asks you to "just create more content," run them through these questions first. 

Watch what happens.

Boomers got pensions.
Gen X got stability.
Millennials got gaslit.
Gen Z went, “lol never again.”

We labeled an entire generation "entitled" without asking the one question that matters.

And that question is: Where did that come from?

I worked my butt off, then asked for a job - or a raise.

Their generation asks for the raise upfront.

And we're shocked.

But here's what the boomers missed:

Gen Z watched their parents get laid off from profitable companies.

Not for screwing up. 

Because they only grew +28% that quarter, missing projections by 2%.

Gen Z saw "shareholder value" become the only value.

Gen Z learned loyalty was a one-way street.

Company demands it. Offers none.

The gold watch became a pink slip.

Job security? Never heard of him.

So when they say "pay me first, then I'll show you what I can do"...

They're not entitled.

They're adapting.

To the world we built.

So do I love it?

No. But i can sure empathize with it and realize whose fault it is.

I get being cynical - thinking working hard guarantees nothing and Excel decides your fate.

Corporate execs burned the social contract and wonder why they won't sign the ashes.

So they're playing by the new rules.

And I gotta be honest...

I respect that.

⚡️

PS - I really hope this helps marketing leaders navigating hiring young talent right now.

They aren't entitled.

It's just my job, your job, OUR job... to make sure we attract and retain them better than anybody else.

The debate about SEO vs AEO is missing the point entirely.

For software buyers, Google search starts are UP from 42% to 79% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, AI tool usage sits at 58%.

You know what that math tells me?

People are using both.

Not either/or. Both.

Yet every week I see another "SEO is dead" post or "AI search will kill Google" prediction.

Here's what's actually happening:

Your buyers aren't choosing sides. They're doubling up.

They ask ChatGPT for recommendations.

Then verify on Google.

They Google for options.

Then ask AI for comparisons.

They find you through SEO.

Then ask AI about your competitors.

I use Ahrefs Brand Radar to measure AI discovery and visibility.

It shows you how your brand (and your competitors) appear in ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Copilot… right alongside the Google data you already track.

The smart play isn't picking a lane.

It's owning both highways.

YOU HAVE TO OWN BOTH, PEOPLE.

Because while everyone's debating which one wins, your buyers are already using both to make decisions.

And if you're only optimizing for one?

You're invisible to half your market.

The brands winning tomorrow aren't choosing between SEO or AEO.

They're dominating both.

Simple as that.

⚡️

PS - If you haven’t checked how AI already describes your brand, Brand Radar will probably surprise you.

Coho

Marketing Fellow

7shifts: Team Management for Restaurants

7shifts is a team management platform built for restaurants. From hiring to scheduling, paying, and retaining, we help restaurateurs build successful restaurants. Trusted by over 30,000 restaurants of all sizes. www.7shifts.com

Brand Strategy Manager

Women in Revenue

Women in Revenue is a group of leaders and up-and-coming leaders in sales, marketing, and other revenue-impacting roles focused on three things:
‌➥‌ Education and awareness of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
‌➥‌ Giving back to women through mentorship programs, opportunities, and access to resources.
‌➥‌ Moving members’ careers forward ... and having a bit of fun while we are at it.

Member

Scootaround Inc.

Scootaround is a division of WHILL Inc. and was founded in 1997 as a gap fill in the accessible travel market. With over 2,500 rental locations across North America and Europe, it is the only nationwide mobility rental company in the United States. The business now includes a variety of other divisions related to accessibility, including repairs and sales. Reported to the CEO and was responsible for leading marketing strategy for the company.

- Created and developed strategic marketing plans 2 e-commerce businesses (B2C) and 4 other lines of business (B2B) totalling 8 figures of revenue across the US and Canada.
- Maximized budget to increase marketing attributed revenue by 240% and decreasing overall CPA by 37% YOY through overhaul of digital spend. 
- Ideated and launched new campaign architecture to maximize limited budget resulting in a 30% increase in leads YOY. 

Digital marketing | Brand strategy | Email marketing | Demand gen | Lead gen | Social media strategy | Content marketing | Conversion rate optimization | Targeting | Customer acquisition | Customer retention | Paid search | SEO

Director of Marketing

The Nature's Bounty Co.

Vita Health is a subsidiary of The Bountiful Company. Based in Winnipeg, Vita Health specializes in the manufacturing of OTC products and is responsible for seven brands in the wellness space. Reported to the Sr. Director of Marketing & Innovation and was responsible for leading marketing strategy and implementation of plans for brands.

Top 3 career accomplishments:

- Led Canadian strategy for Nature’s Bounty vitamins in a flat market, delivering on three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth.
- Used customer research to drive brand strategy, which led to a 14% increase in aided brand awareness and 57% increase in unaided awareness in two years.
- Managed 8 figure revenue portfolio of 5 brands with +46% growth over 3 years

Brand strategy | Go-to-market strategy | Public relations | Influencer marketing | Customer research | Facebook ads | Instagram ads | Product launches | Leadership

Brand Manager

- Spearheaded new product research and analysis for 4 brands; oversaw all aspects of new product launches (forecasting, package design, customer templates).
- Set brands' annual objectives, strategies, positioning, tactics and measures; analyzed competition and market trends to address business opportunities and issues.
- Liaised with the 4 sales team members to create required presentations and product collateral, as well as creation of merchandising displays.

Assistant Brand Manager

Direct Focus Marketing Communications

Direct Focus is a full-service marketing management company. They offer marketing services and solutions for medium to large-sized businesses with three offices across North America. Reported to the Manager, Account Coordination Group and was responsible for managing day-to-day needs of a set group of clients.

- Supervised four-person design team, and managed both an international and domestic flyer program for a large Winnipeg-based client. 
- Developed strategies to improve productivity/eliminate redundant processes. 
- Managed numerous clients simultaneously with tight deadlines, which entailed relationship building/management, overseeing budgets, production and ensuring on-time delivery of multiple marketing pieces, such as print items, websites and marketing strategies.
- Coordinated with account, creative, and production teams throughout campaign ideation and execution.
- Created and delivered presentations tailored to individual client needs; coordinated with account manager throughout campaign implementation.
- Reviewed with extreme attention to detail to ensure all documents produced for projects were high quality, accurate and consistent.

Account Coordinator

Wellington West

Wellington West Capital was an independent full-service investment firm with more than 47 offices and 500 employees and nearly $8 billion in client assets under administration. Wellington West was purchased by National Bank Financial in 2011, leading to a dissolution of the corporate staff. Reported to the Manager, Corporate Marketing and was responsible for tactical implementation of marketing needs. 

- Executed 20 - 30 requests per week for Wellington's 168 advisor teams in a timely and effective manner, while working with various stakeholders.
- Contributed to planning and execution of the 2010 and 2011 National Partners Conference (200+ attendees); acted as lead in creation of conference program, coordinating speakers, logistics, hospitality and marketing collateral.

Analyst, Marketing & Communications

Starcom MediaVest Group

- Utilized Photoshop in creating a multitude of items to display internally and promote internal communications. Planned and executed on pieces to reflect the corporate requirement while keeping to brand standards and expectations.
- Created drafts for memos, biographies, and press releases promoting Starcom’s brand and corporate communications initiatives. Developed an understanding of speaking to different audiences through a variety of different media.
- Compiled and distributed press clips for all of Starcom MediaVest Group companies on a daily basis, maintaining high level of awareness amongst staff.

Marketing Communications Intern - Starcom

Advanced Dental Arts

- Initiated and executed a direct mail reactivation campaign targeting former patients. Leading to the successful reactivation of 5% of the targeted individuals.
- Planned, coordinated, promoted and delivered a Referral Rewards Program aimed at increasing current referral ratios within the practice.
- Responsible for maintaining and promoting a positive relationship with referrers, patients, and new patients through use of welcome packages, running of the online SmileReminders program, and patient appreciation.

Marketing Manager

Winestock Wealth Management Group - RBC Dominion Securities

	Prepared monthly reconciliation of commissions and expenses. Organized administration tasks for each of the team members, including mass mailings and inputting of notes into the CRM system.  
	Worked with executive-level team members to gain an understanding of wealth management and marketing.
	Built upon skills in MS Office and Internet navigation, utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook through daily use.

Marketing Assistant

Brand Strategy @ 7shifts: Team Management for Restaurants

new bio, who dis?

If you're even reading this right now, a) thank you, and b) why? Kidding. But maybe not. 

I like to build brands. I am fascinated by customer research and the whole behind the brain, aka psychology, that goes into people making decisions. I wholeheartedly believe that the initial 'why' that comes out of someone's mouth is only a part of the buying story. Because a lot of what we do, and what we buy is aimed at creating a "better" version of ourselves. So what's the tipping point?

By no means do I consider myself an expert. I am always curious to learn new perspectives, to interact with differing opinions. Many tell me I am great at radical candor, so if you don't like that, you should probably exit here now. 

Currently figuring out the world of B2B/tech and bridging the gap of brand in that space. 

Always down to meet new people and chitchat about marketing, brand, or pop culture things.

Maylee Jacob

i have had not much brain power to deal with this LI stuff lately. 

in the last few weeks, i've been organizing and pulling off a 2nd birthday party (bounce house rental ftw), managing a daycare transition, prepping for winter season because it is comin' fast. 

oh yeah, and then i have also had to manage my everyday work. because as a person doing freelance / consulting work (whatever you want to call it, it is a mix tbh - freelultig? conslance?) if i don't work i literally do not get paid. i think that's something we all forget when we're thinking about the glam life of being your own boss. 

when you're a FTE you have a lot more time to slack (and i don't mean literally like on the app, but like... breathe/sit back). you get paid your 37.5 hours a week, you get your work done, there are people to watch your back when you're off. when you are not a FTE none of that exists. you are on your own, you are responsible for all the things. 

and you have to do the unpaid work too. like that proposal you spent 2+ hours on that sounded like a slam dunk only to then send it, and have the person ghost you. and that is not the first time, and it will happen again, but it never makes it "nice". on that note, don't ghost people. just tell them what's up, they can handle it. 

i know i need to set up a more efficient system for proposals, maybe even productized a thing or two, but that also comes with brain power. and sometimes (often) i don't have a ton of extra in that space. i barely even get time to marinate on the couch and watch tv. i haven't even tuned into the new season of RHOSLC yet and I HATE THAT FOR ME. 

anyway, just here rambling on LI because i am pretty sure some people can relate to this and maybe it's cathartic to see. ok bye.

marketing strategy & execution for small teams | clarity, momentum, results | fractional head of marketing (when you need it)

omg, we’re so customer-obsessed, we have a slack channel for it.

cool. and?

you can post all the happy screenshots you want, but that doesn’t tell me anything about whether you actually learned something from the people using your product. 

anyone can visit a customer. the true skill? it's walking out of that room knowing what frustrated them, what they hacked together to survive, or what they quietly wish you’d fix next.

pRoXiMiTy iSn'T tHe SaMe ThInG aS uNdErStAnDiNg 

being "customer obsessed" is not a mood board of smiling users (it can be part of it, sure). if you want it to truly mean something, you have to close the loop. aka:

- share what you heard
- share why it mattered
- share what you're changing because of it

and none of that works if your questions are trash. so start here:

- be clear about the goal
- ask q's based on that goal
- stop guiding people toward the answer you want
- get them past surface answers. keep asking why like a toddler on a mission.
 
and then after you have the insights, act on them. prove to them that their feedback mattered. let them feeeeel it in the product/service.

do that consistently and you don’t need to parade your slack channel. your customers will advocate for you without being asked. 

and isn't that what we all want? ;)

taplio

The Battle

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The Battle

Brendan Hufford

Maylee Jacob

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Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Brendan Hufford's LinkedIn Performance

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