Dave Gerhardt

Hey I'm Dave Gerhardt. I created Exit Five, which has turned into the top community for B2B marketing professionals. Before starting Exit Five I had a 10 year career in marketing and grew from PR intern to CMO. I even once had hair! My wife says I'm more handsome now though, and she's quite pretty so that means a lot -- but the internet just boxes me in as the typical bald guy tech bro. So oh look, another bald tech guy writing on LinkedIn! whoopty freaking do.

Anyway. Where was I... OH. Receipts! I wanted to talk about receipts, because in a world of fluff and online influencers, I actually have some receipts and I want to tell you about them here because it signals power, credibility, and makes it seem like I'm super rich, so: I used to be pretty good at marketing, and my work as a marketer played a key role (at least I think so) in helping two software companies to successful exits: Drift for $1B+ and Privy for $100M+. I certainly helped the founders make a bunch of money, and I was able to comfortably purchase a brand new Toyota Sienna minivan for my family in 2021.

Today I spend my time working on Exit Five, and it's actually been super fun and given me a bunch of purpose. We're a team of six full-time team members now, and we have a private online community and host in-person events around the world. Plus there's a popular podcast and newsletter for marketers. We reach something like 20 MILLION marketers with our content every year, and we've got a pretty special thing going on. I hope to keep it going. You can learn more about it all at exitfive.com.

I spent most of my life in the Boston area but now live in the woods in Vermont with my wife, two kids, two cats, and one dog.

You can reach me at dave@exitfive.com if you want, but TBD if I reply. Depends on the message. But please don't send me any more swag or books. But if for whatever reason you do want to send me something, I play the ProV1x golf ball and like the low numbers.

PS. Find my podcast “The Dave Gerhardt Show” on Spotify

Founder & CEO

Exit Five is a media company focused on B2B marketing. We help B2B marketers build successful careers through our content and community. Learn more at exitfive.com

Stop think of "getting your CEO to post on LinkedIn" and start thinking about it like "this is the new PR channel for our company."

When you hire a PR agency, you don't measure the ROI on how many leads you got from their work - because you know PR is about more than that.

The same is true for social media. The ROI comes from testing your messaging, sharing your point of view, connecting with customers, finding new partners, building an attractive employment brand, getting a DM from someone out of the blue.

People buy from people and there continues to be a huge opportunity in B2B to use social media as the main marketing channel.

Yes it takes time
No there are not guaranteed results

But those are often signs that it's worth doing.

Founder: Exit Five. I write about marketing and building my company. Former CMO. Author: Founder Brand.

I feel empty inside. 

That's what it is. It has finally hit me.

There is something soul sucking about being on video calls all day. 

When I hang around people in-person there is a certain energy.  I leave hanging out with friends, neighbors, parents with a GOOD feeling.

I am just a hopeless little knowledge worker in my house in Vermont talking into my MacBook Pro all day and there's no way we were meant to work this way.

Last week a few of the Exit Five team was in town and in a 45 minute car ride to the venue (we were seeing a space for our event) we solved like ... seven problems. And had some laughs.

Note: I also love being home, being around my kids, super lucky for the flexibility. But I am human can hold two different thoughts in my head at once.

I wish I was around the team more!! Playing music in the office. Getting around a whiteboard to draw something out quick.

Just sitting here in between meetings 2:55 PM ET going straight to LinkedIn to pour my heart out...

If I had a good idea on my own — and didn’t generate it via Claude Code … does it still count? 

Am I still going to be relevant here??

I do most of my best thinking here. 

And have for the last 10 years. 

Hope I don’t lose my job to AI …

No alternative text description for this image

As a company grows - what they do becomes harder to explain. 

In the early days - you’re just the email platform. Use us to send emails!

Then, over time you have multiple products, multi personas and you eventually become the “customer growth platform” as an example. 

Which leaves most people wondering what the heck you actually do. 

But the execs like it. Because you are so much more than an email platform, and you can’t have people thinking you just only do email. 

Always the case.

I thought we were in the "knowledge" business but I'm learning we're in the "people" business.

The number one value prop of joining a professional community like Exit Five is connecting with people in your industry.

To have a sounding board, a place to share stories, get feedback, vent. 

This concept is not new. Professional communities and networks have existed for the last 100 years - from the local small business associations, to YPO, to now Exit Five in the niche of B2B marketing execs (vs. YPO = CEOs)

And I am biased because I own the company but I think the timing is on our side: it is more important right NOW more than ever to have a group of real people you can talk to.

You can't hide inside talking to ChatGPT all day.

I am spending so much of my time in AI tools and video meetings and it is SOUL SUCKING. 

We were not meant to spend all of our time like this with no real social interaction -- with real people.

If you are a B2B marketing executive looking for a peer group in 2026 it's a great time to look into Exit Five.

Content marketers run modern marketing.

Because almost all marketing today is shaped online.

And online marketing shows up as:

- Ads
- Videos
- Articles
- Podcasts and clips like this with Jess Cook
- Social posts
- Newsletters
- Communities
- Influencers

Different formats. But none of it works without a clear content strategy and strong content marketing.

Jess is a great example of this: she started her career as a copywriter for big CPG brands. She cut her teeth writing 200+ variations of a recipe for Rice Krispie Treats.

Then built a career in content marketing: content market manager, director, VP brand and content.

Then turned that into a Head of Marketing role at a startup and was recently promoted to VP on the heels of her success using - wait for it - content to drive revenue.

Not because Vector's content gets a lot of impressions and their podcast is unique or because their little mascot is cute.

But because it's working! Those things are driving revenue. 

I had a conversation with Jess last week (now out on my podcast) and she shared three key marketing plays that she's run over the past year:

1. Influencer Marketing - how does it work in B2B, how did she find influencers, what did it cost, how much pipeline was generated, how did they measure it

2. Podcasting - why they started a podcast, how their podcast stands out, how they record, when/where, how they prep, how they know it's working

3. LinkedIn - we talk a bit about what content types (and strategy) is working well here today

4. Career Path - her path from content to VP Marketing

Erin on my team messaged me last night and said this was the best interview we've done recently - please go listen if you need some tactical inspiration.

Founder: Exit Five | Community Builder | Former CMO

What events are you going to in Q1? We're hosting the first annual Exit Five Marketing Leadership Retreat in Arizona March 18-20.

This event is exclusively for in-house B2B marketing leaders.

It's all about who's in the room and we've pulled together a great group for this event. 

Here are the sessions we have planned:

1. How to Become the CMO Everyone Wants to Work With (with Dave Kellogg, EIR at Balderton Capital)

2. Building and Leading a High-Performing Marketing Team (led by Hillary Carpio, VP Growth at Snowflake)

3. Managing Your CFO and Board Relationship (led by Pranav Piyush, Founder at Paramark)

4. Personal Branding for B2B Marketing Leaders (led by Jane Serra, Head of Marketing at MemoryBlue)

5. Ecosystem Marketing as the Next Big Growth Lever (led by Emily Kramer, Founder of MKT1)

6. How Are You Really Using AI? At Work and Personally (led by Katie Miserany, CCO and Head of Marketing at SurveyMonkey) 

And I'm interviewing Kim Storin (CMO at Zoom) about how she does things and what's changing this year.
 
PLUS since it's a "retreat" - we have time for activities like golf, a workout, pool hang, or in-room massage; get lunch, dinner, drinks.
 
Will you join us?

Pass this on to your VP / CMO friends in B2B.

Full details here:

bit.ly/3Lxj75e

Open article: Marketing Leadership Retreat | March 18-20, 2026 by exitfive.com

Marketing Leadership Retreat | March 18-20, 2026

AI Marketing Funnels & AI Systems Consultant For E-Comm, Wellness & Agencies

WHAT I DO: I help small businesses, agencies, and entrepreneurs attract, engage, and sell to their ideal clients online with funnels. 

You get 100% unique digital marketing content including ads, emails, lead magnets, social media posts, funnels, webinars, websites, and VSLs. 📈

WHO I WORK WITH: I've spent the last 10 years serving clients including:
🥼Sermo
👩‍💼Forbes
🏃‍♀️Custom Health Centers
📈Dentsu Aegis Network
👫Dr. Vivianna Coles
🏋️Gym Launch
👩‍💻Hirsh Marketing
🧠Integrative Concussion Therapy
💦Le Sweat
🏥Modoma Clinics
🩺Neuropathy Relief Project
🧑‍⚕️Practice Acceleration
💊Prestige Labs
🗣️Simon Sinek Inc.
🏒Sport Chek
🍹Tropical Smoothie Cafe
🧼Unilever

WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE: I have consulted on marketing strategy for over 2,500+ small businesses, e-comm, and coaching entrepreneurs over the last 10 years. I DO NOT offer a one-size-fits-all strategy or 'templated' content to clients, but instead provide 100% done for you custom, data-driven campaigns pulled from my experiences of working with some of the most successful companies in their respective niches. With me, you will stand out AND reel in a positive ROI predictably without needing to hire a whole army of freelancers.

WHY IT WORKS: The majority of content agencies and providers online merely 'copy and paste' what they see others doing and then significantly upcharge you for it. I refuse to do this, but instead, conduct thorough research of your specific sub-niche, and create (or optimize your current) digital marketing strategy based on data you can easily understand. You'll be able to pivot faster than your competition and attract your perfect patients / customers without being spammy or shady. In fact, they won't be able to get enough of the killer content you'll be sending their way, resulting in a positive ROI on your marketing campaigns.

SERVICES I PROVIDE (Design & Copy):
Ads (videos & images for FB/IG/LI/Tok/YT)
Ebooks
Emails
Lead Magnets
Organic Social Media Posts
Sales Funnels / Landing Pages
SMS / Text sequences
Video Sales Letters
Webinars
Websites

READY TO TALK? 
Connect with me here on LinkedIn or visit me online at www.hardymarketing.biz

Justin Hardy

Creating AI content is easy.

Turning it into steady cashflow? 
That’s the boss fight. 🕹️

This Wednesday, I’m joining a seriously stacked panel hosted by Graphy Inc. to break down how the best creators build sustainable income systems—not just “posts that perform.”

EXPERT MASTERCLASS

From Content to Cashflow: How Creators Build Sustainable Income in 2026
🗓️ Jan 21
🕛 12 PM EST
🎟️ Free
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gHZTTAvu

The Panel (aka people who’ve actually done the thing)

Jahmaal Marshall

Host of the top 1.5% Listen Then Speak Podcast with 700,000+ downloads and global reach. 

He’s guided 100s of executives to break burnout and turn stressful conversations into structured, monetized offerings through sustainable growth and communication mastery.  

Grant Johnson

A 6× CMO and growth strategist who doubles revenue, scales large teams, and transforms global B2B brands. 

He’s driven massive pipeline growth at Emburse, Billtrust, Pegasystems & Kofax. He’s the master of turning insights, experimentation, and data into repeatable offers and predictable income systems.

Justin Hardy — AI Funnel King

Sharing marketing secrets from working with Hormozi, Amy P, Simon Sinek, and 100s of other creators… 

I’ll be diving into how you move beyond trends and build automated systems that generate predictable cha-ching, not just likes. From AI-powered funnels to consistent revenue engines — this is the stuff you can implement immediately to win for you and your clients.

Dr. Axa Yox, First-Prize Award

With 20+ years as a scientist and educator, Dr. Yox has a unique ability to translate complex human psychology into monetizable content, Axa helps creators build trust and authority that converts without selling their soul.

What We’re Covering (No Fluff)

This isn’t “post more videos” advice.

We’re diving into:

• AI as a business partner, not just a tool
• Leveraging content into revenue-generating assets
• Pricing and packaging expertise without burnout
• Funnels vs. one-off launches
• Building trust that converts into long-term income
• Systems that keep paying even when content output dips

Plus live Audience Q&A to answer all your burning content/creator questions. .

Why You Should Join

If you’re a creator, consultant, or expert who:

• has an audience but inconsistent income
• feels stuck between visibility and monetization
• wants systems that scale on Linkedin, Meta and the key platforms in 2026

This is the room you need to be in.

About Graphy (Your Host)

Graphy helps creators turn knowledge into scalable businesses. Courses, communities, and monetization systems designed for long-term growth, not chaos.

They’re basically anti-hustle bro culture… with infrastructure.

P.S. It’s free. It’s practical.

And it will explain why you or your client’s content performs, but your income doesn’t (yet).

See you on Jan 21 at 12pm est 👊 https://lnkd.in/gHZTTAvu

AI Marketing Funnels & AI Systems Consultant For Startups, Small Biz & Agencies

You can’t go AI Super Saiyan overnight.

First, you need to know your power level. 🐉

After helping 100+ marketers upgrade their AI skills, I’ve learned this the hard way:

Most people don’t need more AI tools…
They need the right training arc.

In Dragon Ball Z, you don’t go Super Saiyan by believing harder. You unlock it by grinding.

Same thing with AI.

⸻

🧠 Step 1: Assess Your Current Power Level

Before adding tools, answer this honestly:
• Are you using AI occasionally or daily?
• Are you prompting, or directing?
• Are you copying outputs, or building systems?
• Does AI save you minutes… or entire workflows?

Now let’s map it DBZ-style 👇

⸻

🟡 Saiyan Phase (Beginner)

Power Level: “This thing writes emails, right?”

You’re here if:
• You use ChatGPT like Google
• Prompts are one sentence long
• Outputs feel generic
• AI saves time but doesn’t compound

Focus:
Learn prompting fundamentals, context, tone, and structure.
One tool. One job. No chaos.

⸻

🔵 Super Saiyan Phase (Intermediate)

Power Level: “Okay… this is getting dangerous.”

You’re here if:
• You use multiple tools (copy, research, visuals)
• You understand prompt context
• You edit AI output instead of pasting blindly
• AI helps you ship faster

Focus:
Tool specialization.
Perplexity for research.
ChatGPT / Claude for copy.
Descript for video.
Leonardo for images.

You’re still hands-on, but now you're entering the hyperbolic time chamber. 

⸻

🔴 Super Saiyan God Phase (Advanced)

Power Level: “Its over 9,000!”

You’re here if:
• AI handles repeatable tasks
• You build workflows, not prompts
• Outputs stay on-brand automatically
• You trust AI to run parts of the process with limited oversight

Focus:
Systems > outputs.
Shared context.
Templates.
Agents.
Automation.

This is where AI starts compounding instead of just helping.

⸻

⚫ Ultra Instinct (Elite)

Power Level: “AI total fusion”

You’re here if:
• AI anticipates next steps
• Campaigns, funnels, and reports run automatically
• Humans focus on strategy, taste, and decisions
• AI does the busywork flawlessly

Focus:
Governance, review loops, and scaling full campaigns responsibly across platforms a S your entire team. 

⸻

You don’t upgrade your AI power level by adding more tools.

You upgrade it by knowing where you are, and training for the next form.

P.S. What AI form are you currently in?

Saiyan? Super Saiyan? God Mode?

Drop it below 👇 and I’ll tell you what to train next. 🐉

Stop using a website like it’s a sales funnel.

And stop using a sales funnel like it’s a Wikipedia page.

I see this mistake daily.
And yes… it hurts my soul. ☠️

So let’s settle this once and for all:

When You SHOULD Use a Sales Funnel

Think of a funnel like a sniper rifle.

Use it when you have:

✅ 1 niche audience
✅ 1 specific offer
✅ 1 clear conversion goal

Funnels are built to maximize conversions, not educate the entire internet.

Best use cases:

• Lead magnets
• Webinar signups
• Appointment booking
• Full stack single offers
• Cold traffic ads

Best funnel builders (tested in the wild):

⚡ GoHighLevel → automation, follow-ups, CRM, scaling
⚡ Perspective → mobile-first funnels that convert above average

If your goal is “get them to do ONE thing” → use a funnel.

When You SHOULD Use a Website

Websites are more like museums.

Use them when you need:

✅ SEO reach
✅ Brand credibility
✅ Corporate / About Us info
✅ Multiple products or collections

Websites are built to inform, rank, and build trust, not force decisions in 12 seconds.

Best website builders by use case:

Webflow → animated, high-end, “wow” factor sites

Squarespace → brick-and-mortar businesses that want something pretty and easy

Shopify → e-commerce, catalogs, and scaling product sales

If your goal is “show everything we do and who we are” → use a website.

⚠️ The Most Common Mistake

Using a website and expecting funnel-level conversions.

That’s like bringing a PowerPoint deck to a knife fight.

Impressive slides. Zero results.

Funnels = focus + speed + conversions
Websites = reach + trust + discovery

Use the right tool or keep wondering why traffic isn’t converting.

P.S. Be honest… are you running ads to a homepage right now?

If yes — blink twice so I know you’re okay. 😅

In today's crowded AI-slop marketplace…

There's only 1 way to stand out.

After building 100+ funnels for the biggest names in the game, this is the key differentiator between “meh” brands and category kings. 

It's the best way to:

—> Become unforgettable 
—> Emotionally inspire others to follow, click, buy, share
—> Build a moat around your business
—> Attract the right kind of customers

Whether you use AI or not, this is what all the elite creators I've worked for do so well (Hormozi, Amy Porterfield, Mel Robbins), and most corporations suck at.

It's what humans are hard-wired to pay attention to...

Storytelling. 

Here's how to tell the best marketing stories:

1. Audience as the hero 

Make the customer clearly see themselves as the main character.

- The audience’s pains, desires, and context have to drive the narrative, with the brand positioned as a guide or ally rather than a savior. 

- Detailed understanding of personas (what keeps them up at night, what future they want) makes the story feel personally relevant.

2. Emotional resonance

Emotion is usually what makes a story “stick” and be retellable.

- Evoke specific emotions (hope, relief, belonging, pride, even controlled fear) tied to the transformation the product enables.  

- Strengthen this with concrete, human-centered detail: specific situations, quotes, and small moments that feel real instead of abstract benefits.

3. Authenticity and truth

If the story feels manufactured, the memory fades or even backfires.

- The narrative should align with the brand’s real values, history, and behavior in the world; overclaiming or “polished fiction” erodes trust.

- Imperfections, setbacks, and vulnerability make stories more credible and easier to believe.

4. Clear narrative structure

Memorability improves when the story has a simple, recognizable arc.

- Classic structure—setup, conflict, and resolution—helps the brain encode the sequence.

- Tension (stakes, obstacles, a “villain”) followed by satisfying resolution gives the audience a sense of closure and a mental “hook” to recall later.

5. Consistent message and brand link  

Stories become assets when they reinforce the same core idea repeatedly.

- A memorable story ladders up to a clear brand promise or positioning (the “one thing” you want associated with you) instead of many messages.

- Details (tone, visuals, channels) can vary, but the underlying narrative and values remain consistent.

6. Distinctiveness and specificity  

People remember what is different, concrete, and visual.

- Unusual angles (unexpected setting, surprising protagonist, or twists) separate the story from the noise of similar messages.

- Specific imagery, numbers, or moments (e.g., “the 3 a.m. on-call nurse scrolling for answers”) create retrievable mental pictures.

Swipe these storytelling secrets to dominate your niche today.

P.S. Who do you think is the best marketer at storytelling? 👇

AI Avengers Storytelling

The worst funnel mistake you can make?

Skimping on research and going straight to “Launch.”

After building and fixing funnels for 9 years, I’ve learned this the hard way:

Most funnels don’t fail because of bad copy. They fail because teams never got their research ducks in a row. QUACK QUACK! 🦆

Too many marketers do this 👇
❌ Pick a niche
❌ Guess the pain points
❌ Write “clever” copy
❌ Launch
❌ Blame the ads or competition

That’s not funnel strategy.
That’s marketing cosplay. 🦸‍♂️

Here’s the exact research prompt framework I use to outline client funnels.

PLEASE NOTE: This is for initial research. Use ChatGPT 'Deep Research' and the 5.2 Thinking model. Upload marketing context files first.

Steal it. Swap the placeholders and win! 👇

## Role ##
Act as an expert marketing industry and competitor analyst in the [INSERT NICHE] niche. You have 20 years of researching the top [INSERT NICHE] businesses and know all of the main subject matter experts and influencers in the industry.

## Context ##
Our brand is [INSERT BRAND NAME] ([INSERT WEBSITE URL]). 
We are an experienced, personalized [INSERT SERVICE TYPE] brand led by [INSERT FOUNDER / CREDENTIALS]. We provide [SERVICE/PRODUCT] for [INSERT TARGET AUDIENCE].

## Target Audience ##
[INSERT DEMOGRAPHICS]

## Task ##
Analyze the uploaded project files, our competitors, and trending market offers. 
Create a comprehensive research document.

## Expectations / Format ##

1. Analyze these direct competitors and create a 2 paragraph SWOT analysis for each, including offer, social media, and funnel / website analysis:
[INSERT TOP 5 COMPETITOR URLS]

2. Analyze our target audience and create a 1 paragraph summary of:
- Where they congregate online (influencers they follow, groups they join, media they consume)
- Their commonly asked questions and pain points
- Their objections to getting started
- Their goals and desired outcomes

3. Analyze our website and create a concise bullet list of recommendations to:
a) increase trust  
b) better position our brand for the target audience  
c) increase opt-ins for free resources  
d) add urgency for acting sooner  
e) clearly differentiate us from competitors 
f) increase paid conversions

4. Analyze the top [INSERT NUMBER] influencers / subject matter experts in this niche.
Create a bullet list including:
- Name
- Social handle(s)
- Topics of their best-performing posts (3x engagement)
- Offer details
- Unique positioning and messaging

5. Create a social media strategy based on the research above with:
- First 30 content topics
- Top 3 platforms to post on
- Recommended creative format for each

6. Create a copy outline for the top 3 ideas for a new lead magnet funnel.

7. Analyze leading ads in this niche (copy, creative, targeting)
and create a short brief of Meta ad concepts worth testing.

---------

Funnels don’t fail because of button color.

They fail because nobody did the homework.

P.S. What do you research before new client campaigns? 👇

Growing on LinkedIn in 2026 is easy.

If you enjoy pain, cringe, and algorithmic gaslighting. 😂🥲

Let’s get something straight before we continue:

The LinkedIn algorithm is not broken.
It’s just emotionally unavailable. 💔

The Reality of LinkedIn Growth in 2026

❌ It will NOT save you because you posted once.
❌ It will NOT reward you for “thought leadership” without engaging first.
❌ It does NOT care about your Canva gradient if nobody reads sentence two.

LinkedIn wants one thing now: human attention that sticks.

If people scroll past you faster than a Terms & Conditions page, say bye bye.

What Actually Works in 2026 (No Fairy Tales)

1. Opinions > Information

AI can explain everything.
Only you can take a stance.

If your post sounds like ChatGPT wrote it…
Congratulations, LinkedIn already saw it 4,000 times today.

2. Hooks Are Non-Negotiable

Your first two lines decide your fate.

Not “Happy to announce…”
Not “In today’s fast-paced world…”

If your hook doesn’t stop a scroll,
the rest of your post is just vibes in the void.

3. Comments Matter More Than Likes

Likes are polite.
Comments are commitment.

Ask questions.
Invite disagreement.
Say something that makes people want to correct you publicly.

(That’s not drama, it’s polarizing the audience.)

4. Mobile-First or Die Trying

80%+ of LinkedIn is mobile.
But people still write posts like they’re publishing a PDF.

Short lines.
White space.
Readable without squinting like you forgot your glasses.

5. Consistency Beats Virality

One viral post feels great.
Then… silence.

The algorithm trusts people who show up like adults.

3–5 quality posts a week > praying for one banger.

6. Use AI — Don’t Sound Like AI

Use AI to:
• research
• outline
• ideate
• repurpose

Do NOT let it write your personality.
That’s how you end up sounding like “Generic Marketing Influencer #847.”

What LinkedIn Is Secretly Rewarding

✔️ Clear positioning
✔️ Repeated themes
✔️ Original experiences
✔️ Practical takeaways
✔️ Human voice

In other words:
If you’re sharing things only you can say, you win.

⸻

LinkedIn growth in 2026 isn’t about hacks.
It’s about unique stories, dwell time, and engaging.

Stop whispering into the algorithm’s ear and start giving it a reason to care.

P.S. What’s been hardest about growing on LinkedIn lately?

The algorithm? Consistency?
Or figuring out what the heck to post? 👇

Today, I’m giving away my top-performing LinkedIn funnel for $0. 

Because weak funnels are a crime and I’m here to start a revolution.

After building funnels for Hormozi, Simon Sinek Inc., AI Report, and more...

Most funnels are built like this:

Design on desktop → shrink it for mobile → pray. 🙏

Meanwhile…

📱 80%+ of traffic is mobile (which is why I'm teaming up with the best mobile-first funnel builder, Perspective).

👎 Yet most funnels still treat mobile like an afterthought.

That’s why the average funnel converts under 10%.

(And why I cry into my pillow at night) 😭

Why Mobile-First Funnels Actually Convert Better

1. Fewer decisions = higher conversions
Mobile forces simplicity.
Less clutter. Fewer CTAs. One clear action.
Your thumbs don’t want options — they want clarity.

2. Thumb-friendly design = less friction
Buttons too small. Text too dense. Forms too long.
If your funnel fights the thumb… the thumb wins.

3. Faster load times = more patience
Mobile users bounce fast.
Heavy images, desktop layouts, and bloated scripts = goodbye traffic.

4. Vertical flow matches how people think
Scroll → consume → decide.
Mobile-first funnels follow natural behavior instead of forcing users to “figure it out.”

The Most Common Funnel Mistakes I See (Daily 😭)

❌ Designing for desktop first w/ heavy images
❌ Headlines that wrap into unreadable chaos on mobile
❌ Forms that feel like applying for a mortgage
❌ Tiny buttons that require surgeon-level precision
❌ No scrolling — just wall-of-text despair

Basically…

Funnels built like it’s 2003, but traffic lives in 2026.

The Fix

When you design mobile-first, everything changes:

⚡ Cleaner layouts
⚡ Better flow
⚡ Higher completion rates
⚡ Fewer excuses for bad performance

Your funnel stops fighting users…
…and starts guiding them.

Mobile-first funnels don’t convert better because they’re trendy.

They convert better because they respect how humans actually use the internet.

👑 Comment “Perspective” and I’ll hook you up with my funnel plus 16 more battle-tested beasts you can brand in a click, totally free.


#aimarketing #aifunnel #funnelbuilder #funnelmarketing

taplio

The Battle

Dave Gerhardt

Justin Hardy

Followers

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Performance ScoreDave Gerhardt's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreJustin Hardy's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Dave Gerhardt

Justin Hardy

Followers

Posts

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);}Dave Gerhardt's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreDave Gerhardt's LinkedIn Performance