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Cue the horns 📯: plugin.fm is back! 💥
Season 3 of plugin.fm launches today, zeroing in on a topic that can make or break any software business: marketing.
Marketing shouldn’t be an afterthought — it’s a cornerstone of every successful software business. Even the best, most innovative products struggle to gain traction without a compelling strategy.
This season, we’ll explore how to bridge the gap between building an exceptional product and creating a sustainable, thriving business.
And oh, we have some other exciting news: I’m Goran Mirkovic, Freemius CMO, and I’m thrilled to join plugin.fm as the new co-host! 🎉 Together with Patrick Rauland, I’ll dive into the complexities of modern marketing and share actionable strategies that work for software makers like you.
But why wait when you can plug in right now? In season 3’s premiere episode — which has just dropped — we tackle a marketing trap too many software makers fall into: being vague and inauthentic. Specificity and authenticity aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the keys to cutting through the noise and truly connecting with your audience:
That’s just a taste of what’s to come!
Before we break down the rest of the season, let me explain why I’m stepping into the co-host chair, how my experience fits into this journey, and what I aim to bring to the conversation.
Why Am I Joining the Podcast?
As the CMO of Freemius, I’ve had the privilege of overhauling our marketing strategy and steering it back to a growth trajectory. With over 11 years of experience in B2B SaaS marketing (primarily on the agency side), I’ve helped brands like Webflow, Zendesk, and Wistia achieve measurable results through innovative SEO and content marketing strategies.
But this isn’t about me — it’s about you and the value I can bring to your journey. I’m stepping into the co-host role to share practical advice and real solutions for tackling the challenges of marketing your software:
- Asking tough questions, so you get real answers
I’m here to dig deeper. Marketing is full of buzzwords and surface-level advice — but actionable insights are what drive growth. I’ll challenge our guests with the hard questions you wish you could ask: What really works? Why does it fail? How do you adapt and execute effectively? I’m going beyond the obvious to make sure every conversation delivers the practical value you need to level up your marketing. - Connecting strategy with real-world application
Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with software makers to solve challenges like standing out in crowded markets, driving qualified leads, and building loyal customer bases. I know the struggles of makers and business owners firsthand. As a co-host, I’m bringing this hands-on experience to every discussion, exploring not just the what but the how-to for marketing success. - Creating a collaborative space for growth
This podcast isn’t just about sharing expertise — it’s a platform for us to learn, grow, and succeed together. Whether we’re breaking down complex strategies, debating new trends, or uncovering innovative tactics, my goal is to ensure each episode leaves you with smart strategies you can implement immediately.
By joining plugin.fm, I’m committing to making this podcast an even more valuable resource for marketers and software makers. I’m bringing my curiosity, experience, and results-driven mindset to every conversation to help you handle the challenges of growing your business.
What’s the Big Idea Behind plugin.fm Season 3?
Season 3 is about one thing: helping software makers cut through the noise in today’s crowded market. The key to standing out isn’t flashy slogans or empty promises — it’s being specific and authentic. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of marketing success in a landscape drowning in noise.
Think about it: How many tools claim to “boost productivity” or “simplify your workflow”? The market is flooded with generic messages. We don’t even know what it means anymore. To truly differentiate yourself, speak to your audience in their own words, define what makes you unique, and craft a story that resonates.
This season will help you master all three:
- Why clarity will always beat cleverness
Your audience is tired of vague promises. They want solutions that speak directly to their pain points. We’ll explore how to craft clear, impactful messaging that captures attention. - How to build trust by being authentic
In a world full of options, people buy from brands and individuals they trust. We’ll dive deep into the art of building that trust — showing you how to create a narrative that resonates with your audience on a human level. - The power of actionable marketing strategies
It’s not enough to have ideas that look good on paper. This season, we’ll focus on practical strategies that work — campaigns that drive measurable results and move the needle for your business.
Whether launching your first product or scaling an established brand, the insights you’ll gain from this season will help you forge stronger connections with your audience and build sustainable, long-term growth.
Meet the Guests and Preview the Episodes
We’ve assembled a powerhouse lineup of marketing experts who bring years of experience and hard-earned wisdom to the table. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
How to Properly Build Your Marketing Team With Lindsay Tjepkema
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- Learn when to make your first marketing hire, how to scale your team strategically, and avoid the common pitfalls of building a marketing department from scratch.
Scaling Smart: Getting the Right Fractional Talent for Your Team With Margaret Kelsey
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- Discover how fractional marketing professionals can deliver high-impact results without the long-term commitment of full-time hires.
Building Authority in Your Market as a Solopreneur With Devin Bramhall
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- Explore practical strategies for carving out your niche and growing your credibility — even with limited resources.
Owning Your Niche: Building a Personal Platform With Erica Schneider
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- Find out how to build a magnetic personal platform that draws the right audience and amplifies your message.
Lifecycle Marketing 101 With Ashley Faus
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- Gain a comprehensive understanding of lifecycle marketing — from customer acquisition to retention and scaling up.
These are just a few of the highlights. Each episode addresses specific challenges faced by software makers and delivers practical insights you can put to work right away.
Why Tune In?
This isn’t just another podcast — it’s your go-to resource for mastering all facets of software marketing. Here’s why you need to tune in:
- Expert insights you can trust
Our guests aren’t just theory experts — they’ve been in the trenches. From building brands to scaling businesses in competitive markets, they’ve done it all. You’ll hear firsthand stories and proven strategies that you can apply to your own journey. - Actionable advice that works
Every episode delivers hands-on, no-fluff advice to improve your marketing and drive real results. - Real talk, no sugarcoating
We’re here to give it to you straight. Forget the “perfect” success stories. You’ll hear honest, unfiltered conversations about what’s actually working, what isn’t, and why it matters for your business.
Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy or scale your software business, these episodes will give you the clarity and confidence to take action.
Make Your Marketing Move: Subscribe to plugin.fm
Your journey to mastering software marketing starts now. Subscribe to plugin.fm on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode.
Have thoughts or questions? We want to hear from you! Join the conversation on social media or drop a comment to share your perspective on Season 3 and the topics we’re exploring.
Let’s make this season unforgettable. Plug in and let’s grow together.