From First Step to Forward Motion: Building Momentum Through Iterative Marketing

In our last blog, we shared a simple but powerful message: Start now. Start small. Start again. Today, we’re talking about what comes next: the iterative marketing process and how to build real momentum and keep going, even when things are messy, uncomfortable, or unclear.

Starting Is Hard, But Staying Stuck Is Worse

If you’ve recorded your first podcast, posted on LinkedIn, launched a campaign, or sent that awkward first email — congratulations! You’re further along than most.

But let’s be honest. Starting doesn’t always feel like winning.

What if your post flopped?
What if your mic was off?
What if no one noticed?

That’s normal. That’s iteration. That’s how it works.

As Brian shared on the episode, the first two episodes of this podcast sat untouched for three years. And yet, those old recordings became raw materials for new content with AI. Nothing was wasted — because we started.

The worst thing you can do? Stay frozen because your first try didn’t land.

Iterative Marketing in Action: Episode Zero, LinkedIn Posts, and Throwaway Recipes

If you plan to succeed, plan to fail first.

When we launch a podcast for clients, we almost always plan an “Episode Zero.” Why? Because the first episode usually breaks. The mic’s off. The pacing is weird. The hosts feel stiff. It happens. But we design for that.

It’s the same reason chefs test recipes dozens of times before putting them on the menu. They know failure is baked into progress. So they plan short, fast iterations. Each tasting teaches them something.

That mindset (planning for learning) is what allows teams to move quickly and improve continuously.

Or take Chris Hoffman of Hoffman Brothers. He’s building his personal brand on LinkedIn in real-time. Some posts are polished. Some are casual. Some might not perform as well as others. But over time? He’s growing. His audience is growing. 

That’s iteration. That’s how you win.

A Living Brand Needs Movement, Not Maintenance

Your brand is a living, learning organism.

If you’ve inherited a legacy brand, or you’re hesitant to evolve, that line’s for you. Brands don’t stay relevant by standing still. They grow by staying grounded in their why, while adapting their how.

Chris Hoffman’s family built a trusted HVAC brand in St. Louis. Now, Chris is modernizing it — without abandoning the foundation. Same name. Same values. New energy. New methods.

That evolution isn’t accidental. It’s intentional iteration.

Mindset → Motivation → Momentum

An iterative marketing process engages the virtuous cycle:

• Mindset: Openness to change. Willingness to try.
• Motivation: Sparked by early wins.
• Momentum: The compounding force that fuels growth.

But how do you get those early wins?

By doing the work, even when you don’t feel ready. The answer to writer’s block is work, it’s action, it’s reps on the backspace key.

If you’re stuck, don’t wait for the perfect idea. Just make something — and then make it good. (Shoutout to our friend Joe Lopez for that gem.)

Unlearning the “One Shot” Mentality

Here’s one of the biggest lies we’ve all learned: “You only get one shot.”

That mindset works for school pop quizzes — not real-life marketing.

In real life, you:

• Launch
• Learn
• Adjust
• Repeat

You get as many shots as you want. The only true failure is never showing up.

Why LinkedIn Is Still the Best Place to Experiment

Not sure where to build momentum? Start on LinkedIn.

It’s the easiest, fastest, and most forgiving marketing lab available today. You get:

• Instant feedback
• Low stakes
• Organic reach
• A business-minded audience

And you don’t need to be a CEO to show up. But if you are a leader and you’re not showing up? You’re missing one of the most powerful brand-building opportunities available right now. 

Stop Waiting for the Green Light

Marketing doesn’t reward intentions. It rewards action. So here’s the real question: What’s your resistance?

In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield gives “resistance” a name — the invisible force that tries to stop us from creating, shipping, showing up.

We all feel it. But the only way through it is forward.

No more waiting for the stars to align. No more blaming your calendar, your budget, or your camera quality. Just go.

This Is What Black Raven AFC Was Built For

At Black Raven AFC, we don’t just help clients launch perfect campaigns. We help them get started, iterate, and keep moving.

We understand the fear of failure — and we build systems to make failure safe, productive, and fast. Whether you’re unsure where to start, or stuck after starting, we help you:

• Clarify your message
• Launch fast
• Learn quickly
• Adapt smartly

From SEO to social, content to campaigns, we bring the expertise to keep you moving — while always coming back to your why.

You don’t need a perfect roadmap. You need a partner who can walk beside you as you build the road. 

Final Thought (and an Invitation)

If your first step felt rough — that’s okay. It’s supposed to.

But don’t stop now. You’ve got everything you need to move forward.

Now we want to hear from you:

What’s something you launched imperfectly — and what did you learn from it? Drop it in the comments. Or message us directly. We’d love to hear your story.

And if you’re still stuck? Let’s start something.