Brand Experiences in the AI Era with Brian Tillman and Joe DePalma

AI search is changing the game with tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity providing instant answers and affecting website traffic. Even so, your website is a vital asset. So what does a startup need to do to make the most of the traffic they are still getting? To answer this question, we are joined by Brian Tillman and Joe DePalma from Punch, a creative agency for bold brands, to unpack the revolutionary changes AI is bringing to web design, marketing, and brand strategy. This week, episode 82 of the FiredUp! podcast is about brand experiences in the AI era!

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In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Brian Tillman and Joe DePalma share their insights into how AI is impacting branding and user experience for startups and giving actionable strategies to stay ahead of this industry shift. 

Brian Tillman is Co-Founder and Principal at Punch. In 20 years as a writer, his words have glown up pages from gas station periodicals to Presidential remarks. He has sold race cars, fixed sailboats, toured on guitar, sojourned on motorcycle, and set strategies into motion that have driven hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for clients. Today, he advises security and technology executives on brand and go-to-market strategy and holds the world record for exclaiming "dang."

Joe DePalma is Co-Founder and Principal at Punch. Young Joe chose art school over engineering, which set him on a path to design nearly every website on the internet. Today, Joe advises technology executives on how user experience can unlock revenue growth. And he would advise the Commanders on how to win, should his coaching contract be accepted. "Say Whaaat?"

Joe, Brian, Morgan, and Ian discuss:

• With AI search prioritizing conversational answers over website links, brands must put more focus on conversations happening outside of their owned platforms. 
• Although AI tools are democratizing creativity by reducing technical barriers, human creativity remains crucial. 
• Early-stage startups should start with lean, focused landing pages and become more robust as they grow. 
• Effective agency collaboration starts with trusting experts’ professional judgment, separating personal and brand needs, and engaging in collaborative discovery sessions. 

The AI revolution isn't about replacing human creativity—it's about empowering it. Startups that embrace these technological shifts while maintaining their unique brand vision will be the ones that truly stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. 

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH JOE AND BRIAN:

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Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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