#StandupStrategy

[laurafaritos]

HDMS049. What Even Is a Content Strategy? (And Why Comedians Should Care)

Welcome to another recap of my marketing studies at Harvard (yes, I’m still doing the program and yes, I’m still relating it to comedy).

This one’s all about SEO content strategy—which sounds boring, but stick with me: it’s literally the blueprint for getting people to find your shows, your site, or even your funniest TikTok.

In Module 4.2.1, we learned how to structure content so that Google understands it, recommends it, and rewards you with actual traffic.

Why should comedians care? Because if your show is about ghosts, sex ed, or immigration (hi, mine are), you want strangers who are into ghosts, sex ed, or immigration to find you.

That’s what this post is about: making the internet work for you while you sleep (or scroll endlessly instead of working on your set).

In this module, we focused on the third pillar of SEO: content. Unlike technical tweaks or link-building, content strategy is all about telling your brand story in a way that resonates with your audience—and the Google algorithm. We were taught to build a strong content strategy by asking six big questions:

Who are you talking to? Your target segment matters. OOFOS, the case study brand, wanted to reach “Workout Warriors,” so their tone and topics had to appeal to fitness-savvy folks, not just any casual shopper.

What problem are you solving? Good content starts with understanding what your audience is searching for. Are they looking for recovery shoes after a marathon? Or comfy footwear after a 12-hour hospital shift?

What makes you different? You have to highlight your unique value. For OOFOS, it’s their proprietary “OOfoam” technology—what’s your brand’s version of that?

What format works best? A blog post? A video? A meme? The format should match both the message and the platform your audience lives on.

Where will the content live? Website, YouTube, email, TikTok—your distribution strategy matters as much as the content itself.

How will you measure and improve it? Tracking engagement, refreshing stale posts, and testing new formats are part of keeping your content (and rankings) alive.

We also learned that content keywords live at different parts of the funnel—from general searches at the top (“best shoes for tired feet”) to hyper-specific ones at the bottom (“buy OOFOS recovery shoes online”). The smartest strategy starts at the bottom and works its way up.

And finally, OOFOS leans into authentic testimonials—from athletes, yes, but also from real people with aching feet. Those reviews help boost both credibility and search visibility.

Now, how does that apply to me as a comedian?

This section broke my brain (in a good way) because I finally understood why so much of my work gets lost online—even when the actual content is good. As a comedian with multiple shows and creative projects, I’ve often treated SEO and content strategy like… a bonus. But it turns out, it’s the core architecture of discovery.

Let’s break it down.

Target Audience: I used to think “the general public” was my audience. Nope! Haunted Comedians, for example, is for comedy fans who are also emotionally unhinged Halloween kids. Foreigners in Toronto is for immigrant nerds trying to survive with their sense of humor intact. Failed By Sex Ed is for people who were given bananas and silence in health class. Each of these deserves its own tone, keywords, and approach.

Problems I'm Solving: My shows don’t just make people laugh—they validate experiences, challenge stereotypes, and provide education (with jokes). That means people are likely googling phrases like “immigrant comedy Toronto,” “funny sex ed podcast,” or “haunted standup Halloween Toronto.” These are now clues for content.

My Unique Value Proposition: I mix standup with storytelling, personal identity, and high-concept formats. And I’m a Brazilian autistic immigrant talking about sex and ghosts. There’s literally nobody else doing this combination—which means I can own these keywords.

Formats: I can be strategic! Blog recaps of shows. Behind-the-scenes podcast snippets. TikToks explaining niche immigrant moments. Longform essays on Tumblr. Each format has a purpose now.

Channels: Right now my content is scattered across platforms. But this module made me realize the need for centralized hubs—like a proper website that serves as a searchable home for each of my creative projects.

Measurement + Refresh: Instead of abandoning posts that “didn’t do well,” I now know how to refresh them with better titles, hashtags, or metadata. I’ve been treating content like a one-shot—when it’s actually recyclable gold.

You don’t need to be a marketing expert to start building your content strategy—you just need to think like one. Here's how comedians at any stage of their career can use this framework:

1. Start With Your Audience

Ask yourself: Who are your people? If you’re a neurodivergent storyteller, a queer club comic, or someone who does absurdist character work—say that! Create content that attracts your crowd instead of trying to be universal.

2. Know What They're Searching For

Use keyword research tools like Google Trends or even just autocomplete to find phrases your audience might be typing. “Best open mics in Toronto,” “comedian explains ADHD,” “funniest standup on Brazilian moms.” These aren't just funny set-ups—they’re search terms that can bring people to your work.

3. Show What Makes You Different

Don't water yourself down. Embrace your niche. Whether you mix comedy and poetry, or you're a stand-up who also makes zines, that uniqueness is your leverage.

4. Create Across Formats

You don’t have to be on every platform. Pick one or two that match your vibe. Maybe you blog after every set. Maybe you record funny voice notes and upload them as podcast shorts. Maybe your flyers go viral on Instagram because they’re chaotic perfection. Consistency wins over quantity.

5. Own Your Channels

Have a website. Have a Linktree. Build an email list. Don’t rely solely on Instagram or TikTok—because the algorithm is not your friend, it’s your landlord.

6. Check Your Metrics (But Don’t Obsess)

Look at what’s working: which posts get shares? Which emails get opens? Then try to do more of that. And if something flops? Maybe it just needs a new title, new image, or a better hook—not a funeral.

Thanks for reading! In this module, I learned how content strategy plays a critical role in search engine optimization and audience connection. I applied these lessons to my own comedy projects like Haunted Comedians, The Foreigner Diaries, and Failed by Sex Ed by identifying what my audience searches for, shaping my unique value proposition, and choosing formats and platforms that reflect my artistic voice and accessibility needs. If you're a comedian trying to be found without selling out, SEO content strategy might just be your new bestie. I hope this was as helpful to you as it was to me. Tchau tchau <33

[laurafaritos]

HDMS037. One Mic, Two Crowds: How to Split Your Marketing Without Splitting Your Brand

Here’s the dilemma: You grow. Your work evolves. Your reach expands. And suddenly—you’re not speaking to just one audience anymore.

At first, that feels exciting. Then it feels… confusing.

Do you double down on what built your following in the first place? Do you pivot toward the newer, more aspirational crowd? Do you water down your message to fit both? Or worse—do you accidentally ignore one entirely and lose them?

This is the two-audience problem. And whether you’re a shoe company like OOFOS or a stand-up comic just trying to sell out your next show, it’s the same issue at the core:

👉 How do you speak to two different groups of people without splitting your voice—or your brand—in half?

That’s where this Harvard module hit me hard. It reminded me that this isn’t about trying to appeal to everyone. It’s about understanding:

Who you’re talking to

Where they are in their journey with you

What kind of message—and channel—makes sense for them

OOFOS has “Pain Sufferers” and “Workout Warriors.” I’ve got podcast listeners who crave emotional deep dives… and chaotic ADHD gremlins who just want a meme, a scream, and a laugh.

Different vibes. Different needs. Different need states.

The mistake I used to make? Trying to make one post or one ad or one show description work for everyone. But that’s not strategy. That’s people-pleasing. And it doesn’t sell tickets.

Let’s break down what Harvard taught me on Module 3.4.2. Channel Selection and Target Audience. Because the more I saw how OOFOS handled the same problem… the more I saw how comedians can finally stop feeling torn between their people.

I. Harvard’s Case Study: OOFOS & the Great Generational Divide

OOFOS is trying to do what a lot of creators are trying to do: Grow into a new audience without losing the one that got them this far.

They started with what Harvard calls Pain Sufferers—people over 55 who experience chronic foot or joint pain, or people like nurses, chefs, and teachers who are on their feet all day. These folks aren’t just browsing. They’re actively looking for relief. They’re typing things into Google like “best shoes for plantar fasciitis” or “supportive footwear for nurses.” And when they find OOFOS, they’re ready to buy.

Then there’s the second group: Workout Warriors. Younger. Health-conscious. Gym-goers and sports people who want “active recovery,” not necessarily pain relief. These folks aren’t searching for recovery shoes—they might not even know they need them. They’re scrolling Instagram, watching a YouTube video, maybe skimming a blog post about post-leg day routines. They’re not in pain… but they’re influencable.

So what does OOFOS do? They split their strategy. Not their brand.

For Pain Sufferers:

Search ads → People already looking for solutions

Owned media (website content, SEO) → Because they’re already on the hunt

Messaging that speaks directly to pain relief, medical needs, and support

For Workout Warriors:

Display ads and paid social → To spark interest where none exists yet

Bright visuals, wellness messaging, product placement in lifestyle content

Messaging focused on recovery, performance, and optimization

Harvard also introduced the idea of “need state.” If someone is already in a high need state (i.e., they’re Googling how to stop their heel pain), you don’t need to work as hard to convince them. If someone is in a low need state (i.e., they feel fine but could feel better), then you need stronger creative, more frequency, and a channel that interrupts gently—without turning them off.

Darren from OOFOS said it best:

“The more someone needs you, the less you have to convince them.”

That hit.

Because as a comedian, sometimes I’m trying to reach people who need a laugh—who are already looking for something funny, someone to relate to, a podcast to binge. But other times, I’m trying to reach people who don’t know yet that I’m what they need. And they need more touches, better context, a softer sell.

OOFOS didn’t try to change who they were. They just learned how to speak differently to each group—in the places those groups already are.

II. Comedians, This Is Us

When I was reading about OOFOS splitting their messaging between Pain Sufferers and Workout Warriors, it hit me:

We do this in comedy all the time—we just don’t realize it. We build followings from different moments in our career… and then wonder why some jokes land and some flop depending on who’s watching.

Let me break it down:

Your Pain Sufferers = Your Day-Ones

These are the fans who’ve been with you since the start. They saw your open mic sets, your YouTube clips from 2017, your emotionally unhinged storytime that accidentally went viral. They love you for your honesty, your growth, your specific brand of humor—and they probably quote your jokes back to you.

They’re already in a “high need state.” They want your content. They search for your name. They buy tickets if they know you’re in town. You don’t have to convince them. You just have to keep showing up in their feed and remind them you're still doing the thing.

Your Workout Warriors = The People You Want to Reach

These are newer, younger, trendier folks who are following meme pages, niche content creators, and podcast girlies. They haven’t seen your stand-up yet. They don’t know your vibe. But they’re scrolling… and if you land the right reel or hook the right caption, they might stick around.

They’re in a “low need state.” They’re not saying “I need a comedian in my life right now.” But with the right ad, or the right video at the right time? Boom. New fan.

The mistake a lot of comedians make—myself included—is trying to speak to both of those people with the same clip, same post, same strategy.

But now I know better. The people who already know you need to feel remembered. The people who don’t know you yet need to feel curious. And the way you reach them? Should reflect that.

Different platforms. Different captions. Different asks.

III. My Game Plan – How I’m Using Paid Media to Speak to Two Audiences at Once

So let’s get specific. Here’s how I’m taking what Harvard (and OOFOS) taught me—and applying it to my life as a comedian, producer, and podcast host who’s juggling multiple identities and multiple audience segments.

My two main audiences?

The Loyal Chaos Crew — my day-ones, my friends-of-friends, the people who’ve followed my live shows, laughed at my trauma jokes, and listened to my podcast rants from the start. They know me. They’re here for the weirdness and the depth.

The Curious Newbies — the people who found me through a viral clip, saw a reel shared to their Stories, or stumbled across one of my interviews on YouTube. They’re not sold yet. They don’t know the lore. They’re testing the waters.

For the Loyal Chaos Crew:

I’m using search ads, newsletter reminders, and bottom-of-funnel CTAs.

Search ads: So if they type “Laura Faritos comedy Toronto” or “Failed By Sex Ed tickets,” I show up.

Email newsletters: Sent with love, memes, insider jokes, and links they can trust.

CTAs that assume they know me: “Come laugh with me this Friday.” “You know the vibes. Link in bio.”

These people are already warm. I don’t need to introduce myself—I just need to invite them back in.

For the Curious Newbies:

I’m using display ads, paid social, and top-of-funnel video clips.

Display ads: Maybe they’re watching a makeup tutorial or reading a niche blog post—boom, there’s my face and a punchline about ghosts.

Paid social: Highly targeted reels with strong hooks and light context, no backstory required. Something like: “POV: You accidentally ghosted someone for 3 years because you didn’t know how to say ‘I’m not emotionally well.’”

CTA: “Follow for chaotic stories & unlicensed life advice.”

I want them to laugh first, then care later. Because if they’re not in the “need state” yet, my only job is to plant the seed!!!

I’ve realized I don’t need to dilute my content!!!! I just need to adjust the spotlight, depending on who I’m talking to and how close they already are to my work!!!!

IV. What Comedians Can Steal From This Strategy

You don’t need a Harvard certificate to start using this. You just need a clearer understanding of who you’re talking to and where they are in the journey.

Here’s how you can apply it, whether you’re a stand-up, a sketch artist, a podcaster, or a one-person content machine juggling it all:

1. Map Your Audience into Segments

Don’t just think “my fans.” Think:

People who already follow you

People who vaguely recognize you

People who have never heard of you but might love you if they did

Write those out. Visualize them. You’re not just performing anymore—you’re curating experiences for different stages of relationship.

2. Match Each Segment to the Right Paid Media Channel

SegmentChannelWhy It WorksLoyal FollowersSearch Ads, Email, RemindersThey’re actively looking for youWarm-ish AcquaintancesRetargeting, Paid SocialThey’ve seen you, now they need a nudgeNewbiesDisplay Ads, Reels, YouTube ShortsTo introduce you on neutral ground

Not every channel does every job. Let the platform fit the funnel.

3. Speak Their Language Without Changing Your Voice

This is the tricky part. You’re still you. You’re not performing for strangers. But you are tailoring your tone depending on who’s listening.

For your longtime fans: inside jokes, raw honesty, casual tone

For newbies: sharper intros, clearer context, more structure

Think of it like hosting a party: You greet your best friends with a hug and a “you won’t believe what just happened.” You greet new guests with, “Hi! I’m so glad you came. Drinks are over there. Lemme know if you need anything.” Same you. Different delivery.

4. Don’t Expect One Piece of Content to Do Everything

You need awareness content. You need engagement content. You need conversion content.

If you try to cram it all into one ad, you’ll end up with something that’s either overwhelming or underwhelming. Instead, create a content ladder. Let each piece of paid media do its job.

TL;DR: You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone, But You Can Speak to More Than One Crowd—But Only If You Do It Intentionally.

Harvard showed me that effective paid media isn’t just about where you show up—it’s about who you’re trying to reach and what state they’re in when you reach them.

OOFOS split their strategy to serve:

People already in pain and searching for relief

People who weren’t even thinking about recovery shoes yet

As comedians, we’re doing the same thing:

Reaching people who already follow us, trust us, and buy from us

And trying to win over people who are just now finding us through a reel or a recommendation

Instead of forcing one post to do everything, we can break things down:

Use search and email to remind your ride-or-dies

Use display and social to introduce yourself to the curious lurkers

Adjust your language without compromising your voice

That’s the strategy. That’s the funnel. That’s the freedom.

Action Steps for Comedians, Creators & Indie Marketers

1. Identify your “Pain Sufferers” and “Workout Warriors” Not literally. But metaphorically. Who are your loyal fans? And who are the people you’re still trying to reach?

2. Match the right channels to each audience segment Use search/email for warm audiences. Use social/display for cold ones.

3. Don’t dilute your message—just tailor the delivery Different people need different entry points. Give them one.

4. Test what works, track what doesn’t, and tweak accordingly This is paid media, not a group text. Be strategic.

5. Think like a producer, not just a performer The mic isn’t just onstage anymore. It’s wherever your content lives. Use it well.

I hope this lesson was as helpful to you as it was to me!!!

See you in the next one. Tchau, tchau <333

[laurafaritos]

HDMS027. The Business of Being Funny: What Harvard Taught Me About Comedy & Marketing

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after six weeks of Harvard’s Digital Marketing Strategy course, it’s this: marketing is just storytelling with a business plan. And GUESS WHAT??? That’s LITERALLY what stand-up comedy is!!!!!!! That's the thing: every comedian has a brand, whether they realize it or not!!! Every joke is a value proposition!!! Every social media post is a marketing touchpoint!!!

So why do so many comedians just post and pray??? What's worse, why are WE TAUGHT to just post and pray??? Why do comedy schools and standup classes teach us to grind away at open mics, hoping some magical industry gatekeeper happens to be in the crowd that night???? Is it because comedians are historically known for thinking of virality like a lottery ticket instead of a strategy????

Annnnnnd THAT is what this blog post is about. So let's recap:

I just completed the Harvard course (certificate now pending);

I now see how marketing actually makes sense for comedians;

And I’m going to break down exactly how we can apply business strategy to comedy without losing our souls in the process;

Oh, and if you’re new here: Welcome! I’m Laura, a stand-up comedian, producer, and content creator who went back to school (virtually) to learn the business side of being funny. Now I’m documenting everything so you don’t have to spend WEEKS or even MONTHS drowning in digital marketing strategy case studies!!

So let's continue this HDMS series. This is the final recap of Module 2, where I learned how to create a marketing plan that actually works. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to grow an audience, book bigger shows, or make money off your comedy, this post is for you.

✨ LET'S BREAK IT DOWN ✨

I. The HDMS Hustle: What Module 2 Was Really About

If you’ve been following along, you know that Harvard’s Digital Marketing Strategy course isn’t just about running ads or selling products—it’s about building a marketing plan that actually works.

Module 2 focused on the four pillars of a strong marketing plan:

Marketing Objectives – What do you actually want to achieve??? More audience??? More money??? Both???

Target Audience – Who is your audience, really??? And how do you find more of them???

Value Proposition – What makes you stand out??? Why should people care about you???

Metrics – How to measure success without losing your mind???

Sounds corporate, right??? But here’s the thing: this is exactly what comedians need to build careers that don’t rely on luck!!!! Every comedian who has successfully blown up -- whether through TikTok, stand-up, or a podcast -- has unknowingly followed these four step!!! The ones still waiting for their big break??? Probably haven’t!!!

I’ll explain what each of these actually means for comedians, how I’m applying them to my own career, and what you can steal for yourself. Let’s rock and roll, babyyyyyy!!!

II. Defining Objectives (aka Stop Throwing Darts in the Dark)

If you’re a comedian, what’s your actual goal??? No, like, seriously. What the fuck is your endgame??? Is there even a gameplan??? I'm guessing the answer is "no"...

A lot of comedians say, “I just want to be funny and let the rest happen.” Which is cute, but also??? It’s not a strategy!!! Harvard drilled into my brain that clear objectives lead to clear action plans—and without a solid objective, you're just throwing content into the void, hoping something sticks. THAT. DOES. NOT. WORK!!!

In marketing, businesses set clear objectives before launching a campaign. Are they trying to:

Build awareness? (Get more people to know you exist.)

Drive conversions? (Get people to buy tickets, subscribe, etc.)

Increase engagement? (Turn followers into fans who show up)

These aren’t just random marketing terms. They’re essential for comedians too. Because if you don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish, then HOWWWW do you measure progress???

Let’s say you’re in year one of stand-up. You don’t have a fan base yet, and clubs aren’t booking you. Instead of saying “I just need to get funnier,” you could set objectives like:

Grow my social media following by 1,000 people in three months through short-form comedy clips.

Perform 50 open mics in six months to refine my set.

Sell out a small independent show in my city by strategically marketing to local audiences.

Each of these objectives has a clear goal, a timeline, and a way to measure success. That means you can ACTUALLY adjust your approach if something isn’t working, instead of hoping for a “big break” that may never come!!!

For me, 2025 is all about:

Selling out my live comedy shows consistently

Building an audience for long-form content (YouTube & podcasts)

Refining my brand as a comedian to attract sponsors/brand deals

And guess what??? From now on, I'M TRACKING ALL OF IT!!! What's the point of putting in the work without knowing if it works???

III. The General Audience IS NOT IT!!!

One of the biggest mistakes comedians (and creators in general) make is thinking their audience is “everyone.” I used to be guilty of this too—assuming that if I just made good content, the right people would magically find me. Welp. Harvard said NO, THANKS!!!

Big brands don’t market to everyone—they identify their most valuable audience segments and tailor their messaging accordingly. If Nike tried to be all things to all people, it would be an absolute disaster. Instead, they focus on:

Hardcore athletes who prioritize performance

Casual fitness enthusiasts who want comfort

Hypebeasts who just want cool-looking sneakers

Each of these groups gets different marketing, because they care about different things. Comedians need to do the same.

Instead of assuming “my comedy is for everyone who likes to laugh” (yikes), you need to ask yourself:

Who actually vibes with my sense of humor???

What kind of content are they already consuming???

Where do they hang out online and offline???

A dark, absurdist comedian isn’t going to attract the same fans as a high-energy, family-friendly comic. And that’s a good thing!!!! Niching down doesn’t limit you... IT HELPS YOU STAND OUT!!!

After years of trial and error (and some deep marketing analysis thanks to Harvard), I’ve realized my brand speaks most to:

Neurodivergent, millennial/Gen Z creatives who love deep dives and storytelling

Comedy nerds & stand-up fans who enjoy hearing comedians break down the craft

Fantasy, horror, and pop culture lovers who want smart, funny takes on their favorite genres

This means I DON’T waste energy trying to appeal to:

People who only like mainstream, easy-to-digest humor

Men who think female comedians aren’t “real” comedians

Audiences who don’t get (or care about) storytelling-style comedy

By knowing who I’m for and who I’m not for, I can focus on deepening my relationship with the right audience instead of desperately trying to win over people who just aren’t my vibe.

IV. Value Proposition (AKA Why Should People Care About You Specifically???)

Once you know who you’re talking to, the next question is: why should they care about you? This is where value proposition comes in—aka, what makes you different from every other comedian fighting for attention online???

Big brands spend millions of dollars refining their value proposition because they know people won’t just “get it” on their own. They need to make it crystal clear why their product is worth choosing.

Here’s what Harvard taught me about crafting a strong value proposition:

It should be specific (why you’re funny in a unique way)

It should be compelling (something people actually want)

It should be defensible (not easily copied by someone else)

For example, OOFOS shoes don’t just say, “We make comfy shoes.” They say, “We’re the only brand with OOfoam technology that absorbs impact and helps with recovery.” That’s specific, compelling, and defensible.

If your value proposition is just, “I tell jokes”—so does literally every comedian. Instead, think about what makes your comedy stand out:

Style – Do you tell long-form stories??? Quick one-liners??? Surreal humor???

Perspective – What life experiences shape your voice??? (e.g., immigrant stories, ADHD brain tangents, existential crises)

Branding – What visuals, topics, formats make you memorable???

After way too many years of “I don’t know, I just do comedy?” I finally have a solid answer:

"For millennial/Gen Z creatives and pop culture lovers, I’m the comedian who mixes storytelling, deep dives, and ADHD-fueled humor to make people feel seen, entertained, and informed—all while looking like a hot yet unhinged vampire."

Boom!!!!! Looking from my example, what does that tell people???

Who it’s for (creative, pop-culture-obsessed people)

What makes it unique (storytelling + deep dives + ADHD humor)

Why it’s compelling (it’s entertaining and insightful)

Why it’s defensible (not just anyone can replicate my life experiences, brain wiring, and hot vampire energy)

By nailing this down, I can now communicate my brand more clearly—whether it’s in my bio, my show descriptions, or my social media. Instead of hoping people “just get it,” I make sure they do.

V. So What Metrics Actually Matter For Stand Ups, Producers and Creators???

One of the biggest game-changers from this course??? Realizing that most comedians (my past self included) are measuring the wrong things.

We tend to obsess over:

Likes & Views – Cool, but do they translate into real fans???

Going Viral – Fun in the moment, but does it help you sell tickets or build a sustainable career???

Followers – Great for clout, but do they actually engage with your content???

Big brands don’t just chase numbers—they track the entire funnel to see where their audience is getting stuck.

Brand Awareness – Do people even know you exist??? (Measured by reach, impressions, press mentions)

Consideration – Do they care enough to check you out??? (Measured by profile visits, email signups, website clicks)

Conversion – Are they buying tickets, joining Patreon, subscribing to your content???

This was a lightbulb moment for me because most comedians only focus on the top of the funnel—like going viral, getting a ton of likes, shit like that. And then they wonder why they still struggle to sell tickets or build a loyal audience!!!!! See what I mean???

So instead of obsessing over going viral, we should be tracking:

Email signups – Because social media is unreliable, but an email list is direct access to your fans???

Engagement rate – Are people actually commenting, sharing, and DM’ing you???

Ticket sales & Patreon growth – Because that’s what pays the bills???

This means shifting my mindset from chasing high views to tracking high conversion. Would I rather have 100,000 passive followers or 1,000 ride-or-die fans who actually show up?

Before, I’d stress over a TikTok not hitting 10K views. Now? My focus is STRATEGIC. I only care about:

Are people signing up for my newsletter???

Are my followers DM’ing me about shows???

Are my ticket sales growing month over month???

This shift has completely changed how I approach marketing. Now, I make content with a clear end goal—not just “post and pray” but strategically building my audience for long-term success.

TL;DR: The Business of Being Funny

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Harvard Digital Marketing Strategy, it’s this: being funny isn’t enough—you need a business strategy.

Most comedians are stuck in survival mode, waiting for their “big break,” hoping a viral clip will fix everything. But the ones who make it long-term are the ones who treat their career like a business. That means:

Understanding your audience instead of just performing for whoever’s in the room

Positioning yourself strategically so you stand out in a crowded field

Tracking what actually matters (email signups, ticket sales, engagement—not just likes and follows)

Playing the long game by building a real, sustainable career instead of chasing short-term wins

What’s next for me, you ask??? Well, I'm still focused on posting the remaining module reflections (2 modules complete, 4 to go!). But as of right now, as I draft this post, here's what I look forward to:

Another Harvard Course!!! That’s right—after everything I just went through, I signed up for Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Marketing course. This one is literally designed for self-employed creatives, comedians, and small business owners who need to learn how to market themselves effectively. I cannot wait.

Applying Everything I Learned!!! Over the next few months, I’ll be revamping my marketing strategy, experimenting with new audience growth tactics, and testing what actually works—all while sharing my journey in real-time with you.

Building My Email List – Because after everything I learned in this course, it’s clear that social media is unreliable, but direct access to my fans is priceless. If you want first dibs on new shows, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive comedy insights, you can sign up for my newsletter (shameless plug, but hey, gotta practice what I preach).

And what about you??? What can YOU take away from the lessons shared in this module (and blog post specifically)???

Think Like a Business – If you’re a comedian, artist, or content creator, stop waiting for someone else to “discover” you. Position yourself, market yourself, and track your progress.

Define Your Audience & Value Proposition – What makes YOU different? Who are you actually trying to reach? Get specific.

Start Tracking Real Metrics – Don’t just post and hope for the best. Track engagement, email signups, and ticket sales. Focus on building your audience, not just growing numbers.

Experiment & Adjust – Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Try different approaches, analyze the data, and pivot when needed.

All of that is to say that this is just the beginning of how I’m applying Harvard-level marketing to comedy. If you’ve been following these posts, you already know—I’m not keeping this knowledge to myself. I want other comedians and creatives to succeed too!!!!!!

Stay tuned, because this is just the start!!! More HDMS (Harvard Digital Marketing Strategy) posts to come!!! And when those posts come to an end, I shall begin the new Harvard course accompanied by a new reflection series HEM (Harvard Entrepreneurial Marketing).

See you in the next one. Tchauuu tchauuu <333