E. 197: Ben Guttmann on Why Certain Messages Work and How to Design Them

What makes messaging stick?

Today, I’m digging into that question with marketing and communications expert, Ben Guttmann. Plus we’ll talk about his experience of growing and then selling an agency, and the opportunities that have opened up as a result.

Ben Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win–and How to Design Them. He’s an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.

Find this episode for free on your favorite podcast player.

Tune into this episode to hear:

  • The story behind the sale of Ben’s agency

  • The intangible benefits of having taken an agency through a sale

  • Five key qualities of simply, effective messaging

  • What we can learn about effective messaging from political campaign slogans

  • Why designers need to remember that design is first and foremost about business

Learn more about Ben Guttmann:

Resources:

 
Pia Silva