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laurafaritos · 5 days ago

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HDMS029. The Paid Media Playbook: How Comedians Can Use Ads to Get Booked & Sell More Tickets

Aiaiai!!! I'm back with yet more Digital Marketing Strategy insights from Harvard Business School combined with my own experiences as a comedian. Remember how we talked about the ways comedians can include paid, owned and earned media in their portfolio???

Well, today we’re diving into paid media—aka, spending money to get people to notice you. If you’re a comedian, creator, or performer, chances are you’ve never thought about running an ad in your life. Maybe you think ads are only for big brands or influencers who are already famous. Maybe you think paid promotions feel cringe. Or maybe you’ve just never had the budget to even consider it.

But here’s the reality: the internet is crowded. Your Instagram clips, your show posters, your podcast promo—it’s all getting buried under a never-ending stream of content. If you don’t have a strategy to break through the noise, you’re relying on luck.

So in this post, we’re breaking down:

What paid media actually is (without the marketing jargon).

How comedians & creators can use it to book more gigs, sell more tickets, and grow an audience.

When paid media works (and when it’s a waste of money).

A simple way to test ads without feeling like you’re selling your soul.

By the end, you’ll finally understand how ads work and how they can be a tool—not a sellout move—to get more gigs, more fans, and more control over your career. Let’s rock and roll babyyyyy!!!

I. Paid Media 101: What It Is & Why It Matters for Comedians

Paid media is exactly what it sounds like: media exposure you pay for. Unlike organic reach (where you just post and hope for the best), paid media guarantees that your content gets seen by the right people—whether that’s potential fans, bookers, or industry folks.

Traditionally, paid media meant things like TV commercials, newspaper ads, and radio spots. But digital marketing changed the game. Now, paid media includes:

Search ads – When someone Googles “best comedy shows near me,” and your show ad pops up at the top.

Social media ads – The Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook ads you scroll past daily.

Sponsored content – Paid promotions on YouTube, blogs, and newsletters.

Streaming ads – That unskippable ad before your Hulu show or Spotify playlist.

If you’ve ever seen a stand-up special trailer pop up while scrolling YouTube or an event listing on Instagram for a comedy show in your city—that’s paid media in action.

So here’s the thing: the internet is FLOODED with content!!!!!!!!!!!! The days of just posting a flyer or clip and expecting people to show up are OVER!!!!!!!!!! The algorithm ISN'T your friend, and only a FRACTION of your audience sees what you post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me. I know it sucks. I wish it wasn't that way. But it is. And since that's the way it is, we have to figure out how to reach people. This is where paid media comes in and cuts through the noise!!!! It ensures that the people who actually want to see your content GET TO SEE IT!!!! I can't stress it enough. Paid media (when done right, that is) can quite literally determine whether potential fans discover your clips or local comedy lovers find your next show.

But before you start throwing money at Instagram ads, let’s talk about when and how to use paid media effectively—so you don’t waste your budget on ads that flop.

II. The Paid Media Landscape: Where Should You Advertise?

Now that we know paid media is essential for getting seen, the next question is: Where should you spend your money?????????

Paid media is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each platform has its own strengths, audiences, and best use cases. Let’s break it down.

Search Ads (Google & Bing)

Best For: People actively searching for comedy shows, stand-up clips, or related topics.

Example: Someone types “best comedy shows in [your city]” and your show pops up at the top.

Why It Works: These people are already interested, like you’re just putting yourself in front of them at the right time.

Downside: You need good keywords & targeting; otherwise, you’ll waste money on random searches.

Social Media Ads (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Twitch)

Best For: Promoting shows, growing your fanbase, and getting clips seen.

Example: A 30-second stand-up clip appears as a sponsored post in someone’s TikTok feed.

Why It Works: Social ads let you target super specific audiences (comedy fans, locals, people who follow other comedians).

Downside: Algorithms change constantly, so ad strategy requires testing & tweaking.

Display Ads (Banners, Video Ads, Native Ads)

Best For: Retargeting and brand awareness.

Example: Someone visits your event page but doesn’t buy a ticket—later, they see a banner ad for your show on another website.

Why It Works: Keeps you top of mind for people who already showed interest.

Downside: Can feel spammy if not done right, and click-through rates tend to be low.

Streaming & Digital TV Ads (YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, Podcasts, OTT, CTV)

Best For: Larger shows, tours, and personal branding.

Example: A short ad for your comedy special plays before a YouTube video or Hulu show.

Why It Works: People actually watch/listen to these ads (especially podcasts).

Downside: Expensive & best suited for bigger campaigns.

Influencer Marketing & Sponsored Content

Best For: Tapping into someone else’s audience.

Example: A TikTok comedian with a big following features your clip or show in their content.

Why It Works: Feels organic & trustworthy, like people love recommendations from creators they already follow.

Downside: Influencer rates vary, and ROI depends on their audience engagement.

Bottom Line???? The best paid media strategy depends on your goals. If you want immediate ticket sales, search & social ads are your best bet. If you’re building long-term brand awareness, influencer marketing & streaming ads might be the move.

III. How to Make Paid Media Work for You (Without Wasting Money)

Now that we know where you can advertise, let’s talk about how to make sure your paid media efforts actually bring results. Spending money on ads without a strategy is like throwing cash into the wind—fun for a second, but ultimately useless.

Here’s how to maximize your ad spend and avoid common pitfalls:

Start with a Clear Goal

Before you even think about running an ad, ask yourself:

Do I want more followers? → Focus on brand awareness ads (video views, reach).

Do I want people to buy tickets? → Run conversion ads (event page clicks, sales).

Do I want people to watch my clips? → Optimize for engagement & shares.

Why It Matters: If you don’t define a goal, your ad won’t know what success looks like... AND NEITHER WILL YOU!!!!!!!

Target the Right People

You wouldn’t perform at a corporate gig for lawyers with the same jokes you use in a bar at midnight, right? Same logic applies to ads.

Geo-Targeting: Only advertise to people in your city (if promoting a local show).

Interest-Based Targeting: Target people who already follow comedians like you.

Retargeting: Show ads to people who already visited your page but didn’t buy tickets.

Why It Matters: If you target random people, you’ll burn through your budget with zero conversions.

Use Killer Creative (Hook Them FAST)

No one owes you their attention. Make sure your ad grabs them instantly.

For Video Ads:

Start with a STRONG HOOK (e.g., “This is the joke that got me banned from my mom’s house.”)

Use captions (most people scroll with the sound OFF).

Keep it short & punchy (15-30 seconds MAX).

For Image Ads:

Use a high-quality, eye-catching photo (you looking confident onstage > blurry screenshot).

Add a clear CTA (“Get tickets now!” “Follow for more stand-up clips!”).

Why It Matters: A boring ad = people scrolling past. You have 1-2 seconds AT MOOOOSTTT to stop them.

Test, Test, and Test Again

Ads are not a set-it-and-forget-it thing.

Always test different versions to see what works best:

Try different copy (“Get tickets now” vs. “Come see me bomb in real life”).

Experiment with different creatives (video clips vs. still images).

Adjust audience targeting (are your ads reaching the right people?).

Why It Matters: What works for one comedian might not work for you. Testing helps you find that #sweetspot!!!!

Optimize & Scale What Works

Once you find an ad that works, put more money behind it. But don’t throw cash at ads that aren’t converting.

If an ad is doing well? → Increase the budget.

If an ad is flopping? → Adjust or kill it.

Why It Matters: If you’re not getting results, don’t assume paid media “doesn’t work.” It just needs tweaks!!!!!

ALL OF THAT IS TO SAY that paid media can fast-track your growth.... if you do it right!! Set clear goals, target the right people, test everything, and only scale what works!!!!!

IV. Paid Media Strategies for Comedians & Creatives: How to Make It Work for You

Now that we know how to optimize paid ads, let’s talk about real-world strategies for comedians, content creators, and independent artists. If you’ve ever thought, "I should probably run an ad, but I have no idea where to start," this section is for you.

When to Use Paid Media (And When to Skip It)

Paid media isn’t always necessary, but here’s when it makes sense:

>> YES, Run an Ad If...

You’re promoting a ticketed event and need to drive last-minute sales.

You just posted a viral-worthy clip and want to boost it for more reach.

You’re launching a special project (a YouTube series, a Patreon, an album).

>> NO, Don’t Waste Money If...

You’re just starting out and don’t have a clear audience yet (focus on organic first).

Your social media is a ghost town—ads won’t fix bad content.

You haven’t optimized your website or ticket page (no point in paying for clicks if the page sucks).

Why It Matters: Ads work best when they’re pushing something people ACTUALLY want!!!!

Best Paid Media Platforms for Comedians & Creators

Not all ads are created equal. Different platforms serve different goals:

Instagram & TikTok Ads → Best for Getting Discovered

Use them for: Boosting stand-up clips, reels, podcast clips, or brand awareness.

Target: People who follow similar comedians (Matt Rife, Taylor Tomlinson, etc.).

Budget: Even $5/day can boost reach significantly.

Facebook & Eventbrite Ads → Best for Selling Show Tickets

Use them for: Promoting a live event (but ONLY if your page is active).

Target: Local audiences interested in comedy, nightlife, stand-up shows.

Budget: $50-100 per campaign for local events can drive solid conversions.

YouTube Pre-Roll Ads → Best for Promoting a Special

Use them for: Promoting a YouTube comedy special, podcast, or series.

Target: People already watching comedy specials similar to yours.

Budget: Higher cost per view, but good for long-form engagement.

Why It Matters: Each platform has strengths and weaknesses. You gotta assess what's right for you and pick the right one for your goal.

How to Create an Ad That Doesn’t Suck

Comedians fail at ads when they:

Use boring footage.

Have no clear CTA (call to action).

Throw money at ads without testing.

Instead, Follow These Rules:

Start with a STRONG hook → “This joke got me kicked out of a bar…”

Make it visually engaging → Bright colors, captions, and tight framing.

Keep it short → 15-30 sec is ideal (shorter on TikTok).

Have a CTA → “Follow for more,” “Grab your tickets now,” “Subscribe here.”

Why It Matters: Bad ads feel like ads. Good ads feel like content.

Retargeting: Your Secret Weapon

Ever look at a product once and suddenly see it everywhere? That’s retargeting.

If someone watched your clip but didn’t follow you → Show them another.

If someone visited your ticket page but didn’t buy → Remind them!

If someone liked your post but didn’t engage further → Hit them again.

Why It Matters: People need to see something multiple times before they take action.

Scaling Up: When to Spend More

Once an ad is working, increase the budget gradually:

Started with $5/day? → Try $10/day and monitor results.

Selling out a small venue? → Use similar targeting to expand to bigger shows.

Viral joke popping off? → Turn it into an ad campaign for growth.

Why It Matters: The best-performing ads deserve more money. If something’s working, double down.

Paid Media is a Tool!!!!!!!!!! It Is NOT a Magic Fix!!!!!!!!!!

Paid ads won’t make you funny or fix a bad set. But when used correctly, they can:

Sell more tickets

Boost your best content

Get your name in front of the right people

TL;DR: On Paid Media for Comedians

Alright, we’ve covered a lot in this post! Paid media is one of the fastest ways to get in front of new audiences, whether you’re selling tickets, growing your social media, or trying to get booked on bigger shows. We broke down search ads, display ads, social media ads, and even digital streaming ads, and we talked about how comedians can apply paid media without feeling like a sellout.

The key takeaway? Paid media is NOT just for big brands. If you’re strategic, even a small budget can help you find new fans, build credibility, and turn casual viewers into paying audience members. But not all paid media is equal, and you should always align your ad spend with your comedy goals—whether that’s growing your following, selling out a show, or getting on industry radars.

And of course, paid media isn’t everything. It works best when combined with owned and earned media, which we’ll continue to explore in this module. But before we move on, there’s one big question left to answer:

How do YOU know if your paid ads are actually working????

I'll see you in the next one. Tchau, tchau <333

#ComedyMarketing #PaidMedia #ComediansOfInstagram #StandUpComedy #HowToGetBooked #BuildYourAudience #ComedyBusiness #MarketingForCreatives #SocialMediaAds #ComedyTips #ComedianLife #SelfPromo #CreatorMarketing #MakeMoneyWithComedy #ComediansOnTikTok #ComediansOfThreads

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laurafaritos · 1 month ago

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HDMS008. From Clicks to Comedy Clubs: What Harvard’s Digital Marketing Course Taught Me About Selling an Experience

So, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m taking a Harvard Business School Digital Marketing Strategy course, and I’m documenting everything I learn—from a comedian’s perspective.

So far, I’ve written about: 📌 Why I signed up for Harvard as a comedian 📌 What Harvard taught me about the rise of DTC brands 📌 Are DTC brands a fad or the future of marketing? 📌 How DTC brands master customer insights 📌 What research & development looks like in the digital era 📌 Outsourcing vs. DIY: What Harvard taught me about scaling creativity 📌 Comedy, Clicks & Customer Acquisition: Breaking down DTC marketing

But now, let’s talk about distribution.

Most DTC brands start online—but if digital marketing is so powerful, why do so many of them eventually open retail stores or partner with Walmart, Target, and Nordstrom?

The answer? Even the best online brands need a physical presence to scale.

And the same applies to creatives. Just like brands use retail expansion to grow, comedians, podcasters, and artists need live events, real-world partnerships, and in-person experiences to take their careers to the next level.

📲 Keep reading to learn what Harvard taught me about DTC distribution—and why live shows are the comedy world’s version of retail expansion. And don't forget to follow me for more!!!

I. Traditional vs. DTC Distribution Models

For decades, the playbook for launching a successful brand looked something like this:

Develop a product.

Pitch it to major retailers.

Fight for shelf space in stores like Walmart, Target, and department chains.

Spend millions on advertising to convince consumers your product is the best.

This retail-first model made it nearly impossible for new brands to compete. Legacy giants like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Gillette dominated every industry because they had exclusive deals with retailers and enough money to outspend anyone on advertising.

If you weren’t on store shelves, you practically didn’t exist.

But then, DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands changed everything.

Instead of playing by the old rules, they took a shortcut.

💡 Rather than begging for shelf space in stores, they sold directly to customers online.

This shift allowed brands like Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Casper to bypass traditional retail and own the entire customer relationship—from marketing to distribution to after-sales support.

Suddenly, a startup didn’t need millions to get a product in front of people. A single viral video, a well-placed Instagram ad, or a killer TikTok campaign could launch a brand overnight.

🔥 Traditional Model (Legacy Brands):

Sell through big retailers (Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc.).

Invest heavily in TV, print, and billboard ads to build mass awareness.

Rely on third-party retailers to reach customers.

Face high barriers to entry (expensive, slow, competitive).

🚀 DTC Model (Modern Brands):

Sell directly to consumers online (Shopify, Amazon, Instagram, etc.).

Use digital ads and influencer marketing instead of mass media.

Own customer data and brand experience.

Lower startup costs, faster to launch, easier to scale.

🎭 And guess what? Comedians and creatives follow the same pattern.

For decades, the “traditional model” for success in comedy looked like this:

Get booked at major clubs.

Perform at festivals.

Wait for a TV appearance or late-night show to “make it.”

Hope someone gives you a special, sitcom, or major deal.

But in today’s digital era?

Comedians can build their own careers without waiting for industry gatekeepers.

🎤 Traditional Path for Comedians (Legacy Model):

Rely on comedy clubs, bookers, and TV to get exposure.

Network endlessly to get industry validation.

Compete for limited stage time in crowded markets.

Gatekeepers decide who gets opportunities.

📲 DTC Model for Comedians (Modern Approach):

Use TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach an audience directly.

Sell tickets to independent shows instead of waiting for club bookings.

Monetize through Patreon, podcasts, and digital content.

Build a career on your own terms.

💡 The takeaway? Whether you’re selling razors or selling jokes, the biggest brands (and comedians) are the ones who realize:

🚀 You don’t need permission to reach an audience anymore. You just need to find the right distribution strategy.

II. Traditional vs. DTC Distribution: How the Game Has Changed

For decades, getting a product to consumers meant one thing: retail shelves.

If a brand wanted to sell toothpaste, razors, or sneakers, they needed a spot at Walmart, Target, or a department store. But shelf space was limited, competitive, and controlled by gatekeepers.

That’s why traditional brands like Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and Nike spent millions on advertising—the only way to secure their spot in stores was to prove they could sell.

But then, everything changed.

💡 DTC brands came in and rewrote the rules.

Instead of begging for retail space, they built their own online stores.

Instead of needing a massive ad budget, they ran Instagram, Facebook, and Google ads for a fraction of the cost.

Instead of competing for shelf space, they met customers directly in their social feeds, emails, and search results.

This is why we now see brands like Warby Parker, Glossier, and Dollar Shave Club thriving. They bypassed traditional distribution systems and reached customers on their own terms.

And now? Even traditional brands are adapting.

Nike pulled out of some retail stores to focus on direct-to-consumer sales.

Harry’s started as a DTC razor brand but now sells in Target.

Bonobos opened "Guide Shops," blending online and offline experiences.

It’s no longer about online vs. offline. The new standard is omni-channel: balancing DTC sales with strategic retail partnerships for long-term growth.

And that got me thinking—how does this apply to comedy???

III. Why DTC Brands Expand Into Physical Retail (And What That Means for Comedy)

At first, DTC brands built their entire identity around being online-only. No retail partnerships, no physical stores—just direct access to customers through digital platforms.

But over time, something became clear: e-commerce alone wasn’t enough.

Even the most successful DTC brands started opening retail stores, partnering with big-box retailers, and experimenting with offline experiences.

Why Would a DTC Brand Expand Into Physical Retail?

1️⃣ Building Trust – No matter how strong your online presence is, a physical store makes a brand feel real. Customers like seeing, touching, and trying products before they commit.

2️⃣ Reaching New Audiences – Not everyone shops online. Expanding into stores means tapping into customers who might never have discovered the brand otherwise.

3️⃣ Reducing Ad Costs – Digital marketing is getting more expensive. A store acts as its own form of advertising—every person who walks in is a potential sale without the high cost-per-click of Facebook or Google ads.

4️⃣ Improving Customer Experience – In-store interactions provide real-time feedback and strengthen the emotional connection between brand and consumer.

5️⃣ Leveraging the Power of Retail Giants – Getting a product on Target or Walmart shelves means instant credibility. These retailers handle logistics, distribution, and foot traffic—making it easier for a DTC brand to scale.

Now, let’s bring this back to comedy and entertainment.

Just like DTC brands started online before expanding to physical spaces, many comedians start by building an audience on social media.

TikTok clips.

Instagram reels.

Twitter jokes.

But at a certain point, you have to take it offline.

Live shows build credibility.

Venue partnerships increase reach.

In-person experiences create stronger fan loyalty.

No comedian makes a career purely from social media. The biggest names—whether it’s John Mulaney, Ali Wong, or Hasan Minhaj—built their digital audiences and then used that to fill theaters, sell out tours, and get Netflix specials.

DTC brands are doing the same thing.

They start online, but they expand strategically into physical spaces.

So if you’re a comedian only focusing on digital content, ask yourself:

👉 Where’s your “retail store” moment? 👉 How are you turning online fans into paying ticket buyers? 👉 What’s your version of “retail distribution” for long-term success?

Because if brands like Warby Parker and Glossier need an offline presence to scale… comedians do too.

IV. How I’m Applying This to Comedy (And How You Can Too)

DTC brands and comedians have more in common than you’d think.

At the core of both industries is the need to build an audience.

DTC brands do it through:

Social media marketing

Paid ads

Community-driven content

Comedians do it through:

Clips on TikTok & Instagram

Podcast guest appearances

Live show promotions

But just like DTC brands realized they needed physical stores to scale, comedians need in-person experiences to turn passive fans into engaged ticket buyers.

Here’s how I’ve started thinking about my own comedy business through this lens:

1️⃣ Digital First, But Not Digital Only

I’ve built an audience online through:

Threads posts that spark conversations

Clips from past shows that showcase my humor

Blogging about my creative journey (like this series!)

But if all my content lived online, I’d never sell out a show.

That’s why I treat my monthly live shows as my version of DTC brands expanding into physical retail.

They’re where I:

Strengthen relationships with my audience.

Convert passive followers into paying supporters.

Prove that my comedy is worth experiencing in real life.

2️⃣ Venues & Partnerships Are Comedy’s Version of Retail Expansion

DTC brands partner with retailers like Nordstrom and Walmart to reach more people.

Comedians can do the same with:

Comedy clubs – Building relationships with venue owners who book recurring shows.

Cultural spaces – Hosting comedy nights in bookstores, art galleries, and unconventional venues.

Brand partnerships – Getting sponsorships or collaborations that help promote shows to wider audiences.

Right now, my Haunted Comedians, Failed by Sex Ed, and Foreigner Diaries series are part of my retail expansion strategy.

Instead of waiting for social media algorithms to boost my content, I’m actively putting my name out in Toronto’s comedy scene through real-world experiences.

3️⃣ Stand-Up Is Just One Product in a Comedian’s “Inventory”

When Warby Parker started, they didn’t only sell glasses. They created:

Try-at-home kits.

Retail showrooms.

Virtual fitting tools.

They expanded beyond their core product.

As a comedian, my “core product” is stand-up, but that’s not the only thing I’m offering.

My podcast expands my reach.

My blog builds long-term audience relationships.

My email list lets me market directly to supporters.

The key to success isn’t just performing—it’s owning the entire audience experience.

👉 If a DTC brand relies only on e-commerce, they hit a ceiling. 👉 If a comedian relies only on live stand-up, they hit a ceiling.

The best strategy is multi-channel.

I don’t just want people to see one show—I want them to keep coming back.

And if DTC brands can teach us anything, it’s that long-term success isn’t just about the first purchase—it’s about retention.

V. How I’m Making This Work with AuDHD

Navigating this course, running my comedy business, and keeping my brain from combusting all at once? A challenge.

But if there’s anything my AuDHD brain has taught me, it’s that structure and adaptability can coexist.

DTC brands succeed because they stay flexible while still following a strategic framework. That’s the exact approach I need to take to stay on top of everything without spiraling into chaos.

Here’s how I’m making this work for me:

1️⃣ Breaking It Down Into “Micro-Tasks”

A six-week Harvard course is a LOT—especially when one module alone takes me 35 hours instead of the estimated 10.

But instead of getting overwhelmed by the sheer weight of it all, I treat every lesson like a standalone goal.

I don’t think, “I need to finish this entire module today.”

I think, “I just need to take notes on this one section.”

Then, “I just need to write the first paragraph of my blog post.”

Every post in this series? It’s just a micro-task that eventually builds up into a full body of work.

If I tried to tackle the whole thing at once, I’d short-circuit. Instead, I’m treating this like comedy writing. One joke at a time. One lesson at a time.

2️⃣ Externalizing Everything (Because Short-Term Memory? Nonexistent.)

DTC brands don’t rely on gut instinct alone—they track real-time data.

I do the same, except my “data tracking” is… writing down every thought I have before I forget it forever.

Google Docs for course notes (so I don’t waste time rereading the same thing 12 times).

Trello for content tracking (so I don’t accidentally repeat myself).

Todoist for daily tasks (because “I’ll remember to do that” is the biggest lie I tell myself).

If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.

3️⃣ Using My Hyperfocus (But Not Burning Out)

The blessing and curse of AuDHD: When something clicks, I can deep-dive into it for 12 straight hours without blinking.

But I also know that when I crash, I CRASH.

So I’m harnessing my hyperfocus strategically:

Structured work sprints: 90-minute work blocks, then a forced break (even if my brain says, “KEEP GOING OR DIE”).

Different work modes: Some days, I’m in a “writing” mood. Other days, I can’t write a sentence but I can edit video for hours. Instead of forcing myself into a rigid structure, I rotate tasks based on what my brain is cooperating with that day.

Self-imposed deadlines: Even if no one is grading me, I set hard deadlines for finishing each module so I don’t endlessly tinker with every sentence.

4️⃣ Giving Myself Permission to Work Differently

DTC brands challenge traditional marketing norms—so why shouldn’t I challenge traditional productivity norms?

If I need to pace around my apartment while brainstorming, that’s valid.

If I process information better through talking than reading, I’ll record voice notes.

If my best ideas come at 2 AM, I’ll write them down and nap later.

Instead of forcing myself into neurotypical study methods, I’m leaning into what actually works for my brain.

And that? That’s how I’m making this Harvard course work for me, not against me.

If you told me a year ago that I’d be sitting here, deep-diving into a Harvard Business School course, I’d have laughed.

If you told me I’d be breaking down digital marketing strategies while juggling comedy shows, content creation, and an AuDHD brain, I’d have assumed you were talking about someone else.

But here we are.

This course has already reshaped how I think about marketing, branding, and distribution—but more than that, it’s reshaping how I think about myself.

I’ve always been creative. Now I’m learning to be strategic.

I’ve always had ideas. Now I’m learning how to scale them.

I’ve always worked hard. Now I’m learning how to work smart.

And the biggest shift? Realizing I don’t have to do everything alone.

Just like DTC brands partner with suppliers, logistics services, and retail stores to grow their business, I’ve realized that outsourcing, collaborating, and streamlining are the only way to build something sustainable.

I’m still figuring out what this means for me as a comedian, producer, and creator. But what I do know is:

✅ I’m capable of adapting. ✅ I’m capable of learning. ✅ I’m capable of taking up space in rooms I never thought I’d be in.

And if you’ve ever felt like business and marketing weren’t “for people like us”—I hope you’re starting to realize that’s a lie.

We deserve to understand this stuff. We deserve to thrive in our creative careers. We deserve to build something bigger than ourselves.

And that? That’s what I’m doing.

📝 So Far in This Blog Series…

🔗 HDMS #001 - I Can’t Believe I’m Taking a Harvard Course—But Here’s Why I’m Doing It as a Comedian 🔗 HDMS #002 - Everything Harvard Taught Me About DTC Brands & What I Wish I Knew Earlier 🔗 HDMS #003 - DTC Brands: A Fad or the Future? Harvard’s Take & What It Means for Creators 🔗 HDMS #004 - Customer Insight: How Harvard Taught Me to Actually Understand My Audience 🔗 HDMS #005 - R&D & Product Design: What Harvard’s Digital Marketing Course Taught Me About Creating Things People Actually Want 🔗 HDMS #006 - Outsourcing vs. DIY: What Harvard’s Digital Marketing Course Taught Me About Scaling Creativity 🔗 HDMS #007 - Comedy, Clicks & Customer Acquisition: Harvard’s Digital Marketing Breakdown 🔗 HDMS #008 - DTC Distribution & Why Getting Off the Internet Might Be the Smartest Thing a Creator Can Do

🎟️ Want to Support a Creative in the Wild?

I’m not just studying marketing—I’m applying it in real time with my comedy shows.

🎭 Come to one of my live shows!

Haunted Comedians - Tickets

Failed by Sex Ed - Tickets

Foreigner Diaries - Tickets

💌 Not in Toronto? Follow along for more insights on building a creative career.

📌 Instagram & Threads - @laurafaritos 📌 YouTube - Laura Faritos

Tchau, tchau!!!