Growth Strategies

Expanding to international markets & strategic partnerships for scaling

Useful Resources

Founded Outdoors community workshop:

Articles & Blog Posts:

Videos & Podcasts:

Books:

Recommended Tools

Growth requires the right tools. Here are some useful ones recommended by the community:

CRM & Customer Engagement

  • HubSpot – A powerful CRM for managing leads, automating outreach, and tracking customer interactions.
  • ActiveCampaign – Great for email marketing and automation to nurture leads effectively.
  • Intercom – A customer messaging platform for engagement and support.

Analytics & Market Research

  • Hotjar – Helps understand customer behavior with heatmaps and session recordings.
  • SEMrush – A competitive research tool for SEO, PPC, and content marketing.

E-commerce & Sales Tools

  • Shopify – A go-to platform for outdoor product businesses.
  • Wix eCommerce – A user-friendly alternative for quick store setup.
  • ConvertKit – An email marketing platform tailored for creators and small businesses.

Founded Outdoors Community Tips & Insights

  • Leverage Partnerships & Collaborations – Partnering with complementary brands can expand reach, reduce marketing costs, and create new growth opportunities.
  • Community Engagement is Key – Actively engaging with your audience fosters loyalty and word-of-mouth growth. Authentic storytelling and user-generated content work wonders.
  • Referral & Affiliate Incentives Drive Growth – Well-structured referral programs and affiliate partnerships are cost-effective ways to acquire new customers.
  • Focus on Retention Over Constant Acquisition – Retaining an existing customer is cheaper than acquiring a new one. Personalization, loyalty programs, and exceptional customer support can increase lifetime value.
  • Automate Where Possible – CRM automation, email sequences, and chatbots help streamline communication, nurture leads, and improve conversion rates.
  • Use Data-Driven Decision Making – A/B testing, analytics insights, and tracking KPIs ensure that growth strategies are based on evidence, not assumptions.
  • Optimize for SEO & Organic Growth – Content marketing, strong SEO strategies, and consistent blogging can drive long-term traffic without high ad spend.
  • Test Before Scaling – Before launching a major product or campaign, validate interest through small-scale tests, pilot launches, or beta programs.
  • Omnichannel Presence Matters – Being visible across multiple channels (social media, email, online marketplaces, and physical events) creates multiple touchpoints for customers.
  • Sustainable Growth is About Brand Trust – Building a reputable, mission-driven brand with transparency and customer-centric values leads to long-term success.

Vendors

Trusted vendors and service providers recommended by the community:

  • Manufacturing & Production:
    • Printful – Print-on-demand and fulfillment services for small businesses.
    • Fairware – Ethical and sustainable merchandise production.
    • Maker’s Row – A marketplace for U.S.-based manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Packaging & Fulfillment:
    • ShipBob – Order fulfillment and inventory management for e-commerce brands.
    • EcoEnclose – Sustainable packaging solutions.
    • Packlane – Custom packaging solutions for startups and growing brands.
  • Marketing & Advertising:
    • Klaviyo – Email marketing and automation for e-commerce brands.
    • AdRoll – AI-powered advertising and retargeting platform.
    • Canva Pro – Design tools for creating social media graphics, ads, and branding materials.