Richard Johnson

I've been leading Growth and Marketing teams at early-stage startups and scale ups up to £6M+ ARR, as they start and scale their marketing processes from 0-1 (and then from 1-2 and 2-3, until we've got data-driven and repeatable growth loops). Last year, I rolled a start up of my own (human-led, ethical data for AI) out from my role as Head of Data Strategy and Marketing at droppGroup - having spent time running AI & GenAI projects for huge multi-nationals. So far, we've raised $5M and joined NVIDIA's Inception Program. I've worked with SaaS companies ranging from a connected car services & payment platforms, to data access management and analytics software, a super-fast big data analytics platform and database, and a market research & polling company. If you're early-stage SaaS, new founder, or just want to talk about how to make the most of limited resources to maximise ROI, or if you're making that next step and need to talk about hiring your first marketing team - I'm happy to help and talk it over!

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  Go to market strategy

  I launched multiple startups from stealth, in addition to running multiple product launches - managing partners such as SAP, AT&T and Nike. This included putting marketing and acquisition efforts in play to reach the target customers within the budget available.

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  Growth marketing

  I've set up cross-functional growth teams and processes in multiple startups. I have experience across PLG and sales-led motions, building and running experiments across a plethora of technologies and platforms. Increased acquisition & increased conversion often wins the day!

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  Operations

  Ran large scale AI & GenAI projects for multi-nationals across the globe. Founded and run all Operations for D-GN (co-founded by myself, raised $5M), including gaining access to NVIDIA's Inception Program.

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  PPC strategies

  PPC is highly positive since you get feedback in the form of actionable data. Primary experience across Google, FB/IG as well as Bing, Reddit, and other technical community sites (i.e. Kaggle, Stackoverflow).

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  Product marketing

  I've helped companies through product marketing at early and developed stages, speaking to customers and ensuring product-problem fit to running complex GTMs. This involves making sure your product fits the problem, and people understand that message when they read it - getting to the 'wow' moment faster.

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  SEO

  Search Engine Optimisation has regularly been a critical and highly effective method for my businesses and clients. You now need to take a well-considered and thought through approach to benefit from Google's thousands of ranking factors. The implementation of AI has only increased this requirement. I've been hands-on with in-house SEO, set up and run SEO teams, managed agencies and more across multiple B2B brands.

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  Webflow

  6 years of experience

  I've built and managed a number of websites in webflow - for businesses, contracts and personal use. Included a blog that generated 1000s of views a week - with a high expectation for precise design, flexibility and multi-device optimisation.

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  Google Ads

  11 years of experience

  Set up and managed Google Ads targeted for multiple global locales at a number of different businesses. Have also led external agencies working on Google strategies and using them for execution.

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  Google Analytics

  11 years of experience

  Setting up and optimising GA (especially GA4 in recent months) for a lot of confused start ups who now can't find their usual goals and data (...thanks Google).

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  Google Analytics Experiments

  11 years of experience

  Quickly started using Google Optimize to test as much as possible. I have set up complex experiments to see how we can change and improve, including using our engineers and wider team members.

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  Google Data Studio

  11 years of experience

  A Google Data Studio power user, I've set up reports across almost every start up I've worked at. I have set up many custom reports and dashboards, for multiple different sources and stages - as well as overarching, easy-to-understand reports. I've also connected to BigQuery, and built exported spreadsheets for cohort analysis.

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  Google Tag Manager

  11 years of experience

  I'm a Google Tag Manager power user, having used it at every start up I've joined. I've set up most tags myself, then worked with developers for any advanced needs. This includes checking existing tags and switching companies over from basic analytics.

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  Hubspot

  12 years of experience

  Have had multiple years setting up automation workflows, lead scoring, marketing analytics and sales processes on HubSpot. This has included setting it up from scratch or moving companies from basic users to masters - tracking marketing attribution through the funnel.

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  LinkedIn

  11 years of experience

  Running complex ads across multiple platforms, including LinkedIn, to benefit the overarching paid strategy. Includes many different ad formats and styles

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  Semrush

  11 years of experience

  Using Semrush for analysis of SEO profiles, as well as keyword research, competitive gap analysis, rank tracking, performance tracking and backlink building opportunities. Applying this to augment content strategies and increase competitiveness.

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  Zapier

  7 years of experience

  Multiple years using Zapier to automate processes, tasks and more. Have set up complex systems across auto-replies, lead scoring, marketing process automation and notifications.

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  B2B

  Richard has built and led marketing teams in SaaS startups across multiple industries, including data access management, connected cars, regulation tech, accelerated analytics and market research.

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  SaaS

  Richard has built and led marketing teams in SaaS startups across multiple industries, including data access management, connected cars, regulation tech, accelerated analytics and market research.