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How BuzzFeed and ClickUp Used Creative Strategies to Become Category Leaders

In this session, Saad Arshed, COO at Xgrid, and Melissa Rosenthal, ex-CMO at ClickUp, share their expert insights on what it really takes to build a billion-dollar B2B brand. Drawing from their experience with BuzzFeed and ClickUp, they reveal key strategies that can help any brand scale up and stand out.
Key Takeaways

  • Brand Perception = Emotional Connection
    ClickUp’s growth story is proof—building an emotional connection with your customers is essential for long-term loyalty. It’s not just about the product; it’s about how they feel.
  • Hire the Right Creative Team
    A creative team that understands both creativity and B2B frameworks is gold. They’ll help you nail your ICP and communicate your value effectively.
  • Differentiate or Die
    In today’s crowded market, differentiation is everything. Whether it’s a unique feature or marketing messaging, your brand needs to stand out.
  • The Social Media Shift
    BuzzFeed’s move to Cheddar taught us an important lesson: social media platforms change, and you need new strategies for content distribution. Adapt fast or risk getting left behind.
  • Live Video > Everything Else
    Want to stand out in a saturated digital world? Live video is a game-changer. It’s personal, engaging, and it works wonders in building a connection with your audience.
  • Tap into Sub-Communities
    To truly resonate with your audience, dive deep into niche communities. Understand their needs, listen to their problems, and create content that speaks directly to them.
  • Hiring & Scaling—Think Outside the Box
    Building a world-class creative team isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about unconventional methods for hiring and scaling that push your brand’s creative limits.
  • Product & Creative Teams MUST Sync
    The best brands coordinate product marketing and creative teams seamlessly. It ensures consistent messaging that aligns with your goals, pushing your brand forward.
  • Test, Test, Test!
    Campaign testing is crucial—but don’t just test anything. Know how long to test and which channels are best to get real results.

Watch the full talk for deeper insights from the experts on building a billion-dollar brand. Trust me, it’s worth it!