#193 How to Drive Organic Growth With Referrals and Word-of-Mouth

Paid ads are expensive and crowded.

The brands that stand out today know how to blend organic marketing, referrals, and authentic word-of-mouth… online and offline.

In this episode, Neil Twa sits down with Ashley Stanford, digital strategist and co-founder of Ice Cream Social, to unpack how entrepreneurs can lower acquisition costs, create authentic content, and turn every customer into an influencer. Ashley also shares her own journey of building a flexible business while raising kids, and why “freedom” has always been her core driver.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ How to combine paid media with organic growth channels
✅ The role of authentic UGC and influencer partnerships
✅ Offline referrals and why every customer can be an influencer
✅ How Ice Cream Social helps brands activate word-of-mouth online
✅ Ashley’s journey to balancing business, family, and freedom

📍 Chapters
[00:01:26] Why Strategy Matters More Than Shiny New Tactics
[00:02:30] Paid Media, Email, SMS, and Word-of-Mouth Working Together
[00:04:14] The Rise of Authentic UGC and Influencer Content
[00:06:27] Managing Brand Guidelines and Legal Risks With Creators
[00:08:51] Defining Your Message and Building a Customer Persona
[00:11:02] Entrepreneurship, Family, and Building a Life of Freedom

🚀 Learn more about Ice Cream Social at icecreamsocial.io

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🐦 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/voltagefba
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbabusinessbuilders

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