BIG DEAL Company not a traditional agency or one-lane event planner. We are a relationship-forward, joy-fueled collective that pairs serious operational rigor with creative, community-rooted marketing + experiences.

The BIG DEAL Difference

1) “Partnership-first” fractional support
Big Deal is embedded with clients as a strategic partner. We offer fractional marketing and communication services, event planning and nonprofit support. We learn your business and act as an extension of you.
Why this matters: Other agencies hand off deliverables and disappear.

2) A “connected collective” model
BIG DEAL is a connected collective of experts with broad experience, rather than a single specialist. Our team holds countless degrees and certifications in marketing, advertising, communication, event planning and non-profit leadership.
Why this matters: You get flexibility, the right expertise at the right time and a powerhouse team behind you.

3) Joy + Fun – and we mean it
“Bringing JOY to the job” and “making business personal” aren’t empty taglines for us. They are descriptions of how we do business. We are real, talented people who live our mission.
Why this matters: Many firms claim “creative.” Fewer operationalize a distinctive emotional brand that makes content and events feel memorable, personal and human.

4) Operational excellence
We provide execution details that real planners care about: timelines, permits, power needs, vendor alignment, packing lists and the reality of producing events that run “like clockwork.” We leverage our 20 years in business and average of 100 events a year to deliver for our clients.
Why this matters: Experience makes a difference. And as you might see through our “Adventures in Event Planning” series, we’ve seen it all.

5) Colorado credibility + community connector status
Our team is locally embedded. Our team offers venue guides, regional resources, vendor relationships and community-driven impact, plus connections to reputable organizations and leaders. We take “I know a guy” to a whole new level, and clients rely on us for recommendations and introductions to help them propel forward.
Why this matters: This is a service that cannot be bought. It comes with contracting BIG DEAL.

6) Genuine marketing leadership in an AI era(SEO + AEO + GEO and AI-era visibility)
A clear differentiator found in BIG DEAL is thought leadership on current digital visibility: a three-tier strategy spanning search engine optimization (SEO), answer engine optimization (AEO) and local geographical (GEO) tactics – all AI tools and how content gets surfaced as answers. We deliver far more than ChatGPT ever could, but we also know how to sort through the alphabet soup to leverage autonomous services that can work for you.
Why this matters: BIG DEAL is strategically future facing, not “posting and hoping.”

7) Recognition
It’s not lip service - our awards and recognition speak for themselves. You can see it through our Google reviews, our Pinterest followers, our email click rates and our references. We are consistently recognized for how we do business and the impact we are making for those we serve.
Why this matters: Our clients see results!

BIG DEAL Company is a connected collective of marketing + event experts who embed as true partners, bringing equal parts joy and operational precision, to deliver results, help organizations grow, connect with communities and create experiences that actually move the needle.
Be a part of the BIG DEAL Company difference.

Every customer, client, or donor interaction tells a story.
 
A person might first discover your organization through a Google search, a social media post, a referral, or a blog article. From there, they may visit your website, read about your services or mission, sign up for emails, compare options, make a purchase, donate, or return later. That path is the customer journey.
 
For small businesses and nonprofits, understanding that journey is not optional. It is one of the clearest ways to create more meaningful experiences, build trust faster, and turn on-time interactions into long-term relationships.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we believe the strongest marketing does more than generate clicks. It guides real people through real decisions with clarity, empathy, and consistency. When that happens, businesses grow, nonprofits deepen support, and brands become easier to trust.

What Is a Customer Journey?
A customer journey is the full path a person takes with your brand, from first awareness to deeper engagement, conversion, loyalty, and advocacy.
 
For a small business, that might look like this:

• They discover your business online
• They read your blog or explore your services
• They decide to contact you or make a purchase
• They evaluate the experience after the sale
• They return, recommend you, or leave a review

 
For a nonprofit, the path is similar, but the action may be different:

• They hear about your mission
• They read your story and impact
• They subscribe, attend, volunteer, or donate
• They receive updates and see outcomes
• They continue supporting and champion y our cause

 
The journey is not just about the final transaction. It includes every touchpoint that shapes how a person feels about your brand.

Why Customer Journeys Matter So Much
Small businesses and nonprofits do not usually have unlimited time, teams, or ad budgets. That means EVERY interaction matters more.
 
A clear customer journey helps you:
1.    Build trust earlier
People rarely take action the first time they encounter a brand. They need clarity, reassurance, and proof that you understand their needs or values.
2.    Reduce friction
If your website is confusing, your messaging is inconsistent, or your next steps are unclear, people drop off. A mapped journey helps you spot those breakdowns.
3.    Improve conversions
When each stage of the journey has the right message, content, and call to action, more people move forward.
4.    Strengthen loyalty
A great journey does not end after a purchase or donation. The post-conversion experience often determines whether someone returns, gives again, or recommends your brand.
5.    Create stronger advocacy
The best customer and donor experiences turn supporters into storytellers. They become the people who share your name, refer others, and expand your impact.
​
The Core Stages of the Customer Journey
While every organization is different, most customer and donor journeys follow a few key stages.

1.    Awareness
This is the first impression stage. A person becomes aware of your business, nonprofit, service, or mission.
They may be asking:

• Who are you?
• What do you do?
• Why should I care?
• Can I trust you?

 
At this stage, your website, messaging, search presence, social media, and content all matter. This is where blogs are especially powerful!

2.    Considerations
Now the person is interested, but not ready to act yet. They are comparing options, gathering information, and deciding whether your brand feels like the right fit.
 
They may be asking:

• Do you understand my problem?
• Are your services or mission relevant to me?
• What makes you different?
• What happens next?

              
This is where thoughtful content, testimonials, case studies, clear service pages, and well-structured landing pages make a major difference.

3.    Conversion
This is the action stage.
 
For a small business, that may mean making a purchase, booking a consultation, or requesting a quote.
For a nonprofit, it could mean donating, volunteering, signing up, or attending an event.
 
A strong conversion experience is simple, clear, and reassuring. It removes confusion and gives people confidence to take the next step.

4.    Retention
Once someone has acted, the relationship is still being formed.
 
This is where follow-up emails, onboarding, thank-you messages, service quality, donor acknowledgement, and ongoing communication come into play. A smooth, thoughtful retention stage increases repeat action and long-term value.

5.    Advocacy
This is where a customer or donor becomes something even more powerful: a supporter who actively shares your brand.
 
They leave reviews, recommend your business, share your mission with others, and become part of your growth story.
 
Advocacy is rarely created by marketing alone. It is created by experience.

​What Makes a Great Customer or Donor Experience?
A great experience is not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It is intentional, consistent, and human.
 
Here is what it usually includes:
Clarity
People should quickly understand who you are, what you offer, and what to do next.
Consistency
Your website, emails, blog content, social channels, and team interactions should feel like they come from the same brand.
Empathy
Your content and messaging should reflect what your audience is feeling, needing, and trying to solve.
Ease
​The path forward should feel simple. Easy navigation, clean calls to action, clear donation pages, and accessible information all matter.
Responsiveness
When people reach out, they should feel heard. Whether someone is a potential client or a first-time donor, prompt and thoughtful communication builds confidence.
Relevance
Different people are at different stages. The content that works for someone just discovering you is not the same content that works for someone ready to act.
Follow-through
Promises matter. If your brand says it is personal, strategic, compassionate, or reliable, the experience must support that claim.

Why Blogs Matter in the Customer Journey
Blogs are often underestimated, but they play a major role in guiding the customer journey.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we believe robust content marketing is one of the smartest investments a small business or nonprofit can make because good content keeps working long after it is published.
 
A blog can help at every stage of the journey.

Blogs support awareness
A blog helps your audience find you through search and discover your perspective. It gives your brand more opportunities to answer real questions people are already asking.
Blogs build trust
When you publish helpful, useful content, you show expertise without forcing a sales pitch. You help people before they are ready to buy or donate.
Blogs support consideration
A strong blog answers objections, explains complex topics, highlights your values, and shows that you understand the audience you serve.
Blogs strengthen SEO and AEO
Well-structured blog content makes it easier for search engines and answer engines to understand your expertise, surface your content, and match it to user intent.
Blogs create momentum
A blog gives you content to share in newsletters, social media, nurture campaigns, presentations, and sales or donor conversations.
Blogs move people toward action
The right article at the right moment can be the bridge between passive interest and meaningful engagement.
 
In other words, blogs do not just attract traffic. They guide people forward.

​Why Brand Story Matters in the Customer Journey
Facts inform, but stories connect.
 
A brand story gives meaning to the experience people have with your business or organization. It helps them understand not just what you do, but why it matters.
 
For small businesses, a brand story can communicate:

• Why the company was founded
• Who does it serve best
• What values shape the work
• What transformation customers can expect

 
For nonprofits, a brand story can communicate:

• Why the mission exists
• Who is impacted
• Why support matters now
• How donors become part of real change

 
A strong brand story creates emotional continuity across the journey. It makes your marketing feel less transactional and more relational.
 
That matters because people do not just choose products or causes. They choose meaning, trust, alignment, and confidence.
 
When your story is clear, the journey becomes stronger because every touchpoint reinforces the same message.

Customer Journeys for Small Businesses
Small businesses often grow through reputation, referrals, and repeat business. That means the journey matters at every step.
 
A great customer journey helps small businesses:

• Stand out in crowded markets
• Turn website visitors into qualified leads
• Increase repeat purchases
• Improve customer satisfaction
• Generate more reviews and referrals
• Build a brand people remember

Without a strong journey, marketing can feel disjointed. You may attract attention, but lose people before they take action.

Donor Journeys for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, the donor journey is about more than fundraising. It is about stewardship, trust, and shared purpose.
 
A donor is more likely to stay engaged when they feel:

• Welcomed
• Informed
• Appreciated
• Connected to impact
• Confident in your mission
• Clear on how their support makes a difference

A thoughtful donor journey helps nonprofits move from one-time giving to an ongoing relationship with the community. It transforms outreach from a series of isolated asks into a meaningful relationship.

​At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses and nonprofits create journeys that are not only strategic but genuinely useful and engaging.
 
That means we help shape the full experience, including:
Brand messaging and positioning
We help clarify who you are, what makes you different, and how to communicate that with confidence.
Content strategy
We build robust content marketing plans that support every stage of the customer or donor journey, not just the top of the funnel.
Blog development
We create blog content that helps audiences discover your brand, understand your value, and move closer to action.
Storytelling
We help organizations develop brand stories that resonate, build trust, and bring consistency across channels.
Website and journey strategy
We look at how people move through your digital presence and identify ways to reduce friction and strengthen engagement.
Ongoing marketing support
We help do the driving, so you can stay focused on running your business or advancing your mission.
 
For many organizations, the challenge is not knowing that customer experience matters. The challenge is having the time and internal capacity to shape it well.
 
That is where BIG DEAL comes in.

Let BIG DEAL Do the Driving
You already have enough to manage.
 
You are running a business, serving clients, leading a team, building a mission, or raising critical support. Marketing should help move that work forward, not become another burden competing for your attention.
 
BIG DEAL Company helps small businesses and nonprofits create customer and donor journeys that feel clear, connected, and intentional. From content strategy and blogging to storytelling and experience design, we help you build the kind of brand journey that earns trust and inspires action.
 
So while you focus on the work only you can do, we help shape the experience that brings people closer to your brand.
 
Customer journeys are not just marketing diagrams. They are lived experiences.
 
They shape how people discover you, how they evaluate you, how they engage with you, and whether they come back. For small businesses and nonprofits, that journey can be the difference between being noticed and being remembered.
 
When the journey is guided by clarity, strong content, a brand story, and a commitment to experience, it becomes one of the most powerful growth tools a brand can have.
 
And when that journey is built with intention,  your audience does not just move through a funnel.
 
They move toward trust.
 
FAQs
What is a customer journey?
A customer journey is the full series of interactions a person has with a brand, from first awareness to conversion, retention, and advocacy.

Why is the customer journey important for small businesses?
It helps small businesses create better experiences, reduce friction, improve conversions, increase repeat business, and generate stronger referrals.

How is a donor journey different from a customer journey?
A donor journey follows many of the same stages, but it focuses on mission-driven engagement, trust, stewardship, and long-term support instead of only a purchase.

How do blogs help guide the customer journey?
Blogs help attract new audiences, answer questions, build trust, support SEO and AEO, and move people from awareness to consideration and action.

What makes a great customer or donor experience?
A great experience is clear, relevant, consistent, easy to navigate, emotionally resonant, and supported by strong follow-through.

Why is brand story important in the customer journey?
A brand story gives people a reason to connect. It creates meaning, builds trust, and helps every touchpoint feel aligned and memorable.

How can Big Deal Company help improve the customer journey?
Big Deal Company helps businesses and nonprofits shape messaging, content strategy, blogs, storytelling, and digital experiences so audiences move from discovery to loyalty more naturally.

What is the connection between customer journeys and content marketing?
​Content marketing supports each stage of the journey by giving audiences the right information at the right time, helping them feel informed, confident, and ready to act.

Marketing in 2026 is less about being loud and more about being real. Small businesses have a huge advantage right now because people want connection, personality, and brands that feel human. If you stay flexible and curious, you can compete with much bigger companies without blowing your budget. Here are the top marketing trends as researched and reported.  BIG DEAL is focusing on how small businesses will grow and stand out in 2026.

​1. Short Form Video Still Wins
Quick videos on social media are not slowing down. Reels, Shorts, and TikToks continue to capture attention because they are easy to watch and easy to share. Behind the scenes clips, quick tips, staff highlights, and day in the life videos help people feel like they know your brand. Keep it simple and authentic.

2. AI as a Creative Sidekick
AI tools are becoming part of everyday marketing, not a scary future thing. Small businesses are using AI to brainstorm content ideas, write drafts, plan campaigns, and organize customer data. The key is to let AI support your creativity, not replace your voice.

3. Community Over Audience
Growing a loyal community matters more than chasing big follower numbers. People want to feel included and seen. Private groups, email lists, loyalty programs, and local events help turn customers into fans who come back and bring friends with them.

4. Hyper Local Marketing
Local businesses are increasingly engaging with their neighborhoods and cities more than ever. Local partnerships, local influencers, and local events help you stay visible where it counts most. Search engines and social platforms are also favoring content that feels relevant to specific locations.

5. Authentic Brand Storytelling
Perfect marketing is out. Real stories are in. Customers connect with businesses that share their why, their challenges, and their values. Show the humans behind the brand, share lessons learned, and celebrate wins both big and small.

6. Smarter Email Marketing
Email is still one of the strongest tools for small businesses. In 2026, it is less about selling every time and more about adding value. Share helpful tips, updates, exclusive offers, and stories that keep people opening their emails and looking forward to them.

7. Interactive Content
Polls, quizzes, questions, and comment-driven posts keep people engaged longer. Interactive content invites your audience to participate instead of just scroll. It also gives you insight into what your customers care about most.

8. Purpose Driven Marketing
Customers are paying attention to what brands stand for. Supporting causes, showing sustainable practices, and giving back to the community can build trust and loyalty. This only works when it is genuine and aligned with your business values.

9. Consistent Brand Experience
People expect a smooth experience everywhere they interact with your business. Your website, social media, emails, and in-person experience should all feel connected. Clear messaging and consistent visuals help customers recognize and remember you.

10. Flexible Marketing Plans
The biggest trend of all is adaptability. Platforms change fast and customer behavior shifts quickly. Small businesses that review their marketing often and are willing to test new ideas will stay ahead. A flexible plan allows you to pivot without panic.

Marketing in 2026 is about connection, creativity, and clarity. Small businesses that show up consistently, tell honest stories, and focus on real relationships will continue to thrive. You do not need to do everything at once. Start with the trends that fit your brand best and build from there. Big results often come from small, intentional moves done well.

Need help? This is what we do best! Let us be your personal storytellers and contract communications team.

In today’s crowded market, how your business shows up—online, in public, and within your community—matters more than ever. Thoughtful marketing strategy, authentic brand storytelling, and memorable experiences aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re how trust is built, and momentum is created.
 
That’s where Big Deal Company comes in. We’re more than executors of tasks—we’re strategic partners who understand how to elevate brands, connect people, and create impact that lasts.
 
From small local businesses to mission-driven nonprofits, the organizations that thrive with us share one thing in common: they care deeply about their people and the communities they serve. And they want their story told well.

Turning Real Challenges Into Meaningful Results
Here are the most common reasons businesses reach out to Big Deal Company—and how we help solve some of the biggest challenges leaders face today.

They Need Event Experts Who’ve Truly Done It All
Planning a conference, community gathering, grand opening, or employee celebration can feel overwhelming fast. Logistics pile up. Details multiply. Time disappears.
 
Big Deal Company brings deep experience in event strategy and execution, from defining the event's purpose to managing every moving part behind the scenes. We don’t just make events run smoothly—we ensure they reinforce your brand, strengthen relationships, and create moments people remember long after the lights go down.

They Want a Full-Circle Marketing Strategy—Not Just Tactics
Visibility today takes more than posting on social media or running an ad here and there. It requires a cohesive marketing strategy that aligns messaging, channels, timing, and storytelling.
 
We build campaigns that work hard across platforms—from strategic planning and creative development to execution and measurement. The result? Marketing that feels intentional, consistent, and aligned with real business goals—not scattered or reactive.

“Doing It the Same Way” Just Isn’t Working Anymore
Markets evolve. Audiences change. Expectations rise.
 
Clients come to us when they know repeating last year’s approach won’t cut it. We help organizations challenge the status quo, move forward with purpose in their long-standing annual events and fundraising strategies, and refine a brand story that resonates.
 
Fresh ideas matter—but only when they’re grounded in strategy and executed well.

​They Value a Partner with Deep Community & Industry Connections
Behind every great event or campaign is a strong network—venues, vendors, media partners, collaborators, and creatives who know how to deliver.
 
Big Deal Company brings years of relationship-building to the table. We know who to call, when to call them, and how to bring the right people together to strengthen outcomes and save our clients time. Community connection isn’t an add-on for us—it’s part of how we work.

They Want a Team That Cares About People — Not Just Deliverables
Our clients feel the difference because we treat their work like it matters—because it does.
 
From nonprofit fundraisers to brand launches, we’re invested in the people behind the mission. Authentic brand storytelling helps organizations connect with audiences in ways that feel human, meaningful, and memorable. When people feel seen and valued, loyalty follows.

Why Storytelling & Strategy Make the Difference
At the heart of impactful marketing and events is a clear, compelling story—one that reflects who you are, what you stand for, and why your audience should care.
 
When strategy and storytelling align:

• Your brand becomes memorable, not forgettable
• Marketing feels cohesive, not scattered
• Events become experiences—not just calendar items

 
Big Deal Company doesn’t just produce campaigns or events. We help organizations tell their stories in ways that connect, engage, and inspire action.

From Vision to Execution—Without the Stress
Large-scale festivals, new location launches, multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and year-long marketing initiatives all depend on one thing: strong execution that turns great ideas into real results.
 
Big Deal Company blends strategic insight with creative thinking and detailed follow-through—so nothing falls through the cracks and every goal is supported with intention.

Who Thrives With a Big Deal Partnership?
We work best with organizations that care deeply about their people, their communities, and the stories they tell. Our clients value thoughtful communication, intentional strategy, and human-first engagement.
 
Here are some industries, sectors, and organizations that could see big results when working with Big Deal Company:

• Community-Driven Small Businesses looking to stand out locally and build lasting relationships
• Boutique Hotels & Hospitality Groups seeking elevated guest experiences, grand openings, and seasonal events
• Counseling Centers & Mental Health Clinics that need sensitive, human-centered storytelling aligned with their mission
• Chambers of Commerce, City Tourism & Business Associations hosting ribbon cuttings, festivals, and community initiatives
• Food & Beverage Brands launching products, pop-ups, and immersive brand experiences
• Law Firms & Legal Practices celebrating milestones, hosting open houses, or launching services with polish and professionalism
• Tech Startups & Creative Agencies planning launches, retreats, and branded experiences that bring ideas to life
• Healthcare Organizations & Clinics managing community events, announcements, and outreach with care and precision
• Restaurants, Breweries & Food Brands opening doors, rolling out menus, and hosting events that feel fun, elevated, and on-brand

​Nonprofits Ready to Grow - our sweet spot! We step in as a fractional communications and fundraising strategy team, supporting campaigns, donor engagement, and event-based fundraising with purpose-driven storytelling.

​Big Deal Company exists to help organizations grow, connect, and create experiences people don’t forget.
If you’re ready for marketing and events that feel intentional, human, and impactful—we’re ready to help you tell your story.
Connect with our team on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to make your business a BIG DEAL? Let’s chat: 970-613-1455
 
Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of businesses does Big Deal Company work with?

Big Deal Company works with a wide range of organizations, from community-driven small businesses and hospitality brands to nonprofits, healthcare organizations, law firms, and tech startups. What our clients have in common is a desire to connect meaningfully with their audience and create experiences that feel intentional, polished, and people-centered.

• How does Big Deal Company combine events and marketing strategy?

We approach events and marketing as one connected ecosystem. Every event supports a larger brand or marketing goal, and every campaign is designed with real-world engagement in mind. By aligning strategy, storytelling, and execution, we help ensure that marketing efforts feel cohesive—not fragmented—and that events extend their impact beyond a single day.
​

• Can Big Deal Company support nonprofit fundraising and community campaigns?

Yes—nonprofits are one of our core focus areas. We often act as a fractional communications and fundraising strategy partner, helping organizations plan campaigns, design event-based fundraising efforts, strengthen donor engagement, and tell their story in ways that inspire long-term support

• What makes Big Deal Company different from a traditional event planner or marketing agency?

We don’t operate in silos. Instead of focusing on just logistics or just promotion, we take a full-circle approach that blends strategy, creativity, community relationships, and execution. Clients value our understanding of the big picture and the smallest details—and our genuine care for the people behind the work.

• When should an organization bring in Big Deal Company for support?

Organizations often reach out when they’re planning a major event, launching something new, refreshing an existing initiative, or feeling stuck doing things “the way they’ve always been done.” If you’re ready for more intentional strategy, stronger storytelling, and support you can trust, it’s the right time to start the conversation.

If your marketing feels like a leaky bucket - ads bring traffic, social gets likes, emails get opens, but sales don’t consistently follow - there’s a good chance the issue isn’t your effort.
 
It’s your customer journey flow.
 
At Big Deal Company, we help small businesses build marketing systems that don’t just attract attention - they guide people smoothly from “I might need this” to “I trust you” to “I’m telling everyone about you.” This article breaks down what a customer journey is, the five stages, and how journey mapping improves revenue, retention, and referrals.

​What is a Customer Journey in Marketing?
A customer journey is the complete series of experiences and touchpoints a person has with a company - from initial awareness to post-purchase advocacy.
 
This includes everything from:

• A social post that introduces your brand
• A blog article that teaches a solution
• A sales page that reassures a buyer
• An onboarding email that prevents buyer’s remorse
• A support experience that turns customers into promoters

 
When your journey is intentional, marketing becomes less random - and results become more predictable.

What is Customer Journey Flow?
Customer journey flow is the designed path you create so customers move naturally from one stage to the next - without confusion, friction, or unnecessary delays.
 
Think of it like this:
A customer journey is what customers DO.
Customer journey flow is how you GUIDE THEM.
 
Small businesses win when they build a flow that:

• Answers questions before customers ask them
• Builds trust at the right moments
• Removes friction at key decision points
• Reinforces value after purchase

 

​The 5 Customer Journey Stages (With Practical Small Business Examples)
Most people don’t wake up and decide to buy from your brand immediately. They move through a purchase path that typically includes five stages:
 
1.    Awareness: “I have a problem.”This stage begins when someone identifies a pain point.
Examples:

• A runner is tired of sore heels and realizes they need better running shoes.
• A business owner can’t scale customer support and needs a better platform.

 
What to publish here (best content types):

• Educational blog posts
• How-to guides
• Ebooks and whitepapers
• Checklists and templates           

              
Goal: Help them understand the problem and possible solutions–without pushing a hard sell.

2.    Consideration: “What are my options?”Now the customer is researching and comparing providers. They know what kind of solution they need–they’re deciding who to trust.
Best content types:

• Product comparisons
• “Best tools for….” listicles
• Case studies
• Webinars or workshops
• Feature breakdowns and use-case pages

 
Goal: Show differentiation clearly and help them self-select your brand.

3.    Decision: “I’m ready—prove this is the right choice.”At this point, buyers have narrowed their options. What they want most is reassurance:

• Will this work for me?
• Is this worth the money?
• What happens if I get stuck?

 
What works best:

• Product demos
• Consultations with experts
• Clear pricing + transparent FAQs
• Testimonials and proof
• Fast, friendly pre-sale support

 
Goal: Make purchasing easy, confident, and low-friction.

4.    Retention: “I bought—did I make the right move?”A customer might be happy, but it’s your job to keep it that way.
 
Retention tools that pay off:

• Strong onboarding materials
• Success check-ins
• Quick-start guides
• Proactive customer support
• Dedicated success managers (even part-time/virtual for small teams)

 
Goal: Help customers see value quickly and consistently—so they don’t drift to competitors.

5.    Advocacy: “You need to try this.”              
Advocacy is the revenue multiplier stage. Happy customers become your best marketing channel.
 

How to fuel advocacy:

• Proactive support
• A simple and approachable experience
• Referral and loyalty programs
• Shareable moments (“Look what I achieved!”)
• Easy review requests at the right time

 
Goal: Make referrals effortless and natural.

What are the Benefits of Customer Journey Mapping?
Customer journey mapping is one of the highest ROI moves a small business can make—because it turns assumptions into insights.
 
Here are the biggest benefits:

1. Understand your customers better A journey map forces you to see your brand from the customer’s perspective, including the roadblocks they experience.
Example: In financial services, customers tend to research heavily because decisions are personal and high-stakes. A smart sales team responds by providing hands-on education and reassurance throughout the journey.

2. Improve the customer experience Journey maps organize feedback so you can optimize what’s working - and fix what’s not.
Example: If shoppers abandon carts at checkout, a quick survey may reveal that your payment system is clunky or untrustworthy. Fixing that single point can lift conversions immediately.

3. Encourage team-wide collaboration Journey maps clarify who owns what stage and how teams connect.
Example: Marketing drives awareness through ads and content, while support ensures a smooth post-purchase experience. When everyone sees the same map, collaboration gets easier.

4. Increase customer retention Retention rises when you understand what causes drop-off—and what keeps customers coming back.
Example: After purchase, sending a thank-you email with a small discount on the next order reinforces the value and encourages repeat purchases.

5. Provide proactive service Data lets you anticipate needs and solve issues before they become complaints.
Example: If customers frequently contact you after hours, creating a knowledge base helps them find answers anytime—reducing support load and increasing satisfaction.

Why and When Should You Use a Customer Journey Map?
You should use a customer journey map because it helps you understand customer expectations—and improve the experience people have with your business.
 
If you’ve ever had a relationship or friendship end suddenly and wished you understood what went wrong, you already understand the value of mapping. Journey mapping gives you the clarity you need in business.
 
When to create one:

• As soon as possible (especially if you’re trying to grow)
• When conversion rates stall
• When customer support requests increase
• When churn rises or retention dips
• When you add a new offer, service, or marketing channel

 
Who needs one: Businesses of all sizes—especially small businesses that need every marketing dollar to work harder!

How to Build a Simple Customer Journey Flow (Small Business Friendly)
Here’s a practical approach you can implement without a giant team or complicated software:

​Big Deal Company’s Take: The “Flow Over Funnel” Advantage
Funnels are useful—but small businesses grow faster when they think in FLOW:

• Flow builds trust, not just clicks
• Flow reduces friction, not just drop-offs
• Flow creates repeat customers and advocates, not just one-time buyers

When your customer journey is well-designed, your marketing feels less like convincing—and more like helping.

FAQs: Customer Journey Flow and Mapping
What is customer journey mapping?
Customer journey mapping is the process of documenting every step and touchpoint customers experience with your business—from awareness to advocacy—so you can identify friction, improve experiences, and increase conversions.
What are the 5 stages of the customer journey?
The five stages are:

1. Awareness
2. Consideration
3. Decision
4. Retention
5. Advocacy

Why is customer journey flow important for small businesses?
Because it helps small businesses turn limited time and budget into consistent results by improving conversions, retention, and referrals while reducing friction and customer confusion.

What should I include in a customer journey map?
Include customer goals, questions, touchpoints (website, social, email, support), emotions, friction points, and opportunities for improvement at each stage.
How does customer journey mapping improve conversions?
It identifies where people get stuck or drop off—like confusing offers, weak reassurance, or checkout issues—so you can fix high-impact bottlenecks and increase sales.
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When should I create a customer journey map?
Create one as early as possible, especially if you’re launching a new offer, scaling marketing, experiencing churn, or trying to improve conversion rates.
 
Customer journey flow isn’t just marketing theory—it’s the difference between “busy” and profitable. When your touchpoints work together, customers move forward with confidence, buy faster, stay longer, and refer more often.
 
Want more practical, small-business-friendly strategies like this (plus templates, examples, and real-world fixes you can implement fast)? Follow Big Deal Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for weekly insights that turn marketing into momentum.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They’re the cozy coffee shops that remember your order, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who go above and beyond because your business truly matters to them. At BIG DEAL Company, we proudly support and amplify the work of small businesses every day – and we’re here to let you in on a little secret:
Supporting a small business doesn’t have to cost a thing.
In a world where many marketing efforts come with a price tag, there are powerful, totally free ways you can help a local business grow. Here are some BIG ways to make a difference – for free!

1. Write a review
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s highly influential. According to a recent survey, 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. Whether you use Google, Facebook, Yelp, or another industry-specific platform, your review helps potential customers feel confident about choosing that business. A thoughtful review boosts visibility and adds trust.
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2. Make a referral
Word-of-mouth marketing still reigns supreme, and it’s absolutely free. Tell your friends, coworkers, and family members about the businesses you love. Recommend your favorite photographer when someone needs headshots, or suggest that fantastic taco truck for a corporate lunch. Every referral extends the business’s reach beyond its own audience, and that matters more than you know.
Bonus points: Tag them when someone asks for recommendations on social media.

3. Follow them on social media
Effortless and effective – follow their page or profile on social media. Businesses use social media to connect with their audiences, announce new products, share behind-the-scenes content, and celebrate wins. When you follow, like, comment, or share their posts, you’re helping them reach more people organically. Algorithms love engagement, which means your one click can lead to dozens of new views.

4. Share their content
If you love what a business posts, don’t just like it – share it. Sharing their content on your feed, stories, or groups exposes the business to an entirely new audience. Think of it as giving them free advertising with little effort to you.

5. Engage with their posts
Comments, likes, tags, and reactions tell platforms that a business’s content matters. The more engagement they get, the more people the algorithm will show it to. Your quick “LOVE this!” or heart emoji goes further than you may realize.

6. Post about them
Take a photo of a product you love, a meal you enjoyed, or a service you received and post it with a tag. That user-generated content not only provides credibility, it tells the world you believe in that business.

7. Attend their events
Whether it’s a ribbon-cutting, pop-up, workshop, or grand opening, showing up matters. A crowd helps build buzz, and your presence means the world to an owner who’s poured their heart into that moment.

8. Join their email list
Staying connected through newsletters helps them communicate directly with people who care. You might not buy today, but being on that list means you’re part of their community, and that alone has value. Plus, being on the list makes it easy for you to forward sales, promotions, and other info to your social circle.

Every single one of these actions (reviews, engagement, referrals, and kindness) creates marketing momentum for businesses. When small businesses grow, our communities grow with them. They hire locally, invest locally, and give back locally.
And the best part is, you can make this BIG impact without spending a dime.
If you’re a small business looking for more support than what a few reviews or referrals can generate, BIG DEAL Company is here to help you grow – without weighing you down. We’re a connected collective of creative experts with deep experience in marketing, event production, and community building; we treat every client as a priority and tailor our services to fit businesses of any size.

Thank you to all 530 guests, our speakers, amazing vendors and sponsors -- for a fantastic conference!

At BIG DEAL Company, we believe strong communities and successful businesses go hand in hand. When businesses give back, they are investing in the social and economic health of the communities that support them. Studies consistently show that community-minded companies enjoy higher customer loyalty, a better reputation, and improved employee retention. Giving back also helps build real relationships, creates goodwill, and can lead to new partnerships and business opportunities. No matter your company’s size, your involvement in the community shows what you value. When people see you as a caring neighbor, they are far more likely to support your business.
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Here are ten meaningful ways your business can make a difference in your community, along with the benefits you might see in your workplace, brand, and bottom line.

1. Host Employee Volunteer Days
Encouraging your team to volunteer together is a rewarding and visible way to give back. Consider dedicating a workday or two each year for employees to help in the community. Whether they sort food at a pantry, clean up parks, or help at a youth center, working together builds teamwork and pride. Companies that support volunteering often see higher morale, better collaboration, and a stronger sense of company culture. It also improves your reputation as a business that supports the community.
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2. Offer Donation Matching or Sponsorships
Matching employee donations or sponsoring local programs, events, or nonprofits is a simple but effective way to connect with your community. Donation matching shows your business cares about what matters to your employees, and sponsorships help community projects succeed while raising your profile. When your logo appears on local event banners or programs, it reinforces your presence as a community partner. These efforts not only make a difference to the recipients but also remind the public that your business values generosity and shared success.

3. Share Your Expertise or Services In-Kind
Giving back is not just about money. Your business can also share its skills, products, or services. Donating your expertise, offering marketing help, lending equipment, or providing discounts can make a big difference for nonprofits and community groups with limited resources. This lets your team show what they do best in real situations. It is a creative way to use your strengths for good, grow your network, and earn recognition from community leaders and potential clients.

4. Open Your Space to the Community
If your business has a physical location, consider offering it as a gathering space for community events, meetings, or classes. Hosting workshops, fundraisers, or networking events for local organizations can transform your business into a hub of activity and connection. This type of generosity not only provides valuable space for others but also brings new people into your environment who may later become customers, clients, or partners. Opening your doors to the community shows that your business is approachable, welcoming, and invested in the local ecosystem.

5. Launch a Cause Marketing Campaign
A cause marketing campaign lets you connect your business with a charitable cause. For example, you could donate a percentage of sales to a local group or create a special product that supports a specific project. These campaigns help customers feel they are making a difference when they buy from you. When you are open and sincere, cause marketing builds brand loyalty and gives people a reason to choose your business. It is a win-win that creates a positive impact and increases your visibility.

6. Let Employees Lead the Giving Efforts
Your employees often have strong connections to local causes that matter deeply to them. Inviting them to nominate organizations, propose volunteer projects, or help direct charitable giving ensures that your company’s efforts feel personal and authentic. When employees feel heard and empowered, they become more invested in the company’s mission. This type of involvement builds pride, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose, all of which contribute to a positive workplace culture. Giving employees ownership of your company’s community impact also increases participation and enthusiasm for your initiatives.
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7. Form Long-Term Community Partnerships
Building ongoing partnerships with nonprofits, schools, or civic groups shows you are committed beyond a single donation. Long-term relationships help you build trust, see your impact, and become more involved in the community. For example, your business could sponsor a school’s art program, fund a yearly scholarship, or work with a local charity every year. These partnerships keep your business visible and help you become a key part of the community’s growth and success.

8. Support Education, Mentorship, and Career Development
Sharing your expertise through mentorship, workshops, or educational programs helps build a stronger workforce and a better future. Offering internships, hosting student visits, or leading training sessions at local schools lets you make a real difference for others. It also helps your business find and develop new talent. Supporting education shows your company invests in people, skills, and opportunity, which matters to both customers and employees.

9. Commit to Sustainable and Local Business Practices
Supporting your community also means caring for the environment and local economy. Buying from local vendors, cutting waste, and using sustainable practices help make your community healthier and stronger. More customers now look for brands that care about the environment and social issues. When your business follows these values, you build a better reputation and attract customers who want to support responsible companies. These steps help the planet and build trust in your brand.

10. Share Your Impact Story
When your business gives back, share your story. Post updates about volunteer work, partnerships, or donations on your website, blog, and social media. Sharing your efforts can inspire others and help you connect with your audience. Being open about your community work builds trust and shows you mean what you say. People are more likely to support businesses they are proud of, and honest stories can turn customers into loyal fans.

Giving back to the community is more than just a nice gesture. It is a smart and meaningful way to grow your business. When your company supports people, causes, and local projects, you build loyalty and support that money cannot buy. Employees feel proud to work for you, customers respect your values, and partners see you as a trusted collaborator. Today, people want to work with businesses that care about more than just profit.

At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses build real connections through events, partnerships, and community engagement that make a difference. Whether you need a campaign, an event, or a local partnership plan, our team can help you create giving strategies that fit your brand and bring lasting benefits to your business and community. Together, we can make doing good a big deal.

BIG DEAL Company has had the pleasure of working with Blue Federal Credit Union for years. One of our favorite events is Discovery Day, which is a full day of learning and engagement across the entire company (about 400 employees)!
This year focused on putting the magic in moments. We tied the theme together with well suited speakers, emcee, entertainment and swag!