Helping Small Business Owners Make Smarter Marketing Decisions

Over 17 Years of Hands-On Digital Marketing Experience

Hi, I’m Manda Hageman. I didn’t start my career with a fancy degree or a perfect resume; I started by putting signs on poles and testing ways to make money online.

Back in 2006, I tried affiliate marketing, click swaps, banner ads, anything that seemed like it might work. Most of it didn’t. But I kept going; I learned what worked and what didn’t. I realized that real marketing isn’t about tricks or chasing clicks, it’s about connecting with people.

After a while, people started asking me if I could help them with their websites. That’s when things changed; I stopped chasing quick wins and started helping real people build their businesses.

I learned by building websites, figuring out SEO, writing content, and making sense of the data. I even used those skills to market my own daycare and freelance business. I never sat in a college class for it; I just kept trying, failing, learning, and improving.

Today, I work full-time as a Digital Marketing Solutions Consultant. I manage websites, content, and SEO for clients across the country. Many of my coworkers have degrees; I don’t, but I’ve got experience that can’t be taught in school.

I know what it’s like to figure things out on your own. I want to help others (especially women who are doing it all themselves) see that you don’t have to be perfect to make an impact. You just need a clear goal, the willingness to keep going, and someone who understands your path.

What I Can Help With

I help business owners grow online without feeling overwhelmed. Some of the ways I do this include:

• Building WordPress websites that are easy to update and reflect your brand

• Improving your search engine rankings (SEO) so people can find you more easily

• Suggesting content ideas that are helpful, honest, and easy to understand

• Writing and editing website content that sounds like you and speaks to your audience

• Running ads on Google, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn—and explaining what’s working

• Setting up and managing Google Business Profiles to help you stand out locally

• Helping you understand website traffic and performance data—without the tech speak

• Reviewing your current marketing and suggesting what to keep, fix, or stop doing

• Creating simple email newsletters to stay in touch with your audience

• Offering one-on-one consulting sessions to brainstorm, plan, or troubleshoot

• Making sure all your marketing supports your real goals—not just what everyone else is doing

• I work best with solo business owners or small teams who want simple, honest help with their marketing. I’ll break things down so they make sense; I’ll help you take action that gets results.

Founder of Playformative: Where Strategy Meets LEGO®

I also run Playformative, a business where I bring people together to solve problems using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. It might sound playful—and it is, but it’s also a powerful way to find answers that don’t come from sitting in front of a screen.

We use hands-on building to spark ideas, uncover what really matters, and create plans that stick. It works well for people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next step.

How LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Can Help

Sometimes it’s hard to find clarity just by talking or writing things down. That’s where LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) comes in. It’s a hands-on way to think through problems, make decisions, and move forward with more confidence.

Here are some ways LSP can support you:

• Clear your mind when you feel stuck

• Discover what really matters to you and your business

• Talk through hard decisions in a safe, creative way

• See patterns, problems, or possibilities you hadn’t noticed before

• Build stronger ideas by using your hands and your brain at the same time

• Get your team on the same page—without the usual meetings or slides

• Turn vague thoughts into solid next steps

You don’t need to be creative or love LEGO® to try it. This process works for all kinds of thinkers. It’s not about building something that looks “right”; it’s about building something that makes you think differently.

I guide each session with care, making sure you leave with something real to reflect on—ideas, direction, or decisions that stick.

Why People Like Working With Me

People trust me because I explain things clearly; I don’t talk in circles or hide behind buzzwords. I care about doing good work, being honest, and helping people feel more confident in their choices.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start making smarter marketing decisions, I’m here to help.