Nicole Kurtz, Author at Aducate Digital

How I Used AI and Excel to Build a Custom CRM (for Free!)

This year, I took on the challenge of building a custom CRM using Excel and AI. What started as an experiment to manage my own workflows has now become an indispensable tool for tracking everything from sales pipelines to cash flow and lead generation. In this blog, I walk you through how I developed this system—without expensive software subscriptions—and share key insights on how you can create your own. If you’re looking for a powerful, customizable, and free CRM solution, this post is for you.

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A teaser image for a blog post titled “How AI can help build better buyer personas”

How AI Helps Build Better Buyer Personas—And Why It’s a Game-Changer for Your Business

Customer Retention / Nicole Kurtz

Creating accurate buyer personas is key to successful marketing, but it can feel overwhelming. At Aducate Digital, we used AI as a brainstorming partner to transform raw CRM data into detailed, actionable personas. Through an iterative process—starting with basic insights, leveraging AI for patterns, and refining with human intuition—we developed personas that helped us better understand our audience. Learn how combining AI with a human touch can boost your marketing strategy by focusing on the right customers and crafting personalized experiences that lead to growth.

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Illustration of two business professionals investigating clues with magnifying glasses, symbolizing a search for resources, next to the text "Resource Round Up" and "Your One-Stop Hub for Business Growth Tools."

Resource Round-Up: Your One-Stop Hub for Business Growth Tools

Tools / Nicole Kurtz

At Aducate Digital, we’ve reached an exciting milestone—40 blogs dedicated to helping small business owners grow and succeed. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a round-up of our most valuable business growth resources, from insightful blogs and self-assessment quizzes to downloadable workbooks. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing strategy, assess your website’s performance, or explore tools to scale your business, this curated collection has everything you need to move forward with confidence. Dive in and discover the next step in your business journey!

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Ditch the Sales Pitch: How to Build Lasting Connections with Your Customers

Customer Retention / Nicole Kurtz

If the thought of delivering a sales pitch makes you cringe, you’re not alone. But selling doesn’t have to feel pushy or uncomfortable. Discover how to ditch the traditional sales pitch and focus on creating memorable experiences that turn happy customers into your biggest promoters. Learn how to guide clients through a journey that builds lasting connections and drives growth.

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How Handmade Client Appreciation Gifts Build Loyal Relationships

Customer Retention / Nicole Kurtz

In a digital world filled with impersonal interactions, handmade client appreciation gifts offer a powerful way to connect with your clients on a deeper level. It’s not about spending big—it’s about authentic, thoughtful gestures that make your clients feel valued. Discover how personal touches, like simple thank-you cards, can foster loyalty and turn clients into long-term promoters of your business.

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Ethically Growing Your Veterinary Practice: How to Stay Profitable Without Compromising Care

Business Development / Nicole Kurtz

Ethically growing your veterinary practice doesn’t mean sacrificing care. Discover practical strategies to balance profitability with your values, align marketing to attract the right clients, and build a strong support network for long-term success. It’s time to grow on your terms, without compromising what matters most—your commitment to animal care.

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Scaling Made Simple: Free Templates to Grow Your Business

Business Development, Tools, Workbook / Nicole Kurtz

As your business starts to scale, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up. You’re juggling more responsibilities, making bigger decisions, and the stakes seem higher. But growth doesn’t have to mean stress. One of the most powerful things you can do is to simplify your approach and focus on the essentials—like clarifying your brand, protecting your time, and building strong relationships.

In this book, we explore practical strategies to help you scale with confidence, including how to eliminate imposter syndrome and establish a brand voice that resonates with your audience. By using tools like our ‘Say No to Grow’ technique and refining your brand promise, you can set the foundation for sustainable success.

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How to Protect Your Business Legacy: A Workbook to Future-Proof Your Success

Business Development, Workbook / Nicole Kurtz

Planning for your business legacy starts with the decisions you make today. Our free workbook provides actionable steps to help you secure your future, while offering marketing strategies to fuel your growth now. Whether you’re thinking about succession planning or preparing for an exit, this guide will help you build a resilient business that thrives for years to come.

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How to Define Your Brand Archetype and Attract Your Ideal Clients

Brand Development, Tools / Nicole Kurtz

A brand is so much more than its visual elements like colors and logos. It’s about the essence of who you are and how you connect with the people who matter most. Your brand archetype is the key to this connection. It’s the personality behind your brand that guides how you communicate and engage with your ideal clients.

Choosing a brand archetype helps you craft a consistent, compelling message that resonates deeply with your audience. Ready to discover which archetype fits your brand? Dive into this blog for actionable insights.

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How to Define Your Target Audience: The Power of Data-Driven Decisions

Business Development / Nicole Kurtz

Defining your target audience is essential for any business, but how do you get started? The answer lies in using CRM data. Your CRM holds valuable insights that go beyond basic contact information. By regularly reviewing geographic, professional, and psychographic data, you can understand your clients’ needs and refine your services to solve their pain points. With data-driven decisions, you’ll build a stronger, more loyal customer base. Feeling overwhelmed? Let Aducate Digital help you find your tribe—start with our easy-to-use audience quiz!

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Author name: Nicole Kurtz