The Germany Expat Business Show
A podcast that shares knowledge, stories and inspiration for anyone starting, running or growing a business as a non-German in Germany.
The Germany Expat Business Show
From Politics to Digital Marketing - Jordan Beck Wagner's German Business Journey
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Jordan Beck Wagner - American expat entrepreneur who built a successful digital marketing agency in Germany after transitioning from politics to marketing through travel blogging.
Episode Highlights:
The Unexpected Path to Germany
- Started with a rebellious high school decision: choosing German over Spanish
- Led to Germanic languages degree, study abroad, and eventually 12+ years in Germany
- Classic expat story: "18 months" turned into a permanent move
- Met future husband at a ball in Heidelberg
From Travel Blog to Digital Marketing Career
- Started "Wayfaring with Wagner" blog in 2013 (originally "Beer Time with Wagner")
- Used blogging experience to land job at Hamburg digital marketing agency
- Worked on major campaigns including Ritter Sport's US/Canada marketing
- Leveraged unique position as native English speaker in German market
COVID Pivot and Community Building
- Shifted travel blog focus to northern Germany content with "Hamburg and Beyond"
- Discovered SEO goldmine in niche German locations
- Created Facebook women's group in Kiel that grew to 1,000+ members
- Organic community spin-offs: yoga classes, book clubs, art groups
Launching Jordan Beck Media (2022)
- Went solo after getting Niederlassungserlaubnis
- Celebrates 3-year business anniversary next week
- Specializes in B2B social media strategy (LinkedIn, Facebook)
- "Work smarter, not harder" content philosophy
Business Reality Check
- Interesting insight: sustainability content consistently underperforms across all clients
- Client acquisition: 100% word-of-mouth and networking
- operates as selbstständig in Germany (above Kleinunternehmer threshold)
- Uses Accountable for bookkeeping, MyExpat Taxes for US compliance
Future Plans
- Exploring Substack for premium content monetization
- Combining expat expertise with northern Germany travel content
- Planning point-hacking guides and destination content behind paywall
- Timing coincides with Booking.com affiliate program cancellation
Key Business Takeaways
- Networking beats everything - Start before you quit your job
- Niche content can outperform big players in SEO
- Solve your own problems - personal needs can become business opportunities
- Repurpose successful content - don't reinvent the wheel
- Join Künstlersozialkasse if you qualify for significant savings
- Research tax software thoroughly before committing
Guest Contact Information
- LinkedIn: Jordan Beck Wagner
- Instagram: @jordanbwagner
- Company: Jordan Beck Media
You can find this episode and all episodes as well as show notes for each at https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/
Starting or running a business in Germany as a foreigner? Already running an online business in Germany as an expat? Wanting to grow your German-based business? Working as a freelancer in Germany? You'll love my guide with over 30 resources for expat business owners in Germany.