The Comeback Conference: 10 Big Takeaways That Reinforced We’re On the Right Track
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your bubble to realise just how much you already know—and how far you’ve come. Attending The Comeback Conference in Melbourne, hosted by the legends at The Digital Picnic, was a full-circle moment. As someone who’s constantly balancing bold ideas with real-world results, it felt like a giant affirmation that we’re doing it right—and we're doing it with heart.
Here are some of the insights that hit hardest (and are already reshaping how we show up at H&H):
1. Nobody’s Coming to Save You—and That’s Empowering
Every founder hits a point where they realise it’s on them. That was echoed throughout the weekend, from Cherie’s raw honesty to the tough love reminders that action beats hope, every time.
2. Funnels Still Matter—Flywheels Add the Magic
You need structure to attract and convert leads, but it’s the post-sale experience that builds loyalty and LTV. Funnels capture attention. Flywheels turn clients into community. We’re embedding both into every strategy we build.
3. Community is Your Competitive Advantage
Ellen Powell (The Somewhere Co) and Faye Tan (Mama Movement) reminded us that email reviews hit harder when they come straight from the founder, and that organic marketing isn’t dead—it’s just more human than ever.
4. Social SEO is the Now (and the Future)
Anaita Sarkar (Sell Anything Online) dropped gold: be everywhere, all the time, in the cheapest way possible. SEO isn’t just for Google anymore—TikTok, LinkedIn, even your comment sections count. Keywords belong in captions, bios and yes—your replies too.
5. Email is NOT Dead. You Just Need a Reason to Land in the Inbox
A list is only valuable if you actually talk to it. Great emails are segmented, personal, and anchored in clarity. If they ghosted you? Win them back or break up respectfully.
6. You Can’t Automate Connection—But You Can Automate Everything Else
From onboarding to lead gen, automations exist to reduce manual lift and keep your team focused on what matters. The kicker? If a question comes up more than twice, systematise the answer.
7. Paid Ads Are Still a Superpower—If You Use Them Smartly
Savannah (The Digital Picnic) reminded us that first-party data is everything in a privacy-driven world. Broad ads need big budgets, but niche campaigns thrive on owned audiences and strong creative.
8. Storytelling Is a Sales Tool (Not Just a Nice to Have)
This gem came from Kim Elizabeth James, and it hit hard: your industry might be dry, but your content doesn’t have to be. The key is authentic storytelling that creates connection. Most people aren’t ready to buy the moment they see your content—but with the right stories told in the right way, they’ll remember you when they are. Think clarity, character, connection, and conversion. Every post should play a part in a bigger narrative.
9. PR Is Accessible—But Only If You Show Up
Odette Barry’s session broke the myth that PR is out of reach. All it takes is 3 consistent hours a week, a well-angled pitch, and the confidence to follow up like a pro.
10. Hard ≠ Wrong
If it feels hard, it’s probably about to get really good. The biggest growth moments come wrapped in discomfort—and the best leaders lean in, not out.
Wrap-Up:
This weekend was a reminder that success isn’t about reinventing the wheel every time, but refining the systems and strategies you already believe in. It also reminded me that despite being Tassie-based, we are absolutely in the same league as the big players. And more than that—we’re showing up differently, authentically, strategically.
If you’ve been in a funk, burnt out on content creation, or questioning your direction—let this be your sign to double down on what you know is right. You don’t need to wait for permission.
Your comeback can start right now.