Marketing Leadership That Brings Clarity, Focus, and Results
When marketing feels overwhelming, unfocused, or like it’s just not working, you don’t need more noise—you need clarity, leadership, and a plan you can actually follow.
Third Act Marketing offers flexible, part-time marketing leadership to help you prioritize what matters, take action, and get real results—without hiring full-time.
About Third Act Marketing
Hi, I’m Dan Ritzke, Founder of Third Act Marketing.
As an independent marketing consultant, I provide part-time marketing leadership for businesses that need strategic guidance but don’t have the budget for a full-time hire. With nearly two decades of experience, I specialize in creating clear strategies that balance short-term wins with long-term growth, while offering ongoing support to ensure success.
Want to see how I could help? Click below to get started.
Who I Work With
I work with founders and business leaders who feel stuck—and know their marketing isn’t working as well as it should. You don’t need more noise. You need someone to help you focus, make smart decisions, and build real momentum. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place:
You don’t have a clear, confident story about who you are and why it matters
You’re tired of chasing tactics without a simple, focused marketing plan
You’re working with limited time, budget, or people—and it’s slowing you down
You’re overwhelmed by options and unsure what to prioritize
Your brand looks and sounds disconnected from who you really are
Your messaging isn’t landing with the right people
Marketing Solutions Built For You
If your marketing feels off—or like it’s never quite working the way it should—you don’t need a generic plan. You need the right support, built around your business, your team, and your goals. That’s exactly what I offer… two flexible, focused ways to help you gain clarity, build momentum, and get results.
Brand and Marketing Strategy
For companies that need clarity, direction, and a strong foundation.
A one-time engagement designed to align your brand, sharpen your focus, and create a practical, effective marketing strategy for long-term success.
Clear positioning – Define what makes your brand or offering truly unique so you can stand out in a crowded market and connect with the right audience.
Targeted focus – Identify and prioritize the audiences that matter most, so your time, budget, and messaging go further.
Clear and effective messaging – Craft messaging that speaks directly to your ideal customers with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Strategic marketing planning – Build a clear, realistic marketing plan that aligns with your business goals and helps you invest in the right channels and tactics.
Fractional Marketing Support
For companies that need guidance, leadership, and support.
Ongoing strategic guidance and hands-on support to help you lead, manage, and optimize your entire marketing function.
Aligned execution – Make sure all marketing activity supports your business strategy and drives real results.
Team and vendor leadership – Manage internal teams and outside partners to ensure smooth collaboration and efficient execution.
Performance optimization – Regularly review what's working (and what's not) to improve performance, eliminate waste, and maximize ROI.
Adaptable leadership – Keep your marketing flexible and forward-looking so you're ready for whatever comes next—new offerings, shifting priorities, or growth opportunities.
What to Expect When Kicking Off a Project
Step 1: Discover & Diagnose
We’ll define your goals, uncover what’s holding you back, and identify growth opportunities.
Step 2: Develop & Define
I’ll create a tailored strategy—whether that’s a brand foundation, a marketing plan, or ongoing support.
Step 3: Execute & Optimize
With a clear roadmap in place, we’ll bring the strategy to life and adapt as needed.
Step 4: Evaluate & Adjust
We’ll regularly assess what’s working, make smart adjustments, and keep driving progress.
A Few of the Companies I’ve Worked With
What My Clients Say
"At first, I wasn’t sure if a marketing consultant would be a good investment or if we'd find someone who truly understood our needs. But working with Dan has been transformative. He's led key projects that have increased our intakes and greatly improved how we measure marketing performance. Everything feels more streamlined, organized, and clearly defined. Dan always makes us feel like his top priority, and I've recommended Third Act Marketing to several people—and will continue to do so."
Julianne Neely
Founder of Individual and Family Connection
“I’ve worked with Dan for many years across several companies and have come to rely on his expertise. He not only develops solid marketing plans but also thinks outside the box, offering truly strategic solutions to complex problems. And beyond recommending a plan, he has the ability to execute it effectively. It’s rare to find a resource as reliable and innovative as Dan—his insights are invaluable whenever I’m dealing with marketing challenges.”
Anthony Snowell
4x Startup Founder
“In just a few months of working with Dan, we’ve transformed how we approach marketing. We now have clear, measurable goals and tactics that we can test for effectiveness. As a direct result, we've sold out shows and thrown hugely profitable fundraising events. It's a pleasure to work with a marketing consultant who truly knows their stuff—we're operating at a higher level, and our successes no longer feel like luck.”
Mark Yonally
Founder of Chicago Tap Theatre
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here’s how we’ll figure it out—together.
1. Fill out a quick intake form
Tell me a bit about your business, your goals, and what’s been holding you back. This helps me understand where you’re at—and whether I’m the right fit to help.
2. Schedule a FREE strategy call
If it looks like I can help, I’ll follow up and we’ll schedule a time to talk. We’ll dig deeper into your challenges and start mapping out a path forward.
3. Get a tailored plan and start seeing results
After the call, I’ll recommend the best next steps—whether it’s a one-time project, ongoing support, or something in between. If we decide to move forward, we’ll get to work so your marketing feels clear, consistent, and effective.
Got a Quick Question?
Reach out anytime. No spam, no pushy sales tactics—just a helpful response within 1-2 business days.
Third Act Marketing Blog
Being Different is Overrated
By Dan Ritzke
Great Marketing is Simple but Not Always Easy
By Dan Ritzke
How to Balance Short-Term Wins and Long-Term Growth
By Dan Ritzke
Let’s Solve Your Marketing Challenges
I would love to help you gain clarity, choose the right strategies, and build an efficient, results-driven marketing process. With a custom plan and expert guidance, you can leave your marketing worries behind and focus on growing your business.