This energetic, practical conversation shows you how to build a layered visibility strategy that starts with Google and smartly expands into AI, social, maps, and reviews. You’ll hear what’s changed, what to stop doing, and the simple steps you can take in the next 30 days to gain an edge. 🎯

In This Episode

• Google is still the foundation for high‑intent local searches—plus why it’s harder than ever (crowded SERPs, AI Overviews, LSAs, rising competition). 📈
• What “Fractured Search” really means: buyers are researching across AI tools, social platforms, YouTube, maps, and review sites—often before and after Google.
• Being seen vs. being chosen: how reviews, social proof, and a conversion‑ready website (clear CTAs, phone in the header, chat) tip decisions your way—and why answering the phone still wins business. ☎️
• How AI decides who shows up: brand mentions, consistent listings, quality distribution, and structured data (schema + FAQs) that help LLMs understand and recommend you. 🤖
• Hidden blind spots: Bing Places (sync it from GBP), Apple Maps, and the power of short‑form/FAQ video to fuel discovery and trust. 🗺️🎥
• Metrics that actually matter: avoid vanity traffic; focus on assisted conversions, lead quality, and what’s really moving prospects along the journey (hello, dark funnel).
• Your 30‑day action plan:
• Week 1: Optimize Google Business Profile and start asking for more reviews (and respond to them!). ⭐
• Week 2: Fix NAP consistency; sync Bing Places; claim Apple Maps.
• Week 3: Add schema and FAQs to your site; improve clear calls to action.
• Week 4: Launch a simple topical content plan and 3–5 FAQ videos.
• Early‑mover opportunities: Apple Maps visibility, AI inclusion signals, and simple video libraries that answer real buyer questions.

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

Ranking on Google still drives intent, but growth now depends on stacking visibility across the full customer journey. If you’re only optimizing for one channel, you’re likely invisible where prospects are discovering or validating you. This episode gives you a clear, doable playbook to:

• Protect and grow leads as search fragments across platforms.
• Increase trust signals that help humans—and AI—choose you.
• Turn your website into a true conversion and credibility hub.
• Build momentum fast with a focused 30‑day plan.

Ready to stop chasing algorithms and start stacking wins? Press play now to learn how to double down on Google, expand into AI and social the smart way, and turn fractured search into a competitive advantage. If this helped you, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with a fellow business owner who needs practical, no‑fluff guidance today. 🚀

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.
• Outsourced Marketing
• Dental Marketing Heroes
• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.
• Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.
• Changescape Web

And remember to "KEEP CALM, AND MARKET ON!"

If you’ve been putting off video because you’re camera-shy, short on time, or stuck on production—this episode is your fast pass.

The Marketing Guides break down exactly how small businesses can use short-form video and visual storytelling to earn attention, build trust, and spark action across YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok, LinkedIn, and beyond.

The best part? You can do it without stepping in front of a camera (unless you want to!).

In This Episode

• Faceless videos explained: What they are, why algorithms love them, and how to use stock footage, b-roll, text overlays, and voiceover to deliver high-value content fast—perfect for FAQs, local services, and educational tips.
• AI video spokespersons: How AI-generated presenters help you scale landing page videos, onboarding, product explainers, and FAQs—plus why mixing in b-roll and acknowledging AI boosts clarity and trust.
• AI video clones (digital twins): Creating a trained version of yourself to produce content at scale. When to use your clone vs. show up in person, training tips for better tone and emotion, and even multi-language possibilities.
• Hooks that stop the scroll: Nail the first 3 seconds with pattern interruption—call out a pain, challenge a belief, show motion/contrast, or ask the question your viewer is already thinking.
• Storytelling in 15–60 seconds: Compress the arc (problem → tension → insight), make the customer the hero, and use visual before/after to communicate without relying on audio.
• A simple production framework: One idea, one problem, one takeaway. Build repeatable formats, batch record, and prioritize clarity over polish.
• Repurposing that actually works: Ensure every clip stands alone, shoot vertical or plan for it, avoid mid-sentence starts, add captions, and include visual cues for context.
• Metrics that matter: Treat views as exposure, prioritize retention on short clips, and watch for saves, shares, comments, and DMs that signal commercial intent. Use short video to drive “know–like–trust,” including testimonial snippets pulled from your reviews. 📈

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

Short-form video is now the front door to discovery—and platforms are surfacing content people will value, not just content from who they follow. That levels the playing field for small businesses. With faceless videos, AI spokespersons, and AI clones, you can publish consistently without big shoots or being on camera daily. Do this well, and you’ll earn more impressions, build trust at scale, and create a steady pipeline of interest that fuels leads and sales. ⏱️

Ready to Put This Into Action?

Start today:

• Record three short videos using “one idea, one problem, one takeaway.” Test two different hooks on the first 3 seconds.
• Repurpose one long-form asset into three vertical clips that each stand alone—with captions.
• Pick one use case (FAQ or onboarding) and try a faceless or AI spokesperson video to speed up production.

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.
• Outsourced Marketing
• Dental Marketing Heroes
• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.
• Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.
• Changescape Web

And remember to "KEEP CALM, AND MARKET ON!"

In this high-energy conversation, Paul, Ken, Ian, and Jeff break down E-E-A-T and why authority across the web now beats on-page tricks.

You’ll learn how AI and search actually evaluate your brand, what to do beyond your website to get recommended, and the practical moves that build trust at scale—reviews, personal branding, structured data, omnichannel publishing, and more.

It’s a clear playbook for being discoverable on Google, in AI answers, and across the platforms your customers already use. 🤖💬

In This Episode

• E-E-A-T, explained: Why experience, expertise, authority, and trust now outrank keyword-first tactics—and how AI elevates credibility signals.
• Beyond “rank for a keyword”: Move from keyword density to topical authority, featured snippets, video carousels, and the local map pack.
• Authority everywhere: How off-site content (guest articles, podcasts, local media, LinkedIn, Reddit/Quora, YouTube) boosts your E-E-A-T—and why “website-only” is a dead end.
• How AI finds you: The difference between LLMs and Googlebot, why links and citations matter, and how structured data helps machines understand your business.
• Reviews = trust at scale: Always-on review strategy, review velocity, what to ask customers to include, and how to reply (without starting a flame war). ⭐
• Personal branding that moves rankings: Author bios, named experts, founder visibility, and building your “entity” so platforms can confidently recommend you.
• Costly mistakes to avoid: Treating your site like an island, relying only on a Facebook page or a GBP, thin FAQs, messy NAP data, and using H-tags for styling.
• What to measure now: Keep tracking rankings, but also watch brand mentions, review velocity, AI citations, engagement on distributed content, lead quality, and attribution.

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

• Your buyers don’t stay on one platform—they compare across Google, maps, reviews, and AI assistants. If you’re not present everywhere, you’re invisible somewhere.
• Competitors who build off-site authority will outrank and out-recommend you—even if your on-page SEO looks fine.
• Omnichannel authority future-proofs your visibility as AI continues to reshape search.
• Trust signals like reviews and expert authorship convert better—online and off.

Listen Now—and Put E-E-A-T to Work Today

Hit play for practical steps you can implement this week. Then pick two quick wins:

• Request 5+ new reviews and reply to recent ones.
• Publish one expert post on LinkedIn or a partner’s site.
• Pitch a podcast, shoot a 60-second video answer, or add 5 service-specific FAQs.
• Update your Google Business Profile (and sync to Bing), tidy up NAP data, and add structured data to key pages.

You don’t need to boil the ocean—just start building authority beyond your homepage. Your next customer is already searching. 🎧✅

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.
• Outsourced Marketing
• Dental Marketing Heroes
• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.
• Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.
• Changescape Web

And remember to "KEEP CALM, AND MARKET ON!"

What if you could automate the personal touch? In a world of inbox overload and AI everything, this episode shows you how to stand out with a simple, high-impact strategy: real handwritten notes—at scale. ✉️

Ian Cantle and the Marketing Guides team sit down with David Wachs, CEO and founder of Handwrytten, to unpack a practical system for cutting through digital noise, boosting follow-up, and building loyalty. From when to use handwritten notes (and when not to) to smart ways to automate without losing authenticity, this conversation delivers field-tested tactics you can put to work this week. 📬

In This Episode

• Overrated vs. underrated tactics: Why endless email blasts underperform—and how handwritten notes get you into the “pile of two” instead of the “pile of 135+” daily emails.
• Speed-to-lead vs. speed-to-close: How a handwritten follow-up becomes the memorable second touch that differentiates proposals and closes deals, plus realistic timing with USPS.
• How it works (without losing the human touch): Handwrytten uses 200+ robots holding real Pilot G2 pens to create natural handwriting (margins, spacing, variations, even your signature) on branded cardstock—integrated with your CRM and triggered by pipeline stages. 🤝
• The “full‑stop thank you” framework: Send gratitude with zero asks in the note itself; place a discreet QR/review prompt on the non-writing side for best results. Hear why these notes get read, saved, and acted on.
• Prospecting—when it makes sense: Where the economics work (high-margin, geo-targeted, and trade show outreach) and where to skip it. Practical cost realities, from stamps to per-piece ranges.
• Measuring what matters: A/B test cohorts, use unique phone numbers, and track long-term effects on engagement and LTV. Insights you can trust, including why only a small share of customers feel appreciated—and how to change that.
• Retention and recovery: A simple cadence (3–4 touchpoints/year) and the Service Recovery Paradox—turning a service hiccup into a loyalty moment with an authentic apology and a handwritten note. 📈
• Smarter automation, not more automation: Avoid scaling bad processes, leverage Zapier/CRM triggers, and stop wasting spend on set‑and‑forget ad campaigns that don’t convert.

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

Acquisition is expensive—and crowded. Real growth comes from standing out, being remembered, and keeping customers longer. Handwritten notes give you a tangible, trustworthy touch that:

• Breaks through digital noise without being intrusive
• Builds goodwill that powers reviews, referrals, and repeat purchases
• Turns follow-up into a differentiator, not just another email
• Fits into systems you already use (CRM, pipeline stages, trade shows)
• Scales consistently—so gratitude doesn’t get dropped when things get busy 🚀

Listen Now—and Put It Into Practice

Hit play to learn the exact playbook, then try this today: send five full‑stop thank-you notes to recent customers—no ask, just appreciation. Next, set one CRM trigger to make it a habit. If this episode helps, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow business owner who wants a retention edge. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you. 📝

Learn More About David Wachs and Handwrytten at: https://www.handwrytten.com/

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.
• Outsourced Marketing
• Dental Marketing Heroes
• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.
• Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.
• Changescape Web

And remember to "KEEP CALM, AND MARKET ON!"

Molly, known as The Prepared Performer, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs blend AI-powered marketing with authentic connection. Featured in Forbes and Inc with viral videos topping 39 million views, she shares practical frameworks, cautionary tales, and simple systems you can use this week to create a brand moat, drive consistency across channels, and shorten your sales cycle. 🎯

In This Episode

• What “The Spotlight Effect” really means—and how to make your brand the obvious choice in a sea of sameness.
• Where AI belongs in branding (and where it absolutely does not) to keep your marketing human, trustworthy, and effective.
• The Company Details Document: use AI to codify your brand voice, ideal client (including their “tickle points”), offers, and stories—then lock in the human-only layer with Molly’s “Quesadilla of Awesome” framework (S‑A‑A‑V‑E).
• Smart polarization: how to stand for something without derailing your brand—using “enemy avatars,” alter-egos, and provocative (not toxic) hooks that attract the right buyers and repel the wrong ones.
• Visual consistency that scales: choosing brand colors that compliment you, repeatable graphic motifs (think palm trees, stars, disco balls), and simple prompts like “black, white, magenta C20AAF” in tools such as Notebook LM or Mixed Board to create on-brand assets fast.
• Omnichannel without burnout: Molly’s Evergreen Engine for repurposing core content, plus practical distribution with tools like Repurpose.io—so you’re consistent across platforms while respecting each channel’s vibe.
• Automation that pre-qualifies and shortens sales cycles: comment-to-DM flows, playful AI assistants, and human oversight that moves prospects from social to resources, groups, and conversations—without pretending AI is human.
• Metrics that matter: why chasing virality fills your funnel with the wrong audience (including Molly’s 39M-view “termite” reel story) and how to use organic “algorithm training” and cleaner retargeting to protect ROI. 📈

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

• AI makes imitation easy—your human brand is your moat.
• Clear differentiation pre-qualifies leads and saves sales time.
• Documented voice, visuals, and offers enable consistent execution across your team and tools.
• Automations can do the heavy lifting while you keep the high-value human touch.
• Focusing on the right reach (not the biggest reach) protects your budget and your sanity. 💡

Ready to Put Your Brand in the Spotlight?

Press play now and grab the tools, prompts, and playbooks Molly shares. Then pick one action to implement this week:

• Draft your Company Details Document (voice, ideal client, offers, visuals).
• Post a simple, playful, polarizing-but-kind hook to spark real engagement.
• Set up a basic comment-to-DM automation to qualify interest while you sleep. 🚀

If this episode helps, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a business owner who needs a win this week. Your future customers are already searching—make sure your brand is the one they can’t miss.

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.
• Outsourced Marketing
• Dental Marketing Heroes
• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.
• Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.
• Changescape Web

And remember to "KEEP CALM, AND MARKET ON!

Have you ever searched for your own business, seen yourself at the top of the page, and thought, "I’ve finally made it!"? The truth might be more personal than you think. In today's digital world, no two users see the same search results. From your GPS coordinates to your past browsing history, search engines like Google and AI models like ChatGPT are building a "For You" experience that makes traditional rank-tracking a thing of the past. In this episode, our Marketing Guides pull back the curtain on personalized search, explaining why you can’t trust your own browser and how to build a brand that stays visible across everyone’s unique screen.

What You’ll Get Out of This Episode

You will gain a deep understanding of the personalization factors—location, device type, and past behavior—that determine what your customers actually see. You’ll move beyond "old school" keyword tracking to a "Search Everywhere Optimization" mindset. Most importantly, you will learn how to unify your brand signals across multiple platforms so that you remain the trusted authority, regardless of how the AI chooses to summarize your business.

What You’ll Learn

The Reality of Personalized Search

• The Individual Lens: Why users sitting three blocks apart on different devices will see completely different results for the same query.

• The "Nodding Head" Test: Why 70-80% of users are turned off by generic experiences and how to make your brand "resonate" by matching their specific intent and emotion.

• The Illusion of Ranking: Why checking your rank on a normal browser is unreliable and how to use tools like Incognito mode or DuckDuckGo for a more "average" view.

Managing Your Brand in the AI Era

• Zero-Click Reality: How AI overviews are answering informational queries directly on the search page and why brand mentions across the web are now your most valuable asset.

• AI Memory & Context Windows: How AI models like ChatGPT learn your preferences over time and how businesses can feed these "neural networks" to increase their "weight" and authority.

• Search Everywhere Optimization (SEO): Shifting your strategy to be found on Reddit, Bing, Apple Maps, and niche forums—the places where LLMs go to find facts.

Technical and Strategic Foundations

• The Power of Thoroughness: Why leaving gaps in your online information allows AI to "hallucinate" or fill in the blanks with incorrect data.

• Schema & Structured Data: Using technical markup to help search engines and AI clearly understand your brand "entity".

• Internal Alignment: Why your marketing, sales, and customer service teams must provide a unified front to prevent AI from magnifying internal inconsistencies to your customers.

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

In a world where visibility is fragmenting, you need a strategy that covers all bases. Reach out to our experts to ensure your business is recognized, cited, and chosen:

• Ian Cantle – Expert in fractional CMO services and dental/healthcare marketing.

    ◦ Outsourced Marketing

    ◦ Dental Marketing Heroes

• Jeff Stec – Specialist in strategic marketing and tactical AI implementation.

    ◦ Tylerica Marketing Systems

• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Leaders in local SEO, web design, and comprehensive marketing systems.

    ◦ Changescape Web

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a business owner who is tired of chasing "ghost" rankings!

Are you ready to start 2026 with a boom? As the digital landscape shifts, small businesses are facing a new reality where traditional search is evolving into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). While "big brands" can often get away with less personal marketing, local businesses have a massive advantage by building genuine community connections and radical authenticity. In this episode, our Marketing Guides break down the essential playbook you need to dominate local search over the next two years, from mastering the latest Google Business Profile updates to leveraging AI without losing your human touch.

What You’ll Get Out of This Episode

You will walk away with a clear strategic roadmap for 2026 that prioritizes human behavior and high-conversion tactics over trendy distractions. You’ll learn why your website remains the most important platform you actually own and how to ensure it feeds the Large Language Models (LLMs) that power modern search results. We also dive into the "speed-to-lead" revolution, showing you why responding within minutes—not days—is the new standard for winning hot leads.

What You’ll Learn

The Core of Local Marketing in 2026

• Why authenticity is a superpower: How small businesses can outshine international brands by getting involved in the community and building engaged email newsletters.

• The "Speed-to-Lead" System: Why you must use automations, SMS, and AI chatbots to ensure you never miss a lead, as customers no longer have the patience to wait.

• The truth about demographics: Why you must ignore stereotypes—especially regarding seniors, who are among the fastest-growing adopters of online search.

Platforms and Content Strategy

• Short-form video mastery: Why 6-second Instagram Reels are currently the top-performing content and how to use geotags to send the right signals to algorithms.

• The evolution of blogging: Moving from traditional SEO to feeding AI the authoritative content it craves across platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and niche forums.

• Balancing AI with a human touch: How to use AI for drafts and structure while avoiding "five-handed person" image fails and robotic, unedited text.

Google Business Profile & Technical Essentials

• GBP Verification Myths: The reality of how Google gives preference to brick-and-mortar locations with permanent signage over home-based businesses.

• The disappearing Q&A: Why rumors of Google removing the Q&A feature mean you must move those answers to your own website's FAQ section immediately.

• Technical SEO as a foundation: Why site speed, schema markup, and accurate directory citations across Bing, Apple Maps, and ChatGPT are more critical than ever.

Connect with Our Marketing Guides

Ready to take your 2026 strategy to the next level? Reach out to one of our experts for a deep dive into your business's marketing needs:

• Ian Cantle – Specialized in dental and healthcare marketing, as well as fractional CMO services.

    ◦ Dental Marketing Heroes

    ◦ Outsourced Marketing

• Jeff Stec – Strategy and tactical implementation expert.

    ◦ Tylerica Marketing Systems

• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker – Local SEO, web design, and marketing systems specialists.

    ◦ Changescape Web

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a fellow business owner who wants to win in 2026!

The marketing world is shifting faster than most businesses can keep up with. AI-driven search, answer engines, channel fragmentation, rising ad costs, and evolving consumer habits are creating a landscape where old marketing playbooks no longer work. In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, the team tackles the single most important strategy every business must embrace to grow in 2026: an AI-informed, strategy-first, omni-channel marketing system.

Ian, Ken, Paul, and Jeff break down why random marketing activities—social posts, blogs, scattered ads, or dabbling with AI tools—are no longer enough to compete. Instead, businesses need an approach that blends strategic clarity, AI-powered insights, and consistent execution across multiple channels.

You’ll hear why AI is no longer optional, how it can accelerate planning and content creation, and how to “train” AI tools to write in your brand voice. The team explains why human oversight is still essential, but also why ignoring AI now puts you at an immediate disadvantage in visibility, relevance, and speed.

This episode explores the elements of a modern marketing system, including customer journey mapping, ideal customer profiling, content pillar development, and the importance of showing up everywhere your audience is—search, social, email, long-form content, and more. The hosts reveal how an omni-channel presence increases trust, supports higher rankings, and reduces dependency on paid ads or referrals.

You’ll also learn about AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and why preparing for AI-driven search now will give you a decisive advantage as platforms shift from traditional search results to AI-generated responses. The team emphasizes that the businesses who act early will win—not because the tactics are new, but because the underlying strategy becomes more important than ever.

If you’re tired of unpredictable leads, overwhelmed by channel choices, or frustrated by marketing that feels unclear and inconsistent, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for building a system that actually works in 2026 and beyond.

⏱ Timestamped Table of Contents

00:00 – Welcome Back

Ian introduces the episode and invites listener participation.

00:27 – The Big Question

What is the one marketing strategy businesses must embrace in 2026?

00:52 – The Shift Toward Real Growth Systems

Why small businesses need focus—not more noise.

01:04 – What Businesses Must Embrace

The foundation: an AI-informed, strategy-first omni-channel system.

01:23 – Why AI Can’t Be Ignored

AI isn’t going away—businesses must learn to use it effectively.

01:41 – The Role of AI in Content & Strategy

How AI helps with ideas, research, structure, buyer profiles, and brand voice.

02:27 – Human Vetting Still Matters

AI amplifies your voice—but you must guide it.

02:38 – Why Omni-Channel Is Essential

Relying on a single tactic or channel is too risky in 2026.

02:50 – The Danger of Single-Source Strategies

Paid ads and referrals alone won’t sustain growth.

02:56 – Local Search Is Changing Too

AI search hasn’t fully hit local SEO yet—but it will soon.

03:11 – Why Preparing Early Matters

AEO preparation positions you ahead of competitors.

03:25 – The Benefits of AEO

Your optimization becomes the high-quality work you should have done anyway.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

As AI search engines, answer engines, and consumer behavior shift dramatically heading into 2026, the businesses that win won’t be the ones doing more marketing—they’ll be the ones doing marketing intentionally. In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, the team tackles one of the biggest challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses today: Random Acts of Marketing.

Most businesses aren’t failing because they lack activity—they’re failing because they lack a system. With owners and teams wearing too many hats, marketing becomes reactive, inconsistent, and disconnected from strategy. The result? No predictability. No measurement. No scalable growth.

In this forward-looking episode, the team breaks down what a real marketing system looks like in 2026 and why relying on disconnected tactics—social posts, blogs, ads, emails, or AI tools—without an overarching strategy creates chaos instead of results. You’ll learn why a strategic foundation, content silos, consistent execution, and proper measurement matter more than ever.

The hosts explain the common symptoms of Random Acts of Marketing:

• No clear plan
• No defined goals
• No consistent metrics
• No dedicated owner of marketing
• Multi-vendor chaos
• No alignment between activities and outcomes

You’ll hear how to develop a system that compounds over time, supports more predictable lead flow, and positions your business to thrive in an AI-first search environment. The team discusses how strategy informs tactics, why measurement creates clarity, and how systematizing marketing reduces overwhelm while strengthening long-term visibility.

As AI changes how people search and buy, the companies that rely on random, scattered efforts will lose ground quickly. This episode equips you with simple, practical steps to stop reacting, start planning, and build a marketing engine that works consistently—even when platforms, algorithms, and search behaviors shift.

If you want predictable growth, better results, and a smarter approach to marketing in 2026, this episode will show you exactly where to start.

⏱ Timestamped Table of Contents

00:00 – Looking Ahead to 2026

AI search is changing everything—and marketing systems must evolve.

00:10 – The Critical Question

Is your marketing system actually a system?

00:27 – Why Businesses Struggle

The issue isn’t doing too little—it’s doing too much without strategy.

00:32 – Tactics vs. Strategy

Why confusing the two leads to weak results and overwhelm.

00:44 – What a Marketing System Looks Like

Predictability, sustainability, measurement, and structured execution.

00:52 – Why Tactics Alone Don’t Work

Random activities fail without a strategic backbone.

01:08 – Defining Strategy in 2026

Content silos, directional planning, and structured visibility.

01:25 – Turning Activities Into Results

How strategy transforms scattered execution into growth.

02:22 – The Power of Systematization

Why systems produce consistency, efficiency, and clearer insights.

02:28 – Marketing Confusion Explained

Why many business owners don’t know what’s happening in their marketing.

02:42 – The Need for a Clear Plan

Without a roadmap, you can’t measure or improve anything.

03:07 – No Goals = No Success

Why KPIs and benchmarks matter more than ever.

03:21 – Measuring What Matters

You can’t succeed if you don’t define and track success.

03:29 – The Dedicated Owner Problem

Marketing fails when “everyone” owns it—which means no one does.

03:50 – Multi-Vendor Chaos

How scattered providers create Random Acts of Marketing.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Local search is evolving faster than ever, and 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for small businesses trying to stay visible in Google Search and Google Maps. In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, the team breaks down the newest insights from the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors Report by Whitespark and explains what business owners must prioritize now to stay competitive in an AI-driven, answer-engine world.

Paul, Ken, Ian, and Jeff explore what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what matters more than ever for ranking locally. Some fundamentals remain rock-solid—like Google Business Profile optimization and accurate business information—but other elements have surged in importance due to Google’s shift toward AI-generated summaries and conversational search journeys.

This episode covers essential ranking factors including category selection, NAP consistency, keywords in your business description, and the rising influence of AI-powered engagement signals. You'll hear why Google Business Profile remains the foundation of local visibility, why categories outweigh keywords, and how choosing the wrong primary category can instantly limit ranking opportunities.

The team also explores the growing impact of consumer behavior signals such as clicks, calls, website visits, messaging, and real-world interactions—all of which influence Google’s evolving algorithms. You’ll learn how AI uses these signals to determine whether your business is genuinely relevant to a searcher’s intent.

Additional topics include reviews, proximity, link building, and on-page optimization—along with how each fits into a future where answer engines increasingly replace traditional search result pages. The team offers practical guidance on positioning your business for today’s search ecosystem and the AI-driven landscape coming in 2026.

If you want clarity on where to invest your time, how to future-proof your rankings, and what truly moves the needle in local search, this episode provides a clear roadmap.

⏱ Timestamped Table of Contents

00:00 – Welcome & Overview

Paul introduces the episode and the 2026 ranking factor discussion.

00:12 – What’s Changed and What Hasn’t

How AI and search behavior are reshaping local SEO.

00:27 – Importance Levels Are Shifting

Why some factors matter more in 2026.

00:30 – AI’s Growing Impact

If you’re not using AI tools for optimization, you’re falling behind.

00:39 – Source of the Data

Overview of Whitespark’s 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors Report.

00:51 – The Foundation: Google Business Profile

Why GBP optimization remains the #1 ranking factor.

01:02 – Most Important Elements of GBP

Ownership, accuracy, and the basics every business must get right.

01:15 – NAP Consistency Still Matters

Not as critical as before, but still a key trust signal.

01:29 – Preparing for Answer Engine Optimization

How AI summaries change local strategy.

02:00 – Ownership & Cleanup First

Ensure your business info is correct everywhere online.

02:13 – Categories: Still a Power Factor

Why your primary category is your most important choice.

02:40 – Choosing Categories Wisely

Less is more—avoid category overload.

02:51 – How Categories Drive Calls & Clicks

Maps listings generate most interactions, so accuracy matters.

03:10 – Secondary Categories & Keyword-Rich Descriptions

Supporting categories help—but descriptions must be strategic.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

In this powerful episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, the team welcomes Emma Rainville, a 30-year operations veteran known as the Wizard of Ops. Emma brings a rare blend of operational expertise and marketing insight, revealing the hidden reasons why many businesses fail to convert leads—even when their marketing is working perfectly.

Emma explains the often-overlooked truth: operations, fulfillment, and internal processes determine whether leads become loyal, high-value clients. Marketing can generate demand, but without an optimized backend, businesses lose sales, damage retention, and stunt growth.

This episode uncovers the root causes of lead drop-off, such as unclear delivery processes, misaligned expectations, poor onboarding, and internal gaps between marketing, sales, and fulfillment. Emma walks through how to diagnose these issues, how to ensure handoffs don’t fall apart, and how to build a seamless customer journey that delivers consistency, confidence, and repeat business.

You’ll learn why listening to current customers is the key to improving your offerings, how fulfillment insights can inform better marketing, and why many businesses don’t know what problem they actually solve—because the process has never been mapped. Emma also shares how she helps businesses find “operational magic” by identifying missing or broken systems that directly impact revenue.

The team digs into the practical side too: effective communication, expectation setting, quality control, and building processes that scale. Emma explains how even small improvements can dramatically improve close rates and lifetime value. Her perspective bridges the gap between the promise marketing makes and the experience fulfillment delivers—creating alignment that fuels growth.

If you’ve ever wondered why leads don’t convert, why customers don’t stay, or why your business feels harder than it should, this episode will give you clarity and a roadmap for stronger, more profitable operations.

⏱ Timestamped Table of Contents

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

Ken introduces special guest Emma Rainville and sets up the focus on operations.

00:12 – Why This Conversation Is Different

Marketing is only half the puzzle—operations complete the picture.

00:27 – Meet Emma: The Wizard of Ops

Emma shares her background and how she earned her nickname.

01:00 – Why Leads Don’t Convert

The hidden operational issues that sabotage sales.

01:28 – Mapping the Customer Journey

Why businesses struggle when their delivery process isn’t defined.

01:42 – Listening to Existing Customers

How customer feedback reveals what to fix and what to sell next.

02:07 – Bridging Marketing and Fulfillment

Aligning promises with delivery to build trust and loyalty.

02:28 – Identifying Gaps in Process

Where most businesses lose momentum and clients.

02:59 – Improving Sales Funnels Through Operations

Operational clarity increases conversion and long-term value.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Your website is the digital face of your business—but is it secretly driving customers away, lowering your Google rankings, and quietly sabotaging your success? In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, the team breaks down the hidden issues that cause even “good-looking” websites to underperform or outright fail.

Ian, Ken, Paul, and Jeff explore one of the biggest myths they see in the small-business world: owners believing their website is fine because it looks fine. The truth? A beautiful website can still destroy rankings, kill conversions, and block qualified leads from ever reaching your inbox.

This episode reveals the most common website blunders—from structural problems to missing content to poor user experience—that silently hurt businesses every day. You’ll learn why design alone isn’t enough, why Google cares deeply about what’s behind the scenes, and how technical mistakes can tank your visibility without you ever knowing.

We cover the fundamentals every business must get right: site architecture, clean navigation, fast load times, mobile usability, security, content strategy, and clear calls to action. You’ll hear why overly complex directories and deep page hierarchies confuse both users and search engines, and how simplifying your structure can immediately improve rankings.

You’ll also learn how small-but-critical issues like outdated plugins, bloated builders, and missing schema markup reduce your competitiveness in search results. The team explains how to diagnose these problems and what steps to take to turn your site into the sales and ranking engine it should be.

Whether you’re a DIY website builder, working with an agency, or managing an older site that’s “just been sitting there,” this episode will help you bust myths, spot hidden pitfalls, and finally get your website working for you instead of against you.

If you’ve ever wondered why your website isn’t performing—or you suspect something is off—this is the episode that will clarify what’s happening and show you how to fix it.

⏱ Timestamped Table of Contents

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup

Why this topic is critical for business owners.

00:19 – Is Your Website Hurting Your Rankings?

Introducing the idea that many websites secretly sabotage success.

00:29 – The “Looks Good = Works Good” Myth

Why design alone is misleading—and often dangerous.

00:44 – When Site Designs Hide Serious Problems

Real examples of sites owners thought were great but were actually disasters.

00:54 – The Blunders Holding Your Website Back

What Google sees that owners don’t.

01:07 – Turning Your Website Into a Sales Machine

Fundamentals that transform performance and rankings.

01:15 – Ideal Listeners for This Topic

From DIYers to long-time site owners, this episode has value for all.

01:29 – Technical Website Issues That Hurt SEO

Ken breaks down structural, organizational, and foundational mistakes.

02:04 – “Pretty” Websites That Perform Poorly

Why attractiveness doesn’t equal effectiveness.

02:14 – The Importance of Proper Website Structure

How the underlying foundation influences rankings.

02:29 – Businesses With Different Needs

When a simple site is acceptable—and when it’s not.

02:42 – Behind-the-Scenes SEO Essentials

Why hidden elements matter as much as what users see.

02:57 – Overly Complicated Architecture

How deep directories and messy hierarchies confuse Google.

03:03 – Creating Logical, Simple Navigation

A better way to organize your pages for humans and search engines.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Stewart explains why first-time clients often hire based on work or price, but long-term clients return because of the connection you build. He describes how nurturing relationships over months or even years is essential in industries with long sales cycles. We discuss practical strategies for staying top-of-mind without overwhelming prospects, including personal outreach, industry visibility, and thoughtful content that positions you as a trusted authority.

As the conversation expands, Stewart outlines how constant industry change—from mergers to shifting buyer roles—makes platforms like LinkedIn essential for staying informed and maintaining relationships. He also shares why he still reads print media and industry reports daily, and how surprising insights often lead to meaningful client touchpoints.

Naturally, the discussion turns to AI. Stewart is candid about how AI tools are transforming creative work—from pre-production to content ideation—and why the genie isn’t going back in the bottle. We explore the gray areas of AI-generated content, copyright concerns, and the global differences in how companies are already using AI at scale. Stewart emphasizes that creatives must evolve with technology, just as they did with digital cameras, Photoshop, and mobile photography.

The episode also dives into branding lessons. Stewart shares why brands often get tired of their own identity long before customers even recognize it—meaning frequent rebrands often destroy hard-earned equity. We compare small-business identity to big-brand campaigns and discuss why evolution beats revolution in long-term brand building.

Next, we explore how video production is changing. Stewart talks about the shift toward vertical formats, low-budget video options, and storytelling that works in today’s fast-scroll environment. He explains how small businesses can use simple, authentic video to create meaningful engagement without massive production budgets.

Other topics include:

• Staying authentic in a world full of overproduced branding
• How industry consolidation affects small service providers
• Why clear expectations improve client satisfaction
• What consistency in deliverables means for production teams
• The importance of respecting clients’ spaces and time during shoots
• The rising cost of paid media and what small businesses must consider before investing in Google or LinkedIn ads
• How to reverse-engineer advertising budgets based on customer acquisition cost
• Why licensing existing content can be a smart, cost-effective option

Stewart closes the episode by sharing where listeners can explore his work—at stewartcohen.com, on LinkedIn, on Instagram @scpictures, or through his stock media platform superstock.com.

This episode is packed with practical, real-world wisdom for marketers, creators, and small-business owners who want to level up their storytelling, build stronger relationships, and navigate the rapidly changing world of video and content creation.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Ken, Paul, Ian, and Jeff dive into real-world tactics including media outreach, expert sourcing platforms like HARO/Help a Reporter Out, link-earning strategies, data-driven storytelling, thought leadership, and how AI is transforming both the PR pitch process and newsroom workflows.

You’ll learn how Google evaluates authority, the role of high-quality backlinks, what makes journalists actually respond, and the PR assets every small business should develop right now.

If you want more organic traffic, stronger brand credibility, and more people talking about your business—this episode is a must-listen.

⏱ TIMESTAMPED TABLE OF CONTENTS

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview

The hosts introduce the topic of digital PR, why it's misunderstood, and how it connects to SEO, trust, and visibility.

00:30 – What Is Digital PR?

Ken explains how digital PR differs from traditional PR and why online media coverage matters more today.

00:52 – Press Releases vs. True PR

Why a single press release isn’t enough—and what modern PR campaigns actually look like.

01:40 – Why Digital PR Matters for SEO

How earned media, backlinks, and branded mentions signal authority to Google.

02:40 – High-Value Links, Brand Mentions & E-E-A-T

Discussion of link quality, topic relevance, and how PR contributes to Expertise, Experience, Authority, and Trust.

03:10 – Building Brand Authority Through Thought Leadership

How small businesses can position themselves as go-to experts in their niche.

04:20 – Tactics: How to Earn Links & Media Coverage

Story mining, sourcing platforms, journalist relationships, pitch structure, and leveraging unique data.

06:30 – The Role of Storytelling in Digital PR

How compelling angles increase journalist response rates.

08:45 – Social Proof & Reputation Signals

Using PR wins to improve conversions, trust, and brand perception.

10:00 – AI and the Future of Digital PR

How AI tools can help build media lists, tailor pitches, and analyze journalist interests.

12:00 – Common PR Mistakes Small Businesses Make

And how to fix them fast.

14:30 – How to Measure PR Success

KPIs including link quality, DR/DA, referral traffic, brand search lift, and media pickup.

16:00 – Final Takeaways & Action Steps

Where small businesses should start with digital PR today.

🎧 Perfect for You If…

• You want higher Google rankings without pumping money into paid ads
• You need credible backlinks that actually move the SEO needle
• You want to build brand authority and be seen as the expert in your local market
• You’ve heard of PR… but never knew how to make it work for small businesses

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Quarter 4 is the biggest revenue opportunity of the year for many small businesses—and in this episode, your Marketing Guides team breaks down exactly how to capitalize on it.

From October urgency to Black Friday momentum, from December holiday traffic to New Year’s buying cycles, this episode reveals battle-tested promotional strategies that turn browsers into buyers during the most competitive season.

You’ll hear Ken, Ian, Paul, and Jeff dissect what actually works in Q4 marketing, including time-sensitive offers, budget-year purchasing behavior, seasonal alignment, loyalty incentives, bundling, omnichannel messaging, and how to plan campaigns that stack on each other for maximum sales impact.

If you want to finish the year strong and create momentum rolling into Q1, this is your tactical blueprint.

⏱ TIMESTAMPED TABLE OF CONTENTS

00:00 – Cold Open & Welcome

Quick banter before the team jumps into the high-stakes topic of Q4 promotions.

00:04 – Why Q4 Is a Critical Season for Small Businesses

Ian lays out why October–January has unique buying triggers and outsized revenue potential.

00:23 – The Purpose of the Episode

This is not just about discounts — it’s about strategy for sustained momentum through the end of the year.

00:47 – Setting Up Year-End Promotions That Actually Work

The team previews the pillars of successful Q4 campaigns.

00:59 – Why October Through December Is a Hotbed for Promotions

Ken explains seasonal buying psychology and market forces.

01:12 – End-of-Year Budgets & “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Spending

A critical insight: many businesses MUST spend money before the year ends.

01:32 – Examples of Vendor-Driven Promos

How manufacturer incentives (like Pella Windows) can fuel your own promotions.

01:40–… Additional transcript continues

(If you'd like a full expanded timestamp table, I can build one—just say the word!)

🎧 Perfect for You If…

• You want to increase Q4 revenue without discounting your brand into oblivion
• You struggle to plan seasonal promotions that actually convert
• You want a clear, actionable framework for October → New Year’s
• You want to go into Q1 with momentum instead of the usual slowdown

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

Forget features—today, it's all about the feeling.

This week, discover why your brand’s true power isn’t just in what you say, but in the vibe you create—and how AI makes shaping that emotional connection faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever. If you want your small business to outshine competitors, build loyalty, and stand out in a noisy world, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

🎧 Why Listen? – The Benefits

• See why today’s most successful brands win hearts (and wallets) by selling a feeling, not just a product.
• Tap into the latest trends where aesthetics, emotions, and immediate “vibe” beat hard data and features.
• Learn how even the smallest business can create share-worthy, buzzworthy moments using AI as your creative co-pilot.
• Avoid the most common pitfalls—like losing your soul to over-automation or trending too hard.

📚 What You’ll Learn

• The roots, science, and evolution of vibe marketing—from ancient marketplaces to TikTok trends
• How brands (big and small) use emotional resonance to drive loyalty and growth, with real-world case studies (Duolingo, Cadbury, Hydrate Medical, and more)
• Why AI tools make it easier than ever for small businesses to create, test, and amplify a brand vibe without big-agency budgets
• A playbook for pinpointing your "emotional anchor," expressing it consistently, and scaling it across every touchpoint (social media, website, real-world events, and more)
• How to use feedback, A/B testing, and analytics to measure what feelings actually drive engagement and sales—so you can refine and scale what works

🛠️ How To Put It Into Action

• Identify the core feeling you want your customers to associate with your brand (comfort, empowerment, excitement, etc.).
• Audit your brand’s visuals, tone, and experiences—do they align with your desired vibe?
• Use an AI tool to quickly create mood boards, test different ad styles, or draft new copy that fits your vibe.
• Experiment on social media: post variations, ask your audience for feedback, and watch for themes in comments and shares.
• Commit to consistency: once you find a “vibe” that resonates, run with it everywhere—then keep listening and evolving as culture shifts.

🌐 Need expert help to vibe higher? Connect with our Marketing Guides:

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com
• More resources at: https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com

Remember: In the AI era, your vibe isn’t just your “look”—it’s the emotional experience you deliver, and it’s what your audience will never forget. Listen to level up your brand’s vibe—and your bottom line!

What You'll Discover:

🎯 The Trust Gap – Why people trust the government more than the media (and what that means for your marketing)

🧠 Decision-Making DNA – How life experience shapes whether buyers want guarantees or peer reviews, long-form content or 20-second videos

💡 The Personalization Imperative – 71% of consumers expect personalized experiences, and 76% get frustrated when they don't get it

⚠️ One-Size-Fits-All Risks – Why generic messaging wastes ad spend and fails to resonate with anyone

🎨 Tone & Language Strategies – From professional copy to meme-native content, how to speak each generation's language without being fake

🤝 Inclusivity Without Pandering – The fine line between authentic connection and forced diversity that pushes customers away

Practical Takeaways:

• How to structure offers and reduce risk for different age groups
• Why support channel preferences matter (and how AI is changing the game)
• First steps to adapt your marketing on a reasonable budget
• The power of segmentation in your CRM to deliver targeted messaging

Whether you're a Boomer business owner trying to reach Gen Z customers, or a millennial marketer navigating cross-cultural campaigns, this episode gives you actionable strategies to meet your audience where they are—authentically.

Ready to transform your marketing strategy? Connect with our expert guides:

🔗 Ian Cantle – Outsourced Marketing: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔗 Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel – Change Scape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔗 Jeff Stec – Tylerica Systems: tylericasystems.com

Don't let generational gaps cost you customers. Subscribe now and discover how to create marketing that resonates across every demographic!

Think advanced digital ads are just for big brands with big budgets? Think again.

In this episode, the Marketing Guides for Small Business welcome programmatic advertising pro Dan Kraus, Managing Director at Shift Advertising, to bust the myths holding SMBs back from smarter, more precise, and more profitable digital ads.

🚀 Why Listen? (Benefits)

• Learn how to reach YOUR perfect customers—wherever they spend time online—with technology that was once only available to the biggest brands.
• See what your competitors don’t: local geotargeting, cross-device campaigns, and real-time data-driven results you can actually use (even on a shoestring budget).
• Walk away with clarity about digital ad options you didn’t know you had—and the confidence to finally stop wasting money on guesswork!

📚 What You’ll Learn

• What programmatic advertising really is (and how it’s different from Google, Facebook or “boosted” posts)
• Where your ads can run—desktop, mobile, streaming TV, even down to a single block in your neighborhood
• Budget realities: how much you really need, and tips to compete with bigger advertisers
• How tracking, reporting, and compliance are simpler (and smarter) than you thought
• When (and why) to use programmatic instead of—or alongside—Meta and Google Ads
• The nuts and bolts: how fast you can launch, how to use geofencing, how small you can target, and what pitfalls to avoid

🛠️ How to Put It Into Action

• Evaluate your current digital ads—are you just “boosting posts” or relying on Social/Google? If so, compare your results with what’s possible using programmatic targeting.
• Start small: pick ONE local or event-based use case from the episode (e.g. neighborhood targeting, flash sales, specific customer segments) to test a programmatic campaign.
• Talk with your team: how precise do you actually need to be? What reporting or ROI would prove an ad channel is working for you?
• Reach out to a programmatic specialist (like Dan from Shift Advertising or one of our guides) for a no-pressure consultation—finally bringing clarity to your 2024 digital marketing!

🌐 Connect with Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle – Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker and Paul Barthel – Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com
• Dan Kraus – Shift Advertising
• https://www.shiftadvertising.io/

Don’t let your digital ads blend into the background. Listen now to learn how programmatic can put your brand in front of the right audience—every time, on any budget.

Ready to take your advertising further? Hit play, subscribe, and connect with the guides for your next step!

Are your funnels stuck in the past—or ready to evolve alongside your smartest competitors?

This week, the Marketing Guides for Small Business podcast goes next-level with digital marketing legend Perry Belcher. Whether you’re funnel-fatigued or curious about real-world AI marketing, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible—and profitable—in 2024 and beyond.

🚀 Why Listen?

• Discover how the world’s top marketers adapt to new buying behavior and AI disruption instead of just tweaking outdated funnels.
• Unlock moves you can implement NOW, from lead “laundering” to creating automated, newsletter-powered revenue streams.
• Get exclusive insights from Perry’s years at the cutting edge—Direct from the source!

📚 What You’ll Learn

• What’s killing traditional funnels—and why the AI-powered ecosystem is the new must-have asset for growing businesses
• Step-by-step: How small businesses can set up their own adaptive, AI-fueled marketing machines without getting overwhelmed
• The secrets behind Perry’s Primal Offer, Lead Laundering, and 4-Box Business Model—built to maximize value at every customer touchpoint
• Real talk: Mistakes to avoid when “bolting on” automation and AI the wrong way
• The new customer journey: How AI brings personalization, agility, and conversion lift to every interaction
• Practical tools, strategies, and smarter data handling in a privacy-first era
• Perry’s forecast for the next five years—spoiler: it’s not about killing the funnel, but building something that can thrive in a changing world!

🛠️ How to Put It Into Action

• Map out just one process or piece of your customer journey that could benefit from more automation or integration—then test an AI tool this month!
• Review your current funnel: Where do prospects drop off? Now imagine if data and tech could answer their next question before they ask.
• Don’t do it alone: Take Perry’s challenge to start a newsletter or create a “mini-experience” in your marketing today.
• Keep learning: Visit Perry’s site or check out the Growth Hacking Summit for even deeper dives and step-by-step playbooks.
• Connect with our guides below for hands-on tips (and automation help) tailored to your business!

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes https://outsourcedmarketing.ca https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems https://tylericasystems.com/
• The Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com

This week, the Marketing Guides for Small Business break down why becoming the authority in your field is hands-down the most powerful marketing strategy for small and midsize businesses today.

🚀 Why Listen?

• Find out how expertise, not deep pockets, lets you stand out and win more loyal clients.
• Discover proven, practical ways to boost credibility and trust—even on a shoestring budget.
• Cut through the noise and learn what really works to become the go-to name in your niche.

📚 What You’ll Learn:

• The real definition of “authority” and why small businesses must own it now
• Key psychological reasons why customers instinctively trust and remember experts over “vendors”
• Where to start (and how to affordably accelerate) your authority journey: content, PR, social proof, partnerships, and more
• How local events, testimonials, referrals, and even awards can change—and charge up—your business
• Ways to recognize early wins (like more referrals, less price pressure, and media requests)
• How to keep your expert status fresh and protected—even when copycats or trends threaten your lead
• Why diversifying your channels isn’t just smart—it’s essential against changing algorithms and habits

🔧 How to Put It Into Action:

• Pick one tactic—add a credibility signal to your website, ask for a new testimonial, or pitch yourself as a podcast guest
• Make building authority a weekly habit: update proof-points, share expertise, or network locally
• Watch for early results: higher lead quality, easier sales, or organic “inbound” attention
• Don’t go it alone—share your success and tap into our Guides below for expert support

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylericasystems.com/

In this episode, the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast panelists explain what Google Web Guide is, why Google is taking a more semantic, concept-driven approach, and what it means for your SEO strategy. You’ll learn why connections, topical authority, and AI-friendly content clusters now matter as much as keywords and links.

Tune in for:

• A plain-English breakdown of how Google Web Guide and Gemini AI reorganize the search experience to prioritize meaning and relevance
• Practical examples of how content will be grouped, ranked, and presented—from comprehensive guides to real world business cases
• Critical SEO shifts—what’s changing, what stays the same, and how to optimize your content for both people and AI
• A deep dive into Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) vs. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—and how both will shape your strategy
• Expert insights on whether this is a threat or opportunity for small businesses, and what you must do now to get ahead

Resource Mentioned:

Search Engine Journal – Google Web Guide: Reshaping the SERP and What It Means for Your SEO Strategy

Don’t get left behind. Join our guides and start building SEO that works for tomorrow’s search, not just today’s!

🌐 Connect with Your Marketing Guides

• Ian Cantle – Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroes
• https://outsourcedmarketing.ca
• https://dentalmarketingheroes.com
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel – Changescape Web
• https://changescapeweb.com
• Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems
• https://tylerica.com

What’s REALLY stopping you from marketing your business—and what’s it costing you?

Every business owner has heard (or made!) the excuses: “I don’t have time.” “It’s too expensive.” “It didn’t work for me.” But the truth is, those excuses don’t just stall your growth—they hand your future customers to the competition.

Before you hit play, ask yourself:

• Am I telling myself “I just don’t have time to market”—and what am I truly risking by putting it off?
• Does my budget excuse hold up, or am I confusing investment with expense?
• Have I written off “marketing” just because one tactic failed—without having a real plan or strategy?

In this no-nonsense episode, the Marketing Guides break down:

• Why the “I don’t have time” mindset is the fastest path to an empty pipeline—and how to make marketing a permanent, practical part of your routine.
• The truth about marketing “costs”—and how top-performing small businesses transform spending into an investment that pays for itself, again and again.
• What’s really happening when you say, “I tried marketing and it didn’t work”—and how to diagnose, fix, and finally get results.
• Why relying on word-of-mouth alone is dangerous, even if it’s worked before (and what must be part of your growth plan in today’s market).
• How doing “random acts of marketing” without a system or plan wastes time, burns cash, and sets you up to be beaten by more strategic competitors—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• Data-backed stats on how (and why) time, budget, and planning impact growth
• Expert tips for breaking marketing paralysis, structuring your first steps, and investing smarter (not harder)
• Confidence-boosting ways to move past fear, get out of your own way, and finally build momentum

Meet your Marketing Guides:

• Ian Cantle – Outsourced Marketing Inc.
• Ken Tucker – Changescape Web
• Paul Barthel – Changescape Web
• Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems

Each week, your Guides deliver powerful, honest marketing insight—no jargon, just actionable advice that grows your business.

Ready to silence the excuses and put your business back on the growth track?

Hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone ready to quit procrastinating and start getting results—or reach out to our Marketing Guides at their websites above for custom advice and resources.

It’s time to stop making excuses and start making progress. Listen now and let’s grow, together!

Are you ready for the future of marketing—or will you get left behind? The world of marketing is changing at a breakneck pace, and 2025 is set to redefine how small businesses connect, convert, and grow.

Before you dive in, ask yourself:

• Am I leveraging AI, personalization, and answer engine optimization—or am I still marketing like it’s 2015?
• Are my customers already shifting their attention to new places and platforms (like short-form video, social commerce, or voice search) without me?
• Which trends are all hype, and which ones are actually making small businesses money right now?

In this must-listen episode, our Marketing Guides break down the 12 most impactful trends for 2025—including:

• The game-changing power of generative AI and agentic marketing
• Hyper-personalization: delivering the right message, in the right place, at the right time
• Answer engine optimization and the rise of platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and voice assistants
• Short-form video dominance—and why YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok aren’t optional anymore
• Micro and nano influencers, AR/VR for immersive experiences, social commerce, AI-driven paid media, and more!

You’ll hear:

• Real stats and stories proving what works (and what to avoid)
• Where to focus if you have a small budget but big ambitions
• Best practices for staying ahead—even when the digital landscape feels overwhelming

Meet Your Marketing Guides:

• Ken Tucker — Changescape Web
• Paul Barthel — Changescape Web
• Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing Inc.

Every week, your Marketing Guides deliver field-tested insights to help small businesses thrive—no jargon, just practical advice that gets results.

Ready to future-proof your marketing and crush it in 2025?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your business network. Then visit our Guides’ websites for more resources, personalized strategy sessions, and actionable marketing toolkits.

Don’t stand still—grab these trends and get growing. Listen now!

Are you treating hiring as strategically as you market your services or products? More importantly—is your business attracting the right talent, or repelling them before they even apply?

Before you hit play, ask yourself:

• Would your dream employee be excited to work for your company based on what’s visible on your website, Google listing, and social media today?
• Are you making the critical mistake of only “marketing” your business to customers—while great candidates just breeze by?
• How could applying your customer marketing playbook to hiring result in better people, less stress, and faster growth this year?

In this episode, we reveal how to think like a marketer and hire like a pro:

• Why your employer brand matters as much as your customer brand, and how to align both for authenticity that attracts—not just applicants, but the right people.
• Proven ways to “out-story” your competition and use reviews, social proof, and candid team content to build trust and culture.
• The marketing funnel approach to hiring: from nurturing a talent pipeline and optimizing job pages for SEO, to automating touchpoints with CRM and email lists—so you’re never scrambling when that critical position opens up.
• Real stories from the front lines (including a few hiring misadventures) that highlight what works, what doesn’t, and how marketing tactics can build a sustainable, scalable hiring process.

Meet Your Marketing Guides:

• Ian Cantle – Dental Marketing Heroes
• Ken Tucker – Changescape Web
• Paul Barthel – Changescape Web
• Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems

Each week, your Marketing Guides bring you hard-earned wisdom and practical tools you can use right now to outsmart your competition—whether you’re building a customer base or a team.

Ready to build a brand that attracts top talent—not just more customers?

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with your fellow business leaders. Visit our Guides’ websites for more exclusive tips, resources, and a custom marketing/pipeline assessment.

Don’t just fill seats—build a company people want to join. Hit play and let’s make hiring your new secret weapon!

Are you truly leveraging the power of local SEO, or just scratching the surface?

This episode takes you beyond the basics—unpacking the strategies, hidden features, and common pitfalls that determine whether your business shows up (or stays invisible) in your local market. Whether you’re a service-area business, brick-and-mortar retailer, or local professional, the rules are changing and the competition is only getting sharper.

Before you listen, ask yourself:

• Do I really know how Google decides which businesses appear at the top of local results—and what’s holding mine back?
• Am I making critical mistakes with my Google Business Profile, or missing out on simple tactics that drive more calls and visits?
• With AI and changing search habits, am I prepared for the next wave of local SEO, or am I about to be left behind?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The truth behind “near me” searches versus geo-targeted queries—and why your content needs to serve both.
• Why Google Business Profile (GBP) is more than just a listing—and how to optimize every corner of it (categories, Q&As, reviews, and ongoing engagement).
• How proximity, relevance, and prominence drive results—and practical steps to improve all three for your business.
• The critical role of reviews, reputation, and ongoing profile management—plus what to do when you get hit by fake reviews or platform glitches.
• What’s new with local search in the age of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)—and why SEO fundamentals aren’t dead (yet).
• Agency-level tips for grid reporting, heat maps, multiple branches, and troubleshooting why you’re not ranking.

Meet your Marketing Guides:

• Ian Cantle – Dental Marketing Heroes

• Ken Tucker – Changescape Web

• Paul Barthel – Changescape Web

• Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems

Together, they bring decades of hands-on local SEO and digital marketing expertise, helping small and midsize businesses outsmart competitors and get found where it matters most.

Ready to stop guessing and start winning at local SEO?

Smash that subscribe button, share the show with your colleagues and local business friends, and connect with our Guides at their websites above for more resources, free tips, and a custom SEO review!

LISTEN NOW to unlock the strategies that drive local leads and revenue in 2025/26—and keep your business a step ahead.

Is your marketing falling flat? 🚫📉 You’re not alone—and there are real reasons behind it.

In this no-fluff episode, the Marketing Guides break down the most common (and costly) marketing mistakes small businesses make—and what you can do right now to fix them. Whether you’re doing it yourself, managing vendors, or working with an agency, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to ignore.

You’ll learn:

• ❌ Why “doing more” isn’t always the solution
• 🎯 How lack of strategy kills results
• 📉 The hidden cost of poor messaging and weak calls-to-action
• 🔍 Why visibility without conversion is just noise
• 💡 Simple shifts to boost your ROI fast
• 🧠 Real examples of what does work for small businesses

Plus:

• 🚫 The myth of overnight success—and how to create momentum that lasts
• ⚙️ How to align your marketing with your customer’s journey

This is the marketing reality check every small business owner needs. If you’re tired of wasting time and money, this episode will help you get clarity, control, and results.

👉 Listen now and get your marketing working smarter—not just harder.

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #MarketingFails #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #FixYourMarketing #ROI #DigitalMarketingTips #MarketingGuidesPodcast

Video is no longer optional—it’s essential!

In this forward-looking episode of Marketing Guides for Small Business, our expert panel explores the emerging video marketing trends for 2025 and what small businesses must do to stay ahead of the curve. From the rise of short-form content to AI-generated video and new distribution strategies, we break down what’s changing—and how to leverage these shifts to grow your brand and connect with customers.

💡 You’ll discover:

• Why authenticity will win over perfection in 2025
• How AI tools are reshaping video production and personalization
• The growing dominance of short-form and vertical video
• Why silent video (with captions) matters more than ever
• Where to post your videos to get the most impact
• Tools and tips to streamline your video content creation

Whether you’re new to video or ready to level up your strategy, this episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to create compelling video content that works.

🎯 Don't Just Listen, Act On It:

Connect with our expert Marketing Guides and take your video marketing to the next level:

• Jeff Stec – Strategic marketing systems expert
• 🔗 https://tylericasystems.com/
• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel – SEO, local marketing & analytics experts
• 🔗 https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle – Fractional CMO & video-first content strategist
• 🔗 https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

📣 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone looking to modernize their marketing in 2025 and beyond!

#MarketingPodcast #VideoMarketing #2025MarketingTrends #SmallBusinessMarketing #VideoContentStrategy #ShortFormVideo #AIinMarketing #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #MarketingGuidesPodcast #VideoForBusiness #VideoTrends2025

With so many marketing options out there, how do you know which model fits your business best?

In this essential episode, the Marketing Guides break down the pros and cons of today’s most popular marketing delivery models—from hiring in-house staff to working with agencies, managing multiple vendors, or engaging a Fractional CMO.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by options or considering a change, this episode will help you choose the right path based on your goals, budget, and bandwidth.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🧠 In-House Marketing Teams: When control is key—but costs are high
• 🤝 Marketing Agencies: Scalability, strategy, and subject-matter expertise
• 🧩 Multi-Vendor Models: Why juggling freelancers can work—or fall apart
• 🎯 Fractional CMOs: Executive-level guidance without the full-time cost
• 📉 The biggest pitfalls to avoid when outsourcing or building internally
• 💡 How hybrid models are helping businesses get the best of both worlds

Plus:

• 📊 Key questions to ask when evaluating your current setup
• 🛠️ How to align your marketing model with your business stage and objectives

If you’re ready to eliminate the confusion and make a confident decision about how to structure your marketing, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Tune in now and build a smarter, more effective marketing engine for your business!

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #MarketingStrategy #FractionalCMO #MarketingAgency #InHouseMarketing #OutsourcingMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #MarketingModels #MarketingGuidesPodcast

Being a solopreneur can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this inspiring highlight episode, the Marketing Guides dive into the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that come with running a business of one. From setting smarter goals to creating systems that free up your time, this episode is packed with real-world advice designed to help solopreneurs thrive both professionally and personally.

You’ll discover:

• 🌱 How to build a business that supports the life you want to live
• 🧩 Systems and automation strategies that scale you
• 🧠 The mindset shifts that successful solopreneurs embrace
• 🛠️ Tools that make it easier to run a business solo—without burning out
• 👤 Why personal branding and community matter more than ever

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to revamp your solo journey, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and encouragement to build a more fulfilling business—on your terms.

Check out Carly Ries and Lifestarr at: https://www.lifestarr.com/

👉 Listen now and take the next step toward a more empowered solopreneur life.

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #Solopreneurs #SmallBusinessLife #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeBalance #MarketingAutomation #SoloSuccess #MarketingGuidesPodcast

AI and automation aren’t just buzzwords—they’re rapidly transforming how small businesses operate, market, and grow. The question is: Are you keeping up?

In this forward-thinking episode, the Marketing Guides explore how artificial intelligence and automation tools are making small businesses more efficient, more competitive, and more profitable.

Tune in to discover:

• 🤖 What AI is really doing for small business marketing (and what it can’t do)
• 🧠 How to train AI to sound like your brand
• ✉️ Real examples: AI-written debt collection emails and proposal drafts
• 🛠️ Free and low-cost AI tools to get started with today
• 🔁 Workflow automation: From lead nurturing to scheduling to follow-ups
• 📞 AI voice assistants vs. traditional call centers—who wins?
• 📊 Why your CRM is the bedrock of automation and AI integration

Plus:

• ⚠️ The most common mistakes small businesses make with AI & automation
• 💡 How to build a future-ready stack without overwhelming your team
• 🌐 The rise of AI-powered websites that adapt in real-time

Whether you’re an early adopter or just getting your feet wet, this episode will guide you through practical, affordable ways to start working smarter, not harder with AI and automation.

👉 Don’t get left behind—learn how to leverage the tools that will shape your business’s future.

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #AIforSmallBusiness #MarketingAutomation #CRMStrategy #SmallBusinessTech #MarketingTools #WorkSmarter #MarketingGuidesPodcast

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your customers did your marketing for you?

In this powerful episode, the Marketing Guides reveal how small businesses can turn satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates—and even build a thriving community around their business.

You’ll discover:

• 👥 What a brand advocate really is—and why you can’t grow without them
• 🔥 The difference between accidental word of mouth and intentional advocacy
• 🧠 How to find your hidden fans using reviews, staff input, and CRM insights
• 🧱 Strategies for building a community from scratch (even with a tiny budget)
• 🎁 How to reward loyalty without cheapening the relationship
• 🚫 What not to do—like treating your advocates as just another marketing list

Plus:

• 💸 Free and low-cost tools to start building your community
• 📈 Why advocacy boosts lifetime customer value by 16% or more
• ✅ One simple action you can take this week to move from customers… to champions

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your customer relationships, this episode will help you foster authentic advocacy that grows your business and builds long-term trust.

👉 Listen now and subscribe for future insights that help your business thrive!

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #BrandAdvocacy #CustomerExperience #SmallBusinessMarketing #CommunityBuilding #CustomerLoyalty #MarketingStrategy #MarketingGuidesPodcast

Search behavior is changing—but is your business keeping up?

In this eye-opening episode, the Marketing Guides break down key insights from BrightLocal’s latest Local Consumer Review Survey and explore where consumers are really searching in 2025. Spoiler alert: Google still dominates—but there’s more to the story.

We dig into:

• 🔍 Why 80% of local searches still start on Google
• 🤖 The real (and overhyped) impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on search
• 📱 How Gen Z, Millennials, and Boomers actually search differently
• 🎥 Why YouTube and video content are a trust-building goldmine
• 📞 The one mistake that’s silently killing your leads: slow or no response

Plus:

• ✅ Why having accurate contact info beats price and reviews
• 🌟 How recent and replied-to reviews build buyer trust
• ⚠️ Why optimizing for AI search doesn’t mean abandoning classic SEO

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a small business owner trying to get found online, this episode will help you understand where your customers are looking—and how to make sure they find you.

👉 Don’t miss this essential breakdown of search behavior trends that could make or break your visibility in 2025.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more expert insights each week!

📎 Visit our websites:

• Jeff Stec | Tylerica Systems Marketing → https://tylericasystems.com
• Paul Barthel & Ken Tucker | Changescape Web → https://changescapeweb.com
• Ian Cantle | Outsourced Marketing → https://outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔖 #SearchBehavior #SmallBusinessMarketing #LocalSEO #MarketingTips #GoogleSEO #AIandSearch #YouTubeMarketing #GenZMarketing #ConsumerTrends #MarketingGuidesPodcast

Table of Contents:

1. Skip Adams’ Journey: From professional baseball to top relocation specialist in Albuquerque real estate.
2. Finding Your Niche & Building a Brand: Why Skip doubled down on relocation and how “the riches are in the niches”.
3. YouTube Deep Dive: Strategy, learning curve, and why video marketing is Skip’s top lead generator.
4. Content Creation Secrets: How Skip reverse-engineers YouTube topics using keyword research tools, and creates evergreen, trust-building content.
5. Turning Viewers Into Clients: Lead capture techniques, try-before-you-buy offers, and the magic of inbound calls.
6. The Power of Testimonials: How Skip collects and uses video reviews to build credibility—without being salesy.
7. Podcasting & TV: Behind the scenes of running UABQ, a local show, and its role in community connection.
8. AI in Marketing: Real-world ways Skip and the hosts leverage AI for content, research, image editing, and productivity.
9. SEO & Repurposing Content: Actionable advice for supercharging your website with blog posts, structure tips, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
10. Scaling & Delegating Marketing: When to outsource, the value of your time, and how to stay focused on what you love.

What You’ll Gain From This Episode:

• Real-World Video Marketing Tactics: Learn how Skip grew his business (and reputation) using YouTube—plus the steps to make your videos effective, even as a beginner.
• Secrets to Content That Converts: Discover how to research trending topics your audience actually wants, so you’re always answering their pain points.
• Lead Generation That Works: Get Skip’s proven framework for turning content viewers into leads and loyal customers, including downloadable guides and clear calls-to-action.
• Building Trust at Scale: See why authentic testimonials (especially on video) are game changers, and how to get them.
• AI Tools & Productivity Hacks: Hear how small businesses use the latest AI tools to multiply output, repurpose content, and support marketing without breaking the bank.
• SEO Strategies for Non-Techies: Action steps for getting found on Google—plus critical website tweaks every business should know.
• Delegating Without Losing Your Voice: When to bring in help, how to vet marketing partners, and making your content go further.
• Insider Perspective: You’ll get both the guest’s and hosts’ candid thoughts on the real challenges—and solutions—in small business marketing today.

Ready to Build Momentum in Your Marketing?

Listen now to hear expert insights, candid tips, and actionable strategies you can use—whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or real estate pro.

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe & Rate: So you never miss an episode!
• Share: Found this helpful? Pass it along to your network—friends, peers, even your pets!
• Tell Us What You Need: Have a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Drop us a line and let us know.

Let’s keep building your marketing success—one smart strategy at a time!

Remember to Keep Calm and Market On!

What does it take to thrive in business today, especially when change is the only constant? In this compelling episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we welcome none other than Guy Kawasaki—legendary evangelist, author, podcaster, and the chief evangelist at Canva. Join hosts Jeff Stec, Ken Tucker, and Paul Barthel for a lively, no-nonsense conversation with Guy about entrepreneurship, technology, sales, AI, and the real secrets behind remarkable marketing.

Whether you’re a founder navigating your own nonlinear path, a marketer ready to learn the art of true evangelism, or a small business eager to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Table of Contents

1. Guy Kawasaki’s Unconventional Journey
2. From Honolulu roots to Silicon Valley legend: Embracing career twists and the power of passion over “the linear path.”
3. Make or Sell: Why Sales Are Every Entrepreneur’s Job
4. The make-or-sell philosophy and why sales skills trump all in small business.
5. AI for Small Business—Threat or Opportunity?
6. How AI is the best free tool and equalizer for small business, plus practical ways to tap into its power.
7. Lessons from a Remarkable Career
8. Top business (and life) rules Guy lives by, including why you should never ask others to do what you wouldn’t.
9. Standing Out in a Crowded Market—Real Differentiation
10. Guy’s actionable two-by-two matrix for defining and communicating your unique value.
11. The Power (and Pitfalls) of Storytelling
12. How stories trump facts, and why your origin story matters more than you think.
13. Rethinking Social Media for Small Business
14. Should you even be on Instagram? Why reviews may be more valuable than likes.
15. Evangelism for Every Business Owner
16. The essence of true evangelism and how even small business owners can become their own best advocates.
17. Customer Delight, Loyalty, & Future-Proofing Your Business
18. Practical approaches to building customer loyalty, especially with limited budgets.
19. Guy Kawasaki’s Final Tips and Lightning-Round Insights
20. Guerrilla uses of ChatGPT, adapting to rapid change, and resources for going deeper.

Benefits – What You’ll Hear (and Take Away):

• Game-Changing Perspective: Real-world, not textbook, advice on adapting to change and thriving without a perfect plan.
• Actionable Sales Wisdom: Practical, candid tips for leveling up your sales skills no matter your role.
• Step-by-Step Differentiation Framework: A memorable matrix to pinpoint what sets you apart and attract the right customers (without a race to the bottom on price).
• AI Demystified: Simple, actionable ways to use free AI tools like ChatGPT to outpace competitors—no tech degree needed.
• Evangelism That Works: How to inspire passionate word-of-mouth and create advocates for your brand—no matter your company size.
• Customer Experience Hacks: Small but mighty ways to turn happy customers into a marketing engine (even with a shoestring budget).
• Storytelling Secrets: Why stories are your marketing superpower, with practical dos and don’ts from Guy’s own playbook.
• A Modern Take on Social Media: Honest talk about what’s really working for small businesses right now.
• Ready-to-Use Resources: Direct links to Guy’s best tools (including his own AI-powered knowledge base) to keep leveling up after you listen.

Call to Action

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, actionable marketing insights every week. If you found value in our conversation with Guy Kawasaki, please share this episode with fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs who need a boost. For in-depth show notes and bonus resources, visit our website—and be sure to check out Guy’s own podcast, “Remarkable People,” and his brand-new KawasakiGPT for even more wisdom.

Until next time—keep pushing boundaries, finding your unique edge, and keep calm and market on!

#smallbusinessmarketing #guykawasaki

This week on the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, Ken Tucker, Jeff Stec, and Paul Barthel dig deep into one of the most overlooked marketing assets for small businesses: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)! Discover why FAQs—and the lesser-known Should-Ask Questions (SAQs)—aren’t just for your website, but are a powerful engine for search ranking, AI training, content marketing, lead nurturing, and closing more sales.

Whether you want to boost your website's authority, streamline your sales process, or make your customer support smarter with AI, this episode shows you how tapping into the power of FAQs can create BIG value for your business.

📚 Table of Contents

• Why Should Every Business Have FAQs on Their Website?
• How FAQs Drive SEO and Local Search Ranking
• FAQs & AI: Training Chatbots and Voice Assistants
• Beyond the Website: Using FAQs In Social Media, Email, Ads & More
• Should-Ask Questions: The Secret Weapon for Sales and Differentiation
• Where to Place FAQs: Dedicated Pages vs Service Pages
• FAQs as a Foundation for Your Content Strategy
• Turning FAQs Into Videos, Blogs, Social Posts, and Lead Magnets
• How FAQs Warm Up Cold Leads and Boost Conversions
• Expert Q&A and Real-World Examples

🎯 Benefits of Listening to This Episode

• Unlock practical ways to save time and build credibility by answering prospects’ questions before they even call you
• Find out how FAQs can help you rank higher on Google, get featured in voice search, and win more qualified leads
• Learn how to turn FAQs & SAQs into sales-driving assets—from ads to nurture emails, blog posts, YouTube videos, and more
• Discover how AI chatbots, voice assistants, and automations can sell and support customers 24/7 with your FAQ content
• Get actionable tips on structuring, placing, and expanding your FAQ content for maximum business growth
• Hear real-life success stories and expert advice to set your small business apart—even if your competitors already use AI

🕒 Episode Outline

• Introduction & Welcome: Meet your hosts and today’s focus—FAQs as a goldmine!
• Why FAQs Belong on Every Website (and Not Just One Page)
• SEO Power: How FAQs Increase Dwell Time, Long-Tail Ranking, and Featured Snippets
• Training Your AI: FAQ Content for Smarter Chatbots & Voice
• Content Strategy: Use FAQs to Seed Your Blog, Nurture Campaigns, Videos, and Reels
• Should-Ask Questions: Stand Out, Pre-Qualify, and Overcome Objections
• Multi-Channel FAQ Leverage: Google Business, Social, Ads, and Nurture Sequences
• Expert Roundtable: Where to Place, How to Expand, and What to Avoid with FAQs
• Action Steps to Make FAQs Your Customer Magnet
• Final Takeaways & Your Marketing Guides’ Call to Action

🔗 Need expert help turning your marketing questions into business growth? Visit our websites for personalized marketing guidance:

• Ian Cantle of Outsourced Marketing Inc.
• Ken Tucker - Changescape Web
• Jeff Stec - Tylerica Marketing Systems
• Dental Marketing Heroes

📢 How To Get The Help You Need:

Did you uncover a new strategy, or get inspired to revamp your own FAQ section? Subscribe right now and share this episode with a business owner ready to level up!

👍 Leave us a review, share your favorite takeaway, or let us know what topics you want covered next. Connect with the Marketing Guides for more actionable advice at the links above and keep your business growing!

✨ Don’t just answer questions—turn them into your greatest marketing goldmine!

Third-party cookies are on their way out. In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, learn how to navigate the cookieless future & build a killer first-party data strategy for your business.

Nope! Our marketing guides experts discuss how AI is enhancing human skills, boosting productivity, & personalizing customer experiences.

Ever wondered how the YouTube algorithm really works—and how YOU can use it to grow your small business? In this episode, the Marketing Guides for Small Business team dives deep behind the curtain of YouTube’s latest algorithm strategies, including AI-driven personalization, metadata, YouTube Shorts, analytics, and content optimization. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to level up your video marketing game, this episode is packed with practical, non-geeky insights that will help you attract more viewers, get more clicks, and boost your channel’s organic reach.

🚀 Episode Highlights:

Get past the “magic” and learn how YouTube decides which videos get shown, how to optimize your content for the algorithm, and why video marketing should be in every small business owner’s toolkit.

📋 Table of Contents:

• 🪄 Introduction: The (Not So) Magical YouTube Algorithm
• ⏳ From View Counts to AI: The Evolution of YouTube’s Ranking System
• 🧠 How YouTube’s Algorithm Thinks—User Behavior, Engagement, and Personalization
• 🔍 Metadata & Organic Reach: Structuring Videos So They Get Found
• 🎬 Thumbnails, Titles & Playlists: Secrets to Clicking and Watching
• 📊 Using YouTube Analytics: Learn What Works (and What Doesn’t)
• ⚡ YouTube Shorts: What They Are and How to Use Them for Discovery
• 🤖 AI, Faceless Videos & Automation: Video Content Creation in the AI Era
• 📆 Planning & Repurposing: Building a Smart Video Strategy for 2025
• 🏆 Key Takeaways & Next Steps for Your YouTube Success

🎯 Benefits of Listening to This Episode:

• Discover exactly how the YouTube algorithm works in 2025 (and what’s coming for 2026!)
• Learn actionable ways to improve your organic reach and get found more often—without paid ads
• Uncover the secrets of effective thumbnails and titles that drive real clicks
• Hear pro tips on how to use metadata, transcripts, and playlists to your advantage
• Find out why YouTube Shorts matter, and how to use them for greater exposure
• Avoid common mistakes that make your videos invisible to your target audience
• Get insights into faceless video strategies and how to save time with AI-driven content
• Learn how to use analytics to tweak your YouTube strategy for even better results
• Build a repeatable content plan that works across YouTube and other social platforms

💡 Whether you’re stuck on what to post, not sure how to optimize a video, or intimidated by YouTube’s ever-changing landscape, this episode breaks it all down so you can start (or supercharge) your video marketing with confidence!

📢 Ready for More Marketing Wins?

Enjoyed this episode? Smash that subscribe button, leave us a review, and share it with a fellow business owner who wants to turn YouTube into a business growth engine!

Need expert help turning your marketing questions into business growth? Visit our websites for personalized marketing guidance:

🔗 Ian Cantle of Outsourced Marketing Inc.: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔗 Ken Tucker – Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔗 Jeff Stec – Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔗 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

— Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make YouTube work for your business success!

Marketing Guides For Small Business – Episode 227

In this episode, the Marketing Guides team tackles a hot topic that every small business owner needs to understand: Is the traditional sales funnel still relevant, or has the digital age—and the “messy middle”—changed everything about the way people buy? With the explosion of buyer choices, dark social, omnichannel marketing, and newer models like the flywheel and hourglass, your approach to sales and marketing needs to evolve. Listen in as Ken Tucker, Jeff Stec, Paul Barthel, and the team break down what’s changed, what still works, and how you can guide more prospects to “yes” in today’s chaotic marketplace.

📚 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Why the classic sales funnel shape no longer matches how customers really buy
• What Google’s “Messy Middle” means for your marketing strategy
• The truth about dark social and why attribution is harder—yet more important—than ever
• How you can guide buyers through non-linear, unpredictable journeys
• Hourglass, flywheel, and funnel: When to use each model and why
• Psychological triggers that move prospects out of the messy middle and into action
• The 95/5 rule: What it means, and how to nurture leads who aren’t ready to buy
• How technology and CRMs can help you adapt and close more sales
• Practical ways to build momentum, maximize ROI, and avoid overwhelming your prospects

🎯 Benefits to You:

• Understand how real buyers make decisions in 2025 and beyond
• Learn proactive strategies to track and influence buyers—even when attribution gets tough
• Discover how to use new models and marketing automation to modernize your approach
• Pick up actionable tactics to stand out, build trust, and get prospects “unstuck”
• Protect against wasted spend by aligning your marketing with the real customer journey
• Boost sales and create loyal advocates with a system that’s built for today’s marketplace

📝 Table of Contents

• What is the Traditional Sales Funnel, and What’s Changed?
• The Rise of the Messy Middle: What Small Businesses Must Know
• Dark Social Demystified: Tracking the Invisible Buyer Journey
• Hourglass vs. Funnel vs. Flywheel: Models That Matter
• Leveraging Psychology to Guide Buyer Decisions
• The 95/5 Rule & Nurturing Non-Ready Leads
• Tools & Tech: Using CRMs and Automation in a Modern Market
• Real-World Practical Steps to Win in a Complex Buying Landscape
• Wrap-up: Adapting, Surviving, and Thriving in the Messy Middle

📢 How To Get The Help You Need:

Did this episode open your eyes to the challenges—and opportunities—of today’s sales funnel? Make sure you subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who wants to win more business in a non-linear world!

Need expert help turning your marketing questions into business growth? Visit our websites for personalized marketing guidance:

🔗 Ian Cantle of Outsourced Marketing Inc.: outsourcedmarketing.ca 🔗 Ken Tucker - Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com 🔗 Jeff Stec - Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com 🔗 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

Don’t let your leads get lost in the messy middle—transform your customer journey today!

In this episode, we’re tackling the most common marketing questions we hear from small business owners—everything from ‘How do I know if my marketing is working?’ to ‘What’s the fastest way to get new customers?’ and so much more.

So, whether you’re a business owner just getting started with marketing or you’ve been at it for years and want to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights that will help you grow your business and make smarter marketing decisions.

We discuss important SEO topics and trends, including his 2024 Zero-Click Search Study

📚 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• The best ways to generate more leads for your business
• How to know if your marketing efforts are actually working
• Which marketing channels are best suited for your unique business
• How much you should be budgeting for marketing in 2025
• Why SEO and local search are still critical for your success
• The truth about social media—where you need to be (and where you don’t)
• Simple tactics to increase website conversions

🎯 Benefits to You:

• Gain clarity and confidence in your marketing decisions
• Avoid common pitfalls that waste time and money
• Learn how to track your marketing ROI more effectively
• Get actionable tips that you can implement right away
• Understand which marketing efforts bring the biggest returns

00:00:00.000 Introduction and welcome  

00:01:20.000 What are the most common marketing questions small business owners ask?  

00:06:45.000 How can I generate more leads effectively?  

00:13:30.000 How do I measure if my marketing is working?  

00:20:10.000 Which marketing channels work best for small businesses?  

00:27:25.000 How much should I be budgeting for marketing?  

00:33:40.000 Why is SEO important, and how do I improve it?  

00:40:15.000 Is social media worth the effort for my business?  

00:46:50.000 Tips for improving website conversions  

00:52:30.000 Wrap-up and key takeaways

📢 How To Get The Help You Need:

Did this episode answer one of your burning marketing questions? Then please subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with a fellow business owner who could use some marketing clarity!

Need expert help turning your marketing questions into business growth? Visit our websites for personalized marketing guidance:

🔗 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔗 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔗 Outsourced Marketing Inc.: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔗 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

📚 Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• What marketing accessibility really means (and why it’s more than compliance)
• Common accessibility mistakes businesses make—without realizing it
• How to improve your website and social content for people with disabilities
• The business case: how accessibility can expand your reach and revenue
• Why accessibility benefits all your customers, not just those with disabilities
• Tools and tips to start improving your marketing today

🎯 Benefits to You:

• Make your business more inclusive—and legally protected
• Attract and retain more loyal customers
• Improve SEO, readability, and user experience for everyone
• Build a stronger brand image and reputation
• Tap into an underserved market with major spending power

00:00:01 Introduction and welcome to Erin Perkins  

00:01:30 What is accessible marketing and why does it matter?  

00:07:50 Real-world examples of inaccessible marketing  

00:12:15 How to assess and improve your website’s accessibility  

00:17:30 Why accessible content performs better with everyone  

00:22:00 Social media accessibility: tips and tools  

00:26:45 The ROI of accessibility: customer loyalty and search ranking  

00:31:10 What to prioritize if you're just getting started  

00:36:00 Accessibility as a core brand value  

00:41:45 Wrap-up and Erin’s final thoughts  

📢 Get the help you need:

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow business owner or marketer. Let’s build a more inclusive marketing world—together.

Need expert help making your marketing more effective and accessible? Visit our websites:

🔗 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔗 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔗 Outsourced Marketing Inc.: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔗 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

CRMs are no longer just contact databases—they’ve evolved into powerful business growth tools that streamline sales, marketing, and customer service. But what exactly does a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system mean to your business?

In this episode, our marketing experts break down the myths, benefits, and real-world applications of CRM systems. Whether you’re just exploring CRMs for the first time or looking for ways to maximize your existing CRM, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you choose the right system and use it effectively to drive business success.

If you’re struggling with disorganized leads, inconsistent follow-ups, or lost sales opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What exactly is a CRM, and how does it help businesses grow?

✅ The biggest myths and misconceptions about CRMs—and the truth behind them

✅ How CRMs help businesses streamline their sales and marketing efforts

✅ The key CRM features every small business should look for

✅ How to use a CRM for automated lead nurturing and customer follow-ups

✅ How CRM systems make marketing automation seamless and more effective

✅ How to choose the right CRM based on your business size, needs, and goals

✅ How CRMs help track and improve customer interactions for better retention

✅ Common mistakes businesses make with CRMs and how to avoid them

✅ Tips for successfully implementing a CRM without disrupting your workflow

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

📌 A CRM is more than just software—it’s a strategic tool that can boost revenue, improve efficiency, and enhance customer relationships.

📌 Our experts provide step-by-step guidance on how small businesses can choose and leverage CRMs effectively.

📌 Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, this episode will help you streamline your processes and close more deals.

If you want to take control of your sales and marketing systems and build stronger customer relationships, don’t miss this episode!

🚀 Ready to optimize your sales and marketing with a CRM? Let us help!

👉 Visit Our Websites for Expert Guidance:

🔹 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔹 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔹 Outsourced Marketing Inc: outsourcedmarketing.ca

📩 Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with business owners who need CRM guidance!

Until next time, Keep Calm and Market On! 🎙️✨

AI is no longer a tool for big corporations—it’s revolutionizing small business marketing right now. If you’re not already using AI in your marketing strategy, you’re falling behind.

In this episode, we dive into the real-world applications of AI for small businesses and show you exactly how to use AI to drive growth, save time, and reduce marketing costs.

From AI-powered content creation and hyper-personalized customer experiences to cutting-edge advertising strategies, we break down the most important AI tools and tactics every small business should be using in 2025.

If you’ve been wondering how AI fits into your business, what tools are worth investing in, or how to start using AI right away, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable strategies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How AI makes advanced marketing strategies accessible to small businesses

✅ The role of AI in personalizing customer experiences to boost retention

✅ AI-powered SEO and visibility strategies for local businesses

✅ How AI reduces marketing costs by automating repetitive tasks

✅ The future of AI-generated content for social media, blogs, and ads

✅ How AI-driven customer support tools (like chatbots) improve engagement

✅ The impact of AI on digital advertising and how to optimize ad spend

✅ How AI-powered analytics help small businesses make smarter marketing decisions

✅ Ethical concerns & best practices for implementing AI in your business

✅ The biggest AI pitfalls small businesses need to avoid

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

🔹 AI is transforming how small businesses market themselves, but most business owners don’t realize how accessible these tools have become.

🔹 Whether you’re just starting with AI or looking to optimize your existing AI strategy, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know.

🔹 Our expert panel shares practical AI-driven strategies you can start using today to future-proof your marketing efforts.

If you’re serious about staying ahead of your competitors and making your marketing more effective and efficient, this is a can’t-miss episode!

🚀 Want to implement AI into your marketing strategy? Let us help!

👉 Visit Our Websites:

🔹 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔹 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔹 Outsourced Marketing Inc: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔹 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

📩 Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with other business owners looking to leverage AI!

Until next time, Keep Calm and Market On! 🎙️✨

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast, join your hosts Ian Cantle, Ken Tucker, and Paul Barthel as they delve into valuable strategies to simplify marketing for small business owners.

Marketing can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming, but our experts break down practical approaches to help you tackle these challenges efficiently.

Whether you're just starting out, looking to streamline your efforts, or aiming to maximize your ROI, this episode is packed with actionable insights to make your marketing journey smoother and more effective.

Episode Highlights:

• Understand why marketing feels daunting for many small business owners.
• Discover the importance of differentiating between tactics and strategies in marketing.
• Learn how automation and AI tools can reduce the time and effort required to manage marketing tasks.
• Explore the role of a marketing partner in bringing cohesive, effective campaigns together.
• Find out the importance of robust systems and processes in simplifying marketing.
• Gain insights into meaningful metric reporting and how to measure marketing effectiveness.
• Understand the impact of AI on marketing and why it’s essential to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Why a clear marketing strategy is crucial for small businesses.
• The pitfalls of a tactic-driven approach and benefits of a holistic strategy.
• How AI tools can assist but not replace strategic marketing decisions.
• Ways to measure marketing success that truly matter.
• The importance of having a trusted marketing partner for cohesive campaigns.
• Steps to streamline your marketing efforts and maximize your ROI.

Ready to take control of your marketing and drive real results? Let’s make it easy for you!

👉 Visit Our Websites:

🔹 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔹 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔹 Outsourced Marketing Inc: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔹 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

🔹 Need help systemizing your marketing? Schedule a discovery call with us today! 🚀

Today, we have a very special guest: Mari Smith, the world-renowned Facebook Marketing Expert, known as The Queen of Facebook. Mari has worked with major brands, trained thousands of marketers, and is an expert on everything Facebook and Instagram.

With constant changes to algorithms, ad performance, and AI integration, how can small businesses maximize their success on Meta’s platforms in 2025?

In this episode, Mari Smith shares the latest strategies, insights, and trends that small businesses need to know to make the most of Facebook and Instagram. Whether you’re looking to improve organic reach, optimize ads, generate leads, or leverage AI, Mari brings actionable tips you can implement right away.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Facebook’s 2025 algorithm updates impact organic reach and engagement

✅ The best content types for maximizing visibility on Facebook & Instagram

✅ Key Facebook & Instagram ad strategies for businesses on a tight budget

✅ How to use AI-powered tools from Meta to automate and optimize marketing

✅ Lead generation strategies that convert more prospects into customers

✅ How to balance organic marketing with paid ads for long-term growth

✅ Top Facebook marketing mistakes to avoid in 2025

✅ How to use Facebook Groups and private communities to boost engagement

✅ What budget businesses should set for running successful ad campaigns

✅ Upcoming Facebook & Instagram trends small businesses need to prepare for

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

Facebook and Instagram continue to evolve, making it harder for small businesses to keep up. If you’re struggling with visibility, lead generation, or ad performance, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you succeed.

With Facebook’s algorithm updates, AI-driven ad tools, and increasing competition, businesses that stay ahead of these changes will dominate their industries.

Mari Smith breaks it all down so you can take action today and get ahead of your competitors!

📢 Call to Action:

Want to get better results from your Facebook & Instagram marketing? We can help!

👉 Visit Our Websites:

🔹 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔹 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔹 Outsourced Marketing Inc: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔹 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

💡 Need expert marketing guidance? Schedule a discovery call today and let’s optimize your social media strategy! 🚀

📩 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with business owners who need to hear it!

The inconsistency, time-consuming manual tasks, and lack of clear results can make it difficult to grow efficiently.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into why systemizing your marketing is one of the smartest moves your business can make.

By putting structured processes in place, you can ensure consistency, scalability, and measurable results—all while saving time and maximizing your return on investment.

We’ll explore why small businesses should systemize their marketing efforts and how to implement a streamlined marketing approach that delivers results.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing business, or a seasoned company looking to refine operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take control of your marketing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How systemized marketing creates consistency and brand recognition

✅ Ways automation saves time and reduces repetitive manual work

✅ How to improve lead management and conversion with structured processes

✅ Why systemizing marketing improves your ability to measure ROI

✅ How marketing systems help businesses scale efficiently

✅ The impact of marketing systemization on the customer journey and experience

✅ How reducing human error with automation boosts accuracy and professionalism

✅ The role of systemized marketing in enhancing team collaboration and productivity

✅ Why structured marketing processes keep you ahead of the competition

✅ How automated marketing efforts increase customer retention and loyalty

Ready to take control of your marketing and drive real results? Let’s make it easy for you!

👉 Visit Our Websites:

🔹 Changescape Web: changescapeweb.com

🔹 Tylerica Marketing Systems: tylericasystems.com

🔹 Outsourced Marketing Inc: outsourcedmarketing.ca

🔹 Dental Marketing Heroes: dentalmarketingheroes.com

🔹 Need help systemizing your marketing? Schedule a discovery call with us today! 🚀

📩 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners!

Until next time, Keep Calm and Market On! 🎙️✨

What does it take to build a brand that resonates, inspires trust, and creates lasting connections?

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of branding with a focus on defining your “Why,” understanding your audience, crafting compelling stories, and maintaining consistency.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to elevate your brand and make a lasting impact. Start building a brand that matters today!

Here's the questions we'll look at and answer:

1. What Is Branding and why does it matter?
2. Where do you start when developing a Brand?
3. How does understanding your customers and crafting a unique value proposition that factors into Branding?
4. What does it mean to Write and Live Your Brand Story?
5. How Does Brand Consistency Build Trust and Loyalty?
6. What are some Branding Do’s and Don’ts?

Learn more from the marketing guides:

• Changescape Web: https://changescapeweb.com/

• Tylerica Marketing Systems: https://tylericasystems.com/

• Dental Marketing Heroes: https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.: https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, and customer and sales support are no exception.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we explore how small businesses can harness AI to enhance their customer interactions, improve response times, and streamline sales processes.

Whether you’re considering AI for FAQs, appointment booking, or automating review requests, this episode will guide you through the possibilities and help you avoid common pitfalls.

If you’re looking to leverage cutting-edge tools without overwhelming your team, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get started.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The role of AI in customer and sales support

• How AI can speed up response times and improve customer satisfaction.

• Examples of AI tools that are transforming customer support for small businesses.

• Key AI applications for small businesses

• Automating FAQs to handle common customer inquiries.

• Using AI to streamline appointment booking and follow-ups.

• Leveraging AI to manage and solicit Google reviews effectively.

• How to implement AI without overwhelming your team

• Tips for seamless integration into your existing workflows.

• How to choose trustworthy tools and advisors to guide your implementation.

• Why AI isn’t “set it and forget it”

• The importance of monitoring and maintaining AI tools for optimal performance.

• How to ensure your AI implementation aligns with your business goals.

• AI as a competitive advantage

• How businesses that adopt AI now can gain a significant edge over competitors.

• Real-world examples of how AI is helping small businesses grow.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to explore how AI can transform your customer and sales support while avoiding the common mistakes, our team of marketing experts is here to help. Contact one of our trusted marketing guides today:

• Changescape Web: https://changescapeweb.com/

• Tylerica Marketing Systems: https://tylericasystems.com/

• Dental Marketing Heroes: https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.: https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

Don’t let AI overwhelm your team—let’s work together to create a strategy that enhances your customer and sales support while driving results!

When the economy tightens, small business owners often feel the pressure to scale back on marketing. But did you know that tough economic times offer some of the greatest opportunities to outshine your competitors?

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we dive into how you can not only survive but thrive during a challenging economy.

Learn why doubling down on strategic marketing can be a game-changer and discover creative, budget-friendly strategies to stay visible, engage loyal customers, and capture market share.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why cutting marketing budgets is a mistake during tough times

• How staying visible during downturns sets your business apart.

• Examples of companies that thrived by maintaining or increasing marketing efforts.

• Budget-friendly marketing tactics that deliver big result

• How to maximize free or low-cost digital tools like social media and email marketing.

• The role of local SEO in ensuring potential customers find your business.

• The power of customer loyalty and retention

• Why existing customers are your best asset during tough times.

• Tips for building stronger relationships through loyalty programs and personalized engagement.

• Creative ways to stand out from your competition

• How to develop and communicate your unique value proposition.

• The importance of storytelling in connecting with customers on an emotional level.

• How to make data-driven decisions to maximize ROI

• Metrics to track during an economic downturn.

• Tools to measure marketing performance and identify high-impact strategies.

• Leveraging partnerships to amplify your marketing efforts

• How collaborations with other small businesses can expand your reach.

• Strategies for forming strategic alliances that benefit both parties.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to make your marketing work harder and smarter during tough economic times, let our expert marketing guides help you craft a winning strategy.

Whether you’re looking to improve customer retention, optimize your online presence, or explore creative new tactics, we’re here to help. Reach out to one of our trusted marketing guides today:

• Changescape Web: https://changescapeweb.com/

• Tylerica Marketing Systems: https://tylericasystems.com/

• Dental Marketing Heroes: https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.: https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

Don’t let a tough economy hold you back—contact us to create a strategy that helps your business thrive!

Discover the untapped potential of post-purchase marketing in this insightful episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast. Host Ken Tucker and his fellow marketing experts dive into the critical strategies of the “Three R’s”—Repeat, Refer, and Review—that go beyond traditional marketing funnels to ensure customer loyalty, referrals, and glowing reviews.

Whether you’re aiming to build stronger relationships with your existing customers, increase customer lifetime value, or enhance your reputation, this episode provides actionable insights tailored for small businesses. Learn how to retain clients effectively, incentivize referrals, and generate reviews that boost your online credibility and visibility.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why post-purchase engagement is essential for long-term success.

• How to implement cost-effective referral programs to grow your business.

• Strategies to encourage repeat purchases and build customer loyalty.

• The significance of online reviews and how to request them effectively.

• How to turn one-time buyers into brand advocates.

• The tools and systems to automate and streamline the post-purchase process.

• Real-world examples and success stories of businesses leveraging the Three R’s.

Call to Action

Ready to unlock the power of the Three R’s for your business? Contact our marketing guides for expert advice:

• Changescape Web

• Tylerica Marketing Systems

• Dental Marketing Heroes

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.

Let us help you create a thriving post-purchase marketing strategy. Take the next step today!

#PostPurchaseMarketing #CustomerRetention #SmallBusinessSuccess #ReferralPrograms #OnlineReviews #CustomerLoyalty #MarketingPodcast

In Episode 213 of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we dive into one of the most valuable tools for small and medium-sized businesses—networking.

Business networking is far more than handing out business cards; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can transform your business.

Whether you’re an introvert easing into networking or a seasoned pro looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you make every connection count.

Our panel of marketing experts, Jeff Steck, Ian Cantle, Ken Tucker, and Paul Barthel, guide you through setting clear networking goals, making memorable impressions, and mastering purposeful follow-ups.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why networking is crucial for business growth and unique benefits it offers.

• How to find the right networking events for your industry and goals.

• The importance of preparation before attending a networking event.

• How to build genuine connections rather than engaging in “drive-by carding.”

• Tips for leveraging online and hybrid networking platforms.

• Strategies to follow up effectively after events to strengthen connections.

• The value of consistency in networking and why showing up regularly matters.

• How to create your own networking opportunities to meet your specific needs.

• The role of storytelling and humor in making lasting impressions.

• How to balance networking time with other business priorities.

If you’re ready to unlock the power of business networking and build connections that truly count, tune in to this episode now!

Want to take your networking and marketing efforts to the next level? Reach out to our marketing guides:

• ChangeScape Web

• Tylerica Marketing Systems

• Dental Marketing Heroes

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.

Your next big opportunity could be just one connection away—don’t miss it!

Welcome to Episode 212 of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast! In this episode, our panel of experts dives into the essential strategies contractors need to dominate their local markets using Local SEO.

Did you know that 14% of contractors analyzed don’t even have a website? If you’re relying solely on word of mouth or outdated methods to attract new customers, this episode is your wake-up call. From mastering your Google Business Profile to creating a cohesive online strategy, we’ll show you how to stay ahead in a competitive industry. If you’re a contractor looking to generate quality leads and grow your business, this episode is a must-listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why having a website is crucial for trust, professionalism, and online visibility.

• The role of Google in local SEO and why it dominates over 90% of search traffic.

• How to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum impact.

• The three pillars of local SEO success: relevance, proximity, and prominence.

• Strategies for gathering and leveraging Google reviews to build social proof.

• Why combining your website with a Google Business Profile creates a powerful symbiosis.

• How to claim and set up your Google Business Profile step-by-step.

• Tips for maintaining a steady stream of reviews to boost your rankings.

• The importance of content tailored to your services and location.

• Common mistakes contractors make and how to avoid them.

Ready to take your contracting business to the next level? Contact our Marketing Guides for expert advice tailored to your needs:

• Changescape Web

• Tylerica Marketing Systems

• Dental Marketing Heroes

• Outsourced Marketing Inc.

Want more insights? Subscribe to the podcast and share it with your network to spread the knowledge. Don’t forget to leave a review to help others discover this valuable resource!

#LocalSEO #ContractorMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #GoogleBusinessProfile #MarketingTips

Ever feel like content creation is overwhelming or takes too much time? Tune in to this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast to discover how easy it can be to generate high-impact content that connects with your audience—using strategies you can start implementing today!

In this episode, host Ian Cantle leads our Marketing Guides—Ken, Jeff, and Paul—through practical, streamlined approaches to content creation.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, we’ll show you how to make content creation manageable and effective.

From leveraging FAQs to uncover your customers’ pressing questions to utilizing Should Ask Questions (SAQs) for deeper engagement, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

You’ll learn to create SEO-friendly content, repurpose material, and build a content strategy that delivers results without eating up your time.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• How to identify and answer FAQs to address customer needs and improve SEO rankings.
• Methods to create impactful content that builds trust and credibility with your audience.
• Simple ways to discover FAQs and SAQs using customer interactions, online tools, and feedback.
• Techniques for crafting SEO-friendly content from FAQs to enhance online visibility.
• The importance of SAQs and how they establish your brand as a trusted authority.
• Tips for turning FAQs and SAQs into engaging blog posts and social media content.
• Steps to make blog writing quicker and more consistent using templates and batching.
• Proven strategies for repurposing content across multiple platforms to save time and increase reach.

Don’t just listen—apply these strategies today! Start by choosing one FAQ or SAQ and turn it into a blog post, social media update, or FAQ page entry.

Consistency is the key to growing your reach and engaging your audience, so take action and experience how easy content creation can be.

Check out our Marketing Guides Websites:

https://changescapeweb.com/

https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

https://tylericasystems.com/

#ContentCreation #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessTips #ContentMarketing #FAQContent #SEO #CustomerEngagement #MarketingGuides #ContentRepurposing #PodcastMarketing

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we dive into the importance of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and how it can help small businesses get the most out of their marketing dollars.

Our expert guides share tips and strategies for improving conversion rates on websites, emails, and social media ads, ultimately increasing ROI and driving more sales.

Tune in to learn how to maximize your marketing efforts and get more bang for your buck with CRO.

In this compelling episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast, Allie shares her proven strategies for boosting sales, profits, and efficiency for local and service-based businesses through Facebook and YouTube ads.

Discover the secrets behind her success and learn how to transform your marketing efforts with her AB3 advertising model.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Facebook Ads: Learn the essentials of crafting effective Facebook ad campaigns, including budget considerations and common pitfalls.
• AB3 Advertising Model: Discover Allie’s innovative model that aligns ads with business objectives, enhancing clarity and efficiency.
• Video Ad Best Practices: Gain insights into creating compelling video ads on Facebook and Instagram tailored for small business needs.
• Leveraging YouTube Ads: Explore the untapped potential of YouTube ads and how they fit into the sales funnel for small businesses.
• Crafting Sales Funnels: Uncover the essential elements of a sales funnel and avoid common mistakes to maximize your advertising ROI.
• Omnichannel Approach: Learn how to integrate Google Ads into a comprehensive marketing strategy for maximum impact.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your small business marketing game. Take control of your advertising efforts and drive growth with insights from one of the industry's brightest minds.

Subscribe now to the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast and start implementing these powerful strategies today. Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and join the conversation on how to thrive in the digital advertising landscape.

To learn more about Allie Bloyd visit: https://alliebloyd.com/

To learn more about our Marketing Guides check out their websites here:

https://changescapeweb.com/

https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

https://tylericasystems.com/

#SmallBusinessMarketing #FacebookAds #YouTubeAds #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #AllieBloyd #BusinessGrowth

Our expert small business marketing guides share tips and strategies for creating effective sales funnels that drive conversions and boost revenue.

Tune in to learn how to optimize your sales process and maximize your end-of-year sales efforts.

Check out our Marketing Guides Websites:

https://changescapeweb.com/

https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

https://tylericasystems.com/

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we will discuss the latest social media trends for the remainder of 2024.

From emerging platforms to new features and strategies, we will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your social media marketing efforts.

Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and take your small business to the next level on social media.

Resources mentioned in episode:

• Hubspot Article

Check out our Marketing Guides Websites:

https://changescapeweb.com/

https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

https://tylericasystems.com/

Discover how you can leverage the power of SMS to effectively reach and engage with your customers, drive sales, and build lasting relationships.

Learn about the benefits of text message marketing, best practices, and top tools and platforms to help you get started. Tune in to learn how you can tap into this valuable marketing channel to grow your small business.

Check out our Marketing Guides Websites:

https://changescapeweb.com/

https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

https://tylericasystems.com/

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of commoditization that many service-based businesses face. Hosts Ian Cantle, Ken Tucker, and Paul Barthel delve into why businesses struggle with becoming commoditized and how they can stand out in a crowded, competitive market.

The episode offers actionable steps and strategies for differentiation, customer feedback, and leveraging technology to enhance your unique value proposition and secure lasting customer relationships.

Key Learnings:

• Identifying Commoditization: Learn the early warning signs of commoditization such as price wars, customer churn, and lack of differentiation, and how these signs can impact your business.
• Importance of Differentiation: Discover why setting your business apart from competitors is crucial and how it prevents the risks associated with being viewed as a commodity.
• Practical Strategies for Differentiation: Explore actionable strategies to differentiate your service-based business, including productization, systematization, and understanding your ideal customer.
• Leveraging Technology: Gain insights on the key technologies, like CRM systems and analytics tools, that can help your business streamline operations, respond faster, and deliver an enhanced customer experience.
• Customer Feedback: Understand the role of customer feedback in identifying areas of improvement and discovering what your business does well, helping you to refine your services and increase customer loyalty.

TAKE ACTION TODAY:

If you found value in this episode, we encourage you to subscribe to the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners like you. Also, visit our website at https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com/ for free resources, more episodes, and links to set up free consultation calls with any of the hosts. Share our podcast with your colleagues, friends, and family.

Keep calm and market on!

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MARKETING GUIDES:

Ian Cantle of Dental Marketing Heroes and Outsourced Marketing

Jeff Stec of Tylerica Marketing Systems

Ken Tucker & Paul Barther of Changescape Web Solutions

Overview

In this insightful episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast, hosts Ken Tucker, Paul Barthel, Ian Cantle, and Jeff Stec take a deep dive into what brings them joy and satisfaction in their marketing careers. They discuss what fuels their passion for marketing, from the thrill of problem-solving to the satisfaction of seeing their clients succeed. The hosts also share their insights on the various tools and tactics they favor, as well as what challenges and frustrates them in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Key Learnings

Ken Tucker's View:

• Passion for Constant Learning: Ken talks about his endless love for learning about new marketing tools and features. He admits to having "shiny object syndrome" but finds joy when discovering new features that can add value.
• Building Solutions: He expresses his love for building websites and creating pages, which serve as immediate, tangible outcomes of his efforts.

Ian Cantle’s Perspective:

• High ROI from SEO: Ian shares his excitement for SEO and how seeing the results positively affect a client's bottom line is the highest form of success for him.
• Orchestration and Holistic Marketing: He emphasizes the importance of a strategic, orchestrated approach to marketing that integrates various tactics seamlessly.

Jeff Stec's Joy in Automation and Problem-Solving:

• Love for Engineering and Building Things: Jeff compares his experience as an engineer to his current role, where he enjoys problem-solving and creating marketing systems.
• Education and Client Empowerment: Jeff likes educating clients and demystifying the marketing processes, making them more involved.

Paul Barthel’s Passion:

• Automation and AI Bots: Paul shares his enthusiasm for building marketing automation systems and AI bots. He finds immense satisfaction in learning how these technologies work and solving the problems they present.
• Deep Technical Knowledge: He enjoys diving into the nuances of SEO tools and getting hands-on to solve technical challenges.

Challenges in Marketing:

• Client Expectations: The hosts discuss the difficulties of managing client expectations, particularly when clients want quick results or shiny new tactics without understanding the strategic foundation required for long-term success.
• Outdated or Bad Information: Ian and Jeff talk about the frustrations of battling against outdated or incorrect information that clients bring from networking events or other sources.
• Multi-Vendor Approaches: Ian highlights the issues with having multiple vendors who don't coordinate well, making it hard for clients to achieve a cohesive strategy.
• Technical Challenges: Jeff and Paul touch on the time-consuming and often frustrating task of keeping up with ever-changing software platforms and the lack of proper documentation.

HOW TO GET STARTED TODAY!

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast! If you found value in this discussion, please like, share, and subscribe to our podcast. Do you have marketing challenges that you'd like us to tackle? Or do you need tailored advice on how to elevate your business’s marketing strategy? Visit https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com/ to set up a free consultation call with any of our expert hosts, and let's take your business growth to the next level. Don't forget to rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts, so we can continue to bring you the content that helps you and your business thrive.

Keep calm and market on!

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MARKETING GUIDES:

Ian Cantle of Dental Marketing Heroes and Outsourced Marketing

Jeff Stec of Tylerica Marketing Systems

Ken Tucker & Paul Barther of Changescape Web Solutions

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast, hosts Jeff Stec, Ian Cantle, Ken Tucker, and Paul Barthel tackle one of the most challenging and essential topics for small business owners: budgeting for marketing. This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and real-world examples to help you effectively allocate your marketing budget and drive your business's growth.

Overview:

Join the marketing experts as they delve into the intricacies of setting a marketing budget, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize your return on investment (ROI). Whether you're a startup entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode will provide a comprehensive guide to make informed decisions about your marketing spend.

Key Learnings:

1. Challenges of Budgeting for Marketing: Understand why budgeting for marketing is often a daunting task and the common mistakes businesses make.
2. Planning and Research: Learn the importance of planning and strategic research in forming an effective marketing budget.
3. Key Components of a Marketing Budget: Discover the essential elements that should be included in your marketing budget, from advertising costs to content creation.
4. Realistic Expectations: Jeff discusses the “if I build it, they will come” myth and why effective marketing is crucial for business success.
5. In-house vs Outsourcing: Explore the pros and cons of handling marketing internally versus hiring an external agency.
6. The Value of Strategy: Find out how a well-defined marketing strategy can significantly impact your budgeting decisions and overall success.
7. Return on Investment (ROI): Ian and the panel discuss what ROI you can realistically expect from your marketing efforts.
8. Effective Use of Resources: Gain insights into prioritizing marketing channels and making the most of limited resources.
9. Parting Thoughts and Closing Remarks: Key takeaways to help you avoid common budgeting pitfalls and make strategic marketing investments.

GET STARTED TODAY:

Don’t miss out on transforming your marketing approach! Join us for this informative episode and gain the tools you need to set a winning marketing budget. Subscribe to the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast on your favorite platform and stay updated with our latest episodes. For more insights and free resources, visit https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com/ If you have specific questions or need personalized advice, feel free to set up a free consultation call with any of our hosts.

Tune in, get informed, and let’s take your business to the next level! Until next week, keep calm and market on.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MARKETING GUIDES:

Ian Cantle of Dental Marketing Heroes and Outsourced Marketing

Jeff Stec of Tylerica Marketing Systems

Ken Tucker & Paul Barther of Changescape Web Solutions

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses podcast, our hosts Ken Tucker, Paul Worthel, and Ian Cantle are joined by Manick Bhan, the founder and CTO of Search Atlas, for an in-depth discussion about local SEO.

Manick shares his extensive knowledge and unique insights into optimizing local businesses' online presence. From foundational SEO strategies to advanced automation techniques, Manick discusses how to effectively boost local rankings, the role of holistic SEO, and leveraging AI for improved results.

Key Learnings:

1. Holistic SEO Approach:

• Manick emphasizes the importance of a holistic SEO approach, involving user experience, authority, content, and technical aspects.
• He introduces the "Exact Holistic SEO Framework," which combines these elements for comprehensive optimization.

2. Local SEO Strategies:

• Manick shares actionable strategies to improve local rankings, such as optimizing Google Business Profiles and focusing on local content.
• He highlights the significance of backlinks, Google My Business posts, and understanding the unique ranking signals for different types of businesses.

3. Common Misconceptions:

• Manick debunks common misconceptions about local SEO, such as the overemphasis on citations and reviews.
• stresses the importance of focusing on the overall SEO strategy rather than just individual elements.

4. Case Studies and Experiments:

• Real-world case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of holistic and automated SEO practices.
• Manick explains the methodologies behind these case studies and how businesses can replicate their success.

5. Automation and AI in SEO:

• The discussion covers the role of AI in SEO, distinguishing between productive uses of AI for efficiency versus the dangerous “set it and forget it” mentality.
• Manick talks about the future of SEO with innovations in dynamic and automated SEO solutions, emphasizing the need for skilled human oversight.

GET STARTED TODAY!

If you’re a small business owner looking to optimize your local SEO, or an SEO professional eager to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen. Apply the insights and strategies shared by Manick Bhan to give your business a competitive edge.

For more detailed guides, tips, and resources, visit our website at https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com/ . Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform and rate and review us to help others find this valuable content.

Connect with our hosts:

• Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel - Changescape Web
• Ian Cantle - Dental Marketing Heroes
• Manick Bhan - Search Atlas

Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us on social media or through our website. Let's continue the conversation and help each other grow!

Until next week, keep calm and market on!

Celebrating their milestone, they dive deep into various misleading beliefs surrounding digital marketing strategies, AI, customer reviews, and more. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, they provide actionable tips to help small businesses navigate the complex marketing landscape effectively.

Key Learnings:

Misconceptions About Digital Marketing:

• The dangers of assuming digital marketing strategies from years ago are still effective today.
• Why there is no 'silver bullet' in marketing and the importance of a comprehensive, data-driven marketing plan.
• Common errors in setting marketing budgets and transitioning from word-of-mouth to a more diversified marketing approach.

Understanding Website Importance:

• The myth that small and local businesses don't need websites.
• Why an outdated or non-existent website can harm your credibility and potential customer trust.
• How having an effective, minimal viable product website can serve as the hub of your online presence.

Navigating Customer Reviews:

• The importance of asking for reviews and not relying on organic ones for the best customer feedback.
• The pitfalls of review gating and how it can legally and ethically harm your business.
• How AI can be used to draft responses to reviews and the necessity of human oversight in the process.

The Role of AI in Marketing:

• Misconceptions around AI being able to handle all aspects of marketing, including content creation and strategy.
• How AI should be viewed as a tool requiring human guidance to avoid errors and inaccuracies.
• The legal ramifications of incorrect information produced by AI tools.

Quick Fire Misconceptions:

• Short discussions around additional misconceptions such as the effectiveness of direct mail, the one-time nature of cold emails, and AI's limitations in content generation.
• Why incorporating multiple marketing channels is essential for a holistic strategy.
• Adjusting marketing tactics to match the evolving expectations of younger and tech-savvy customers.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating our 200th episode! We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with marketing misconceptions. Leave us a review, and let us know what topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes. If you have any burning marketing challenges or questions, connect with us at https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com for more resources, past episodes, and to schedule a free consultation call with any of our hosts. Keep calm and market on!

To reach our Marketing Guides:

Ian Cantle - Dental Marketing Heroes

Ken Tucker & Paul Barthel - Changescape Web

Jeff Stek - Tylerica Marketing Systems

In this essential episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, our seasoned hosts reveal the top email marketing success secrets that every small business owner needs to know.

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach and engage your audience, but only if done right. And for many business owners they hesitate to do email marketing because of their own predispositions against it. But it's folly to avoid this high ROI marketing strategy.

Join us as we dive deep into the strategies and techniques that can transform your email campaigns from good to exceptional.

Learn how to craft compelling subject lines that boost open rates, personalize your messages to build stronger customer relationships, and segment your audience for maximum impact.

We’ll also discuss the best practices for designing visually appealing emails, optimizing for mobile devices, and measuring your success to continually improve your results.

Whether you’re new to email marketing or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert tips to help you harness the full potential of your email campaigns.

Tune in to discover how to unlock the power of your inbox and drive meaningful results for your small business.

In this dynamic episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, our expert hosts dive into the world of Advertising Driven Omni-Channel Marketing.

As the digital landscape evolves, it's crucial for small businesses to integrate their advertising efforts across multiple channels to create a seamless and cohesive customer experience. Join us as we explore the strategies and benefits of an omni-channel approach, powered by effective advertising.

Discover how to synchronize your marketing efforts across platforms like social media, email, search engines, and more, to maximize reach and engagement.

Learn from real-world examples and expert insights on how to create a unified brand message that resonates with your audience at every touchpoint.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable tips and proven tactics to help you succeed in today’s competitive market.

Tune in and take your marketing game to the next level with Advertising Driven Omni-Channel Marketing!

From personalized customer experiences to data-driven insights, we discuss how AI can help small businesses reach their target audience more effectively and efficiently.

Tune in to learn how to leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance your marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we discuss the importance of having a solid marketing strategy for small businesses.

We will explore various marketing tactics and techniques specifically tailored for small businesses, including social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and more.

Our expert guides will share their insights and tips on how small businesses can effectively reach their target audience and drive growth through strategic marketing efforts.

Listen to learn how to create a successful marketing strategy that will help your small business stand out in a competitive market.

Kyle shares valuable insights and strategies for businesses looking to improve their E-A-T factors to boost their online presence and credibility.

Tune in to learn how to build trust with your audience and establish yourself as a reputable authority in your industry.

We discuss the latest trends, best practices, and platforms to help small businesses effectively reach their target audience and drive results.

Tune in to learn how you can navigate the complexities of online advertising and maximize your marketing efforts.

No matter where you are in your business journey - whether you are just starting out or if you are scaling up - you need marketing to grow. Understanding the range of skills required and your options for building the perfect team is critical for your success.

Even if you are a solopreneur starting on a shoestring budget, you will need to cover much of what we will talk about today. You are also going to want to listen carefully so you can start to “think into” growing your future team.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, we dive into the world of trade shows and explore how small businesses can leverage these events to boost their marketing efforts.

Trade shows provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and network with industry experts. However, navigating these events can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses with limited resources.

Join our host as they unpack the secrets to trade show success, providing practical tips and strategies tailored specifically for small businesses. Learn how to effectively plan and prepare for a trade show, create an eye-catching booth that stands out from the crowd, and engage with attendees to maximize lead generation.

Discover the power of trade show marketing in building brand awareness and gaining valuable exposure within your target market. Our expert guests share their insights on leveraging social media, pre- and post-show marketing techniques, and the importance of follow-up to convert leads into loyal customers.

Whether you're a first-time exhibitor or looking to optimize your trade show performance, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make the most of your trade show investment. Tune in to unlock the potential of trade shows as a game-changing marketing strategy for your small business.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your business to new heights – listen to the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast today!

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes a special guest to explore the concept of a Fractional CMO+. As businesses of all sizes strive to compete in the digital landscape, having a solid marketing strategy becomes crucial. But not all companies can afford a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. Enter the Fractional CMO+, a flexible and cost-effective solution that allows small businesses to tap into the expertise of seasoned CMOs on a part-time basis.

Tune in to learn how a Fractional CMO+ can elevate your marketing efforts, provide strategic guidance, and help you pursue growth opportunities without breaking the bank. Our guest shares practical tips on identifying the right Fractional CMO+ for your business, how to align their role with your overall objectives, and the potential impact they can have on your bottom line.

Whether you're a startup looking to scale or an established company seeking fresh perspectives, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to enhance your marketing strategy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to leverage the power of a Fractional CMO+ and take your business to new heights.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we dive deep into the world of omni-channel marketing and how it can be a game-changer for small businesses. As a small business owner, navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape can be overwhelming, but with a strategic omni-channel approach, you can effectively reach and engage your target audience across multiple channels.

Join us as we explore the key components of an omni-channel marketing strategy, including understanding customer behavior, integrating different marketing channels seamlessly, and leveraging data and analytics to optimize your campaigns. Our expert guests will share their insights on how to create a cohesive and personalized customer journey, ensuring a consistent brand experience across various touchpoints.

Discover the benefits of incorporating omni-channel marketing into your small business strategy, such as increased customer loyalty, higher conversion rates, and improved brand recognition. Learn practical tips and best practices for building a strong online presence, utilizing social media platforms, integrating offline and online marketing efforts, and leveraging emerging technologies.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples that will inspire you to take your small business to the next level. Tune in to our podcast and unlock the secrets of omni-channel marketing to stay ahead of the competition and drive your business towards success.

From voice search optimization to mobile-first indexing, we uncover the key trends that will shape the SEO landscape in the coming years. Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or just starting to dip your toes into the world of digital marketing, this podcast episode is a must-listen to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business's online visibility and success. Tune in and get ready to unlock the secrets of SEO 2024!

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we share our favorite marketing books, blogs, and resources that have helped us navigate the ever-changing world of marketing. From classic marketing texts to innovative blogs and online tools, we cover a wide range of resources that can help small businesses succeed in their marketing efforts. Listen in to discover new insights and strategies to elevate your marketing game.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we take a slightly deeper dive into the world of content marketing. Join us as we explore the various strategies and tactics that can help small businesses effectively create and distribute valuable content to attract and engage their target audience. From understanding the importance of storytelling to leveraging different mediums such as blog posts, videos, and social media, we provide practical tips and real-life examples to help you develop a content marketing plan that drives results for your business. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned marketer seeking to enhance your content strategy, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to ensure your content resonates with your audience and achieves your business goals.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we dive deep into the marketing landscape for the year 2023. Join our expert panel as they discuss the biggest successes and failures in marketing strategies, providing valuable insights and lessons for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

From innovative digital marketing campaigns that captivated audiences and skyrocketed sales, to misguided efforts that fell flat and wasted valuable resources, our panel analyzes the strategies behind these big wins and big mistakes. They offer practical tips and recommendations for adapting and improving your own marketing approach in the ever-evolving digital world.

Whether you're new to marketing or a seasoned professional, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to make informed decisions that can lead to remarkable growth for your small business in 2023. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the triumphs and pitfalls of others in the industry and take your marketing efforts to new heights. Tune in now to the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast!

With the evolving digital landscape and increasing customer demands, businesses must adapt and prioritize speed to stay ahead of the competition. Join us as we explore Baer's tips and tricks on optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and building a customer-centric culture that revolves around the need for speed.

Whether you are a small business owner or a marketing professional, this podcast will provide practical advice to ensure your business stays ahead in an increasingly fast-paced world. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading customer experience and marketing strategies experts. Tune in now!

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, we delve deeper into the crucial topic of crafting an irresistible offer that captivates your target audience and drives conversions. Building upon the foundational knowledge shared in Part 1, we explore advanced strategies and tactics to create an offer that stands out in a crowded marketplace and compels customers to take immediate action.

Join our expert host as we deeply dive into the psychology behind creating offers that trigger an emotional response and tap into customers' desires. We'll discuss the importance of understanding your audience's pain points, conducting market research, and identifying the unique selling propositions that set your business apart.

Discover how to effectively communicate the value of your offer, including techniques such as scarcity, urgency, and social proof. Learn how to entice customers with irresistible bonuses, guarantees, and incentives that leave them with no choice but to take advantage of your offer.

Throughout this insightful episode, we will also address common pitfalls to avoid and provide practical tips to ensure your offer aligns with your overall marketing strategy. Plus, we'll share success stories and case studies demonstrating an irresistible offer's power in boosting conversions and driving business growth.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner looking to enhance your marketing efforts, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps to help you craft an offer that leaves a lasting impression on your target audience.

Tune in to the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast and take your offer crafting skills to the next level. Don't miss out on this essential episode that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create irresistible offers that drive results.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, we delve into crafting an irresistible offer that will attract and engage your target audience. Whether new to marketing or a seasoned pro, creating an offer that stands out and compels your potential customers to take action is a crucial skill to master.

Join us as we explore the various elements that make an offer irresistible, from identifying your unique selling proposition to understanding your audience's pain points and desires. We will share practical tips and strategies to help you create an offer that captures attention and drives conversions.

Learn how to effectively communicate the value of your product or service, differentiate yourself from competitors, and leverage psychological triggers to increase the perceived value of your offer. We will also discuss the importance of testing and refining your offer to ensure maximum impact.

Crafting an irresistible offer is a key component of any successful marketing campaign. In this episode, we provide insights and actionable advice to help you take your marketing efforts to the next level. Don't miss out on this valuable discussion that will empower you to create offers your audience cannot resist.

In this episode of the Marketing Guides For Small Business Podcast, we discuss strategies and tactics to finish the year strong and set yourself up for marketing success in 2024. We dive into practical tips for small businesses to maximize their marketing efforts during the final months of the year, including leveraging holiday promotions, optimizing online presence, and creating engaging content. We also explore long-term planning for the upcoming year, offering insights on market trends, customer behavior, and emerging technologies that can shape your marketing strategy for 2024. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable advice to position your small business for marketing success in the future.

This episode focuses on the art of using press releases to boost visibility and credibility for authors, small businesses, and startups.

Mickie Kennedy, with his extensive experience and success in the field, sheds light on how press releases can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal, especially for achieving local media coverage without a hefty budget.

Episode Highlights:

• Mickie Kennedy’s Expertise: Introduction to our guest's background in press release distribution and marketing.
• Importance of Press Releases: Understanding how press releases can significantly enhance your business's visibility and credibility.
• Crafting an Effective Press Release: Tips on creating compelling press releases that capture media attention.
• No-Cost Local Media Coverage: Strategies for getting your press releases into local media channels without spending money.
• Leveraging Press Releases for small businesses: Specific advice on using press releases to your advantage.
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Insights into the dos and don'ts of press release writing and distribution.
• Real-Life Success Stories: Examples of how effective press release strategies have propelled businesses to new heights.
• Important ingredients in press releases.
• How to connect with local press to get coverage.
• How press releases help SEO.

Whether you’re a new author looking to publicize your book, a startup aiming for market recognition, or a small business trying to enhance your brand and get more exposure, this episode offers invaluable advice and proven techniques to help you succeed. Tune in to unlock the potential of press releases for your business or venture!

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the Importance of Video Marketing: Learn why video content is a critical component of digital marketing in today's fast-paced online environment.
• What are the 5 most important types of marketing videos a small business needs?
• What are the top ways to create and use videos that highlight offers for a small business, including the best types of offers to use?
• What are the key reasons to create and use branding videos for a small business, including what the important elements of a branding video are?
• What are some important ways to create and use videos that highlight the authority of a small business, including the elements that need to be included to demonstrate authority?
• How can a small business create an effective video marketing strategy using authority (or expert) videos, branding videos, and offer videos?
• What are reasons to repurpose content into video content
• Creating Engaging Content on a Budget: Tips and tricks for producing high-quality videos without breaking the bank.
• The Power of Storytelling in Video: How to craft narratives that resonate with your audience and strengthen your brand identity.
• Navigating the Platforms: From YouTube to Instagram, we discuss the best platforms for your video marketing strategy and how to optimize content for each.
• Measuring Success: Understand how to track the performance of your video content and measure ROI effectively.
• Latest Trends in Video Marketing: Explore the newest trends, including live streaming, interactive videos, and short-form content like TikTok.
• Expert Insights: Hear from industry experts about the common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to adopt in your video marketing journey.

Whether you're new to video marketing or looking to enhance your current strategy, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice to help you leverage the power of video and propel your business to new heights.

Episode Highlights:

• SEO Defined: A clear and concise explanation of what SEO is and why it's essential for online visibility and success.
• Key Components of SEO: Understanding the pillars of SEO, including keywords, content, on-page optimization, backlinks, and user experience.
• Why is SEO important?
• How does SEO differ from SEM and PPC?
• What are the 3 types of SEO?
• How do search engines and SEO work?
• How does website hosting fit into the SEO conversation and what is it's impact?
• Does cheap website hosting cut it for SEO?
• What is the impact of a website refresh or redesign on your Google rankings and SEO?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a solid grasp of SEO fundamentals, an understanding of advanced tactics, and the knowledge to implement effective SEO strategies for your business. Tune in to elevate your SEO game!

With a straightforward approach, our hosts dissect the most common SEO quandaries that small business owners face. From understanding the nuances of algorithm updates to the importance of keyword research and quality content creation, we address the typical stumbling blocks in the SEO journey.

This episode doesn't just spotlight the problems; it provides actionable solutions and expert insights to help you revamp your SEO tactics. Whether you're new to SEO or you've hit a plateau in your current strategy, you'll find clarity and direction on how to make search engines work in your favor.

Tune in to turn your SEO frustrations into successes, and start seeing the visibility and engagement your business deserves.

Discover the myriad types of content you can create to boost your local online presence and learn why every small business owner is, in fact, a content creator.

Our hosts break down content formats from blog posts to infographics, and how each can be optimized for local SEO to help your business stand out in the community. They demystify the content creation process, showing you how to use your unique business insights to produce content that resonates with your local audience.

Whether you're crafting how-to guides, leveraging local events, or sharing customer success stories, this episode will inspire you to create compelling content that captures the essence of your brand and the heart of your town.

Join us and transform your approach to local search, where every piece of content is an opportunity to connect and grow.

As local search becomes increasingly crucial for small businesses, understanding how to pinpoint and utilize keyword phrases is pivotal. Our hosts delve into the nuances of keyword research tailored to local SEO, offering step-by-step guidance on finding the right terms that your local customers are using to search.

Whether you're a brick-and-mortar shop, a service provider, or a hybrid business, this episode equips you with the know-how to enhance your online visibility and draw in a more targeted audience.

Join us as we unravel the secrets of aligning your content with what your community is searching for, turning searches into visits, and clicks into customers.

Don't miss out on these valuable insights that could revolutionize your local digital presence.

Why should businesses align their content with their customers' pain points? Ken sheds light on the value of solution-oriented content and how it sets businesses apart as industry leaders. Meanwhile, Paul dissects the SEO implications of addressing customers' problems, highlighting the invaluable advantage of aligning with user intent and search queries.

Whether you're crafting content for your website, social media, or other platforms, the consensus is clear: addressing specific problems leads to authentic engagement, loyalty, and improved search visibility. Moreover, Ken and Paul delve deep into actionable steps, from tapping into customer feedback to leveraging social media insights, ensuring your content is not only problem-solving but also SEO-friendly and unique.

If you're seeking a fresh perspective on content creation, aiming for relatability, relevance, and resonance, this episode is a goldmine. For more details and resources, visit our Marketing Guides websites at:

Outsourced Marketing Inc: https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

Dental Marketing Heroes: https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

Changescape Web: https://changescapeweb.com/

Join us in this episode to decode the intricate dance between problem-solving content and a successful marketing strategy. Because in the end, understanding and addressing your customer's problems is the cornerstone of meaningful connections and sustainable business growth.

For further insights and resources, visit https://marketingguidesforsmallbusinesses.com and learn more about Andrea at www.andreavahl.com.

Discover more about our marketing guides at:

Changescape Web: https://changescapeweb.com/

Outsourced Marketing Inc: https://www.outsourcedmarketing.ca/

Dental Marketing Heroes: https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/

Strategy and content go hand in hand when it comes to achieving success in local search. Our seasoned marketing experts, Ian and Ken, take you on a journey through the crucial role that strategy plays in shaping your content marketing efforts.

From defining your target audience and conducting thorough keyword research to crafting compelling and locally optimized content, we reveal how strategy sets the stage for achieving your SEO goals. Discover the art of tailoring your content to match user intent, enhancing your website's visibility in local search results.

Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing enthusiast, this episode will equip you with the tools and insights to leverage the powerful alliance of strategy and content in your local marketing endeavors. Tune in now and gain the knowledge to thrive in the competitive landscape of local search marketing!

Content creation is the backbone of successful SEO, but without a well-thought-out strategy, your efforts may fall short. Join our marketing experts, Ian and Ken, as they explore the importance of having a solid plan in place before embarking on your content marketing journey.

From understanding your target audience and setting clear objectives to creating engaging and locally relevant content, we'll unveil the key components of an effective marketing strategy. Learn how to align your content with your business goals, boost local search visibility, and capture the attention of your ideal customers.

Unlock the secrets to building a strategic content marketing approach that not only drives organic traffic but also sets the stage for long-term success. Tune in now and gain the knowledge to propel your local business to new heights with content marketing excellence!

In this dynamic discussion, our marketing guides, Ian and Ken, will share their wealth of experience and proven strategies to help you make the most of your budget constraints. Discover how to lay a strong foundation for your marketing efforts, generate leads, and drive growth without breaking the bank.

From leveraging social media, email marketing, and content creation to mastering the art of targeting and maximizing ROI, we've got you covered. Tune in and learn how to optimize every penny spent on marketing, ensuring that your business thrives and expands beyond expectations. Let's set you on the path to success with savvy marketing on a shoestring budget!

Understanding the factors that influence your search presence can be a game-changer for your business. Our marketing guides, Ian and Ken, will break down these ranking factors, shedding light on their significance and how they impact your website's search performance. From on-page optimization to backlinks, content quality to user experience, we'll demystify each element to help you craft a winning SEO strategy.

While search engine algorithms are ever-evolving, we'll provide you with actionable insights to navigate these complexities and stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of Google's ranking factors and unlock the potential to boost your online presence. Let's embark on the journey of unraveling the secrets of search visibility together!

Our marketing guides, Ian and Ken, will unravel the mysteries of SEO and break it down into simple, actionable steps. From optimizing your website for search engines to understanding keywords and backlinks, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a solopreneur, a local business owner, or a budding marketer, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to boost your online visibility and drive organic traffic to your website.

Tune in as we demystify SEO, share expert tips, and provide practical strategies that you can implement right away. Don't miss this chance to conquer the world of SEO and elevate your small business to new heights. Let's dive into SEO 101 together!

Having a marketing system helps increase the value of your business by:

• Streamlining operations.
• Creating consistent growth.
• Targets your marketing efforts.
• Consistent branding and messaging.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Scalability and future growth.

As a small business owner, it can be daunting to invest in marketing during a down economy. However, there are numerous reasons why investing in your marketing efforts during these times can truly pay off. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make marketing a priority in a down economy.

1. Stand out from your competition
2. Keep your brand top-of-mind
3. Reinforce brand message
4. Increase customer loyalty
5. Build relationships with customers
6. Test new marketing channels
7. Capitalize on changes in customer behavior
8. Improve your SEO
9. Improve ROI
10. Create long-term success

The top 10 best marketing tactics for a small business to invest in their marketing in a down economy

1. Marketing Strategy
2. Content Marketing
3. Email and Text Marketing
4. Social Media Marketing
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
6. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)
7. Customer Referrals
8. Partnership Marketing
9. Influencer Marketing
10. Event Marketing
11. Customer Experience

In this episode we'll cover:

• The 7 groups of local ranking factors.
• Local Search group Weighting.
• The top 10 local ranking factors.
• Local SEO Myths to avoid.

I’m going to start with a quote from Neil Patel: “I'm about to share some ugly marketing truths every business needs to understand:

SEO: It takes an average of 6 months to rank on the first page of Google for a new page.

CRO: As a general rule of thumb, A/B testing should be done on pages that have at least 1,000 visitors per month to achieve statistically significant results.

Paid Media: To see significant results from paid media campaigns, businesses should typically invest a minimum of a few thousand dollars monthly.”​

Here are the questions we'll answer in this episode:

What are the top 10 things to consider with creating an offer designed to increase sales rapidly?

What types of offers are most effective at driving sales?

Why should every small business use a CRM/Marketing Automation system?

Why do too many small businesses skip developing a marketing strategy, and how does this hurt their businesses?

Why do small businesses of any size need a marketing strategy?

What percentage of annual revenue should a small business plan on investing in marketing and why?

Why do most small business marketing initiatives fail?

ChatGPT and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are getting tons of press right now, and small businesses are being bombarded with messages about how AI Tolls will make marketing effortless. But is this true? Are some of these messages simply misleading or riding the wave of a trend but not delivering the goods? 

Our marketing guides will answer this important and timely question by diving into the benefits and challenges of using AI in marketing. They'll provide practical insights and best practices for small business owners looking to leverage this powerful technology. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of marketing technology.

In this episode, we'll answer the following questions:

• What is artificial intelligence, and how does it apply to small business marketing?
• In What ways can a small business leverage AI to help with its marketing?
• AI is getting a lot of press for content creation. Can you share some use cases for AI in creating content?
• How can AI assist small businesses in their SEO efforts?
• How can AI assist in small businesses' social media efforts?
• What about advertising? Can AI help with that, and if so, how?
• AI is a tool and a support for certain marketing efforts. But as with all tools they can be used and misused, so let’s look at some of the downsides of AI for small business marketing?
• ChatGPT by openai has been garnering lots of press because it’s been the most public free tool users can use. Can you share some ways a small business could leverage chatgpt, and some of the things they should avoid?
• What do you see as the future for AI in small business marketing?  

In this episode we answer these questions:

• How to go about building and maintaining your list?
• For email marketing to be effective, you have to create effective campaigns. What types of campaigns work?
• How to write emails that get opened and read?
• How do you analyze your email marketing to know if it’s effective?
• How can email marketing help with the customer journey?

In this episode, we dive into the world of client retention and discuss how small businesses can keep their best customers from falling into the hands of their competitors. Our marketing guides will share what client retention really is, common mistakes small businesses make, key factors that strengthen customer loyalty, client retention strategies, tips and much more. So let’s strap up and dive into this vital topic.

Here's a summary of this topic and the questions our marketing guides answer in this episode:

• Why is client retention important for small businesses?
• What are some common mistakes that businesses make when it comes to client retention?
• What are the key factors that drive customer loyalty?
• How can businesses identify their most valuable customers?
• What are some effective customer retention strategies for small businesses?
• How can businesses use data to improve customer retention?
• What role do customer rewards and loyalty programs play in client retention?
• How can businesses effectively communicate with their customers to build stronger relationships?
• How can businesses measure the success of their customer retention strategies?
• What are some long-term benefits of strong client retention?

First, we'll discuss how businesses can create a referral marketing program to incentivize their customers to refer their friends and family. Then, we'll dive into which marketing channels perform the best when it comes to driving sales - SMS, email, or social media marketing?

Next, we'll cover good metrics to track for email marketing and which metrics are misleading and should be ignored. We'll also explore strategies that businesses can use to encourage user-generated content, as well as the best ways to use quizzes for marketing purposes.

We'll then discuss the top 10 things to consider when creating an offer designed to rapidly increase sales and which types of offers are most effective at driving sales.

Lastly, we'll talk about why every small business should use a CRM/Marketing Automation system to manage their customer data and streamline their marketing efforts.

Whether you're a marketer or a business owner, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you improve your marketing strategies and drive more sales. So, let's dive in and discuss all the marketing things that bug us!

First, Ian will discuss how content marketing is more than just blog posts, and why businesses need to explore different types of content to stay relevant.

Ken will then explain the hub and spoke model, which is a popular approach for creating content.

Next, Ian will talk about the importance of using the customer's voice in content creation and how it can benefit your business.

Ken will then dive into result types and how to create content that aligns with Google's algorithm.

We'll also cover the topic of measuring ROI for content and whether businesses need to be on every social media channel. Ian will discuss the idea of repurposing content and what to do with outdated or underperforming content.

Lastly, Ken will explain the importance of having a content strategy and creating a content calendar to stay organized and consistent in your content creation efforts.

Whether you're a marketer or a business owner, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a successful content marketing strategy in 2023. So, let's dive in and learn about the best practices for content marketing in the upcoming year!

Our marketing guides will share their personal experiences and opinions on these topics and provide practical advice on how to avoid these annoying practices in your marketing campaigns. Whether you're a marketer or a small business owner, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the world of marketing without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. So, let's dive in and continue venting about all the marketing things that bug us!

Does it matter what competitors are doing? Do I really need to care? Does what they're doing effect me and vice versa? If I wanted to know what they're doing, how would I find out? What kind of info can I get access to? How can I leverage this competitor info to better market my own business?

We'll discuss the latest SEO trends and tactics, keyword research, on-page optimization, link building strategies, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or just starting out in the field, this episode is a must-listen. Kyle will share his valuable insights, tips, and tricks to help you improve your website's visibility and rankings in search engine results pages. So, let's dive in and learn from one of the best in the business, Kyle Roof!

We'll share our personal experiences and opinions on these topics and provide suggestions on how to avoid these annoying practices in your own marketing campaigns.

Whether you're a marketer looking to improve your tactics or a business owner tired of irrelevant or underperforming marketing, this episode will provide valuable insights and tips. So, let's dive in and vent about all the marketing things that bug us!

In this episode of our Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, we dive into the crucial topic of strategy before tactics. Our experts discuss the impact of having a solid marketing strategy in place and how it can lead to better results for your business.

In this podcast your marketing guides will explore trending marketing strategies, tactics, and tools, and how you as a small business can take advantage of them this coming year.

Listen in to learn where we’ve come from and where we’re going. You’ll definitely learn something you probably didn’t know before. Plus, you might just get some ideas that help your business move successfully into the future by looking at what the past has taught us!

We have a look at:

When and why the very first marketing began.

How modern marketing started.

The first time the concept of the “marketing mix” was considered.

What marketing in the 70s and 80s looked like.

The impact of the internet and the advent of digital marketing.

How social media affected marketing.

The impact of COVID on marketing.

Listen in to learn where we’ve come from and where we’re going. You’ll definitely learn something you probably didn’t know before. Plus, you might just get some ideas that help your business move successfully into the future by looking at what the past has taught us!

Check out this episode to learn more about what to expect in the coming year and how you can prepare your small business for success.

We discuss:

How important thought leadership will be in 2023.

The impacts of artificial intelligence and automation and why and how your small business can take advantage of advances in these areas.

How SEO is changing and is still important.

How your small business can embrace an agile marketing strategy so you can pivot when needed.

How text marketing is expected to change in the upcoming year.

The impact of privacy changes on online advertising and how platforms are adapting.

How we expect short-form video to continue to trend in the next year and how both B2B and B2C business can leverage this trend.

The impact of online reviews on customer behavior.

How making data-informed decisions will continue to be important.

Tune in to learn how you can effectively review the past year’s marketing efforts and plan for a successful year ahead.

We discuss:

How to ensure the marketing plans you create align with your overarching businesses goals. 

How to assess your company’s competitive state.

How the following Peter Drucker’s quote relates to your marketing review: “Planning for tomorrow means sloughing off yesterday. Before you do something new, you have to stop doing something old”

The key questions to ask during an effective review of your previous year’s marketing activities.

Areas of your business that can be easy to overlook when reviewing your marketing (and how to ensure you don’t miss them).

The key elements you should include in your marketing plan for the upcoming year to ensure success.

But it’s not as easy as just making a video and uploading it to YouTube. Just like any content you share, SEO is important for video content. There are a few things you can do to ensure any video content you create is findable by your ideal audience. In today’s episode we’ll look at all things SEO for video content.

While Facebook Ads remain important to many businesses, the rise and importance of TikTok Ads can’t be ignored.  Check out today’s episode to hear Jon’s perspective on both Facebook and TikTok Ads and how to do them well. 

Jon shares:

How the Facebook Ad Landscape has changed over the last year.

The biggest mistakes he sees businesses make when running Facebook Ads.

What a small business should do to get the most out of Facebook Ads.

What form of Facebook Ads get the best results for most businesses today.

The importance of ‘getting real’ about your ad budget. 

How to know what the right FB or TikTok Ad budget should be for your small business.

How you can use Facebook Ads to build a funnel and move people from awareness to consideration to conversion. 

How TikTok Ads work and how you can begin creating them.

How to you create custom audiences in TikTok.

Why pivoting to short-form video has been important and how a business can start doing short-form videos for ads. 

Many B2B companies, however, completely gear down during the holiday season, assuming there are no sales to be made or value in marketing during the holidays for their business. But what if this assumption is incorrect? What if B2B businesses are leaving money on the table by sitting on the sidelines during the holidays?

In today’s episode we discuss holiday promotions for B2B businesses–what’s worth it, what’s not and how non-consumer-focused businesses can make the most of the holiday season.

We look at:

Why holiday promotions can be difficult for B2B businesses.

How, if done right, holiday promotions can be beneficial for B2B businesses.

What your B2B business can do to prepare for the holiday season.

Different tactics and ideas for holiday marketing activities for B2B businesses. 

B2B holiday content ideas including content focused on gratitude (thanking your clients), giving back (highlighting any of your company’s charitable effort, and New Year’s resolutions (how your product or service can help your clients achieve their resolutions).

In today’s episode, we’ll cut through the information overload, debunk common SEO myths and equip you with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions when investing in SEO for your small business.

We’ll take a look at these common SEO myths:

Myth #1: Businesses don’t need SEO because the Google My Business Profile is enough.

Myth #2: SEO is a one-time thing.

Myth #3: Local SEO is not worth it.

Myth #4: SEO and ranking are the same things.

Myth #5: You should your keyword phrase very often on the page. 

Myth #6: You don’t need to use keywords anymore.

Myth #7: Syndicated content helps your SEO.

Myth #8: Social media doesn’t help SEO.

Myth #9: If you’re on social media, you don’t need to worry about SEO.

Myth #10: SEO isn’t as important as it used to be.

We’ll cover:

A brief history of Facebook and how it became a pay-to-play scenario.

Why Facebook is still relevant today for businesses trying to reach their ideal target audience.

The strengths of Facebook Ads.

Types of ads your business can present on Facebook.

Tips for getting the most out of advertising on Facebook.

Common mistakes or pitfalls you should avoid when advertising on Facebook.

How your business can leverage Facebook Ads to connect with potential customers who are at different stages of the buyer’s journey (knowing, liking, trusting, buying, repeating and referring stages).

You’ve heard this can potentially undo your hard-earned SEO work and might cause a drop in website traffic. While this may be true in some cases, if done right, migrating your website doesn’t need to impact your traffic or revenue.

Today’s episode will help you understand what a website migration entails and what to consider before embarking on one. Tune in if you’d like to feel confident you’re asking the right questions about your company’s website migration. 

We’ll discuss: 

What types of website migrations exist and what some of the most common ones are.

What an unsuccessful website migration looks like.

Myths about expected traffic drops after a website migration.

What a successful website migration can look like.

Common pitfalls to be aware of that can cause a site migration to go wrong.

How to plan for website migration.

What a website pre-launch is, how to prepare for it and how to test the new website.

How to monitor the new site and what to be aware of while it’s being launched.

How to conduct a post-launch review and what it should entail.

Measuring site migration performance–when, how, and what should be measured.

Different tools that can be helpful during a website migration.

In today’s episode, we’re going to dig into writing effective blog posts that provide real value to your customers and potential customers. Blogging is one of the most powerful content marketing strategies out there, so it’s worth learning how to do it well.

Listen to today’s episode to learn:

How well-written blogs help with SEO.

The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to blogging.

Important blogging statistics that will make you want to improve yours immediately.

How to generate blog topics.

The key considerations you should make before writing a blog post.

The types of blog posts that go viral.

What a call to action is and how to include an effective one in your blog posts.

Best practices for baking SEO into a blog post.

How to promote your blog articles once you’ve published them.

Best practices for writing great blog post titles or headlines.

We know web analytics can feel confusing or overwhelming, so in today’s episode we’ll demystify things a little bit to help you get started. We’ll share what types of metrics to track, what those metrics mean and what tools you can use to help. 

Tune in to learn:

What web analytics is and what kind of information web analytics tools can help you track.

What type of metrics a small business should track.

What some of the best web analytics tools available are.

What the best user metrics to track are and what they mean. 

What behavior metrics are, which ones are ideal to track and why, and what they can tell you.

What acquisition and conversion metrics are and why they matter.

Perhaps most importantly, branding isn’t just what you do or claim to do as a business, it’s how your audience thinks about you. It’s a customer or client’s emotional connection to a service, product or company.

In today’s we discuss how you can build a brand for your small business and bust some common myths about branding. We’ll also share the essential elements of branding for your business. 

Tune in to learn:

What branding is and why it is important for small businesses.

The difference between branding and marketing and how the two work together.

Some essential elements of branding a small business.

Common myths about branding and what the truth is.

Whether you should outsource your branding efforts or not.

In today’s episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson, Head of StoryBrand and Host of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, joins us to share how you can clarify your message.

Since 2013, Dr. J.J. Peterson has used the StoryBrand Framework to help thousands of organizations clarify their message in order to grow their business. StoryBrand helps business owners and marketers confidently create websites, emails, and more that actually work, without spending a fortune on consultants or agencies.

Listen to this episode to learn:

What the StoryBrand Framework is and why it’s so important.

How to create a common thread throughout your messaging if you offer more than one core product or service.

Common problems Dr. Peterson sees with business websites. 

The value and benefits that come from having a website with a clear message.

How non-profit organizations leverage StoryBrand.

What a sales funnel is and why every organization needs one.

How you can attract visitors to your website once you’ve developed a clear message and built a strong site. 

What the biggest misconceptions are about the StoryBrand Framework.

The most challenging industry for which Dr. Peterson has created a BrandScript.

On today’s episode, we’re looking at the foundational topic of core differences–why your business needs one, how to go about creating one, and how to leverage it powerfully in your business. 

We’ll look at:

What a core difference is.

Why your business needs to identify and establish a core difference.  

How to determine what your core difference is.

How to create your core difference. 

Things to avoid when creating a core difference. 

Where and how you can leverage your core difference in your marketing.

In today’s episode, we’ll look at what different social media platforms exist and what you should keep in mind when deciding where your small business should be active so you can make the most of your efforts.

Tune in as we discuss:

The evolution of social media over the years.

What makes a platform a social media network and how to decide which ones your business should be on. 

The five main different types of social media and how they work.

How reach and engagement rates, especially on Instagram and Facebook, have seen significant drops recently and what that means for your business.

How social media has changed search and how local businesses are found.

How TikTok and other media sharing networks work and how your business can use them. 

What a discussion network is and how your business can leverage them.

What social blogging networks are and how they’re different from discussion networks.

What review networks are and how your small business can use them.

Today we’ll be exploring the topic of Google Ads and how to get started with them. Google Ads are a powerful form of advertising and even though Google has made big steps to make them more accessible, there are some things you need to understand and areas to avoid.  

Tune in to learn how to get started with Google Ads.

We’ll discuss:

Why Google Ads are such a powerful form of advertising.

How Google Ads work.  

Choosing between Smart Campaign and Expert Mode options when setting up your Google Ads account.

An overview of what types of ad campaigns you can run and which type a first time advertiser should use and why? 

Choosing your ad networks, schedule, and location–what ad networks you can choose and how you can target by location.

Setting up a daily budget and choosing your bidding strategy.  

What keywords are, how they work, and tips for selecting keywords.

What negative keywords are and why they are so important.

What keyword match types are and why it’s so important to get them right.

The important elements of any ad and tips for building your ads.

The importance of landing pages when creating ad campaigns.

Key things you should measure when running Google Ads to maximize your return on investment. 

For extra information, you might find these articles helpful: https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2022/03/21/how-to-run-google-ads 

https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2021/09/07/ppc-reporting

If you want your page to rank, however, you’ll need to look at more than just on-page SEO. In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing off-page SEO–what it is, why it’s important, and how to use it to improve your site’s visibility.  

Tune in to learn how you can get started. 

We’ll discuss:

What off page SEO is and why it’s important.

What link building is and why it is a vital part of off-page SEO.

What the difference between link building and off-page SEO is. 

How you can use press releases and guest posting as part of your off-page SEO strategy.

How brand building can be an off-page SEO tactic.

Tune in to learn how you can go about hiring a great content writer, how to vet potential writers and how to get the most out of your working relationship with a new writer. 

Tune in to learn:

What content writing is and how it can help a small business.

Why you should consider hiring a content writer and how much you can expect to pay one.

How and where you can find a quality writer.

What to include in a content writer job description.

How to properly screen content writing candidates and what to avoid.

How to get the most out value out of a content writer

Needless to say, learning how to craft a compelling email that prompts your customers and prospective customers to take action is worth it. In today’s episode, we’re discussing the key elements of successful marketing emails. 

Tune in to learn:

What you should consider when creating an effective subject line.

What you should think about from a branding perspective when writing marketing emails.

Important considerations for targeting your email campaigns.

Best practices for writing the body of the email. 

How to write a call-to-action that actually works.

Whether you should include social media in your emails.

How and when you should consider using images or video in your emails.

Which links you should always include in the footer of your marketing emails.

Spam trigger words to avoid and other things that could land your email in the spam box.

So, how do you help move your prospects along through your buyer’s journey and turn them into customers? One excellent way is through email nurture campaigns. Email nurture campaigns are powerful tools for influencing prospects to become customers and generating repeat customers. 

If you're not leveraging Nurture campaigns to guide prospects through their buying journey then you are missing out on a marketing powerhouse and you are losing opportunities.  So let’s jump in and look at what email and text nurture campaigns are and how you can start using them today.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

What lead nurturing is and why it’s important.

How a small business can nurture leads using email.

The different parts that make up an email lead nurturing campaign.

How you can leverage marketing automation to nurture leads.

Real-life examples of email nurture campaigns to help you understand how they work. 

How you can get started with a lead nurturing strategy for your small business.

Properly maintaining your site will ensure your visitors have a positive experience. Website maintenance ensures site security and can increase the number of new visitors, boost returning traffic, and more. 

In today’s episode we’re exploring website maintenance in depth–why it’s important, what’s involved and why you might want to outsource this. 

Listen in to learn:

What website maintenance is, why it’s important and why even a new website needs it.

What could cause a visitor to your website to have a bad experience.

What ensuring your website is secure actually entails. 

Why, even if you don’t sell anything on your website, you need to be concerned about security.

What tools you can use to review your website for any security issues.

How website maintenance can help increase your traffic.

The importance of website speed–how to know if your site loads too slowly and what to do if it does.

What monthly tests should be performed on your website? 

The pros and cons of managing your own website maintenance as a small business owner.

The benefits of outsourcing your website maintenance. 

We’ll also discuss:

How to choose the platforms for your business' content distribution.

How to come up with great content ideas.

What evergreen content is and how can it benefit your business.

Tips for effective content writing.

How to know if you should outsource your content writing.

Landing pages play a key role in conversion–they are all about getting visitors to take action–and as such they warrant different design considerations. In today’s episode, we’ll look at the key elements every landing page needs and how to design your landing pages to actually convert.

Check out the episode as we discuss:

When you should consider using a landing page.

How long a landing page should be.

Some big mistakes we see businesses making when using landing pages.

The importance of having a clear message and a clear call to action on your landing pages. 

Whether or not your landing page should include navigation.

What A/B testing is and what 5 key landing page elements you should A/B test. 

If and where you should include social proof or authority on your landing pages.

How to write a great value proposition.

The role of the lead magnet on landing pages. 

How much information you should collect from the person claiming a lead magnet.

Custom “Thank You” pages for visitors after they take action.

In the same way, you need a marketing system. Marketing has become a complex dance of numerous strategies, tactics, tools, platforms, and best practices, with expertise needed to not only perform the work but to truly make it work for your business. In the midst of this challenging environment the concept of a systematic approach to marketing has risen as the answer to aligning all your marketing efforts to get maximum results.  

In this podcast we'll explore what a marketing system is, why you need one, what it looks like in real businesses and what the results are. Listen as we explore this topic that could radically help your business.

We’ll discuss:

The general definition of a system and how that definition plays out when discussing marketing systems. 

How a marketing system works.

The different parts and subsystems that are often part of a marketing system.

Why your business needs a marketing system (and what happens when you don’t have one or your system isn’t working).

The elements your marketing system needs to ensure it’s working optimally.

The concept of ‘force multiplier’ and how it applies to a marketing system.

Why so few businesses have a marketing system in place.

Whether a marketing system does really produce better results.

Today Landon Shefts of accessiBe joins us to discuss all things website accessibility, ADA and WCAG compliance, and why it’s important for your website. 

Everyone should be able to enjoy your website , regardless of ability. Tune in to learn how you can make yours more accessible.

We’ll discuss:

The most important things business owners should know about website accessibility.

What the user experience on an accessible vs. a non-accessible website is like for someone with a disability.

What ADA and WCAG compliance is.

What the current legal landscape is like and any existing guidelines related to web accessibility.

What options exist for small and medium-sized businesses to make their websites accessible.

How accessibility can help with lead conversion.

The benefits of inclusivity as it relates to compliance.

How automation can bring websites into compliance.

How web accessibility affects SEO. 

Your homepage and your ‘About’ page are the two pages that usually get the most website traffic. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how you can ensure your ‘Home’ and ‘About’ pages are working hardest for your business.

We’ll discuss:

What the ‘hero section’ of your homepage is and what elements it should include.

What important considerations you should make for your call to action at the top of your website.

The value of a pop-up CTA.

Having photos and videos of your own people on your website vs. using stock images.

The importance of a credibility and trust section.

Whether you should highlight your core services and the problems your product or service solves on your home page.

The importance of bringing in new content to your home page and how you can do so. 

How you can ensure your homepage easily guides visitors to take action.

What to include in the footer of your homepage.

What to consider when planning the navigation of your homepage.

What makes a good ‘About’ page.

If you’d like to learn how understanding the Marketing Hourglass framework could help your small business, tune in to this episode.

We’ll explore:

The five stages of the Marketing Hourglass–Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, Refer– and different marketing tactics and content that can be used during each stage.

How using the Marketing Hourglass framework can help you build an overall strategy and launch a product or campaign.

How the Marketing Hourglass can help you create an end-to-end customer journey.

It’s called retargeting or retargeted advertising (or sometimes remarketing). Whatever you call it, it is a hidden secret weapon in your marketing toolbox. In today’s episode we’ll take a look at what retargeting is, its benefits, and how you can start leveraging this low-cost secret weapon right away to help your business grow sales and conversions.

We’ll discuss:

What retargeting is and how it actually works. 

Why companies need retargeting.

How you can use other types of advertising like search campaigns or social campaigns to help make your retargeting most worthwhile.

How you can create retargeting campaigns that go beyond brand exposure.

Different types of retargeting and what platforms you can do retargeted advertising on.

How retargeting can be one of the most cost effective forms of advertising. 

In today’s episode, we look at how you can create a small business content strategy that helps you grow your audience without needing a huge budget or large content team.

Join us as we discuss:

What kind of content works best at each different stage of the marketing funnel.

Content ideas for the awareness stage of the funnel.

What other types of content, beyond blogs, you can use for inbound marketing.

What content repurposing is and why its important.

How to decide what content to repurpose.

What evergreen content is and how to use it across channels.

How you can use infographics in your small business’s content across different platforms.

What user-generated content is and how your small business could use it.

What kind of video content is feasible for small businesses. 

There are many ways to set up your newsletter. The key is to determine the best style, content and cadence that works for you and your ideal customers. And, most importantly, to keep sending regularly. Today’s episode is all about email newsletters for small and medium businesses. 

Tune in to learn:

Why your business should consider starting a newsletter if you don’t already have one.

How to determine where to start when creating an email newsletter.

How frequently you should send your newsletter.

How to decide the best format and content types for your newsletter.

Why businesses tend to stall on sending out their newsletter regularly and how you can avoid this pitfall.

What easy and/or free email newsletter software systems exist and why you should use one.

How to use newsletter analytics to help determine if a newsletter is a useful tool for your business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to build an email list and why having one is so important. 

How you can use online tools to build your email list.

Different offline tactics for building your email list.

How to craft an irresistible offer to get people to opt-in and share their email address or cell phone number.

What types of lead magnets work well for most small businesses.

How a sales funnel can help you build your email list and how you can create a high converting sales funnel opt-in.

How to drive traffic to your lead magnet.

How to move people through the buyer’s journey after they opt-in.

The differences between text message marketing and email marketing for building and engaging your list(s).

At the same time, the marketing team sends what they believe are highly qualified vetted leads and think they have equipped the sales team with the materials they need to help move customers through their buying journey.  

Often there can be built up animosity between the two camps. But marketing and sales are each vital and are part of the same continuum, the customer’s buying journey. Join us for this episode to learn how you can ensure your sales and marketing teams are working together to maximize your efforts to move customers through the entire buyer’s journey.

We’ll discuss:

Whether sales and marketing generally have different goals and thus different priorities.

How a divide between your sales and marketing teams can impact your small or medium-sized business.

Signs that indicate a problem between your sales and marketing efforts.

The difference between the customer buying journey and the sales process most businesses are familiar with.

A framework for a buyer’s journey that is on a continuum from the buyer’s perspective and how it can help you combine your sales and marketing processes.

What sales support or sales enablement is and why it is important in the customer’s buying process. 

Common examples of sales support that a marketing team or agency could provide.

What you as a business owner can do to help align your sales and marketing teams. 

In this episode, we’re diving deep into mobile optimization so you can make sure your website is working as hard as possible for you! Join us to learn:

What “responsive web design” is and why it is important.

Why your business needs mobile optimization.

What mobile first indexing is and how it affects your company’s search rankings.

What types of content help local SEO.

How optimizing for mobile is different from “traditional” website optimization.

How to get started in optimizing your website for mobile.

What key tools and resources are available to help you with mobile optimizations.

“Finding good employees doesn’t work. Instead, start attracting top talent.” Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters, joins us for this episode to share his knowledge on recruiting top talent to your business’ open roles. Core Matters focuses on the issues of high turnover or high growth and what businesses need to do to fill their open positions. Even as a small business, it’s possible to compete for the best people if you have the right system in place. 

In this episode, Ryan shares how to implement a process for attracting and retaining good people. Tune in to learn:

How small businesses can compete for the best people.

How you can improve your hiring process to be more efficient and effective.

How to avoid common mistakes many businesses make when hiring.

If it makes sense for your business to shift part of your marketing budget to recruiting and hiring.

Why hiring in the trades is so difficult and how you can make it easier.

Where companies can find good applicants

The biggest mistakes most nonprofits make when they market themselves and how to avoid them.

The biggest marketing challenge for nonprofits.

What you should focus on when setting marketing goals for your nonprofit.

The channels you should use when marketing your nonprofit.

The most underutilized marketing tool is for nonprofits

How to prioritize marketing resources when you have limited funds or staff capacity.

Whether you can you depend on a volunteer to manage your social media.

The key elements of an effective nonprofit PR strategy.

Tik-Tok’s potential as a channel for nonprofits.

The importance of having a defined marketing strategy for your nonprofit.

Choosing to hire an in-house marketer or an agency is a big decision that will have a big impact on your business. In this episode, our marketing guides use their experience in both hiring in-house marketers and as agency owners themselves to share the information you need to make the best decision for your business. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why businesses gravitate towards hiring an internal marketer vs. an agency or remote marketing team

How to determine what level of marketer you need

How to gauge the marketing expertise of a potential marketer if marketing isn’t your area of expertise

The important questions you should ask yourself before hiring an in-house marketer like:

• Who Will MANAGE and LEAD this internal marketer?
• What tools/software subscriptions will an internal marketer need and what will these cost?
• Who will define the strategic marketing plan that they will execute?
• Is this person an expert in the area of marketing that my marketing plan requires?

How to determine the metrics for gauging success of the marketer in their role

Our guest this week is Alley Lieberman, Partner Account Executive, Yelp Inc. Alley joins us to help dispel many of the common myths about Yelp, like that Yelp is only for restaurants or that good reviews are removed for no reason. Alley will also show you how you can take control of your Yelp page to capture a new audience and level up your business.  

Before we get started, in full disclosure, Changescape Web is a Yelp Advertising Partner.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the following are myths about Yelp and what the truth is instead: 

• Yelp is only for restaurants
• You have to pay to drive business from Yelp
• Ad spend positively influences Yelp reviews
• Only people with the Yelp app see your Yelp page
• People just go to Yelp to complain

What the difference between Google and Yelp is in terms of searching for businesses

The biggest mistakes that businesses make with their Yelp Profile

What Yelp ad products are and how they help your business

Best practices for creating your Yelp profile

In this episode we’ll discuss ways to make those events and tradeshows more meaningful and effective for you. Whether you’re a first time attendee at an annual event or have gone all in as a tier one trade show sponsor with a 10x30 booth, we’ll give you ideas on how to make the most of it for your business.

For the purpose of this conversation, events are one day or less and conferences/tradeshows are multi-day.

Tune in to this episode to learn:

How to find relevant events and tradeshows to attend.

Why attending or displaying at events and tradeshows is worth it for small businesses.  

What you can do before the event to maximize the value of each event or tradeshow.

How to improve booth traffic and engagements at tradeshows and events.

How you can make the most of a tradeshow by attending as an attendee.

Having a strong local SEO strategy is how you can get your business listed in the Map Pack and on that first page of Google search results. You want to show up every time a potential customer searches for, “Insert Your Business Product or Service Here in Insert Your Location Here”.

But it takes work to accomplish this goal, and there are many ways to get burned. In this episode, we’ll discuss how to improve your local SEO the right way.

Our four marketing guides will share:

What local links are and why they are important.

Why it’s difficult to rank a local business and why the Google Local Pack is important.

Which categories Google considers as spammy or high risk.

Why you want to avoid keyword stuffing in your business name.

Common mistakes that service area businesses and online-only businesses make that put their Google Business Profile at risk for being suspended. 

The importance of directories and reviews for local SEO signals.

The technical aspects of getting local SEO signals.

Ideas for building local links and finding local link opportunities 

In this podcast we'll explore what word-of-mouth marketing is, why it's so powerful, common word-of-mouth marketing myths, and how businesses can strategically leverage word-of-mouth marketing as part of their marketing plan.

Our four marketing guides will also explore:

Some common examples of good word-of-mouth marketing in 2022

Why relying solely on word of mouth marketing could be limiting your business’ growth opportunities

The value of word of mouth marketing for B2B and B2C businesses 

How to measure the impact of word of mouth marketing 

With more than two decades of experience creating business by referral, Virginia teaches entrepreneurs and small business owners the art and science of filling their sales funnels with high quality business referrals. Tune in to learn how you can start building your business with referrals.

Virginia answers these questions and more:

Why don’t more businesses have a referral program?

What kind of results can a well-curated, well-leveraged network produce?

Do you have to be an extrovert to be an effective networker?

What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when they network?

How can a person build trust and authority to become referral-worthy?

Why is Business Network International (BNI) so effective for building referrals and how does someone get started with BNI?

Why is it important to ‘niche down’ to build an effective referral system? 

What is Referral Alchemy® and how do we create it?

In this episode, we’ll dig into specific traffic sources, explore their differences and discuss how to best use each. Picking the right source of traffic is vital to generating leads and sales - check out this episode to learn what the best source or sources of traffic are for your business!

In this episode, our marketing guides will explore:

The difference between SEO and SEM

Popular online paid traffic sources other than Google Search ads and Social Media ads 

If SEO is a legitimate traffic source for your small business

Different offline tactics that a small business can use to drive traffic to their website

Social Media Ads vs Google Search Ads and how to know when to use each

How content can increase traffic

Whether organic social media is the great traffic source most small businesses think it is

How many traffic sources you should pick to drive traffic to your website or landing page and how to decide which ones are best for your business

Have you included customer interviews in your marketing strategy efforts? If not, tune in to this episode to learn how to get started. 

Our marketing guides will walk us through the following:

What customer interviews are and are not (hint: they are not testimonials or online reviews)

Why you should include customer interviews as part of your marketing strategy work

What kinds of questions should be included in customer interviews

What to do with negative responses 

Why it’s important to have a third party interview your customers instead of you or your team

We’ve heard it all. As marketing consultants and agency owners we hear these complaints often from business owners who have tried certain marketing tactics without success. The truth is, every marketing strategy or tactic has both the potential for great success and for great failure. Check out our latest episode to learn why marketing sometimes fails and how you can avoid falling into common traps.

After listening to this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of:

What the most common marketing failures are and why they happen

What the real cost of marketing failures is

What areas of marketing tend to be most challenging for business owners

How to avoid marketing failures

How to monitor the health of your marketing to change course before it fails

If your business is hoping to achieve any of the goals listed above, but doesn’t yet have an SEO strategy, you’ll want to stay tuned for this episode!

Our four marketing guides will discuss the survey findings and also:

Outline what an SEO strategy is and how it could help your business

Explain why ad hoc or random SEO efforts won’t help you achieve the results you want (and why you need an SEO strategy instead)

Discuss why so few businesses are making SEO a priority and what effects this might have for them 

How not investing in SEO could be putting your business at a competitive disadvantage

Explore whether you should be combining SEO efforts with your PPC strategies 

In this episode, we’ll cover how to determine if your company would benefit from creating a white paper and, if so, how to get started.

Tune in to learn:

What a white paper is and isn’t

How to know if creating a white paper is right for your company

Why a white paper takes 12 to 14 weeks to deliver

How to determine if you’ll need help writing a white paper

What pitfalls you might face on the road to creating a white paper

How to maximize the value of your white paper through proper promotion

Tune in to learn how to create a solid marketing strategy and how to go about getting started one one for your own business. 

In this week’s episode, our marketing guides walk us through:

How to analyze your company’s current online presence

How to go about doing client interviews and why they are so valuable

How to look at what your top competitors are doing well to find opportunities for your own business

How to decide what element of marketing your business should prioritize

Why you should create a content calendar and how to create one

How to create marketing personas and why you should use them

How to craft a concise message that clearly communicates the client problem your business solves

How to leverage your current marketing assets by conducting a Marketing Assets Inventory

What a marketing system is and why your business needs one

Why doing the hard work of creating an effective marketing strategy is totally worth it!

The questions we provide answers to in this episode include:

Why is setting your company’s marketing budget such a hard topic?

What is the difference between an overhead budget item and an investment budget item?

What should drive your marketing budget?

What factors should go into a marketing budget?

What about the 5% of revenue rule of thumb?

How do you determine the amount of budget spend vs what you actually want to accomplish?

1. Most business leak leads online
2. Most marketing efforts take several week to show results
3. Speed of response is critical to winning the business
4. Tool costs add up

Nearly every small business has a limited budget. So if you have limited time and money, and you know that you can’t ignore the reality of digital marketing in today’s world, what do you do? Especially if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on SEO?

In this episode we cover answers to the following questions:

When we talk about things like quick wins or automated wins, what does this mean from a marketing perspective?

What is a website widget and why is it  so important?

Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) has the ability for someone to text a business right from their Google Business Profile; so it seems like Google recognizes how important this is. Or is there another reason as well? 

There are a ton of communication channels out there that people can use to communicate with a business, and some of them have to be done on that platform. Does this mean a small local business has to be monitoring all these channels or is there a way to simplify that? 

About 62% of calls to local businesses go unanswered. Now don’t confuse this with ignoring them; but if there is only one person in the office answering the phone it either goes to voicemail or they are put on hold. If they hang up or don’t leave a message, that's a missed opportunity. Is there a way to immediately respond to that missed call and let them know someone will be contacting them?

What about review management and review requests? We’ve talked about the importance of reviews in the past; and that’s just one more thing that a business owner has to deal with. Any thoughts on automating this to one degree or another?

Join into the conversation and learn about quick marketing  wins for your company.

If you’re listening to us, you’re probably already familiar with podcasts and with so many of them out there now for every niche possible, you may be wondering if it is worth it to start your own. You have full control over content, promotion, scheduling…what is more freeing than that? But is it a good idea and with all the demands on your time already, is this a worthwhile content channel to pursue??

Questions covered include:

Walk us through the early days of a podcast set up and what it really takes to get one going?

What has been the most challenging thing about keeping a podcast of 2 years going?

Is it that hard to build an audience for a business podcast?

Is guest podcasting an option, and what is guest podcasting?

Do podcasts need to broadcast on video these days or is audio ok?

Join us for the practical tips on what works, what doesn't, what is expected and what to do if you want to jump in on the podcast mania that seems to be never ending. We give you practical tips. Join in the conversation.

In this episode we cover answers to such questions as:

What is User Generated Content and why is it important? 

Can Online Reviews Help With User Generated Content?

What Are Some Examples of User Generated Content?

For B2B Companies - Recommendations on How To Get User Generated Content

And much more…listen in.

In this episode we cover:

Why Email Marketing Shouldn’t Be Ignored

How COVID Has Affected the Use of Email Marketing

How To Start Building an Email List

How Email Marketing Can Be Used During The Buyer’s Journey

Listen in and join in the conversation.

Tune in to learn more about:

Is attention span really shortening? Reels went to 60 seconds and TikTok expanded to 3 minutes in length, up from 60 seconds. 

The trend toward people wanting experiences in smaller niche communities. 

Video strategy for introverts.

Overwhelming feature releases on each social media channel.

This episode is more about the discussion of the pro/cons of some of the social media trends we are seeing, what to ignore, how it can feel overwhelming and what to do about it - from a small business perspective.

Join in the conversation.

So today, we’re going to help you take a step back from the day to day, stop going through the motions and ask: Am I still helping who I want to? Does my mission still have meaning? Do my people still believe that?

Items we discuss: 

How often do you think a company should take a step back and say, “Are we still who we are and want to be? What do we stand for? Has that changed?”

Thinking of the website as a home base for the brand, if things need to evolve with the company’s larger purpose, does this tend to result in a whole new site revamp or are we talking more of a change to the About Us page?

We often see that the company CEO’s values become the company’s values. Are there any fundamental flaws with this direction, do people just have to “live with it” or is there a more, all-inclusive way to come to a collective?

As a business owner, am I still doing what I wanted to do? 

Join in for an insightful discussion.

While the start of a new year is a good time for these lists and predictions, it is important to understand that change happens throughout the year and that some change happens faster than we expect, while other changes happen slowly - how many remember “the year of mobile” for a few years in a row before it took off?

As always, join in the conversation and let us know what you think and what is working well for your company’s marketing.

Topics we cover in this episode:

Social Media platforms of importance in 2022

Search in 2022

Video marketing. Is this the year to finally stop being shy around the camera?

Voice search. Will it impact us as much as the hype suggests?

Ecommerce - even for those without a typical product to sell

Conversion and optimization and the customer experience

Advertising

Online competition

A way to explain the customer journey would be like this...No matter what product or service you sell, your customers, buyers or clients go through a few common steps from the time they find out about your offer until the time they buy from you. 

I recently did a deep dive presentation with business owners and took them through the concept of the customer journey and they were so blown away by how it helped them simplify how to look at their company’s marketing that I wanted to share this concept with a wider audience.

All of us on the panel are familiar with the customer journey so as we dive in, we’ll explain the steps, talk through each one, explain how the steps don’t alway happen in order and discuss what types of marketing tactics you may want to use at each stage and why.

Some of the topics covered include:

What are some examples of the “right” kind of marketing done at each of the steps?

We’ve explained the seven steps in a very logical fashion, does the customer always follow this path? Why/why not? 

Do you find that a lot of business owners want their customers to jump past certain steps in the customer journey and just get to the buying already??? How do you counsel patience and good marketing to enhance that journey?

If a listener was brand new to the customer journey concept today, what one or two things would you advise they start to do in their marketing to put them on a good path to guiding the customer journey for their clients? 

Join us for the conversation.

The client is not always right. But the agency is not always right either. The way we communicate throughout the duration of a business relationship means everything but let’s face it: Anybody who says they’ve figured out how to have the perfect client relationship every time is lying. 

There’s the honeymoon phase when everybody’s excited. But then, it’s not long before there are tests and challenges for both sides of the table. Today, we’re going to speak about what you can do to set, correct, repair, save and grow the business relationship – whether you’re the client or the agency. 

And we’re going to draw on our own experiences, some good and some bad to share with you.

Topics covered in this episode include:

When you and another party are just about to agree to an engagement, what kinds of things do you look for to indicate that you want to go forward full throttle with a client? Conversely, what kinds of things said or behaviors exhibited does the other side do that you know you’ve got to walk away or run from?

What kind of expectation setting can be done here by both parties to extend that honeymoon period beyond 30 days?

What kinds of things can we tell a client about these longer-term projects to put their mind at ease, especially when there’s a lot that they’re not going to see right away? 

What’s the right balance for an agency in terms of how you properly educate the client on marketing concepts and on what to expect with the work an agency will do for them? What level of client education is too light and what is too far?

What are some of the worst things that agencies and web firms do to potentially jeopardize the client relationship within the first 6-9 months?

Are we agencies talking about the things WE care a lot more about than what CLIENTS care about? If so, what kinds of things can we communicate more clearly to small business owners so that we stay on the same wavelength as them? 

It seems like one of the biggest threats to a relationship is the wealth of information out there that a client can read or hear. They read an article with advice that’s different than what you told them. They hear a speaker talking about a social media tool and wonder, “Why aren’t we on TikTok?”? They have a friend or colleague telling them that they should change their website, their LinkedIn profile, their email marketing. How can an agency cope with this kind of dynamic knowing that there’s a ton of info out there that can confuse and conflict -and keep the client walking on the same path as you?

Join us for a lively discussion.

Today we have a guest on the podcast, Casey Stanton, who is the foremost expert in building a business as a fractional chief marketing officer. After working in a marketing agency for almost a decade, he had a stint as a professor of marketing at Tulane University. Casey is based in Philadelphia where he runs the premiere fractional CMO education and support company, CMOx.

Topics we cover in this episode include:

What is the role of a fractional CMO? What niches are best for a fractional CMO?

What does the future of a marketing team look like?

How can a fractional CMO manage multiple teams if they have multiple clients?

How does a Fractional CMO know they've done a great job?

Join us and tune in to this episode.

What if by accepting a free offer you’re actually hurting your business by accepting something that will keep you from achieving the results that you would achieve otherwise?

Some of the concepts we discuss in this episode include:

Everyone loves getting stuff for free, but in the world of marketing investment, what are some of the potential costs that a business owner may not be aware of when accepting a free offer?

One of the often-overlooked aspects of free deals is that it lures us as business owners away from a better long-term choice by offering a short-term perceived incentive. How could this potentially keep the business owner from choosing the best choice for their marketing investment? 

How can a business owner avoid bad deals/free offers etc. that would hurt their business? 

Are there free offers that are often a good thing? Meaning not harmful to either business or the potential investment in moving forward with a paid-for purchase after the free offer is consumed?

Join us for this episode.

Each of the five Marketing Guides explained some of their favs and why. You’ll have to tune in to hear the whole show, but here are some highlights of what was discussed:

Ian had SEM RUSH as a go to as well as he discussed some Google Ads ninja stuff (legit ninja stuff!!).

Dan dove into the world of online press releases and then took us on a tour of his best tips for LinkedIn usage.

Paul talked all about SEO tips he uses and then weighed in on tips to get back in touch via email marketing - those customers who haven’t purchased from you in a while.

Ken hosted the show so he had a lot to contribute on each topic and then took us on a deep dive into developing a customer referral program

Jen profiled content repurposing (getting more mileage out of your content) and talked about the legit way to get more Google Reviews for your business.

Enjoy the show.

• a web developer
• content writer
• graphic designer
• email marketing expert
• photographer - specific experts you need to get your marketing work out the door.

When we talk about a marketing team, we mean a coordinated group of people who are hired to work as your marketing team and these are typically an outsourced team. It may be you have a fractional CMO who brings his or her team to ensure all the strategies are implemented. It could be a consultant who sells your company a year-long engagement of marketing services.

The difference being that with the marketing experts, you the business owner are doing all the quarterbacking and strategizing to get all these experts to deliver what you need on time, on budget, on strategy.. When you hire the fractional CMO or the consultant with the program, they typically come with a team ready to implement and they handle the quarterbacking, coordination and alignment of the work to execute your marketing strategy.

So with both options being used by millions of businesses all over the world, one has to be better than the other right?

We’ll discuss and help you figure out the best option for your business. Tune in!

Specifically, we’re talking about having enough time in your day, your week, your month for doing one of the most important activities to develop and grow your business: Marketing. You have a million things to do in a day. We get it. We’re business owners too. And yet, if you don’t have time for Marketing, what’s the small business owner to do?

Well, as it turns out, there are things you can do to further your marketing efforts right now, even if you’re one of the many time-challenged small business owners out there. And the five of us are going to help show you how to do just that in this episode.

Try guest podcasting.

We'll cover guest podcasting in this episode and discuss:

• How does one go about getting booked as a guest on a podcast?
• What is the 'one sheet' and why it is important to guest podcasting.
• Why is guest podcasting such a powerful SEO tactic?
• Advice for someone who is making their first guest podcast appearance.
• How to find podcasts that you can be a guest on.

And much more. Tune into this episode and see how you can take advantage of this great opportunity for your own business.

In this episode, we answer common questions about SEO scams such as:

• Misleading reporting
• Guest posting
• Domain authority link building
• Google SEO partners
• Your website isn't ranking
• Google listing is about to expire
• We rank #1 for this keyword

Join in for the conversation and find out which scams to look out for and which "scams" sound odd but are in fact not scams but rather legitimate ways to help your company website improve its presence.

This is a full-service creative agency with a focus on social media management and content storytelling. 

Both Lisa and Deevo are accomplished photographers and entrepreneurs who have been growing their voice through their own podcast called the Mind Body Business show that explores central topics to the human race and the planet as a whole.

They believe in the power of the human spirit, innovation, and like to push the bubble on information dissemination highlighting all the wonderful things others are doing with their superpowers.

Join us for a fantastic episode that doesn't mince words!

Sprout Connectors: https://sproutconnectors.com/

We’ll discuss why the marketing/sales hand-off is a hard thing to do in many companies.

And what to do about it.

On our panel today we’ve got five experienced marketing consultants all with different views and experiences on this topic and we’ll share what has worked and what hasn’t.

Say it with me LEADS DON’T MEAN SALES...you still need to qualify and close your leads….

Two of us on the panel, myself and Dan, have incorporated sales experts into our own offering so that we can offer sales and marketing services to clients and we’ll discuss how that is working out for our clients.

We’ll get the point of view from the other side of the desk with Paul and Ken hiring a sales team for their agency.

And we’ll get Ian’s common sense approach to it all.

It’s a full show. Listen in!

Marketing agencies and company owners will be very interested to find out how ranking, brand awareness and the consistent promotion of your company's or clients' online properties.

How to keep that content working for you long after it has been written and published to the web.

This episode is a real game changer, you don't want to miss it.

Especially not as a small business owner.

The secret sauce is not in going to more events and drinking a lot more coffee with people but actually developing deeper relationships with what we call Power Partners.

We cover:

• What is a Power Partner
• How to become a Power Partner
• Mistakes to avoid
• Virtual Power Partners

Join in and learn how to use this valuable tactic for the months and years to come to help grow your business.

• Website Lead Capture
• Speed of Response
• Text Message Marketing

Learn the answers to help your own company's website presence. We asked Zach:

1. What does text-enabling your website mean and why is it so important?
2. Is it possible to use a web text widget to call or text someone in a company or even contact different people or departments?
3. Why is the speed of response from the business so important? 
4. What’s the difference between SMS and MMS?
5. Does text message marketing work for any business? 
6. How do you get people to opt-in to your text message marketing list?
7. How do automated text messages campaigns work? 
8. How important is it to use a text message marketing system to communicate with leads and customers? Couldn’t a business just use their cell phone?
9. Why do most businesses fail with the text message marketing that comes with something like a Point of Sale (or POS) system?
10. How important is it to be able to track revenue by campaign and by phone number? Are there any other metrics that show how effective text campaigns are?

Join in for an informative episode and learn the power of text message marketing for your own business.

You may be asking yourself ‘what makes a website stale, why does it matter, and how can I freshen it up’.  So let’s get fresh today and jump into this important topic.

We cover:

• Broken Links
• Outdated Copyright Stamps
• Not Enough Information
• No Call to Action
• And more

Join in and learn what to look for on your own company website and see what quick fixes you can do today and which updates you may need to call in a professional for.

The Ultimate Marketing Engine: 5 Steps to Ridiculously Consistent Growth is available widely in bookstores and online.

The Guides interview John who continues his practical advice for business owners.

It is more difficult than ever for businesses and marketing professionals to cut through the noise to create relationships with their customers.

Organizations that focus on converting their customers to members and helping them achieve the lasting transformation they are seeking rather than simply offering the transaction of the moment are winning.

The Ultimate Marketing Engine promises to teach readers how to develop a system to take every customer from where they are to where they want to be by building on the innovative principles first brought to the marketing world in Duct Tape Marketing and honed over three decades of working with thousands of businesses.

Introducing the Customer Success Track

The Ultimate Marketing Engine introduces an innovative new approach to marketing strategy that will transform how owners view their business, their marketing and perhaps, even how they view every customer.

We covered:

• Why strategy must come before tactics.
• How to narrow your focus and choose only ideal customers.
• Why no one wants what you sell – and what they actually want.
• How to use story and narrative as the voice of strategy.
• How to construct the perfect customer journey.
• How to grow your business with your customers.

Play the episode!

• Mobile-first - what that means
• Voice search - what is it?
• Google Analytics - always the "go to"?
• Online upsells, downsells and bumps and what that means
• Setting your company apart from the competition
• Chat bots
• Marketing automation
• Local search

There are a lot of topics covered, but all in a practical and sensible way. Tune in to find out more.

By "burned" we mean that they could have taken your money without delivering services, done a bait and switch or left you with a bug-infested website. Nevertheless, your company paid good money in good faith for good services you feel you didn't get and now you feel burned.

So how do you ever trust a marketing or advertising vendor again? Sounds dramatic, but we’ve all been there.

In this episode, we tackle this thorny topic and give some help to our marketing wounded and get them some reliable ways to evaluate their next marketing company and set them up for success.

You can bet the panel has some practical ideas for direct mail strategies for all industries.

Listen now!

What are these technologies? 

How do they differ from each other? 

How can they help you connect with customers and prospects? 

And should you invest in them?  

That’s what we’re going to explore today.  So let’s get chatting…. 

There is a lot of outdated information floating around about what helps and hurts your rankings on Google.

It’s hard to keep up; Google makes changes every day. Most are minor, but some are huge and can help or hurt a website’s rankings. Join us as we break down what it all means in a "non-technical" manner.

Basic content. What does that mean? Firs, content is any information that your company produces to explain, educate, entertain people about the product or service your company sells.

 The basic content is the introductory or 101-level information about your company’s products or services.

For us on the panel, all marketing company owners, some basic content that we would produce would be basic information about a website or introductory information about how to choose a social media scheduling tool or 101-level information about how to get started with email marketing. This is the basic stuff.

Here’s the problem - While most of our clients and potential clients and probably YOUR potential clients and customers are searching for the basic information on a product or service they are learning about, most companies want to talk about the advanced stuff. They want to talk about the thought leadership stuff, or the high-level concept stuff not the basic stuff.

 So right away we have a disconnect between you and your customer. Not good. Join us today as we discuss basic content and get you on the road to creating this essential information for your customers.

Every business at one time or another, even in a challenging economy, has to consider who they need to bring aboard for not only support but for growth. If that’s something on the horizon for you anytime soon, we’re going to discuss several terrific strategies to get your business hiring smarter and in line with your brand at the same time.

All businesses need a system where they can throttle up their lead flow.

We'll talk with Mike about his new system Different Is Better. 

In his new marketing book, Mike Michalowicz offers a proven, no-bullsh*t method to position your business, service, or brand to get noticed, attract the best prospects, and convert those opportunities into sales.

Join us and listen in.

Find out more about our guest, Mike Michaelowicz here: https://mikemichalowicz.com/

We'll cover:

What do we mean by marketing your content, and why would we do this?

What are some of the best ways to market your content?  Free and Paid strategies

Are there any potential challenges for marketing content that our listeners should be aware of?  And how can they overcome these challenges?

These questions are covered and more. Tune in!

What types of content and which pieces of content do you refresh?

Tune in as we explore this topic today.

Join us to hear of the humble beginnings and the challenges to get each Guides' empire off the ground.

Join in for a lively discussion about branding and what it means for your business, company, products and services.

Tune in to learn if blogging is the right thing to add to your company's marketing.

Try offers don't have to be free offers either. There are paid offers that give your potential client a lot of value, help you earn a good profit margin on it, and give both parties an idea if they'd be a good fit to do more business together.

Listen in to learn about "try" offers.

• know
• like
• trust

and being seen or recognized as an authority in your industry is a big part of the trust factor. People have to know that you know what you’re talking about.

That being said, it’s always important to remember that no one cares how much you know until they know you can solve whatever problem it is they have.

Listen in and learn how to start on the path to authority in your industry.

On the panel today we have a good mix of marketing consultants from various areas in North America, so you’ll get different points of view that can work for your business no matter where you are.

Listen in!

The five marketing guides share our favorite books and resources on the topics of marketing, business, teamwork, and leading yourself.

Listen in to find out our recommendations.

But the ultimate goal of the funnel is to drive action and sales.  So today we’re going to explore how we can measure success and optimize our funnels to squeeze even more profit out of them.

Listen in to learn more.