Shows
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesSpecial Guest Emma Rainville - Marketing Magic Meets Operational Mastery: Turning Leads into Loyal Clients🎙 Episode 256 — Special Guest Emma Rainville: Marketing Magic Meets Operational Mastery — Turning Leads into Loyal Clients
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 gener...
2025-12-111h 07
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesDigital PR for SEO, Brand Visibility, and AuthorityDigital PR has become one of the most powerful SEO multipliers for small businesses—but most owners still think PR is just press releases. In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Business Podcast, the team breaks down how modern digital PR drives rankings, E-E-A-T authority, brand visibility, and trust at scale.
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 ne...
2025-12-1147 min
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesYear-End Promotions That Drive Sales: Strategies from October Through New Year’sYear-End Promotions That Drive Sales: Strategies from October Through New Year’s
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 ma...
2025-12-111h 02
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesYour Brand Is a Vibe: Small Business Marketing in the AI EraEpisode 253 – Your Brand Is a Vibe: Small Business Marketing in the AI Era
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
2025-10-301h 02
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesSpecial Guest - Dan Kraus - Programmatic Advertising for Small Business: How to Target Smarter and Get Better ResultsProgrammatic Advertising for Small Business: How to Target Smarter and Get Better Results (with Dan Kraus)
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 av...
2025-10-241h 07
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesSpecial Guest - Perry Belcher Unleashed: Beyond Funnels: Building AI-Driven Ecosystems That Adapt, Convert, and ScaleSpecial Guest - Perry Belcher Unleashed: Beyond Funnels: Building AI-Driven Ecosystems That Adapt, Convert, and Scale
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 i...
2025-10-191h 03
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesBe the Expert: Why Authority is the Ultimate Marketing StrategyWant to attract better leads, higher prices, and loyal customers—without outspending the competition?
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...
2025-10-181h 03
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesGoogle Web Guide: The Future of Google SearchIs your website ready for the next era of Google? Search is evolving, and the new Google Web Guide—powered by Gemini AI—is rewriting the rules for getting found online.
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...
2025-10-1747 min
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesThe Top Excuses That Kill Your Marketing (and What to Do Instead)The Top Excuses That Kill Your Marketing (and What to Do Instead)
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 wha...
2025-09-091h 04
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesThe 12 Hottest Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025 (And How to Leverage Them)The 12 Hottest Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025 (And How to Leverage Them)
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-fo...
2025-09-021h 07
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesThink Like A Marketer, Hire Like A ProTHINK LIKE A MARKETER, HIRE LIKE A PRO
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 appl...
2025-08-281h 07
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesLocal SEO - A Deeper DiveLOCAL SEO – A DEEPER DIVE
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 to...
2025-08-261h 03
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesThe Top Reasons Your Marketing Isn’t Working—and What to Do About It🎙️ Episode 240 – The Top Reasons Your Marketing Isn’t Working—and What to Do About It
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 m...
2025-08-081h 17
Marketing Guides for Small Businesses2025 Video Trends: What Small Businesses Must Do to Stay Relevant🎙️ Episode 239: 2025 Video Trends — What Small Businesses Must Do to Stay Relevant
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...
2025-08-031h 18
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesWhich Marketing Model Is Right for Your Small Business?🎙️ Episode 238 – Which Marketing Model Is Right for Your Small Business?
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.
...
2025-07-311h 17
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesSpecial Guest - Carly Ries - Empowering Solopreneurs to Build Fulfilling Businesses and Lives🎙️ Episode 237 – Empowering Solopreneurs to Build Fulfilling Businesses and Lives
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...
2025-07-2854 min
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesSmarter, Not Harder: How AI & Automation Are Revolutionizing Small Business🎙️ Episode 236 – Smarter, Not Harder: How AI & Automation Are Revolutionizing Small Business
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...
2025-07-261h 11
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesBuilding a Community of Brand Advocates🎙️ Episode 235 – Building a Community of Brand Advocates
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🧱 Strategi...
2025-07-2554 min
Marketing Guides for Small BusinessesConsumer Search Behavior: Where Are Your Customers?🎙️ Episode 234 – Consumer Search Behavior: Where Are Your Customers?
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...
2025-07-2451 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesSpecial Guest - Guy Kawasaki - How to Think Bigger, Market Smarter, and Grow FasterHow to Think Bigger, Market Smarter, and Grow Faster — with Guy Kawasaki
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 nonlin...
2025-05-2659 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesWhy Frequently Asked Questions Are A Goldmine for Your Business🎙️ Episode Description: Why Frequently Asked Questions Are a Goldmine for Your Business
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 custom...
2025-05-0448 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesAbout The Youtube Algorithm🎥 Episode 228: About The YouTube Algorithm – Demystifying YouTube for Small Business Growth
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...
2025-04-0946 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesIs the Sales Funnel Dead?🎙️ Is the Sales Funnel Dead? Unpacking Today’s Buyer’s Journey
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 Bar...
2025-04-0749 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesIs your business a commodity Marketing Strategies to avoid being commoditizedEpisode 204 - Is your business a commodity Marketing Strategies to avoid being commoditized
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:
2024-09-1954 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesWhat Gives Us Joy In MarketingWhat Gives Us Joy In MarketingÂ
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 o...
2024-09-1251 minMarketing Guides for Small BusinessesBudgeting For MarketingBudgeting For Marketing
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...
2024-09-0555 min
Natalia Bogdan o HR i biznesiePERSONAL BRANDING: karmienie EGO czy przepis na sukces? I Natalia BogdanJeff Bezos powtarza, że marka osobista to to, co mówią o Tobie inni kiedy wyjdziesz z pokoju. Co myśli na ten temat Natalia Bogdan, która zbudowała wielomilionowy biznes m.in. poprzez personal branding?
Budowanie marki osobistej to maraton, nie sprint. Wymaga wysiłki i czasu, ale pomaga wyróżnić się z tłumu i osiągać sukces zawodowy, osobisty i finansowy. Silna marka osobista zarabia więcej. Marka osobista wzmacnia rozpoznawalność, buduje reputacje, zwiększa zaufanie i wiarygodność. Personal brand wzmacnia też brand biznesowy.
Silka marka osobista ma zdecydowanie więcej zalet niż wad. Budujes...
2023-08-3152 min
The Underpowered Hour100th Episode Celebration from Pangolin4x4On this week’s episode, Steve surprised Ike to record the 100th episode in person, from Pangolin4x4 in Springfield, OR. They have some well wishes from very special guests, including Jeff Aronson (Rovers Magazine), Geoff Lewis (Seriously Series), Vlado Stec (Heyus Cars), Will Hedrick (Defender of Defenders), Michael Bishop (JLR Classics), Nick Dimbleby (Photographer and Historian), and John Kostuch (Centre Steer Podcast).
As a special bonus, We put Ike to the ultimate test of his Land Rover knowledge with a new segment called “Taste Your Rover”.
(We shouldn’t have to say this, but we will...
2023-01-2335 min
Something to Chew OnScience impacts life and life impacts science: A conversation about family, food safety and technologyWhen a mechanical engineer, a microbiologist and a food scientist collide, big things happen in a very small way. The old adage, “it takes a village,” appropriately describes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving food challenges. In this podcast we talk with Dr. Shih-Kang "Scott" Fan, professor of mechanical engineering at Kansas State, about his work on the development of a “lab on a chip” using microfluidics in the identification of STEC producing e-coli and other pathogenic organisms.
2022-10-2546 min
MLS TodayBig Mega Power Rankings Playoff Line PreviewAndrew Wiebe and Matt Doyle run through all the playoff scenarios on the final Power Rankings show before Decision Day! Chris Wittyngham joins the show to talk all things Inter Miami. Jeff Rueter of the Athletic graced the show during lunch to talk Loons. Jordan Angeli and Alex Stec hopped on to preview their huge week ahead for their respective clubs in Ohio and finally the legend himself Max Bretos hopped on to talk LAFC's Supporters Shield win.Â
2022-10-041h 00
Food Safety TalkFood Safety Talk 42: The Powerful Barbecue LobbyDon rang in from São Paulo, Brazil, where he is spending some time thanks to a project funded by Scientists without Borders and managed by the Godfather (Godmother?) of the Brazilian Food Safety Mafia Bernadette Franco. But podcasting away from home is proving to be more challenging that he had imagined, especially when he leaves his computer in his hotel room. The guys announced the new “subscribe” feature on the Food Safety Talk website where listeners can subscribe to a email newsletter and share the show via various platforms. This prompted the guys to talk about their social media pract...
2013-06-271h 43