Interview

1154: Marketing Counts: Proven SEO, Social Media, and Digital Marketing Strategies from Marketing Counts Founders Shreya Banerjee & Paul Counts

September 1, 2024

Generating consistent organic traffic while keeping ad spend low can be a challenge many businesses face. The key lies in optimizing your content for SEO by focusing on relevant keywords and creating high-quality, engaging material that meets your audience's needs. Additionally, building a strong presence on social media platforms and encouraging user-generated content can enhance visibility and engagement. Over time, these strategies can help reduce the reliance on paid advertising and lead to more sustainable growth.

Shreya Banerjee and Paul Counts are the Co-Founders of MarketingCounts.com, a powerhouse duo who have generated over $100 million in revenue for their clients, and hosts of The Marketing Counts Digital and Social Media Marketing Podcast. Their unique expertise lies in helping businesses dramatically reduce their skyrocketing ad spend while simultaneously increasing profits. Today, Shreya and Paul discuss the timeless marketing strategies that are making a comeback, including the power of forums like Reddit and Quora, the importance of human-generated content and authentic engagement on social media, and their proven framework for reducing ad spend and increasing profits by optimizing the core foundations of a business. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“AI can't really have experiences, so Google added that to their ranking formula. You can use AI to provide a foundation, but you need to incorporate your own stories and experiences.” - Paul Counts

"Consistency is key, no matter which platform you're using." - Shreya Banerjee

“People are craving human interaction more than ever, so it's very important. I think that's always going to rise to the top, no matter what.” - Paul Counts

“Google loves this because forums generate human-created content, so Reddit and Quora are getting a lot of traffic now. Many people have discredited those, chasing the new thing. But I'm saying, no—the forums are back; they just have different names.” - Shreya Banerjee

Takeaways

01:14 Focusing on the fundamentals of marketing, like sales letters and retargeting, can be more effective than chasing the latest trends.

05:25 Engaging on forums like Reddit and Quora can be a valuable source of traffic and insights, as Google is prioritizing user-generated content.

11:49 Leveraging a combination of AI and human-generated content is more effective than relying solely on AI, as Google values authentic experiences and storytelling.

18:50 Consistent, intentional engagement on social media platforms is crucial for building authority and driving organic traffic.

22:48 Optimizing the foundation of a business, such as messaging, customer avatars, and conversion rates, can significantly reduce ad spend and increase profits.

Resources

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1153: Transform Legacy B2B Brands Through Digital Innovation with Greenwood Consulting Founder Jason Greenwood

August 31, 2024

Establishing a successful e-commerce presence as a B2B business can be challenging. Transitioning to online sales involves navigating different dynamics compared to traditional B2B sales models. It requires adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of online buyers while maintaining the integrity of your business relationships and offerings.

Jason Greenwood is the go-to expert for B2B businesses struggling to establish a successful e-commerce presence and Host of THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast. As the founder of Greenwood Consulting, a B2B e-commerce consultancy, he has over 25 years of experience helping brands expertly architect compelling digital shopping and brand engagement experiences. Today, Jason discusses his expertise as a B2B e-commerce consultant, helping legacy brands navigate the digital transformation by identifying their requirements, selecting the right technology, and guiding them through the implementation process. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Travel early and often. Travel as much as you possibly can. It will improve your life in ways you cannot even anticipate.” – Jason Greenwood

"E-commerce is now table stakes; it's an absolute expectation." – Jason Greenwood

“What people call e-commerce is changing, especially in the B2B world. It’s not just the ‘Buy Now’ button; it’s a whole suite of digital services, and I think that’s critical.” – Jason Greenwood

Takeaways

01:19 Identifying and focusing on underserved or overlooked market segments, like B2B e-commerce, can lead to significant business opportunities.

03:04 Providing a comprehensive, hands-on approach to guiding clients through digital transformation, from strategy to implementation, is crucial for success.

07:52 Understanding the unique challenges and pain points of legacy businesses is essential for a consultant to effectively support their digital evolution.

21:47 Structuring a podcast with recurring episode formats can help create a consistent, valuable content experience for the audience.

26:32 Embracing a digital nomad lifestyle and global travel can enhance personal and professional growth through increased empathy and cultural understanding.

Resources

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1152: Master the Art of Content Conversion with TrioSEO CEO Steven Schneider

August 30, 2024

Struggling to make SEO and content marketing efforts pay off can be frustrating, especially when it feels like you're spinning your wheels. Creating content that doesn’t rank or convert can make it seem like your hard work isn’t yielding results. It’s challenging when strategies don’t seem to align with your goals or deliver the expected impact.

Steven Schneider is the Co-Founder and CEO of TrioSEO - the content marketing agency that helps businesses drive high-intent, organic traffic through strategic, bottom-of-the-funnel content. As a self-proclaimed "SEO nerd," he has a unique ability to transform even the most complex SEO challenges into a thrilling "video game" of sorts. Today, Steven discusses his approach to SEO, including the importance of patience, creating a content strategy with a 90-day plan, and the role of lead magnets and user experience in nurturing leads. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“SEO compounds over time, so the people who are good at it are those who are patient enough to see it come to life.” – Steven Schneider

"The better you are at it, the more visitors you can attract. Over time, you develop an organic traffic machine that provides a steady flow of customers and leads." – Steven Schneider

“People who get into business usually don’t have a multi-month time frame in mind; they have a multi-year horizon. So, invest in your company and your brand, because your competitors will if you don’t.” – Steven Schneider

Takeaways

03:34 Patience and a long-term perspective are crucial for success in SEO and content marketing.

05:12 Creating a detailed, data-driven content strategy and roadmap is essential for driving consistent, high-quality results.

12:43 Providing a seamless user experience, with elements like lead magnets and author bios, helps build trust and convert website visitors.

18:08 Networking and being open to serendipitous opportunities can lead to unexpected, valuable business partnerships.

22:06 Leveraging AI responsibly, such as for editing and optimization, can enhance content workflows, but human-written, conversational content is key for ranking and engagement.

Resources

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1151: Overcome Adversity and Find Happiness with Leadership Change Expert Dr. Allen Lycka

August 29, 2024

Finding happiness and positivity amidst chaos and negativity can be challenging. The weight of the world’s issues can sometimes feel overwhelming, making it hard to stay upbeat and focused. Overcoming these feelings often requires intentional effort and finding small ways to cope with the surrounding challenges.

Dr. Allen Lycka, host of the popular radio show "Live with the Famous Dr. AL," has overcome his own personal struggles, including a near-death experience and a misdiagnosis of ALS, to emerge as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Dr. Lykca emphasizes the importance of starting each day with gratitude, focusing on the small joys and blessings in life. He provides practical tips, such as identifying three things to be grateful for each morning, to help listeners cultivate a positive mindset and overcome the negativity that often permeates our daily lives. Today, Dr. Lykca shares his powerful strategies for living a fantastic life. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Start with gratitude. Every morning, begin by listing three things you’re grateful for that day. Starting each day with happiness is essential, and happiness is a choice.” – Dr. Allen Lycka

"You have to bring enthusiasm to every job you do, because you never know the stuff that's going to come out of it." – Dr. Allen Lycka

“It's not what happens to you, it's what you do with what happens.” – Dr. Allen Lycka

Takeaways

02:44 Start each day with gratitude by identifying 3 things you are thankful for.

06:16 Focus on what you can control, rather than worrying about things outside your influence.

13:14 Maintain enthusiasm and positivity in all your tasks, as you never know the positive impact they may have.

16:57 Continuously learn from others, including reading books and listening to experts.

23:43 Celebrate your achievements and successes, no matter how small.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:42 — 35.5MB) | Embed

1150: Solve Key Business Problems: A Workflow Optimization Masterclass with Method Integration Senior Director Nelson De Miranda

August 21, 2024

Running a small business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're buried in the chaos and complexity of daily operations. It's easy to get stuck playing gatekeeper, managing endless administrative tasks that pull you away from focusing on growth and serving your customers. This constant juggling can leave you feeling drained and frustrated, struggling to find the time and energy for what really matters.

As the Senior Director of Customer Success at method.me, Nelson De Miranda is a seasoned expert in empowering small businesses to break free from the chaos of daily operations. With a background spanning technical marketing, sales, and customer service, Nelson understands the unique challenges facing growing companies - from getting bogged down in tedious administrative tasks to struggling to scale efficient workflows. Today, Nelson discusses the importance of leveraging no-code platforms to automate workflows and empower small businesses to grow beyond the limitations of off-the-shelf software, while maintaining a strong accounting foundation in QuickBooks. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Technology will only replace so much. Even with AI, we still need humans to press buttons for now. We have to figure that out piece by piece, learn it ourselves, and overcome those challenges on our own.” – Nelson De Miranda

"Limitations are temporary. In the small business space, you're always going to face some sort of adversity." – Nelson De Miranda

“Sometimes what you need is someone to help you push through and realize that the limits you thought you had were just a little beyond your own expectations.” – Nelson De Miranda

Takeaways

04:09 Explore automation solutions to see how processes can be improved and free up time for business owners.

14:36 Integrate your accounting software like QuickBooks as the foundation and build customized solutions on top of that.

16:40 Identify the key problems in your workflow and focus on solving those first, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.

17:34 Use visual aids like diagrams to help plan and structure your business processes and workflows.

21:04 Immerse yourself in using your own products and services to stay innovative and solve customer problems.

Resources

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1149: Craft Compelling Brand Stories for Small Business with Bowe Digital Owner Wayne Stanley

August 20, 2024

Is your business's marketing message feeling stale and outdated? Too often, businesses get stuck focusing on the features and investments they've made, rather than the human connection that truly resonates. As businesses evolve, so too must their storytelling. With the right guidance, even long-established brands can rediscover the spark that made them special in the first place. Are you ready to breathe new life into your company's story? The path forward may be closer than you think.

Wayne Stanley is the Chief Inspiration Officer at Bowe Digital, a marketing agency acclaimed for helping small businesses craft compelling brand stories. With over a decade of experience, Wayne specializes in revitalizing outdated marketing strategies and reigniting enthusiasm within organizations. His unique approach combines customer insights, employee workshops, and creative storytelling to uncover the authentic essence of a business. Today, Wayne discusses the importance of crafting a compelling and evolving brand story for small businesses, focusing on listening to customers, aligning internal priorities with external needs, and much more so stay tuned!

Quotes

“One of the best and worst things about today's world is that we can get whatever customer service we want.” – Wayne Stanley

"Enthusiasm is one of the most contagious feelings there can be. So you have to harness that enthusiasm for your company, your brand, your service, and figure out how to get others to do that." – Wayne Stanley

“Your story two months before the pandemic was very different. It should be able to evolve as your company does.” – Wayne Stanley

Takeaways

01:10 Effective storytelling for a business involves understanding what customers truly value, not just what the business wants to promote.

04:11 Businesses should regularly review and update their brand story to ensure it remains relevant and resonates with their target audience.

11:34 Integrating a new brand story across all aspects of a business, from customer interactions to internal culture, is crucial for success.

21:12 Businesses should focus on doing more with limited resources, even if it's just a small step, to reignite enthusiasm and update outdated practices.

27:53 Embracing a "get scrappy" mindset can help businesses find creative, budget-friendly ways to market themselves effectively.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:57 — 41.3MB) | Embed

1148: Discover Your Authentic Self: A Transformative Approach to Business Success with Lefkoe Institute CEO Shelly Lefkoe

August 14, 2024

Limiting beliefs can significantly hold you back from reaching your full potential, often manifesting as procrastination, fear of public speaking, or difficulty in marketing your business effectively. These internal barriers can create self-doubt and hinder your progress in both personal and professional areas. Overcoming these challenges is essential to unlocking your true capabilities and achieving the success you desire.

Shelly Lefkoe is a transformational coach, co-authored "Hitting the Wall: Eliminate the Beliefs That Sabotage Your Business and Your Life" and an expert in eliminating the limiting beliefs that sabotage success. For over 35 years, she has helped people from all walks of life free themselves from unwanted behaviors and emotional patterns, such as imposter syndrome, fear of public speaking, and the inability to market their businesses effectively. Shelly's unique process goes beyond coping mechanisms, directly addressing the root cause of these issues - the unconscious beliefs that shape our perceptions and actions. Today, Shelly discusses how our unconscious beliefs shape our behaviors, emotions, and ability to achieve success. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Beliefs are a statement about reality that we hold as the truth.” – Shelly Lefkoe

"Most of our beliefs are unconscious. We don't even know that we have them, but they run our lives." – Shelly Lefkoe

“Underneath anger is always powerlessness. Because if you could do something about it, you would just do it.” – Shelly Lefkoe

Takeaways

01:00 Eliminating limiting beliefs is key to overcoming unwanted behaviors and emotional patterns.

02:07 Beliefs shape our perceptions and experiences and can be changed to achieve success and happiness.

03:00 Understanding the root cause of problems, such as fear of public speaking, is essential for making lasting changes.

25:28 Identifying and challenging core beliefs that hold us back can lead to powerful emotional breakthroughs and transformations.

31:29 Compassion and responsibility are important in overcoming resilience and sabotaging beliefs.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:10 — 54.0MB) | Embed

1147: Streamline Franchise Marketing: Promote Local Growth through Innovative Solutions with LOMA Co-Founder Brett Campbell

August 13, 2024

Are you a franchise owner or marketer struggling to effectively scale your local marketing efforts? Franchisees often find themselves overwhelmed with the daily responsibilities of managing operations. This leaves them with little time to focus on marketing efforts. As a result, they may struggle to promote their business effectively. Balancing these tasks can be a significant challenge for many franchisees.

Brett Campbell is a seasoned franchise marketing expert with nearly 30 years of experience driving profitability, growth, and brand excellence for major brands like Papa John's and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As the co-founder of LOMA Platform, Brett has developed a unique solution to address a critical gap in the franchise industry - the lack of scalable tools to support local store marketing efforts. Today, Brett discusses the challenges franchise owners and marketers face in effectively executing local store marketing efforts. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Local store marketing is one of those areas of marketing that's always been there, but it's not pushed enough. It's not emphasized because it's hard to scale.” – Brett Campbell

"We're trying to create this easy to order process for these franchisees to come in and understand exactly what they're looking for." – Brett Campbell

“Identifying the gaps in your area of expertise and figuring out how to solve them would be my words of wisdom at this point.” – Brett Campbell

Takeaways

02:02 Local marketing is crucial for franchise brands to drive sales and awareness, but often lacks the necessary support and tools.

12:06 LOMA Platform aims to streamline local marketing efforts for franchisees and field marketers, reducing tedious tasks to a few clicks.

17:30 The platform provides a marketplace for franchisees to easily find and hire local marketing vendors, with data-driven insights and benchmark KPIs.

20:39 LOMA's solution can potentially disrupt marketing for small businesses by connecting them with vendors and automating local marketing execution.

24:18 Identifying gaps in your area of expertise and finding creative solutions to fill them can lead to successful business opportunities.

Resources

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1146: Master Digital Advertising with DRAFT Media Partners CEO Skip Wilson

August 12, 2024

What are the keys to successful digital marketing and advertising in today's landscape? Explore the fundamentals of advertising that still apply, even as the tools and technologies continue to evolve. Learn how to blend the old and the new to deliver measurable results for your business, and discover the common pitfalls to avoid when running paid advertising campaigns.

Skip Wilson is a digital media pioneer who has shaped the advertising landscape for decades. As the co-founder of Draft Media Partners, he empowers businesses to reach their target audiences with precision and measurable results. Today, Skip discusses his expertise in blending traditional advertising fundamentals with new digital technologies, shared strategies for troubleshooting underperforming paid advertising campaigns, and recounted his career journey from copywriter to digital media pioneer, offering insights on the challenges and lessons learned as an entrepreneur. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Rarely is the case that a campaign didn't work. Usually it's some piece that didn't work. Just take the time to dig in to figure out which piece it was and fix that.” – Skip Wilson

"Have radical empathy. Listen to your customers, employees, and that jerk that's yelling at you about something that's going wrong with your product. That person's more valuable than anyone else in your life." – Skip Wilson

“The more you can increase urgency, desire or trust and decrease delay, cost and effort, that's what people are looking for.” – Skip Wilson

Takeaways

01:33 Blending old and new marketing fundamentals is key to navigating the ever-changing digital landscape.

07:19 Systematically identifying and fixing specific issues in an ad campaign is more effective than simply declaring it a failure.

10:06 Embracing failures and learning from them can lead to significant growth and adaptability as an entrepreneur.

24:34 Leveraging data-driven planning and tracking tools can help businesses effectively reach their target audiences and achieve measurable results.

26:13 Radical empathy towards customers and their feedback, even if delivered poorly, can provide invaluable insights for improving a business.

Resources

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1145: Build the Future: Discover Alternative Funds for Infrastructure Projects with MTBMA President Michael Sakata

August 11, 2024

The U.S. faces serious funding challenges for transportation infrastructure, impacting safety and progress. How can we raise public awareness to advocate for better roads and bridges? What kind of leadership is needed to push for improvements in the construction and materials industries? We need to explore these questions to ensure safer and more efficient infrastructure.

Michael Sakata is a visionary leader in the transportation infrastructure industry. As the President and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association (MTBMA), he is at the forefront of addressing the critical challenges facing America's crumbling roads, bridges, and transportation systems. Today, Michael talks about the critical funding challenges facing transportation infrastructure in the United States, the importance of raising public awareness and advocacy, and the leadership required to drive progress and improve safety in the construction and materials industries. Stay tuned!

Quotes

“Perfection is the enemy of progress. It's a quote that gently reminds you to strive for progress rather than perfection.” – Michael Sakata

"You gotta have fun with what you're doing, no matter what you're doing in life." – Michael Sakata

“Leadership is about learning and working with your team. It's about collaborating with board members and people across the aisle to get things done.” – Michael Sakata

Takeaways

03:52 Understanding the complex funding sources and challenges for transportation infrastructure is crucial for the public to be informed and engaged.

08:56 Leveraging technology and innovative materials can help improve the longevity and cost-effectiveness of transportation projects, but must be balanced with available funding.

14:13 Collaboration and communication between industry, government, and the public are essential for addressing transportation safety and efficiency issues.

22:49 Educating the public about the importance of transportation infrastructure and advocacy is a key role of organizations like the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association.

24:39 Pursuing progress over perfection is a valuable leadership principle that can drive meaningful and lasting advancements in the transportation industry.

Resources

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