Marketing Happy Hour Podcast

Send us Fan MailOne ad. A clear hook. A budget that actually makes sense. That’s how you stop throwing money at Facebook and Instagram and start getting results you can measure. We’re talking Meta ads with the practical perspective of someone who used to avoid paid social completely, then spent the last two years running campaigns that consistently improve ROI for real clients.We walk through what “good” looks like at different budget levels, including a roofing company spending $1,000 a month that doubled website views in the first month, plus an example of an ad pulling 126,000 views while spending under $300. Then we unpack the common mistake that quietly kills performance: splitting small budgets across too many ads. If you only have $100 a month, you’ll hear why one strong branding ad often beats a pile of tiny campaigns that never reach enough people to learn or optimize.From there, we get tactical with Meta Business Suite setup, how to use an existing post or upload fresh creative, and how to write ad copy that still feels like your organic content while pushing people toward a real call to action. We cover scroll-stopping hooks, graphics versus video, and why captions are essential when most viewers watch with sound off. We also dig into ad targeting and demographics, including location strategy, industry restrictions around housing-related ads, and why ultra-specific filters like high-income targeting often backfire. Finally, we share a simple way to use AI tools to brainstorm audiences and ad creative, then tailor everything to your voice and your market.If this helped, subscribe, share it with a business owner who’s stuck on ads, and leave a review. What budget are you working with right now, and what result would make Meta ads worth it for you? Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou know that feeling when you finally sit down to work and you’re already wiped out and all you’ve done is make choices for everyone else? That’s what Shelby and Kayla unpack, honestly and in real time, as we talk about decision fatigue and the mental load that quietly runs your day. From sick kids and last-minute school messages to travel recovery and the constant “Where is it?” questions, we get into why the smallest decisions can be the ones that break you.We also dig into a truth that surprises a lot of high-achieving women: business decisions can feel easier than personal ones. At work, the feedback loop is clearer, the priorities are sharper, and the energy you spend often comes back as fulfillment or income. At home, decisions are endless, emotionally loaded, and paired with invisible labor. We talk about being the default keeper of the schedule, the pantry, the appointments, the plans and how even supportive partners can add to the burden when they ask what to do instead of noticing and doing.You’ll hear practical, real-life strategies to reduce decision fatigue: deleting tasks that never needed to exist, delegating without redoing someone else’s work, empowering kids to make age-appropriate choices, and building rest into your life before burnout forces it. We also name the power of validation, especially hearing “I see you” and “this isn’t fair,” and we call out the double standard of celebrating men for basic adult chores. If you’re tired of carrying the thinking for everyone, press play, then subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your best tip for making decisions feel lighter. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailMost marketing advice falls apart the moment you ask one question: who are you trying to reach, and where do they actually make decisions? Shelby McFarland and Mattie Loomis pull questions straight from a recent local marketing panel and give honest, small business friendly answers you can use immediately, especially if your budget feels tight and your to-do list is already overflowing.We start with the money question: where to spend first when you have a limited marketing budget. From there, we get real about a mistake that quietly costs businesses customers every day, inconsistency. If you go silent when you’re busy, you don’t get to be shocked when your slow season hits harder. We also break down social media marketing in a way that’s based on fit, not hype, including when TikTok makes sense, why Facebook and Instagram are often the minimum, and when LinkedIn matters for B2B.Then we zoom out to the foundation that makes all your marketing work better: a professional website that’s optimized on the back end for SEO, plus a Google Business Profile and steady online reviews that build trust and authority. Finally, we talk marketing trends and AI, not as something to fear, but as a shift to adapt to, so your customer journey improves while your competitors fall behind.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a business owner who needs a reset, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe fastest way to lose momentum in business is to hand your confidence to people outside your company. A quiet inbox, a declined proposal, or a slow month can feel personal, but we’re not in the feelings business, we’re in the action business. We’re digging into a simple truth that changes everything: as the business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we control the effort, and the effort drives the outcome. I share a real example of setting an aggressive sales goal before a big trip and hitting it by doing the unglamorous work that actually moves revenue: following up on old proposals, re-activating warm connections, and asking for referrals directly. We also talk about why it’s okay to lean on your network, how to request introductions without feeling weird, and how small outreach decisions can lead to unexpected hires and inbound referrals later. If you care about sales strategy, marketing consistency, networking, referrals, SEO services, and building a healthier pipeline, you’ll get practical takeaways you can use immediately. We also get honest about slow seasons and the mental spiral that comes with them, plus the idea of compounding momentum over six to twelve months. When you stop marketing because you’re busy, you often create your next drought. When you stay consistent, you smooth out the highs and lows and build a business you can actually trust. If you’re ready to take ownership of your growth, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show

Send us Fan MailRecruiting can feel like a completely different world than marketing until you realize they run on the same engine: clear positioning, consistent visibility, and trust built one conversation at a time. Shelby McFarland sits down with Demi Mathis, a business development officer at Northwestern Mutual in Arkansas, to unpack how she finds and attracts high-potential advisors and interns without relying only on job boards. We get specific about what recruiting “in the wild” really looks like. Demi shares how she markets opportunities on campus through class talks, professors, and career fairs, then shifts into community-based networking for experienced candidates through chambers, ribbon cuttings, expos, and referrals. We also talk LinkedIn recruiting using Sales Navigator, how she targets the right industries, and why human outreach tends to outperform automated AI messaging when you care about replies and real relationships. Demi also tells her own story of coming into the industry with a marketing degree and no finance background, then discovering what she calls the “four I’s” that make the career compelling: independency, work-life balance, income with no ceiling, continuous improvement, and impact. If you’re building a team, considering a career change, or trying to improve your B2B outreach, you’ll walk away with practical tactics and a clearer framework for what “selling a career” actually takes. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s job-curious, and leave a review telling us what part you want to try first. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEverybody can post now, which is exactly why real marketing has never been harder to spot. We’re Alexis and Mattie, and we’re stepping in this week to talk about a trend we see nonstop: people calling themselves marketers when what they’re really doing is just uploading content. The gap between “a cute post” and a working marketing plan is massive, and if you’re a small business owner, that gap can cost you time, money, and momentum.We pull back the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes at a marketing agency: client meetings that clarify goals, research into what your audience cares about, keyword and SEO work that makes captions discoverable, and a strategy built before content is ever created. We also talk about the real relationship work that matters, like understanding the person behind the business, capturing authentic behind-the-scenes moments, and building content that helps people trust you instead of scrolling past another sales pitch.Then we get practical about performance. Likes are not the scoreboard people think they are. We explain why views, reach, and other analytics can be the true signs your social media marketing is working and why monthly reporting matters if you want marketing results you can measure. We also answer common surprises clients have, including content shoots, photography, and short-form video that many businesses do not realize a marketing team can provide.If you want smarter expectations and better questions to ask before you hire help, listen through to the end. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest marketing myth you’ve heard lately. Support the show

Send us Fan MailDoing everything yourself can look like dedication, but it often feels like a slow chokehold on your time, your focus, and your revenue. Shelby sits down with Leia, an adult ADHD and executive function coach, to talk about the real moment entrepreneurs hit: keep taking clients and risk burnout, or start delegating and build a team that can actually scale. We get specific about what delegation looks like when your brain craves novelty but your business demands follow-through. We unpack Shelby’s path from solo marketing hustle to building support roles that match strengths: sales, content creation, account management, and operations. You’ll hear why “hire more people” is not a strategy, how copying a competitor’s headcount can backfire, and why SOPs and clear standards matter more than having everything perfect up front. We also talk about the fear side of hiring: paying someone, making the wrong choice, and what to do when a role simply is not the right fit. Money and pricing get a full spotlight, too. If you hate bookkeeping, avoid checking your bank account, or struggle to raise rates, this conversation gives you a cleaner framework: track profitability, price for sustainability, and stop offering services that lose money unless you can charge what they are worth. Along the way, we touch on neurodivergent leadership, transparency with your team, and using personality tools like the Enneagram to hire complementary strengths. If you’re a founder, freelancer, or agency owner trying to build a sustainable business with ADHD, executive function challenges, or pure overwhelm, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who needs permission to delegate, and leave a quick review so more entrepreneurs can find it. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou’ve heard the advice: post everywhere, grow fast, go viral, and let a great product sell itself. We don’t buy it and we explain why. We’re doing a quick, focused deep dive into the marketing myths that quietly derail small business growth and leave people feeling like “marketing doesn’t work.”First up: the pressure to be on every social media platform. We talk about choosing one or two channels that match your audience instead of spreading your time across LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook with mediocre results. A strong digital marketing strategy is about focus and fit, not volume. When your message is consistent and your content is solid, your brand visibility builds faster and your efforts become easier to maintain.Then we tackle the expectation of instant results. Marketing is not the same as sales and it rarely pays off overnight. Often it works in the background while people check you out online after hearing your name through ads, referrals, or networking. We also break down why follower count doesn’t equal revenue, how going viral can attract the wrong people, and why proof driven marketing matters even when your product or service is genuinely great.Listen, share this with a friend who’s stuck in the “more, faster, everywhere” cycle, and leave a review if it helps. Which marketing myth have you been tempted to believe? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail$48,000 in 14 days sounds like a book sales fairy tale, until you hear the real numbers: Shelby has sold about $710 worth of books. The twist is the point. She writes “Market Like a Boss” to make money through her business, using the book as a lead magnet, a credibility shortcut, and a trust-building sales asset that walks into every room with her.We talk through the mindset shift that changes everything for entrepreneurs, consultants, and service providers: the book is not the product, it is the marketing tool for your brand. Shelby breaks down how authorship helps her stand out in a crowded digital marketing space, open speaking opportunities, and turn 10 chapters into 10 ready-made workshop topics. She also shares what surprised her most after publishing: faster sales conversions, stronger pricing confidence, more inbound leads, and prospects who trust her before the first meeting.Then we get tactical. Shelby outlines her launch and visibility strategy: recruiting 40 local “book influencers,” leaning on video for authentic storytelling, landing TV and radio interviews through PR relationships, and using podcast interviews for reach and SEO backlinks. Finally, she explains where the $48,000 actually comes from, including increased service pricing, new retainer contracts, website projects, branding shoots, and paid trainings, plus the lesson she repeats for every new author: do not disappear after launch day.If you’re writing a business book, building a personal brand, or trying to turn your expertise into clients and speaking gigs, this is a practical blueprint. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s stuck on “perfect,” and leave a review with your biggest question about using a book to grow a business. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailAI is not waiting for anyone’s comfort level, and small business owners feel that tension every day. We talk through the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI marketing from a real-world perspective, including what’s changed as of June 2026 and why “it knows too much” isn’t a strategy. The goal is simple: use AI to move faster and think clearer without letting it erase the thing that makes your business recognizable. We get specific about what we avoid, especially AI-generated graphics and logos. If your posts suddenly look like everyone else’s, your branding stops working. We break down why consistency matters, why AI visuals often come out busy and uneditable, and the easy mistakes people miss when they don’t proof details like dates and business names. Then we dig into the logo problem from the production side: if you can’t get a true vector file (SVG, AI, EPS, print-ready PDF), you can’t reliably scale and print it for signs, vehicles, and high-resolution uses. AI can be great for inspiration, but professional execution still matters. On the flip side, we share how we actually use ChatGPT daily as a collaboration tool: brainstorming content strategy, organizing thoughts, refining offers and packages, and workshopping ad ideas with real budgets. Think of it as a way to get unstuck, reduce overwhelm, and pressure-test decisions, while still applying your experience so you don’t sound copied. If you want practical guidance on using AI without sacrificing your brand identity, this one will help. Subscribe for more small business marketing clarity, share this with a friend who’s overwhelmed by AI, and leave a review if it helped. What are you using AI for in your business right now? Support the show

Send us Fan MailI opened a second sign shop location, got three months in, and then lockdown hit. Suddenly my calendar meant nothing, my assumptions about growth got tested, and I had to figure out how to keep two employees paid while the world argued about curfews, safety rules, and who was “bringing COVID” into town.What kept us afloat wasn’t luck. It was a fast pivot to the unglamorous work everyone needed right then: six-foot floor stickers, distancing decals, door signage, and simple instructions that helped schools and restaurants reopen. One school district referred another, and that referral chain turned into orders across roughly 25 school districts. I share what we priced, why we cut margins, and how that compliance signage became the cash flow that carried the business when everything else felt uncertain.At the same time, the digital marketing side took a brutal hit: I lost about 75% of my clients in the first few months because marketing was treated like an “expense” to cut. That experience changed how I talk about marketing strategy, consistency, and why stopping your marketing often costs more than you think. I also get real about the second year being harder, closing the Stuttgart location, and what I learned about risk, leases, planning, and building a backup plan before the next big leap.If you run a small business, a sign shop, or a marketing agency, this story will help you think clearly about resilience, client retention, and strategic planning when conditions change fast. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest lesson from 2020. Support the show

Send us Fan MailYour LinkedIn isn’t broken, it’s just missing you. Shelby McFarland sits down with LinkedIn specialist Katie Rasure to get radically practical about what actually grows a personal brand, drives B2B leads, and builds a reputation people remember. We start with the real-world moment that proves the point: meeting someone in person and instantly recognizing them from their LinkedIn presence, then watching that relationship turn into trust.Katie shares her story from graduating during the pandemic to using LinkedIn as more than a job board, curating a smarter feed, and building relationships that opened doors. She also gets candid about entrepreneurship pivots, burnout, and how quickly your mindset can shift to “I’ll just take a quiet job” when you’re overwhelmed. That honesty matters because it shapes a healthier approach to marketing: consistency without hustle culture, and visibility without pretending you have it all together.Then we break down the tactics: how to make LinkedIn content feel human with storytelling, what to post (and what not to), how often to post without frying your brain, and why chasing every trend can backfire with the LinkedIn algorithm. Katie explains why a simple written post with a recognizable selfie can outperform fancy formats, and how to prospect without sounding like a bot by commenting first and connecting second. We also talk scheduling, engagement routines, and why most reposts don’t move the needle unless you add real perspective.If you want LinkedIn growth that’s built on human connection and repeatable habits, hit play. Subscribe for more marketing conversations like this, share the episode with a friend who’s stuck on LinkedIn, and leave a review so more business owners can find it. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou can feel the energy of a real networking floor in Conway, Arkansas as we bounce from booth to booth at a Women in Business Showcase, asking one simple question at a time and letting the answers stack into a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship. Founders and leaders share what helps them recover from burnout, how they set boundaries when business feels all-consuming, and why “work-life balance” is less about perfect schedules and more about being present where you are needed.We dig into small business marketing that actually works, especially authentic content. You will hear how teams build trust with real photos of real staff, local context that matches their community, and transparency when a review or job does not go as planned. The lesson is clear: consistency and showing up beat polished perfection, and credibility is built in public through ownership, communication, and care.Along the way, we cover practical business fundamentals that protect growth: networking habits, asking for help, staying persistent in sales, tracking business performance with real accounting clarity, and getting legal documents in place before a crisis hits. You will also hear honest leadership insights about time, family responsibilities, and how women can celebrate themselves as much as they champion everyone else.If you got something from these stories, subscribe, share this episode with a friend building a business, and leave a review so more women entrepreneurs can find it. What idea are you going to use this week? Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailMost business owners don’t need another marketing “hack.” They need the uncomfortable truth about why visibility does not automatically turn into sales and what to do when the phone is not ringing.Shelby McFarlane talks with Arkansas insurance agent Nick Tuberville about the gap between marketing and selling, especially in service businesses where you are not shipping a product, you are selling a promise. We get practical about what actually drives growth: showing up locally, starting conversations, and building relationships strong enough that people choose you even when you are not the cheapest. Nick explains why “direct marketing” still matters, how his team hustles for real interactions, and why speed is not always your friend when a better conversation can open the door to life insurance and deeper coverage reviews.Then we go into the modern stuff without the hype: Google Business Profile basics, the never ending game of SEO, and how AI is changing search and sales training. If you are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, we talk about what is useful right now and what is still too early to trust. We also share the messy reality of onboarding salespeople, what accountability looks like when performance dips, and why tracking activity can be the fastest way to rebuild momentum.If you want a clearer marketing strategy, a stronger sales process, and realistic expectations about ROI, this one will hit. Subscribe, share with a business owner who’s stuck, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou can study marketing for years and still feel unprepared the first time a real client and a real deadline land on your plate. Mattie and Alexis step in for Shelby and tell the honest version of what it looks like to break into a marketing career when your path is not perfectly linear, from a creative background to an esthetics business owner who fell in love with the marketing side before learning the fundamentals through an online digital marketing program.We get into how both of us actually got hired at a marketing agency, including the awkward part nobody talks about: reaching out when you think you are “not qualified enough.” One of us moved to Arkansas with no local network and job hunted through Facebook, emails, and a single Zoom call. The other leaned into persistence, followed up multiple times, and discovered that initiative and coachability can matter as much as a four year degree. If you’re searching for an entry level marketing job, a marketing internship, or a way into digital marketing without a perfect resume, you’ll hear practical, real world context.Then we share what we’ve learned working with a marketer who stays authentic with her team and her clients, and why hands on client work changes how you think about SEO, social media strategy, content creation, and results. We close with two simple marketing tips that drive outsized impact: stay consistent with your posting schedule, and get crystal clear on your target audience so your content converts.If this helped you, subscribe to the Marketing Happy Hour Podcast, share the episode with a friend who’s trying to get into marketing, and leave a review so more people can find it. Support the show

Send us Fan MailOne painful week in a 500 square foot apartment changed everything for Shelby McFarland and it eventually became the foundation for how she leads, sells, and builds. Shelby shares the part of her story she rarely tells, then connects it to a simple framework she uses to guide decisions when life feels messy and business feels heavy.We break down her BOSS mindset acronym: Bold, Opportunistic, Strong, and Service Minded. Shelby gets specific about what “bold” looks like when you’re scared, how to treat rejection as redirection, and why strength is not about pretending you’re fine, it’s about showing up anyway and owning your choices. Her favorite piece is servant-hearted leadership, and she tells a real story about helping a long-time prospect even after he signed with someone else, because doing the right thing is the brand.Then we shift into practical digital marketing: how to increase visibility with consistency, why video is so powerful right now, what to watch in your analytics (impressions matter), and how SEO supports everything you do. Shelby also shares how she uses tools like ChatGPT for prompts and keywords while still rewriting to keep content authentic. If you’re building a business, a personal brand, or a team, you’ll leave with a mindset you can practice and a marketing plan you can stick with. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Purchase "Market Like A Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailYour best marketing content is already happening, and it sounds a lot like the questions people keep asking you. We take the everyday conversations from sales pitches, client meetings, and team chats and turn them into a simple, repeatable content engine. When you notice the same 10 to 15 questions showing up over and over, you’re not stuck for ideas anymore, you’re sitting on a roadmap for what your audience actually needs to hear before they trust you and buy. We walk through practical ways to reuse those answers across your marketing strategy: creating a Frequently Asked Questions page on your website, turning each question into a short video for Reels or TikTok, and rewriting the same idea as a clear static post for people who prefer text. Along the way, we connect the dots to SEO and discoverability, because when someone is searching on Google or asking AI tools for recommendations, you want your answers to be the ones that show up, sound credible, and are easy to understand. Then we add one mindset shift that changes how you post: decide what kind of comments you want before you hit publish. Are you looking for questions, agreement, or personal stories? That one choice shapes your hook, your caption, and your call to action, and it makes your content feel intentional instead of random. Listen, grab five questions you answered today, and turn them into five days of posts, then subscribe, share the show with a business friend, and leave a review. What’s the number one question you get from potential clients? Support the show

Send us Fan MailPeople don’t choose the “best” service on paper. They choose the person they trust with their money, their time, and their expectations. Shelby McFarland sits down with Alexis Valenti to talk about what we’re both seeing right now in sales and why buyers feel more cautious, especially when they’ve had a bad experience with a past provider.We break down the real differentiators that make someone pick you over a competitor: authenticity in your pitch, the courage to tell the truth when a solution isn’t a fit, and the patience it takes to rebuild trust after it’s been broken. Alexis brings a unique perspective as both a digital marketing consultant and an aesthetician, so we connect the dots between marketing results and personal-service results, and why both require consistency and proof over time.We also get practical about follow-up, ghosting, and timelines. If someone isn’t interested, we’d rather hear a clear “no” than chase a “maybe” for weeks. On the business side, we talk about building a respectful sales process that sets expectations, keeps communication clean, and protects your energy. Then we dig into value vs price, including why high retainers and extra travel costs don’t automatically mean better outcomes, and how a local marketing agency can be an advantage when responsiveness and accountability matter.If you want a stronger sales process, better proposals, and a client experience that makes trust easier, this conversation will help. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who’s hiring help right now, and leave a review. What makes you trust a provider fast? Support the show

Send us Fan MailMarketing can feel like a black hole: you post, you pay, you wait, and somehow nothing changes. We get real about why so many small business owners reach the point of saying, “I don’t think my marketing is working,” and why that feeling is often a signal that the strategy, expectations, or partner relationship is off, not that your business is doomed.Shelby brings Mattie onto the mic, the teammate behind the b-roll videos and the edits, to talk about what they see in everyday conversations with business owners. We dig into the damage caused when a marketing agency promises outrageously high results and then underdelivers, leaving people skeptical of every “expert” who comes next. We also talk about what trust actually looks like in a healthy agency relationship: clear communication, realistic timelines, measurable deliverables, and a plan that fits a real-world budget.From there we zoom out to the work itself. Mattie shares the difference between learning digital marketing in school and doing hands-on client work where budgets are tight, doubts are real, and ghosting can happen if the value is not crystal clear. We connect the dots between sales and marketing, why they have to move together, and how the right systems help you stay consistent: analytics, scheduling, CRM tools, content creation resources, and a full team focused on execution.If you want a practical next step, we also point you to a free SEO audit so you can spot quick wins in your search engine optimization and see how you stack up against competitors. Subscribe for more small business marketing strategy, share this with a friend who feels stuck, and leave a review if it helped. What part of your marketing feels most “not working” right now? Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou can post every day, run Google Ads, perfect your Google Business Profile, and still wonder why revenue feels stuck. The missing piece usually isn’t another platform or another funnel, it’s sales. We talk through a hard truth for small business owners and service providers: digital marketing creates interest, but it doesn’t replace the face-to-face trust that closes deals.We dig into how social media marketing used to feel effortless when Facebook and Instagram delivered massive organic reach, then shifted as algorithms and regulation changed the game. Consistent content and smart paid ads still matter, but they work best when they support a real sales process. I share a client story from a niche product where we tried everything: social posts, AI marketing, Meta ads, Google ads, email campaigns, and broader outreach. The result was clear: none of it replaced the need to network, show up, and sell.We also get practical about what happens after you meet someone. If you’re collecting business cards, sending proposals, or booking calls, your follow-up system is the difference between “interested” and “signed.” I explain the follow-up mindset I use, how to back your sales team with digital credibility like reviews and a solid website, and why owners often still need to be visible in the community.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s trying to grow without a big budget, and leave a review so more business owners can find it. What part of your sales process needs the most tightening right now? Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou know that moment when your marketing agency pulls up a dashboard and someone says, “So you’re just going to show me numbers?” We get it. But those numbers are the receipt. In this Marketing Happy Hour conversation, we walk through the core Meta analytics that show real progress on Facebook and Instagram, then translate them into plain English so you can actually use them to grow your business.We dig into the metrics that matter most inside Meta Insights, including the difference between views and viewers, why that change is helpful, and how repetition supports the seven to ten touches people often need before they buy. We also unpack clicks, what they can represent, and why Meta’s reported website clicks might not match what you see in your website analytics. If you have ever felt confused by social media metrics, this gives you a clean way to think about tracking and reporting.Then we talk about the frustrating reality many brands are seeing: follows and engagement are slower than they used to be. Instead of panicking, we share how to validate performance by checking whether you are still landing in news feeds and reaching the right people. You will leave with a practical monthly review mindset, plus a simple challenge to go post by post and spot what truly worked.If this helped, subscribe, share the episode with a business owner who hates dashboards, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What metric do you want us to break down next? Support the show

Send us Fan MailTrying to post everywhere, run ads, keep up with algorithms, and still deliver for clients? That’s not a marketing plan, that’s burnout. We’re coming to you from a casual volunteer day at a local nonprofit that supports small businesses, and we crack open Chapter Nine of my book Market Like a Boss for a reset you can actually use.We talk about how marketing has evolved from “hard copy” Yellow Pages and local TV to Facebook business pages, SEO, Google Business Profile, and today’s world of Meta ads, Google ads, geofencing, and constant content across multiple platforms. If it feels like the playbook changes every few years, you’re not imagining it. The point isn’t to chase every new channel. The point is to be present and consistent where it matters.You’ll learn a practical framework: start by getting crystal clear on your ideal client avatar, then identify the top places they spend time, and pick a focused starting point instead of trying to launch five “storefronts” at once. We also cover when to delegate, how to decide what to outsource, and why “marketing magic” can’t replace hustle and ownership. Plus, we share a real story of an interior designer who built traction through networking, a strong website, and purposeful posting before scaling up.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find a simpler small business marketing strategy. What’s the one channel you’re going to commit to this month? Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf the first question you ask about marketing is “How much does it cost?”, this conversation is going to challenge you in the best way. I’m reading one of my favorite chapters from my book, Market Like a Boss, and it’s a blunt reminder that a business with no marketing budget isn’t being “scrappy” it’s choosing invisibility. When you skip the investment, you don’t magically save money, you usually just trade strategy for hope. We dig into what a real marketing budget actually does for growth: it creates consistent brand visibility, predictable lead generation, and trust before a customer ever reaches out. I talk through why random boosted posts and scattered ads can drain your cash without building momentum, plus a tough story about what happens when you burn budget on tactics that don’t match the plan. We also revisit the pandemic shift to online behavior and why cutting marketing during uncertainty often turns into years of playing catch up. Then we get tactical. I share an easy benchmark for small businesses: plan to allocate 10% of your annual revenue goal to marketing, then use the 70/20/10 rule to split your spend between proven channels, smart testing, and bold ideas that can earn attention. If you work with a marketing agency, this framework also helps you get better proposals and set realistic expectations. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review. What’s one marketing expense you’ll commit to consistently this year? Support the show

Send us Fan MailWorried that AI will edge out your creative work? Let’s flip the script. Shelby shares how she uses AI to win back hours each week, then invests that time into better research, clearer strategy, and stronger content. The goal isn’t to replace your voice; it’s to remove the busywork so your voice gets louder.We unpack how Google’s AI Overview chooses sources and what it actually means for traffic and trust. The playbook is practical and focused: text-heavy website pages that answer real questions, descriptive alt text for every image, and precise metadata that maps your content to user intent. From meta titles and slugs to internal links, we outline the structural cues that make your site easier for search engines and AI systems to understand and cite. Then we turn to blogs as the engine of authority—how to pick focused topics, optimize each post, and refresh content so it stays current and useful.Social media enters as a quiet force multiplier. Even if likes and comments feel light, consistent posts teach algorithms and people what you stand for. Share insights, link back to pillar content, and keep your brand’s message steady across platforms. Over time, this steady cadence blends with your on-site depth to build authority that AI can safely surface. We also talk about patience: you can’t control what AI pulls, only what you publish and how well it’s structured. Keep showing up, let your expertise compound, and you’ll start seeing your brand cited where decisions begin.If this resonated or you know someone still skeptical about AI in marketing, share the episode with them. And if you’re finding value here, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the next marketing question you want us to tackle. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe noise around AI makes it feel like a silver bullet or a looming threat, but the real advantage comes from pairing smart prompts with strong SEO bones. We walk you through a practical, repeatable system to win local search and get cited by AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok, without chasing every trend or burning cash on guesswork.We start by resetting expectations: AI pulls from the web’s existing sources, so your job is to become the clearest, most trusted source in your niche. That means tightening your Google Business Profile with accurate categories, detailed services, fresh photos, and consistent updates. It means shoring up your site’s on-page SEO—clean titles, fast pages, structured headers—and earning backlinks from local chambers, partner sites, podcasts, and credible directories. These signals teach both search engines and AI that your business is real, relevant, and nearby when customers ask for help.From there, we turn AI into a brand-trained copilot. You’ll hear how to build a living persona inside your AI tool: feed it your voice rules, product details, positioning, and examples so it drafts on-brand copy for emails, captions, and landing pages with minimal edits. We also demo a “cheat code” workflow: ask AI for a localized ranking checklist, mine keyword clusters and hashtags with clear intent, and convert them into a four-week content plan that maps topics to posts, stories, and pages. Along the way, we share a case study of a local agent who rose above competitors by aligning profile updates, backlinks, and keyword-driven content.If you’re tired of vague advice and want a clear playbook to show up first—on Google, inside AI answers, and in your customer’s feed—this is your guide. Subscribe for more practical marketing breakdowns, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a quick review to tell us what you’ll try first. Support the show

Send us Fan MailEver feel like the algorithm ignores your best work? Here’s the twist: the feed isn’t random—it’s consumer-first. We break down what that really means for small businesses and creators, and how to design content that actually reaches the people you want. Instead of chasing volume or praying for virality, we map audience segments and craft posts that match intent—education for learners, proof for skeptics, and empowerment for DIY marketers—so every piece has a job and a measurable outcome.We get specific about staying on brand while tailoring angles, then walk through real examples: educational explainers that clarify how a consumer-based algorithm curates feeds, proof-driven snapshots that show how focused SEO lifts qualified traffic and conversions, and empowerment content that pulls from our book to help self-starters take action. You’ll hear how we structure a weekly cadence that balances these threads, creating momentum without burning out on ideas or production.What if your best clients hate social? No problem. We share a practical distribution path that turns social posts into Google-friendly assets—blogs, FAQs, and case studies—so referrals can verify your expertise without logging into any platform. You’ll learn how to repurpose one core idea into multiple formats, from tight videos to long-form captions, and how to use simple feedback loops to see which segment is responding. By the end, you’ll have a clear, repeatable system to reach distinct audiences, respect their time, and help the algorithm do its job—connecting the right message to the right person.If this sparks a strategy shift for you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review. Then tell us: which segment will you build for first—education, proof, or empowerment? Support the show

Send us Fan MailA lime green carpet shouldn’t be the reason you walk away from a dream. Shelby takes us inside the leap to open Little Rock Creative—a new photography studio and hybrid office built to raise the bar for content creators in west Little Rock—while celebrating ten years of The Marketing Broker and nearly fourteen years in entrepreneurship. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at why standards matter, how to spot the right space beneath the chaos, and what it really feels like to scale while the calendar is already full.We break down the practical choices behind building creator-friendly infrastructure: choosing a layout that speeds production, designing a front studio and back office that support hybrid teams, and setting up a space where headshots, branding shoots, and video content can actually flow. Shelby shares hard-won lessons from past side ventures that fizzled fast, and how a new approach—mapping costs, pacing decisions, and protecting flexibility—kept this move focused and sustainable.The emotional arc is real and relatable: excitement sparked the idea, anxiety followed close behind, and imposter syndrome tried to steal the mic. From sleepless nights to a day-one recording in the new studio, Shelby talks through the self-coaching that keeps momentum alive: acknowledge progress, honor standards, and let community support be fuel instead of pressure. If you’re a small business owner, marketer, photographer, or creative juggling risk and responsibility, you’ll find practical insight and a nudge to claim your wins out loud.If this story hits home, share it with a founder who needs a push. Subscribe for more honest marketing and entrepreneurship conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. Support the show

Send us Fan MailIce on the roads turned into clarity on the plan. After six days at home with my five‑year‑old and a full notebook, I’m sharing a practical visibility blueprint for small businesses that want more than likes—they want bookings. We start with the foundation most people skip: crisp clarity. If a stranger can’t describe what you do in one sentence, the algorithm won’t either. I walk through how to define your core service, name your ideal client, and trim the offers that drain your energy so you can do your best work and get better results.From there, we go hyperlocal. Big follower counts feel good, but buyers live down the street. I talk about becoming “famous where it counts” by showing up in your community, partnering with nearby businesses, and choosing quality over quantity when it comes to followers. You’ll hear simple co‑marketing moves—like tagging the local florist after a client gift—that build goodwill and referrals. Then we shift to your feed: how to create a scroll‑stopping presence with clean, on‑brand visuals, real photos, and a voice that matches the experience clients have when they work with you.Attention only matters if it turns into action, so we map the path from a post to a purchase. I break down one clear call to action per campaign, basic funnel setup, CRM tagging, and email follow‑ups that feel helpful, not pushy. You’ll get a simple workflow example that moves someone from a free webinar into a course or service without friction. Finally, we anchor everything in consistency. Visibility is a daily discipline, so I share how I plan content, keep stories alive, and refine the client journey while onboarding new clients—small systems that keep momentum even when life gets messy.If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and booked with straightforward steps you can apply this week, press play and take notes. If this helped, subscribe, share with a friend who runs a local business, and leave a quick review so more owners can find the show. Support the show

Send us Fan MailReady to grow a new business without draining your wallet? We break down five free, high-impact moves that build a clear brand, boost visibility, and turn real-world connections into steady referrals. Shelby McFarland, the marketing broker behind Marketing Happy Hour, lays out a lean playbook you can execute right now and refine as you scale.We start by building a brand foundation that actually guides decisions: simple logo and colors, consistent voice, and a mission that shows customers what you stand for. From there, we claim the essentials—domain, Google Business Profile, and social handles—with an eye on clarity and search discoverability. Shelby shares why consistent naming matters, how to fill profiles so they rank, and what images and keywords help your pages get found without ads.Content becomes your proof of reliability. You’ll hear how to create a weekly cadence you can sustain, pick formats that reduce stress, and publish posts that teach, answer questions, and highlight wins. Then we move offline to the rooms where trust is built: chambers, leads groups, and events. Learn how to make networking intentional with clear asks, thoughtful follow-up, and one-to-one meetings that turn contacts into referral partners across cities and even countries.To keep your momentum, Shelby points you to a free bank of 55 marketing ideas and introduces the BOSS mindset—Bold, Opportunistic, Strong, and Service-minded—as a filter for every choice you make. If you’re launching in 2026 and feeling the pressure to do everything, this guide shows you where to focus your time so your message is clear, your presence is consistent, and your service drives word-of-mouth. Subscribe, share with a founder friend, and leave a review telling us which free tactic you’ll try first. Support the show

Send us Fan MailReady for a hot take that might change how you grow? We unpack why competition—not vague “collabs”—is the engine that sharpens your craft, speeds up decisions, and wins better clients. From a fast start to 2026 with a new office and a rentable photo studio in Little Rock, we dig into the systems that turn momentum into measurable wins and the partnerships that actually add value.You’ll hear how a competitive mindset fuels daily execution: smart discovery questions, tight proposals, and respectful, consistent follow-up. We talk through real bid stories—what it feels like to go head-to-head, the thrill of landing a multi-month deal, and how to ask the right post-loss questions to fix price, scope, or fit next time. It’s not bravado; it’s process, iteration, and the discipline to get one step ahead of direct rivals without cutting corners.Then we reframe collaboration the right way. Forget the trend where “let’s collaborate” means unpaid trades or mismatched swaps. We define strategic collaboration as co-marketing with complementary experts—PR partners for earned media, marketing strategists for planning and budgets, production shops for wraps and signage—so clients get integrated results while each pro leads in their lane. Think lender-title-realtor playbooks, launch events, and studio days that share audiences and drive action without handing attention to your closest competitor.If you want a simple filter: compete to set the standard, collaborate to extend capability. Protect your brand’s edge, choose partners who make the whole stronger, and build a repeatable path from prospect to win. Subscribe for more grounded marketing tactics, share this with a teammate who needs a nudge toward clarity, and leave a quick review to tell us where competition or collaboration moved the needle for you. Support the show

Send us Fan MailStuck in that “blah” headspace but still need to ship content that moves the needle? We’ve been there—staring at a blank calendar, juggling client work, family, and admin, while the algorithm and your sales pipeline quietly drift. Today we share the exact system we use to market consistently even when inspiration doesn’t show up, and why it led to a 25% lift in sales after just thirty days of steady posting.We start by breaking the cycle of stop‑start marketing and the frustration that follows halfhearted posts. You’ll hear how we map a month of content in one sitting with three simple prompts—service, audience, message—then schedule it so low‑energy days become execution, not invention. We also walk through the mix that actually works: weekly service spotlights, clear buyer‑focused copy, social proof, and behind‑the‑scenes posts that build trust without draining your time.Then we get honest about delegation. For years we trusted our content lead with every client but clutched our own brand out of perfectionism. Handing over our channels created better work and steadier results. We outline how to brief a creator with voice, pillars, and approval guardrails, plus the cadence that keeps quality high while freeing you to focus on sales, delivery, and strategy.We wrap with the mindset and energy tactics that prevent rework: protect generous blocks for deep creative tasks, avoid forcing big ideas into tiny windows, and use short resets—walks, workouts, family time—to return with clarity. Creativity is seasonal; consistency is a system. If you’re ready to trade willpower for a plan, this conversation gives you the tools to stay visible, build authority, and grow revenue even on your slowest days.If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s stuck on content, and leave a quick review so more builders can find it. Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou expect a few weeks of posts to move the needle. We’ve been there—and we’ve watched that expectation wreck good strategies and strong partnerships. This conversation resets how to think about social media ROI, not as instant sales magic, but as the credibility layer that turns referrals into real revenue and keeps your brand top of mind when buyers do their homework.We walk through the journey from Yellow Pages and TV spots to the early days of Facebook’s outsized organic reach, and into today’s reality where attention is scarce and competition is fierce. Instead of chasing hacks, we focus on what works now: consistent, useful content; clear calls to action; smart use of keywords in captions; and formats that align with your strengths. You’ll hear why word of mouth still sits at the top of the funnel, how your social profiles function as proof of life, and why your feed should sell your skill and reliability before anyone picks up the phone.We also dig into measurement that matters. Monthly analytics, side-by-side comparisons, and attribution questions reveal which posts and formats move warm leads toward bookings. Don’t love video? Use strong images and graphics while staying authentic and on brand. Overwhelm creeping in? Break the process into manageable steps, audit your presence across Google and social, and improve steadily rather than sporadically. The takeaway is simple: social media compounds. It validates your reputation, fills search results with proof, and supports sales made through relationships.Ready to level up how you show up online? Listen now, then subscribe, share this with a business friend who needs a mindset reset, and leave a quick review to help more owners find these strategies. Support the show

Send us Fan MailA prospect looks you in the eye and asks, “Why should I choose you over someone else?” Your mind races, your pitch speeds up, and the urge to compare kicks in. We slow that moment down and turn it into a clear, confident answer rooted in discovery, principles, and proof.We start with the questions that actually matter: revenue targets, sales goals, and the outcomes a client would recognize as success. From there, we outline a practical framework that replaces competitor talk with substance. You’ll hear how we set expectations for monthly access, create accountability with transparent reporting, and use simple decision rules to evaluate channels. A real client example brings it to life: when geofencing underperformed, we shifted budget into Meta ads plus organic content and saw an immediate lift while cutting costs. That pivot wasn’t luck; it was process.Along the way, we dig into what real differentiation sounds like for small businesses. It isn’t louder promises or longer feature lists. It’s the discipline to tell a client when something isn’t working, the willingness to challenge assumptions, and the habit of making timely changes based on goals and data. We show you how to bake your “why us” into the sales conversation from the start so prospects don’t need to ask. If you’re ready to sell with integrity and win on clarity, hit play, take notes, and then share your own one-line differentiator with us.If this helped sharpen your pitch, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a stronger “why you.” Support the show

Send us Fan MailTired of hearing “marketing doesn’t work for me”? We dig into why that belief keeps businesses stuck and show how simple shifts—clear goals, consistent execution, and real tracking—turn scattered efforts into steady sales. From community sponsorships and billboards to social media and your website, we break each channel down to what it should do, how to measure it, and how to iterate without wasting time or money.We start by connecting the dots many teams ignore: marketing and sales are the same system. If the phone stops ringing, the fix isn’t a miracle post; it’s alignment. You’ll hear practical ways to log lead sources, set up unique codes and URLs, and ask every caller how they found you. Sponsorships move from “nice to have” to measurable brand equity. Billboards stop being guesswork when you pair them with a single offer and trackable contact points. Social shifts from “posting a few times” to a 12-post monthly plan anchored in education, proof, and clear calls to action.Then we head to the engine room—your website. We unpack analytics in plain English: which pages attract attention, where visitors drop off, and how to streamline paths from click to call. You’ll learn why a focused headline, one strong CTA, and proof above the fold can lift conversions fast. Along the way, we share small tests that create big wins, like matching creative across channels to build recall and asking sales to log sources so budgets are guided by facts, not feelings.The takeaway is simple and empowering: marketing will work for you when you choose a goal, track the path, and tweak the details. If your growth feels random, this conversation will give you a roadmap to make every channel accountable and every experiment meaningful. If you found value here, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share this with a business owner who needs a nudge from guessing to growing. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe challenge the belief that “marketing doesn’t work” and show how goals, tracking, and consistency turn scattered efforts into sales. From billboards and sponsorships to social media and websites, we share how to test, tweak, and align marketing with sales.• marketing and sales as one system• defining goals for each channel• measuring ROI and attribution• balancing branding with response• billboard tracking and offers• social media cadence and clarity• website analytics and conversion paths• mindset shift from guessing to testingAnd if you ever have any questions, you can always reach out to me, themarketingbroker.com. I am here for you. You can also follow me on all social media Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe trade the myth of work-life balance for work-life harmony and share how to build habits that fit real seasons, not social media scripts. We also get honest about the mental toll of entrepreneurship and how to decompress without guilt.• replacing balance with harmony as a guiding mindset• shifting percentages between work and family based on need• releasing guilt when priorities change across the week• designing daily habits that match your lifestyle• movement, water, and journaling as stress relief• naming the mental load and spotting pressure markers• building a quick reset plan to prevent burnout• choosing presence and boundaries as risk management Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe explore how consistency sets a promise, reduces buyer risk, and turns casual scrollers into confident customers. Through a restaurant cautionary tale, a coffee shop case study, and a simple checklist, we show how to align your brand, content, and operations.• defining consistency as a brand promise • why predictability builds trust and reduces risk • coffee shop case study using three-post rhythm • aligning brand names with real service hours • how reviews and testimonials act as proof • learning from influencer cadence and breaks • starting small on LinkedIn with purposeful posts • value-first content that educates before selling • the tale of two bakeries and risk perception • a practical checklist to audit your consistencyIf you're interested in buying my book, you can do so at shelby'smarketingbook.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe share how choosing the right people changed our results, from guarded solo work to open collaboration that drives sales and calmer launches. We talk about picking a small circle, learning from others’ mistakes, and why competitors can become partners.• defining community as the circle that shapes decisions• lessons from isolating as a young founder and woman in business• shifting from competition to collaboration in marketing• niching down to social media, SEO and ads to enable partnerships• using peers to review offers, messaging and launch plans• building a trusted group of two to five founders• practical cadence for meetups and hot seats• benefits of an online hub with daily touchpoints• learning faster by studying others’ misstepsJoin the Boss Marketing Club for $88/year. Your first 30 days are free. Add it to your phone and get daily access, office hours, and resources. Find it on my website or in my LinkTree on Facebook and Instagram. Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe share how one salesperson turned a weak Google profile into a trust engine by asking happy clients for reviews. We show why sales and marketing work best as one team and how simple tools and steady asks move rankings, clicks, and deals.• review-driven trust as the first impression• fast rating recovery through targeted asks• sales and marketing alignment on proof and messaging• national brand awareness vs local agent credibility• templates and personal branding for reps• ask for story-rich reviews that name the rep• lightweight social engagement that builds recall• clear, repeatable actions to increase review velocity Support the show

Send us Fan MailStrategy beats shortcuts as we map a simple, repeatable system to keep your marketing fresh, measurable, and effective. We set clear goals per channel, define ROI by context, and build a 30‑day review cycle that reallocates budget toward what works.• hair-wash analogy applied to consistency and planning• setting specific goals per channel and asset• defining ROI for booths, leads groups, and ads• reading analytics and measuring what matters• social media as SEO fuel with strong CTAs• 30‑day review cycles and budget reallocation• prioritizing strategy over last‑minute marketingIf you need help with any kind of social media stuff, I do have a DIY social media webinar on my website, themarketingbroker.com Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe trade noisy, constant posting for a clean, strategic feed that educates, engages, and sells. Stories become the place for busyness while the feed stays focused so people actually hear the message and take action.• three-pillar content plan across educate, engage, sell• why overposting lowers reach and causes unfollows• using Stories for rapid updates and interaction• setting a sustainable cadence of three feed posts weekly• cross-posting between personal and business profiles• mapping 30-day content with clear CTAs and outcomes• choosing metrics that matter for impact, not vanityDownload my free DIY Social Media webinar at my website to dive deeper into content strategy and planning for your business Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe share three blunt lessons from 13 years of entrepreneurship: hire financial pros early, stop assuming every prospect is a yes, and set boundaries on volunteering so your time fuels growth. Expect candid stories, hard numbers, and practical steps you can use now.• hiring a CPA and bookkeeper to fix messy books and guide tax strategy• moving from DIY finances to quarterly reviews and profit focus• treating every prospect as earned, not assumed• asking “why no?” to gather pricing, timing, and fit feedback• refining offers, proof, and energy to improve close rates• auditing time to expose the cost of over-volunteering• choosing causes with aligned impact and clear boundaries• protecting calendar blocks for selling, delivery, and restIf you need any recommendations, I will definitely send you my guy's number. Both of them, my CPA and my bookkeeper Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe don't need perfect balance between business and motherhood – we need harmony. After having my daughter during COVID, I learned that some days my personal life takes 80% of my energy, while other days my business needs more, and that's okay.• As entrepreneurs, we're drawn to flexibility but struggle with the reality of juggling responsibilities• Having a baby completely changed my priorities in unexpected ways• Returned to work just three weeks after giving birth as the main breadwinner • Initially resisted daycare but discovered it helped both me and my daughter thrive• Learning to embrace vulnerability instead of always being "boss bae"• Letting go of perfectionism opens doors to growth personally and professionally• Children can understand when we communicate honestly about our work needs• Being authentic with clients about motherhood strengthens business relationships• We can integrate our business and mother identities rather than compartmentalizingIf you're struggling with finding harmony between motherhood and business, reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook. We're badasses and can do anything we put our minds to! Support the show

Send us Fan MailWe're tackling unprofessional marketing mistakes that could be hurting your business credibility. Shelby shares her personal experience with these common errors and provides simple, actionable solutions to fix them immediately.• Inconsistent branding across platforms weakens recognition—put your logo on everything and maintain consistent fonts and colors• Poor photo quality and overuse of generic stock photos reduces engagement—take real photos of your work, team, and projects instead• Missing or non-mobile-friendly websites hurt credibility—even a simple landing page is better than nothing• Neglecting your free Google Business Profile costs you visibility—claim and verify your profile immediately• Overselling on social media drives followers away—focus on educational and engaging content with limited direct selling• The right content mix builds trust before asking for the saleNeed help implementing these changes? Visit our website to request a free audit of your business marketing and get personalized, actionable recommendations to improve your professional image. Support the show

Send us Fan MailAvoid these marketing pitfalls if you want your new business to thrive! Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, these ten marketing mistakes could be silently sabotaging your growth.The temptation to take shortcuts is real – buying followers seems like a quick win until you realize those fake accounts never convert to sales. Running ads without proper funnels? That's just throwing money into the digital void. And trying to maintain a presence on every social platform often leads to inconsistent posting and burnout rather than meaningful engagement.What works for your competitors won't necessarily work for you. Your authenticity and unique approach are your greatest assets, so stop copying others and define your own voice. Proper branding isn't optional – it sets the foundation for every marketing effort and builds crucial trust before customers ever contact you. Quality always trumps quantity when it comes to content, so ditch the daily posting schedule and focus on strategic, valuable content that serves your audience.The most successful small businesses understand that marketing extends far beyond social media. Email campaigns, networking, professional photography, and careful analytics all play crucial roles in a comprehensive strategy. When you diversify your approach and make data-driven decisions, you create multiple opportunities for customers to discover and connect with your business on their terms.Ready to transform your marketing approach? Start by focusing on one strong channel, then layer in complementary strategies over time. Your business deserves better than these common marketing mistakes – listen now to learn what to do instead! Support the show

Send us Fan MailMarketing budgets need to align with realistic expectations, starting with at least $500 monthly for small businesses and growing to 10% of your revenue goal. Strategic spending on tools like Canva Pro, targeted Facebook boosting, geofencing campaigns, and email marketing can maximize impact when combined with significant sweat equity.• Facebook business page, Instagram, and Google Business Profile are free marketing tools that only cost time• $500 monthly budget breakdown: Canva Pro ($50/year), strategic Facebook boosting ($100), geofencing ads ($150), email marketing platform ($50-150)• Plan for 10-20 hours of monthly sweat equity creating content, networking, and updating profiles• Calculate your ideal marketing budget as 10% of your annual revenue goal• Consider the opportunity cost of DIY marketing versus hiring professionals as you grow Support the show

Send us Fan MailShelby brings her four-year-old daughter McKenzie Rose onto the Marketing Happy Hour podcast for an impromptu and adorable interview about marketing. The unscripted conversation reveals surprising insights and hilariously direct advice that reminds us of the power of simplicity in marketing communication.• McKenzie describes her mom's work as "taking pictures" and helping with "stickers on windows"• When choosing a talking animal mascot for business, McKenzie selects a hungry green snake• Her advice for when no one buys your products: "go work out" to release stress• Marketing strategy tips include screaming "BUY IT NOW" rather than saying please• The suggested slogan "yummy yummy tum tum tum" showcases child-like marketing directness• McKenzie recommends selling lemonade and "eating breadsticks" as the path to wealth• Shelby's daughter shows early signs of being a "mini boss babe" and future podcaster Support the show

Send us Fan MailIdentifying the right time to transition from DIY marketing to hiring a professional can transform your business growth trajectory and free you to focus on your core expertise. Consistency, strategy, and measurable results mark the difference between amateur and professional marketing approaches.• Post at least three times weekly on social media to benefit your SEO and maintain visibility• Shift from reactive posting to strategic marketing that aligns with your overall business goals• When business growth outpaces your marketing capabilities, it's time to delegate• Word-of-mouth isn't enough - your digital presence needs to reinforce referrals• Stop losing valuable time on marketing research instead of money-making activities• Professional marketing is a collaborative partnership, not a complete handoff• Clear communication of expectations and industry understanding are essential when choosing a marketing partner• Beware of red flags like promises of instant Google ranking or followers without strategy• Budget between $500-1000 monthly for effective small business marketingReady to stop spinning your wheels with DIY marketing? Visit themktgbroker.com to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help grow your business. Support the show

Send us Fan MailDon't stress about low social media engagement—it's a widespread trend reflecting changing user behavior rather than poor content quality. Looking at impressions instead of likes gives you a more accurate picture of your content's reach and effectiveness.• Most people have become passive scrollers who rarely like, comment, or share content• The habit of enthusiastic engagement from early social media days has dramatically changed• Focus on impression analytics rather than engagement metrics• Create engaging content through behind-the-scenes videos, blooper reels, and time-lapses• Utilize Stories, which often get more views than regular posts• Be more engaging with others' content—you reap what you sow Support the show

Send us Fan MailShelby McFarland shares her journey of rebranding from Exposed Marketing to Shelby and Company Incorporated to The Marketing Broker, explaining the strategic reasons behind each change and the lessons learned along the way.• Choose a business name that clearly reflects what you do to avoid constant explanation• Google any potential business name thoroughly to avoid trademark issues• Consider your long-term exit strategy when naming your business• Remove your personal name from the business if you ever plan to sell it• Find people who can replace you as "the glue" of your business• Create a comprehensive rebranding plan including press releases, social media announcements, and client communications• Update all branding materials simultaneously for a clean transition• Notify existing clients before making public announcements about rebranding• A strategic rebrand can actually help generate new business opportunitiesIf you're thinking about rebranding your business, take the leap with confidence - you already have the entrepreneurial drive to make it successful. Support the show