The Monday Morning Marketing

In this episode, we learn why scaling your small business can lead to greater success and how to do it more effectively. Discover strategies from expert Aaron Gibson that every entrepreneur should know today and in the future.

Many business owners feel uncomfortable with the idea of doing a competitor analysis, worrying it may lead to copying. However, conducting a competitor analysis can be a game-changer!In this episode, Melanie shares valuable strategies on howto effectively analyse your competitors without losing sight of your unique brand identity. Competitor analysis isn’t about mimicking others but ratherabout uncovering what resonates with them and hopefully your customers. You learn about market trends, customer preferences, and areas you can build your USP.

Many business owners find themselves in a frustrating cycle of posting regularly on social media but not seeing the desired results. Have you ever wondered why your consistent efforts feel like they’re falling flat?In this episode, Melanie discusses the crucial differences between merely posting content and implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy, providing insightson how to elevate your online presence and drive engagement. 

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially whenIt comes to marketing. With so many options available, how do you figure out what works best for your unique situation? In this episode, Esther and Melanie chat with Jacinta Devlin and they'll explore the concept of the marketing mix and its importance in reaching your target audience. They will share practical strategies that can help you implement asuccessful marketing mix, focusing on social media, email marketing, and your website.

Can your customers tell when your content is created by AI?With tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot becoming commonplace, marketers, business owners, and content creators need to understand the implications of AI-generated content. In this episode, Melanie explores the signs that may indicate AI usage, the risks and benefits of employing these technologies, and how to maintain your authentic voice while leveraging AI.

What are the pros and cons of using local accents inadvertising? Accents can affect brand perception and audience connection.After a recent discussion with Daniel Knowlton, our hostsEsther Ocampo and Melanie Boylan chatted about the nuances of this strategy. Listen in for tips:Naturally, using a local accent in advertising can create asense of authenticity and relatability. When your customer hears a familiar voice, they may feel more connected to the brand.

Edutainment and Advertainment. Is there any difference between them, and if so how? We hear from Daniel Knowlton in this week’s episode about the values of this strategy for small and large businesses alike.Just this last month, Knowlton Marketing released a public report that they put together called the 2026 Marketing Performance Report after speaking to 25 of the leading marketers from brands like Disney, Salesforce, BBC, and Channel 4. Might be worth a squidge.

Building relationships is a fundamental aspect of driving business success. By prioritising communication, practicing networking strategies, and fostering authentic connections, you can create a network that supports and elevates your business. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship that could lead to your next big break. Have a listen for tips today.

Reaching your audience can be done in so many varied ways these days. You can even use community notice boards, or pop over to X and look up Journo Request and HARO and take part in the conversation. Listen to this week’s episode to hear a full range of creative ways to make the most of your creativity.

Do you know what a “tripwire offer” is? Find out in this episode with Ken Nedy. This psychology-led, stand-up comedian and marketer brings all the answers about email marketing.“AI has accelerated everything”. Hear from Ken Nedy as he outlines the tips and the TOOLS you need to know about email marketing for your business.

How does the word “jelly babies” make you feel? It’s harkening back to the good ole days. Listen as these two dears reminisce and chat about creating an emotional connection to your audience.Did you connect with That 70’s Show and Stranger Things? Was it the plot or was it the scenes, clothing and even the language? Listen to nostalgia in marketing today.

In this episode, Esther and Melanie chat about how AI may be taking away independent thought and general independence from business owners. Has it become a crutch, or is it an aid? Listen as the ladies chat about the topic and tell us your thoughts. Are we no longer trusting what we read and see because of AI? Tell us what you think after having a listen.

In this episode, Nikki Rausch tells us how she developed the sales styles that work for her clients from her start in NLP. She explains how we should use the psychology of sales when we go to sell to our customers. If you feel like you’re doing sales TO someone? It can feel a little manipulative if you’re already not comfortable with sales. “It’s not your job to convince people to buy from you”. Find out what your job actually is from Nikki Rausch Sales Maven in this week’s episode.

Are you using all aspects of marketing in your business? Using a mixture of owned, earned and paid marketing (POEM) can make a real difference. In this episode, Esther and Melanie explain the different areas of marketing that fall into each of these categories. Grab a pen and paper and work out which group your platforms fall into and how to maximise their potential.

Ever feel like you're not getting anywhere because there are too many other people offering the same services or products as you? In this episode, Esther and Melanie talk about how the market isn't actually saturated, you just need to focus your efforts in a different section of it.

Does Meta / Facebook ads confuse and frustrate you? It does a lot of people! When we got the chance to bring Aggie Meroni on to the podcast, we leapt at it. She has held nothing back in this 30 minute episode. Grab your pen and paper as she gives a LOT of information away in the episode about techniques you can use to start and improve your use of it.

In this episode we hear about what and how a marketing strategy called "Easter eggs" is used for.Have you considered this for your strategy? Listen as the ladies chat about this concept and make suggestions on how to use one.

Ever feel like you don't belong in the industry? Like everyone else thinks you don't know what you're talking about? It happens to most people and it's called "Imposter Syndrome". In this episode, Esther and Melanie discuss how it has affected them and how to overcome it.

Sustainability is talked about a lot these days, but how can it be included in your marketing? In this episode, Esther and Melanie talk to Izy Boyd, a champion of change, about greenwashing vs real sustainability and how to use your marketing to show the changes you've made in your business.

Wondering what events are worth attending between now and end of June 2026 where you'll be able to learn more about what's happening in the world of social media and marketing without leaving your house? In this episode, Esther and Melanie have compiled a list of events that have online access. They have attended most of these events personally so they know you'll get value from attending, even if it is virtually.Let us know of any others you have attended and would recommend.

Ever wondered about how to create your own podcast for your business? In this episode, Esther and Melanie describe what they did, their top recommendations to get started and also a few things they would do differently if they were to do it all again. If you want a more detailed plan, head to our Etsy store and download the e-Book "How to Start a Podcast".

The Internet feels saturated with content these days, so how can you stand out from the crowd? That's what Dave Levin talks to Esther and Melanie about in this episode. He gives tips and advice so grab your notebook and pen to jot them all down.

What would they be and why? There are so many marketing channels available to small business owners these days it can be difficult to know where to focus your time and attention. In this episode, Esther and Melanie answer with theirs and you might be surprised by some of their responses. What would yours be and why? Tell us your top three.

In this episode, the duo chat about the methods and strategies you might want to consider when it comes to keeping your customers.What is your onboarding like for your customers? This can aid your ongoing relationship with the customer and help you upsell and cross sell. Have a listen for tips today.

PR doesn’t have to be costly, as Sara McCracken points out in this episode, but it does have to be part of your marketing strategy. In this episode, Esther and Melanie ask the questions you want answered about PR. Stick around to the end of the episode for all the great tips Sara gives.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) both help you get found online by your potential clients. In this episode, Esther takes you through the differences and how to start implementing them this week.

Content creation is probably the most time-consuming role of a marketer. In this episode, Melanie outlines this rule and how you can use it to help make your content easier and faster. Be sure to have a pen and paper ready.You can find her blog on her website: https://www.stomp.ie/post/using-the-10-4-1-rule-for-social-media

This time Melanie speaks to Phil Mershon, author of "Unforgettable," discussing how to create memorable event experiences. He shares insights from Social Media Marketing World on engaging attendees, attracting speakers, planning logistics, and the importance of staff training and collaboration to ensure a positive customer journey.

In what has become tradition, here are the marketing predictions that Esther and Melanie think will be game changers this year. Plus, it’s the 6th anniversary episode!! Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think will be big in marketing in 2026.

Automations help ease your workload but where should you start? That’s what Esther and Melanie discuss with Linda Monahan, The Habit Boss, in this episode, along with what you can automate and how to set them up.

In this episode, Esther and Melanie explore the marketing mix of company, customers, competitors, product, price, place and promotion.

Do you use royalty free music and images? Do you know where to get them from? Great! So does everyone else in your industry - so are they using the same images as you?It's something to think about and in this episode, Esther gives you some advice and suggestions on alternative things to use.What's the most random image or music you've used with your content? Let us know in the comments or send us an email.

If you have a website, this is the episode for you. Amanda joins Esther and Melanie to explain why you need to connect your website to GA4* (Google Analytics). That way you’ll be able to see what’s working and what’s not. She gives lots of tips and advice on what to monitor, how to set up various aspects of it and more so grab a pen and paper to take notes. *other analytics tools are available

What are marketing funnels? How do you get your audience into the funnel? What should you do if people don't go all the way through the funnel... So many questions so that's why Esther and Melanie talk about this topic in this episode. Grab a pen and paper to take notes.

You've heard the old addage - "never work with children or animals" - but does it still hold true today? Social media posts containing children, animals, or both tend to do very well in terms of views and engagement but are they something you should be adding into your strategy? That's what Esther and Melanie discuss today.

If you want to make money from marketing then this episode is for you. Esther talks to Niki Hutchison about what to do and what not to do when it comes to generating an income from marketing. Grab your notebook and get ready for all the great advice Niki has.

One product can't be sold to everyone. You need to tailor your product or service to your audience. As Esther reminds us in this episode: “You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, or you’d be a mug”.

Before posting content or advertising your products and services think about WIIFM, or rather WIIFMA (What's In It For My Audience). In this episode Esther and Melanie discuss different ideas on how to make it more valuable for your customers without you spending a lot of money.

Esther and Melanie are joined by Niraj Kapur in this episode to talk about how to use LinkedIn to get sales - with a few top tips on what NOT to do as well. Take notes as you listen and be sure to catch Niraj at Social Media Fest in November.

In this episode, Esther and Melanie talk about essential marketing skills for small business owners, cost-effective ways to improve marketing capabilities, and tools and resources for self-taught marketers.What would you add to their list of suggestions?

In this episode, Esther and Melanie discuss what content marketing is, why it's important and how to leverage it in your business.Hear the explanations and start using purposeful content marketing today!

What does it mean to have accessible marketing, how do you achieve accessibility in marketing and what exactly is WCAG 2.2 AA??All of these questions and more are answered in this episode when Esther and Melanie speak to Tania Gerard.

In this special 300th episode, Esther and Melanie look back on what has changed and what has stayed the same in marketing over the past 300 episodes. There's also a special giveaway to celebrate making it to 300 episodes so listen in and enter for your chance to win.

Monitoring your social platforms is way more than just customer service. Find out in today's episode about all the essential touch points that can be covered by properly monitoring the. Learn how you can use free and paid tools to do it yourself.

In this episode, Esther and Melanie speak to Deborah Jordan, founder of ChuzeDay. ChuzeDay is a small business solution to help with bookings, appointment reminders and more. Deborah also runs meet ups for solopreneurs because she knows how lonely it can be to work on your own. Listen to the conversation and find out more about ChuzeDay.

What is social proof, why does it matter, and how can you use it to build trust and grow your business? That's what Esther and Melanie discuss in this episode of The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast.Do you gather social proof? Be sure to leave us a review where you listen to this episode to let us know what you think of it.

Are you using Threads as part of your marketing plan? Are you finding that you're not getting the desired results? Then listen to this episode where Esther takes you through some interesting statistics and top tips on how to get better return from Threads. Let us know if it's working for you.

Ever wondered how marketers are using AI? Well, today's guest (Ayo Abbas) asked them directly and the results are in. Listen as Esther and Melanie explore the different ways marketers are using AI - but are they being truthful in their answers?

What are some do's and dont's when it comes to the online world? That's what Esther and Melanie discuss in this episode of The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast. What else would you add?

Having your social media accounts verified has to have some advantages, right? Some platforms charge you to verify your account, others give you the much sought after blue tick based on the number of followers or content you make. But is it even worth it to be verified? What are the benefits of it anyway? That's what Esther and Melanie discuss in this episode.Are you verified? Let us know what differences you've noticed (if any)