Digital Marketing Stories

We are back with the start of Season 3 of Digital Marketing Stories

After a much-needed sabbatical, host Jim Banks returns with a fresh perspective and an exciting guest to kick things off.

Kirsten Graham, is the co-owner of Six Figure Business Coaching.

In this episode Kirsten shares her 15+ years of entrepreneurial experience, diving into the world of outsourcing, automation, and the power of video marketing for small businesses.

Kirsten reveals why she believes YouTube is just as crucial for business owners today as a website was back in the early 2000s, and how genuine video content can forge meaningful client connections—even before a handshake. Jim and Kirsten get honest about the realities of solopreneurship, overcoming the fear of being on camera, building authentic communities (online and off), and using evergreen content to consistently attract the right clients.

They also chat about the importance of staying hands-on with your finances, how to embrace support through outsourcing, adapting to the rise of AI, and the untapped value of maintaining an active email list.

Plus, the conversation touches on finding your voice as a content creator, market research secrets, the unexpected magic of podcasting, and why sometimes your best clients find you—not the other way around.

Whether you’re ready to scale to six figures or just getting started in your business journey, this episode is packed with stories, practical insights, and a few laughs to inspire your next chapter.

If you are an aspiring female business owner this is an episode not to be missed.

• Spotter Studio - The all-in-one YouTube Ideation Suite
• YouTube - Six Figure Business
• Instagram - Six Figure Business
• Six Figure Business Coaching
• Descript - Video editing, filler word removal

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Joe Rare is a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing expert from Montana.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories Joe discusses the influx of people moving to Montana due to its portrayal on the TV show Yellowstone.

He shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his admiration for a successful business owner in his youth and reading 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' at 18.

Joe emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, his experiences with highs and lows, and his transition into real estate investment and digital businesses of which he has many.

He also delves into the significance of effective communication with virtual assistants, the impact of AI on business, and strategies for growth and maximising efficiency.

The episode concludes with Joe's insights on the cyclical nature of business and the value of learning from failure.

If you have any desire to understand how Virtual Assistants (VA's) can help grow your business this is a must listen to episode you need to listen to the very end of.

• The 4-Hour Work Week - Tim Ferris
• Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode, Jim welcomes Ben Jones, CEO of Titan Marketer, a YouTube advertising specialist based in Perth, Australia.

Ben shares insights into his company's focus on YouTube ads, the shift from consulting to a done-for-you agency, and his global recognition in the industry.

They talk about the effectiveness of different advertising platforms, and cast a critical eye on Performance Max campaigns and the advantages of YouTube ads for lead generation.

They cover targeting strategies, creative content processes, and the impact of AI on advertisers.

They talk about the evolving landscape of in-person events in a post-COVID world and the nuances of successful YouTube ad campaigns generally.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to harness the potential of YouTube advertising.

• Semrush

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, Jim interviews Peter Murphy Lewis, also known as Strategic Pete.

Pete discusses his background growing up in Kansas, working in Boston, and living in Chile.

He explains his work as a fractional CMO, including his transition back to the U.S. and how he helps companies scale, rebrand, and increase revenue within a six to 18 month window before disengaging.

They discuss common mistakes businesses make, such as hiring agencies without a strategy and struggling with attribution in B2B marketing.

Pete also shares insights on the importance of organic social media, using data-driven techniques, and the value of CEOs hosting podcasts.

The episode highlights Pete's approach to solving problems, working with a dedicated team, and pushing marketing efforts to new limits.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

Mike Vannelli, the creative director of Think Envy, shares his evolution in the creative industry.

He started his career in the competitive music video sector, working with significant artists like Wiz Khalifa and Three 6 Mafia before shifting to advertising and commercial production.

Vannelli discusses how his business adapted to COVID-19 by leveraging backlog and quick adjustments that allowed them to return to filming smoothly in Los Angeles.

We touch on the impact and future of AI in video production, particularly in scriptwriting and ideation, and the increasing demand for high-quality advertisement content over UGC (User-Generated Content).

Mike shares insights on managing a production studio, including monetizing unused studio space by renting it out for podcasts and other content creation.

He explains the importance of diversification and flexibility in client offerings and their method of transparent pricing and service innovation using platforms like Fiverr.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode Jim talks to Angela Tipton and Travis Franklin, cousins and business partners specializing in marketing for biotech and agricuture tech companies.

They discuss how they entered the business, the fast-paced nature of these industries, and the importance of understanding client strategies deeply before execution.

They touch on advancements in drone technology, AI, and automation, and how these technologies are transforming marketing strategies.

The discussion explores the ethical implications of AI, the long-term impacts of marketing, and the responsibilities of marketers in shaping societal narratives.

Angela and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of aligning with clients who share similar ethical values.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks. 

In this conversational podcast episode, Jim talks to Chris Smith from Podtastic Audio.

Chris is a podcaster as well as a truck driver from San Diego. 

They discuss Chris's podcasting journey with his wife, the origin and success of his podcast 'Podtastic Audio,' and his experience balancing work life and podcasting. 

Chris shares insights on effective podcast hosting and guesting, including the importance of delivering value, having a clear message, and the benefits of a good story. 

The episode touches on the evolution of podcasting technology, challenges faced, and tips for improving audio quality. 

The conversation concludes with how Chris provides podcasting services for clients and his plans for the future, including writing a book.

• Descript - Video editing, filler word removal
• Notion - Podcast workflow and episode distribution

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks. 

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, host Jim Banks interviews Naresh Vissa, the founder of Krish Media & Marketing and Krish Capital.

Naresh shares his journey from Wall Street to becoming a digital marketing and real estate entrepreneur.

He details his service offerings, emphasizing his approach to providing 'almost' full-service digital marketing by outsourcing.

Naresh also discusses his podcasting experience, advice on monetising podcasts, and insights on leveraging AI and outsourcing to maximize efficiency and quality.

He talks about the importance of passion in business and being transparent and being adaptive to client needs.

• TRUMPBOOK: How Digital Liberals Silenced A Nation Into Making America Hate Again
• THE NEW PR: 21st Century Public Relations Strategies & Resources... To Reach Millions
• Fifty Shades Of Marketing: Whip Your Business Into Shape & Dominate Your Competition
• Podcastnomics: The Book of Podcasting... To Make You Millions

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

Melissa Snow is the founder of the Powerful Women Rising Community.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories Melissa shares her journey from being a high school English teacher and personal injury paralegal to becoming an entrepreneur by accident.

She discusses her initial venture into life coaching and the realization of the importance of networking and relationships in business growth.

Melissa highlights the benefits of her community, which includes coworking, mastermind calls, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs.

We explore the common challenges women face when starting a business and the value of strategic networking over conventional business setups like logos and websites.

Melissa talks about how her podcast supports her community by offering actionable business advice and fostering genuine connections.

The episode looks at the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, the impact of AI, and the future of networking in 2025 and beyond.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, Jim talks with John McDougall, a veteran in the digital marketing field.

John recounts his early experiences starting from 1995 when he was tasked with selling websites at his father's agency.

He describes how he learned about it in 1996 and utilized tools like WebPosition Gold.

John and Jim exchange stories from the late '90s and early 2000s, covering keyword stuffing, link-building strategies, and the evolution of SEO tactics.

They discuss the changing landscape of digital marketing, the importance of content creation, and the challenges of working with difficult clients.

John shares his insights on niche marketing, in law firms and education, the significance of technical SEO, and the role of AI in SEO practices.

The episode also touches on the educational aspect of digital marketing, emphasising the need for up-to-date, practical knowledge in university curricula.

• Content Marketing and SEO for Law Firms: How to Get Consistent Website Leads by Following a Highly Actionable Roadmap

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories.