Frustrated By Your Marketing?

Join Jim and Madison as they delve into the captivating world of Apple’s marketing mastery. They dissect two recent Apple events, unveiling the company’s innovative products, and explore what Apple said and how they said it. Discover the secrets behind Apple’s exceptional presentation skills, emotionally resonant commercials, and the impressive production value of their virtual events. From the allure of cutting-edge technology to the art of keeping audiences spellbound, this episode offers a fascinating look at the magic of Apple’s marketing. Tune in as they unravel the secrets of this tech giant’s success!

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 00:39 - Overview of Apple’s recent events
• 01:40 - The art of keeping audiences engaged
• 05:12 - Apple keeps things exciting (even when they’re not)
• 10:14 - Why we watch Apple Events
• 11:14 - Why do some people hate Apple?
• 12:17 - How Apple builds brand loyalty with an Apple ecosystem
• 14:43 - Apple’s quirky approach to promoting carbon-neutral products
• 16:12 - Our favorite new iOS 17 features
• 18:48 - Apple Podcasts are getting a facelift
• 24:10 - New iPhone camera features we’re excited about

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/6lGM4XH3VkM

Like it or not, your website often serves as your business’s first impression to customers. And if you’re trying to make it a good one, you need to know the critical aspects that can make or break someone’s interest. In this episode, Jim and Madison delve into everything web design, discussing common pitfalls to avoid and highlighting the importance of staying up-to-date with content, design aesthetics, and branding.

Jim and Madison stress the role of trust signals, such as product information, images, and testimonials, in building credibility with visitors. They also touch on the importance of website speed, mobile-friendliness, and user-friendly navigation. Overall, Jim and Madison will teach you everything you need to know about impressing and keeping your customers.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 01:10 - Avoiding Bad First Impressions
• 07:13 - Tips For Building Trust
• 08:28 - The Power of Pictures & Sharing Your Pricing
• 11:25 - Follow The Golden Rule: Communication Is Key
• 12:36 - Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
• 13:10 - Showcase Your Achievements & Other Trust Factors
• 16:30 - Knowing Your Audience Makes a Difference
• 19:31 - The Importance of Speed, Security & Ease of Navigation
• 22:50 - TLDL (Too Long Didn’t Listen) Overview

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/3DWmDdj0zik

There’s no denying the fact that the social media landscape has undergone immense changes this year. Whether it’s old apps trying to reinvent themselves or new ones emerging on the scene, social media is constantly evolving. Join Jim and Madison as they break down what’s changed and what it means for the marketing industry.

Jim and Madison will cover X (formerly known as Twitter), Threads, and Amazon Inspire. They’ll also discuss the influence of tech giant Elon Musk and what the Fediverse might mean for the future of social media and communication.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 01:30 - Elon Musk Rebrands Twitter as X
• 05:46 - Will Elon Musk Bring Back Vine
• 07:55 - Our Elon Musk & X (Twitter) Predictions
• 08:30 - Why X (Twitter) Will Survive
• 11:42 - Why Threads is Failing
• 19:56 - Our Predictions for the Future of Instagram
• 23:05 - The Fediverse & the Future of Social Media
• 31:18 - Amazon Inspire & Influencer Videos

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/BaHxr4vJing

Email campaigns might not be the latest trend in marketing, but they continue to be one of the best. In this episode, Jim and Madison discuss the ins and outs of email marketing and how it can be a major asset to any brand looking to grow.

Whether the purpose is to inform, persuade, or excite, emails can serve as a reminder to customers in a variety of ways. And even if people don’t take the time to read them thoroughly, they’ll ultimately help your business stand out among the rest. Yet, as Jim and Madison note, there is an art behind email marketing. From well-written subject lines to carefully crafted email lists, mastering email marketing isn’t as easy as simply pressing ‘send all.’

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 00:47 - SkyeLine’s marketing improvements (listening to our own advice)
• 01:30 - Why email marketing is for everyone
• 01:53 - What exactly is email marketing?
• 03:10 - Mailchimp and other email marketing options
• 04:25 - If it’s going to be spam, make it good
• 05:49 - How even unopened emails can open new doors
• 06:13 - The importance of subject lines
• 08:29 - The basics of building an email list
• 10:37 - Adding email signups to websites
• 12:49 - Starting an email list from scratch
• 13:53 - Jim’s experience with buying email lists
• 16:31 - How emails can boost ROI
• 18:34 - Generational feelings towards emails
• 23:29 - Our success stories with clients
• 26:37 - Madison’s book updates

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/kRnvhWXZYlc

Join Jim and Madison as they dive into what so many people may be wondering: Is AI outsmarting us? In this episode, they unravel what the future of AI will hold, how it will impact different industries, and why ultimately, it won’t replace specific jobs because we crave uniqueness.

Jim discusses his prediction for Gen Alpha and how AI is like a calculator; you must learn how to perform the tasks first without AI to use it correctly. Madison talks about why the writing industry is nervous about AI and how she has learned to use it to respond to restaurant reviews.

A significant part of marketing is learning to stand out. If you solely rely on AI, it will bring your marketing towards the middle. You need to understand marketing to use it to stand out from your competition.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 01:55 - Jim’s prediction about Gen Alpha
• 02:40 - How AI will impact different industries
• 04:05 - How AI is like a calculator
• 06:15 - Using AI for reviews
• 09:46 - Uniqueness is what drives our interest in things

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/-seA54nfUAo

Join Jim and Madison as they dive deep into the world of WordPress in celebration of its 20th anniversary. In this episode, they unveil the reasons behind the unrivaled popularity of the #1 website-building platform. From personal experiences to favorite plugins, they discuss why WordPress remains their top choice over other platforms.

Tune in to discover the secrets behind WordPress' widespread adoption - 43% of all websites and 64% of Content Management System (CMS) websites use WordPress. Plus, learn the benefits it offers beginners and the importance of finding the perfect WordPress hosting company for optimal speed and security.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 01:09 - Jim’s WordPress Journey
• 06:36 - Madison’s WordPress Journey
• 08:57 - Why you should choose WordPress when starting a new website
• 12:18 - Why WordPress is so great
• 13:44 - CMS Market Share Overview (WordPress has a 64.2% Market Share)
• 17:50 - WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com
• 19:54 - Why Jim doesn’t like the Gutenberg block builder but loves Elementor
• 21:15 - The importance of website speed
• 22:13 - Our Favorite WordPress Plugins (ManageWP [22:29], Yoast SEO [23:45] & Gravity Forms [26:13])
• 29:35 - WordPress Hosting & Security

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nk84QrcGjTY

In this episode, Jim talks to Madison about marketing her upcoming book, The Cipher of Sons. She discusses her inspiration for writing a book and why she used the pen name, Madison Gray. She dives into how she markets her book on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms and why she chose the self-publishing platform IngramSpark.

Jim talks about the influence of Chat GPT and how it won’t replace authors and produce the same quality of books. He also chats about Kenya’s book, The Little Thoughts Inside, and how she found a publishing company after self-publishing on Amazon.

Finally, Jim talks about bootstrap marketing and how doing your own marketing is important at first when it’s a side hustle or passion project. You need to believe in yourself and put in that sweat equity to build your brand before you hire a marketing firm.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 00:56 - Marketing in The News
• 05:23 - An introduction to Madison’s book, The Cipher of Sons
• 06:46 - Madison discusses what made her want to write a book
• 11:18 - Marketing a book before release on social media with #BookTalk
• 13:10 - ChatGPT’s impact on the writing industry
• 17:04 - Indie vs. Traditional Publishing
• 18:57 - Bootstrap Marketing
• 23:29 - An introduction to Kenya’s book, The Little Thoughts Inside
• 25:34 - Kindle Direct Publishing vs. IngramSpark
• 28:23 - The importance of doing your own marketing for a passion project
• 30:40 - Why Madison chose Wordpress.com vs. Wordpress.org for her author website

Links:

• Madison Gray (Website) - https://madisongraytheauthor.com
• Madison Gray (TikTok) - https://www.tiktok.com/@madisongraytheauthor
• Madison Gray (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/madisongraytheauthor/
• The Little Thoughts Inside (Pre-Order) - https://devorss.com/products/the-little-thoughts-inside
• The Little Thoughts Inside (Facebook) - https://www.facebook.com/thelittlethoughtsinside
• Kindle Direct Publishing - https://kdp.amazon.com
• IngramSpark - https://www.ingramspark.com

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/HVEZQzMnGpY

In this episode, Jim and Madison chat with their first guest Kayla Wells, a podcast marketing expert helping podcasters grow their shows since 2019. Kayla has become a go-to resource for businesses and content creators looking to get more attention for their shows. Having started her career in customer service, Kayla switched to podcasting when she discovered her passion for marketing. Today, Kayla hosts “Your Podcast Strategist Show,” where she shares valuable tips and insights for growing a successful podcast. Her show helped us on our podcast journey, and she’s a great resource if you need help with your podcast.

Kayla shares her top tips for businesses looking to grow their podcast by discussing content creation and guest management, creating searchable podcast titles, podcast marketing on social media and your website, revisiting previous episodes, and more helpful podcast marketing tips.

Key Moments From This Episode:

• 01:05 - Kayla Wells’ Background & Podcasting Journey
• 06:00 - Reviewing Kayla’s Podcast Episode #19, “5 Actionable Marketing Tips for Podcast Growth”
• 10:57 - Posting Frequency & Consistency
• 13:32 - The Importance of Frequency & Growth
• 15:44 - The Best Time to Post Your Podcast
• 22:12 - The Importance of Revisiting Previous Episodes
• 26:06 - The Struggles of Content Creation & Guest Management
• 29:02 - The Importance of Repetition in Marketing
• 30:27 - How Guesting on Podcasts Helps to Grow Your Audience
• 33:47 - Aligning with Your Target Audience
• 40:06 - Choosing the Right Social Platforms to Market Your Podcast
• 45:29 - The Importance of Searchable Podcast Titles
• 50:52 - The Importance of Conversational Podcasts

Where You Can Find Kayla Wells & “Your Podcast Strategist Show”:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kwellspodcastservices/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylaawells117
• Website - https://KWellsCompanies.com/
• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-podcast-strategist-show/id1615460414

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z9A3D2-c7eE

In this episode, Jim and Madison dig through the Marketing Junk Drawer and discuss some recent marketing that caught their attention - because everything is marketing! They discuss how your staff is vital for successful marketing and great promotions by Monster Energy and Dove, plus a few other stories.

Jim talks about the episode Nosedive from the show Black Mirror (01:55) and how it showcases the worst-case scenario for reviews in our culture. He also talks about a positive (07:25) and negative (17:42) experience with front desk staff at two medical offices. Finally, he talks about working deeply when doing photography (28:23) or any other skill you want to improve. You’ll get more creative, think in the moment, and improve your muscle memory for that skill.

Madison talks about the new promo video from Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville, North Carolina, for their Wishing Star Cold IPA (03:45). She also talks about the dressing room staff at Altar’d State (13:52) and how they make the shopping experience easier for the customer while also improving their bottom line. Finally, she discusses the Monster Energy Supercross FanFest campaign (23:49), which promotes recycling and its brand in a hard-to-forget way.

Together, Jim and Madison discuss “The Cost of Beauty” Dove Campaign (32:18) and social media’s negative impact on mental health and body positivity for kids.

Links:

• Nosedive | Black Mirror - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5497778
• Wishing Star Cold IPA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ8vy_rIMHk
• Park Avenue Fertility (Dr. Levi) - https://parkavefertility.com
• Altar'd State - https://www.altardstate.com
• Monster Energy Supercross FanFest - https://www.supercrosslive.com/fanfest
• Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ngESNoacxM

Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/LREHNq9NbSw

In this episode, Jim and Madison discuss and make predictions about the success of two recently growing social media platforms - Lemon8 and Clapper.

Lemon8 was created by Heliophilia Pte. Ltd. but is owned by ByteDance, the same parent company as TikTok. The platform aims to connect people who share common interests, passions, and hobbies through a platform similar to Instagram and Pinterest. Topics include Fashion, Beauty, Food, Wellness, Travel & Home.

Clapper is a video-sharing platform that offers a range of features similar to those found on TikTok but also has some unique features. The U.S.-based company prioritizes privacy and security and is poised to take market share if TikTok is banned in the U.S. Clapper also claims to use an ‘equal opportunity’ algorithm to showcase ordinary, real, and diverse communities of people.

They also discuss how Lemon8 attracts more influencers and women, while Clapper encourages the creation of unique and original videos by everyone.

Jim discusses the history of many failed social media platforms and the broader implications for these new social media apps. Madison talks about the goals of both platforms and how they originally wanted to help creators.

Unsolicited Marketing Feedback: Jim and Madison discuss how HBO Max is rebranding to Max. They look at the logo redesign as well as their predictions for how successful the rebranding will be.

Links:

• Lemon8 - https://www.lemon8-app.com
• Clapper - https://clapperapp.com
• HBO - https://www.max.com

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Watch This Episode On YouTube: https://youtu.be/hKly1WkgJVY