As we start the new year, Matt and Jim are clearing the slate. In this episode, they're talking about the biggest marketing myths that small businesses need to leave behind in 2026. These are the ideas that sound good but quietly hold businesses back. They unpack common beliefs around social media, advertising, branding, and growth that no longer match how customers actually behave. They explain why these myths persist, where business owners get stuck, and what to focus on instead as you head into the new year. This episode is less about trends and more about clarity. If you want to start 2026 with a cleaner, more focused marketing approach, this conversation will help you stop chasing the wrong things and double down on what actually works.

HAVE A SHOW IDEA?

Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email [email protected] and we'll add it to our future episodes.

Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter.

Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work.

Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.