Savvy Startup Marketer

Money management is a tricky balance in the first years of business. It's tempting to spend too much on expensive marketing methods only to have intense regret when the pricey strategy doesn't result in sales. In this remix throwback episode, Lindsey returns to one of the most popular Savvy Startup Marketer episodes to give her fresh 2026 take on marketing money wasters and the fiscally smart way to market a new business.

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In this episode, Lindsey demystifies the shift from traditional SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for AI platforms. The episode guides female entrepreneurs on adapting content for high-intent AI searchers, emphasizing building upon SEO foundations to establish brand expertise.

(20:07): Understanding the shift from SEO to AEO for AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini, where users seek direct answers.

(27:40): AI search provides a "one-stop" answer experience, requiring comprehensive and authoritative website content to offer full solutions directly.

(58:55): Transitioning content strategy from numerous short blogs to fewer, highly comprehensive "TED talk type in-depth articles" to establish brand expertise.

(1:03:22): Actionable steps include conducting AI searches, prioritizing traditional SEO for local businesses, and focusing on five "hottest topics" for rich, credible content.

(1:07:52): Leveraging Google Search Console to monitor website performance, refine SEO strategy, and adapt to AI search visibility nuances.

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Are you drowning in content creation? Trying to feed a blog, a podcast, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn all at once? If you are a solopreneur without the means to delegate marketing, trying to be everywhere is likely killing your growth, not helping it.

In this episode, we are slashing your to-do list. The theme for 2026 is "Do Less, God Bless."

We break down why you need to stop chasing every "marketing epiphany" and instead commit to just two core strategies. Plus, I’m giving you the exact two-step marketing prescription for the three most common business types: Service Providers, Local Retailers, and E-Commerce shops.

• The Content Trap: Why doing "marketing" is not the same thing as doing "business."
• The Solopreneur Rule: Why you shouldn't handle more than two marketing strategies until you have the revenue to hire help.
• Service Providers Plan: Why hyper-local networking and local SEO are your best friends.
• Local Retailers Plan: How to leverage collaborations and "knockout" customer experiences to recession-proof your shop.
• E-Commerce Plan: The 50/50 rule for social media engagement and how to become your own media company through guest spots.

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In this first episode of the new year, Lindsey returns with candid insights drawn from her experience launching and working alongside over 20 different businesses. She breaks down the three distinct trajectories she sees founders take: the "Constant Struggler," the "Plateaued Founder," and the "Steady Grower." Lindsey explains that the difference between these outcomes rarely comes down to the business idea itself, but rather the founder’s character, willingness to accept help and ability to handle discomfort.

Why Independence is a Red Flag: While we often wear our independence like a badge of honor, Lindsey argues that trying to "do it all" is actually the primary reason businesses stay stuck in the struggle phase.

Being the leveled-up leader is attainable: In order to level up a business, the owner has to put time and energy into leveling up themselves with self-evaluation, higher thinking and smart decision making.

Escaping the "Digital Playbook" Safety Net: If your revenue has plateaued, you might be hiding behind the safety of your computer screen. Lindsey explains why leveling up requires stepping away from the standard digital marketing playbook and embracing "vulnerability risks," such as pitching yourself for local news segments and face-to-face collaborations.

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Lindsey continues the transparent conversation started in the last episode about 2025 being a challenging but insightful year for the business. While the year had its highs, business goals took a hit due to sideways priorities—like taking on a part-time contract role and focusing on building passive income courses—which led to the business coasting for a couple of years.

Now, with a renewed, full-time focus on the agency, Lindsey shares the critical mindset shifts and practical changes being implemented to guarantee a year of "restoration and success" in 2026. This episode is a relatable look at the consequences of short-term business decisions and an encouraging guide for any business owner looking to pivot and prepare for a resurgence.

• Learning the Long-Term Lesson: A key takeaway is that short-term decisions—even those made two years prior—have their biggest impact further down the road, acting as a warning for newer business owners against relying on early success.
• Refocusing Core Strengths: Lindsey is moving away from side projects and courses to lean heavily into what she is best at, using six years of experience to fine-tune service offerings and client pitching.
• Targeting the Growth Ceiling: Future full-service partnerships will focus on established businesses (around the 3- to 5-year mark) ready to scale past a common revenue ceiling, utilizing flexible marketing director and consultant levels.
• Building In-Person Community: A critical shift is Lindsey's commitment to local, in-person networking and building relationships, which she notes is essential for long-term protection and success in business.

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A relatable, truth-packed overview of my hardest year in business yet and which practices are giving me hope and holding it steady in a weird year. If you like your business podcasts full of "me too" moments, this episode is for you.

7 actionable lessons that include tips on tax structure, selling, counter-culture advice and priorities

2025 vs. 2019 small business comparison

Who you need most in your "business circle"

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The common advice to entrepreneurs is to never work for free, but what if building relationships that pay later is the strategy? This interview with Operations Consultant Lindsey Paulson will challenge today's business launch mindset and inspire the courage to follow your instincts while scaling.

Actionable Steps for Automation: Practical advice on which tools to implement and the first steps you should take to automate mundane business operations.

Creating Delegation Success: Tips on how to effectively identify tasks to hand off and set up crystal-clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for your team.

Designing a Life-Supporting Business: Learn how to use systems to pivot from simply "getting through it" to designing a business that truly works for your life and goals.

Find Lindsey at lindspaulson.com

Follow Lindsey on Instagram at @linds.paulson

Get into Lindsey's Automation Academy

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In this episode, host Lindsey is joined by Alexandra, founder of the digital lifestyle brand Back to Home Base and host of the Planned-ish podcast.

Alexandra shares her journey from working in corporate finance for 13 years to launching her business in March, driven by her passion for stress-free, real-life hosting and connection. As a twin mom, she recognized the need for hosting advice that moves beyond the "Pinterest-perfect" ideal and focuses on making memories without spending endless hours planning. Back to Home Base offers digital party playbooks, recipes, and her signature Home Base Hosting Club—a done-for-you monthly membership providing everything from menus and recipes to decor links and activities, designed for people who love gathering but are short on time.

• From Corporate Finance to Creative Brand: Alexandra spent 13 years in corporate finance before launching Back to Home Base in March, channeling her love for planning and hosting into a business.
• Real-Life Hosting: Back to Home Base is a digital lifestyle brand focused on making hosting and home feel doable, not "Pinterest-perfect," for parents and busy individuals.
• The Home Base Hosting Club: A monthly, done-for-you membership that provides an entire themed hosting experience, including exclusive recipes, full menus, playlists, and links to decor and activities.
• Top Holiday Hosting Tip: Focus on pre-prepping food in advance (aim for recipes under 20-30 minutes) and don't be afraid to use store-bought shortcuts (like serving store-bought dip in an elevated way).
• The Launch Journey: Alexandra’s first year has been a humbling period of groundwork and building, balancing the creative side she loves with the steep learning curve of tech, website creation, and marketing while raising twin two-year-old boys.

Follow Alexandra on Instagram @backtwohomebase

Follow the Planned-ish Podcast

Check out the Back Two Home Base website

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Your 2026 marketing strategy has to work for YOU, meaning your solopreneur, small team and small budget business can no longer afford big company tactics. The digital marketing scene is increasingly saturated and competitive, making it crucial to shift focus from content creation to strategic collaboration and localized efforts.

• Borrow Platforms: Focus on podcast swaps and collaborations to leverage other people's audiences instead of building your own from scratch.
• Go Local: Increase in-person networking and narrow your geographic focus to capitalize on the resurgence of community-centered shopping.
• Rethink Ads: Seek small, highly-targeted sponsorships (e.g., summits, niche podcasts) instead of high-cost, generalized paid digital ads.
• Email Alarm: Be prepared for continued struggles in email deliverability due to spam crackdowns and adopt a highly comprehensive email strategy.
• Invest in Data: The most essential hire or focus area is reading and interpreting analytics to ensure all marketing decisions are data-driven.

Download the Leveled Up Leader worksheet here to guide your self-assessment.

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Build your online marketing system, funnels and automation the Savvy Startup Marketer way at https://www.savvystartupmarketer.com

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Many entrepreneurs, especially women, to struggle with running their business "full throttle": a failure to confront their own mindset, positioning, and self-leadership. If you’re tired of tactical advice and are ready for the core truth of sustainable growth, this is the episode that will burn in your brain. It’s time to stop mimicking others and embrace your own unique, innovative approach.

The Critical Gap: Why a solid plan and budget are useless without addressing your leadership mindset and internal barriers.

Stop Mimicking: Get permission to shatter assumptions and lead your business in a way that aligns with your natural self.

Ready for 2026: Focused questions to help you confront what needs to change to achieve a breakthrough year.

Download the Leveled Up Leader worksheet here to guide your self-assessment.

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Build your online marketing system, funnels and automation the Savvy Startup Marketer way at https://www.savvystartupmarketer.com

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