The Content Queen Podcast

What if everything you think makes marketing "work" is actually the thing holding you back?

Inspired by Neil Patel's SXSW talk, in this episode, I'm breaking down five things I think we need to unlearn in our marketing, from what we're chasing, to how we're building trust, to who we're actually speaking to.

If you've ever felt like you're doing "all the right things" and still not seeing the connection or growth you want, this one's for you.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why traffic isn't always the goal

✨ Why the marketing funnel isn't linear anymore, and why every piece of content needs to convert on its own

✨ Why you can't rent an audience, and what it means to build a channel that's actually yours

✨ Why proof beats polish, and how to build trust with evidence instead of just aesthetics

✨ Why going niche (not broad) is what actually makes people stop scrolling

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) – https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US – www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy, chat next week 💕

Want to actually connect with the people you're marketing to?

Turns out the skill that changes everything isn't a content hack, it's vulnerability.

So we have Shari Foos on ep 335 of The Content Queen Podcast to talk about why vulnerability might be the most underrated skill in business and marketing, and why it's not about oversharing or crying on social media, it's about being real enough that people can actually relate to you.

If you've ever felt exposed after putting yourself out there online, or you're struggling to figure out what "being authentic" even means for you, you gotta listen...

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah and @thenarrativemethod.

⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why vulnerability isn't a liability, it's the human connector, and why people buy you as much as they buy your product or service

✨ The difference between selling and telling, and why sharing examples of people you've helped lands better than making big promises

✨ A simple self-soothing tool (hand to heart) for getting through the vulnerability hangover after you put yourself out there

✨ Why our brains are wired to treat social judgement like physical danger, and how understanding that helps you stop being so hard on yourself

✨ Why responding to criticism with empathy instead of defensiveness stops things escalating, on social media and everywhere else

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

Check out Shari's work– thenarrativemethod.org
FOLLOW Shari on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thenarrativemethod/

JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) – https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp
Find out more about how to WORK WITH US – www.contentqueenmariah.com
Connect with us on INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy, chat next week 💕

ABOUT THE GUEST

Shari Foos, MA, MFT, MS, NM, is a therapist and the founder of The Narrative Method, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and free online creative writing experience serving more than 40,000 participants worldwide. The program provides a safe space for individuals to write to prompts, access their authentic voice, and connect deeply with themselves and each other through structured storytelling and relational mindfulness. Drawing on her background in Narrative Medicine and her psychotherapy practice, Shari developed a framework that helps individuals separate from the noise, social pressure, and unrealistic narratives that shape modern life. Her work has been implemented across a wide range of communities, including partnerships with the Los Angeles V.A., universities, nonprofit social service organisations, and LAUSD through teacher trainings, student programming, and facilitator certification.

Ever seen a single comment on social media outperform the actual post?

I have.

That's exactly what happened when Joseph replied to a video with "Hey, so I have appointments available." One comment, thousands of likes, hundreds of replies, people tagging him.

Quick note before you dive in: this episode uses a viral comment as a marketing case study, purely for education, not about diagnosing or labelling anyone.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why your comments (on other people's content, not just your own) might be one of the most underused parts of your marketing. It's not random, it's strategy, and it's one of the reasons big brands pay community managers to do exactly this.

If you've got a spare five minutes a day to scroll, this episode will change how you spend it.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why comments are content in their own right, not just banter
✨ How big brands deliberately pay community managers to comment on trending content
✨ Why your own scrolling habits (heading straight to the comments) prove this works
✨ Why comments are public, not private, and that's what makes them a lead gen play, not just community management admin

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) – https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US – www.contentqueenmariah.com
Connect with us on INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy, chat next week 💕

Think being brilliant at what you do is enough to grow your business?

Same. That's what most of us think, until the phone stops ringing.

So we have Nancy Benet on ep 333 of The Content Queen Podcast to help you understand why visibility and marketing aren't optional, even when you're the expert in the room.

Nancy is a licensed CPA, entrepreneur and CEO of Fix-It Accounting and Success Your Way. After a divorce left her with four kids, no job and over $650K in debt, she rebuilt everything from scratch and built two thriving businesses along the way. If you've ever hidden behind your expertise instead of putting yourself out there, this one's for you.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah and @success.your.way.

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why nobody cares about your business ringing off the hook as much as you do
✨ How niching down actually makes marketing easier, not harder
✨ Why your money mindset directly impacts how you price, market and show up online
✨ Why listening to your own intuition matters more than doing what everyone tells you to do

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

Check out successyourway.com
Check out fixitaccounting.com
FOLLOW Nancy on Instagram – www.instagram.com/success.your.way
FOLLOW Nancy on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/nancy-benet-cpa-18145014
JOIN us in Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) – https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp
Find out more about how to WORK WITH US – www.contentqueenmariah.com
Connect with us on INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy, chat next week 💕

ABOUT THE GUEST

Nancy Benet is a licensed CPA, entrepreneur and CEO of Fix-It Accounting and Success Your Way, an online education platform that empowers women to start and grow businesses aligned with their deepest desires. After a divorce left her with four children, no job and over $650K in debt, Nancy rebuilt her life from the ground up. Through resilience, smart money habits and a powerful mindset shift, she transformed her circumstances and built two thriving businesses. Today, she's passionate about helping women take control of their finances, shift their relationship with money and build businesses with confidence, clarity and purpose.

Every time someone reads your email, listens to your podcast, watches your Reel or lands on your website... they're giving you something.

Their time, attention and energy.

So here's the question...

Are you leaving them with more than what they came with?

In this episode, I'm exploring a concept that came up while I was a guest on another podcast and it left me thinking "I need to explore this more": your content isn't just an exchange of information... it's an exchange of energy.

I am going to chitty chat about why creating content just to "keep up" can be felt by your audience, how your energy influences the way people experience your brand, and why the best marketing isn't about posting more... it's about creating something that's actually worth someone's time.

Your audience isn't just consuming your content, they are engaging in it.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why every piece of content is an exchange of energy, not just information
✨ How creating "just to post" impacts the way your audience experiences your brand
✨ Why your energy while creating content matters just as much as the content itself
✨ A simple question to ask before you publish anything online

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

LISTEN to my episode with Wendy Pitts Reeves (the episode that started it all) - https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/196

TAKE the FREE Content Channel Quiz - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-quiz

JOIN Content Bootcamp (starts soon!) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

What if your marketing isn't actually the problem?

What if people are finding you, checking out your content, clicking through to your website... and then leaving?

After analysing close to 70,000 websites, Irwin Hau (our guest on the podcast for ep 331) has come to one conclusion.

Most businesses don't have a traffic problem.

They have a conversion problem.

In this episode, we dive into the role your website plays in your marketing strategy, why getting more traffic won't fix a website that isn't converting, and the four questions every visitor is subconsciously asking when they land on your site. 

We also talk about trust, testimonials, proof, why most websites overcomplicate their messaging, and the simple website mistakes that could be costing you leads without you even realising it.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ The four questions every website visitor wants answered within seconds
✨ Why most businesses don't have a traffic problem — they have a conversion problem
✨ How trust, proof and testimonials influence buying decisions online
✨ The simple website mistakes that could be costing you leads and sales

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

CONNECT with Irwin on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irwinhau/

VISIT Chromatix - https://www.chromatix.com.au/

CHECK OUT Conversion Cow - https://www.conversioncow.com/

LEARN MORE about Irwin - https://www.irwinhau.com/

JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Irwin Hau is a website conversion strategist who helps businesses turn attention into actual revenue. After analyzing over 70,000 websites, he discovered that many businesses do not have a traffic problem, they have a conversion problem. His work focuses on helping brands improve trust, messaging, and website experience so they can generate more leads and sales without needing more content or ad spend.

What pains you about marketing?

Is it not knowing what to post?

Feeling like you're constantly behind?

Feeling like everyone else knows something you don't?

Or feeling like you're creating content but nothing is actually happening?

Because if any of those resonate, I don't think your problem is content.

I think your problem might be a lack of intention.

In this episode, I'm unpacking one of the biggest things I've noticed after working with many of businesses over the last decade.

The businesses that struggle the most with marketing aren't usually struggling because they can't create content. They're struggling because they don't have a clear plan.

And NO I am not talking about a social media posting plan...

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why your content problem might actually be a strategy problem
✨ The real reason marketing feels so overwhelming and exhausting
✨ How intention creates momentum, confidence and consistency
✨ Why having a strategy helps you filter advice and focus on what actually matters

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

JOIN Content Bootcamp (starts July 8) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy - chat next week 💕

Be honest... when was the last time you intentionally started a conversation in your DMs?

Not replied to a comment. Not answered a question. Actually started a conversation.

Because if I'm being completely transparent, this is an area of marketing that I know I could be doing more of too.

We spend so much time talking about content strategy, posting content and growing our audience that sometimes we forget social media is supposed to be... social.

In this episode, I'm joined by business coach, marketing strategist and relationship-building expert Lauren Najar to talk about one of the most underutilised sales tools in your business: your DMs.

We unpack why so many business owners overcomplicate conversations online, how to approach people without feeling awkward or salesy, and why relationship-building should never start with a pitch.

If you've ever thought, "I know I should be doing more relationship building, but I don't know where to start," this episode will give you practical ideas you can implement straight away.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why building relationships in your DMs doesn't have to feel awkward or salesy
✨ How to start genuine conversations that create trust and connection
✨ Why content and conversations work better together than either one alone
✨ The role of automation, ManyChat and where human connection still matters most

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

CONNECT with Lauren on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/laurennajar

CONNECT with Lauren on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-najar/ 

VISIT Lauren's WEBSITE - https://laurennajar.com

DOWNLOAD Lauren's 30 day sales challenge - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/nt0xmk710e

LISTEN to Lauren's Podcast "Business Over Cocktails"

JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Lauren Najar is a marketing and business strategist who helps service-based entrepreneurs stand out online, generate consistent leads, and convert through relationship-driven strategy and simple systems.

She's known for her direct, no-fluff approach and for creating elevated spaces through coaching, consulting and curated events, where women build real momentum through connection and collaboration.

When you think about marketing your business, do you immediately think about social media?

Because here's the thing: organic marketing is so much bigger than Instagram posts and TikTok videos.

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the workshops I recently ran around Australia, where I unpack the first pillar of a marketing plan: organic marketing.

We dive into all the different ways you can market your business without spending money on ads, from social media and email marketing to Google reviews, networking, speaking gigs, podcasting, SEO and more. 

The goal? To help you stop feeling overwhelmed by all the options and instead choose one organic marketing channel to intentionally focus on for the next three months.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why organic marketing is more than just social media
✨ How to choose the right marketing channel for your strengths and business goals
✨ The simple three-month marketing experiment that can create real momentum
✨ Why consistency and simplicity will always beat an overly complicated strategy

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - ⁠https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp⁠

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕

Are you creating content that people watch… or content that actually gets people to buy?

Because there’s a big difference.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sol Hyde, who left the corporate world, picked up his phone, started creating content, and built an online business from scratch in just 18 months. Since then, he’s helped over 100 coaches, consultants and agencies grow and scale their businesses using organic content, trust-based marketing and community. 

We unpack why followers don’t automatically equal sales, the biggest mistake people make when trying to “convert” their audience, and why storytelling might be the thing that turns your content from “getting views” to actually creating clients.

We also go into confidence, conviction, hand raisers (you’ll understand soon 😂), and why giving away your best stuff for free might actually make you more money.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m posting content but it’s not actually leading to sales”… this one’s for you.

If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS 👇

✨ Why followers don’t equal sales (and what actually matters instead)
✨ How to create content that builds trust and converts
✨ Why storytelling creates stronger content than just giving information
✨ The simple shifts that get people from watching your content to working with you

SHOW RESOURCES 👇

CONNECT with Sol on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sol.hyde/

CONNECT with Sol on LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-hyde/

WATCH Sol on YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUX5rPbWRPsZo5M1RA_q_Lw/about

JOIN Content Bootcamp (build your content strategy) - https://www.contentqueenmariah.com/content-marketing-bootcamp

GET your hands on the FREE AUDIO GUIDE - https://sales.contentqueenmariah.com/content-guide

Find out more about how to WORK WITH US - www.contentqueenmariah.com

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/contentqueenmariah

If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @contentqueenmariah!

Other than that, enjoy — chat next week 💕

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

I'm Sol! I started out in corporate but felt unfulfilled, so I built my own online business from scratch. Since then, I've helped over 100 coaches, consultants, and agencies grow and scale their service-based businesses, so they can work when they want, with who they want, and build something that actually fits their life.