The Kee To Growth

In this episode of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Josh Roberts, the owner of an air conditioning and duct cleaning business in Vero Beach, Florida. Together, they delve into intelligent strategies to maintain business momentum during the slow season, emphasizing the importance of early planning. Josh shares the approach of focusing on initiatives like membership contests and advance appointments beginning in May to keep the business steady from November through March. The conversation highlights how converting maintenance visits into service opportunities keeps each interaction financially viable and ensures continuous engagement with clientele.

Josh informs listeners about the power of the "Go High Level" platform to manage and convert leads, even months after initial contact. Drawing from both Jen's personal experience and Josh's practice, they emphasize the long-term power of branding and the significance of branded calls, leading to more effortless conversions and higher customer trust and loyalty. Josh recounts how his marketing strategy evolved from Facebook ads to Google Ads, gaining insights from experimentation while emphasizing the critical role of an efficient lead follow-up process. This strategy involved improving booking rates by dedicating personnel to handle incoming leads, and apparently, prioritizing calling over texting led to a significant jump in booking percentages.

In detailing his marketing journey, Josh underscores the importance of data-driven strategies, utilizing tools like Searchlight, and tracking numbers for efficiency. He shares his insights and initial skepticism about radio marketing, describing the decision to cancel but then restart campaigns due to a noticeable drop in Google My Business (GMB) traffic. His interest in the distinct Wizard of Ads approaches speaks to the potential for enhancing said marketing strategies. Jen shares an intriguing take on Wizard of Ads, whose personalized campaigns can work magic for clients and foster memorable engagement.

Another focal point of the episode is the dynamic approach to community engagement through home shows, monthly charity events, and strategic giveaways, which create substantial traction and support in the local community. Josh explains his evolving strategies, from shifting focus to social media channels due to a decline in Google performance to participating less in community events by prioritizing the most beneficial ones. Apart from these, the duo discusses the importance of hiring specialized marketing professionals, emphasizing how open communication with agencies across different channels optimizes marketing efforts.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Consistency in Advertising Fuels Business Growth

04:37 Deciding the Right Time for Investment

07:18 Refining Event Participation Strategy

11:08 Strategizing for Slow Season Success

12:55 "Marketing Strategies: Immediate and Long-Term Focus"

15:47 Dedicated Team Boosts Lead Conversion Rates Significantly

19:11 Oracle's Influence on GMV: Unexpected Insights

22:10 Targeted Middle-Tier Ad Strategy on Social Media

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by:

- Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with Stephanie Postell, the co-owner and COO of Anchor Heating and Air in Charleston, South Carolina. Stephanie shares her journey in the HVAC industry, highlighting the crucial role that social media, particularly TikTok, has played in building a strong company presence and culture. From recruiting talent like technician Brandon, who was impressed by the company's TikTok presence, to establishing a unique brand identity, Stephanie outlines how leveraging platforms beyond direct sales can benefit business visibility and recruitment.

Stephanie delves into her experience with hiring and recruiting, emphasizing the importance of finding the right cultural fit within the company. She shares the story of hiring Brandon, whose resume was circulated in Facebook groups. His familiarity with Anchor Heating and Air through TikTok presented an excellent fit for their culture. Stephanie highlights the impact of social media on recruitment efforts, demonstrating its value beyond typical sales funnels.

The discussion also covers key business strategies for entrepreneurs, focusing on maximizing free resources to enhance community engagement and branding. Stephanie advises new entrepreneurs to be proactive and diligent in their efforts, especially when growing a company from the ground up. By being actively present in the community and participating in events authentically, businesses can build lasting relationships that benefit brand recognition and customer engagement. Stephanie discusses the importance of understanding and conveying a business's story, linking it to core values such as the "Pearl Promise" and "Captain's Club."

The conversation touches upon marketing strategies and challenges, specifically the importance of traditional and guerrilla marketing post-pandemic. Stephanie emphasizes being present and active in the community, participating in local events, and supporting educational institutions to gain visibility and trust. She notes the significance of branding and the contribution of their branding consultant, Dan Antonelli, in helping to create a credible and trustworthy brand image from the start. Stephanie shares her approach to active engagement rather than simple financial sponsorships, showing genuine community involvement that translates into business opportunities.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Passionate about being Anchor's marketing manager.

04:32 Excited for your success; share initial strategies?

06:41 Industry friends, vision, faith inspired company name.

10:19 Customer experience is key to effective marketing.

15:19 Guerrilla marketing builds relationships, leverages social media.

19:20 "Own your elementary school for community involvement."

20:01 Supporting local schools through donations and sponsorships.

24:26 Prefers strategic growth over risky investments.

28:42 Local radio preferred; values local events involvement.

29:59 Community connection drives Anchor's supportive growth strategy.

32:50 Discussing ROI and measuring community/social media impact.

38:35 Optimize free resources; develop a cohesive story.

39:17 Advocate for startups, emphasize community leverage.

42:38 Grateful, excited, and endorsing Jen's opportunities.

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee

Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

In this episode of The Kee to Growth podcast, host Jen McKee welcomes Ryan Redding, founder of Levergy, a full-service digital agency serving trade businesses across the US and Canada. Ryan shares his insights on the complexities of marketing in the trades industry, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, effective marketing requires a comprehensive approach involving branding, customer service, and creating a quality customer experience. Ryan stresses the importance of understanding customer needs and preferences, using a relatable piano lesson metaphor to illustrate that businesses should focus on meeting specific customer requirements rather than simply competing with each other.

Ryan provides valuable insights into improving Google's presence, highlighting four main options: AdWords, Google Local Services, Google Maps, and organic search results. He recommends starting with a Google Business Profile for enhanced visibility and encourages the collection of customer reviews. The episode also explores the significance of content strategy in digital marketing. Ryan discusses Google's Helpful Content Update, which prioritizes unique, user-focused content. He advises that businesses produce informative and engaging content that genuinely adds value to the customer's experience, noting the impact of content strategy across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Moreover, Ryan delves into integrating PR and social media to enhance marketing efforts, citing Ripley PR as a successful example. He underscores the importance of starting with a compelling 'why' to attract quality employees and align business goals. The episode showcases Eco Plumbers and its CEO as a case study in creating a large, motivating vision that draws high-caliber employees. Ryan passionately discusses the necessity of having a purpose beyond monetary gain, reminding entrepreneurs to look deeper into their motivations and aspirations rather than merely focusing on financial success.

Additionally, the discussion touches upon selective partnerships, exemplified by Levergy's approach to working with high-performing clients willing to invest in themselves. Ryan also addresses the role of personal branding and social media despite his personal reservations as an introvert. He acknowledges their strategic benefits in building trust and business alliances. The conversation wraps up with insights into consumer decision-making, highlighting successful marketing strategies and brand loyalty exemplified by companies like Apple and Buc-ee's. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers listeners valuable marketing strategies for growth in the trades industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 I accidentally entered trades while consulting businesses.

04:36 Marketing success relies on addressing customer emotions.

06:29 Start with the customer for effective branding.

11:16 Google prioritizes helpful, human-first content now.

12:30 Organic ranking impacts map pack and platforms.

16:18 Train AI with your unique business knowledge.

19:02 Chosen company due to persistent marketing presence.

25:09 Impact of personal branding for business owners.

26:06 Dislikes social media, sees necessity in it.

29:27 Engaging campaign boosting connections and business KPIs.

33:24 Interviews with successful tradespeople about business strategies.

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Kee to Growth podcast, hosted by Jen McKee. Dive into the world of home service marketing as we unlock the secrets of building multimillion-dollar brands in trades like plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, garage doors, and beyond. Whether you are a business owner, a marketer, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes action in this industry, this episode sets the stage for transforming your business's approach to social media and marketing.

Jen McKee, owner of Kee Hart Marketing, shares her journey and the experiences that led her to launch this podcast. Her agency specializes in social media marketing for home service providers across the US and Canada, helping them stand out and scale in competitive markets. Having won multiple American Marketing Awards and recognized as AHR 40 under 40 in 2024, Jen aims to shift the spotlight from her achievements to yours. This episode is all about empowering your brand's growth through strategic insights, personal branding, and effective social media presence.

In this kickoff episode, Jen offers a valuable piece of advice to jumpstart your marketing strategy—focus on visibility. Many home service businesses make the mistake of concentrating solely on conversions without first building a recognizable and trustworthy brand. Visibility is essential, achieved through consistent organic content that positions you as the go-to expert in your field. It's not about going viral; it's about making a sustainable impact through consistency, value, and relatability. Additionally, Jen teases the format of future episodes, promising engaging conversations with top marketers and business owners who will share their real-world strategies, successes, and even their failures.

Prepare to gain insights from the brightest minds in the trade services industry as the Kee to Growth podcast unfolds. Each week, Jen will host discussions with industry leaders to explore what's working in their marketing, their creative campaigns, and how they're achieving significant growth. Whether you're just beginning or aiming to scale, the content will be rich with lessons on personal branding, community involvement, and standing out in your market. Don't miss out on the latest episodes—hit subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with peers ready to elevate their marketing game. Join Jen McKee on this exciting journey of discovery and growth for your business.

Time Stamps:

[00:00:02] Introduction to Kee to Growth podcast

[00:00:36] About Jen McKee and Kee Hart Marketing

[00:01:19] Strategies for business growth and social media insights

[00:02:20] Importance of visibility in marketing

[00:03:14] What to expect in upcoming episodes

[00:03:57] Conclusion and call to action

Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player.

This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/