Productivity is best defined as purposeful action. There's something different between being busy and being productive. Productivity comes with purposeful action and in this episode I am unpacking a few things I've learned after what was a crazy overwhelming and busy season in our business.

Important things referenced in this episode:

You may or may not enjoy sitting down to create content, but for businesses today, it is a must! In this episode, I am sharing some ideas on reports, white papers and blog articles you can create to position yourself as an expert in the market place. I'm also giving you some reasons why this should be part of your marketing strategy if you're trying to create trust with your audience. 

Connect with Christie at www.contentbyrequest.com

SEO is a hot-button topic. Ever since Google started opening its platform for ads, keywords, and other search parameters, businesses have been chasing after the top listing relative to their industries. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) seems to be cloaked in mystery. Google’s ever-changing algorithm leaves businesses frustrated in trying to manufacture ways to stay caught up in the game. In fact, our client list for SEO-type services has increased this year due in part to the growing impact Google’s search results has on users. With more and more businesses looking to Google for a leg up in the marketplace, it’s imperative to understand a few unwritten rules to help you compete in the SEO game more effectively. In this episode, we're sharing some of our insights into the SEO game.

Connect with Christie at www.contentbyrequest.com

75% of internet users flock to social media to research products and services. That’s over two billion potential consumers waiting to connect with you!

And with more than 17 social media platforms available to reach your audience, you’ll want to be sure you’re everywhere they are. In the “good old days,” it might have been enough to create a Facebook page and think: “Hey – we’re on Facebook! We’re social!” Nowadays, people are using multiple platforms and expect you to be there too.

What’s more, each social media platform has its unique characteristics and strengths. Some are better suited for certain types of businesses than others. So how do you choose the right one? How do you know if Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter is right for you? In this episode we're unpacking the data and offering some suggestions to help you narrow down the playing field.

Important links your should know:

Did you know that online branding is a "thing?" And we're not just talking about social media... nor are we just talking about logos and color choices. This is the whole experience, the whole vibe and culture you are creating with your audience as they encounter your digital presence. While this includes social media, it also includes your website, email newsletters, podcasts and videos, and even your regular ol' email correspondence and the signature that you use. Your brand is all about you!

Key points that we cover in this episode include:

1. Dialing in your voice and message

2. Dishing out your value and expertise

3. Developing online connections and community

For more resources and information, be sure to visit www.contentbyrequest.com

I am not an economist, so when people start throwing words around like "recession" and "economic downturn," I get a little antsy. But putting my head in the sand isn't going to prevent it from happening and it sure won't help me weather the storm. I know that if I want to be a savvy business owner and one who's sharp and able to sustain economic fluctuations, I better learn from others and educate myself. 

Today's podcast is meant to do just that. To help you learn and gain some knowledge and know-how when it comes to preparing your marketing in light of an economic shift. 

Links referenced in this episode:

www.contentbyrequest.com/strategy to access our 10-Step Strategy Session for free!

https://blog.buffiniandcompany.com/how-to-recession-proof-your-business/ a great episode on preparing for a recession

If a marketing plan is so vital to the success of your marketing efforts, then how the heck do we create one of these plans? I am so glad you asked! This episode is dedicated to helping you do just that. We'll share 10 questions you should answer... and the answers will be the building blocks of your marketing plan. Yep, 10 simple steps - well... maybe not simple. They will require some thought and even some brainstorming. So get your marketing umbrellas out and let the brainstorming begin!

For quick reference, here's the 10 points from this episode:

•What is your vision – what means “ultimate success”

•What needs to change to move closer to the vision

•What does “more” look like

•What is the ideal progress/experience

•What is doable in 12 months

•What is your WIN

•What is needed to make the WIN happen

•What needs to stop

•What do we need to start

•What do we keep on doing

Be sure to visit our website at www.contentbyrequest.com for more!

It doesn't take much for me to get on my soapbox when it comes to business strategy and marketing. But I really get lathered up when I see well-meaning business owners and leaders get gobbled up by marketing "professionals" that just want to sell them a "tool." In this episode, I am sharing some of our very own marketing mindsets and methodologies that we use in our business as well as with our clients. These ideals create a different approach to marketing that is tried and true. Additionally, I am sharing the two marketing visuals that help us dial in the marketing focus for our clients. 

If you're taking notes, you'll want to jot these things down:

The Marketing Triangle is all about your marketing efforts online, in print and in person.

The Messaging Triangle is all about your marketing message around awareness, growth or exposure.

Be sure to check out our Ultimate Marketing Playbook - an online course designed to teach you some of our most tactical marketing tools so you can feel empowered in your marketing. You can find it at https://www.contentbyrequest.com/ultimate-marketing-playbook

This episode has it all --- laughter, wisdom, thought-provoking conversation. How is such an episode possible? Well, it's all because of my special guest, Heather Lytle, owner of Lytle Communications. Heather and I have a chat about what policies and procedures are important when it comes to your marketing. I know! It doesn't feel as if these two things go together, but believe me... they do!

Be sure you take a moment to visit Heather's website - http://www.lytlecommunications.com/

Follow her on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lytlecommunications/

Follow her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-lytle-18038b78/

PS... you HAVE to follow her on TikTok and YouTube for some amazing video content -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxEh6DUImM_ZhNZuZuT43Qw

About Heather

Heather's goal is to help organizations fight against risks, fraud, communication breakdowns, and toxicity.  She is equally passionate about making sure your organization feels nurtured, heard, and has the ability to continue its greatness after 'her' work is done. Lytle Communications is here for you, in the end they're celebrating victories... together. Heather is committed to providing custom policies and procedures to invoke greatness for every organization she encounters.

There are a ton of ideas and things you could do when it comes to your marketing. But... not all things suit or fit your business, your goals or your audience. So, how do you begin to test the latest marketing trends and ideas? How can you avoid getting overwhelmed by all the marketing options? In this episode of the Marketing Megaphone, host and marketing expert Christie Browning, lays out a few steps you can take to put together a marketing plan that fits for you. And good news... you don't have to be a marketing expert to do it nor do you need a lot of money! 

Learn more at www.contentbyrequest.com