Why a Mixed Social Strategy is Your Secret Weapon in 2026
Marketing Your Local Business Online
Release Date: 11/25/2025
Marketing Your Local Business Online
In this episode, Sydney Chakalos discusses three common mistakes local businesses make when running Facebook ads that can drain their budgets. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts over Meta's recommendations, the necessity of running ads for a sufficient duration, and the need for effective ad copy and images that resonate with the local audience. The episode provides actionable insights to help businesses improve their ad performance and avoid costly pitfalls. that summarizes the 3 common mistakes with Facebook ads and how to fix them. Register for the 1-hour !
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In this episode, Sydney Chakalos discusses the evolving landscape of content strategy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on engagement metrics over follower counts. She defines effective content as that which drives customer engagement and sales, rather than merely going viral. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity in content creation, especially in a time when AI-generated content is prevalent. Sydney also stresses the importance of leveraging video and storytelling to connect with audiences, while addressing common pitfalls local businesses face in their content...
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In this episode, Sydney Chakalos discusses the critical differences between boosted posts and running ads using Meta Ads Manager. This episode discusses the importance of understanding these tools for local business marketing to avoid wasting money on initiatives that don’t support your marketing goals. She explains how ads manager offers better targeting, audience control, and analytics compared to boosted posts. The episode also covers when to use each option, the significance of the Meta pixel for tracking, and shares real-world success stories to illustrate the effectiveness of ads....
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In this episode, Sydney Chakalos discusses the importance of creating a content calendar for 2026, emphasizing the need for organization in marketing efforts. She outlines the essential components of a content calendar, including social media schedules, email marketing, and loyalty programs. Sydney also shares her favorite tools for planning, such as Airtable and Google Drive, and provides a step-by-step approach to setting up a marketing calendar. The episode concludes with tips on drafting content and the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. Key takeaways: Don't wing it this...
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Get prepared for what’s to come in the world of marketing in 2026. In this episode, Sydney shares her 6 key marketing predictions for the year ahead. These are the shifts that will help you strengthen your brand and its visibility, connect more deeply with your audience, and stay competitive in a constantly evolving digital landscape. From how quickly you’ll need to grab attention, to what’s replacing hashtags, to why personalization is about to matter more than ever, Sydney breaks down the shifts every small business needs to prepare for. Tune in to hear Sydney break down what’s...
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Ready to rethink your social media playbook in 2026? In this episode, Sydney explains why a mixed social media strategy isn’t just smart, it’s the competitive edge every local business should be using in 2026. If you’re tired of chasing the latest trends or burning out trying to “be everywhere,” this episode will give you a clear, practical roadmap for building a resilient social media strategy that actually brings customers over the finish line. The truth is, ads and organic content each have superpowers—but they shine brightest when used together. Sydney explains what ads do that...
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Ready to feel inspired? In this episode, Sydney pulls back the curtain on real success stories from local businesses that transformed their results using Facebook and Instagram ads. Bonus: you won't believe how little they spent to see massive returns. From a jewelry store that had one of their busiest holiday seasons ever, to a nonprofit that finally solved their recruitment crisis, to a restaurant that had to make dough three times in one day because of overwhelming customer turnout. These stories prove that social media ads work for local businesses across every industry. What You'll...
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If your ads or social posts aren’t getting the clicks, comments, or customers you hoped for then this episode is for you. Sydney dives deep into what actually makes local ad creative work from the images that stop the scroll to the copy that makes people take action. She breaks down the biggest mistakes local businesses make with their ad visuals and messaging (and how to fix them), shares what’s been consistent across a decade of data for her local business clients, and explains how to design content that attracts real customers, not just likes. You’ll learn: Why “pretty” ads...
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Welcome back! After some time away, Sydney is back behind the mic with a game-changing episode that every local business owner needs to hear especially if they want to increase foot traffic. If you've been feeling frustrated with your social media reach lately, you're not imagining things. Sydney breaks down exactly what's happening with the algorithm and why your amazing content is only reaching a tiny fraction of your followers (hint: it's worse than you think). In This Episode: The shocking truth about how many of your followers actually see your posts Why "going viral" isn't a...
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Instagram Reels first launched in late 2020 and has since evolved tremendously. What used to work isn't necessarily what's working now. This episode breaks down what's working on Instagram Reels right now so you can use this powerful tool to grow your small business on Instagram.
info_outlineReady to rethink your social media playbook in 2026? In this episode, Sydney explains why a mixed social media strategy isn’t just smart, it’s the competitive edge every local business should be using in 2026. If you’re tired of chasing the latest trends or burning out trying to “be everywhere,” this episode will give you a clear, practical roadmap for building a resilient social media strategy that actually brings customers over the finish line.
The truth is, ads and organic content each have superpowers—but they shine brightest when used together. Sydney explains what ads do that organic content can't (and vice versa), and why trying to rely on just one leaves money on the table.
What You’ll Discover:
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Why ads are non-negotiable for local businesses to drive awareness
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Why your organic social media strategy shouldn’t be ignored and how to use it in a way that builds relationships with customers
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How to implement a mixed social media strategy yourself using the framework Sydney uses with her own clients
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How to use your organic social media content to save money on your ads
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The common mistakes local businesses make with a mixed social media strategy and how to avoid them
Wondering if Sydney’s advice will work for your local business? Good news: Sydney doesn’t give you a rigid checklist. Instead she hands you a flexible framework including not only the “why” behind every recommendation but specific, repeatable tactics so you can adapt the framework to your business, your team size, and your budget.
Key Takeaways You’ll Learn:
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A simple framework to use as you map out your social media content for the new year
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How to combine paid ads and organic content to build awareness while deepening relationships - a winning combination to get more customers through your door consistently
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The exact steps you can take to use social media to grow your business and the common mistakes to avoid along the way
This episode will give you the confidence to stop guessing and start building a social presence that’s not only sustainable, but strategic and profitable. Tune in to learn how to make your social media mix work for you in 2026 without the overwhelm.
Drive More Foot Traffic Workshop
In this hands-on, one-hour workshop, you’ll learn step-by-step how to set up your first Facebook & Instagram ad campaign and start driving more customers to your local business. No tech overwhelm, no large budget required. Join Sydney on January 6th at 11AM EST. Save your seat here.
Connect with Sydney:
Instagram: @MarathonMarketingBranding (DM Sydney with your questions!)
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Want to get started with ads but need some help? Listen to my episode about designing local ads that work.