Mastering Local Marketing: Simple Marketing Tactics Using Local Advertising Strategies and Digital Marketing to Fuel Business Growth and Customer Acquisition

Are you struggling to increase your small business visibility, attract new customers, and drive consistent business growth? Mastering Local Marketing is the small business marketing podcast focused on simple, proven marketing tactics, digital marketing, and local advertising strategies that help small businesses grow. Whether you own a retail store, restaurant, service business, or manage marketing on your own, this podcast teaches you how to use marketing tactics to increase awareness, generate leads, and improve customer acquisition. Each week, marketing expert Matt Hanson breaks down real-world marketing tactics small businesses can use to improve digital marketing performance, maximize local advertising strategies, and turn visibility into paying customers. You will learn how to use social media marketing, local outreach, and practical digital marketing tactics to drive traffic, boost engagement, and accelerate business growth. This podcast is built for small business owners who want actionable marketing tactics, not theory. Every episode delivers clear, easy-to-implement tactics designed to increase local visibility, improve customer acquisition, and help your business grow. If you are ready to grow your small business using smarter marketing tactics, digital marketing, and local advertising strategies, this is the podcast for you. Listen, subscribe, and start turning marketing tactics into real business growth.

Two Ways to Sell and Why Most Businesses Fail to Choose The Right One 01/29/2026

Two Ways to Sell and Why Most Businesses Fail to Choose The Right One Most sales conversations small business owners have break down long before price ever becomes the issue. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we will explore a simple shift in how businesses sell and why many unintentionally slow down the buying process without realizing it. This conversation looks at what actually moves people from interested to buying and why saying more is often the problem. Instead of focusing on scripts or pressure tactics, this episode challenges how sales conversations are approached and highlights subtle changes to your sales strategy that can dramatically speed up decisions and improve new customer conversions. If you have ever had a customer seem interested but hesitate, stall, or walk away, this episode will make you rethink how selling really works and what to do differently the next time. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39846110

Three Creative Customer Acquisition Tactics for Small Businesses That Actually Work 01/26/2026

Three Creative Customer Acquisition Tactics for Small Businesses That Actually Work In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we explore marketing for small business owners who want practical, real-world ideas to improve customer acquisition. This episode focuses on how speed, human connection, and buyer psychology quietly influence purchasing decisions and why small businesses that apply simple marketing strategies often outperform larger competitors. You will learn how small adjustments in your follow-up, messaging, and visibility can improve response rates, build trust, and turn interest into action. These are marketing strategies for small business owners who want results without complexity or large budgets. If you are looking for clear, actionable marketing tactics that help small businesses attract more customers and grow with confidence, this episode delivers ideas you can start using immediately. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39846085

Is Social Media a Marketing Tool or Just Entertainment? 01/15/2026

Is Social Media a Marketing Tool or Just Entertainment? Social media is one of the most talked-about yet misunderstood channels for small business marketing. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we delve into whether social media truly functions as a powerful marketing tool that drives customer engagement and revenue, or if it has evolved into mere entertainment offering little real return. We explore how local businesses can develop an effective social media strategy by leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok within their overall marketing planning for small business growth. Many business owners feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their social media efforts, this episode breaks down the difference between visibility versus results, attention versus action, and busy work versus effective marketing. If you are responsible for marketing for small business or managing local marketing initiatives, this conversation will challenge your perspective on social media marketing strategies and help you use social media for business more intentionally and successfully. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39749975

10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business with Effective Marketing Strategies (Part 2) 01/15/2026

10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business with Effective Marketing Strategies (Part 2) Growth does not happen by accident. Too many small businesses chase tactics without building a solid marketing plan. In this episode, we break down what sustainable business growth looks like and how local business owners can move beyond short-term wins with effective marketing for small business. We discuss core components of a strong marketing strategy including hiring and systems, building a predictable sales funnel, improving customer experience, and expanding reach without overextending your business. You'll learn why strategic planning matter more than motivation, how to reduce risks as you grow, and how to set meaningful goals that lead to lasting progress. This episode is designed to help small business owners stop reacting and start planning with smart marketing for small businesses. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of where growth really comes from and how to build a strategy that supports long-term success. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39749845

10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business with Effective Marketing Strategies (Part 1) 01/15/2026

10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business with Effective Marketing Strategies (Part 1) Growth does not happen by accident. Too many small businesses chase tactics without building a solid marketing plan. In this episode, we break down what sustainable business growth looks like and how local business owners can move beyond short-term wins with effective marketing for small business. We discuss core components of a strong marketing strategy including hiring and systems, building a predictable sales funnel, improving customer experience, and expanding reach without overextending your business. You'll learn why strategic planning matter more than motivation, how to reduce risks as you grow, and how to set meaningful goals that lead to lasting progress. This episode is designed to help small business owners stop reacting and start planning with smart marketing for small businesses. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of where growth really comes from and how to build a strategy that supports long-term success. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39692660

Growing Facebook Followers: Social Media Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses 01/12/2026

Growing Facebook Followers: Social Media Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses Many small businesses struggle with their social media marketing strategy, especially on Facebook, feeling like their efforts aren't yielding growth. In this episode, we dive into why typical approaches fall short and reveal what truly drives Facebook follower growth today without spending money on ads. This is essential listening for anyone interested in marketing for small businesses and online marketing for small business success. We explore foundational mistakes made with Facebook Pages and emphasize the importance of content quality, consistency, and social media engagement. Learn how to create posts that inspire conversations, strategically use Facebook features like Stories and Live video, and leverage partnerships and community interaction for greater organic reach. Additionally, you'll discover how proper timing, compelling visuals, and simple data tracking can significantly boost your results. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear social media marketing strategy framework for turning Facebook into a long-term audience-building channel rather than feeling like a frustrating time sink. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39692605

Your 2026 Marketing Challenge: Focused Marketing Strategies for Small Business Growth 01/08/2026

The Most Important Thing in Marketing Isn't Strategy. It's Belief. 01/05/2026

The Most Important Thing in Marketing Isn't Strategy. It's Belief. Marketing rarely fails because of bad ideas. It usually fails because people quit before the work has time to compound. In this episode, we step away from tactics, trends, and tools to talk about the part of marketing no one prepares you for. The waiting. The silence. The stretch where you are showing up, doing the work, and wondering if any of it is actually working. This conversation is about belief. Belief in your product, your message, and yourself long before the results show up. We unpack why consistency matters more than creativity, why confidence transfers before strategy does, and why most marketing wins happen quietly before they become visible. If you have ever felt like you are behind, stuck, or questioning whether your marketing efforts are worth it, this episode is a reminder that progress often happens long before proof does. Marketing works in silence first. And if you stay in the game long enough, the right people always notice. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39564900

Marketing Myths We're Forgetting in 2026 01/01/2026

Marketing Myths We're Forgetting in 2026 As we start the new year, Matt and Jim are clearing the slate. In this episode, they’re talking about the biggest marketing myths that small businesses need to leave behind in 2026. These are the ideas that sound good but quietly hold businesses back. They unpack common beliefs around social media, advertising, branding, and growth that no longer match how customers actually behave. They explain why these myths persist, where business owners get stuck, and what to focus on instead as you head into the new year. This episode is less about trends and more about clarity. If you want to start 2026 with a cleaner, more focused marketing approach, this conversation will help you stop chasing the wrong things and double down on what actually works. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39551730

How People Judge Your Small Business in First 10 Seconds 12/29/2025

You're Doing Marketing More Than You Think 12/25/2025

You're Doing Marketing More Than You Think Most people think marketing is something you learn later, hire out, or turn on once a business is already running. In reality, most of us have been doing marketing long before we ever called it marketing. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Jim and Matt reflect on how their paths into marketing started much earlier than they realized. Matt shares how his interest in marketing began in high school, while Jim talks through wishing he had leaned into it sooner. Together, they unpack a simple but powerful idea: persuasion, storytelling, listening, and gaining support are things we all practice every day. From trying to prove a point in a conversation, to building momentum around an idea, to paying attention when customers tell you exactly what they want, this episode reframes marketing as a natural human skill rather than a formal discipline. The takeaway is not that everyone is an expert marketer, but that understanding what you are already doing changes how intentionally you can do it. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39457550

Outsourced Credibility from the Internet: How Marketing Influence Comes from Others 12/22/2025

Outsourced Credibility from the Internet: How Marketing Influence Comes from Others People will drive past a local business they have known for years but only give it a try when a stranger on the internet they have never met says it’s good. A one sentence review. A TikTok recommendation. A YouTube comment. Somehow, that feels more reliable than anything else these days. This episode of Mastering Local Marketing explores the strange hierarchy of credibility we have created in the digital age. Why reviews carry so much weight. Why influencers feel more trustworthy than experts. And why social proof often matters more than experience. We break down how this shift happened, what it means for local businesses, and why trust today is less about who you are and more about who is talking about you. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39457500

Favorite Marketing Lessons from Our First 100 Episodes 12/18/2025

Favorite Marketing Lessons from Our First 100 Episodes If you are new here and just finding the Mastering Local Marketing podcast, welcome. And for everyone who has been here since the early episodes, thank you for sticking with us through one hundred shows. Your support and feedback are the reason we keep building these conversations. For this milestone episode, Matt and Jim go back through the last year of content and pull the strongest ideas, the most practical lessons, and the episodes that created real results for small businesses. They walk through the recommendations that listeners told us changed their marketing. You will hear why these ideas worked and how you can apply them no matter what size you are. If you are new to our world, this is the perfect starting point because it gives you a clear overview of the most useful and repeatable marketing ideas we have shared. If you have been listening for a while, it is a great refresh and a look back at the episodes that made the biggest impact. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39420090

One Marketing Metric That Rarely Gets Tracked 12/16/2025

One Marketing Metric That Rarely Gets Tracked Today we break down one of the most important marketing metrics that rarely gets tracked. Customer Acquisition Cost, or CAC, tells you exactly how much it costs to bring in each new customer. In this episode we explain what CAC is, how it is calculated, and why it matters for any small business trying to grow profitably and understand their marketing results. We also walk through several practical ways to lower your CAC, and why you should know it across all your advertising methods. In addition, we’re comparing CAC to Lifetime Value so you understand how these two numbers work together and why your LTV should always be several times higher than the cost to acquire a customer. We close the episode with average CAC numbers from common consumer industries so you can see where your business stands. This is a simple and helpful introduction to a metric that can completely change how you manage your marketing budget. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39420040

Your 2026 Marketing Readiness Plan 12/11/2025

Your 2026 Marketing Readiness Plan This episode walks small business owners through the essential items they must get in line before the new year so their marketing is ready to perform on day one. Most businesses slide into January without a plan, and the lack of preparation shows for the next six months. Today we look at the areas that matter most. Your customer data, your content plan, your offers, your partnerships, your advertising calendar, and your owned audience all need attention before the year resets. The goal is simple. Remove guesswork, tighten clarity, and step into next year with structure. This episode gives owners a precise checklist that strengthens focus and reduces wasted energy. Strong preparation gives you a faster start and better results in the months ahead. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39277750

Marketing Presentation Mistakes That Cost You Business 12/08/2025

Marketing Presentation Mistakes That Cost You Business Today we explore real examples of marketing presentations that either landed perfectly or fell apart in the moment. Jim and I break down the factors that made each presentation work or fail, including clarity, pacing, confidence, preparation, and the ability to read the room. You will hear how a strong presentation can create instant buy in and how a weak one can lose attention, credibility, and opportunity within minutes. This episode gives small business owners a clear look at what separates a winning pitch from one that misses the mark. We discuss how presenters can connect with their audience, simplify their message, and guide decision makers toward action. We also highlight common breakdowns that local businesses rarely notice until it is too late. Strong marketing presentations help you earn trust, shorten sales cycles, and stand out in a crowded market. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39277740

How Your Marketing Bias Can Hurt Your Results 12/04/2025

How Your Marketing Bias Can Hurt Your Results In this episode, we dive deep into how marketing bias can undermine your local marketing efforts and overall marketing strategy. Many small business owners create marketing campaigns based on their own daily habits and preferences, but this approach often leads to missed opportunities and weak results. We discuss why you are not your customer, how your target audience consumes local marketing differently than you, and why relying solely on personal assumptions can limit your success. You'll learn practical strategies for stepping out of your marketing bubble by analyzing real customer behavior and using data-driven insights to build more effective campaigns. This episode is designed to help you identify blind spots in your marketing approach and provide a solid framework for stronger, results-driven local marketing decisions. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39225375

Expanding Your Local Marketing Sales Funnel 12/01/2025

Holiday Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses 11/24/2025

Holiday Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses Holiday marketing does not need to be overwhelming or expensive. This episode shares simple and creative ideas that help small and medium businesses stand out during the busiest time of the year. The focus is on connection, visibility, and community rather than flashy campaigns or deep discounts. The ideas are practical, easy to execute, and designed to work for any industry including salons, restaurants, boutiques, pet stores, and service-based businesses. The goal is to help you stay top of mind throughout November and December by showing up early and consistently. By the end of the episode, you will have a clear set of holiday strategies that lift your business and connect you more deeply with your customers. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39112555

When Your Brand No Longer Fits 11/21/2025

When Your Brand No Longer Fits In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Matt breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in business. When should you rebrand? Most small and medium sized companies do not realize that a brand is not their logo. A brand is the promise customers believe you will keep and the story that shapes their expectations. Matt explains how businesses often grow, add new products, or attract new customer groups, but fail to update their identity to match the shift. Using real examples like Dunkin Donuts shortening its name to Dunkin, Matt shows how a rebrand becomes necessary when the old brand no longer reflects the current business. You will learn The Brand Evolution Formula, a strategic and simple process that helps you evaluate who you are today, understand who you serve now, audit your existing brand, and build a new story before touching the visuals. This episode will help you decide when a rebrand is right for your business and how to do it with clarity. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39112505

Building the Right Marketing Team 11/19/2025

Building the Right Marketing Team This episode looks at the real state of your local marketing team. Some teams are growing, some are quietly growing cancerous behaviors, and some are stuck in the insanity loop of doing the same thing each day and hoping something will change. Today we talk through what defines a great marketing team, why every person needs a clear role, and how internal and external partners must support the mission with consistency and reliability. Matt shares insights from conversations with several companies this week, where bad attitudes, missed promises, and refusal to adapt have slowed marketing momentum. The episode challenges business owners to evaluate their teams, reset expectations, and take action when people or vendors stop showing up in the way they should. This is a direct look at how leadership shapes marketing success inside real businesses today. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39097840

Maximizing Every Minute: Time Is Marketing 11/19/2025

Maximizing Every Minute: Time Is Marketing In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we‘ll explore how every minute you invest impacts the growth of your small business and marketing success. From answering emails to planning social media posts, each task carries measurable value—or cost—to your bottom line. Many small business owners stay busy but often miss evaluating whether their time contributes to real local marketing success and business growth. We'll challenge listeners to assess their daily activities through a profitability lens: identifying which minutes generate momentum in their local marketing efforts and which drain resources. You'll learn how to assign a value per minute, identify your highest-impact tasks, and why you should delegate or automate the rest. If you've ever felt like you're working all day but no moving forward, this episode will help you reclaim your time and focus it where it matters most. . HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/39097810

Local Marketing Has a Cloning Problem 11/13/2025

Local Marketing Has a Cloning Problem In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we’re exposing one of the biggest issues holding small businesses back — cloning. From identical social posts and themed taglines to look-alike ads that blend into the feed, too many businesses are copying each other instead of standing out. Matt is going to explain why “safe” marketing is actually the riskiest strategy of all and how originality creates instant attention, loyalty, and higher conversion. You’ll learn how to uncover your unique marketing DNA, use storytelling to separate your brand, and take creative risks that make customers remember you. If your ads feel flat or your engagement has stalled, this episode will help you break free from the clone factory and start creating marketing that’s unmistakably you. . HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38986765

Your Local Marketing Isn't Your Priority 11/11/2025

Your Local Marketing Isn't Your Priority Many small businesses struggle to get noticed because their local marketing isn't a priority. In this episode, we dive into the reasons why local marketing strategies often fall by the wayside and why prioritizing these efforts is essential for small business growth. Host Matt Hanson explains how every entrepreneur has a ten million dollar idea but few commit the time and focus needed to turn that idea into a powerful marketing message. In this episode, you'll learn: Practical tips on setting aside time. Identifying and using your strengths. How to harness the ideas that drive your passion. If you want your community to notice your business, you need to embrace the habitsand structure that make your message stand out. Tune in to discover how to build lasting small business marketing habits that bring your local audience through the door. . HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38986735

Email Automations for Small Business Marketers 11/06/2025

Email Automations for Small Business Marketers Running a small business means there’s never enough time, but what if an unpaid “intern” could handle your follow-ups, reminders, and promotions automatically? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we explore how email automation can be a game-changer for local marketing and small business marketing efforts. You'll learn practical ways to use email automation tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to save time, improve communication, and increase sales. Hear inspiring real-world examples, including how a local beauty salon is planning to leverage QR codes to trigger creative email campaigns. We'll cover how to build welcome emails, re-engagement campaigns, appointment reminders, and post-purchase thank-yous — all designed to run seamlessly while you focus on growing your business. If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time for marketing,” this episode will show you how email automation fits perfectly within your local marketing toolkit to help your small business work smarter, not harder. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38896805

Stop Talking! The Art of Listening 11/03/2025

How We're Implementing Matt's Marketing System 10/29/2025

The Power of the Marketing Pause 10/25/2025

The Power of the Marketing Pause Most small businesses are running full speed every day, reacting to problems instead of planning for progress. The result is a fragmented marketing effort that never feels connected or strategic. In this episode, we talk about the power of pausing, taking a single day to slow down, get organized, and build a clear marketing roadmap can completely change how your business grows. We’ll break down how to step back from the daily chaos, identify what’s really driving results, and bring your scattered ideas together into one focused plan. You’ll see how pausing for clarity leads to smarter execution, stronger messaging, and less stress in every part of your marketing. If you’ve been stuck in reactive mode, this episode will show you why the most productive move you can make this week might be to stop and think. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38758230

The Secrets to Higher Website Conversions 10/23/2025

The Secrets to Higher Website Conversions If your website traffic is growing but your sales aren’t, it’s time to look at what happens after the click. Every click counts, but not every visitor converts. You'll learn: We explore the key principles behind higher conversion rates and what separates a good website from a great one. We break down what makes customers take action, why small tweaks can create big results, and how you can turn more visitors into loyal buyers. You’ll discover the strategies top marketers use to build trust, simplify user journeys, and guide people toward saying yes. Whether you’re focused on local marketing or elevating your overall digital marketing performance, this episode will help you understand what truly drives conversions and how to make your marketing work smarter. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38756330

The Best Geofencing Marketing Campaigns Ever 10/23/2025

The Best Geofencing Marketing Campaigns Ever What if you could deliver an ad to someone the moment they walk past your competitor’s door? That’s the power of geofencing marketing, and in this episode, we’re breaking down five of the best campaigns ever to do it. From boosting foot traffic overnight to turning location data into loyal customers, we’ll uncover how they used precision targeting, timing, and creative messaging to drive results. You'll learn: What made each campaign work. How you can apply the same strategies to your own local marketing. Why location-based advertising remains one of the most effective small business marketing tools today. Whether you’re new to digital marketing or looking to level up your local reach, this episode will show you how to turn proximity into profit and bring more customers through your doors. HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email and we’ll add it to our future episodes. Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don’t work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: /episode/index/show/a0d61f6b-2a95-46bb-b015-f992198bc016/id/38756275

Mastering Local Marketing: Simple Marketing Tactics Using Local Advertising Strategies and Digital Marketing to Fuel Business Growth and Customer Acquisition

TOPICS