Maximize Your Social With Neal Schaffer

Data is everywhere in digital marketing, but are you truly using it to your advantage? In this episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast, I sit down with Brett Townsend, Senior VP of Strategy at Quester, to break down how brands can go beyond the numbers and uncover real insights that drive action.Marketing analytics is more than just reporting results—it’s about finding the hidden patterns and consumer narratives that can shape better campaigns, stronger products, and deeper customer relationships. Brett shares his expertise from working with major global brands like Pepsi, Doritos, and Walmart, along with insights from his book, Insights on the Brink: Revitalizing the Market Research and Analytics Industry.If you're a small business or marketer looking to turn data into meaningful strategy, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Guest LinksConnect with Brett on LinkedInBuy Insights on the Brink: Revitalizing the Market Research and Analytics Industry on AmazonQuesterLearn More: Buy D

If you're trying to grow your business on LinkedIn but struggling to get traction, you’re not alone. What if I told you that LinkedIn content could be optimized just like SEO? In this episode, we’re diving into a brand-new way of approaching LinkedIn content—using AI tools that analyze top-performing posts and provide insights to maximize your reach and engagement. I’ll break down how these tools work, why I’m giving them my official thumbs up (even after recommending sticking to ChatGPT before), and how you can start using them to get better results. If you want to stop guessing and start strategizing on LinkedIn, this episode is for you!Recommended Tools List (affiliate links)TaplioContentInSayWhatLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://ne

Brand awareness isn’t just for big companies with deep pockets—it’s a critical part of growing any business, including startups and small businesses. But many companies focus only on short-term sales and performance marketing, missing out on the long-term benefits of building a strong, recognizable brand.In this episode, I sit down with James Hurman, the founder of Previously Unavailable, to explore the science behind advertising effectiveness. James shares why businesses struggle to grow beyond their initial customer base and how creative, evidence-based marketing strategies can help. We discuss the balance between performance marketing and brand-building, the power of storytelling in advertising, and the critical role of creativity in making campaigns more effective.If you’ve ever wondered why some brands seem to attract loyal customers effortlessly while others fade away, this episode is for you. Get ready to rethink your marketing strategy and unlock the true potential of your brand!Guest LinksPreviously

This episode explores the imperative shift from a digital-first mindset to an AI-first approach in marketing, emphasizing how to incorporate AI into internal processes for enhanced efficiency and creativity. Throughout, I discuss strategic alignment, process documentation, custom AI models, training with quality data, and automation for maximum impact. • Discussing the transition to an AI-first mindset • Importance of aligning AI with marketing objectives • Utilizing AI as a second opinion for marketing strategies • Documenting processes for optimized marketing activities • Creating custom GPTs tailored to brand needs • Training AI with quality data for better outputs • Scaling efficiencies through automation for marketing tasksLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consult

This episode dives into the pressing issue of AI's role in content marketing and its implications for search engine rankings. We discuss the risks of over-reliance on AI while emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality, originality, and a human touch in content creation. • Exploring the balance between AI efficiency and content quality • Google’s stance on AI content and implications for rankings • The role of Originalityai in ensuring high-quality content • Recent trends in AI-generated content and their consequences • Future directions for AI in content marketing and editorial integrityGUEST LINKSOriginality.ai [affiliate]Connect with Jon on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebook

This 400th episode of this podcast revolves around insights into 7 pivotal digital marketing themes that have emerged from the top 25 episodes of my recent 100 over the last 2 years. You will learn how to integrate essential aspects like artificial intelligence, content creation, branding, and influencer partnerships to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.• Embracing AI for enhanced marketing efficiency• Importance of authentic content in social media • Developing strategic influencer partnerships for brand credibility• Psychological principles shaping effective branding • Maximizing customer experience through marketing automation • Fostering business growth through leadership and collaboration• Ensuring visibility and discoverability in the digital age Feel free to reach out to me at neal@nealschaffer.com to provide feedback or suggest themes for future episodes!Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://neal

Unlock the secrets of successful small business marketing with insights from Dave Charest, director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. Discover how even small, impactful actions can create "wow experiences" that fuel word-of-mouth marketing and elevate your brand's digital presence without emptying your wallet. Join us as we promise a transformation in your marketing approach, leveraging email, social channels, and automation to not only engage but also build lasting relationships with your customers.With Dave's expertise, we highlight the timeless power of word-of-mouth marketing, showing its relevance in today’s digital conversations. Learn the art of staying top-of-mind for potential customers by effectively integrating these strategies into your marketing framework and watching your small business compete with larger brands.Our conversation is packed with practical tips, including the strategic use of tools like Instagram, email, and text messaging. We emphasize aligning ma

Marketing is essential to growing your business, but hiring the right support can be confusing. Should you work with a marketing agency, bring in a consultant, or hire a Fractional CMO? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the wrong choice could mean wasted budget and minimal results.In this episode, I break down the differences between agencies, consultants, and fractional CMOS—so you can decide which is best for your business. I’ll share real insights from my experience in all three roles and explain why a fractional CMO offers the best mix of strategy, execution, and ROI. If you want to get smarter about your marketing spend and grow your business with real results, this is the episode for you!Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://n

Elevate your marketing strategy by understanding the transformative power of public relations. Michelle Garrett shares expert insights on integrating PR with marketing efforts, emphasizing collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of writing in crafting compelling narratives. • PR as a game changer for brand visibility • Core writing skills as foundational for PR success • Understanding the role of AI in content creation • The evolving importance of press releases today • Integrating PR with social media and content marketing • Challenges in measuring PR success • Effective media outreach and building relationships • The growing role of authentic influencers in PR • Necessity for collaboration between marketing and PR teams • Long-term commitment required for PR effectivenessGuest LinksBuy B2B PR That Gets Results: A Guide to Simple and Targeted Public Relations Practices by Michelle GarrettGarrett Public RelationsConnect with Michelle on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.co

Twitter has always been a major player in social media, driving traffic and engagement for businesses. But things, as you well know, have changed. In this episode, I reveal why I believe Twitter is no longer a true social media platform and why I now classify it as "political media." Using my own data and observations, I break down how Twitter's algorithm prioritizes political content over business conversations, why engagement is dropping, and what this means for marketers. Most importantly, I share my advice on where you should be focusing your time and resources instead. If your brand still relies on Twitter for visibility and traffic, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaff

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of e-commerce with Neil Twa, co-author of Almost Automated Income with FBA. Neil has spent over a decade helping businesses go from nothing to building scalable, profitable brands that thrive on platforms like Amazon, TikTok, and more. E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in digital marketing, offering incredible potential for entrepreneurs who are ready to identify profitable niches, connect with their ideal customers, and leverage multiple sales channels. Whether you’re new to the game or want to scale your current business, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your brand and even prepare for a lucrative exit. Get ready to learn how to turn your ideas into income!Guest LinksBuy Almost-Automated Income with FBA on AmazonVoltage (Neil's Company)Connect with Neil on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaf

Navigating the complex landscape of startup marketing presents unique challenges, from building brand awareness to defining audience and managing budgets. By adopting strategic approaches, startups can transform their marketing hurdles into opportunities for growth and success. Inspired by the books I have written, including my recent Digital Threads and Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth, here is my definitive guide to startup marketing, including advice on:• Building brand awareness through digital channels • Defining ideal customers with data-driven decisions • Overcoming budget constraints with resourceful spending • Prioritizing quality leads for targeted engagement • Competing with established brands through creativity and agility • Strategies for scaling marketing efforts sustainablyLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https:/

AI is redefining influencer marketing by enabling brands to identify the right influencers with unparalleled precision. In this episode, we discussed the transformative role of AI in influencer discovery, personalized outreach, and campaign performance analysis.• The continuous growth of influencer marketing and its increasing relevance • Importance of using AI for authentic influencer identification • Streamlining outreach processes through AI personalization • Enhancing campaign performance analysis with AI • Evolving landscape of influencer marketing with a focus on short video formats • Anticipated innovations in content production driven by AI Guest LinksHypeAuditorAlexander Frolov on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaf

This episode explores effective strategies for improving discoverability in 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to video content and content repurposing. Marketers are encouraged to leverage their existing assets and create tailored content to engage audiences on various platforms. • Importance of content as currency in digital marketing • Shift towards video-first strategies for discoverability • Understanding the need for tailored communication across platforms • The power of content repurposing for maximizing existing resources • Role of AI in enhancing content strategies • Balancing content creation with audience engagement Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffe

What if embracing the imperfections in your brand could make it more appealing? Nancy Harhut, a leading expert in behavioral science and author of Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, joins us to reveal how counterintuitive marketing strategies can set your brand apart in a crowded market. Discover the unexpected power of acknowledging flaws and strategic misspellings in capturing attention and building consumer trust. Nancy's groundbreaking insights promise to transform your approach to social media, email campaigns, and the overall customer experience by leveraging the quirks of human psychology.Learn how to harness the potential of the Prattfall effect and the door-in-the-face technique, tactics that defy conventional wisdom yet deliver impressive results. Nancy and I explore how the autonomy bias can double consumer compliance by giving them the freedom to choose, rather than directly pushing for a sale. You'll also hear about the effectiveness of follow-up communications and how subtle psycho

Unlock the future of digital marketing with me as I guide you through the transformative concept of the democratization of discoverability. Ever wondered how to maintain your business's visibility without constantly churning out social media content? This episode promises to reveal how long-lasting content like blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos can be your key to enduring discoverability. We'll explore the rapidly changing landscape of search, driven by large language models and AI, and discuss how platforms such as Bing and ChatGPT are becoming pivotal in driving traffic. Learn why adapting to these shifts is essential for sustaining your business's online presence in 2025 and beyond.Explore the evolution of search algorithms and the shift toward an audience-centric approach as AI redefines how content is discovered. Say goodbye to the days of keyword obsession and welcome a future where AI and social media reshape the discoverability landscape. As platforms like Google, YouTube, Amazon, and

Networking, connections, and relationships—these are the lifeblood of professional success. Yet, in a world dominated by numbers and KPIs, it’s easy to lose sight of the people behind the metrics.Today’s episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast dives deep into how meaningful relationships—not just surface-level networking—can transform your career, your business, and your life. Joined by Jeff Lerner, fractional CMO and author of The Power of Relationships in Professional Growth, we’ll explore the art of turning contacts into champions, nurturing mentorships, and building a legacy of trust and collaboration. GUEST LINKSConnect with Jeff on LinkedInCheck out Jeff's company Misnomer MarketingThe Power of Relationships in Professional Growth on AmazonLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreads Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinforgrowth Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn

I recently attended Author Nation, the premier conference for self-published authors in Las Vegas. While it might seem like fiction authors and digital marketers are worlds apart, the lessons I learned prove otherwise. From innovative uses of AI to the art of leveraging "borrowed audiences" and creating content that captivates through curiosity, authors are blazing trails that marketers can follow. Join me as I share 10 game-changing insights from Author Nation that will inspire your digital marketing strategy in 2025 and beyond!Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreads Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinforgrowth Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/freebies/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show

Unlock the secrets to mastering clear communication in digital marketing with insights from my guest, Ben Gutmann, a former marketing agency owner and professor. Ben shares his journey from leading a successful agency to penning his book "Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them," emphasizing the profound impact of simplicity in messaging. Discover how clear and fluent messages not only resonate with audiences but also drive successful marketing campaigns.Explore the art of crafting simple yet powerful messages, as we dissect the common traps of overcomplicating communication and the science behind why simplicity prevails. Ben and I discuss the pivotal role of focusing on benefits over features, using relatable examples like mint toothpaste to illustrate how emotional benefits can transform your marketing approach. Learn practical strategies to connect with your audience on a personal level, whether through creating customer avatars or tailoring messages across platforms like Linked

Think LinkedIn is just a network of stiff profiles? Think again!Treat it like a professional Instagram to boost your visibility.Visual content is king on LinkedIn, and I'm here to guide you on harnessing its power for maximum engagement and visibility. Learn how images can outperform other post types and discover effective content patterns by analyzing your LinkedIn newsfeed. I challenge you to embrace more genuine, human-centric imagery in your LinkedIn strategy.Tune in to learn the data-driven secrets you need to stand out!Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreads Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinforgrowth Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/freebies/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: h