Marketing School | Digital Marketing | Online Marketing

In episode #1576, Neil and Eric talk about the fact that marketing these days all seems to be the same. We hear about what you can do to stand out, some books to read to beef up your strategy game, and the importance of always, always putting your customer first. To learn some great tips and tricks on how to win at marketing, be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How All Marketing Seems to Be the Same and What to Do About It. [00:48] Neil and Eric’s take on the current state of marketing. [01:24] If everyone is doing the same thing, your tactics will not work for as long. [01:51] Focus on the strategies you have created, not the tactics. [02:13] The benefits of reading strategy-related books. [02:43] Figure out the channel you are doing well at and double down on it. [03:31] Obsess about your customers and do what is best for them. [05:02] Great strategy book recommendations from Eric.  [05:29] Having a customer-centric company creates a brand. [05:45] That’s it

In episode #1575, we share seven holiday marketing strategies to boost your sales for products and services. Whether you create a sense of urgency by having a countdown clock on your promotions, or you collaborate with others to cross-promote each others’ goods, there is a lot you can do to boost your sales this holiday season. Tune in to learn how a Bag of Crap can be the best thing you can offer!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: 7 Simple Holiday Marketing Ideas to Boost Sales [00:34] Create urgency by having countdown timers within your holiday sale emails.   [01:00] Make use of a chat function to capture more people at the conversion point.  [01:36] Have a charity option on your checkout page and see your conversion rate goes up!  [02:38] Think about how you can bundle gift cards creatively.  [03:03] Help yourself and another company by cross-promoting each others’ products/services.   [03:53] Think about the different landing pages you can create to drive traffic.  [04:26] Do a B

In episode #1574, we share seven evergreen marketing campaigns that you should be running permanently. Evergreen campaigns are easily automated so, once set up, there is little effort required from your side. Tune in to hear how retargeting campaigns, email sequences, and text messages can be leveraged to keep the dollars rolling in.  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: 7 Evergreen Marketing Campaigns That You Should Always Have Running [00:36] An evergreen campaign is one that stands the test of time.  [00:45] Consider a retargeting campaign for those who visit your page without converting.  [01:20] Always have a set email sequence to send to your growing email list. [01:49] Look at your Google analytics to see which posts perform best and boost them.  [02:39] Do a push notification drip sequence and watch how many visitors you get!  [03:05] Text messages have more than a 90% open rate, so be sure to use this opportunity.  [03:44] Check out Russell Brunson’s webinar formula and create o

In episode #1573, we share some things you can do when you feel stuck in your marketing strategy. Coming up with new ideas can be as simple as reading a book or blog, or going out for a walk to draw inspiration from your environment. Tune in to hear how you can tap into more creativity by speaking to other people in different industries!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: What to do When You Run Out of Marketing Ideas [00:46] You often see the same marketing ideas offered across various platforms.  [01:06] Reading widely can help you come up with new ideas.  [01:52] Sometimes, switching up what you are doing produces fresh ideas.    [02:12] We tend to get stuck when we keep focusing on the same things. [02:34] Clear your headspace by going for a walk and getting inspiration out there.  [03:20] Take time to talk to other smart people in your field who are doing interesting things.  [03:44] Also engage with people who are not in marketing to have different conversations.   [04:22] Bring

In episode #1572, we wrap up our conversation on paid newsletters, discussing the different ways in which you can monetize your subscription newsletter. Getting sponsors on board and including up-sell and down-sell products and services are some of the easiest ways to monetize. Tune in to hear how being an affiliate for other companies can also benefit you!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Paid Newsletters, Part 3: The Top 5 Ways to Monetize Your Subscription Newsletter [00:34] The most successful newsletters have sponsorships in them.  [00:56] The key is that ads are written creatively and natively into the newsletter.   [01:17] Add up-sells and down-sells to get your audience to purchase your other products.  [01:46] Make the most of your up- and down-sells by getting a sales team to engage subscribers.  [02:01] Use Substack to offer a paid premium subscription to your newsletter.   [02:14] Be an affiliate for other related products or services to make extra money.  [02:41] Conside

In episode #1571, we continue the discussion about paid newsletters, sharing how you can start one in as little as 10 minutes. Two of the most important lessons we can learn from other successful newsletters are that they are simple and consistent. Tune in to hear which tools will help you get started and allow you to ultimately profit from your newsletters.  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Paid Newsletters, Part 2: How to Launch a Profitable Newsletter in 10 Minutes Flat  [00:39] Launch a newsletter quickly by using tools like Substack or ConvertKit.  [01:08] If you look at other successful newsletters, you’ll notice that they are all fairly simple.  [01:53] Consider using a tool like Kajabi that does it all for you.  [02:33] The importance of maintaining consistency and momentum with your newsletter.  [03:13] While setting up your newsletter is easy, it’s hard to create and promote consistently.  [03:33] Avoiding trying to monetize and get sponsorships too quickly.  [04:04] That’s

Today we have a special bonus episode with special guest April Dunford author of Obviously Awesome! This is a highlight from April's talk at our Growth Accelerator Mastermind. To get full access to our exclusive content and more, go to http://www.marketingschool.io/pro   Leave Some Feedback:   What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.   Connect with Us:    Neilpatel.com Quick Sprout  Growth Everywhere Single Grain Twitter @neilpatel  Twitter @ericosiu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode #1570, we bring you part one of our three-part series on paid newsletters: Why you should start a subscription newsletter in 2021! People want to learn specialized skills these days, so high-quality information is at a premium. Tune in today and learn a bunch of valuable tips for leveraging your unique knowledge through the newsletter format. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Paid Newsletters, Part 1: Why You Should Start a Subscription Newsletter in 2021. [00:36] The rise of Substack and how tech writers can go freelance using newsletters. [01:32] Why you should consider starting a paid newsletter if you are a good writer. [02:19] People want to specialize thus will pay for niched knowledge. [03:29] Once you have some traction, move to your own platform. [03:36] The value of offering people unique services above a subscription offering. [05:05 That’s it for today! [05:06] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for mo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode #1568, we talk about the important tools we use to run the Marketing School podcast! Consistently putting out content is very important for successful podcasting, but having the right tools will help you maximize every minute spent behind the mic. Tune in and hear the tools we use relating to stats, repurposing, recording, SEO, analytics, and more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Important Tools to Run the Marketing School Podcast. [00:35] Libsyn gives us stats, hosting, and allows us to post to different places. [01:03] Using Zoom to record video, connect to guests, and repurpose content. [01:24] We use Heil PR 40 mics and Scarlett Focusrite mixers. [02:13] Submitting text and audio to Rev for transcriptions and SEO. [02:26] Spotify and Chartable: Tools for ranking and analytics. [03:09] Using IFTTT and Zapier for automatic sharing. [03:47] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information or call us

In episode #1567, Neil and Eric discuss the main ways they have been able to save money in their businesses over the years. You will hear about the importance of hiring experienced talent, payment structures that help shave off expenses, and tracking spending like a hawk. To learn more, be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Nifty Business Secrets That Can Help You Save Six to Seven Figures. [00:35] How paying for better talent–even though it is expensive–has saved Neil money. [02:15] Avoid micromanaging people and give them goals to achieve instead. [02:50] Use a performance-based payment structure to help you save costs. [03:35] Why hiring high potential talent rather than experienced people has been expensive for Eric. [04:46] The benefits of hiring people who have already executed the tasks you need them to do. [05:13] Tracking every single expense on an Excel spreadsheet – how this has helped Neil. [06:08] That’s it for today! [06:08] To stay updated with eve

In episode #1566, Neil and Eric talk about the importance of trusting your gut instincts when it comes to business. Of course, there will always be a place for data and facts, but sometimes making decisions based on what you feel intuitively can lead to great outcomes as well. To hear more about trusting your gut, be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: When You Should Trust Your Gut in Business. [00:33] What ‘trusting your gut’ actually means. [00:57] Eric’s decision to buy a magic site in his early 20s and the mistakes he made. [01:40] You have to be good at vetting potential partners and not just rely on your gut alone. [02:22] Neil’s take on when to trust your gut and when not to. [03:03] How experience can help sharpen your gut instincts. [03:52] Find the balance between having a beginner’s mindset and leveraging your experience. [04:15] That’s it for today! [04:15] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School sit

Today we have a special bonus episode with special guest Brian Dean from Backlinko! This is a highlight from Brian's talk at our Growth Accelerator Mastermind. To get full access to our exclusive content and more, go to http://www.marketingschool.io/pro   Leave Some Feedback:   What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.   Connect with Us:    Neilpatel.com Quick Sprout  Growth Everywhere Single Grain Twitter @neilpatel  Twitter @ericosiu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode #1565, Neil and Eric talk about tactics and why they can only take your business so far. Although we often hear about different tactics to implement, in order to grow your company, strategy and disruption are the important, high-level requirements that will help your business succeed. Tune in today to hear more. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How Tactics Will Only Get You So Far. [00:33] Strategies versus tactics: The differences between the two. [01:08] Without a strategy to back it up, tactics will always fall short. [01:14] Businesses are built off of strategies and concepts, not tactics. [02:35] The strategy that Neil used to beat his competition when he created Ubersuggest. [02:51] Tesla’s business strategies and why they are so effective. [04:20] Disruption is the key to winning in your business. [04:50] Learn about strategy first, before you get to the granular tactics.  [04:53] That’s it for today! [04:53] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mas

In episode #1564, Neil and Eric talk about creative ways to finance your business that do not involve bank loans or venture capital. You will hear about revenue-based financing options, deferring down payments, and how you can use a combination of these strategies to get the wheels in motion. Be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Creative Financing Options for Your Business. [00:33] Unpacking the financing options that are available. [01:04] Revenue-based financing and how this helps SaaS companies with recurring revenue. [01:59] Why getting a personal guarantor on a loan is a creative financing option. [02:37] Deferring down payments; another imaginative finance solution. [03:33] You can combine several strategies to fund your business. [03:38] The benefits Neil has seen using performance-based deals. [04:26] Companies that can help with revenue-based financing.  [04:45] That’s it for today! [04:45] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermin

In episode #1563, Neil and Eric share a list of seven business leaders to follow if you want to grow faster. Hear about a range of innovators, from well-known leaders like Elon Musk to under-the-radar ones like Mark Leonard, and what makes them all stand out from their peers. It is so important to follow those who will push you to be your best, so tune in today to learn more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: 7 Business Leaders That Will Help You Grow Faster. [00:45] What makes Patrick Collison, co-founder of Stripe, such an innovative thinker. [01:33] Why Elon Musk is a leader and visionary worth looking up to. [02:41] The traits that make Tobi Lutke, Founder of Shopify, such a pioneer in his industry. [03:46] Hear about Mark Leonard, Founder of Constellation Software, and why he’s worth following. [04:11] What makes Chamath Palihapitiya a noteworthy thought leader and investor. [04:55] Learn about Robert F. Smith, Founder of Vista Equity, and why you should pay attention to him. [05:

In episode #1562, we talk about what leverage actually means. Neil and Eric discuss the four types of leverage: Capital, labor, code, and media, and which is the most important but difficult to get right. They also share some examples of influencers who have leveraged media successfully to build empires. To hear more, tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: What Does Leverage Actually Mean? [00:46] Capital is the first and most commonly known leverage. [00:55] Labor is a powerful type of leverage; hire people better than you. [01:27] Why code and software are considered the third type of leverage. [01:39] Content is king: Media is the fourth and newest type of leverage. [02:12] Hear why Neil believes media is the hardest thing for companies to get right. [02:58] How the Kardashians have effectively leveraged media to build an empire. [03:24] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as an example of a politician who’s built a successful brand.  [03:54] If people know who you are, you will hav

In episode #1561, Neil and Eric cover one of the topics they get asked about most often: Scaling. In part one of this two-part series, they talk about the two ways to scale your agency. This will help you not only generate more income but also buy back your time. Be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Scaling - Part One. [00:40] Scaling is not only about getting more clients; it’s about creating a scalable agency. [00:53] The most common problem Eric sees with agencies. [01:30] Benefits of creating an affiliate agency and how it helps to scale. [02:13] The power of niching down your agency when it comes to scaling. [03:11] Eric’s experience of niching down at Single Grain. [03:20] That’s it for today! [03:24] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information or call us on 310-349-3785!   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:   Yelp Yext   Leave Some Feedback:   What should we talk about ne

In episode #1560, we will explore the question of whether AI is relevant yet and share some of the tools you can use. AI is definitely becoming more and more relevant and the business optimizations offered by some of the tools that utilize it are second to none. Take GPT-3 for example! Tune in to learn about some of these incredible tools. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: If AI is Relevant Yet and The Tools You Can Use. [00:37] AI has a lot of potential but there is still a long way to go. [01:10] Using RankScience for A/B testing and SEO. [01:20] Adopting ClickFlow for title tags and meta tags. [02:01] The capabilities for content generation using GPT-3. [02:44] Optimizing email with Mixmax. [03:00] How solid the AI and data insights at Facebook and Google are. [03:31] Determining high ranking keywords with MarketMuse. [03:42] Using Gong for optimizing sales conversations. [04:12] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for m

In episode #1559, for part three of our hiring series, we share the most cost-effective way to onboard new hires. The processes you take new employees through in their first weeks at their new job play such a vital role in the contributions they can make to your company as time moves on. Apply the skills we share today and get ready to experience the long term benefits! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Most Cost-Effective Way to Onboard New Hires. [00:39] Having an interviewee say yes to your hiring offer is just the beginning. [00:58] Giving a new employee a list of company practices. [01:36] Documenting everything internally and using that data to onboard people. [03:36] Giving new employees a buddy and making videos for them to watch. [04:24] Using a ‘no action period’ to fully indoctrinate new employees. [05:54] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information or call us on 310-349-3785!   Links Mentioned i