Marketing School | Digital Marketing | Online Marketing

In episode #1533, Neil and Eric provide some intel on how to find lower-cost engineers. They talk about what lower-cost means to them and why you shouldn’t compromise on quality. We also hear their experiences of some of the well and lesser-known talent marketplaces. To learn more about how to find great developers for pennies on the dollar, tune in today!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How To Find Lower Cost Engineers. [00:34] What Neil and Eric mean by ‘lower-cost engineers.’ [00:58] Eric’s experience with Support Shepard, a platform with a strong vetting process. [01:44] How using Net Solutions has worked for Neil and Eric over the years. [02:05] Net Solutions versus Support Shepard: When to use each platform. [02:18] Some other talent marketplaces, including Upwork and Toptal. [02:59] The story of how Eric found one of his best WordPress developers. [03:30] That’s it for today! [03:24] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School

In episode #1532, Neil and Eric dive into the seven laws of podcasting. With the medium growing and offering more opportunities than ever, now is the time to get in. We hear about the importance of consistency, repurposing content, and asking for ratings. For this, and a whole lot more, tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Seven Laws of Podcasting. [00:32] How long Eric and Neil have been podcasting for. [01:18] Law 1: Be consistent, consistently. [01:47] Law 2: Have a lot of content to get more listens. [02:16] Law 3: Repurpose content across channels. [03:01] Law 4: Do keyword research, no matter the topic. [03:13] Law 5: Pay attention to your audio quality and make use of a mixer and a good mic. [04:12] Law 6: Always ask your audience for ratings. [04:33] Law 7: Stay on top of your numbers, particularly retention. [05:30] 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 informati

In episode #1531, we share seven lessons from Instagram launching Reels. Reels is very similar to TikTok, so to boost his new platform, Mark Zuckerberg called the security of TikTok in question, and now they are under severe scrutiny, allowing Reels to take the market. Tune in to hear other strategies for optimizing your launches!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Seven Business Lessons from Instagram Launching Reels. [00:30] Currently, there is an ongoing battle against TikTok.   [00:56] Instagram, owned by Facebook, is copying the concept of TikTik.  [01:03] Despite popular belief, it is not illegal or even in poor taste to copy others. [01:22] Don’t expect every launch to be a success, and keep trying new things.  [01:45] When you launch, launch with a fanfare and make sure to market correctly.  [02:20] Create buzz and noise around your offer before you launch.  [03:05] How Mark Zuckerberg got TikTok to be scrutinized and gain more traction for Reels. [03:21] A key business philos

In episode #1529, we talk about how to generate content ideas for long-form articles! Blogging is not dead, so do not ignore this potential traffic, it is still a great way to help users and build your business. Tune in to hear about the best ways to come up with ideas, from brainstorming to stealing! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Generate Content Ideas for Long-Form Articles. [00:31] Why are long-form articles worth your time and energy? [01:02] Finding the topics that are hot right now to write about. [01:39] The process of discovering what your competitors are doing and stealing their traffic. [02:40] Brainstorming with your team for new ideas and content creation. [03:46] That’s it for today! [03:49] 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:   Backlinko Exploding Topics Ahrefs Ubersuggest   Leave Some Feedback:   What s

In episode #1530, we talk about how you can benefit from using Community’s texting features. Personalized, automated texting helps you to build a community that you can speak directly to and makes people feel like they know you personally. Tune in to hear about the high open and click rates of text messaging!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How We’ve Been Using the SMS Features of Community.com As Another Marketing Channel. [00:41] Have you noticed how we sometimes invite you to text us on the podcast? [01:01] Community allows you to have text-based communication with people.  [01:11] Personalization, automation, and other features that Community offers. [01:30] Hear how you can use texting to speak to a specific group of people directly.  [02:05] We are creating a community by telling people what we are going to do. [02:30] Remember: your open and click rates with text messaging is much higher. [02:53] Thoughts on how long it will be before the channel gets regulated.  [03:33] Nei

In episode #1528, we share a couple of tools to help with Instagram growth! From Canva and Ingramer to Social Blade and Tensor Social, these are the things you want in your arsenal! Tune in to hear about how to boost your growth and engagement quickly and easily! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: A Couple of Tools to Help with Instagram Growth. [00:31] The power of Tensor Social for social media insights and finding relevant accounts. [01:19] Utilizing Canva to create amazing carousels that boost engagement. [01:47] Tags matter — Ingramer can help you find the best ones. [02:25] Spying on your competition with Social Blade! [02:52] Scheduling and analytics with Facebook Creator Studio and Ad Library. [03:40] 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:   Tensor Social Canva Ingramer Social Blade Facebook Creator Studio Sprout Social Sendib

In episode #1527, we talk about the unemployment stimulus that is making it harder to hire employees right now, and what you can do about it! During the pandemic, the American government and others around the world have started to dish out unemployment checks to support those in need. In some cases this may create a disincentive for people to find employment. Tune in to hear how to navigate this tricky terrain! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Unemployment Stimulus Making it Harder to Hire Employees. [00:34] What is happening around the world right now with unemployment checks. [01:18] The right kind of people still want to work in this climate! [01:37] Looking for people who have proven themselves before. [01:52] Marketing is about storytelling — let them know the plan for the long term. [02:46] The ethics around stimulus checks and the responsibility to find work if possible. [02:57] Short term thinking and the stupidity of turning down a good work opportunity. [03:45] That is i

In episode #1526, we discuss whether you should boost your content or use Ads Manager. If you lack time, resources, or experience, boosting your content is going to be far simpler. However, for more complex functions, you will need to use Ads Manager. Tune in to hear which one is right for you!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Should You Boost Your Ads or Just Use the Ads Manager?  [00:38] Boosting ads is a Facebook feature that allows you to promote content. [00:59] Using Ads Manager involves going to a separate section and doing things manually.  [01:14] It is far simpler to boost ads initially than to use Ads Manager, which is complex. [01:23] If you lack the time and resources to hire someone, use boost around your area. [01:45] Ads Manager allows you to get more specific and advanced, thus a better ROI.  [02:31] Establish and implement a framework according to which to boost your content. [03:24] For conversion-related things, you might need to use Ads Manager.   [03:50] That’s

In episode #1425, we share seven simple Facebook ad hacks that will still work well for the rest of 2020. One of the best sources of inspiration are platforms like Facebook Ad Library or Adbeat, and keep ads interesting by rotating them frequently. Tune in to hear how you can make your cold traffic warm!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Seven Simple Facebook Ad Hack for the Rest of 2020.  [00:33] Implement the set-it-and-forget-it-retargeting strategy. [01:12] Why you should go for the reach objective rather than the conversion objective. [01:34] Remember to do audience swops – it’s an easy way of expanding your audience.  [02:02] Hear an example of how the boomerang ad can be utilized.  [02:43] Make the cold ad traffic warm by sending them to educational content first.  [03:14] Draw inspiration from other sources like the Facebook Ad Library and Adbeat.  [03:38] Get into the habit of creating files with content where you can get ideas from.  [04:11] When people leave before buying,

In episode #1524, we share how to find the best freelancers for the job. Test out a handful of people at the same time by giving them the same test and seeing how they fare, communicate with you, and fit in with your team. Tune in to hear why you want to stick to a specific framework for hiring!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Hire Good Freelancers from Fiverr and Upwork. [00:39] Look at people’s ratings and whether they have done relevant projects.  [00:50] Test out three or four people at the same time and choose the best one.  [01:29] It is easy to run into sketchy issues like people who outsource to others.  [02:03] Doing a test run is the only way to know the quality of their work and if they will fit in.  [02:31] If you are evaluating multiple candidates, ensure that you supply the same test. [02:55] The book Who has a scorecard that is a great tool for hiring people.  [03:27] The value of following a specific framework when it comes to hiring.  [03:57] Remember: Hirin

In this special episode, we talk to Randy Rayess, the Co-Founder of Outgrow! Outgrow is a platform that allows marketers to build and launch interactive calculators to boost customer engagement for higher conversions! In our conversation, we talk about the benefits of the tools that Outgrow provides and the different ways they can be used. We also get into some of the important numbers and data from the company, the marketing channels they utilize, and a whole lot more, so tune in to hear it all! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Power of Interactive Content and Calculators with Randy Rayess. [01:25] How Outgrow works, the service they provide, and how they make money. [02:12] The business model at the company and some of their interesting statistics. [03:56] Why people should use calculators — adding this tool to your business. [05:31] The case studies that Outgrow have conducted and the data they have collected. [07:20] Getting started with Outgrow; implementing this versatile tool

In episode #1523, we give you the most important tips for avoiding problems in your business. Your business needs to become a self-sufficient entity that is not dependent on just one person. To this end, it is important to create processes for the things that work and to document the things that do not, so that it can be applied by anyone entering the organization. Tune in to hear how implementing an operating system will help you get a grip on your company!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Prevent Problems in Your Business Before They Happen. [00:31] In the early days of business, it feels like you are constantly putting out fires. [00:42] When you only attend to the urgent, you neglect what is important.  [01:05] Create processes for the successful ways of scaling your marketing.  [01:18] For things that do not work, collect the data for why it didn’t work.  [01:49] When your business starts growing, follow an operating system like Traction.  [02:24] An operating system will

In episode #1522, Neil and Eric share their number one way to grow your Instagram following. You will hear about the importance of collaboration and leveraging the audiences of other influencers in the space. Be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Number One Way to Grow Your Instagram Following. [00:44] Neil’s Instagram growth tip – Go live with other popular people on the platform. [01:26] Collaboration is the key to growth on any platform. [01:44] How engaging with influencers has helped Eric grow his page. [02:47] That’s it for today! [02:47] 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:     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 E

In episode #1521, Eric and Neil share their takes on the number one way to scale your marketing. Eric explains why he thinks you should start with a great culture, and Neil offers his insights into documentation and processes. Be sure to tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Number One Way to Scale Your Marketing. [00:37] Eric’s scaling tip – Look at what the big companies are doing around culture. [01:05] The link between good culture, marketing, and scaling.  [01:55] A team of very good marketers is still better than one outstanding individual. [02:35] Neil’s scaling tip – Make processes around things that are working. [03:09] Break down the things that don’t work and lessons learned. [03:47] Get the mundane stuff in order.  [03:57] Resources to learn about scaling.  [04:31] That’s it for today! [04:31] 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 episode #1520, we share seven brutal SEO truths! In the ever-changing world of search engine optimization, there are certain rules that can help you stay ahead of the game. One of these is that it takes constant work and adjustments! Tune in to hear about omnichannel approaches, long-term mindsets, and more. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: 7 Brutal SEO Truths. [00:31] The SEO game never ends — you have to constantly update your content. [00:54] A long-term mindset is vitally important for success in SEO! [01:16] Content is king and the main tool for ranking higher. [01:32] SEO is not free, time, money, and other expenses. [01:50] Pay per click always converts better than SEO! [02:16] Tomorrow is unknown and there are constant fluctuations in the space. [02:48] Do not rely on SEO completely — go omnichannel for real success. [03:11] That’s it for today! [03:13] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information or

In episode #1519, we talk about the type of people that make the best marketers. Continuing our journey into helping you build the best team of marketers that you can, we are highlighting the qualities that you should watch out for during interviews, trial runs and in your business in general. Tune in to hear about player-coaches, numbness to losing and more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: What Type of People Make the Best Marketers. [00:32] The qualities that are common to amazing marketers. [00:55] The centrality of a growth mindset for the role of a marketer. [01:19] The player-coach mentality; finding people who work hard and also educate. [01:38] Side-projects are your friend and can translate well into the main business! [02:04] The importance of creativity and how this plays out with customers. [02:55] Research, learning and analytics — beating out the competition from different sectors. [04:06] Developing a numbness to losing in order to have staying power in the marketing g

In episode #1518, we share the 2020 way to hire marketers! During this unusual year, where so much seems to be happening all the time, you need the right strategies to make sure the best marketers can join your team. Tune in to hear about the ways we suggest to test and then sign new members for your company! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The 2020 Way to Hire Marketers. [00:31] With so much going on this year, you need a good way to hire! [00:50] Test new people as contractors and then hire those working well. [01:28] The most common question we receive in our businesses. [01:57] Using the helpful services provided by MarketerHire by SupportShepherd! [02:49] Effective ways to use LinkedIn to find the best people. [03:24] Hire early and test quickly — actions speak louder than words. [03:55] Where the rubber meets the road; getting employees to do the work.  [04:52] That is it for today! [04:54] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing S

In this special episode we chat with Ravi Abuvala, the Chief Scaling Officer at Scaling with Systems! Scaling with Systems is a firm that helps other companies to scale to multiple seven-figures, with the help of virtual assistants, automation and great systems. In our conversation today, we hear from Ravi about the beginnings of the business, how they typically help their clients, and some of the case studies that show the efficacy of their work. Ravi also shares some tips for young businesses and talks about his huge passion for lead generation. Tune in to hear about it all! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Scaling with Systems with Ravi Abuvala. [01:13] What Scaling with Systems does and examples of the types of clients they help. [01:57] A recent anecdote that exemplifies Ravi's work and his approach to scaling. [04:06] Crafting the offer and scaling — the most common focus for the company. [05:02] Ravi's tips for businesses just starting out around PMF. [06:49] The company's case s

The role of marketing has changed and in episode #1517, we speak about how. You can no longer build a company using one marketing channel, and so to do well in the long run you have to learn how to wear multiple hats. Tune in today and hear about the value of understanding your tech and marketing stack to stay afloat in today’s competitive landscape. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How The Role of Marketing Has Changed. [00:43] Old ways of marketing that were outbound and focused on alignment. [01:33] Before, there were not many channels, compared with the current amount. [02:51] Learning to wear multiple hats to succeed in the current landscape. [02:21] Comparing the strategies Facebook and TikTok used to grow at different times. [02:40] Marketing used to target individuals, now it targets entire accounts. [03:06] Tapping into dynamic retargeting to stay top of mind. [03:28] Understand how to use all channels together if you want to do well.  [04:00] Modern marketers have to unders

In episode #1516, we talk about how the LeBron James basketball card that sold for 1.8 million dollars applies to marketing. Right now we are seeing a resurgence in card collecting trends and much of it comes down to nostalgia, scarcity, and subjective tastes around art. Many of these same feelings can be tapped into using marketing so tune in to hear how. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How A LeBron James Basketball Card Sold for 1.8 Million Dollars and How it Applies to Marketing. [00:47] There is a resurgence in basketball and Pokemon cards at the moment. [01:18] If more people talk about something, prices for it will rise. [01:32] Cards can be thought about as art, which people pay insane prices for. [02:10] Understanding the scarcity mentality and how scarce things fetch high prices. [02:51] How to capitalize on the card trend with blog posts and card selling. [02:50] Beware that rapid rises in value also come with rapid decreases. [03:14] Increasing the value of your product or