Marketing School | Digital Marketing | Online Marketing

In episode #1353, we discuss all the reasons why you should start a side hustle to level up your marketing skills. While some employers prohibit employees from doing work on the side, it can be a significant advantage to any company. Tune in to hear why employers should grab the opportunity to invest in upcoming entrepreneurs!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Should You Start A Side Project to Level Up Your Marketing Skills? [00:36] Thoughts on allowing employees to have side hustles.[00:52] Why we encourage side hustles at Single Grain.[01:09] Feel good if your employee ends up leaving you to pursue their side hustle full-time. [01:34] Wanting the best for people even if it doesn’t produce the best outcome for you.[01:44] A side hustle is the best way to learn marketing because you are keen to experiment. [02:02] Find a job that gives you the autonomy to experiment and allows you to fail. [02:59] Keep in mind that people will make more effort to learn things they care about.  [03:35] People

In episode #1352, why this is the number one reason why your traffic is not growing! Our biggest message is that marketing channels become crowded so to keep being different you need to use an experimentation/innovation model. By applying this strategy you can test the waters before taking big shots at differentiating yourself. Hear more by tuning in today. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Why This is the Number One Reason Why Your Traffic is Not Growing.[00:33] The idea that all good marketing channels eventually become less effective.[01:15] Rejuvenating a marketing channel by conducting mostly failed experiments.[02:51] Conducting small experiments that lead to large innovations.[03:47] Why people don’t grow: they aren’t taking big enough shots.[04:06] Getting into the mindset of experimentation, or else.[04:22] That’s it for today![04:25] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information. Links Mentioned in Today’s Epis

In episode #1351, we talk about the top seven marketing tools that you should pay for! We cover everything from back end analytics and CDP software to the best platforms for editing videos and finding templates on the cheap. Tune in to hear how you can make attractive campaigns and know exactly how they are doing! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: The Top Seven Marketing Tools that You Should Pay for.[00:35] Paying the price for the use of Sprout’s great reporting to plan based on its data.[01:03] Skipping expensive designer hires by using Canva templates.[01:37] Using Slack’s integration capabilities to shares insights with your team.[02:24] The effectiveness of videos; using frame.io for editing.[03:05] Webinar software capabilities enabled by Livestorm.[03:31] How Supermetrics acts as an API between ad platforms and Google Data Studio.[04:02] The automated CDP that Hull enables.[05:00] That’s it for today![05:02] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Ma

In episode #1350, we talk about how you can hire incredible designers for cheap! We touch on pointers like reaching out to designers in countries with a lower cost of living, what platforms to use, and all the different ways you can vet one to see if they are a good match! Get it all right here! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How You Can Hire Incredible Designers for Cheap.[00:33] How to reach out and confirm designers on Dribble or Behance.[01:08] Finding permanent designers in areas where the currency is weaker than the US.[01:49] Using filters to vet designers on Upwork.[02:40] The value of paying your regular designer per project vs per hour for quality control.[03:49] A pro tip: use Dribbble’s talent program to find new designers you didn’t know before.[03:58] Testing designers with small initial projects using clear descriptions.[04:39] The more similar a designer’s past work to your brief, the better they will do.[04:55] That’s it for today![04:57] To stay updated with events and lea

In episode #1349, we talk about where social media marketing is headed in 2020 and beyond! We look at the rise of stories, moving away from landing page conversion and why you should be pumping all your money into video! Tune in to get the latest for your social media strategy! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Where Social Media Marketing is Headed in 2020 and Beyond.[00:36] The increase of the concept of stories across the different platforms.[00:55] Monetization will move from landing pages to native social media pages.[01:50] The gift of working your sales pitch into normal copy and conversation.[02:57] Increases in conversion numbers when utilizing cheap influencers.[05:02] The importance of video; better relatability, conversion and engagement.[05:29] Spending a small amount of money every day to boost your reach.[06:02] That’s it for today![06:04] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information. Links Mentioned in T

In episode #1348, we share seven crazy sales tactics that work surprisingly well! From personalized webinars and cold texting people using their first names to the idea of the 'dream 100', we cover some great ways to boost your sales. Tune in to hear how these can help your business and get you ahead. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: 7 Crazy Sales Tactics that Work Surprisingly Well.[00:34] Personalized webinars and reaching out to specific companies with solutions.[01:31] Using PicSnippets to trick people into opening a link you want them to access.[02:19] Retargeting based on reach and boosting traffic and action.[03:24] Cold texting with someone’s name to improved response rates.[04:53] Laying out your dream people to work with and giving direction to your work.[05:25] Calendarising calls and appointments to increase show-up rates.[06:10] Dinners and events to make connections (after coronavirus!). [07:13] That’s it for today![07:16] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mas

In episode #1347, we talk about how you can write a very effective chat marketing sequence! Chat is proven to do well with converting people, especially when it comes to a product, so we are going to talk about how to structure it to get the conversion results you’ve been looking for. We cover how to funnel a customer down on web-based chat experiences and the value of educational pitches when it comes to text-based ones. Enjoy! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How You Can Write a Chat Marketing Sequence that Works.[00:33] What is chat marketing? Chat-based platforms that convert![01:44] Web-based chat tactics: firstly find out the reason a customer has visited your website.[02:39] Mapping which of three main activities a visitor can be funneled down into.[03:11] Making the transition from bots to human-assisted smooth by using LTVplus.[03:48] Text-based strategies: the first message should be the ‘first name question mark’.[04:27] Make the chat educational: customers want a problem solved.[0

In episode #1346, we talk about Neil’s crazy Instagram strategy for 2020! Eric had his turn on the last one and now it’s time to hear from Neil! This great tip session includes the results of a testing process Neil has been conducting to find out which content types get the best responses. The main takeaway from today is using Instagram’s Live format to drive web traffic and how to optimize that process. Don’t miss today’s tips to get your Instagram popping in 2020! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Neil’s Crazy Instagram Strategy for 2020.[00:53] One step further than the Instagram carousel: the LinkedIn carousel![01:00] The result of Neil’s content testing: people respond to family-related content.[01:32] Driving leads to your website using Live rather than Instagram posts.[02:50] Using the Q&A format rather than spitballing in Live sessions.[03:10] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information. Links Mentioned in Toda

In episode #1345, we talk about Eric’s crazy Instagram strategy for 2020! By crazy we don’t mean going out there and doing anything that outlandish, but simply that these tips will have crazy good outcomes if implemented! We highlight things like using peer carousels, how to accurately run contests to reach the right audiences, and ways to repurpose content to put it to maximum use. Tune in for all the best Instagram strategies for 2020! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Eric’s Crazy Instagram Strategy for 2020.[01:06] The use of carousels which have proven to up engagement with posts.[01:34] Using guest carousels in which a friend posts your carousel their account.[02:25] When running contests, make the prize geared towards those you intend to reach.[03:30] Better CPA which can be gained through Instagram story ads.[04:09] Repurposing YouTube content to share to other platforms.[04:51] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more i

In episode #1344, we advise you on approaching your marketing in times of uncertainty. Rather than making irrational decisions based on fear, keep doing the things that have already proven to work and keep going it as long as you are making a profit. Tune in to hear why it’s wiser to keep investing in your business than turning to the stock market in times of crisis.  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: What To Do with Your Marketing In Times of Uncertainty. [00:39] Marketing is ROI-centric so do not let the economy throw you off. [01:16] If you spend $1 and make $2 – it’s still worth your while! [01:36] Look at the data instead of responding irrationally to fears.[01:45] Make sure Google Analytics or Google Data Studio is set up correctly.[01:57] VCs look for a formula when deciding whether they want to invest. [02:21] Why you should rather invest in your business than the stock market. [03:06] Go back to the basics and double down on what works. [03:29] As long as you continue to see a profit,

In episode #1343, we compare making content for specialist versus generalist audiences. Big brands have the budgets and other resources to do well with generalist content, but for smaller companies, it is best to specialize and focus on a very specific market. Tune in to hear how you can also increase your revenue through subscriptions by opting for content that speaks to a niche audience.  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Generalist vs. Specialist: Who You Should Make Content For and Why. [00:39] What we mean by “generalist” and “specialist” and examples of each. [01:32] Why the majority of those listening should specialize as much as possible. [02:26] Specific content that targets specific problems will end up performing better.[03:00] The traffic to specialized blogs and podcasts seems to be increasing too. [04:05] The more you specialize, the more you can ask for subscriptions. [04:39] The many benefits of focusing on a specialist audience rather than a generalist one. [05:05] That’s it f

In episode #1342, we share how Google might be stealing half of your potential traffic and how to get it back. The key is to diversify by having several different channels through which traffic can flow and thus not relying solely on SEO. Tune in to hear how you can keep gaining traffic despite Google’s competing efforts!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How Google Might Be Stealing Half Your Traffic and How To Get It Back. [00:53] A recap of Jumpshot’s study about SERPs and Google redirecting traffic.  [01:45] Keep in mind that Google will continue to direct traffic for their benefit. [02:11] Stick to the fundamentals and best practices like driving traffic through SEO. [02:21] Focus on your own destiny by creating something independent of other channels. [03:02] Diversify and go omnichannel so that you have several streams of traffic. [03:41] Optimize what you are ranking for or the text in your featured snippet.[03:45] Consider optimizing your title and meta description by using Clickflow

In episode #1341, we share four secrets to rapidly increase your traffic with long-tail SEO. There are several resources and tools that can help you find relevant keywords and thereby improve your SEO. Tune in to hear how monitoring the performance of your posts can help you to remain proactive!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Four Secrets to Skyrocket Your Traffic With Long-Tail SEO. [00:33] Look for all the related keywords that people are searching for. [01:13] Blend the keywords in with the rest of your text so that it flows well. [01:26] Monitor the traffic from your high and low performing posts.  [02:00] Check out The Beginner’s Guide to SEO by Moz and structure your content this way. [02:50] Use power pages and pillar pieces and how they differ. [03:31] The tools you can use to find keywords and add them to your content. [03:55] That’s it for today! [03:57] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the Marketing School site for more information. Links

In episode #1340, we share how you can safeguard your marketing during an economic downturn. A crisis like the COVID-19 can have an astronomical impact on the economy, but if you make smart decisions now, you can thrive in a recession while everyone else is having a hard time. Tune in to hear why this is not a time to invest in long-term strategies and why you should stockpile as much cash as possible.    TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:   [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Safeguard Your Marketing During An Economic Downturn. [00:31] The impact that COVID-19 is having on the global economy.[01:01] Even if your company is not being affected, the stock market is. [01:11] Avoid investing in long-term strategies and focus on anything related to performance.[01:48] During the previous recession, budgets shifted from TV ads to pay-per-click. [02:12] Be sure to diversify and go omnichannel and keep doing SEO and content marketing. [02:33] A downturn is no time to test out new unproven channels.[02:50] You might have a bigge

In episode #1339, we discuss how you can maximize the revenue you make from podcasting. Rather than simply focusing on all the direct ways you can monetize your podcast, think about the various indirect ways that your podcast can increase your revenue. Tune in to hear how doing affiliate marketing for other companies can be an easy way to make your show more profitable!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Maximize Your Revenue From Podcasting. [00:43] When you should start thinking about making revenue from your podcast. [00:59] How you can make money by running ads on your show.[01:25] Think about linking a high-ticket event to your podcast. [01:45] Use the opportunity to pitch any product or service your sell in your company.[02:35] Consider all the indirect ways your podcast can make you money. [02:53] How Supercast can help you create subscriptions for your podcast. [03:38] Do affiliate marketing for other products and services to get a cut of their sales.  [04:04] Test out all the s

In episode #1338, we talk about how to really get your site ready for voice search! We have already covered just what a big deal voice search is and will be in the near future. It is already making up a large portion of the way that users are interacting with search engines. Tune in today to hear about how you can make the most of these developments in order to increase your ranking and traffic. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How to Really Get Your Site Ready for Voice Search.[00:35] We know voice search is a big thing, how can it work for you?[00:53] Getting a featured snippet; aiming for rank zero![01:41] Keeping your answers short and to the point for increased ranking.[02:05] Domain authority and starting with the basics of SEO.[02:44] Monetizing your voice search traffic using tools like Jetson.[03:04] Using your ranking to creatively include your brand in results.[03:45] That’s pretty much it for today![03:55] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to the

In episode #1337, we talk about how original research can supercharge your content marketing! Creating content based on your own findings and research has proven to increase traffic and backlinks over recycled and old data available elsewhere. Tune in to hear how conducting these studies and posting them in the right way can boost your business! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How Original Research Will Supercharge Your Content Marketing.[00:35] What do we mean by original research in this context?[01:19] Once the data has been collected and compiled, post something accessible.[01:41] The increase in backlinks when using original data over someone else's.[03:33] Look for hot topics; you want to write about things that people want to read![04:01] Data points often signal utility to readers and will get more clicks and traffic.[04:37] Well-presented data; graphs and graphics with tools like Canva.[04:52] Outsourcing this job to others if you do not have time to do it yourself! [05:11] To stay

In episode #1336, we chat about how AI will impact the future of digital marketing. Artificial intelligence is arguably the biggest looming area of modern technology and the future of this field of development will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the course of human history. This will translate into the marketing field as well, with companies being about to offer increasingly impressive services thanks to the data-ingesting abilities of AI systems. Tune in to hear all about it! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: How AI Will Impact the Future of Digital Marketing.[00:35] The current AI climate and big players in the game right now.[01:26] Smart devices, IOT and increasingly integrated systems.[03:01] The abilities of machines to sift through massive amounts of data.[04:23] Suggested products and service; leveraging your tastes and those around you.[04:52] How this translates into the marketing game right now.[05:38] That’s pretty much it![05:40] To stay updated with events and learn more about

In episode #1335, we share seven places that you should invest in as a digital marketer. Investing in people, branding, and education is almost always guaranteed to deliver an ROI. Tune in to hear why email and webinars are not dead but still worth the investment! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Seven Places to Invest As a Digital Marketer. [01:07] Invest in people and consider how you can delegate tasks to scale your business. [01:55] Prioritize branding, whether a personal or corporate brand. [02:35] Go omnichannel so that all your eggs are not in one basket. [03:19] Start investing in education through conferences and meetings with likeminded people. [03:55] Don’t be afraid of putting money towards ads if you have a working funnel. [04:18] Choose a reputable email provider that allows you to regularly scrub your list. [05:09] Why it is still worth doing webinars and teaching people. [06:13] That’s it for today![06:14] To stay updated with events and learn more about our mastermind, go to

In episode #1334, we discuss seven common mistakes people tend to make when it comes to Facebook ads. Selling through your educational content is a better strategy than simply directing prospects to your product page, and keeping your ads fresh and alternating them is sure to capture the attention of your target audience. Tune in to hear how video can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals!  TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] Today’s topic: Seven Deadly Facebook Ads Mistakes to Avoid in 2020. [00:36] Take advantage of lookalike audiences on Facebook.   [01:29] Do not send customers back to the same landing page that they did not convert from. [02:18] Be sure to think through your funnel carefully. [03:23] Sell through your educational content rather than take people directly to a product page.[04:24] Keep your ads fresh by putting out new ones frequently and alternating them. [05:30] Don’t be afraid of using video ads – it outperforms image and text-based ones.[06:10] Ensure that you target broadly en