Brand Rescue: Marketing + PR Guidance for Small Businesses

If your marketing feels like it’s working harder than it should… we need to talk.Because here’s the truth: marketing in 2026 is not going to play by 2025’s rules, and if you’re still thinking about marketing the same way, you’re going to feel stuck fast.In this episode, I break down why visibility is the real currency of marketing and why so many brands are building beautiful “marketing machines” that never actually turn on. We talk about what visibility really means, why PR, SEO, and social media are no longer optional, and how getting in front of the right people is what fuels everything else.I’m walking you through how I think about marketing as a machine and why visibility is the coin you have to put in before expecting anything to come out.If you’ve been wondering why your marketing isn’t converting, isn’t growing, or feels like it’s missing something… this episode might be the missing piece.----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

Let’s talk about the absolute explosion of online marketing courses. If your Instagram feed is full of “six-figure frameworks” and “plug-and-play strategies,” this episode is for you.In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many marketing courses, especially the ones sold by Instagram coaches, don’t actually work for small business owners. Most of them are cookie-cutter by design and ignore the very real nuances that make your business… yours.I talk about why marketing isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, why implementation matters more than theory, and why clear messaging is often the missing piece when people say, “I tried everything and nothing worked.” I also share how to think critically before investing in another course and when personalized guidance can make a much bigger impact than another digital download.Before you click “enroll,” do yourself a favor and listen to this episode first.-------------------Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

If you think email marketing doesn’t work anymore, this episode is about to call you out.Whitney Lee and marketing expert Allison Hardy dive into one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: email isn’t the problem, your confidence is. They break down why so many business owners are scared to sell, how that fear shows up in their messaging, and why email is still one of the most powerful tools you have.This conversation is all about stepping into your space, owning your offer, and being unapologetic about selling. Because confidence isn’t optional in marketing, it’s a strategy.--------Connect with Allison on Instagram The $80,000 Email TemplateConnect with us on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes Website

Think billboards are outdated? Think again.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee gets brutally honest about advertising strategies and why so many businesses waste money by spreading their budget too thin. She breaks down when billboards actually work, when they don’t, and how to blend traditional and digital marketing for real results.Whitney shares the exact scenarios where billboards shine, like helping customers find a hidden location, promoting new businesses, or boosting awareness for local events. She also covers the biggest mistakes people make in billboard design, the six-word rule you should never break, and why billboards are about visibility, not education.If you’ve ever wondered whether a billboard is worth the investment, this episode is your guide to making smart, strategic advertising decisions that support your overall marketing plan.🎧 In this episode:Why stretching your ad budget too thin kills your ROIWhen billboards actually move the needleThe six-word rule that separates good billboards from bad onesHow right-hand reads and bold text boost visibilityWhy awareness is not a waste of moneyWhen niche businesses should skip billboards altogetherHow digital billboards add flexibility to your strategy---------------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes on TikTokYour Marketing Heroes Website

In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Margo McNaull, the founder and designer behind By Margot, to talk about how a personal jewelry dilemma turned into a thriving business. Margo opens up about leaving her government job, navigating entrepreneurship during the pandemic, and discovering her passion for creating legacy pieces that tell women's stories.From building a niche to building a community, Margo shares how she carved out her place in the fine jewelry world and why focusing on storytelling is the heart of her brand. She also talks about her big move to Nashville, the new opportunities it has created, and what’s next for By Margot.-------------Stór by Margot Custom Rings & Fine JewelryBy Margot on Instagram Connect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes Website

If you’re posting the same content on TikTok and Instagram and wondering why nothing is working… this episode is calling you out.Today on Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee breaks down the real differences between the two platforms and why your one-size-fits-all strategy is tanking your reach. She explains how TikTok rewards raw, real, fast-paced content while Instagram still wants a curated mix that builds trust over time.Whitney also dives into the rise of TikTok Shopping, why it’s becoming a major revenue driver, and why selling on Instagram feels like pulling teeth. From posting frequency to audience behavior to monetization opportunities, this episode shows you exactly how to stop fighting the algorithm and start using it.-----------Connect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes Website

She got fired over a bra, and turned it into her life’s mission.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessica Wenger McPhaul, a fashion industry veteran who turned a moment of exclusion into a movement for representation. Jessica shares the story of a fitting session gone wrong that exposed how deeply the fashion world overlooks women of diverse backgrounds and body types.What could have ended her career instead became the spark that inspired her to build something better: a lingerie brand rooted in inclusivity, awareness, and empowerment.From color ranges that actually match real skin tones to the emotional impact of feeling seen, Jessica and Whitney unpack what it takes to create products and brands that truly represent everyone.---------Naked Rebellion on Instagram Jessica on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes on Instagram

You launched an ad, spent your hard-earned cash… and nothing happened. Sound familiar?In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee calls out two of the biggest mistakes small business owners make when it comes to advertising. She explains why successful campaigns often take multiple tries, how to craft messages that actually land, and what it really means to “target the right audience.”Whitney also digs into the psychology behind why people buy, the power of a killer call to action, and how AI tools can help you refine your strategy instead of wasting your budget.If your ads aren’t working, this episode will show you how to turn things around with smarter targeting, clearer messaging, and a little marketing grit.--------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

What happens when an influencer goes way off the rails?In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down a recent viral clash between a local bakery and an influencer. From miscommunication to public callouts, Whitney unpacks where things went sideways and what both sides can learn from the fallout.Whitney also tackles the difference between media and influencers (they’re not the same), how to handle criticism without burning bridges, and the art of keeping your cool when the comments section catches fire.------------Your Marketing Heroes WebsiteYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

PR is changing and if you’re still pitching like it’s 2015, you’re already behind.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Gloria Chou, a former U.S. Diplomat turned PR powerhouse, to talk about how small businesses can actually get seen in the new media landscape.They dig into what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to earning real visibility, standing out in an AI-driven world, and pitching your story with purpose.🎙️ Whether you’re DIY-ing your PR or just trying to figure out where to start, this convo is packed with insights that’ll make you rethink your entire approach to getting noticed.--------------About Gloria:A former U.S. Diplomat turned small business advocate, Gloria has been featured on more than 100 podcasts, was named “Pitch Writing Expert of the Year” in 2021 by the Influential Businesswomen Awards, and is a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. Beyond PR, she’s passionate about creating spaces where founders feel seen, supported, and celebrated. You can often find her on Instagram @gloriachoupr speaking unapologetically about her values, her healing journey with psychedelic plant medicine, and sharing resources for building visibility that removes gatekeeping and breaks outdated rules.--------------Important Links: Get Featured In Gift Guides + Dominate AI SearchConnect with Gloria on InstagramConnect with Gloria on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

💸 Think advertising is dead? Think again.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee breaks down where smart business owners are putting their marketing dollars right now—and why old-school tactics might be making a serious comeback.From budget strategy to creative execution, Whitney shares the kind of insight that’ll make you rethink how you’re getting in front of your audience.🎧 Tune in for a reality check on what’s really working in advertising today—and how to make sure your money’s actually doing its job.---------Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes Website

From the classroom to the comms room—this week’s guest knows a thing or two about getting a message across.Whitney sits down with Bobby Parker, founder of Parker Gene Creative, who went from teaching lessons to teaching schools how to actually communicate. They dive into the wild world of education marketing—where every message has to speak to parents, students, teachers, and sometimes the whole town.Bobby shares how crisis comms can make or break a school’s reputation, what most schools get wrong about storytelling, and how his TEACH framework is changing the way education pros think about PR.🎤 Spoiler: great communication doesn’t just fill seats—it shapes futures.Whether you’re in education, nonprofit work, or just love a good brand rescue story, this episode will make you see school PR in a whole new light.---------Parker Gene Creative WebsiteConnect with Bobby on LinkedIn---------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes Website

🚨 Hot take: not running ads might be the most expensive mistake your business is making.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney cuts through the noise on paid advertising—calling out the four boneheaded moves that are draining wallets and stunting growth. (Don’t worry, if you’ve made one of these mistakes… you’re in good company.)From why “dabbling” in ads is a total waste, to how negotiation can change the game, Whitney dishes out some tough love every brand needs to hear.⚡ Spoiler: ads aren’t just about quick sales—they’re about building something bigger, longer, and way more profitable.------------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

🎙️ Buckle up, because Whitney’s sitting down with a guy who basically went from running a marketing agency to steering two media powerhouses you’ve definitely heard of: Featured.com and the newly revived HARO (yep, that HARO).Brett Farmiloe drops into Brand Rescue to talk about what it’s like breathing new life into a platform that connects journalists with sources, why trust in media is more important than ever, and how AI is both shaking things up and holding the door open for new opportunities.But it’s not just all SaaS talk and buzzwords. Brett keeps it real about the messiness of transitioning from agency life to building a tech platform, finding that elusive product-market fit, and why sometimes success comes down to doing one thing really, really well.👉 Curious about where journalism, AI, and media are headed? Or maybe just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run two big-name platforms without losing your mind? This episode’s got your name on it.-------Featured.comFeatured on LinkedIn--------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes

Here’s the deal: people don’t want to buy from faceless logos anymore—they want to buy from humans. In this episode, we're breaking down why thought leadership isn’t just some fluffy buzzword, but the make-or-break factor for connecting with millennials and Gen Z.We’ll get into how to humanize your brand (without cringey corporate-speak), how to actually build trust in a world of nonstop scrolling, and why aligning your values with your audience isn’t optional anymore—it’s survival.From hospitality to tech, retail to real estate, this episode is your no-BS guide to making thought leadership work for your business.----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes WebsiteYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram

Big things are happening around here. Whitney is pulling back the curtain on a brand-new chapter — one that’s all about growth, evolution, and helping more businesses thrive. And yes, there are a few surprises you won’t want to miss.---------Your Marketing Heroes Website Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story Website

Why did we skip an episode this week? Whitney’s got something new up her sleeve, and this episode gives you just enough of a peek to get curious.Be sure to tune in next week for the big reveal! ----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR on Instagram True Story Website

Think strategy is just a buzzword? Think again.In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down why strategic planning deserves its own line item in your business budget—and how skipping it can seriously stunt your growth. She shares real talk from her own experience investing in coaching and the powerful perspective that comes from bringing in outside experts.You’ll learn:Why strategy, goals, and tactics are not the same thingHow to build long-term plans that stay flexible in a changing worldThe ROI of investing in strategic support (yes, it’s worth it)How to stop reacting and start leading your business with intentionIf you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure where to go next—this episode is your roadmap to thinking bigger and budgeting smarter.-----Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

What does it really take to grow a successful PR agency—and keep it thriving through the ups, downs, and plot twists?In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessy Klein-Fafana, founder and CEO of LaRue PR, for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the industry. From the early days of building her agency to leading a team through the chaos of COVID-19, Jessy opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity, navigate client dynamics, and stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly evolving.You’ll hear:How LaRue PR has evolved—and what’s stayed the sameThe lessons Jessy learned about leadership, team building, and client managementWhat the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinventionHer honest take on the ever-changing PR landscapeWhether you're in PR, running a business, or just love a good entrepreneurial story—this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.------LaRue PR on LinkedInJessy on Instagram LaRue PR on Instagram LaRue PR Website------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on Instagram

Running a restaurant takes grit, heart, and hustle—and when it comes to filling seats and staying relevant, smart marketing is a key piece of the puzzle.In this episode, Whitney Lee shares insights from years in the restaurant industry, diving into the real work of building a brand that goes beyond just great food. From defining your unique identity to leveraging PR, events, and digital strategy, she breaks down what it takes to grow a loyal following and keep guests coming back.You’ll learn:Why a strong digital presence is non-negotiableHow to use PR to boost visibility and credibilityTips for creating events that actually move the needleWhat consistency and creativity look like in a successful strategyWhether you're behind the pass or behind the scenes in marketing, this episode is full of actionable advice to help your restaurant thrive.-----Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn