Engaging Marketeer

What happens when the career you worked so hard for no longer fits the life you are living? In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Ann Currie shares her story of leaving the legal profession after nearly 20 years when she hit burnout, and questioned everything she thought success was supposed to look like. She and Darren discuss the warning signs she ignored, the pressure of long hours and expectations and how a need for freedom led her to rethink work entirely - leaving behind the courtrooms for camper vans! If you have ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels wrong day to day, this conversation will resonate. Discover practical insights, hard earned lessons and reassurance that it is possible to change direction without having everything figured out in advance. More about Ann: Ann Currie is a former solicitor who made a bold career shift in search of a happier, more balanced working life. After nearly 20 years in law, she left the profession following burnout and went on to build her own camper van rental business, using it as a practical way to learn marketing, websites, and social media from the ground up. Ann now works in marketing and communications, primarily supporting smaller businesses and events that do not have in-house teams or large budgets, bringing a strong focus on clarity, consistency, accessibility, and brand voice. You can connect with Ann here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-currie-a9b23b33/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann.currie88/?hl=en Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ann.currie88/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More leads will not fix a broken business. Spending money on SEO, ads or networking without a proper sales process is one of the fastest ways to burn through a marketing budget and see nothing in return. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, discover why marketing should never come first, how slow or inconsistent follow ups are doing more damage than you think, and why so many businesses blame marketing when the real issue is happening after the enquiry comes in. If referrals have dried up, leads have gone cold and work feels unpredictable, this episode will make you rethink your sales process. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not every success story starts with a win. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Nathan Brown talks openly about the early missteps that shaped his career. From projects that went wrong, to being made redundant, to rebuilding teams before he really knew what he was doing, this is a proper, honest conversation about learning the hard way, and why some of the moments that feel like failures at the time turn out to be the foundations for everything that follows. It's safe to say that Nathan is now smashing it. If you’re running a business, growing a team or feeling like you are figuring things out as you go, this episode is for you. Start the new year off on the right foot by giving this one a listen.  About Nathan: Nathan Brown is the founder of Robus Marketing, a UK based digital marketing agency that works heavily with franchise networks. He has no formal A levels or degree and started out in live music and events before moving into the care sector, where he progressed into senior roles and then took responsibility for marketing and sales. He later completed a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing with the CIM. After being made redundant in 2014, Nathan became Marketing Manager for a home care franchise, which shaped his franchise marketing experience. He launched Robus Marketing in 2017, grew it primarily through business networking and retained relationships, and now runs a fully remote team across the UK and the Philippines delivering Google Ads, social media, website projects, and marketing strategy, while he focuses on sales, client relationships, and scaling systems. Connect with Nathan:  Website: https://robusmarketing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robusmarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robus_marketing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbrownp/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robus-marketing/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you give people a second chance if they waste your time? Your time is your most valuable asset - and once it's wasted, you don't get it back. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren goes deep on professional standards, boundaries and why how people handle their diary tells you everything you need to know about how they value your relationship. This isn't about being rigid or difficult - it's about protecting your time, setting clear expectations and deciding when a second chance is earned rather than automatically given. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk Support the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It’s a very painful lesson learned" In this week's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren is joined by Les Murray. Les is both an executive coach and leadership consultant who works closely with business owners, managers and founders to sharpen strategy, simplify operations and build leadership teams that truly thrive. During this conversation, Les explains why some roles are only truly valued once they’re gone and the costly lessons businesses learn as a result. About Les Murray: Les Murray is a coach and speaker at 20-20 Coaching, working with individuals and business leaders who want greater clarity, confidence, and stronger decision making, particularly when operating under pressure or responsibility. His journey into coaching and public speaking did not come from performance or presentation, but from recognising moments where he wanted to help others and realised he was not yet equipped to do so effectively. That honesty led him to develop his communication, thinking, and leadership skills through environments such as the Professional Speaking Association. Les focuses on competence before confidence, helping people grow into leadership roles through clearer thinking, better questions, and personal accountability. His work centres on the belief that real development starts by acknowledging gaps, taking responsibility, and committing to consistent improvement. You can connect with Les here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesmurray/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@20-20management?si=_Ca9_0UANYAklH7v Website: https://20-20management.com/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some stories stop you in your tracks. For The Engaging Marketeer’s special 200th episode, Darren invited BNI Global Convention host Greg Davies-Polaine to share tales that every business owner needs to hear. Greg has a way of turning real life moments into valuable lessons. He talks about resilience, consistency, the power of community and why the people around you can accelerate your progress faster than any tactic or trend. This episode goes deeper into how you build trust, stay top of mind and create opportunities simply by being the person others rely on. If you want practical mindset shifts and a fresh perspective on what drives long term business growth, this is the episode to watch. About Greg Davies-Polaine: Greg Davies-Polaine is the executive director for BNI in London South East and Croydon, a role he describes as “the best job in the world” because it allows him to help business owners grow through meaningful relationships. A former signage company owner, he built his reputation inside BNI as a leader, trainer and storyteller, eventually creating his public speaking persona, The Story Fella. Greg has launched and grown multiple successful chapters, including long-standing groups such as Achievers in Sussex, and has gone on to host both the UK National Conference and the BNI Global Convention, including the main stage in Hawaii. Alongside co-authoring books such as Infinite Legacy with Dr Ivan Misner, he continues to champion the power of stories, structured networking and “givers gain” as tools to change lives, support local charities and create business communities that outlast the people who start them. You can connect with Greg here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdavies1979/ Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdavies1979/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregdavies1979/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A single interview question could cost your business thousands… and most employers don’t even realise they’re asking it. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, HR expert Joanne Moss explains why small, everyday mistakes in hiring and people management can lead to five-figure consequences. She talks about how one inappropriate question can trigger a discrimination claim, and why “I didn’t know” is never a defence when things go wrong. Jo also breaks down the hidden HR risks most business owners overlook, and explains the steps every employer can take to protect themselves and create a safer, fairer workplace without drowning in paperwork. If you hire people, plan to hire people or simply want to avoid expensive HR mistakes, this episode is essential viewing.  Read more about Joanne Joanne Moss is the Founder and Managing Director of Moss HR, an independent HR consultancy based in Suffolk. She is a Chartered member of the CIPD with more than twenty years of experience in HR and people management across sectors including motor retail, warehousing and distribution, hospitality and not-for-profit. That broad background shaped her reputation for offering clear, practical and commercially minded HR advice that helps small and medium-sized businesses stay compliant while still treating people well. Through Moss HR, Joanne supports organisations with outsourced HR retainers, project-based HR work and straightforward advice on recruitment, employee relations, contracts and policies. She is also the creator of the popular Simple Steps toolkit for business owners taking on their first employee, combining legally sound documents with clear guidance that helps employers understand their responsibilities with confidence. Joanne is an active member of the BNI business community and is known for her contributions, referrals and leadership within her chapter. She also speaks regularly for local business groups on topics such as workplace wellbeing, mental health and people management. You can connect with Joanne here: Website: https://mosshr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-moss-52719514/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MossHRLtd/ X: https://x.com/mosshrltd?lang=en About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ll never get referrals if you can’t answer THIS one question. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren breaks down the 10 biggest networking mistakes that hold business owners back. If you’ve ever walked out of an event wondering why nothing comes from it, this episode will hit home. Darren reveals what actually makes people remember you, what makes them trust you and what makes them willing to introduce you. You’ll discover how small shifts in how you show up can make a big difference, opening more doors to genuine opportunities through the people you meet. Ready to change the way you network for the better? Then this one's for you.  About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a life-changing accident at just 20, Alistair Dickinson was told he was lucky to be alive - and to make the most of his second chance. From building SaaS platforms and CRM systems to creating one of the first AI record labels, Alistair has done exactly that. He has spent his career pushing boundaries in technology, creativity and business - and in this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, he joins Darren to explore how AI is transforming the music industry. They talk about what creativity really means in the age of automation, and how one defining moment can change the course of a life forever. More about Alistair: Alistair Dickinson is a tech entrepreneur, author and innovator with over 30 years of experience in software, SaaS, and data-driven business solutions. He’s the founder of a global AI record label creating fully AI-assisted artists and music distributed on Spotify and YouTube, and the creator of Maps, a geospatial SaaS platform used worldwide. Alistair is also the author of The Essential Guide for Businesses on GDPR and a recognised voice in AI creativity, technology and automation. From surviving a life-changing accident to building multiple international tech ventures, he continues to push the boundaries of how humans and machines can create together. You can connect with Alistair here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairceo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2703779406444247/user/100000857479981/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alistairdickinsontiktok   About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re too embarrassed to put your name to your content… why should Google recommend it? In this week’s episode, Darren explains why faceless, AI-generated content is slowly killing credibility online - and what to do about it. If you want to be trusted by search engines and AI tools like ChatGPT, you need to show who you are. That means your name, your experience and your expertise front and centre on your website. Because here’s the truth that we all know deep down: when people and algorithms can’t see who’s behind the words, they stop trusting them. And if ChatGPT can’t tell you’re the expert, it’ll recommend someone else who is. This episode is a must-watch for business owners who want their content to stand out - and be cited by AI, not replaced by it.  About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every business owner has their own secret recipe - the way they do things that makes their company unique. But what happens when that recipe lives only in your head? When processes, systems and client knowledge disappear the moment you step away? In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren speaks to Taruna Chauhan, a business owner who turned her passion for preserving her family’s recipes into a powerful lesson about systems, wellbeing and legacy. From reversing pre-diabetes and creating her FRESH Framework, to understanding the “why” behind how we work, Taruna’s story is one every entrepreneur needs to hear. It’s a reminder that structure, purpose and self-care aren’t opposites - they’re the real ingredients of sustainable success. About Taruna Chauhan Taruna is a health and mindset coach, author, and founder of the Inner Wisdom Coach brand. After reversing her own pre-diabetes through lifestyle changes, she created the FRESH Framework — a holistic approach combining nutrition, movement, and mindset to help others achieve long-term wellbeing. A former NHS professional, Taruna is also the author of Recipes from a Gujarati Kitchen, a cookbook preserving generations of authentic family recipes and cultural traditions. She runs workshops, speaks at events, and mentors through organisations such as Migrant Leaders UK, guiding people to reconnect with their values, habits, and “inner why” for healthier, more fulfilling lives. Website: https://www.tarunachauhan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunachauhan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarunachauhaninnerwisdomcoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tchauhaninnerwisdomcoach/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone had to say it - and Darren did. In the latest episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren talks about the unspoken rule in UK business - the one that stops us from calling out bad behaviour. Why do we “keep the peace” when someone does a terrible job? And how does that silence end up protecting the very people who shouldn’t be trusted? This episode digs into why that British tendency to “not make a fuss” might be costing small businesses thousands - and what we can do to change it. If you run a business, network regularly or rely on referrals, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.  About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/darrenjamieson_when-you-get-ripped-off-by-someone-who-doesnt-activity-7371465132109111297-owX5/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your brand won't collapse overnight... but it WILL erode when you stop living up to what people believe about you. The moment someone realises you’re not delivering on your brand message, the damage is done. Trust fades, credibility slips and rebuilding it can take years - IF it ever comes back. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren speaks with Martyn Thorp of Hera Creative about what really makes a brand strong - and how even the best businesses can lose everything when they forget that a brand isn’t built on logos or promises, but on consistency, emotion and truth. If you’re trying to grow your business, protect your reputation or build a brand that lasts, this is one to watch.  About Martyn: Martyn Thorp is the founder and Managing Director of Hera Creative Design, a UK brand management agency that helps ambitious businesses clarify their positioning and build reputations that win trust and command higher prices. Hera’s work spans brand strategy, visual identity, website design, content marketing and social media, with an emphasis on plain-English guidance and measurable outcomes. Martyn brings close to two decades of industry experience and leads client engagements that cut through jargon to focus on brand perception, consistency and growth. He is based on the Isle of Wight, serves clients nationally, and also co-hosts the business and tech podcast The Geekly Upload. Recent roles and public profiles reflect his hands-on brand coaching, writing and speaking on brand stories and practical brand building. You can connect with Martyn here:  Website: https://heracreative.design/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lord.Thorp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heracreativedesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyn-thorp/ X: https://x.com/heracreates Threads: https://www.threads.com/@martynthorp About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What’s the point in a web designer being there?” That’s the question Darren asks when a client says, “I love this site - just copy it for me.” If you’ve ever had a client or prospect tell you how to do your job, promise “future work” instead of payment or pitch you a 50/50 “partnership” deal… this episode will hit close to home. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren shares three painful lessons from over 16 years of running a digital marketing agency - three things he’ll never do again. From “partnership” deals that sound too good to be true, to giving away work for free, these are traps that every new web designer, freelancer and business owner needs to see coming. If you run a creative or marketing business, this is a must-watch before you agree to another “great opportunity.” About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the secret to making buyers talk themselves into YES! This is exactly what can happen when you guide prospects to question their own assumptions and see the problem for what it really is. As David Angel shares in this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, most people shrink their challenges. Your role isn’t to exaggerate - it’s to help buyers see the true scale of the problem so they can make a confident decision all on their own. This conversation goes far beyond the old “sell me this pen” cliché. David and Darren dive into why context is everything in sales, how to handle (and even welcome) objections and the systems that can help a business realise its earning potential. If you’re a business owner or salesperson looking to sharpen your communication, close more high-ticket deals and build a sales process that actually scales, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put into action straight away. Connect with David: David Angel, also known as The Sales Angel, has built his reputation working across 19 industries and nine countries, helping businesses transform their sales performance. From coaching electricians who pivoted into solar, to guiding consultants, recruiters and training firms, he specialises in turning low-converting processes into scalable, high-profit systems. With years of experience refining mindset, skill set and habits, David brings practical, no-nonsense strategies that help business owners replace themselves in the sales process and achieve real growth. Website: https://theultimatesalestrainingacademy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamthesalesangel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidthesalesangel/?hl=en-gb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesalesangel/?originalSubdomain=uk About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many customers are you losing without even realising it? On today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren reveals how a bad website doesn’t just fail to win new business - it actively drives people away. When someone checks you out online and sees something cheap or amateur, they'll assume that’s how you do everything in your business - and can you blame them? It doesn’t matter if you get leads elsewhere. If your website looks like you don’t care, people will believe you don’t care about them either. And you’ll never know the enquiries you’ve lost, because those customers simply move on. This is the true (and expensive) cost of cutting corners on your online presence by trying to save money on a professionally designed website. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping UK ex-pats build wealth through UK property investing! Steve Cowgill isn’t your typical property investor. A British ex-pat living in the Middle East since 2013, Steve built his portfolio with one clear goal: creating security and opportunities for his family. Now, he balances financial success with family priorities and speaks openly about what really matters - stability, education and doing things the right way. In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Steve shares with Darren his journey from Manchester to the Middle East, his views on business, property and life, and the lessons every ex-pat and investor can take on board. Expect straight-talking insights, practical advice and a perspective that goes beyond money to what lasting success really looks like. More about Steve:  Steve Cowgill is a UK expat property investor and community-builder who has spent much of the past decade in Oman, where he grew a seven-figure UK property portfolio that generates a six-figure income and now helps other expats replicate the model. He’s the founder of Expat Property People, a free community that connects overseas investors with trusted UK-focused advisers via webinars, networking and resources, and he hosts the weekly Expat Property Podcast, sharing practical strategies for building and financing portfolios from abroad. His work centres on mindset, leverage, and data-led investing—showing expats how to structure deals, access finance, and build resilient income streams while living overseas. You can connect with Steve here: Website: https://stephencowgill.com/ / https://expatpropertypeople.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-cowgill-mba-6111a919/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_cowgill/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The secret to more reach on LinkedIn? Post content people actually care about! Darren's off on another rant... but believe it or not, it's not just about car park drama. It’s about what gets people talking online. It's about why you should be posting content that is actually interesting. Stuff people want to comment on. Stuff they’ll like, share and keep coming back to. When you do that, LinkedIn rewards you. Your reach grows - and when you finally post something about your business, far more people see it. This week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer is packed with insights (and a few parking-related tangents) on how to use everyday stories to fuel your brand growth. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚀 From military officer to property mogul! In this week's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Richie Miller shares how he went from having no property experience to owning and managing a multi-million-pound property portfolio. Starting with a single investment in Sheffield, Richie now manages everything from HMOs to a self-storage business that’s already bringing in big returns. He talks about the lessons learned along the way, including how to scale your investments, the importance of making quick decisions under pressure (thanks to his military background) and how he used creative financing to acquire huge properties without using his own money. Richie’s story will inspire anyone looking to break into property or entrepreneurship, so tune in to hear how you can start your journey today.  About Richie:  Richie Miller is a former military officer turned successful property investor and developer. With a background in the British Army, where he learned critical decision-making skills under pressure, Richie transitioned to property investment with no formal training or knowledge of the industry. After buying his first property in Sheffield with no money down, he quickly scaled his portfolio to a 48-bed tower block, demonstrating the power of calculated risk and strategic partnerships. Richie now focuses on high-value property investments, including large HMOs and commercial conversions, while also expanding into the growing self-storage market. His success has been driven by his ability to make quick decisions, learn from his experiences, and take action, rather than getting bogged down in analysis paralysis. As a mentor, Richie now helps others achieve success in property investment, sharing the same mindset and strategies that have fueled his own growth. Connect with Richie:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/ Book a call: https://elevatepropertymentoring.com/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's about to get personal 🔥 In this special takeover of The Engaging Marketeer, Peter Murphy Lewis sits Darren in the hot seat and asks the questions no one else does. From award-winning comedian to expert marketer, Darren’s, shall we say, unique mix has drawn comparisons to “Gary Vee crossed with a stand-up.” But how do you take your authentic personality - even the quirks you may try to hide - and turn that into a business advantage? In this week's episode, Darren explains why faking it never works, how being yourself attracts the right kind of clients and why trying to play a part will only bring the wrong people through your door. If you’ve ever wondered how to build your brand around who you truly are, this one’s for you. More about Peter: Peter Murphy Lewis is a seasoned SEO strategist, video content marketer, and documentary producer based in the United States. He began his career by founding a travel company in South America in 2008, where he pioneered early SEO and online booking strategies in the tourism sector. His innovative use of intern-generated content, TripAdvisor reviews, and guerrilla marketing saw his company featured in the New York Times and attract celebrity clients including Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and Aerosmith. After scaling the business to nearly 50 staff across multiple cities, Peter sold the company and transitioned into a new venture: Strategic Pete. Now working as a fractional CMO and documentary filmmaker, he helps B2B companies build brand authority through long-form storytelling. His documentaries are shot with professional television crews and aimed at platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Peter is also a strong advocate for holistic SEO — combining PR backlinks, employee-generated content, and platform-specific strategies across YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, and traditional blogs. He’s highly data-driven, avoids shortcuts like AI-generated content for writing, and focuses on authority-building through trust, strategy, and human storytelling. You can connect with Peter here: Website: https://strategicpete.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gringopeter/?hl=en About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.