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We Know Marketing, We Promise
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We Know Marketing, We Promise

Author: Kelsie Downs + Naoma Serna-Zahn

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We Know Marketing, We Promise is where ambitious women go when they’re tired of guessing their way through marketing and want real clarity on how to scale.

Naoma and Kelsie unpack the mindsets, messaging, and marketing foundations that actually move your business forward — especially when you’re juggling work, life, motherhood, and 47 mental tabs at once.

It’s strategy with a little heat and a lot of honesty.
57 Episodes
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Messaging is not a caption problem. It is not a social media problem. It is a brand problem. In this episode, we break down why messaging is one of the most critical and misunderstood pillars of a strong brand—and how unclear, inconsistent, or overly clever messaging quietly erodes trust, clarity, and conversions. This conversation unpacks how messaging should flow from brand conviction, not trends, emojis, or last-minute creativity. If your website, social media, emails, and sales conversations all sound slightly different, this episode will help you understand why—and how to fix it.In this episode, we cover:- Why messaging matters more than visuals in long-term brand trust- The danger of trying to be clever instead of clear- How jargon often masks insecurity and lack of confidence- Why confusing people is the opposite of effective branding- How social media without messaging strategy leads to burnout- The difference between posting content and building a brandWhy viral content can damage your business if it is misalignedHow to create a single source of truth for brand messaging- The role of conviction in attracting the right people and repelling the wrong ones- Why people-pleasing weakens your brand voice- How clarity compounds over time when messaging is consistentIf your marketing feels scattered, your content feels exhausting to create, or your audience engages but does not convert, this episode will help you identify the real issue and give you a practical starting point to rebuild from clarity instead of chaos.Subscribe for weekly conversations on brand strategy, messaging, marketing, and building businesses that actually last.
Most marketing problems are not platform problems. They are identity problems. In this episode, we walk through how to audit your brand and social media to determine whether you are operating from clarity or quietly spiraling in an identity crisis. This conversation goes far beyond visuals. It breaks down why brand identity is the conviction behind every marketing decision you make, and why focusing on logos, colors, or posting volume without internal clarity creates confusion, mistrust, and stalled growth.In this episode, we cover:- Why everyone has a brand, but only intentional brands scale- The difference between a pretty visual identity and a trustworthy brand - How tone whiplash on social media signals internal confusion- Why your audience can feel when you are “finding yourself” in real time- How brand identity directly impacts trust, sales, and revenue- Why social media is a foundational business function, not a side task- The danger of outsourcing brand decisions without owner involvement- Why posting more without strategy creates erosion, not growth- How brand, data, and platform trends must work together- Why underpricing marketing services damages brands and industries- The compound effect of strategic brand-led marketing over time- Two critical self-reflection questions every business owner must answer before scalingIf your marketing feels inconsistent, your messaging feels unstable, or your business looks polished but isn’t converting, this episode will help you identify what’s actually broken and where to start fixing it.Subscribe for weekly conversations on brand, strategy, marketing, and building businesses that last.
A new year does not fix broken systems. Motivation fades, tactics pile up, and teams burn out when there is no clear structure holding the business together. In this episode, we unpack why systems matter more than tactics and how a strategic reset can change everything for your team, your clients, and your sanity. This conversation walks through the real highs and lows of the past year, including team turnover, growing pains, emotional leadership moments, and the hard lessons that forced a deeper level of clarity and structure. More importantly, it lays out a practical approach to resetting your business without overcomplicating it or chasing shiny tools.In this episode, we cover:- Why tactics fail without a clear system underneath them- How to run a simple vision-casting session without a deck or presentation- The difference between being organized and being over-processed- How to identify friction points in client delivery and team communication- Why software cannot fix a broken process- How to whiteboard your systems before choosing toolsThe importance of slowing down to speed up- How to set realistic quarterly goals without overwhelming your team- Why deciding what not to do is just as important as deciding what to doHow celebration, feedback, and clarity build trust and momentumThis episode is for business owners and leaders who feel stuck in reaction mode, overwhelmed by systems that no longer serve them, or frustrated that growth feels harder than it should. A reset does not require perfection. It requires clarity, alignment, and the willingness to build something sustainable.Subscribe for weekly conversations on marketing, leadership, systems, and building businesses that actually work.
If you wait to feel confident before you make a decision, you will stay stuck. In this episode, we break down what real confidence in business actually looks like—and why it comes from action, not emotion.What you’ll learn:- Why confidence grows through reps, not waiting- The hidden traps: fear of being wrong, disappointing others, or mistrusting your intuition- How to borrow confidence from mentors or peers until yours catches up- Why indecision drains more ROI than making the wrong choice- Practical reframes: most decisions are reversible and don’t require perfection- Questions to break out of an indecisive spiral:• Is this fear or intuition?• If no one was watching, what would I choose?• What am I avoiding by not deciding?• In three years, will this matter?- How confidence impacts sales, pricing, hiring, leadership, and client experience- Why saying your price out loud (without trembling) changes everythingThis episode is a permission slip to make the decision, take the step, and fix it later. - Confidence is built—not found.Subscribe for weekly strategy and honest conversations about building a business that actually works.#Entrepreneurship #DecisionMaking #Confidence #WeKnowMarketing #BusinessGrowth
Most businesses are not failing because of bad tactics. They are failing because there is no clear vision guiding those tactics. In this episode, we break down the real difference between strategy and tactics, why people confuse the two, and how to build a business that actually moves in one direction instead of a thousand scattered ones. What you’ll learn:Why tactics are not strategy (and why most people mix them up)How to define a vision that becomes the cornerstone of every decisionThe treasure map analogy: vision, strategy, and tactics explained simplyWhat happens when you skip vision casting and jump straight into goalsHow to align your team, processes, and pricing around a single directionWhy your strategy is the map, and your tactics are the steps along the wayHow breaking your process erodes trust, increases confusion, and hurts your brandWhen to evolve your vision and when to hold the lineThe cycles of business growth and why vision drift leads to chaosThis episode is your blueprint for getting out of reaction mode and into intentional, long-term growth. If you feel scattered, stretched thin, or unable to articulate where your business is going, this will help you get grounded fast.Subscribe for weekly, no-fluff strategy and real conversations about building brands that work.#MarketingStrategy #BrandVision #BusinessGrowth #WeKnowMarketing #Entrepreneurship
Building a business is exciting, meaningful, and deeply rewarding—but it can also be unbelievably lonely. In this episode, we unpack the emotional, mental, and practical sides of entrepreneurial loneliness and what it really looks like behind the scenes.What you’ll learn:The different types of loneliness entrepreneurs face in different seasonsWhy early-stage survival mode feels so isolatingHow lack of support (from partners, family, or peers) can crush your confidenceWhy entrepreneurship exposes childhood patterns, money fears, and self-worth issuesThe difference between being a founder and being an employeeWhy confiding in employees can backfire and what to do insteadThe importance of community across age groups: peers, mentors, and those you pour intoWhy anxiety shows up even when business is finally goodHow to stop creating chaos out of habit and learn to sit with the “good”Why you must find entrepreneur friends who understand risk, pressure, and responsibilityIf you’ve ever thought, “No one gets how heavy this feels,” you’re not alone. This episode is a reminder that entrepreneurship was never meant to be done solo—and you don’t have to keep white-knuckling it.Subscribe for weekly honest conversations about business, leadership, and the realities of building something from scratch.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FounderLife #WeKnowMarketing #Leadership
What if you could take one video, blog, or idea and turn it into 10+ pieces of content? In this episode, we break down the practical process for multiplying your message across platforms—without burning out or sounding repetitive.What you’ll learn:How to repurpose one piece of content into multiple formats (video, carousel, newsletter, post)Why starting with a transcript or long-form idea unlocks endless possibilitiesHow to use ChatGPT to rewrite and adapt your content for different audiencesThe difference between hooks, headlines, and storytelling that actually convertsTips for balancing personality, professionalism, and authenticity across platformsHow to evaluate what’s working and reuse your best-performing posts with confidenceWhy your hook matters as much as your message—and how to test it without clickbaitThis episode is packed with practical, repeatable systems to help you streamline your content creation process and show up consistently online.👉 Subscribe for weekly, no-fluff marketing strategy and creative inspiration.💬 Question: What’s one piece of content you could repurpose into something new this week?#ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #WeKnowMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #ContentCreation
It’s a new quarter—which means it’s time to audit your marketing. In this episode, we break down how to evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and how to make smart, data-driven adjustments that actually move your business forward.What you’ll learn:How to run a quarterly marketing audit that’s simple, sustainable, and strategicWhy looking at data too often can derail your momentumHow to use tools like Metricle (or even ChatGPT) to synthesize insightsThe difference between impressions, engagement, and real performanceWhy consistency beats constant change (and when it’s OK to tweak strategy)How to keep your brand visuals consistent—without turning your logo into a Christmas card 🎅Why color, typography, and storytelling matter more than your logo itselfHow to turn your analytics and lead forms into next quarter’s content planThis episode is your quarterly reminder to slow down, review the numbers, and get intentional before hitting “post.”👉 Subscribe for weekly strategy, creative insights, and a few marketing rants you didn’t know you needed.💬 Question: When’s the last time you audited your own marketing?#MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #WeKnowMarketing #SocialMediaStrategy #ContentMarketing
In this episode, we get real about the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Whether it’s social media, newsletters, or content strategy, we’re all figuring it out in real time—and that’s OK.What you’ll learn:Why you don’t need to do everything at once to grow your businessThe Rule of Threes framework for staying focused and productiveHow to build the “consistency muscle” without burning outThe difference between progress and perfection in marketingHow to start a newsletter or social strategy that feels authentic to YOUWhy experimenting, failing, and trying again is the secret to long-term growthThis is your permission slip to start small, start messy, and start today. Because consistency—not perfection—is what builds trust, momentum, and results.👉 Subscribe for weekly, no-fluff marketing strategy and behind-the-scenes insight.💬 Question: What’s one small thing you can commit to doing consistently this week?#MarketingStrategy #Consistency #Entrepreneurship #WeKnowMarketing #BrandBuilding
Consistency isn’t about superhuman willpower — it’s about systems.In Part 3 of the 90-Day Marketing series, we’re diving into the tactical side of staying consistent: tools, templates, and habits that keep your content going even when life gets busy. From how we actually use Canva and ChatGPT to the way we structure marketing tasks in ClickUp, we’re giving you a real look behind the curtain.Spoiler: It’s less about perfection and more about making things easy to repeat.Takeaways:How to build a marketing system using tools like Canva, ClickUp, and ChatGPTThe importance of setting up a brand kit and consistent visualsWhy batching content only works if your foundation is solidTips for scheduling, delegating, and building reusable templatesWhat “done” looks like when you’re short on time or energy
In Part 2 of the 90-day marketing series, we dive into the content + systems phase—how to build a sustainable content strategy, grow your personal brand, and set a cadence you can actually keep.What you’ll learn:- How to pick the right platform (why LinkedIn often wins) and optimize your profile (photo, bio, CTA).- The Venn-diagram method to define content pillars (expertise, POV, interests) and keywords.- Personal brand vs. business brand—how to separate them and cross-promote effectively.- Batching, repurposing, and weekly cadence (videos, carousels/PDFs, posts) that the algorithms reward- Authenticity that converts: the “FaceTime a friend” approach and the red-velvet-rope policy for ideal clients.- Engagement systems (15–30 min/day), KPIs, and light email automations to support sales.- Using AI to brainstorm and calendarize 30 days of content—without sounding robotic.If you skipped Part 1, go watch that first so this episode makes sense. Then come back here to build the muscle and scale.Subscribe for weekly, no-fluff marketing strategy.Question: Which three content pillars will you start with?Want more? Stick around for behind-the-scenes and practical templates in future episodes.#MarketingStrategy #ContentStrategy #PersonalBranding #LinkedInMarketing #SmallBusiness
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie break down what it really takes to get your marketing off the ground — without burning out, confusing your audience, or becoming a content machine with no results. From defining your ICP and clarifying your message to choosing the right platform and building a content muscle, this episode is packed with practical advice to set your marketing foundation. Whether you're in your first 90 days or 5 years in and still winging it, this is your sign to hit reset and build with intention.Key TakeawaysIf people are confused, they won’t buy — clarity wins over cleverness.Define your ICP like a real human, not a spreadsheet. Get specific.Don’t be the all-you-can-eat buffet. People want a clear recommendation, not a menu.Messaging needs to be consistent across sales calls, socials, emails, and your site.Your “I help” statement should evolve — it’s a guide, not handcuffs.Posting to post = confusion. Have a strategy, or you’ll waste time.Focus on one or two platforms. Don’t burn out trying to be everywhere.The first 90 days are about building muscle, not going viral.Email lists are still your best long game — even if it starts with 1 person.Use AI to analyze what your best clients are saying — the clues are there.
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie talk about the mental gymnastics of building a personal brand—and how to stay consistent without spiraling. They get real about what makes it so hard (hint: perfectionism, comparison, and those "what the hell am I even doing?" moments) and break down the systems that have helped them stay visible over the long haul. If you're overwhelmed by the idea of content planning, posting, and showing your face online, this one’s for you.TakeawaysYou don’t have to be everywhere. Choose one platform and start there.Content lanes (what you do, how you think, who you are) help organize your brand voice.Batch planning and simple systems can make consistency feel possible.Your content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.Start where you are. Post through the cringe.A personal brand takes time—results often show up months (or years!) later.Support systems matter. Surround yourself with people who get it.
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie get real about what it’s meant to find deep friendship in business. They share how having a trusted confidant, someone who understands both the mental load of entrepreneurship and the emotional rollercoaster, has changed the game. From whiteboard sessions that sparked clarity to hospital visits that revealed burnout, this episode explores how business friendship can be an anchor, a mirror, and a catalyst for growth. They also chat about collaboration without competition, how trust builds slowly (and sometimes unexpectedly), and why this podcast wasn’t just born over margarita, it was built on a foundation of mutual respect, support, and of course… margaritas.Key TakeawaysHaving a business bestie can prevent burnout by offering a space to process without judgment.Real collaboration happens when egos are down and trust is high.Proximity deepens perspective—seeing behind-the-scenes builds better advice and encouragement.Being in business is hard; having someone who gets it makes it easier.Friendships in business require maturity, boundaries, and the ability to say “I need time to think.”Confidence grows when you’re consistently reminded of your strengths.Strategic partnerships are built slowly—and benefit from shared values and mutual respect.Disagreements are inevitable, but how you handle them is what matters.There’s no clean line between friendship and businessYou don’t need a dozen business friends—just real ones can change everything
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie dive into the real stuff: the mental hurdles that come with starting, running, and growing a business. From facing rejection and dealing with feedback to unraveling money mindsets and navigating identity crises, they get honest about what it takes to keep going—especially when the biggest obstacle is your own brain. Packed with personal stories, spirals, and business breakthroughs, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s ever doubted themselves (aka, all of us).Takeaways:Rejection is part of the process—getting told "no" often builds resilience.Feedback isn’t always useful, but asking better questions helps make it actionable.Money mindset issues run deep—especially if you grew up with scarcity.Avoiding finances doesn’t make them go away. Systems do.Business reinvention requires shedding old identities and stepping into new onesConfidence doesn't come first—clarity and action do.Strategy isn’t optional; it’s the foundation for sustainable growth.Slowing down for refinement can feel terrifying but is necessary.Entrepreneurship will force you to deal with your past, your patterns, and your self-worth.Support systems (and business besties) are everything.
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie talk through what it really means to “recession-proof” your marketing. Spoiler: it’s not about panicking or slashing your budget. It’s about building trust, staying consistent, and being indispensable to your clients. They break down tactical ways to create stickier client relationships, refine your messaging, and deepen brand trust—before things get rocky. Whether you're already feeling the pinch or just want to prep smartly, this one’s packed with honest advice (and a few laughs, of course).Key Takeaways- Cutting your marketing budget is usually the worst move in a downturn.- People still need your services—they just become more selective.- Building trust through personal branding and clear messaging is crucial.- Upselling happy clients can be smarter than chasing new ones.- Consistency in communication (especially during chaos) builds loyalty.- Be seen as a partner, not a vendor. That’s how you stay on the roster.- Map your client journey. A solid onboarding experience can make or break retention.- Make your business sticky—offer value beyond the scope when possible.If you go quiet, people assume you're struggling. Stay visible, even if you're pivoting.Calm, clarity, and character make you recession-resistant.
No one starts a business dreaming of burnout and busywork. But without a clear vision, that’s exactly where you land. In this episode, Kelsie and Naoma break down what vision actually is—not just a fluffy statement on your website, but a decision-making compass for everything from hiring to content to client fit.They share how vision shows up in branding, social media, and leadership—and how it can completely change the way your team, marketing, and business grow. You’ll hear their personal experiences with vision misalignment, what clarity has changed for them, and how to get yours out of your head and into your business.You’ll Learn:What a business vision actually is (and isn’t)How to recognize when you’re lacking visionWhy vision matters for branding, content, and your teamThe difference between dreaming and planningHow to revisit and refine your vision quarterlyThe key questions that help extract your true goals
In this episode, Naoma and Kelsie break down Instagram’s latest update: professional accounts are now being indexed by Google. This means your posts can show up in search results — yes, your Reels, captions, especially alt text.What does that mean for your business? It’s time to get serious about strategy. The duo walks through what this update changes, what you should do now to align your content with your website and brand goals, and why content pillars and keyword use matter more than ever.They also get real about shadow banning, personal branding accounts, and how this shift might affect your reach, visibility, and ultimately your revenue.You'll Learn:What Google indexing on Instagram really meansHow to optimize your IG profile and content for SEOWhy alignment between your site and social media matters more than everThe difference between discoverability and diluted messagingTips for navigating shadow banning and personal branding
We thought we could cover our top 10 mistakes in one episode. We were wrong. In part three of our “business mistakes” series, we get into the stuff that really stings—bad partnerships, financial spirals, lost confidence, and the mindsets that almost broke us. But don’t worry. It’s not a pity party. It’s real talk about what we’ve learned, how we course-corrected, and why the people in your corner matter more than anything else.In this episode:What happens when your business bleeds $10K a monthFinancial red flags and mindset spiralsWhy good release forms matter (especially on $10K shoots)Imposter syndromeBeing discerning about “partnership” offers from strangersWhy support systems are non-negotiableRiding the waves of project-based business models
Ever launch something you swore people needed... only to hear crickets? Or held onto a client way past their expiration date?In this episode of We Know Marketing, We Promise, we’re unpacking real business timing mistakes—from rushed launches and rebrands that took too long, to missed opportunities and late price increases. We talk through what happens when you ignore your gut, how to charge for the pain-in-the-butt factor, and why hard conversations around profit aren’t just necessary—they’re strategic.Inside this episode:Launching something before testing the audienceThe power of casting a vision (and how to know when someone’s not ready)Raising prices when a client relationship is no longer profitableHow not to spiral after a “mistake”The importance of building custom packages that still protect your margins
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