Mastering Local Marketing: Simple Marketing Tactics Using Local Advertising Strategies and Digital Marketing to Fuel Business Growth and Customer Acquisition

Growth does not happen by accident. Too many small businesses chase tactics without building a solid marketing plan. In this episode, we break down what sustainable business growth looks like and how local business owners can move beyond short-term wins with effective marketing for small business. We discuss core components of a strong marketing strategy including hiring and systems, building a predictable sales funnel, improving customer experience, and expanding reach without overextending your business. You'll learn why strategic planning matter more than motivation, how to reduce risks as you grow, and how to set meaningful goals that lead to lasting progress. This episode is designed to help small business owners stop reacting and start planning with smart marketing for small businesses. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of where growth really comes from and how to build a strategy that supports long-term success.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman.   

Many small businesses struggle with their social media marketing strategy, especially on Facebook, feeling like their efforts aren't yielding growth. In this episode, we dive into why typical approaches fall short and reveal what truly drives Facebook follower growth today without spending money on ads. This is essential listening for anyone interested in marketing for small businesses and online marketing for small business success. We explore foundational mistakes made with Facebook Pages and emphasize the importance of content quality, consistency, and social media engagement. Learn how to create posts that inspire conversations, strategically use Facebook features like Stories and Live video, and leverage partnerships and community interaction for greater organic reach. Additionally, you'll discover how proper timing, compelling visuals, and simple data tracking can significantly boost your results. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear social media marketing strategy framework for turning Facebook into a long-term audience-building channel rather than feeling like a frustrating time sink.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman.   

2026 does not need more marketing tactics. It needs more commitment. In this episode, we introduce the 2026 Marketing Challenge. One intentional choice. No pressure to do everything. We challenge you to pick just one marketing initiative. Not the easiest one. Not the trendiest one. The one you are willing to stick with long enough to see results. This is not about chasing algorithms or trying to be everywhere. It is about focus, consistency, and building momentum that actually lasts. Pick one idea. Commit to it. Let 2026 be the year your marketing finally compounds.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners, whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own, who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships, while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, Grow My Small Business by Lindsay Fletcher, and Social Media Marketing by Cheyanne Cleyman.   

As we start the new year, Matt and Jim are clearing the slate. In this episode, they're talking about the biggest marketing myths that small businesses need to leave behind in 2026. These are the ideas that sound good but quietly hold businesses back. They unpack common beliefs around social media, advertising, branding, and growth that no longer match how customers actually behave. They explain why these myths persist, where business owners get stuck, and what to focus on instead as you head into the new year. This episode is less about trends and more about clarity. If you want to start 2026 with a cleaner, more focused marketing approach, this conversation will help you stop chasing the wrong things and double down on what actually works.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Before a customer speaks to you, before they understand your offer, and before price ever comes into play, a perception has already formed. In the first ten seconds, people judge your business based on things you may not even notice anymore. The parking lot. The front door. The website load time. The greeting. The signage. The feeling of order or chaos. This episode breaks down why first impressions quietly decide outcomes, how small details signal trust or doubt, and why most businesses focus on messaging while ignoring the moments that matter most. We also explore how these ten seconds shape everything that follows, from pricing tolerance to perceived professionalism.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Most people think marketing is something you learn later, hire out, or turn on once a business is already running. In reality, most of us have been doing marketing long before we ever called it marketing. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Jim and Matt reflect on how their paths into marketing started much earlier than they realized. Matt shares how his interest in marketing began in high school, while Jim talks through wishing he had leaned into it sooner. Together, they unpack a simple but powerful idea: persuasion, storytelling, listening, and gaining support are things we all practice every day. From trying to prove a point in a conversation, to building momentum around an idea, to paying attention when customers tell you exactly what they want, this episode reframes marketing as a natural human skill rather than a formal discipline. The takeaway is not that everyone is an expert marketer, but that understanding what you are already doing changes how intentionally you can do it.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

People will drive past a local business they have known for years but only give it a try when a stranger on the internet they have never met says it's good. A one sentence review. A TikTok recommendation. A YouTube comment. Somehow, that feels more reliable than anything else these days. This episode of Mastering Local Marketing explores the strange hierarchy of credibility we have created in the digital age. Why reviews carry so much weight. Why influencers feel more trustworthy than experts. And why social proof often matters more than experience. We break down how this shift happened, what it means for local businesses, and why trust today is less about who you are and more about who is talking about you.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

If you are new here and just finding the Mastering Local Marketing podcast, welcome. And for everyone who has been here since the early episodes, thank you for sticking with us through one hundred shows. Your support and feedback are the reason we keep building these conversations. For this milestone episode, Matt and Jim go back through the last year of content and pull the strongest ideas, the most practical lessons, and the episodes that created real results for small businesses. They walk through the recommendations that listeners told us changed their marketing. You will hear why these ideas worked and how you can apply them no matter what size you are. If you are new to our world, this is the perfect starting point because it gives you a clear overview of the most useful and repeatable marketing ideas we have shared. If you have been listening for a while, it is a great refresh and a look back at the episodes that made the biggest impact.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Today we break down one of the most important marketing metrics that rarely gets tracked. Customer Acquisition Cost, or CAC, tells you exactly how much it costs to bring in each new customer. In this episode we explain what CAC is, how it is calculated, and why it matters for any small business trying to grow profitably and understand their marketing results. We also walk through several practical ways to lower your CAC, and why you should know it across all your advertising methods. In addition, we're comparing CAC to Lifetime Value so you understand how these two numbers work together and why your LTV should always be several times higher than the cost to acquire a customer. We close the episode with average CAC numbers from common consumer industries so you can see where your business stands. This is a simple and helpful introduction to a metric that can completely change how you manage your marketing budget.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

This episode walks small business owners through the essential items they must get in line before the new year so their marketing is ready to perform on day one. Most businesses slide into January without a plan, and the lack of preparation shows for the next six months. Today we look at the areas that matter most. Your customer data, your content plan, your offers, your partnerships, your advertising calendar, and your owned audience all need attention before the year resets. The goal is simple. Remove guesswork, tighten clarity, and step into next year with structure. This episode gives owners a precise checklist that strengthens focus and reduces wasted energy. Strong preparation gives you a faster start and better results in the months ahead.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Today we explore real examples of marketing presentations that either landed perfectly or fell apart in the moment. Jim and I break down the factors that made each presentation work or fail, including clarity, pacing, confidence, preparation, and the ability to read the room. You will hear how a strong presentation can create instant buy in and how a weak one can lose attention, credibility, and opportunity within minutes. This episode gives small business owners a clear look at what separates a winning pitch from one that misses the mark. We discuss how presenters can connect with their audience, simplify their message, and guide decision makers toward action. We also highlight common breakdowns that local businesses rarely notice until it is too late. Strong marketing presentations help you earn trust, shorten sales cycles, and stand out in a crowded market.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

In this episode, we dive deep into how marketing bias can undermine your local marketing efforts and overall marketing strategy. Many small business owners create marketing campaigns based on their own daily habits and preferences, but this approach often leads to missed opportunities and weak results. We discuss why you are not your customer, how your target audience consumes local marketing differently than you, and why relying solely on personal assumptions can limit your success. You'll learn practical strategies for stepping out of your marketing bubble by analyzing real customer behavior and using data-driven insights to build more effective campaigns. This episode is designed to help you identify blind spots in your marketing approach and provide a solid framework for stronger, results-driven local marketing decisions.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Most small businesses spend their time and money focused on generating awareness for their business, but real growth comes from understanding every stage of the sales funnel. In this episode, we break down ways to look at awareness, consideration, and conversion, but also introduce two new areas you need to focus on: trial and lifetime value. Simple data and a little analysis may uncover some new ways to look at your business and also uncover some areas you need to pay a little more attention to in the new year.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Holiday marketing does not need to be overwhelming or expensive. This episode shares simple and creative ideas that help small and medium businesses stand out during the busiest time of the year. The focus is on connection, visibility, and community rather than flashy campaigns or deep discounts. The ideas are practical, easy to execute, and designed to work for any industry including salons, restaurants, boutiques, pet stores, and service-based businesses. The goal is to help you stay top of mind throughout November and December by showing up early and consistently. By the end of the episode, you will have a clear set of holiday strategies that lift your business and connect you more deeply with your customers.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Matt breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in business. When should you rebrand? Most small and medium sized companies do not realize that a brand is not their logo. A brand is the promise customers believe you will keep and the story that shapes their expectations. Matt explains how businesses often grow, add new products, or attract new customer groups, but fail to update their identity to match the shift. Using real examples like Dunkin Donuts shortening its name to Dunkin, Matt shows how a rebrand becomes necessary when the old brand no longer reflects the current business. You will learn The Brand Evolution Formula, a strategic and simple process that helps you evaluate who you are today, understand who you serve now, audit your existing brand, and build a new story before touching the visuals. This episode will help you decide when a rebrand is right for your business and how to do it with clarity.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

This episode looks at the real state of your local marketing team. Some teams are growing, some are quietly growing cancerous behaviors, and some are stuck in the insanity loop of doing the same thing each day and hoping something will change. Today we talk through what defines a great marketing team, why every person needs a clear role, and how internal and external partners must support the mission with consistency and reliability. Matt shares insights from conversations with several companies this week, where bad attitudes, missed promises, and refusal to adapt have slowed marketing momentum. The episode challenges business owners to evaluate their teams, reset expectations, and take action when people or vendors stop showing up in the way they should. This is a direct look at how leadership shapes marketing success inside real businesses today.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we'll explore how every minute you invest impacts the growth of your small business and marketing success. From answering emails to planning social media posts, each task carries measurable value—or cost—to your bottom line. Many small business owners stay busy but often miss evaluating whether their time contributes to real local marketing success and business growth. We'll challenge listeners to assess their daily activities through a profitability lens: identifying which minutes generate momentum in their local marketing efforts and which drain resources. You'll learn how to assign a value per minute, identify your highest-impact tasks, and why you should delegate or automate the rest. If you've ever felt like you're working all day but no moving forward, this episode will help you reclaim your time and focus it where it matters most. .   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we're exposing one of the biggest issues holding small businesses back — cloning. From identical social posts and themed taglines to look-alike ads that blend into the feed, too many businesses are copying each other instead of standing out. Matt is going to explain why "safe" marketing is actually the riskiest strategy of all and how originality creates instant attention, loyalty, and higher conversion. You'll learn how to uncover your unique marketing DNA, use storytelling to separate your brand, and take creative risks that make customers remember you. If your ads feel flat or your engagement has stalled, this episode will help you break free from the clone factory and start creating marketing that's unmistakably you. .   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.   

Many small businesses struggle to get noticed because their local marketing isn't a priority. In this episode, we dive into the reasons why local marketing strategies often fall by the wayside and why prioritizing these efforts is essential for small business growth. Host Matt Hanson explains how every entrepreneur has a ten million dollar idea but few commit the time and focus needed to turn that idea into a powerful marketing message. In this episode, you'll learn: Practical tips on setting aside time. Identifying and using your strengths. How to harness the ideas that drive your passion. If you want your community to notice your business, you need to embrace the habitsand structure that make your message stand out. Tune in to discover how to build lasting small business marketing habits that bring your local audience through the door. .     HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.

Running a small business means there's never enough time, but what if an unpaid "intern" could handle your follow-ups, reminders, and promotions automatically? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we explore how email automation can be a game-changer for local marketing and small business marketing efforts. You'll learn practical ways to use email automation tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to save time, improve communication, and increase sales. Hear inspiring real-world examples, including how a local beauty salon is planning to leverage QR codes to trigger creative email campaigns. We'll cover how to build welcome emails, re-engagement campaigns, appointment reminders, and post-purchase thank-yous — all designed to run seamlessly while you focus on growing your business. If you've ever said "I don't have time for marketing," this episode will show you how email automation fits perfectly within your local marketing toolkit to help your small business work smarter, not harder.   HAVE A SHOW IDEA? Do you have an interesting idea for a show topic or a marketing problem that you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Mastering Local Marketing? Email matt@masteringlocalmarketing.com and we'll add it to our future episodes.   Mastering Local Marketing is for small business owners—whether you run a restaurant, retail store, service-based business, or handle marketing on your own—who want proven strategies to grow their customer base, increase the number of customers, and market smarter. Each episode delivers actionable tips on proven marketing strategies that build awareness through digital marketing, content development, engagement strategies, and networking opportunities like key partnerships – while not wasting your time or money on things that don't work. Fans of these marketing podcasts will find plenty to binge here: Savvy Marketing for Small Business by Samantha Shephard, Grow Your Local Business by Leslie Presnall, Local Marketing Trends by Gordon Borrell, Marketing Ink: Big Ideas for Local Businesses by Allie Bloyd, The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray, and The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher.    CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: Instagram