Mastering Local Marketing: How to Increase Your Small Business's Awareness & New Customers Through Digital Marketing, In-store Sales Strategies, and Building a Network of Influence.

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

In this episode, Jim shares an inside look at how Matt's proven marketing system is being put into action to grow the sports network. From defining audience segments to creating relatable messaging, they discuss the implementation to scale faster and smarter. You'll learn how the team is prioritizing the right goals, creating accountability through structured systems, and using data to guide every move. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to take a marketing framework and truly operationalize it inside a real business, this behind-the-scenes discussion will show you how it's done.   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

Most small businesses are running full speed every day, reacting to problems instead of planning for progress. The result is a fragmented marketing effort that never feels connected or strategic. In this episode, we talk about the power of pausing, taking a single day to slow down, get organized, and build a clear marketing roadmap can completely change how your business grows. We'll break down how to step back from the daily chaos, identify what's really driving results, and bring your scattered ideas together into one focused plan. You'll see how pausing for clarity leads to smarter execution, stronger messaging, and less stress in every part of your marketing. If you've been stuck in reactive mode, this episode will show you why the most productive move you can make this week might be to stop and think.   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

If your website traffic is growing but your sales aren't, it's time to look at what happens after the click. Every click counts, but not every visitor converts. You'll learn: We explore the key principles behind higher conversion rates and what separates a good website from a great one. We break down what makes customers take action, why small tweaks can create big results, and how you can turn more visitors into loyal buyers. You'll discover the strategies top marketers use to build trust, simplify user journeys, and guide people toward saying yes. Whether you're focused on local marketing or elevating your overall digital marketing performance, this episode will help you understand what truly drives conversions and how to make your marketing work smarter.     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

What if you could deliver an ad to someone the moment they walk past your competitor's door? That's the power of geofencing marketing, and in this episode, we're breaking down five of the best campaigns ever to do it. From boosting foot traffic overnight to turning location data into loyal customers, we'll uncover how they used precision targeting, timing, and creative messaging to drive results. You'll learn: What made each campaign work. How you can apply the same strategies to your own local marketing. Why location-based advertising remains one of the most effective small business marketing tools today. Whether you're new to digital marketing or looking to level up your local reach, this episode will show you how to turn proximity into profit and bring more customers through your doors.     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

Every local business has a story worth telling, and yours could be the one your community needs to hear. Podcasting has become one of the simplest ways to share your expertise, build credibility, and connect with customers on a deeper level. Whether you run a small retail shop, a restaurant, or a local service business, your knowledge can position you as the go-to expert people turn to for advice, insight, and solutions. In this episode, we explore how podcasting has evolved into a powerful marketing strategy that levels the playing field for small businesses. You no longer need expensive equipment or a professional studio to make an impact. With today's tools, you can record from anywhere, publish within minutes, and reach listeners who are already interested in what you do. Special Guest: Adrianna Alvarez, WJOB Start a Podcast   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

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of logos in your local marketing strategy. A logo isn't just a design; it's a powerful tool that can significantly influence your marketing efforts. We dive into how exceptional branding goes beyond visuals to tell your unique story, connect with your local audience emotionally, and strengthen your overall marketing impact. From colors that evoke feelings to hidden design elements that convey your mission, every detail matters when building a memorable brand for your small business in your community. Join us as we discuss actionable insights on leveraging your logo for better local marketing outcomes. Special Guest: Matt Valuckis, V as in Victor View Portfolio   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

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we explore the crucial question: where do different generations shop? With shopping habits no longer being a one-size-fits-all, it's essential for small business owners to understand the local marketing implications of generational preferences. From the tech-savvy Gen Z on TikTok and Instagram to the more traditional Gen X shoppers, each generation has distinct go-to channels. We dive into the reasons behind the decline of shopping malls and why online platforms like Amazon and social media are dominating the landscape. In this episode, we explore: How each generation prefers to shop and the importance of local marketing strategies. The role of in-store experiences versus digital channels in attracting diverse customers. What you can implement to remain relevant across generations in your local market. Tune in and discover actionable insights that can help your business thrive in today's competitive environment!   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

Did you know Hollywood can unlock powerful insights for your local marketing strategy? In this episode, we'll reveal how the storytelling techniques used in movies can elevate your marketing approach. Hollywood has mastered the art of engaging audiences through compelling narratives, and local businesses can learn from this success. We'll explore how to identify your brand's hero, villain, and supporting characters, translating film storytelling into a brand narrative that customers will notice and remember. Find out how to harness relatability to make your audience support your business and discover the timeless storytelling structures that can turn your marketing into something unforgettable. Join us as we dive into practical tips that can help you boost your local marketing efforts, enhance brand awareness, and build customer loyalty. Don't miss out on learning how these lessons from Hollywood can be applied to your small business to attract more 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.    CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: Instagram

Many small businesses pour endless hours into posting on social media, but is that what drives sales? In this episode, we cut through the noise and reveal what converts. We'll break down seven core digital marketing tactics, from paid search to influencers to SEO, and uncover the average conversion rates you can expect from each. You'll learn which channels are most likely to ring the cash register, where small businesses often waste time chasing vanity metrics, and how to prioritize the strategies that give you the best return on investment. If you've ever wondered whether your marketing energy is going to the right place, this episode will give you the clarity you need to focus on what 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.    CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow Mastering Local Marketing on: Instagram

Are your emails polished works of art or stripped-down messages that feel like they came straight from a friend? The format you choose can dramatically impact whether your message gets delivered, opened, clicked, or ignored. In this episode, we explore the pros of both fully designed HTML and plain text emails. You'll discover: Which one builds trust and increases the chance of deliverability. When branding matters, one is clearly the answer. Why time and effort might push you one way or another.   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

Every small business marketer has efforts that don't go as planned, whether it's a campaign that flops, an ad that falls flat, or a promotion no one responds to. But what if those failures were the steppingstones to a successful marketing future? In this episode, we reframe failure as one of the most valuable tools in your marketing toolkit. You'll hear: How mistakes reveal hidden insights. Why missteps often lead to sharper strategies. Examples of learning lessons that lead to a brighter marketing future.   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

As a small business, you can probably use every dollar you can find. But did you know that you may already have those dollars sitting there and you're not even using them? Most small business owners don't realize their shelves are hiding thousands of dollars in locked-up cash. Products that turn slowly may look harmless, but they quietly strangle your cash flow and limit your ability to invest in new opportunities. In this episode, we uncover the hidden money sitting in your inventory and show you how to free it. How to identify dead stock. Understand why even popular products can drain profit if margins are misaligned. How to discover practical steps to rebalance your mix. By the end, you'll see inventory not as stuff on shelves, but as a bank account waiting to be unlocked.   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

As a small business owner, have you noticed that customers light up more about an experience than a product on a shelf? That's the Experience Effect, the idea that people value memories, feelings, and interactions over material purchases. In today's competitive market, that shift is shaping how consumers decide where to spend their money. In this episode, we'll explore the psychology behind the Experience Effect and why it matters for your business. You'll hear real-world examples of businesses winning by creating unforgettable moments. We'll also share strategies you can apply right now to transform ordinary transactions into memorable experiences that build loyalty and spark referrals. If you want to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will show you how to sell more than products—you'll sell moments customers can't forget.   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