Every business owner has their own secret recipe - the way they do things that makes their company unique. But what happens when that recipe lives only in your head? When processes, systems and client knowledge disappear the moment you step away? In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren speaks to Taruna Chauhan, a business owner who turned her passion for preserving her family’s recipes into a powerful lesson about systems, wellbeing and legacy. From reversing pre-diabetes and creating her FRESH Framework, to understanding the “why” behind how we work, Taruna’s story is one every entrepreneur needs to hear. It’s a reminder that structure, purpose and self-care aren’t opposites - they’re the real ingredients of sustainable success. About Taruna Chauhan Taruna is a health and mindset coach, author, and founder of the Inner Wisdom Coach brand. After reversing her own pre-diabetes through lifestyle changes, she created the FRESH Framework — a holistic approach combining nutrition, movement, and mindset to help others achieve long-term wellbeing. A former NHS professional, Taruna is also the author of Recipes from a Gujarati Kitchen, a cookbook preserving generations of authentic family recipes and cultural traditions. She runs workshops, speaks at events, and mentors through organisations such as Migrant Leaders UK, guiding people to reconnect with their values, habits, and “inner why” for healthier, more fulfilling lives. Website: https://www.tarunachauhan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunachauhan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarunachauhaninnerwisdomcoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tchauhaninnerwisdomcoach/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Someone had to say it - and Darren did. In the latest episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren talks about the unspoken rule in UK business - the one that stops us from calling out bad behaviour. Why do we “keep the peace” when someone does a terrible job? And how does that silence end up protecting the very people who shouldn’t be trusted? This episode digs into why that British tendency to “not make a fuss” might be costing small businesses thousands - and what we can do to change it. If you run a business, network regularly or rely on referrals, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/darrenjamieson_when-you-get-ripped-off-by-someone-who-doesnt-activity-7371465132109111297-owX5/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your brand won't collapse overnight... but it WILL erode when you stop living up to what people believe about you. The moment someone realises you’re not delivering on your brand message, the damage is done. Trust fades, credibility slips and rebuilding it can take years - IF it ever comes back. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren speaks with Martyn Thorp of Hera Creative about what really makes a brand strong - and how even the best businesses can lose everything when they forget that a brand isn’t built on logos or promises, but on consistency, emotion and truth. If you’re trying to grow your business, protect your reputation or build a brand that lasts, this is one to watch. About Martyn: Martyn Thorp is the founder and Managing Director of Hera Creative Design, a UK brand management agency that helps ambitious businesses clarify their positioning and build reputations that win trust and command higher prices. Hera’s work spans brand strategy, visual identity, website design, content marketing and social media, with an emphasis on plain-English guidance and measurable outcomes. Martyn brings close to two decades of industry experience and leads client engagements that cut through jargon to focus on brand perception, consistency and growth. He is based on the Isle of Wight, serves clients nationally, and also co-hosts the business and tech podcast The Geekly Upload. Recent roles and public profiles reflect his hands-on brand coaching, writing and speaking on brand stories and practical brand building. You can connect with Martyn here: Website: https://heracreative.design/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lord.Thorp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heracreativedesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyn-thorp/ X: https://x.com/heracreates Threads: https://www.threads.com/@martynthorp About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“What’s the point in a web designer being there?” That’s the question Darren asks when a client says, “I love this site - just copy it for me.” If you’ve ever had a client or prospect tell you how to do your job, promise “future work” instead of payment or pitch you a 50/50 “partnership” deal… this episode will hit close to home. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren shares three painful lessons from over 16 years of running a digital marketing agency - three things he’ll never do again. From “partnership” deals that sound too good to be true, to giving away work for free, these are traps that every new web designer, freelancer and business owner needs to see coming. If you run a creative or marketing business, this is a must-watch before you agree to another “great opportunity.” About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover the secret to making buyers talk themselves into YES! This is exactly what can happen when you guide prospects to question their own assumptions and see the problem for what it really is. As David Angel shares in this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, most people shrink their challenges. Your role isn’t to exaggerate - it’s to help buyers see the true scale of the problem so they can make a confident decision all on their own. This conversation goes far beyond the old “sell me this pen” cliché. David and Darren dive into why context is everything in sales, how to handle (and even welcome) objections and the systems that can help a business realise its earning potential. If you’re a business owner or salesperson looking to sharpen your communication, close more high-ticket deals and build a sales process that actually scales, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put into action straight away. Connect with David: David Angel, also known as The Sales Angel, has built his reputation working across 19 industries and nine countries, helping businesses transform their sales performance. From coaching electricians who pivoted into solar, to guiding consultants, recruiters and training firms, he specialises in turning low-converting processes into scalable, high-profit systems. With years of experience refining mindset, skill set and habits, David brings practical, no-nonsense strategies that help business owners replace themselves in the sales process and achieve real growth. Website: https://theultimatesalestrainingacademy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamthesalesangel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidthesalesangel/?hl=en-gb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidthesalesangel/?originalSubdomain=uk About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How many customers are you losing without even realising it? On today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren reveals how a bad website doesn’t just fail to win new business - it actively drives people away. When someone checks you out online and sees something cheap or amateur, they'll assume that’s how you do everything in your business - and can you blame them? It doesn’t matter if you get leads elsewhere. If your website looks like you don’t care, people will believe you don’t care about them either. And you’ll never know the enquiries you’ve lost, because those customers simply move on. This is the true (and expensive) cost of cutting corners on your online presence by trying to save money on a professionally designed website. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helping UK ex-pats build wealth through UK property investing! Steve Cowgill isn’t your typical property investor. A British ex-pat living in the Middle East since 2013, Steve built his portfolio with one clear goal: creating security and opportunities for his family. Now, he balances financial success with family priorities and speaks openly about what really matters - stability, education and doing things the right way. In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Steve shares with Darren his journey from Manchester to the Middle East, his views on business, property and life, and the lessons every ex-pat and investor can take on board. Expect straight-talking insights, practical advice and a perspective that goes beyond money to what lasting success really looks like. More about Steve: Steve Cowgill is a UK expat property investor and community-builder who has spent much of the past decade in Oman, where he grew a seven-figure UK property portfolio that generates a six-figure income and now helps other expats replicate the model. He’s the founder of Expat Property People, a free community that connects overseas investors with trusted UK-focused advisers via webinars, networking and resources, and he hosts the weekly Expat Property Podcast, sharing practical strategies for building and financing portfolios from abroad. His work centres on mindset, leverage, and data-led investing—showing expats how to structure deals, access finance, and build resilient income streams while living overseas. You can connect with Steve here: Website: https://stephencowgill.com/ / https://expatpropertypeople.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-cowgill-mba-6111a919/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_cowgill/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The secret to more reach on LinkedIn? Post content people actually care about! Darren's off on another rant... but believe it or not, it's not just about car park drama. It’s about what gets people talking online. It's about why you should be posting content that is actually interesting. Stuff people want to comment on. Stuff they’ll like, share and keep coming back to. When you do that, LinkedIn rewards you. Your reach grows - and when you finally post something about your business, far more people see it. This week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer is packed with insights (and a few parking-related tangents) on how to use everyday stories to fuel your brand growth. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
🚀 From military officer to property mogul! In this week's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Richie Miller shares how he went from having no property experience to owning and managing a multi-million-pound property portfolio. Starting with a single investment in Sheffield, Richie now manages everything from HMOs to a self-storage business that’s already bringing in big returns. He talks about the lessons learned along the way, including how to scale your investments, the importance of making quick decisions under pressure (thanks to his military background) and how he used creative financing to acquire huge properties without using his own money. Richie’s story will inspire anyone looking to break into property or entrepreneurship, so tune in to hear how you can start your journey today. About Richie: Richie Miller is a former military officer turned successful property investor and developer. With a background in the British Army, where he learned critical decision-making skills under pressure, Richie transitioned to property investment with no formal training or knowledge of the industry. After buying his first property in Sheffield with no money down, he quickly scaled his portfolio to a 48-bed tower block, demonstrating the power of calculated risk and strategic partnerships. Richie now focuses on high-value property investments, including large HMOs and commercial conversions, while also expanding into the growing self-storage market. His success has been driven by his ability to make quick decisions, learn from his experiences, and take action, rather than getting bogged down in analysis paralysis. As a mentor, Richie now helps others achieve success in property investment, sharing the same mindset and strategies that have fueled his own growth. Connect with Richie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/ Book a call: https://elevatepropertymentoring.com/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's about to get personal 🔥 In this special takeover of The Engaging Marketeer, Peter Murphy Lewis sits Darren in the hot seat and asks the questions no one else does. From award-winning comedian to expert marketer, Darren’s, shall we say, unique mix has drawn comparisons to “Gary Vee crossed with a stand-up.” But how do you take your authentic personality - even the quirks you may try to hide - and turn that into a business advantage? In this week's episode, Darren explains why faking it never works, how being yourself attracts the right kind of clients and why trying to play a part will only bring the wrong people through your door. If you’ve ever wondered how to build your brand around who you truly are, this one’s for you. More about Peter: Peter Murphy Lewis is a seasoned SEO strategist, video content marketer, and documentary producer based in the United States. He began his career by founding a travel company in South America in 2008, where he pioneered early SEO and online booking strategies in the tourism sector. His innovative use of intern-generated content, TripAdvisor reviews, and guerrilla marketing saw his company featured in the New York Times and attract celebrity clients including Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and Aerosmith. After scaling the business to nearly 50 staff across multiple cities, Peter sold the company and transitioned into a new venture: Strategic Pete. Now working as a fractional CMO and documentary filmmaker, he helps B2B companies build brand authority through long-form storytelling. His documentaries are shot with professional television crews and aimed at platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Peter is also a strong advocate for holistic SEO — combining PR backlinks, employee-generated content, and platform-specific strategies across YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, and traditional blogs. He’s highly data-driven, avoids shortcuts like AI-generated content for writing, and focuses on authority-building through trust, strategy, and human storytelling. You can connect with Peter here: Website: https://strategicpete.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gringopeter/?hl=en About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“It’s not a telling-off. It’s a criminal offence.” In this week's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, health and safety expert Shabbir Halai breaks down what really happens when a business ignores safety laws - and it's not just a fine. If a health and safety inspector decides to prosecute, it’s a criminal case. Directors can face personal liability. Supervisors can end up in court. Fines can hit hundreds of thousands. And yes - people go to jail. This isn’t scaremongering. It’s what happens when businesses fail to take safety seriously - and Shabbir’s seen it all. From the film set that went up in flames, to the workshop where serious accidents stopped completely in just five months, this episode will change the way you think about workplace safety for good. Watch now and find out how to protect your staff, your business and yourself. More about Shabbir: Shabbir Halai is a seasoned health and safety consultant with over three decades of experience across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and public services. Beginning his career as an engineer, Shabbir transitioned into health and safety in 1989 after completing his first professional qualification, later becoming a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). His work spans everything from hands-on safety improvements in factories to advising councils and supporting businesses of all sizes in creating safer workplaces. Known for his practical, no‑nonsense approach, Shabbir focuses on simplifying health and safety compliance through clear policies, risk assessments, and engaging training. His personable style and ability to make complex regulations accessible have made him a sought‑after advisor, speaker, and trainer for organisations aiming to reduce risks, avoid costly incidents, and protect their people. You can connect with Shabbir here: Website: https://safetyisthekey.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabbirhalai/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s always ‘just a joke’ - until it’s not Darren has spent decades as a member of the Transformers community, which is often regarded as one of the most inclusive of its kind in the UK. But in this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, he reveals how one Facebook post exposed a type of casual discrimination that’s often ignored - even in spaces that pride themselves on acceptance. What started with a “joke” about deodorant turned into something much uglier. You might think this episode isn’t about marketing - but the way you treat people online says more about you than anything you put on your website. One comment could ruin your brand’s entire reputation. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever walked into a room and instantly felt the tension? Or felt completely at ease with someone you’ve just met? In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren speaks with Donna Still about the energy we give off, how our bodies respond to it and how understanding this can help us reconnect with who we are at our core. From breathwork to overcoming limiting beliefs, it’s a fascinating conversation about tuning in to yourself and the people around you, and how this in turn can help you make better decisions in business. More about Donna Still: Donna is an experienced life coach who helps individuals reconnect with their true selves through a combination of breath work, coaching, and holistic practices. With over 20 years of business experience, she specialises in guiding people to understand and integrate their past experiences to unlock their full potential. Donna’s approach is deeply intuitive, blending her knowledge of breath work, NLP, and astrology to support her clients in overcoming barriers and achieving personal and professional growth. A dedicated BNI member, she has built a thriving business that empowers others, particularly women, to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their authentic purpose. Outside of her professional life, Donna is an avid advocate for the connection between nature, spirituality, and personal well-being, often using plant-based rituals and lunar cycles in her work. She has authored several books and continues to inspire others to transform their lives through her unique approach to self-discovery and empowerment. You can connect with Donna here: Website: https://donnastill.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnastill/?originalSubdomain=uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondology/?locale=gl_ES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimatelife/ Books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034PR556/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if you could turn any wild video ad idea into reality – without hiring actors, sets or a film crew? In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren does something completely different. He’s playing two video ads he created using Google Flow Veo 3 – AI software that lets you bring your ideas to life in ways traditional production simply can’t. From a psychic trying to contact a missing web designer to a Jaws-inspired showdown, Darren reveals how he used AI to make concepts that would have been impossible (or ridiculously expensive) to film. He also breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and how you can use these tools yourself to create scroll-stopping ads. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with AI video or see just how far these tools can go, you’ll want to watch this one. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Dragons might not have invested… but her hen hotel is still fully booked for the next two years! In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren sits down with Katriona Shovlin - founder of the UK’s first luxury boarding hotel for chickens and ducks. What started as an unusual idea has become a full-time operation involving schools, prisons, universities - and a waitlist longer than most wedding venues. In this episode, Katriona reveals what the Dragons’ Den experience was really like, how she turned a niche idea into a booked-out business and whether she’s actually paying herself (spoiler: she is - and well). It’s a clucking brilliant story of purpose, passion and poultry. More about Katriona: Katriona Shovlin is the founder of Hen Weekend, the UK’s first five-star chicken and duck boarding hotel. Based in Kent, she has transformed what began as a personal solution to a poultry care problem into a thriving, full-time business with multiple revenue streams, including education, therapy visits, and animal welfare advocacy. Passionate about hen rescue and ethical pet ownership, Katriona regularly partners with schools, prisons, and charities to promote animal welfare and responsible consumer choices. Her commitment to compassionate care, combined with her engaging presence and hands-on approach, has positioned her as a unique voice in both the pet care and ethical farming sectors. To connect with Katriona or learn more about her services, franchising opportunities, or hen and duck adoption, you can reach her on the following platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093158051128 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henweekend_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katriona-shovlin-899ab12b4/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Don’t start your own business, it’s too risky.” How many times have you heard that? Probably from someone who’s never run a business, never taken a risk and never stepped outside their comfort zone. In today's episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren shares why listening to other people’s fears can quietly destroy your ambitions. That little voice telling you it won’t work? It might not even be yours. It might belong to someone in the pub, a well-meaning family member, or an old friend who settled years ago. This episode takes a closer look at our limiting beliefs - the ones we invent for ourselves, and the ones we absorb from others. Whether it’s pricing, sales or starting something of your own, these mental barriers can sabotage your success before you’ve even begun. If you’ve ever talked yourself out of an opportunity, this one’s for you. The full episode is now available to stream on all platforms. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if your marketing didn’t just sell a product - but told a story powerful enough to land you on Netflix? That’s exactly what Peter Murphy Lewis is doing. In this episode, Peter joins Darren to talk about his journey from SEO trailblazer to documentary producer, and how he’s helping brands create long-form storytelling assets that build trust, authority and serious commercial clout. They also get into the chaos of SEO, what most businesses should stop doing, and this one tactic that's DEFINITELY still working. More about Peter: Peter Murphy Lewis is a seasoned SEO strategist, video content marketer and documentary producer based in the United States. He began his career by founding a travel company in South America in 2008, where he pioneered early SEO and online booking strategies in the tourism sector. His innovative use of intern-generated content, TripAdvisor reviews and guerrilla marketing saw his company featured in the New York Times and attract celebrity clients including Paul McCartney, Beyoncé and Aerosmith. After scaling the business to nearly 50 staff across multiple cities, Peter sold the company and transitioned into a new venture: Strategic Pete. Now working as a fractional CMO and documentary filmmaker, he helps B2B companies build brand authority through long-form storytelling. His documentaries are shot with professional television crews and aimed at platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Peter is also a strong advocate for holistic SEO - combining PR backlinks, employee-generated content and platform-specific strategies across YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit and traditional blogs. He’s highly data-driven, avoids shortcuts like AI-generated content for writing, and focuses on authority-building through trust, strategy and human storytelling. You can connect with Peter here: Website: https://strategicpete.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gringopeter/?hl=en About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ever been baffled by a “marketing expert”? Some of those in the industry don’t "accidentally" confuse you - they do it on purpose. They want you overwhelmed. Because if you don’t know what they’re saying, it makes them look smarter. And if they seem smarter, they think you’ll pay more. In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren calls out these so-called experts and arms you with the antidote. Watch the full episode now to find out what that is - and STOP getting sold to by techy nonsense! About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From zero experience to six-figure deals - with someone else footing the bill! On this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren sits down with Suzanne Elsey, the property developer who’s grown her business by thinking smarter - not spending harder. Suzanne shares how she’s used investor funding to get projects off the ground, turned tired spaces into high-value homes (including a one-bed flat she reworked into a two-bed) and why layout and design are about more than just looks - they’re about wellbeing. They also talk mindset, accountability and the REAL reason some people never get started. You can connect with Suzanne here: Websites: https://furnishinginteriors.com/, https://tradetodeveloper.co.uk/ and https://link-id.co.uk/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.elsey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furnishinginteriorsltd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-elsey/ X: https://x.com/suzanneelsey BNI: https://bniselondon.co.uk/bromley-&-croydon-spitfires/en-GB/memberdetails?encryptedMemberId=OVGtWhCMUKANMvfBmGkMtg%3D%3D&name=Suzanne+Elsey About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Target audience not engaging with your posts? Your content is going NOWHERE In this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren is back on the warpath - and this time, he’s tearing into LinkedIn engagement pods. You know the ones. A WhatsApp group full of business owners who’ve all agreed to like and comment on each other’s LinkedIn posts, regardless of what they say - because that’s what “boosts the algorithm”, right? Wrong. So wrong. In this episode, Darren explains how LinkedIn knows exactly what you’re doing, why pods lead to engagement from the wrong people, how it actually HURTS your credibility and what to do instead if you actually want visibility... and those all-important leads. Stop trying to play the system. It doesn't work. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.