Every week on Marketing Made Simple, you'll get practical tips to make your marketing easy and make it work!
#179: Talkin' Shop Series—How to Leverage Your Unique Edge Without Confusing Your Customers
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, but let’s be real—it’s easy to screw it up. You know your product or service is great, but your customers aren’t noticing. Why? Because you’re either blending in with everyone else or confusing your audience with messaging that’s unclear. It’s a tough balance: if you’re too creative, people don’t get it. If you’re too clear, it can seem dull. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot that balances creativity and clarity. So, how do you create a marketing message that sets you apart without confusing people? In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins, joined by StoryBrand Certified Guide Director Macy Robison, kick off a brand-new series where they're "talkin' shop" with marketing experts from different industries. Macy explains how businesses can stand out by embracing what makes them unique while staying clear in their messaging. Whether you run a local business, nonprofit, or tech company, you’ll walk away with practical tips you can apply right away to help you clarify your message and attract more customers. Tune in to learn how to strike the balance between creativity and clarity so your marketing actually works. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/23/2024 • 26 minutes, 49 seconds
#178: How to Work with Your ADHD to Boost Focus and Productivity
Traditional productivity advice often assumes a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but for many people —especially those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits—that approach can actually slow you down. You may even feel ashamed of your inability to focus or stay organized, but the real problem might be that the traditional methods weren’t designed for you. Instead of forcing yourself into methods that don’t align with your natural strengths, it's important to recognize that you may need a different approach. So how do you work with your brain, not against it, to get things done? In this week’s episode, hosts J.J. and April speak with licensed clinical professional counselor Isabelle Richards, an expert in ADHD and co-host of the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast. They explore how neurodivergent traits like ADHD can impact the way we work, especially in high-pressure roles like marketing. You’ll learn how to set up systems and environments that align with the way your brain works so you can thrive in your career and get more done with less stress. Tune in and get actionable strategies to help you harness your unique strengths without compromising your well-being. Discover your path to getting things done and download your free Something Shiny ADHD Accommodations Finder at SomethingShinyPodcast.com/MMS. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/16/2024 • 36 minutes, 5 seconds
#177: Why “Both-And” Thinking is the Future of Leadership
Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! -- Leading a business means constantly being pulled between competing demands. Should you focus on increasing profits or making a bigger impact? Should you embrace stability or push for innovation? When grappling with these either-or decisions, many people freeze up or choose one path at the expense of the other. But what if you didn’t have to pick? What if the best strategy is embracing both options? In this week’s episode, Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with leadership expert Tim Arnold, author of Lead with AND, to explore how embracing “both-and” thinking can help you manage tension instead of trying to solve it. Tim breaks down 6 key tensions leaders face and practical strategies to navigate them, so you don’t have to feel like you’re always choosing between opposites. Listen in and learn how to ditch the binary thinking and start leading with a mindset that grows your team, your business, and your impact. Discover where you stand on the Both/And Leadership spectrum as well as how to navigate the 6 key tensions. Get your free assessment now at LeadWithAnd.com and start leading with balance and clarity. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/9/2024 • 35 minutes, 42 seconds
#176: Ian Cron—What Does Your Enneagram Reveal About Your Marketing Style?
What does the Enneagram have to do with marketing? A lot more than you might think! Your Enneagram type shows how you process information, make decisions, and approach creativity. From perfectionism to overthinking, these innate tendencies directly impact your marketing approach. If you’ve had trouble connecting with your audience or executing a winning strategy, your Enneagram type could be the key. So how can understanding your Enneagram type make your marketing more effective? In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are joined by Enneagram expert Ian Cron to explore how understanding your Enneagram type can transform your marketing. Ian breaks down each Enneagram type, highlighting the unique superpowers they bring to the table and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a well-versed pro, this conversation will empower you to tap into your authentic self. Listen in to discover your unique marketing superpower, improve your marketing, and make a greater impact! Visit IanMorganCron.com to take his Enneagram assessment and order up a copy of The Story of You. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/2/2024 • 36 minutes, 33 seconds
#175: The Financial Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
Money stresses us out. Whether you're a small business owner or just trying to manage personal finances, it can feel like you’re always juggling competing priorities. Should you be saving more? Investing in your business? Can you even afford to? Add in the weight of societal pressures, and it’s easy to see why 73% of Americans rank finances as their top stressor. But what if getting clear on your money values (not just the numbers) could help relieve the stress and guide your financial decisions? In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with financial therapist Dr. Sonya Lutter, who combines financial planning with family therapy to show how aligning your finances with your core values can change the game. You'll learn why getting organized and understanding your true priorities helps reduce financial stress—both personally and in your business. Tune in for practical steps to align your financial decisions with your values and start making your money work for you! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/25/2024 • 36 minutes, 24 seconds
#174: Al Andrews—What to Do When Achieving Your Big Goals Leaves You Feeling Empty
We all strive for success, but at what cost? Climbing the ladder often comes with unexpected challenges. As you work toward your goals, it’s easy to focus on the next milestone, only to realize that collecting more accolades leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled. Many high achievers find themselves grappling with stress, isolation, and a loss of purpose despite their accomplishments. Is it possible to chase your dreams without losing sight of what truly brings you joy and fulfillment? In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins kick off a special series focused on maintaining mental and emotional health in the midst of success. They’re joined by Al Andrews, a counselor with decades of experience working with artists and high achievers. Al shares wisdom on how to stay true to yourself, avoid the pitfalls of fame and fortune, and find fulfillment beyond just career success. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way to the top, this conversation will help you reflect on your journey and ensure you’re building a life that’s meaningful and balanced. Here's another great episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast you can listen to, especially if you're feeling on the edge of burnout #162: Let's Have a Heart to Heart—How Is Your Well-Being Affecting Your Creative Work? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000660290285 -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/18/2024 • 36 minutes, 2 seconds
#173: Getting Unstuck—The Brandscript Hack For Nonprofit Marketing
Marketing for nonprofits can feel like a balancing act. You're juggling two distinct audiences—the people you serve and the donors who make it all possible. The challenge lies in crafting a message that speaks to both audiences without diluting your core mission. But when your messaging feels off, it’s easy to get stuck, unsure about what will make the maximum impact. So how do you find that sweet spot where your message resonates with everyone who matters? In this final part of the Getting Unstuck series, host Dr. J.J. Peterson answers a question from a listener named Amy Murray, who wants to know how to use the StoryBrand framework to attract younger donors in a competitive nonprofit space. J.J. shares his insights on creating two brand scripts—one for your mission and one for your donors—and how to use them to connect with both groups effectively. He breaks down the steps to avoid common mistakes and get your marketing back on track. If you’re having trouble reaching your audience or need fresh ideas to improve your nonprofit’s messaging, tune in and get strategic tips you can start using right away. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/11/2024 • 28 minutes, 39 seconds
#172: Getting Unstuck—When to Stop Playing It Safe and Get Bold With Your Marketing
Is your brand’s message failing to pack the punch you know it should? It’s easy to get stuck when you want to make a bold statement in your marketing but fear the potential backlash. Many business owners feel like they're holding back, worried that being too outspoken might turn people off. But this can water down your messaging, leaving you with a yawn-inducing brand voice and ineffective marketing. So how can you showcase your brand’s personality without the risk of alienating potential customers? In this episode of our Getting Unstuck, host April Sunshine Hawkins responds to a questions from caller Holly Suter, founder of Masala Wala Chai, who’s grappling with this very issue. Holly wants to make a bold statement with her brand but is hesitant, concerned about crossing the line. April dives deep into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that Holly—and you—can use to confidently express your brand’s unique voice without turning off your audience. Tune in and get practical tips on finding the sweet spot between boldness and approachability to make sure your marketing resonates with the right buyers! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/4/2024 • 18 minutes, 59 seconds
#172: Getting Unstuck (feat. Amy Porterfield)—Can You Launch Your Online Course with Zero Audience?
You're sitting on a goldmine of knowledge—and you know you could package it up into an online course and help people. But every time you think about actually doing it, you hit a wall. You don't have an audience. You have no idea how to find people who'd actually pay for your course. It all feels too overwhelming, and you're starting to think it's just not worth it. But what if you could launch your course without having a huge following? In this episode of the Getting Unstuck series, we're solving a conundrum from a listener named Robbie: how do you launch when you're starting from scratch? And we’ve brought in the big guns for an answer! Today, J.J. and April are joined by Amy Porterfield, the top digital course expert who's helped over 90,000 people launch their ideas. Amy divulges her proven strategies for building an audience, creating valuable content, and making your first sales – even if you don't have an email list. So tune in and get the confidence and clarity you need to get your knowledge out into the world! Join Amy's upcoming Course Confident bootcamp at StoryBrand.com/CourseConfident. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/28/2024 • 38 minutes, 51 seconds
#170: Getting Unstuck—How to Keep Your Customers Interested After the Initial Hype Dies Down
Is your business feast or famine? Are you struggling to maintain consistent sales, even when you know there's demand? This is a common small business challenge—going from "everyone wants it" to crickets. So how do you keep the momentum going and turn those crickets into a steady hum of excited buyers? As part of our Getting Unstuck series, today’s episode tackles a question from listener Tina Cusker, owner of La Cuisine, a boutique kitchen store with culinary classes. Tina's classes used to sell out months in advance, but when she reduced class frequency, customers stopped checking in. Hosts J.J. and April diagnose the issue and offer practical strategies that can be applied to any business. You’ll get valuable tips on reigniting interest, building anticipation, and keeping your audience engaged. Listen in and learn how to create a marketing system that keeps customers coming back for more! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/21/2024 • 24 minutes, 47 seconds
#169: Getting Unstuck—What Should You Do When Haters Cause a PR Nightmare for Your Brand?
Your reputation is everything. It's the lifeblood of your business. But what happens when nasty rumors start to circulate? It can feel like an unfair fight. The fear, the uncertainty, the damage to your brand... it's a nightmare! And when your integrity gets called into question, it’s a gut punch and you may not be sure how to fight back. So what should you do? In this week’s episode of our Getting Unstuck series, J.J. and April help caller Holly with this very issue. Holly is a business owner who's facing a wave of harmful rumors. Drawing on marketing psychology and crisis management, they'll share proven strategies for taking control of your narrative, overcoming objections, and transforming those rumors into a powerful story of triumph. Listen in and learn how to leverage the power of testimonials, build alliances with trusted community figures, and ultimately, position your brand as the hero that your customers deserve! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/14/2024 • 24 minutes, 5 seconds
#168: Getting Unstuck—How to Fund Your Startup When You're Strapped for Cash
Being a scrappy entrepreneur is all about making the most of what you have. But when it comes to funding your business, it's easy to feel like you've hitting a brick wall. Financial realities can make your dream of starting a business seem unlikely, or worse: completely impossible. Have hope, heromaker! If you're bootstrapping your startup, you just need to know the right steps to launch without breaking the bank. In this episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins respond to a question from listener Alonzo of Hourglass Productions. As a first-time LLC owner, he’s feeling stuck because he doesn't know how to fund his business. J.J. and April walk him through the steps he needs to take to get his business off the ground, including clarifying his message, creating an elevator pitch, building a website, and attracting investors. Tune in and learn how to fund your business without losing your shirt! Need more clarity on how you can build out the ultimate marketing funnel for your business? Listen to our deep dive episodes below: #148: The Power of a One-Liner to Unite Your Team and Transform Your Marketing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-a-one-liner-to-unite-your-team/id1569923210?i=1000649837792 #13: How to Create a Website that Works https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-create-a-website-that-works/id1569923210?i=1000535392375 #14: Why You Need a Lead Generator and How to Build One https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-you-need-a-lead-generator-and-how-to-build-one/id1569923210?i=1000536254780 #114: How to Write Nurture Emails (The Right Way) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-write-nurture-emails-the-right-way/id1569923210?i=1000625367118 #116: The Ultimate “Non-Salesy” Sales Email Formula https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000626928831 -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/7/2024 • 34 minutes, 17 seconds
#167: Getting Unstuck—How to Find Your Tribe and Market to a Niche Audience
If you're targeting a niche market, reaching the right audience can feel tricky. Common marketing advice may work for some (or even most) companies, but it just doesn't seem to resonate with your unique customer base. For marketers and business owners in specialized industries, like tourism or art, success depends on connecting with a specific group of people—aka your "tribe"—who share distinct interests and needs. So how do you hone in your marketing efforts to really speak to your niche? In this episode of Marketing Made Simple's Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins chat with Paula Larsson, owner of Uncomfortable Oxford, a company that offers unique walking tours in the UK. Paula shares her challenges in reaching her niche audience. Dr. JJ and April provide actionable advice on leveraging influencer partnerships and optimizing her website to attract and convert new customers. Listen in and learn how to effectively market to your niche and attract your ideal buyers! Want more insight into marketing to a niche audience? Go listen to episode #121: Media Magic How to Start Partnering with Influencers with StoryBrand Certified Guides Jo Caruana and Lauren Cockerell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-magic-how-to-start-partnering-with-influencers/id1569923210?i=1000630939733 -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/31/2024 • 19 minutes, 22 seconds
#166: Getting Unstuck—Your Website's Secret Flaws (And How to Find Them)
Is your marketing falling flat, even when you’re putting in the work and following all the best advice? You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and implemented the strategies, but you're still not seeing the results you want. It can be a frustrating puzzle, especially for those who’ve invested time and energy learning solid marketing frameworks like StoryBrand. So where might you be going wrong? In today’s episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins conduct an in-depth website audit for Trace Hobson Training and Coaching. Trace, like many of our listeners, has been following StoryBrand principles but feels stuck with his website's performance. Through this live audit, J.J. and April offer specific, actionable advice on website structure, clear messaging, and CTA optimization. If you're struggling with your website or other aspects of your marketing, tune in and get expert insights to help you refine your strategy and get much better results! You can see Trace's website and follow along with J.J. and April's coaching at TraceHobson.mykajabi.com. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/24/2024 • 30 minutes, 39 seconds
#165: Getting Unstuck Pt 2—Solving the Lead Generation Puzzle
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you build it, they will come.” But that's simply not true when it comes to business. It actually takes a great deal of strategy and effort to get customers. And the stress of not having enough leads can crush anyone’s spirit, especially when you know your product is top-notch. Rest assured, the problem isn’t your product—it’s your approach to finding buyers. So what’s the secret to breaking through and filling your pipeline? In Part 2 of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins tackle the head-scratching problem of lead generation. Hear from caller Bryton Nield of Dentist Partner Pros, who needs help reeling in potential new customers. With the help of the StoryBrand framework, J.J. and April reveal the secrets to creating an unstoppable marketing strategy that keeps prospects flowing in. Tune in and learn how to solve your lead generation woes and get the attention your business deserves! -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/17/2024 • 22 minutes, 5 seconds
#164: Getting Unstuck—6 Tips to Deliver a Better Presentation that Closes More Sales
You've spent hours perfecting your pitch, confident that this time, you'll convert your audience into enthusiastic customers. But once again, the response is lukewarm, and nobody buys. What gives? If this scenario sounds familiar, then this episode is for you! We’ve heard from many marketers and business owners who found themselves frustrated after their well-prepared presentations flopped. So how do you deliver a sales pitch that’s powerful and persuasive enough to inspire action from your potential customers? This week, we’re kicking off our summer series, Getting Unstuck, where hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins answer listeners' questions about the most pressing obstacles in their business and help them get unstuck. Today they’re joined by caller Anna, who runs a leadership program for teens and needs help converting leads during her sales presentations. Listen in for 6 simple strategies you can implement right away to ensure your next sales pitch (whether it’s an email or an in-person presentation) is a slam dunk! -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/10/2024 • 25 minutes, 41 seconds
#163: Get Your Audience From “Don’t Care” to “Buy Now” With Better Copy
Too many businesses, whether large or small, established or new, make the mistake of leading with their own story. In other words, they’re trying to tell their audience all about what makes their business so great — and then they’re confused when their audience reacts with a shrug and says, “I don’t care.” How can businesses reach new customers when “I don’t care” is the prevailing mindset? StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple help you answer that question. On the podcast today, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are continuing their series of discussions with veteran StoryBrand Certified Guides. Today’s guest is Jessie Congleton, certified since 2016, and she helps us with key insights into what customers want to read in your marketing copy. What should you consider about your audience before you start writing? What should you lead with in your copy? What is the biggest mistake companies (of all sizes) make when writing marketing copy? With answers to these questions and more, Jessie illuminates how to write marketing that makes customers care. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/JessieCongleton. Jessie has also appeared on the Marketing Made Simple podcast twice before. Listen to her past episodes: #8: Save Your Customers from Failure - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/save-your-customers-from-failure/id1569923210?i=1000531685005 #70: How Do I Make My Copy Clear, But Not Boring? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-i-make-my-copy-clear-but-not-boring/id1569923210?i=1000583138137 -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/3/2024 • 32 minutes, 10 seconds
#162: Let’s Have a Heart to Heart: How Is Your Well-Being Affecting Your Creative Work?
It’s hard to do creative work when you feel burned out and spread thin. But for many talented people, this is exactly what happens. You’re good at what you do, so more and more people seek you out. Your workload grows, and before you know it, you can easily lose touch with the passion and purpose you once had. Burnout sets in, and if you’re not careful, it can become a weighty fog you can’t see your way out of. In today’s episode, J.J. and April have a heart-to-heart conversation with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Will Turner, about his experience with burnout. Will shares honestly about how he got to a place where he didn’t enjoy work anymore because he was trying to be someone he wasn’t and live up to other people’s expectations. Even worse, he didn’t realize how much it was putting a damper on his creativity. By investing in his mental health, getting honest about his personal values, and aligning his business with his life goals, Will rebuilt a career and life he truly loves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the edge of burnout, this episode is for you. Listen to this heartfelt conversation now. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Will Turner directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/William-Andrew-Turner. -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/26/2024 • 31 minutes, 39 seconds
#161: How to Handle Objections the StoryBrand Way
If you’ve done any kind of sales or marketing, you know that handling customer objections is a huge part of the job. Unfortunately, most companies have a hard time overcoming objections and helping customers see the value they have to offer. The result? They become sales-ey and lose sight of the goal: serving their customers. In today’s episode, J.J. and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Angie Schultz, as she shares her experience using the StoryBrand framework in her own business and in the businesses of her clients. You’ll learn how to handle objections with empathy and clarity (the StoryBrand way!) so you never lose sight of truly serving people. If you want to go from selling to serving in the way you handle objections, this episode is for you! Listen now. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Angie Schultz directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Angie-Schultz. -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/19/2024 • 32 minutes, 52 seconds
#160: From Local to Global—How to Adapt Your Message for International Audiences
Is your business hitting roadblocks with international marketing? Cultural differences, language barriers, and varying consumer behaviors can pose big challenges for any brand. Marketers often find themselves at a loss, struggling to adapt their messaging and strategies to resonate with diverse audiences. This usually leads to underperforming campaigns and missed opportunities to connect with broader audiences. In these cases, a brand needs a universal and flexible framework that accommodates different cultural contexts. In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins dig into the intricacies of international marketing with special guest Daan Schmidt, head of StoryBrand Netherlands. Daan shares his experiences and insights on using the StoryBrand framework in different cultural settings. You’ll learn actionable tips on how to adapt your marketing strategies for various audiences while keeping your message clear and effective. Tune in and get strategic advice that will help expand your reach and connect with customers across the globe! For more details on StoryBrand Netherlands, go to StoryBrand.nl. -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/12/2024 • 28 minutes, 40 seconds
#159: From Complicated to Concise—The Formula for a Flawless Marketing Pitch
Why does talking about your business sometimes feel like explaining rocket science to a 5-year-old? If your message is drowning in technical terms or marketing speak, you might just be alienating your audience instead of drawing them in. Countless businesses find themselves tangled in jargon that might impress a fellow expert but leaves potential customers scratching their heads. Cutting through this complexity and speaking directly to your audience’s needs can be the game-changer your business is looking for. But how exactly do you do that? In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins chat with Curt Stockwell, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the owner of Well Dressed Walrus, a marketing agency based in Spokane, Washington. They dive into the magic of the one-liner, a succinct formula that neatly packages your customer’s problem, your solution, and the benefits they can expect. You’ll learn how to simplify your message in a way that puts your customer right at the heart of your story. Listen in and find out how to craft a one-liner that will transform your marketing efforts, making them more understandable and engaging for everyone! Contact StoryBrand Certified guide Curt Stockwell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Curt-Stockwell. -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/5/2024 • 34 minutes, 45 seconds
#158: The Right Way to Woo Your Customers (And Keep Them Coming Back For More)
Most people wouldn't accept a marriage proposal on the first date. They want to get to know the person before making a commitment. In the same way, customers don't like it when a business quickly tries to sell something right after meeting them. And when customers recoil from a hasty sales pitch, the business loses an opportunity they may never get back. So when is the right time to make a sales pitch so that your customers feel comfortable and keep coming back? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with special guest Mehrab Reza, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the owner of Adlantica Agency. Mehrab answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ He shares his expertise on how to approach people in a way that truly invites the customer into a relationship. Listen in and learn strategies that will earn your customers’ loyalty for the long-haul and make them repeat buyers! Contact StoryBrand Certified Agency owner Mehrab Reza directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Adlantica. -- Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/29/2024 • 28 minutes, 54 seconds
#157: How to Turn Sales Team Feedback into Marketing Gold
Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Apply before Friday, May 24th for our upcoming training in July at StoryBrand.com/ApplyNow. -- In most businesses, there’s a major disconnect between the sales and marketing teams—and this is a problem. Why? Because the sales team is out on the front lines every day, hearing about the desires, objections, and concerns of potential buyers. And when there's no communication between the sales team, who knows what the customers want, and the marketing team, who tries to get the customers' attention, it can result in weak marketing efforts and underwhelming revenue. So how can you close this gap between sales and marketing to create stronger, more successful marketing strategies? In this week’s episode, Schell Gower, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, joins hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins. Schell explores how to get sales and marketing teams talking effectively. You’ll learn how fluid communication not only closes the gap between marketing's assumptions and sales' real experiences but also greatly improves marketing results. Listen in and get practical tips to make sure these two key areas are working together to drive growth. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Cantrell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Schell-Gower. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 31 seconds
#156: How to Convert Customers Stuck On the Fence
Everyone procrastinates. It’s a thing. These days, people have more and more tasks to accomplish, while the days seem to get shorter and shorter—so putting things off is a natural end result. But delayed action often leads to inaction. And when your customers keep delaying the decision to purchase your product—sometimes indefinitely—it costs you money. So what can we do to light a fire under the leads who are dragging their feet? In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, J.J. and April are chatting with special guest Josh Cantrell, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and a B2B marketing pro. Josh answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ He reveals the importance of creating a sense of urgency in marketing, how to make your customers more responsive, and the direct response strategies that can do just that. Listen in and discover how to inspire procrastinating customers to finally take action! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Cantrell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Josh-Cantrell. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/15/2024 • 28 minutes, 5 seconds
#155: Trying to Go Viral? Consistent Marketing is a Smarter Long-Term Strategy (And Here's Why)
Can one viral moment make your business an overnight sensation? Many business owners are on a chase. They're looking for that single big marketing hit that'll make their brand instantly famous. They throw everything into one campaign, hoping it'll go viral and bring in loads of customers. But more often than not, this just ends up in disappointment. They're missing out on a key business truth: real, lasting success comes from regular effort and really connecting with people over time, not just one lucky shot. In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins bring in special guest Alex Lau to offer up a fresh perspective on achieving long-term success in marketing. Alex, who owns a StoryBrand Certified Agency in Australia, provides a compelling argument for the power of consistent action and small, strategic improvements. He shares how these practices lead to significant progress over time. You’ll discover why shifting focus from quick fixes to reliable, methodical marketing efforts will resonate more with audiences and produce lasting results. Listen in and learn key marketing mindsets and tactics for sustainable growth! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Alex Lau directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/seesharp. Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/8/2024 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
#154: Why Your Brand Story Should Be Less About You And More About Your Customer
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING MAY 7 & 8, 2024: StoryBrand.com/Workshop -- In marketing, there’s always a story to tell. But many business owners forget that it's not their story they should be telling. It's the story of their customer. And when they forget that, it can cause a revenue-draining disconnect and a lack of trust. Instead, it’s critical to address the needs and problems of the customer. So what’s the best way for businesses to shift their focus to a more customer-centric marketing message? In today’s episode, J.J. and April are joined by Lisa McGuire, a 7-year StoryBrand Certified Guide and marketing expert. Lisa answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ She explains what role the company should take in the message’s story, and why the customer must always be positioned as the hero. Tune in and discover the importance of empathy and authority in building trust with customers, and how to balance these elements to effectively connect and establish trust. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Lisa McGuire directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/lisamcguire. Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/1/2024 • 37 minutes, 18 seconds
#154: Why Your Brand Story Should Be Less About You And More About Your Customer
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING MAY 7 & 8, 2024: StoryBrand.com/Workshop -- In marketing, there’s always a story to tell. But many business owners forget that it's not their story they should be telling. It's the story of their customer. And when they forget that, it can cause a revenue-draining disconnect and a lack of trust. Instead, it’s critical to address the needs and problems of the customer. So what’s the best way for businesses to shift their focus to a more customer-centric marketing message? In today’s episode, J.J. and April are joined by Lisa McGuire, a 7-year StoryBrand Certified Guide and marketing expert. Lisa answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ She explains what role the company should take in the message’s story, and why the customer must always be positioned as the hero. Tune in and discover the importance of empathy and authority in building trust with customers, and how to balance these elements to effectively connect and establish trust. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Lisa McGuire directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/lisamcguire. Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/1/2024 • 37 minutes, 18 seconds
#153: What's More Important in Your Website: Substance or Style?
Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Everyone loves a well-designed website. The aesthetic of the right visual effects, colors, and layout can draw the viewer in at first glance. But what happens when the substance of the site falls short? Too many business owners jump the gun and prioritize their website design over the story they’re trying to tell. They jump head-first into what they’re most excited about, without learning how to build the elements of their message in the right order. In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Kris Jones, a StoryBrand Certified Guide with 20 years of marketing experience. Kris takes the hot seat to answer the question: “What’s one big realization that has changed the way you do marketing?” She reveals the a-ha discovery that shifted her approach—and the significant impact this shift had on her clients’ success. Tune in and discover the importance of intentionality in marketing, and how strategy can make all the difference! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kris Jones directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kris-Jones. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/24/2024 • 32 minutes, 34 seconds
#152: How to Win Attention in a Distracted World
Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- It’s no secret: so many people are exhausted and overwhelmed these days. So they have to make choices about where they’re putting their attention. Now, think about your brand’s messaging. How are you reaching out? What story are you telling? If people don’t feel like you understand them or care about them, they likely won’t give you any of their precious time. So how can you show them you care and you “get it,” so they will want to hear what you have to say? In this week’s episode, J.J. and April ask special guest Daniel Bussius the question: “What is something you’ve seen and learned in your marketing career that you know to be true?” Daniel is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and owner of Built By Love, an award-winning digital marketing agency. He reveals the one truth that has remained constant over his 25+ years of experience, regardless of the industry, the size of the business, or what marketing strategies they use. You’ll also walk away with two expert tips that will give your marketing message the greatest impact. Listen in and learn the secrets to cutting through the busy-ness and overwhelm to make sure your customers receive the message they need to hear! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Daniel Bussius directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/built-by-love. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/17/2024 • 31 minutes, 17 seconds
#151: How to Keep (and Captivate) the Attention of Prospective Customers
Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck. Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Building a database of warm prospects takes time and dedication. So many times, businesses miss the mark and fail to spot an opportunity that is right in front of them—leaving money on the table. When we have a potential customer’s attention but they’re not yet ready to buy, we want to be sure to keep that communication line open and find a way to follow up. But how do we do that? In this week's episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins welcome special guest Josh Taylor, a 7-year StoryBrand Certified Guide. They continue the conversation series: "What is something you’ve seen and learned in your marketing career that you know to be true?" You'll discover what Josh does to keep potential customers’ attention, what he offers them, and what he asks in return. Tune in and learn how to turn "not-yet" potential buyers into "take my money" customers! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Taylor directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Josh-Taylor. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/10/2024 • 32 minutes, 14 seconds
#150: The Resource-Wasting Pitfalls of Hasty Marketing and How to Avoid Them
Frustrated your marketing isn't working? Stuck wondering why customers aren't clicking "buy now"? Imagine turning that around in just five minutes. Get the help you need to clarify your message and grow your business with our free 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access to the 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series at StoryBrand.com/Marketing. -- In the rush to get noticed and grow, many businesses dive into marketing without really thinking it through. This often means they skip a very important step: making a plan. Jumping straight into marketing tactics without a clear strategy usually leads to wasted time, money, and effort—which of course we’d all like to avoid. But without a guiding light, it’s easy to get lost. So what’s the best way to create a solid strategy that ensures your marketing efforts will be effective, reach the right audience, and get results? In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Jena Gribble, StoryBrand Certified Guide and founder of Blush Cactus, a boutique marketing and branding agency. Jena shares why it's so important to have a good plan before you start marketing and the tool she uses to fast-track the process. You'll learn how to make your message clear, identify your target audience, and set goals you can actually achieve. This approach not only saves you time and money but also boosts your marketing impact. Listen in and discover how to strengthen your marketing and grow your business by reaching the right people in the right way. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jena Gribble directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Jena-Gribble. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/3/2024 • 30 minutes, 16 seconds
#149: Get Win-Win Secrets from the Top Marketing Pros
Frustrated your marketing isn't working? Stuck wondering why customers aren't clicking "buy now"? Imagine turning that around in just five minutes. Get the help you need to clarify your message and grow your business with our free 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access to the 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series at StoryBrand.com/Marketing. -- The longer someone works in marketing, the more lessons they pick up along the way—from basic shortcuts and tips, to frameworks, to over-arching philosophies. Those who’ve been in the business a while have a full treasure chest of knowledge to share with marketers who are in their early career years. And in sharing their wisdom, these seasoned pros often find that it reignites their own way of looking at things. It’s a win-win situation for marketing pros and novices alike, and everyone in between. In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, J.J. and April welcome special guest Macy Robison, Senior Director of the StoryBrand Certified Guide Program, to help them kick off a new series of incredible conversations. Over the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing from experts who will share their answers to the question: Throughout your years in marketing, what is something you’ve seen and learned that you know to be true? Listen in and learn – or rediscover – how marketing should be simple, the importance of having a clear message, and the one important tool that can bring clarity every time. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/27/2024 • 24 minutes, 17 seconds
#148: The Power of a One-Liner to Unite Your Team and Transform Your Marketing
Often the difference between a team that does well and one that doesn’t is how clearly they communicate. For most businesses, it's not that they lack good ideas or hard workers, it’s that their scattered approach to messaging leaves employees confused and customers disengaged. Solving this problem starts with fixing how you talk about what your business does. So what’s the first step toward streamlining how your team communicates their core message? In this week’s episode, J.J. and April focus on how to align a team with a simple and clear message. They share practical tips and a step-by-step process for crafting a powerful one-liner that can serve as a foundation for all marketing efforts. This one-liner accomplishes 2 things: it clarifies your message for your staff and makes sure that customers immediately understand how you help them. Listen in and learn how to create a strong one-liner that everyone can use, helping your business make a bigger impact! Clarify your message, align your team and build your business through a StoryBrand Private Workshop. Book your workshop today at StoryBrand.com/Private. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/20/2024 • 22 minutes, 54 seconds
#147: StoryBrand for Artists—How to Sell Your Art Without Selling Out
Artists often find it hard to sell and market their work. They face a big challenge. Art is deeply personal and subjective by nature, so traditional marketing and business strategies don’t always apply. That’s why artists often end up at a crossroads. They’re seeking a path that honors their artistic integrity while also allowing them to bring in a decent income. So how can artists create a profitable art practice without compromising their creativity? In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins discuss how artists can use the StoryBrand framework to sell their art without giving up their creative values. They show artists how to make money from their work and avoid the "starving artist" stereotype by using smart marketing strategies. So if you're an artist (or know someone who is), you’ll love this episode! Listen in and learn how to position yourself well in the market and make a great living from your art. Want to download and read J.J.'s Ph. D. dissertation? You can access it at INSERT LINK HERE. Clarify your message so more customers engage and register for our next StoryBrand Marketing Workshop at StoryBrand.com/Live. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/13/2024 • 29 minutes
#146: Behind the Scenes of a Viral Phenomenon—Jungle’s Marketing Strategy
Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Apply before March 8 for our upcoming training at StoryBrand.com/ApplyNow. -- Have you ever wondered what it takes to go viral? The answer might be less about luck and more about strategic, creative thinking. For many brands, coming up with new and exciting marketing ideas is a struggle. They often find themselves doing the same old things, which doesn't help them stand out or keep people interested. When everyone is fighting for attention, finding a unique way to connect with audiences is more important than ever. So how do you find the inspiration to try out fresh and inventive marketing ideas? In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins explore the innovative marketing behind the band Jungle’s latest album, Volcano. They’re joined by guest Charlie Di Placido, the director and collaborator behind the viral music videos that propelled Jungle into the spotlight. Discover how Jungle used the power of viral moments, leveraged strategic collaborations (including a new international campaign with Gap), and made an entire movie for their album to get people interested. These unique strategies offer valuable lessons for marketers looking to elevate their game. Tune in and learn how creativity, collaboration, and the courage to dream big can change the way you do marketing! Callouts from this episode: Volcano - A Motion Picture by Jungle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU5tSF6k-m8 Jungle - Back on 74 (Live at the 2024 BRIT Awards): https://youtu.be/mPSt74adFnQ?si=sLEeAxi-91ggJ907 GAP x Jungle - Linen Moves Campaign (feat. Tyla): https://youtu.be/8unVMB-LoT8?si=tf8sWiTrarqPWaeE Follow Jungle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungle4eva/ -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/6/2024 • 31 minutes, 10 seconds
#145: Rory Vaden—How to Balance Building Your Personal and Professional Brands on Social Media
Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Apply before March 8 for our upcoming training at StoryBrand.com/ApplyNow. -- Do you ever get stuck trying to balance your real, everyday life with your professional persona online? If so, you're not alone. A lot of us get caught up overanalyzing whether to post about our personal lives or to keep things strictly business. This can make us freeze up, not posting anything because we're not sure what the right move is. It's a growing problem that can make it hard to connect with people online and show the real you behind your work. So how do you strike a balance between personal brand and business brand while staying true to both aspects of your identity? In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April call upon branding expert and founder of Brand Builders Group, Rory Vaden, to help hash out the nuances of this public balancing act. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or just looking to build your online brand, Rory is here to offer practical strategies and tips to seamlessly integrate your personal experiences with your professional persona on social media. Listen in and learn how to showcase all aspects of your life while still presenting a cohesive, authentic brand to the world! Download your free copy of the Trends in Personal Branding National Research study at FreeBrandStudy.com/Storybrand. Interested in growing your personal brand? Claim your free brand call at FreeBrandCall.com/Storybrand. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/28/2024 • 34 minutes, 9 seconds
#144: Quenching Thirst, Winning Hearts—How Liquid I.V. Is Using Marketing to Shake Up the Beverage World
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND GO INTO Q2 WITH A PLAN! REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEBRUARY 27 & 28, 2024: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- These days, having a great product isn't enough. You need to understand what people want and need. That requires keeping your finger on the pulse of your audience’s desires, behaviors, and values. Few brands get this right, making it hard to capture customers’ attention, let alone their loyalty. But the ones that succeed at truly understanding their audience are able to reach their customers and dominate the competition. So how do they do it? In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Stacey Andrade-Wells, the Vice President of Marketing at Liquid I.V., an electrolyte drink mix brand. They discuss the strategies that have propelled Liquid I.V. to remarkable success, focusing on their fantastic use of consumer insights to drive growth and innovation. Stacey shares useful details on how Liquid I.V. managed to differentiate itself in the crowded world of drinks by listening to its customers. Tune in and learn how to use what you know about your audience to make better marketing plans and build a raving fan base! Check out Liquid I.V.'s marketing and messaging in action at Liquid-IV.com. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/21/2024 • 30 minutes, 1 second
#143: Can Teaming Up with Influencers Really Transform Your Brand?
Finding authentic ways to connect with your followers on social media has become a tough challenge for both brands and influencers. They all want to work together to grow and reach more people, but it's not always clear how to make that happen. This has left a lot of people wondering how to create worthwhile partnerships that actually make an impact. If you have a brand or business, you might be wondering: What are the best practices for collaborating with influencers to drive mutual growth? In this week’s episode, hosts J.J and April call upon the experts! Emily Ward and Jess Hunichen from the global talent agency Shine Talent Group are here to share their secrets about how to make successful partnerships between companies and social media stars. They offer practical strategies and considerations that are necessary for working together effectively. Tune in and learn how to crush your social media marketing through mutually beneficial partnerships! Follow on Instagram @shineventures and @shinetalentgroup Follow on TikTok @shinetalentgroup -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/14/2024 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds
#142: Is It Time to Launch Your Lucrative Coaching Career? (Business Made Simple Podcast REPLAY)
Are you an expert in your field—be it business, marketing, or a completely different area—yet unsure how to turn your expertise into a coaching or consulting career? Maybe you're working a corporate job, and even if you got a promotion tomorrow, it would only come with a 10% raise and you still wouldn't be satisfied. If that sounds like you, maybe it’s time to start coaching. Of course, striking out on your own can feel scary. So how do you get a coaching business up and running so that you can transition smoothly from your corporate life to being an entrepreneur? Today, we’re giving you access to a past episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast focusing on the new framework laid out in Donald Miller's upcoming book, Coach Builder. You’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit, and we want to help you take the leap to build a career you absolutely love. Don breaks down what you need to create a profitable coaching business. He gives you a step-by-step process to transform the skills and knowledge you already have into a reliable business with clients lined up at your door. Listen in and get a roadmap to turn your passion into a business that allows you to work less, earn more money, and have a bigger impact! For an even deeper dive into the Coach Builder framework, follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts and join us for the Coach Builder Limited Podcast Series dropping every Tuesday for nine weeks starting February 6th. Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/7/2024 • 39 minutes, 43 seconds
#141: Jeremy Cowart—How to Push Through Creative Struggles
Marketing requires you to be creative, but that's easier said than done. It's tough to stand out and be different. And the more you try to be unique, the harder it can feel. That’s why many of us feel stuck, comparing ourselves to the big names and wondering how we can ever be as good. This comparison-fueled spiral can happen whether you’re new to marketing or you’ve been at it for years. So how do you find your own special way of doing things in a world full of the same old ideas? In this episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins dive into this challenge with the help of renowned artist and photographer Jeremy Cowart. Known for his creativity and innovation, Cowart opens up about the difficulties he faces in marketing, despite being one of the most creative minds of our time. If you struggle to come up with exciting, new ideas in marketing, you’re not alone. Jeremy shares his tips on how to push through. Listen in and get a fresh look at how to be vulnerable, creative, and impactful in your marketing! Follow Jeremy on Instagram at Instagram.com/JeremyCowart/. Book an in-studio photo session at bio.site/cowart. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/31/2024 • 27 minutes, 26 seconds
Coach Builder Limited Series PREVIEW—Your First Step to Starting a Successful Coaching Business
Many people are afraid to leave their full-time jobs because they're not sure they could ever make it on their own as a coach or consultant. The stakes are too high. There's too much to learn. Where do you even begin in such a crowded marketplace? Here's the truth: coaches with a clear plan and who follow the right steps to grow their businesses survive. Coaches without a plan don't. Our new nine-part Coach Builder limited podcast series is here to walk you through those steps! Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed, and every Tuesday starting February 6th for nine weeks, host Donald Miller will unpack how you can start turning your expertise into a thriving coaching business. In this preview of an upcoming episode, Don breaks down the very first step you need to take to start this journey. If you're ready to put an end to feeling undervalued at work and embark down the path to becoming a successful coach, don't miss the upcoming Coach Builder limited podcast series. Follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts, and every Tuesday for nine weeks starting February 6th, you'll learn the essential steps to establish a thriving coaching business, allowing you to make more money by working less and build a career you love! Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast.
1/30/2024 • 4 minutes, 50 seconds
#140: Inclusivity in Action—How Are You Showing Up For Your Customers?
Marketing that truly acknowledges and values diversity isn’t just important—it's imperative. Creating a welcoming space for everyone can seem complex, maybe even a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Simple accommodations and thoughtful options can go a long way. So what are some ways businesses are implementing inclusive marketing to make their customers feel seen and valued? In this Deep Dive episode, host April Sunshine Hawkins delves into the realm of inclusive marketing, drawing inspiration from Sonia Thompson’s interview in our last episode (Episode #139). Through her recent experiences with Nashville Children's Theatre, April explores how marketing can be tailored to be more welcoming of neurodiverse audiences. She underscores the importance of embracing all diversity in marketing and offers creative strategies for businesses to help their customers feel a sense of belonging. Tune in for insight and ideas on how you can start expanding your efforts to cater to a wider audience! Referenced in this episode: Inclusion and Marketing Podcast Episode #85 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/85-lessons-in-belonging-from-beyonces-renaissance-world/id1604907821?i=1000635016030 Nashville Children's Theatre - https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/25/2024 • 15 minutes, 23 seconds
#139: Inclusive Marketing—How to Make More of Your Customers Feel Seen
For many marketers, it's a big challenge to make sure their strategies are inclusive. They understand why it's important, but turning this into real, quantifiable marketing strategies is another story. And if they don't get it right, they risk ignoring a wide range of customers and failing to make everyone feel included. So what are some ways to deliver remarkable experiences that make your customers feel like they belong? In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April welcome Sonia Thompson, host of the Inclusion and Marketing Podcast and a former diversity and inclusion champion at Johnson & Johnson. Sonia is here to give you real-world tips on how to make marketing more welcoming to different types of customers. You’ll learn about choosing the right customers to focus on, getting to know them well, checking how your business is doing in this area, and making changes to improve. Listen in to get useful ideas on how to make your business more inclusive and build stronger relationships with your customers! Follow and listen to the Inclusion and Marketing Podcast. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/24/2024 • 29 minutes, 27 seconds
Turn Your Expertise Into a Thriving Coaching Business—New Business Made Simple Limited Series Coming February 6!
Many people are afraid to leave their full-time jobs because they're not sure they could ever make it on their own as a coach or consultant. The stakes are too high. There's too much to learn. Where do you even begin in such a crowded marketplace? Here's the truth: coaches with a clear plan and who follow the right steps to grow their businesses survive. Coaches without a plan don't. Our new nine-part Coach Builder limited podcast series is here to walk you through those steps! Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed, and every Tuesday starting February 6th for nine weeks, host Donald Miller will unpack how you can start turning your expertise into a thriving coaching business. If you're ready to put an end to feeling undervalued at work and embark on the journey to becoming a successful coach, don't miss the upcoming Coach Builder limited podcast series. Follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts, and every Tuesday for nine weeks starting February 6th, you'll learn the essential steps to establish a thriving coaching business, allowing you to make more money by working less and build a career you love! Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast.
1/23/2024 • 3 minutes, 49 seconds
#138: Webinar Woes? Here's How to Plan and Execute Them Flawlessly
Struggling to make webinars work for your business? You're not alone. Webinars are a great way to connect with audiences on a deeper level and build more authority around your brand. But many people find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of creating webinars that grab people’s attention and effectively drive sales. It can be a huge challenge to create the right content, set the right pricing strategy, and attract the right audience. So how can you create a successful webinar without all the stress and guesswork? In today’s Deep Dive episode, host Dr. J.J. Peterson expands on the webinar tips Amy Porterfield shared in the previous episode (Episode 137). Dr. Peterson explains how his team makes webinars that work well, from choosing the best product to sell to making content that speaks to the audience's needs. You’ll get real-life examples and easy-to-follow advice so you can learn how to use webinars effectively to overcome growth challenges and crush it with your marketing. Listen in and get a step-by-step guide to making successful webinars! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/18/2024 • 18 minutes, 5 seconds
#137: Amy Porterfield—Are You Sitting on a Digital Course Goldmine?
Have you ever thought about turning your passion into a profitable digital course? Transforming what you know into a successful online business can be tricky. The online world offers vast opportunities, but trying to package and market your expertise can be overwhelming. It leaves many talented people uncertain about where to begin. So how do you get started with making and selling digital courses and products? Today, host Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Porterfield, author of Two Weeks Notice and a leading expert on digital marketing and digital courses. Amy dishes her expert advice on turning your unique knowledge into a great online course. You’ll also get actionable tips on using webinars and emails to market those digital products effectively. Listen in and learn how you can gain financial and lifestyle freedom by creating and launching your own successful online course! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/17/2024 • 30 minutes, 34 seconds
#136: Goal-Setting Genius—How to Use the KISS Method in Your Marketing
As a marketer, you're no stranger to the tough task of setting good goals and constantly making your strategies better. It's not just about coming up with new ideas, but also deciding whether to stay the course or pivot in a new direction. Sometimes these tasks can be overwhelming and fraught with uncertainty. So what’s the best way to set effective goals and evaluate your current practices to identify where you can grow or change? In today’s Deep Dive episode, host April Sunshine Hawkins goes further into Michael Hyatt’s KISS method from Episode 135, a great way to set goals and evaluate what needs improvement. The KISS method asks 4 key questions: What do we want to keep doing? What do we want to improve? What do we want to stop doing? And what do we want to start doing? April's story and her use of Hyatt’s method offers useful tips and motivation for marketers looking to improve their tactics, make sure their actions match their values, and become more effective and satisfied in their marketing work. Listen in and learn how you can use the KISS method in your own life and business to set better goals this year! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/11/2024 • 14 minutes, 46 seconds
#135: Michael Hyatt—The Secret to Setting Better Goals (And Actually Achieving Them!)
Setting goals can be both exciting and scary. If you find yourself setting big goals at the beginning of each year, only to feel overwhelmed and disappointed as time passes, you're not alone. Many people find it tough to stick to their goals, especially when they're afraid of failing. This isn't just about personal goals—it's true for work goals too, where the pressure can be even greater. In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April tackle the goal-setting issue head-on. They talk with Michael Hyatt, founder of Full Focus and author of Your Best Year Ever, who shares his expertise on the matter. Michael has been a long-time friend of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, and is a leading expert on effective goal setting. He'll help you avoid the 5 biggest mistakes people often make when setting goals. And you’ll walk away with practical tips and strategies to set goals that you can really achieve. Tune in and learn how to start the year off right and maintain momentum with your goals and resolutions! Order the updated version of Michael's best-seller Best Year Ever, then go to YourBestYearEverBook.com to get loads of amazing bonuses! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/10/2024 • 39 minutes, 4 seconds
#134: Is Vulnerability a Superpower in Business?
Our life path rarely follows a straight line, and detours can leave us feeling isolated and embarrassed, especially in the workplace. If your life has taken an unexpected turn, you may not know how to communicate that to the people you work with. In many jobs, the pressure to be fully present and capable can make it feel risky to admit when you’re struggling. Today, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins introduce a new series of "Deep Dive" episodes releasing Thursdays throughout this first quarter. These short episodes provide action steps and a more in-depth exploration of topics from the week’s prior episode. In this deep dive, J.J. and April open up about how they embrace setbacks in life and in the workplace, as discussed in their conversation with Ashley Menzies Babatunde in Episode #133. Listen in and learn how you can apply these powerful perspective shifts to your personal and professional life. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/4/2024 • 16 minutes, 57 seconds
#133: Ashley Menzies Babatunde—How “Real” Should You Be at Work?
When people work hard to be great at their jobs, they often feel like they have to hide their personal problems, like dealing with loss, relationship changes, or personal setbacks. In jobs where you’re expected to be strong and capable, it's hard to show that you're struggling. This can make people feel alone and ashamed, especially those who are used to being the best in what they do. In today’s episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Ashley Menzies Babatunde, creator and host of No Straight Path, a podcast aimed at exploring the human stories behind success. Ashley dives into the importance of embracing our humanity in the workplace, acknowledging that setbacks and emotional challenges are a natural part of life. Listen in and find out why it's important to be honest about our hard times if we want to alleviate the loneliness and find connection and strength at work. Follow Ashley on Instagram @No_Straight_Path. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/3/2024 • 34 minutes, 12 seconds
#132: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Cast a Vision of Success
Many businesses fail to show how their products or services can really benefit customers. They focus too much on the technical features, and not enough on the positive outcomes the customer will experience as a result of buying their product or service. This gap in communication means customers often don't see the real value they could get, leading to missed sales and unmet needs. How do you explain the benefits more clearly? In today’s episode, we’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Join hosts J.J. and April as they help you cast a vision of what success looks like for your customers. Tune in and learn how to make clear and compelling points about how your product or service can make a positive difference in customers' lives! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/27/2023 • 19 minutes, 30 seconds
#131: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Using Failure as Fuel
Let's talk about the “f” word in marketing that many shy away from, but holds immense power: FAILURE. In marketing, the role of failure is often undervalued and underused, yet it’s the element that—when used correctly—can help your customers see the value of your product or service. To have an impactful message, you must be bold enough to paint the negative stakes. What will your customer experience if they don’t buy your product or service? We’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Today, hosts J.J. and April explain how emphasizing the potential negative outcomes (failure) can make your message more compelling and relatable. Listen in and learn how to craft a powerful message that inspires customers to take action! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/20/2023 • 19 minutes, 4 seconds
#130: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Crafting Clear and Convincing Calls-to-Action
Businesses often find it hard to make calls-to-action that really work in their marketing. This is a big issue because if your call-to-action isn't good, your marketing won't get the results you want. Customers will go where you tell them to, not where you hint or beg them to go. So how do you make sure your message is clear and gets your customers to act? In today’s episode, we’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Join hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins as they show you how to create effective calls-to-action. Listen in for easy-to-follow advice on how to make your marketing messages clear and convincing so prospective customers know exactly how to buy from you! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/13/2023 • 16 minutes, 53 seconds
#129: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Give Customers a Clear Plan
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND START 2024 OF WITH A PLAN! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Customers need to know that it’s easy to use your product or service. But a lot of businesses have trouble laying out a clear, easy-to-understand plan for their customers, which is a critical piece of the marketing puzzle. A lack of clarity on how to engage with your brand can cause confusion and delay, making it hard for potential customers to make the decision to buy. Without a clear path forward, customers might feel lost, leading to missed connections and fewer sales. Today, we’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Today, hosts J.J. and April teach you how to provide a simple step-by-step plan to your customers, guiding them on how to interact with your business. Listen in and learn how to overcome marketing confusion and offer clear, decisive information to your customers! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/6/2023 • 18 minutes, 57 seconds
#128: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Be the Guide Your Customers Need
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND START 2024 OF WITH A PLAN! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- If you’re familiar with the StoryBrand framework, you may know that your customer is the hero, and you get to be their guide. So how do you make the transition in your marketing from being your brand’s hero to becoming your customer’s guide? It means learning to connect with your customers' needs while showing that you're an expert who can help. The key is to make your marketing feel genuine and supportive, not like you're just trying to sell something. In today’s episode, we’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Today, hosts J.J. and April show you how to be a great guide for your customers. You'll get practical tips and real examples to help you craft messages that speak to your customers. Tune in and learn how to create language that positions you as the guide in your customer's journey! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/29/2023 • 19 minutes
#127: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Solve Your Customer’s Problems
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND START 2024 OF WITH A PLAN! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- ‘Tis the season when everything can feel a little out of control. We're all splitting focus between our business, our marketing, our family, and our friends. It can feel like we don't have even an extra second to spare for making sure that we're still on track to finish the year strong and hit our goals. So how can you keep your business moving forward even in the midst of this crazy season? In our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, you’ll learn one simple marketing effort you can do in under 5 minutes. Today, join Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins as they help you identify the external, internal, and philosophical problems your customers face. Listen in and learn how to make marketing content that shows your product or services as the solution to your customer’s needs! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/22/2023 • 16 minutes, 38 seconds
#126: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—What Do My Customers Want?
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND START 2024 OF WITH A PLAN! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- As businesses enter the hectic holiday season, the challenge of maintaining clear and impactful marketing becomes all too real. We recognize the struggle many face during this busy time: the risk of marketing messages getting lost in the noise, leading to stress and lack of business growth. So how do you juggle the demands of a bustling season for both business and family while keeping your marketing on point? Welcome to the 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series! Each week through the end of the year, you’ll learn one simple marketing effort you can do in under 5 minutes. In this series, we’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Today, join Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins as they guide you through the process of crafting a clear message that connects with your customers and positions you as a trusted guide. Listen in and learn how you can create easy, effective marketing even during the busiest times! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/15/2023 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
#125: How to Keep Your Marketing Momentum Alive During the Holiday Rush
START 2024 WITH A PLAN! CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS. REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Are you feeling the end-of-year pressure? Everyone is stretched for time right now, especially if you’re a business owner. You're trying to maintain momentum during the busy holiday season when all you *really* want to do is drink mulled wine and watch "Elf" for the 80th time. So what’s the secret to keeping the marketing ball rolling so you can end the year strong without burning yourself out? Today, hosts J.J. and April welcome Macy Robison back to the podcast for another special episode of Hot Goss! Macy spearheads the StoryBrand Certified Guide program, and she’s here to dish about the power of consistency in marketing. Drawing inspiration from the concept of compounding interest, Macy discusses how small, daily actions in your marketing can lead to monumental long-term success. Listen in to learn the simple, actionable steps you can take to navigate the end-of-year marketing challenges! -- TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/8/2023 • 20 minutes, 47 seconds
#124: How to Stay Genuine in the Age of AI (Insights from INBOUND 2023)
AI's buzz in marketing has a lot of people feeling panicked, unsure of how to balance technology with genuine human connection. Many marketers are overwhelmed trying to sift through the noise to find what truly resonates with audiences without losing authenticity. So how do we approach AI in a way that makes us feel less scared and more curious? Fresh from HubSpot's INBOUND 2023 conference, host Dr. J.J. Peterson shares valuable highlights from the event and excerpts from his AI panel discussion. In this episode, you’ll learn what’s working today with AI and where we’re likely going. J.J. shares real-world insights, cautioning against AI over-dependence while championing the power of human connection and clear messaging. Listen in and get the inside scoop on the future of marketing! -- TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/1/2023 • 36 minutes, 15 seconds
#123: Donald Miller—Want to Turn Your Website into a Sales Machine? Here’s How!
Is your website failing to bring in sales? You may have a great looking site with a fancy tagline, but if it’s not selling, you’re probably missing the most important element: clear messaging that shows how you solve your customer’s problem. So what steps can you take to transform your website into a revenue-generating powerhouse? In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April are joined by Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, to discuss a simple formula for building a website that will generate leads and drive sales. You’ll also discover the reason why 65% of businesses fail and how you can avoid being one of them. Listen in and learn how to turn your website into a lean, mean sales machine! Get free access to The Ultimate Website Template at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/25/2023 • 37 minutes, 52 seconds
#122: Local Business? Here’s How to Rank Higher in Search Results
Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast and transform your expertise into a lucrative consulting career. If you pre-order right now at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast, you'll unlock amazing bonues like the 90-minute audio summary of the book so you can jump start your coaching career immediately! -- Getting noticed online can be tough for small businesses. With so many changes in the world of SEO and big companies taking up a lot of space online, local businesses often find it hard to stand out. But what if there was a way to level the playing field and make your business stand out in local online search results? In today’s episode, join hosts J.J. and April as they chat with Mike Ruman, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and expert in local SEO. Mike knows all about helping small businesses get found online by people nearby. He shares the story of how his dad’s plumbing business went from getting a few calls here and there to having the phone ring off the hook, all by using some smart, simple SEO tricks. Tune in to hear Mike break it all down into easy steps that any business can follow to get noticed online by local customers. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guides Mike Ruman at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Grow. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/18/2023 • 31 minutes, 35 seconds
#121: Media Magic—How to Start Partnering With Influencers
Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast and transform your expertise into a lucrative consulting career. If you pre-order right now at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast, you'll unlock amazing bonues like the 90-minute audio summary of the book so you can jump start your coaching career immediately! -- Finding and connecting with the right social media influencers can be a big challenge for brands. Plus, with social platforms always changing, it’s hard to keep up and know what works. There’s a whole world of influencers out there, but how do you find the ones that fit your brand and can truly help your visibility? In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April are joined by Jo Caruana & Lauren Cockerell, StoryBrand Certified Guides and experts in influencer marketing. They’ll share their secrets to help you grow your brand authentically by finding and working with influencers. You’ll get practical advice on how to reach out, build real relationships, and measure the success of your collaborations. Listen in and discover how the right influencers can take your brand to the next level! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guides Jo Caruana at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Jo-Caruana and Lauren Cockerell at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Lauren-Kwedar-Cockerell. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/11/2023 • 32 minutes, 51 seconds
#120: How to Turn Existing Clients into Q4 Gold and Finish the Year Strong!
For many businesses, the last quarter is where the *real* challenge begins. They're rushing to hit year-end targets, dealing with tight budgets, and planning for the next year – all while juggling holiday season challenges. So what’s the best way to hit your Q4 goals without adding more work to your plate? Today, join J.J. and April as they chat with Matt Banker, an experienced StoryBrand Certified Guide. Matt reveals the hidden opportunities within your existing customer base and provides a clear plan to use them to your advantage. You’ll also discover the key question that can open up paths to major business growth. Listen in and learn how to turn your current clients into your biggest asset for Q4 so you can end the year with a bang! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Matt Banker directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/MattBanker. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/4/2023 • 28 minutes, 3 seconds
#119: The Power of Referrals (and How to Harness It)
If you're like most business owners, you understand the value of a strong network. But in today's rapidly changing business environment, how do you leverage your connections for maximum impact? The answer might be simpler than you think: referrals. With the rise of digital marketing and the saturation of online ads, the age-old method of word-of-mouth referrals has regained its importance. In this episode, J.J. and April sit down with Tyler Pigott, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the brain behind Lone Fir Creative. Tyler delves into the art and science of building a referral-based business, emphasizing the importance of nurturing old relationships while fostering new ones. He shares actionable insights on how to approach potential clients, the power of simplicity in outreach, and the balance of new and old in business. Listen in to discover how you can leverage your existing network to drive business growth and set the stage for a profitable future! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Tyler Pigott at Lone Fir Creative directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Lone-Fir-Creative. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/27/2023 • 29 minutes, 51 seconds
#118: Why 2023 Has Been a Weird Year for Marketers (And What To Do About It)
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- If you’re like most marketers, 2023 has been a strange year. Some months have yielded goal-crushing results while other months have left you wondering if your business was going to make it. Why so much uncertainty? A lot of it has to do with the volatile economy and constant speculation about a recession. But just like many businesses and marketers found ways to thrive in the 2008 recession, today’s up-and-down economy represents an opportunity for you, too. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with the Director of the StoryBrand Certified Guide Program, Macy Robison. Macy shares that while everyone is adjusting to a post-pandemic world with a lot of uncertainty, marketers have the opportunity to get creative serving customers. Macy gives specific tips on how you can use the uncertainty to their advantage by creating new and timely product offerings to grow your business and bottom line. Tune in now to see how you can finish 2023 strong and set yourself up for an even better 2024! Past episodes referenced in this conversation: #77: 4 Tips for Recruiting Top Talent to Join Your Team -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/20/2023 • 27 minutes, 18 seconds
#117: What Really Goes Into Writing a Sales Email
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- Writing a sales email may sound simple – but if you’ve ever sat down to write one, you know it’s not that simple! Or, maybe you’ve written a sales email you felt great about, only to realize later that it didn’t work. Sometimes, it helps to have a real-life example of what it looks like to write a great sales email, which is exactly what you’ll get in today’s episode! Today, J.J. and April facilitate a marketing consultation between Wes Gay, StoryBrand Certified Guide, and Joseph Champa, founder of Elevate Health (ElevateHealthInc.com). Joseph has a brick-and-mortar store that serves as a one-stop-shop for health and fitness, but is ready to ramp up online sales of one of his most popular products. Listen in as Wes helps him clarify his goals, write a compelling sales email, and use attention hooks to ensure success! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/WesGay. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/13/2023 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
#116: The Ultimate “Non-Salesy” Sales Email Formula
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- Writing sales emails can feel slimy. You don’t want to come across pushy or desperate – but you also know that sales emails work and you’ve got products to sell! How can you find the right words that will engage your audience and prompt them to take action without feeling like you’re being manipulative or obnoxious? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Wes Gay, about the ultimate “non-salesy” sales email formula. You’ll learn the 8 things you need to include in your sales email that will put all the focus on improving your customer’s life and helping them win. You’ll also learn the one step that you should take before writing an email that will make the words flow so much easier! Tune in now to become a more confident and skilled sales writer so you can serve more customers, sell more products, and grow your business! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/WesGay. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/6/2023 • 33 minutes, 30 seconds
#115: No More “Newsletters!” Do This Instead…
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- The truth is, nobody wants to read a “newsletter.” In fact, emails with the word “newsletter” in the subject line get an 18.7% lower open rate! Why? Because your customers aren’t interested in your company updates. They’re interested in how you can help them solve a problem and add value to their lives. Of course, you should send regular emails to your audience – but those emails should be about them, not you! In today’s episode, you’ll get to listen as April, J.J., and StoryBrand Certified Guide, Brad Alexander, walk an entrepreneur through creating nurture emails she can send to her customers. Shelby Lacerte is a travel agent with Living with the Magic Vacations (www.livingwiththemagic.com) helping families book epic Disney World vacations. Shelby needs help coming up with email ideas that are relevant and helpful to her audience. Tune in now for specific ideas on how to brainstorm your own email content and learn a simple trick to writing subject lines that work! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Brad Alexander directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Brad-Alexander. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/30/2023 • 29 minutes, 42 seconds
#114: How Write Nurture Emails (The Right Way)
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- Many businesses are afraid of annoying their leads with emails. And for good reason! Many companies send irrelevant emails that don’t truly serve their customers. Nobody likes getting a “newsletter” full of updates that has nothing to do with them. But when you know how to send nurture emails that are truly customer-focused, you can build relationships with customers and in turn, grow your business. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Storybrand Certified Guide, Brad Alexander, about how he helped a client develop a nurture email campaign. Brad’s client was skeptical about sending nurture emails and was at a loss of what kind of content to include – but after Brad went to work, their entire perspective changed. Tune in to learn how Brad’s approach to writing nurture emails ended up getting his client the most responses from customers they’ve ever had – and steal the idea for your own business! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Brad Alexander directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Brad-Alexander. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/23/2023 • 34 minutes, 9 seconds
#113: A Nitty Gritty Look at Creating Lead Magnets
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- Creating a lead magnet may seem like an easy project. But if you’re like most people, when you sit down to actually create one, your mind goes blank! Even worse, you start believing that maybe your business doesn’t have anything of value to give away in exchange for a lead’s email address. The result? Your business remains stuck with no way to capture leads and build an email list. In today’s episode, you get an inside look at the nitty gritty process of creating a lead generator for a company that didn’t feel like they had anything to offer. You’ll get to hear StoryBrand Certified Guide, David Lillard, coach Gabe Morrison through creating a lead generator for his business. Gabe owns Vise and Virtue Woodworking (ViseVirtue.com) and is at a loss for what type of lead generator to offer his audience. Tune in now to hear how J.J. and David help Gabe create a lead generator that’s not only valuable to his audience – but helps takes his business where he wants it to go! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide David Lillard directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/David-Lillard. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/16/2023 • 36 minutes, 45 seconds
#112: Do You *Really* Have a Solid Marketing Strategy?
Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan. -- Many businesses would say they have a solid marketing strategy in place. But in reality, most of those companies don’t have a systematic way to capture leads, follow up with them, and convert them into paying customers. And without that capability, “marketing” is more like a gamble than a sure-fire investment generating a return for the business. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, David Lillard, about the importance of having a great lead magnet so you can build your email list. JJ, April, and David discuss how less than 5% of the clients they’ve ever worked with have had a solid lead generator in place and how they helped them fix that. Tune in now to get practical tips and ideas for a lead magnet you can use in your own business so you can stop gambling away your marketing dollars – and start using them where it counts. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide David Lillard directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/David-Lillard. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/9/2023 • 32 minutes, 56 seconds
#111: Behind the Scenes: How to Transform a Website Using StoryBrand
Overcome the marketing and messaging obstacles holding you back from hitting (and even exceeding) your revenue goals with our FREE 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access at StoryBrand.com/Marketing. -- One of the biggest requests we get at Marketing Made Simple is for us to review our listener’s websites. Even when you use the StoryBrand framework, you want feedback from an expert so you know you’ve got it right! That’s exactly why we have StoryBrand Certified Guides. In today’s episode, you get a behind-the-scenes look at a website transformation with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Amy Schutte, and business owner, Christie Wild. Christie is the founder and owner of WritersWhoRun.com, a small business helping people combine their love for running and writing. Christie needs help using the StoryBrand framework to transform her website, and you’ll get to hear how Amy and J.J. help her do that. Tune in now to get insider tips for your own website! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Amy Schutte directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Amy-Schutte. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/2/2023 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
#110: How to Create a “Homey” Homepage That Also Drives Conversions
Overcome the marketing and messaging obstacles holding you back from hitting (and even exceeding) your revenue goals with our FREE 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access at StoryBrand.com/Marketing. -- Most businesses focus so much on how their website looks that they neglect opportunities to drive conversions. But a good website does both! Think about interior designers. When they redesign a living room, they aren’t only thinking about aesthetics – they’re thinking about functionality and the needs of the household. The same is true for your website. It should look and feel good, but it should also serve the needs of your business – sales! In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Amy Schutte, about creating a website that feels undeniably like your brand but also gets results. You’ll learn key aspects to creating a homepage that makes people feel good about being there – but also takes them on a journey to purchase from you. Tune in now to apply these tips to your homepage so you can drive more sales and serve more customers! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Amy Schutte directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Amy-Schutte. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/26/2023 • 33 minutes, 36 seconds
#109: Eavesdrop on a Marketing Consultation from a StoryBrand Guide
One of the biggest requests we get at Marketing Made Simple is for us to review our listener’s messaging. Even when you use the StoryBrand messaging framework, you want feedback from an expert so you know you’ve got it right! That’s exactly why we have StoryBrand Certified Guides. In today’s episode, you get to eavesdrop on a marketing consultation with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Kris Jones, and business owner Kia Nystrom. Kia owns Nystrom Orchard (NystromOrchard.com) in Minnesota that hosts events and creates specialty pies for corporate gifting. Kia wants to clarify her message to reach a wider audience – and you’ll get to hear a play-by-play conversation of Kris and J.J. helping her do just that. Tune in now to experience the magic of a StoryBrand Guide’s approach to creating messaging so you can use it in your own business! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kris Jones directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kris-Jones. -- Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The next StoryBrand Certification Training happening in September and includes… Keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison Collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using StoryBrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks Spots to fill up quickly, so apply now before July 21 at StoryBrand.com/Guide. HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/19/2023 • 36 minutes, 32 seconds
#108: How to Create Your Marketing Message in 5 Simple Steps
A lot of businesses are confused about what it means to create a marketing message. Is it a tagline? A one-page document? Your brand story? But a true marketing message is none of these things. A great marketing message should tell your customers how you can solve their problem and make their life better. And there’s no better way to create one than with StoryBrand’s one-liner framework. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide and owner of Red Door Designs, Kris Jones, about her 5-step process to creating a great one-liner for any business. When you have a great one-liner, it makes the rest of your marketing strategy so much easier. Tune in now to learn how you can create the ultimate marketing message for your business in 5 simple steps! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kris Jones directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kris-Jones. -- Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The next StoryBrand Certification Training happening in September and includes… Keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison Collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using StoryBrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks Spots to fill up quickly, so apply now before July 21 at StoryBrand.com/Guide. HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/12/2023 • 33 minutes, 59 seconds
#107: How to Use Email Marketing to Close Deals (REPLAY)
Many business owners aren’t sure how to use email marketing and wonder if it’s worth the time and effort to get started. But research shows that email marketing is more effective than paid ads, social media, or SEO! In today’s episode, you’ll get to hear a replay of the conversation J.J. and April had with Kelley Hartnett, StoryBrand Certified Guide. This popular episode from 2021 is still one of our most-played episodes and continues to help business owners demystify email marketing. You’ll learn… 6 types of customer emails to send How to ask for a sale without being manipulative What every money-making needs to include You’ll get to hear Kelley walk step-by-step through a high-performing sales email she wrote for a client and get a tangible example to follow. Get access to Kelley's sales email sample and follow along as you listen to the episode at Storybrand.com/SalesEmail. -- Happy 2nd Anniversary Hero Makers! To celebrate two whole years of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we’re giving you a FREE 7-Day Trial of Business Made Simple, which includes the StoryBrand Messaging Framework Course and Marketing Made Simple Course. Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. Not only that, your 7-day trail also gives you complete access to the entire library of courses on business topics like leadership, sales, product optimization, and more. Start your free 7-day trial now at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. This offer expires July 7th, so don’t wait! -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/5/2023 • 41 minutes, 55 seconds
#106: Unleashing the Full Potential of Email Marketing
Are you underestimating the impact of email marketing in today's digital landscape? Amidst the noise surrounding social media and other digital channels, email remains a crucial tool for connecting with your audience on a personal level, owning your customer list, and boosting sales. In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, Macy Robison, Director of the StoryBrand Guide Program, returns to share invaluable insights and practical advice for leveraging the power of email to achieve remarkable results. Whether you're a business owner seeking cost-effective marketing strategies or a marketer looking to enhance your campaigns, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to harness the full potential of email marketing. -- Happy 2nd Anniversary Hero Makers! To celebrate two whole years of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we’re giving you a FREE 7-Day Trial of Business Made Simple, which includes the StoryBrand Messaging Framework Course and Marketing Made Simple Course. Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. Not only that, your 7-day trail also gives you complete access to the entire library of courses on business topics like leadership, sales, product optimization, and more. Start your free 7-day trial now at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. This offer expires July 7th, so don’t wait! -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/28/2023 • 26 minutes, 17 seconds
Celebrate Our 2nd Anniversary with a Special Gift Just for You!
Happy 2nd Anniversary Hero Makers! To celebrate two whole years of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we’re giving you a FREE 7-Day Trial of Business Made Simple, which includes the StoryBrand Messaging Framework Course and Marketing Made Simple Course. Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. Not only that, your 7-day trail also gives you complete access to the entire library of courses on business topics like leadership, sales, product optimization, and more. Start your free 7-day trial now at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate. This offer expires July 7th, so don’t wait!
6/23/2023 • 1 minute, 41 seconds
#105: How Social Media Can Fuel Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Raising money for nonprofits is notoriously difficult. Before a donor is willing to contribute to your cause, they have to buy in on your mission and also trust that you’ll use their funds wisely. To top it all off, many donors don’t stick around for the long haul and you’re always in a vicious cycle of needing to find fresh donors to keep your organization alive and running. All of this can leave you wondering: Will fundraising always be an uphill battle, or is there a better way? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Cathy McIntosh (StoryBrand Certified Guide), Jake Jordan (Business Made Simple Certified Coach), and James Thorne – authors of the book “Lasting Donor Locator.” These three nonprofit experts share how you can use storytelling in your social media to find new and lasting donors to partner with your organization. The secret? Stop trying to convince people to care about your mission. Instead, find people who are already passionate about the cause and invite them to join you! Tune in now to learn how your organization can use social media to do just that. You can order “Lasting Donor Locator” directly from their website at quirk.guide/Lasting-Donor-Locator-Book or wherever you buy books. You can also get access to Quirk's FREE guide to 3 templates that will help you refocus your social media strategy at quirk.guide/3-Surprising-Social-Media-Templates. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/21/2023 • 26 minutes, 29 seconds
#104: The 3 Biggest Mistakes You're Making on LinkedIn
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Are you using LinkedIn to post your resume, get a job, and fight off cold messages from sales people you don't know? If this is you, you're not alone. But, LinkedIn can be used for so much more than this, especially if you're a marketer. Over the last few years, LinkedIn has morphed from a bulletin board to a community. And the people who are winning on LinkedIn? They provide value. In this episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide Mo Regalado about the biggest mistakes marketers make on LinkedIn and how to avoid them. Additionally, they'll share how to create engagement, community, and ultimately business on LinkedIn. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Mo Regalado directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/MoRegalado. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/14/2023 • 30 minutes, 16 seconds
#103: Should You Add TikTok to Your Marketing Strategy?
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Have you been avoiding TikTok because it seems overwhelming? We get it. Many marketers and business owners feel like TikTok is just too much. It seems a massive thing to add to your to-do list and you wonder if the investment will even be worth it. But what if TikTok isn’t as complicated as it seems and could actually help your business make a lot more money? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide and Business Made Simple Certified Coach, Eric Williams about how to use TikTok to market your business. Eric personally uses TikTok to reach new customers and shares 3 insider tips that help demystify what it takes to market on TikTok effectively. Tune in now and discover how TikTok is much more than Gen Z’s favorite new app – it’s where your ideal customers are hanging out and can be a money-making machine for your business. You can also contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Eric Williams directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/EricWilliams. Follow Eric on TikTok and watch the videos he and J.J. discussed in this episode: https://www.tiktok.com/@businesscoacheric -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/7/2023 • 28 minutes, 59 seconds
#102: Why Marketing on Instagram Feels So Hard (And How to Fix It)
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Marketing your business on Instagram can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re the face of your company. Should you have two separate profiles? How do you leverage the algorithm? Should you ever share personal posts? When you don’t know the answers to these questions, you can end up confusing your audience and hindering the growth of your business. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide Jill Pickering and business partner, Kate Rapier – a dynamic duo offering personal branding coaching and creative content creation. With years of experience in social media marketing, Jill and Kate share their top three tips for business owners and personal brands who want an easy but effective Instagram strategy. Tune in now to learn how to make Instagram work for your business so you can post content with confidence and clarity instead of stress and confusion! Get access to Jill and Kate's free guide, "8 Ways to Skyrocket Your Engagement on Instagram", at Stan.Store/JillAndKate. You can also contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jill Pickering directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/YourCreativeCoaches. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/31/2023 • 26 minutes, 54 seconds
#101: How “Authentic” Should You Be on Social Media?
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Businesses and marketers face an important question: how “real” will you be on social media? We all see popular brands who keep their social media super professional – like Anthropologie or Williams Sonoma. But we also see successful brands that are much more raw and unfiltered like Gary Vaynerchuck. Then, there are brands that fall somewhere in between, like Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia brand. With so many successful brands sharing content with different degrees of what’s usually considered to be professional, how can you know which approach is right for you? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Tami Enfield, StoryBrand Certified Guide and Founder and CEO of Brand Yourself Consulting. Tami points out that we all need a framework to decide what content we should be sharing with our audiences. Tune in now to learn her CANDID content framework, an acronym that stands for Connection, Aligned, Narrative, Daring, Inspiration, and Delightful. When you learn how to filter your social media decisions through her framework, you’ll feel confident in your ability to build empathy with your audience without sacrificing your authority as a guide who can help. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Tami Enfield directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Tami-Enfield. RESOURCES & LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Dive deeper into Tami's CANDID content framework here: https://info.brandyourselfconsulting.com/candid-content-playbook-form Tami's LinkedIn post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tamienfield_businessowners-socialmedia-brand-activity-7024416111853006849-pkWa/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Elyse Myers' "Go Find Less" Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoIQwrQNV8m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Jenny Schatzle's Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpIf8YDJx0q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/25/2023 • 27 minutes, 57 seconds
#101: How “Authentic” Should You Be on Social Media?
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING JULY 18 & 19, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Businesses and marketers face an important question: how “real” will you be on social media? We all see popular brands who keep their social media super professional – like Anthropologie or Williams Sonoma. But we also see successful brands that are much more raw and unfiltered like Gary Vaynerchuck. Then, there are brands that fall somewhere in between, like Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia brand. With so many successful brands sharing content with different degrees of what’s usually considered to be professional, how can you know which approach is right for you? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Tami Enfield, StoryBrand Certified Guide and Founder and CEO of Brand Yourself Consulting. Tami points out that we all need a framework to decide what content we should be sharing with our audiences. Tune in now to learn her CANDID content framework, an acronym that stands for Connection, Aligned, Narrative, Daring, Inspiration, and Delightful. When you learn how to filter your social media decisions through her framework, you’ll feel confident in your ability to build empathy with your audience without sacrificing your authority as a guide who can help. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Tami Enfield directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Tami-Enfield. RESOURCES & LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Dive deeper into Tami's C.A.N.D.I.D. content framework here: https://info.brandyourselfconsulting.com/candid-content-playbook-form Tami's LinkedIn Post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tamienfield_businessowners-socialmedia-brand-activity-7024416111853006849-pkWa/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Elyse Myers' "Go Find Less" Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoIQwrQNV8m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Jenny Schatzle's Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpIf8YDJx0q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/24/2023 • 27 minutes, 58 seconds
#100: How to Avoid Social Media Marketing Burnout
Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The next StoryBrand Certification Training happening in July and includes… Keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison Collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using StoryBrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks Spots to fill up quickly, so apply now before May 19 at StoryBrand.com/Guide. -- When it comes to creating content for social media, most people come up with their posts on the fly. But constantly having to think of something new, fun, and creative is exhausting – especially when you’re posting several times a week! Creating content on the spot leads to mediocre content that doesn’t serve your audience, which often turns into not posting at all. If you want to start creating engaging content AND make social media easier, you need a better plan! Today, J.J. and April are continuing our series all about social media by revisiting a past episode of the podcast. In this replay, StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan joins the conversation to break down how to build a content calendar for social media so your posts are intentional, timely, and meet your goals. If you want to make social media both higher quality and easier, this episode is for you! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Results. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/17/2023 • 29 minutes, 12 seconds
#99: How to Use Visual Media to Grow Your Business
Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The next StoryBrand Certification Training happening in July and includes… Keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison Collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using StoryBrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks Spots to fill up quickly, so apply now before May 19 at StoryBrand.com/Guide. -- Adding visual media to your marketing strategy can feel daunting. If you do it yourself, how can you make photos and videos look professional? Is it better to hire someone? And if you’re a visual media professional, how can you incorporate the StoryBrand philosophy into your work? Whether you’re a business owner, a videographer, or a photographer, learning how to tell stories with visual media is key to growing your business in 2023. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Senior Designer, Tessa Voccola and Videographer, Zach Camp from RVRB, a StoryBrand Certified Agency. Tessa and Zach give 8 tips for shooting great videos and photos, whether you’re using professional equipment or the iPhone in your pocket. Tune in now to learn how you can use the StoryBrand framework in your visual media and get your message out to more people! Contact StoryBrand Certified Agency RVRB directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/RVRB. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/10/2023 • 33 minutes, 59 seconds
#98: From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed—How to Use Social Media to Grow Your Business
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING MAY 9 - 10, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE StoryBrand is coming to London! Join Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson for a 2-day, in-person workshop to completely revamp your marketing in less than 48 hours. When you register by April 28th and use discount code LONDON2023, you’ll get $200 OFF your registration (approximately £161 off, subject to exchange rates). StoryBrand.com/London -- Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work social media marketing seems to take? In today's digital world, it's no secret that social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to reach their target audience. But for many entrepreneurs and small business owners, taking time to post on social media feels like a chore and doesn't have the impact they hoped for. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Danielle Bornowski, about how you can streamline your social media strategy and make it more doable, enjoyable, and effective. Danielle shares how simple strategies like being consistent, providing value, and scheduling time to batch content can make a huge difference and save business owners a lot of time. Tune in now to learn tips and tricks from a social media pro with a track record of helping small business owners grow their online presence! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Danielle Bornowski directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Danielle-Bornowski. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/3/2023 • 30 minutes, 1 second
BONUS: Business Made Simple—Take the First Step to Double Your Revenue Today
Small Business Flight School launches TODAY! Join now at SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. If you want to implement a plan to double your revenue, this is your moment! Sure, you could keep doing what you’re doing and hopefully grow your revenue at a decent pace. OR… you could join Small Business Flight School where we’ll help you implement a plan to streamline your business and double your revenue. If you’re serious about implementing a plan to grow your business and revenue, Flight School is for you! Join now at SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. — Most business owners play it safe when it comes to revenue goals. If you want to see growth, you need to set aggressive goals and reverse-engineer a plan to get there. But how can you know what’s going to actually move the needle? If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting a lot of time and energy that don’t make a significant impact on your bottom line. In this bonus episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast, Donald Miller walks you through a practical worksheet that will help you reverse-engineer a plan to double your revenue. You’ll learn how to determine which products you should focus on selling more of and get buy-in from the rest of your team to accomplish the goal. If you’re tired of being stuck at the same revenue year after year, this episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast is for you! -- ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple
5/1/2023 • 24 minutes
#97: A Genius New Way to Create Social Media Content
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING MAY 9 - 10, 2023: StoryBrand.com/LIVE StoryBrand is coming to London! Join Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson for a 2-day, in-person workshop to completely revamp your marketing in less than 48 hours. When you register by April 28th and use discount code LONDON2023, you’ll get $200 OFF your registration (approximately £161 off, subject to exchange rates). StoryBrand.com/London -- Does marketing yourself (or clients) on social media make you want to pull your hair out? We’ve all been there! Constantly coming up with original content can be both daunting and exhausting. It’s easy to run out of ideas and get burned out with the amount of content you have to crank out on a weekly basis. Even if you “batch” your content or use the help of AI, your content can start to feel stale very quickly. This episode is about to change all of that! In today’s marketing conversation, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Annie Schiffmann, about a game she created to help you revolutionize your social media content strategy. All you need is your StoryBrand BrandScript, some dice to roll, and a coin to flip. Within minutes, you’ll have multiple compelling posts that speak directly to your target audience, bringing more awareness to your brand and making your content feel fun and exciting again! Access the video of this conversation and follow gamify your BrandScript with April and Annie at Storybrand.com/gamify. Contact Annie Schiffmann directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Annie-Schiffmann. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/26/2023 • 36 minutes, 6 seconds
#96: 7 Ways AI Can Save You Time and Money
Many people think that AI is only capable of writing text – but in reality, it can do much more. With its complex and intuitive algorithms, AI is capable of a wide range of tasks, including language translation, tech support, analyzing data, and even coding! But unless you know how to use AI and the different ways you can apply it, you won’t experience the time and money-saving benefits it has to offer. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Stacey Moore. Stacey has been using AI in her business long before most of us had heard of AI and is thought leader in this space. Whether you're looking to automate your workflow, streamline your communication, or simply explore the capabilities of modern AI, this episode is for you! Tune in now to learn 7 ways AI can help your business save time and money (and do more than just writing!). You can contact Stacey Moore directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Stacey-Moore-Studio -- Did you know BusinessMadeSimple.com has a new community feature available for all members at no extra cost? Inside the community, you can connect with other small business owners facing similar challenges, and get practical advice on topics like marketing, messaging, and more. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to connect directly with StoryBrand Certified Guides who can answer your questions and help you take your business to the next level. So, if you're looking for a valuable resource to help you grow your business, join the community at BusinessMadeSimple.com. HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/19/2023 • 28 minutes, 49 seconds
#95: How ChatGPT Can Make Your Marketing Easier
Did you know BusinessMadeSimple.com has a new community feature available for all members at no extra cost? Inside the community, you can connect with other small business owners facing similar challenges, and get practical advice on topics like marketing, messaging, and more. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to connect directly with StoryBrand Certified Guides who can answer your questions and help you take your business to the next level. So, if you're looking for a valuable resource to help you grow your business, join the community at BusinessMadeSimple.com. -- If you’re not already using ChatGPT in your marketing, chances are you will be soon. This AI-powered tool has taken the business world by storm, accumulating a jaw-dropping 100 million users in just 2 months! It's no wonder why ChatGPT is making waves and transforming how people work, making content creation faster and more efficient than ever before. But like any other tool, ChatGPT should be used properly or it can do more damage than good. Join J.J. and April for today’s episode where they chat with StoryBrand Certified Guides and Agency Owners, Katie Lantukh and Jay Owen, about how to use ChatGPT for marketing purposes. You’ll learn practical tips on how to use (and not use!) the chatbot to create your marketing copy. Katie and Jay share specific examples of how they would use ChatGPT to create collateral like social media posts and emails, including the prompts and edits they would use in the process. Tune in now to discover how ChatGPT can speed up your content creation, making your marketing easier and more efficient! Access the video of this conversation and follow along with April, Katie and Jay at Storybrand.com/ai/. Contact Katie Lantukh directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/KatieLantukh and Jay Owen at MarketingMadeSimple.com/BusinessBuilders. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/12/2023 • 33 minutes, 14 seconds
#94: Is AI Friend or Foe? How to Make it Work for Your Business!
Everyone’s been asking, and it’s finally here: Our first IN-PERSON guide certification training since 2020! Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The StoryBrand Certification Training happening in Nashville, TN on May 16-18, 2023 includes… Live keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison In-person collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using Storybrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks We expect spots to fill up quickly, so apply now at StoryBrand.com/Guide. -- Are you unsure about whether artificial intelligence (AI) is a friend or a foe for your business? With all the hype around AI, you’re probably starting to consider what AI could mean for you. If you’re a business owner, you might be wondering if AI could help you cut costs and save time. And if you’re a marketer, you might be feeling excited about using AI - or you might be afraid that robots could take over your job. In today’s episode, J.J. and April bring on a special co-host, Macy Robison, Director of the StoryBrand Guide Program, to discuss the hot topic of AI. Macy shares ways that business owners and marketers alike can start to see AI as a friend that can help them save time and jumpstart creativity. Business owners can be confident experimenting with AI and marketers can rest assured knowing that AI can’t replace the human brain’s ability to strategize and decide when and how to use AI-generated content. Tune in now to learn how AI could be the friend you didn’t know you needed! -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/5/2023 • 22 minutes, 3 seconds
#93: Jen Hatmaker and Heather Adams—Do This to Always Stay On-Brand with Your Messaging
Everyone’s been asking, and it’s finally here: Our first IN-PERSON guide certification training since 2020! Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides. The StoryBrand Certification Training happening in Nashville, TN on May 16-18, 2023 includes… Live keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison In-person collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using Storybrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks We expect spots to fill up quickly, so apply now at StoryBrand.com/Guide. -- Have you ever written something for your brand or someone else’s, only to re-read it and think it sounded “off?” When that happens, it’s usually because you strayed from the brand's personality. While clarity is the most important thing in marketing, marketers must also realize that having a consistent brand personality matters – and this becomes more and more important the larger your brand becomes. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Jen Hatmaker and Heather Adams about why brand consistency matters. As a best-selling author, podcast host, and well-known speaker, Jen shares that as her platform grew, she realized she needed to invest in public relations. That’s where Heather came in! Heather is the Founder and CEO of Choice Media Communications and has helped Jen grow her platform while maintaining a consistent brand message. Tune in now for key insights on public relations, how to tell a cohesive story, and how staying “on-brand” can help you build trust and loyalty with your target audience. Join Heather, Jen, and J.J. live at the Choice Summit April 13-14, 2023 in Nashville. Register at ChoiceMediaCommunications.com/Choice-Summit-1 and get the steps you need to grow as a busy entrepreneur. Take a deep dive with Jen Hatmaker's "Me Courses" covering categories where Jen has seen the most life change in herself and in others. Register now at MeCourse.org/Me-Course-Products. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/29/2023 • 30 minutes, 37 seconds
#92: Product Boss—How to Market & Grow Your Product-Based Business
Everyone’s been asking, and it’s finally here: Our first IN-PERSON guide certification training since 2020! Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework and licensing to use it with clients, you’ll get ongoing support and training from our team and fellow Guides.The StoryBrand Certification Training happening in Nashville, TN on May 16-18, 2023 includes… Live keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison In-person collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country Hands-on training using StoryBrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks We expect spots to fill up quickly, so apply now at StoryBrand.com/Guide. -- If you’re a product-based business, generating sales can be a challenge. Like most creators and inventors, you probably started off making your products in your garage and selling them anywhere you could! But as your business grows, how do you know which products you should focus on selling and what selling opportunities are going to be most profitable? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Jacqueline Snyder and Minna Khounlo-Sithep, founders of the Product Boss and co-hosts of the top-ranked podcast, Product Boss. Jacqueline and Minna are experts in growing product-based businesses and join us today to give us specific tips for all of the creators, inventors, and artists out there looking to grow sales. Tune in now to learn how going deep instead of wide, focusing on best-sellers, and telling the right story to the right customers can help you make more profit this year. Follow and listen to the Product Boss at TheProductBoss.com/Podcast. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/22/2023 • 27 minutes, 58 seconds
#91: Donald Miller RETURNS—How to Build a Great Sales Funnel Step-by-Step
Great news for all small business owners out there! Donald Miller's new book, "How to Grow Your Small Business", is now available and it's filled with practical tips and strategies to help you take your business to the next level. To celebrate our launch, we're offering an exclusive bonus just for our early bird customers. Order your copy of "How to Grow Your Small Business" now and you'll receive the 10x Business Growth Plan - a blueprint of how to 10x your business and achieve rapid, yet sustainable, growth without burnout. Visit GrowYourSmallBusiness.com/Podcast to order your book and claim your 10x Business Growth Plan bonus today! -- Are you tired of seeing dismal results from your marketing efforts? It’s frustrating to waste time and money creating a marketing strategy that you think will work – only to watch it fall flat. The initiative that was supposed to make you money ends up costing you! To make matters worse, you’re not sure what you’re doing wrong and how to fix it. In today’s special episode, Donald Miller is back for a second week sharing from his most recent episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast all about how you can create an effective sales funnel. From optimizing your website to creating valuable lead generators and email sequences, you'll gain practical insights and insider tips that you can put into action right away. You don’t have to settle for mediocre results – tune in now and learn how to create a sales funnel that drives massive revenue for your business and clients. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/15/2023 • 26 minutes, 38 seconds
#90: Donald Miller—6 Steps to Growing Your Business Without the Stress
Every business owner knows it: running a business can be crazy stressful. Between managing finances, handling sales and marketing, and keeping up with a never-ending to-do list, it can feel like you're drowning in things to do and decisions to make. To make matters worse, many of the solutions offered to small business owners cost a fortune and don’t work. In today’s episode, our ultimate marketing crush, Donald Miller, joins J.J. and April for a special episode to show you that growing your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing. When you know how to grow the 6 key parts of your business, you can grow your business with confidence and ease. Listen in to learn the 6-step framework Donald Miller reveals in his upcoming book, "How to Grow Your Small Business", which releases next week! This is the last week to pre-order "How to Grow Your Small Business" at GrowYourSmallBusiness.com/Podcast and get access to three amazing pre-order bonuses valued at over $1,000: 1) An Audio Summary of the Book: Get a 70-minute audio summary delivered straight to your inbox when you pre-order. 2) The StoryBrand Website Checklist: Turn your website into a sales machine that turns visitors into paying customers. 3) The Business Growth Bootcamp (Live Virtual Event): Ramp up your business growth with live training from Donald Miller, J.J. Peterson, and special guest Amy Porterfield. Don't miss out and pre-order now at GrowYourSmallBusiness.com/Podcast. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/8/2023 • 30 minutes, 21 seconds
#89: Tim Arnold—Marketing Showdown: Clarity vs Creativity
In the world of marketing, it's often a delicate dance to strike the right balance between different messaging tensions. On one hand, you want to be clear and concise in your messaging, but on the other hand, you also want to be creative and engaging. You want to display authority, but you also want to demonstrate empathy and build connection with your audience. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Tim Arnold, President of Leaders for Leaders and longtime friend of StoryBrand. Tim explains the 3 main tensions that marketers face when crafting their messaging and provides practical tips for finding the right balance. Listen in now to learn how embracing both sides of each tension will help you create marketing that both resonates with your audience and drives results. Get more great insight from Tim around "both/and" thinking at TimArnold.ca. You can also access Tim's free PDF printout of the 3 Healthy Tensions discussed in today's episode here (or copy and paste the link below): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kqd3omvAMcWGLFC_CAHtG4VomsNGmuFx/view?usp=sharing -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/1/2023 • 32 minutes, 35 seconds
#88: Steph Taylor—What is Web 3.0 and Why Does it Matter for Your Marketing?
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEB 28 - MARCH 1, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Do you get overwhelmed when new technology starts sounding like a foreign language? That’s how a lot of people feel about Web 3.0. The concept isn’t easily understood, which makes people assume it’s probably going to be irrelevant to them. But the truth is, Web 3.0 is here to stay and is going to have a major impact on digital marketing. In today’s episode, J.J. talks with Steph Taylor, host of the Imperfect Action podcast and owner of a million-dollar online business. Steph helps J.J. explore the exciting new world of Web 3.0 and why it's going to matter for marketers. If you’ve ever been frustrated by Instagram algorithms or the power that other digital marketing platforms have over your marketing efforts, you’ll love hearing how Web 3.0 is going to change all of that. Listen in now to learn why Web 3.0 matters for you and how you can leverage it to serve more customers! Listen to and follow the Imperfect Action podcast at StephTaylor.co. -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/22/2023 • 30 minutes, 31 seconds
#87: Emily Thompson—How to Build the Business and Life You Want
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEB 28 - MARCH 1, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Does your business feel more like a prison than a playground? If so, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs feel like their business is sucking the life out of them and their dream of having freedom and flexibility has slowly slipped away. But most entrepreneurs get into business because they want to live life on their terms. How can you run a successful business and build the life you want simultaneously? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Emily Thompson, host of the award-winning Being Boss podcast. Emily shares tips for how to run your business instead of your business running you. You’ll learn how finding clarity, making strategic choices, and taking a step back can help you pivot your business away from feeling like a prison so you can start making it feel like a playground. Listen in now to learn how to build the business and life you want! Listen to and follow Being Boss at BeingBoss.club/Podcast. Click the link below to download and create your dream day using Emily's free PDF: https://beingboss.club/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BeingBoss_IDEALDAY.pdf -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/15/2023 • 31 minutes, 48 seconds
#86: The Secrets of Story in Marketing
CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEB 28 - MARCH 1, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE -- Do you ever feel bored with your own messaging? If so, it’s probably because you’ve lost sight of your customer’s aspirational identity. When you lose sight of who your customers want to become, you lose the power to show them how you can help them get there. In today’s episode, April interviews the storytelling master himself and the Head of StoryBrand, Dr. J.J. Peterson. You’ll hear an inspiring story about how J.J personally helped one of StoryBrand’s clients develop an aspirational identity for their internal team. The result? A message so compelling it resulted in narrative transportation and company transformation. Listen in now to learn how to use aspirational identity and narrative transportation to reach and impact more people! -- HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/8/2023 • 25 minutes, 40 seconds
#85: Building a Marketing Business with the Power of Story
Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. -- Business Insider recently listed marketing as one of the worst-paying college majors. Because marketing is constantly changing, the article argues that your return on investment in a marketing degree will likely be very minimal. But what if we told you that when you understand how to use story in marketing, you can make a lot more money than you think? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with three StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides: Dave Evans, Meredith Siss, and Keith Lauver. Each of these marketers share key moments along their journey of building a marketing business, how StoryBrand has been pivotal to their success, and the financial results they’ve been able to achieve. Listen in now to learn how StoryBrand can help you increase your value as a marketer whether you’re already in marketing or are looking to get started. You can reach out to Dave, Meredith, or Keith directly at: MarketingMadeSimple.com/Dave-Evans MarketingMadeSimple.com/MeredithSiss MarketingMadeSimple.com/Keith-Lauver -- HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
2/1/2023 • 33 minutes, 8 seconds
#84: Pat Flynn & Matt Gartland—Why Creating a Community and Connection Matters (Not Just Content)
Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. -- In the digital age, we have more content than ever at our fingertips. At any moment we can search for any given topic and find multiple sources and even products to purchase. As a marketer, you know that creating content is an important part of your marketing strategy. But have you considered that developing community and connection matters just as much – if not more – than content creation? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Pat Flynn and Matt Gartland, CEO’s of Smart Passive Income (SPI) where they help people build their audience and monetize their work. They share how creating community and building relationships is a key component to a successful business. Instead of relying on content alone to connect with potential customers, listen in to learn how building a smaller, more intimate community can help you grow your business (and enrich your life in the process!). Follow and listen to the SPI Podcast at SmartPassiveIncome.com/Shows/SPI/. You can also get the steps and tools you need to build and foster your community at SmartPassiveIncome.com/All-Access/. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/25/2023 • 30 minutes, 31 seconds
#83: How to Make Your Dream Podcast a Reality
Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. -- Are you a podcast lover with a dream of starting your own show? You probably have a ton of questions: What equipment do I need? How do I record and upload episodes? How long will it take me to grow a following? Starting a podcast can seem intimidating and you may feel like you don’t have what you need to get started. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Benjamin Shapiro, producer and host of the MarTech podcast, about what it really takes to start a podcast. Ben shares how aspiring podcasters should think of growing their podcast in 3 distinct phases, and how knowing what the first phase looks like can free you to get started. Listen now to learn what you can start doing immediately to get started on your dream! Listen to and follow the MarTech Podcast at MarTechPod.com. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/18/2023 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
#82: Amy Porterfield—5 Email Marketing Secrets for Long-Term Business Growth
Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. -- Have you ever wondered if your marketing strategy can sustain your business for the long haul? Every business needs a dependable marketing plan to generate qualified leads for their business. But if you don’t have a marketing strategy proven to work long-term, your business won’t last long enough to help the people who need what you have to offer. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Amy Porterfield, host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast and author of upcoming book Two Weeks Notice. Amy shares 5 email marketing secrets that every business needs to know to sustain long-term business growth. Listen in to learn 5 secrets about email marketing that will help you grow your audience, generate more qualified leads, and ultimately, help your business help more people! Pre-order Amy's new book, Two Weeks Notice, at TwoWeeksNoticeBook.com. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 8 seconds
#81: Leveraging the Science of Human Behavior in Marketing
Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. -- What if you knew exactly what would motivate your customers to take action? Here’s a secret: you don’t have to guess at what that would be! There’s a science behind human behavior, and you can leverage it to get more curiosity, clicks, and customers. But you have to learn these psychological triggers before you can use them – and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this episode. Listen in to hear J.J. and April’s conversation with Phill Agnew, host of Nudge, a podcast simplifying behavioral science, and expert in behavioral psychology. Phill walks you through specific behavioral science tools you can use to motivate customers to take action and convince them to buy. With examples from numerous studies with undeniable results, you’ll walk away from this episode with a scary amount of power to get people to act. Be sure to only use this new-found power for good! Follow and listen to Nudge at NudgePodcast.com. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE AND GUIDE BUSINESSES TO CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide/ STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
1/4/2023 • 28 minutes, 58 seconds
#80: Marketing Takeaways From This Year's Top Episodes (Best of 2022—Part 2)
Position your marketing and messaging for success heading in the new year with Part 2 of our Marketing Mixtape. In this episode, J.J. and April continue calling out the best marketing takeaways from this year to help you get even more clarity and inspiration going into 2023! Help the podcast deliver even more value by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. Let us know what you're loving and what you're wanting more of in future episodes! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey. Re-listen to the full episodes from Part 2 of our Marketing Mixtape on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: Marketing Mixtape Part 2 Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3if3bHS5HDK25ouENO8HtG?si=9c5389b40b654673 Direct Links to Full Episodes on Apple Podcasts: #51: How to Make Your Marketing More Inclusive https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000565620267 #70: How Do I Make My Copy Clear, But Not Boring? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000583138137 #72 - How to Fundraise Using the StoryBrand Framework https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000584765883 #58 - How to Start a Successful Marketing Side Hustle https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000571319093 Marketing Mixtape cover art designed by Tyler Core at TylerCoreShoots.com -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE AND GUIDE BUSINESSES TO CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide/ STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/28/2022 • 31 minutes, 2 seconds
BONUS: Business Made Simple—Top Business Growth Hacks of 2022
Running a business can be exhausting and complex. As a business owner, you have to think about every aspect of your business including sales, finances, marketing, product development, and so much more! If you don’t take a step back every now and then to look at the big picture, you can get so lost in the details that you miss important opportunities for growth. In this bonus episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast, you'll get the top business growth hacks highlighted from the best episodes of 2022. You’ll hear clips from four conversations Donald Miller had with four business owners (including Amy Porterfield!) about growing their business. Listen in to these fan-favorite coaching moments so you don’t miss out on key business growth strategies going into 2023! Re-listen to the full episodes from today's show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: Top Business Growth Hacks of 2022 Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3H9xRSqbX3vrXIrDtWriuz?si=82aa2ee168a54760 Direct Links on Apple Podcasts #86: Scale Your Startup with 90 Minute Workdays https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scale-your-startup-with-90-minute-workdays/id1092751338?i=1000576911190 #56: Curing the Overworked, Overwhelmed Business Owner https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curing-the-overworked-overwhelmed-business-owner/id1092751338?i=1000548802730 #95: Will Guidara—Why a Culture of Hospitality Matters for Every Business https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/will-guidara-why-a-culture-of-hospitality-matters/id1092751338?i=1000583667492 #70: Amy Porterfield—How to Start a Successful Business From Scratch https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-porterfield-how-to-start-a-successful-business/id1092751338?i=1000559312149 -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple
12/26/2022 • 30 minutes, 21 seconds
#79: Marketing Takeaways From This Year's Top Episodes (Best of 2022—Part 1)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed as we close out 2022, you’re not alone! Many business owners and marketers feel the weight of incomplete projects, initiatives that never got started, and stress from trying to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. To make matters worse, you’re not even sure what to prioritize for 2023. Instead of overworking yourself or getting paralyzed thinking about all there is to do, take a moment to take a step back with us. In this episode, J.J. and April give you a “Marketing Mixtape” – the best marketing takeaways from our top episodes in 2022. Listen in to learn key marketing strategies from our top guests on the show this year to help you get clarity and inspiration going into 2023! Re-listen to the full episodes from Part 1 of our Marketing Mixtape on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: Marketing Mixtape Part 1 Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5f2mrAgMLErv7VjcTusHVj?si=49f42532ed834ee6 Direct Links to Full Episodes on Apple Podcasts: #37: What You Need to Make Your Website Work https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-you-need-to-make-your-website-work/id1569923210?i=1000552677178 #60: What You Actually Need to Know About SEO https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-you-need-to-make-your-website-work/id1569923210?i=1000552677178 #49: The Best Way to Use Testimonials to Grow Your Business https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-way-to-use-testimonials-to-grow-your-business/id1569923210?i=1000563757386 #31: How to Build Your Social Media Content Calendar https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-build-your-social-media-content-calendar/id1569923210?i=1000548327400 Marketing Mixtape cover art designed by Tyler Core at TylerCoreShoots.com -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/21/2022 • 34 minutes, 55 seconds
#78: Is Your Website Costing You Customers?
Are you stuck trying to figure out how to design and organize your website? You’re not alone. Creating your company website is one of the most important steps you take when you build your business. But if you’re like a lot of companies, you’re so close to your business that it’s hard to step back and see it from your customer’s perspective. And when your website isn’t tailored to resonate with your specific audience, it’s going to cost you customers. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Curt Stockwell. Whether you’re creating a website for the first time or revamping one you already have, Curt shares a few key things you need to keep in mind when it comes to creating a website that works. Listen in to learn how you can optimize your website so you can win more customers and grow your business! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Curt Stockwell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Curt-Stockwell. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/14/2022 • 25 minutes, 37 seconds
#77: 4 Tips for Recruiting Top Talent to Join Your Team
If you’re stretched thin and having trouble recruiting the right people to join your team, it can feel like an uphill battle. You have to keep doing the work at hand while taking on the time-consuming task of hiring new team members. It can be discouraging, especially when so many businesses are struggling to find good employees. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Becky Martin, StoryBrand Certified Guide, about how the StoryBrand framework can help you find the right people faster. Listen in to learn 4 key tips on using the StoryBrand framework in your hiring process so you can recruit top talent and grow your company: 1) Be clear 2) Share testimonials 3) Incorporate aspirational identity 4) Include a 3-step plan. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Becky Martin directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Becky-Martin. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
12/7/2022 • 28 minutes, 49 seconds
#76: How to Succeed With Bigger Clients and Their Gatekeepers
Working with bigger clients usually means a bigger paycheck, but it can be hard to get past the gatekeeper and convince the decision maker to work with you. If you’re not used to selling to larger businesses, you might assume that the gatekeeper is going to communicate the right information up the chain. But in reality, it will be more like a game of telephone where your message gets lost in translation, costing you important business deals. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Agency Owner, David McAndrews. With expertise selling B2B, David shares some key tips for turning gatekeepers into your brand’s champion so your message gets through to the right people. Listen in as David shares three important tips for selling B2B so you can start landing your dream clients and closing bigger deals. Contact David McAndrews of Goalpost Group, a StoryBrand Certified Agency, directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/David-McAndrews. -- CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DEC 6 & 7, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/30/2022 • 26 minutes, 51 seconds
#75: When the Words Aren’t Flowing in Your Marketing (How to Get Unstuck!)
Have you ever felt like your marketing message just isn’t coming together? It can be mind-numbing to stare at a blank screen, constantly deleting the few words you manage to tap out on your keyboard. When the words don’t flow easily, it can bring up questions like, “why is it so hard to explain why my business matters?!” or “I’m a marketer, why isn’t this easier?!” In today’s episode, J.J. and April share a marketing makeover story featuring Stacey Brown Randall, an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur teaching people how to grow their businesses with referrals. Even though Stacey has a successful business (featured in Forbes and Fox Business!), she struggled to find the words to market her business. Listen in as Stacey and her StoryBrand Guides, Angie Schultz and Kelly Hartnett, share the process of transforming Stacey’s marketing and finding the right words to help her make more money. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelley Hartnett directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/KelleyHartnett. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Angie Schultz directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Angie-Schultz. Learn more about Kelley and Angie's client, Stacey Brown Randall, at StaceyBrownRandall.com. -- CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DEC 6 & 7, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/23/2022 • 32 minutes, 35 seconds
#74: Feeling Sluggish? Do This to Energize Your Marketing and Finish Out the Year Strong!
With the end of the year on the horizon, are you finding yourself feeling sluggish and unmotivated with your business and marketing efforts? You’re not alone! That’s why our newest Marketing Made Simple Podcast series is called “Energize.” From now until the end of the year, each episode will be centered around giving you the specific tips you'll need to reenergize your marketing and gain back momentum. If you need an extra boost, this series is for you! In today’s episode, you'll hear an inspiring testimonial from Tom Cooper, past attendee of the StoryBrand Marketing Workshop. Listen in and learn how implementing the StoryBrand marketing framework can energize your marketing and in turn, your entire organization going into 2023! Do you really want to energize your marketing and messaging heading into the new year? Then register today at StoryBrand.com/LIVE for the upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop. Work directly with a coach who will show you how to fix your marketing in just two days (December 6 & 7, 2022) and create a clear Brandscript that actually compels customers to buy from you! Register for the StoryBrand Marketing Workshop now at StoryBrand.com/LIVE. -- CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DEC 6 & 7, 2022: StoryBrand.com/LIVE START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/16/2022 • 31 minutes, 30 seconds
#73: Three Marketing Must-Dos for Local Businesses
What was your favorite episode or actionable step of 2022? Call 615-649-0705 before Friday November, 11 and let us know! Your favorites could be included in the upcoming Marketing Mix Tape greatest hits episode closing out the year. If you're running a local business, you know your marketing strategy needs to look different than online businesses or location-agnostic companies. You may even find your tried and true marketing plays aren't working when your potential customers are all local, especially if you're in a small town. In this episode, J.J. and April talk with talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide Laura Capes Terry all about how to market locally with a focus on word of mouth marketing. They share three keys to building trust within your community and creating hyper local ads so customers start spreading the word and more people show up at your door. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Laura Capes Terry directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Laura-Capes-Terry. -- CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY 2 DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND LIVE WORKSHOP HAPPENING DEC 6 & 7, 2022: StoryBrand.com/Live START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/9/2022 • 31 minutes, 15 seconds
#72: How to Fundraise Using the StoryBrand Framework
What was your favorite episode or actionable step of 2022? Call 615-649-0705 before Friday November, 11 and let us know! Your favorites could be included in the upcoming Marketing Mix Tape greatest hits episode closing out the year. Asking people for money can feel awkward and intimidating, even if you’re fundraising for an amazing cause! Not only is it hard to find the right words, there’s often enormous pressure when you know how much every gift matters for your organization. But fundraising doesn’t have to feel like a heavy burden. When you use the StoryBrand framework, you’ll be able to approach fundraising with confidence and poise. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Casey Fuerst, Owner and CEO of Tic Tac Toe Marketing and StoryBrand Certified Guide, about how the StoryBrand framework can help fundraisers make their donors the hero of the story. Listen in to learn how changing your perspective on fundraising and making donors an integral part of your organization’s story will help you raise more money and impact more lives – including your donors’ lives! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Casey Fuerst directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/CaseyFuerst. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
11/2/2022 • 27 minutes, 5 seconds
#71: How to Market Multiple Products Without Confusing Customers
What was your favorite episode or actionable step of 2022? Call 615-649-0705 before Friday November, 11 and let us know! Your favorites could be included in the upcoming Marketing Mix Tape greatest hits episode closing out the year. Does your company do so much that it’s hard to explain what you offer? If you try to communicate too many things to your audience, they won’t know what to do with your products and services. Instead of becoming a part of people's lives, you’ll go into the “junk drawer” of your audience’s minds! They won’t take action on your offer because they don’t understand where it belongs. In today’s episode, April and J.J. talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Stacey Moore, about how companies with multiple products can simplify their marketing and get more conversions. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a website that is strategically designed to communicate multiple offers. Listen in to learn how a multi-product website should be structured differently than a regular one and how a few simple adjustments can make a big difference for your customers! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Stacey Moore directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Stacey-Moore-Studio. -- PRE-ORDER DONALD MILLER'S NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/26/2022 • 29 minutes, 49 seconds
#70: "How Do I Make My Copy Clear, But Not Boring?"
The StoryBrand framework is all about clarity. But will using the StoryBrand framework make you sound boring? In today’s episode, J.J. and April tackle this question with the help of Jessie Congleton, StoryBrand Certified Guide and professional copywriter and marketing strategist. As a copywriter who has crafted messaging for multiple brands, Jessie provides expert advice on how to create authentic, personality-packed copy without sacrificing clarity. First, Jessie recommends writing with clarity first and infusing personality later. According to Jessie, the best way to build a clear message is by using the StoryBrand BrandScript. Once you have your core messaging nailed down, Jessie suggests bringing in your personality in these key areas on your website: 1) In the section where you explain the philosophical problem you solve and the why behind your brand 2) In the section where you lay out the plan for your customers to buy your product. Listen in to learn how you can infuse personality into these key areas and help your brand stand out in the market! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/JessieCongleton. Businesses Jessie referenced in this episode: CornerPostMeats.com KikiAndLuluco.com BougieDawg.co -- PRE-ORDER DONALD MILLER'S NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/19/2022 • 29 minutes, 59 seconds
#69: Does StoryBrand Work for Faith-Based Organizations?
Have you experienced success after implementing the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your messaging and marketing? We want to hear about it! Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success in a voicemail before Friday October, 14 for a chance to have it featured on an upcoming episode. Just call 615-649-0705 to share your story of success. We can't wait to hear from you! Many people are uncomfortable putting the words “church” and “marketing” in the same sentence. Does “marketing” have a place in faith-based organizations? At StoryBrand, we believe the answer is YES. Good marketing has the end goal of serving others – which is exactly what nonprofits and faith-based communities aim to do. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Kenny Jahng, about how faith-based organizations can use the StoryBrand framework to broaden their impact and boost engagement – without using self-absorbed or manipulative marketing tactics. Listen in to learn how really getting to know your audience and using storytelling in your communications will help you serve your community better. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kenny Jahng directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/KennyJahng. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/12/2022 • 32 minutes, 19 seconds
#68: How to “Sell” Without Making People Feel Awkward
If you think “gag me” when you hear “sales,” you’re not alone! The idea of being sold to or selling to someone else can easily remind us of a pushy salesperson or an uncomfortable situation. But if you’re in business, you’re in sales. So how can you effectively sell your product without coming across as manipulative or desperate? In today’s episode, J.J. and April continue the conversation about how you can implement our new sales framework, The Customer is the Hero. Special guest and StoryBrand Certified Guide, Aleya Harris, also joins in and demonstrates that when you use the 5 key talking points in this framework, it won’t feel like “selling” at all. Instead, you’ll feel like you’re building relationships, solving problems, and serving people. Listen in to learn how you can use this 5-step framework to improve your sales – and have a lot more fun doing it! Go to OnlineSalesScript.com/Podcast to access and create a SalesScript you can immediately use to invite customers into a story. As a Hero Maker, when you sign up you'll also get our bonus video series where Don walks you step-by-step how to create sales talking points that actually work! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Aleya-Harris. -- Have a story of success after implementing the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your messaging and marketing? Let us know! Call 615-649-0705 before Friday October, 14 for a chance to have your story featured on an upcoming episode! We can't wait to hear from you! START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
10/5/2022 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
#67: NEW—A Sales Framework for People Who HATE Selling
If you're like most people, you hate being sold to and hate selling to others – it just feels icky! But if you want your business to survive and thrive, you have to sell! Here’s the good news: Your sales conversations don’t have to feel awkward or manipulative. When you learn the storytelling framework for sales, you can stop pushing products and start inviting customers into a story where their problem gets solved. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Donald Miller about Business Made Simple's newly released sales course, The Customer is the Hero. Listen in to learn a 5-step framework that will give you key talking points for every sales conversation so you can ease the tension and start confidently closing more sales. Go to OnlineSalesScript.com/Podcast to access and create a SalesScript you can immediately use to invite customers into a story. As a Hero Maker, when you sign up you'll also get our bonus video series where Don walks you step-by-step how to create sales talking points that actually work! -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/28/2022 • 30 minutes, 21 seconds
#66: How to Successfully Crowdfund Your New Business Idea
Looking to raise money to start your business or fund an upcoming product? Crowdfunding can be an effective way to hit the market with a bang. Not only do they provide the funds you need, crowdfunding campaigns can create unparalleled hype and awareness for your new product. But if you’ve never done it before, how can you avoid getting lost in the noise and ensure success around hitting your goal? In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand certified guide, Moses Mehraban about how to craft an effective crowdfunding campaign rooted in the StoryBrand framework that works. Listen in to learn key tips when it comes to crowdfunding so you can successfully hit your goal and launch your product into the marketplace! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Moses Mehraban directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/MosesMehraban. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/21/2022 • 34 minutes, 39 seconds
#65: Marketing Hacks You Need to Grow Your Podcast
Starting and growing a podcast can feel like an uphill battle. There aren’t a lot of resources out there on how to grow a podcast and expand listenership. But if you know how to leverage a few key resources and use tried-and-true marketing techniques, you can grow your podcast audience and start impacting more people. In today’s episode, April and J.J. chat with Aleya Harris, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and host of her own podcast, Flourishing Entrepreneur. Aleya shares insider tips on how getting on Listen Notes (a great podcast search engine), using lead generators, and viewing your podcast like “the baby on your hip” can help you get your podcast out to more people. Listen in now to learn podcast growth hacks from someone who’s been there, done that! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Aleya-Harris. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/14/2022 • 31 minutes, 25 seconds
#64: Unifying Your Team & Improving B2B Marketing Strategies
Do you need to get your marketing team on the same page or do better B2B marketing? The StoryBrand marketing framework has helped thousands of small businesses and solo marketers, but it is also highly effective for bringing consistency to large marketing teams or improving B2B marketing strategies. In today’s episode, JJ and April talk with Jessica Embree, a team member of a StoryBrand certified marketing agency, about how businesses of any size or audience can get more results from their marketing with the StoryBrand framework. Listen in to learn how you can unify your team and develop B2B strategies that resonate with your audience and beef up your bottom line. Be the next StoryBrand success story and register now for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream happening on September 13th and 14th, 2022. Get your marketing strategy done so you can start scaling your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessica Embree directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Tulip-Media-Group. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
9/7/2022 • 31 minutes, 44 seconds
#63: How You Can Be the Next StoryBrand Success Story
Are you finally ready to get your marketing strategy DONE? Listen in to hear 3 success stories of businesses who attended the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream and got their marketing strategy nailed down in just 2 days. Every business needs to figure out its marketing MESSAGING and marketing PLAN, and this workshop will help you create yours. In today’s episode, JJ and April talk with Josh Brammer, StoryBrand Certified Guide and Livestream Coach, about 3 clients he took through the StoryBrand Live Workshop. After listening to the keynotes, working directly with a coach, and getting feedback from peers, each business (from different industries!) was able to solidify an effective marketing strategy in less than 48 hours. Be the next StoryBrand success story and register now for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream happening on September 13th and 14th, 2022. Get your marketing strategy done so you can start scaling your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Brammer directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Josh-Brammer-Indianapolis-Storybrand-Guide. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/31/2022 • 28 minutes, 22 seconds
#62: How to Fix Your Marketing in 2 Days
Sick of marketing that isn’t working for your business? You can fix your marketing in 2 days with a StoryBrand Marketing Livestream Workshop. This 2-day virtual workshop will give you everything you need to fix your marketing once and for all. Need to create a sales funnel? Write or fix your website? Create brand messaging? You’ll walk out with all of that and more. In today’s episode, JJ and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Krista Smith, about what to expect when you attend the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream Workshop. Not only will you get training on the StoryBrand marketing framework, you’ll get personalized coaching and feedback in your small group via zoom rooms. Listen in to see if booking a workshop is the right move for your business! (SPOILER: It totally is!) Attend the StoryBrand Livestream on September 13-14, 2022 and fix your marketing in 2 days. Work directly with a coach who will show you how to create a Brandscript that is clear, compelling and actually works! Register now at StoryBrand.com. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Krista Smith directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Krista-Smith. -- START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/24/2022 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
#61: Create Brand Messaging That Works (BrandScript Deep Dive)
Do you feel like you’re at a loss for words when it comes to writing the messaging for your brand? Whether you need to create (or elevate) your website, emails, or ad copy, you don’t have to guess at what will resonate with your audience. When you create and use a BrandScript, you can clarify your message, make more money with your words, and get your product out to more people! In today’s episode, J.J., April, and StoryBrand Certified Guide Kristin Spiotto walk business owner and realtor, Jesse Peterson, through his BrandScript. Jesse created his BrandScript on his own, and now J.J. and Kristin coach him through how to make it even better. Create your own BrandScript at MyStoryBrand.com, follow along and make the words (and sales) flow! Feeling overwhelmed wondering if your marketing and messaging are working to grow your business? Attend the StoryBrand Livestream on September 13-14, 2022 and work directly with a coach who will show you how to create a Brandscript that's clear and compelling and actually works! Register now at StoryBrand.com. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kristin Spiotto directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kristin-Spiotto. -- WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/17/2022 • 37 minutes, 46 seconds
#60: What You ACTUALLY Need to Know About SEO
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You’ve probably heard that SEO can be a great tool to get your message out to more customers, but since you’re not an SEO expert, it can seem intimidating and complicated to get started! This week, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide, Kurien Abraham, about easy and effective ways to get started with SEO. You’ll find out key things you can do to improve your SEO (no coding knowledge needed!) - and you'll also learn exactly what to look for if you hire an SEO expert. Listen in to uncover the truth about SEO so you can have total confidence in your approach! Feeling overwhelmed wondering if your marketing and messaging are working to grow your business? Attend the StoryBrand Livestream on September 13-14, 2022 and work directly with a coach who will show you how to create a clear and compelling message that actually works! Register now at StoryBrand.com. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kurien Abraham directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/CWResults. -- IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/10/2022 • 34 minutes, 37 seconds
#59: Is It Time to Throw Out Your Brand Message?
Does your original brand messaging need a refresh? If so, it’s probably because your business is growing. Congratulations! Great businesses usually find new problems to solve for their customers and create new products as solutions. But this can create a problem for you: your original messaging no longer encompasses all that you have to offer. In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand certified guide Daniel Bussius about how to rework your messaging to more accurately represent your expanded line of products. Don’t worry – you don’t have to lose the part of your brand messaging that feels like “you.” When you step back and take a 30,000-foot view, you’ll find commonalities that can help you both maintain your brand identity and reach your new customer base effectively. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Daniel Bussius directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/BuiltByLove -- WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
8/3/2022 • 27 minutes, 56 seconds
#58: How to Start a Successful Marketing Side Hustle
Ever wonder if you could make money with a marketing side hustle? If so, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation we hear from Elizabeth, a therapist from Chicago who has used the StoryBrand framework to grow her practice. Now she's wondering if she could start a side hustle helping other therapists with their marketing. Listen in as Macy Robison, Head of the StoryBrand Guide program, joins J.J. and April to give practical tips on growing a great marketing business. Whether you are thinking of launching your own marketing agency or starting a side hustle to bring in extra cash, you don’t have to do it alone. StoryBrand has resources and a community ready to support you and your dream. Go to GrowYourMarketingBusiness.com and get immediate access to our free resource: How to Grow a Great Marketing Business: The 10-Step Checklist. -- DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com HAVE A MARKETING QUESTION OR WANT TO CELEBRATE A MARKETING WIN AFTER IMPLEMENTING THE STORYBRAND FRAMEWORK? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/27/2022 • 24 minutes, 29 seconds
#57: How to Escape a Marketing Rut
Feeling uninspired when it comes to marketing? We have your back! So many business owners get stuck not knowing how to keep their marketing fresh and relevant. When you’re at a loss for content and advertising ideas, there are some specific things you can do to get the wheels turning again. In today’s episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Julia Block Pearson gives brilliant tips in response to a voicemail we received from a Hero Maker. Like many business owners, this Hero Maker is stuck in a marketing funk and looking for the best way out. If you're in the same situation, listen in as Julia shares practical tips you can immediately use to inspire and capture new marketing ideas that will truly excite and engage your customers. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Julia Block Pearson directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Julia-Block -- WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/20/2022 • 20 minutes, 12 seconds
#56: How to Use LinkedIn Ads to Grow Your Business
Are you leveraging the power of LinkedIn? When it comes to growing your business, it’s crucial to show up in the spaces and platforms your target audience uses. Chances are, one of those spaces is LinkedIn. Posting content and connecting with a few prospects is one thing, but it can feel daunting to figure out LinkedIn’s ad platform. That’s why J.J. and April are talking with StoryBrand Certified Guide Evan Knox, a LinkedIn expert. In today’s episode, you’ll get clear steps on how to use LinkedIn ads to engage more potential customers. Listen in to take advantage of pro tips that most people have to pay for. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Evan Knox directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Evan-Knox. -- IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/13/2022 • 30 minutes, 5 seconds
#55: Five Effective Ways to Highlight the Problem You Solve for Customers
You might offer an amazing product or service with incredible value but if you aren't clearly talking about it in your marketing as well as on your website, you are leaving all those potential customers in the dark! In today's episode, J.J. and April answer a question from a Hero Maker like you who's struggling to get his potential customers to realize they even have a problem before showing them how his business can help fix it. They also talk with marketing expert and StoryBrand Certified Guide Brian Sooy who gives you five effective ways you can highlight the problem you solve for customers to overcome their objections and eliminate the road blocks standing between you and growing your business. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Brian Sooy directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Brian-Sooy. -- WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
7/6/2022 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
#54: Solutions to Your Toughest Marketing Questions
Every week on the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we break down different ways you can use the StoryBrand framework to clarify your message and grow your business. But because your business is unique, so are your marketing problems! That is exactly why our newest series is all about giving you the specific answers you need around the specific problems holding you back when it comes to your marketing and messaging. In today's episode, J.J. and April hear from Hero Makers like you about what's still holding them back when it comes to marketing and messaging and provide the solutions needed to break through to the other side. If you're still struggling with your marketing, we're here to give you some much needed relief! Past Episodes Mentioned in Today's Conversation: #1: Donald Miller—The Framework That Makes Marketing Easy #24: Will StoryBrand Work if You're an Artist? #26: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Personal Brand? -- WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/29/2022 • 31 minutes, 34 seconds
#53: Stories of Success Using the StoryBrand Framework
Every episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast is all about you, helping to make your marketing easy and make it work. And to celebrate our one year anniversary of the podcast, we are truly celebrating you by featuring your stories of success using the StoryBrand framework to clarify their marketing and messaging. Today J.J. and April are sharing five amazing success stories from Hero Makers like you who are using StoryBrand within their businesses to win! -- WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/22/2022 • 24 minutes, 33 seconds
#52: How to Overhaul Your Marketing Now
You've heard it time and and time again: once you begin to implement the StoryBrand framework into the ecosystem of your business, it makes your marketing, messaging and even team team communication seamless. But nothing will change unless take that leap, which is why today's conversation is all about giving you the confidence and permission you need to start. In today's show, J.J. and April talk with Bill Allen, owner of 7 Figure Flipping, about how he's used the StoryBrand framework to completely rework his marketing and messaging. He also shares how the framework is helping him build a billion dollar brand! If you're still needing that extra push to start utilizing StoryBrand to help overhaul your marketing and grow your business, this episode is for you. Find out more about Bill Allen and 7 Figure Flipping at 7FigureFlipping.com. -- WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/15/2022 • 33 minutes, 54 seconds
#51: How to Make Your Marketing More Inclusive
You started a business to help solve a problem. And in order to help as many people as possible, your marketing needs to be inclusive. But without knowing it, your message might be leaving out an important segment of your target audience. Fortunately there are easy steps you can do to fix this. In today's conversation, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide Raj Lulla all about what you can do to create a more diverse and inclusive story in your marketing and messaging that will invite more customers, solve more problems and grow your business! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Raj Lulla directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Fruitful. -- WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/8/2022 • 29 minutes, 10 seconds
#50: The Video Your Business Needs to Win Over More Customers
A pivotal piece of the StoryBrand framework is creating a clear and simple plan that paves the way for customers to do business with you. Without a plan, your customers might feel like they're entering into a fog of confusion and we always say, "If you confuse, you lose!" Eliminate any confusion by producing a video that shows customers what to expect when purchasing your product or service and answers the question, "How does this work?" On today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide David Hepburn all about how you can craft an effective video that manages customer expectations, clearly spells out the process they'll experience when buying from you and ultimately shows how your offering will transform them into the hero of their own story. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide David Hepburn directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/HepburnCreative. -- WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705 DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
6/1/2022 • 24 minutes, 50 seconds
#49: The Best Way to Use Testimonials to Grow Your Business
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday, May 27 for a chance to be featured on our upcoming one year anniversary episode! Hero Makers, our Marketing Made Simple Podcast one year anniversary is fast approaching and we want to celebrate by celebrating YOU! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success for our upcoming one year anniversary episode. Just call 615-649-0705 before Friday, May 27 and leave a voicemail sharing how the StoryBrand Framework has helped you win at marketing and you could be featured in our anniversary episode. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Even if you know you have the best product on the market, customers will be hesitant to purchase unless you build trust and authority with them first. One of the best ways to do this is through testimonies! But without a formula for doing it right, you may end up with material that doesn't actually help your future customers make a decision towards purchasing your product. So how do you get started? On today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide Mindy Cook all about the questions you need to ask and what you need to do to get the perfect testimony that builds trust and excites customers to buy from you. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Mindy Cook directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/MindyCook. -- DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/25/2022 • 28 minutes, 42 seconds
#48: Why Your Commercial Isn't Converting
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday, May 27 for a chance to be featured on our upcoming one year anniversary episode! Hero Makers, our Marketing Made Simple Podcast one year anniversary is fast approaching and we want to celebrate by celebrating YOU! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success for our upcoming one year anniversary episode. Just call 615-649-0705 before Friday, May 27 and leave a voicemail sharing how the StoryBrand Framework has helped you win at marketing and you could be featured in our anniversary episode. We can't wait to hear from you! -- In today’s marketing landscape, where do commercials fit when it comes to converting to customers? A good commercial should be all about awareness, getting your name out there, and beginning the process of inviting customers into a story. You want to make the audience curious about your brand, encouraging them to take the next step with you. But how do you practically do this? On today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide Orlando Gomez and give you the steps you need to create a commercial that engages your customers and shows them how your product can solve their problem. If you’ve ever made a commercial and just didn’t see results, this episode is for you. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Orlando Gomez directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/OrlandoJGomez. -- DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/18/2022 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
#47: Why Your Videos Aren't Engaging Customers
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday, May 27 for a chance to be featured on our upcoming one year anniversary episode! Hero Makers, our Marketing Made Simple Podcast one year anniversary is fast approaching and we want to celebrate by celebrating YOU! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success for our upcoming one year anniversary episode. Just call 615-649-0705 before Friday, May 27 and leave a voicemail sharing how the StoryBrand Framework has helped you win at marketing and you could be featured in our anniversary episode. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Producing video is key for creating engaging and effective marketing, but it's easy to get lost in the weeds. It's easy to film a post from your phone or record a podcast episode that doesn't clearly deliver value for your customers. That's why having a controlling idea for each piece of content you create is a must. In this week's episode, April and J.J. talk with Bobby Richards, producer of the Marketing Made Simple and Business Made Simple podcasts, all about the three questions you need to ask to create a controlling idea that directs all your media toward growing your business. -- DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/11/2022 • 32 minutes, 46 seconds
#46: Fix Your Marketing with One Assessment
When it comes to our health, we know the importance of having a regular check up. It provides a baseline for where you are and what you might need to work on to live a long healthy life. The same is true for your marketing. If you don't continually assess how your message is working to grow your business, it's only a matter of time before some major problems start to build up. That's why StoryBrand created the StoryBrand Marketing Report! In this episode, J.J. and April will break down exactly how you can use this tool to immediately identify the weak spots in your marketing and how to get a customized plan to fix them. Is your marketing and messaging in good health? Find out at StoryBrandMarketingReport.com. -- Call us at 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail letting us know what you're still struggling with or would love to hear more about when it comes to clarifying your messaging and marketing. It could be selected as a topic for an upcoming episode of the podcast! So let us know how we can continue to help make your marketing easy and make it work by leaving a voicemail at 615-649-0705. DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING LIVE STREAM: StoryBrand.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
5/4/2022 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
#45: Why Having a Clear Message Within Your Organization is Critical
If you want more customers to engage, you must clarify your message first. Now is the perfect time to create a clear message and marketing plan for your business. Join us May 10 and 11 (2022) for the StoryBrand Marketing Workshop LiveStream and know you're doing it right. Register now at StoryBrand.com. -- Not having a clear marketing message is confusing to your customers and hurts your sales. In the same way, not having a clear message within your business can be just as confusing to your employees and detrimental to your team. Confusion causes teams to be unclear on priorities, employees to feel overwhelmed, and an overall lack of momentum. It's easy to just ignore these issues or try to implement quick fixes. But did you know that you can use the StoryBrand framework to create a clear internal message to eliminate confusion and align your team? In today's episode, April talks with Dennis Wimmert, COO of Crest Industries, a Louisiana-based power company. Dennis opens up about how he and his company were operating in an internal fog of confusion. Dennis walks through how he implemented the StoryBrand framework internally in his organization and how his team now runs better than ever. -- Call us at 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail letting us know what you're still struggling with or would love to hear more about when it comes to clarifying your messaging and marketing. It could be selected as a topic for an upcoming episode of the podcast! So let us know how we can continue to help make your marketing easy and make it work by leaving a voicemail at 615-649-0705. REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING LIVE STREAM: StoryBrand.com START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com BOOK A PRIVATE STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP FOR YOUR TEAM: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshop STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/27/2022 • 23 minutes, 10 seconds
#44: How to Write and Deliver a Captivating Speech
Call us at 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail letting us know what you're still struggling with or would love to hear more about when it comes to clarifying your messaging and marketing. It could be selected as a topic for an upcoming episode of the podcast! So let us know how we can continue to help make your marketing easy and make it work by leaving a voicemail at 615-649-0705. -- Getting onstage and delivering a captivating speech is a great way get your products in front of large audiences. It also strengthens your authority as a guide to your customers. But actually writing and delivering a great speech is no small task. So what steps should you follow when crafting a speech to make sure you hit a home run from the stage? Today on the podcast, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide Jeff Craven who delivers a step-by-step process you can follow to write and deliver a speech that provides extreme value and the power to convert that large audience into valuable customers. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jeff Craven directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Jeff-Craven. -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/20/2022 • 35 minutes, 58 seconds
#43: An Amazing No-Cost Strategy to Get More Leads
Last week you discovered finding new audiences is crucial to growing your business and how utilizing public relations, or PR, efforts can help do that. This week we're revealing the best methods you can use to actually get in front of those audiences, gather more leads while doing it all for free! Today on the podcast, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide Lauren Kwedar Cockerell all about how you can use StoryBrand combined with specific strategies and free online tools to contact the right media outlets to build your authority, expand your customer base and grow your business. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Lauren Kwedar Cockerell directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Lauren-Kwedar-Cockerell. -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/13/2022 • 31 minutes, 53 seconds
#42: How Can PR Get You In Front of More Customers?
Finding new audiences is crucial to growing your business and getting more people to see what products and services you offer. But what’s the best way to get your message out to those new audiences? Most people turn to public relations, or PR, efforts to spread the good news about their business. But for others, PR can seem confusing and overwhelming. So the question is -- how can you use PR to spread your message and connect with more customers? We got some answers in this episode you’ll definitely want to hear. Today on the podcast, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide Jo Caruana all about how you can use StoryBrand combined with targeted PR efforts to get in front of the right people that can help take your business to the next level. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jo Caruana directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Jo-Caruana. -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
4/6/2022 • 31 minutes, 1 second
#41: How to Market Yourself into a New Job
Whether you are looking for your next opportunity or your business is on the search to hire amazing talent, the StoryBrand framework can set you up for success! Just like in your marketing, using the right message is critically important when you create a resume. At the same time, when you create a job posting looking for your next employee, using the wrong messaging can turn qualified candidates away. Today on the podcast, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Rhoten all about how to use the StoryBrand framework in your resume and recruiting efforts to position yourself firmly as a guide to your potential employer or employees. Can StoryBrand help you find your dream job? Lean in and listen to this episode to find out. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Rhoten directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ryan-Rhoten. -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/30/2022 • 31 minutes, 37 seconds
#40: Using the StoryBrand Framework in Every Part of Your Business
You've probably heard how the StoryBrand framework can transform your marketing and messaging by inviting your customers into a compelling story where they become the hero with you as their guide. But did you know you can implement the framework into every part of your business? In today's episode, J.J. and April talk with Brannon Bourland, Director of Marketing at Facility Solutions Group, all about how the StoryBrand framework has not only changed how his company talks about their products externally, but also its effectiveness when used internally. If you are wanting to strengthen your business from the inside out, today's conversation will show you how! -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/23/2022 • 31 minutes, 8 seconds
#39: How to Turn Your Customers into Raving Fans
How do you get your customers to engage? We bet you know the answer by now: invite them into a story where they are hero while you play the guide! But where does this process begin? For a lot of customers, the first point of contact with your brand is your customer service team. So as a business owner, how do you equip this important front-line team to be the guide? It's only when you think of yourself as their guide and exercise empathy that your customers will feel helped and heard. In today's episode, J.J. and April share how to embrace the role of the ultimate guide when it comes to customer service. They are also joined by StoryBrand’s very own Director of Customer Experience Kelley Kirker. Kelley shares how positioning yourself as the guide in customer service not only makes the customer the hero, but also can transform your customers into raving fans. -- APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/16/2022 • 31 minutes, 12 seconds
#38: Use the StoryBrand Framework to Level Up Your Design
If you thought StoryBrand was only for messaging and copywriting, we're here to change your mind. Did you know you can also use the StoryBrand framework for building and strengthening your design projects? No matter if you're working on messaging or design, to be successful, you need to make the customer the hero of the story, while you play the guide. In today's episode, J.J. and April are joined by StoryBrand Certified Guide Justin Ahrens. Justin talks about how you can implement the StoryBrand framework into every part of the process when it comes to building out a design for your business or a client. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Justin Ahrens directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Justin-Ahrens. -- CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/9/2022 • 28 minutes, 55 seconds
#37: What You Need to Make Your Website Work
How do you build a website that turns visitors into customers? If you know StoryBrand, you know we always say the number one priority for your website should be communicating a clear message that invites your customers into a compelling story. But what happens when you need to elevate that message to engage a wider audience? That's where a solid design comes in. When you combine a clear message with a solid design, your business and customers are positioned to win! In today's episode, J.J. and April are joined by StoryBrand Certified Guides Jena Gribble and Paige Worthy. This dynamic duo will walk through how you can elevate your website's messaging with solid design. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jenna Gribble directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Jena-Gribble and Paige Worthy at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/PaigeWorthy. -- GET FREE ACCESS TO THE FULL VIDEO OF APRIL, JENA & PAIGE GOING STEP-BY-STEP THROUGH THEIR WIREFRAME AND WEBSITE DESIGN: StoryBrand.com/Design CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
3/2/2022 • 27 minutes, 53 seconds
#36: How Design Can Help (and Hurt!) Your Revenue
We talk a lot about the importance of having a clear message in your marketing. After all, if you confuse, you'll lose! But did you know the same is true with design? Too many businesses focus on creating a flashy logo or sleek landing page and forget all about making it easy for your customer to buy your product. If your website or marketing materials have a design that is unclear or confusing, it's costing you. In today's episode, J.J. and April are joined by StoryBrand and Business Made Simple's Kyle Reid, VP of Design and Development, who helps unpack the importance of design in your marketing and messaging. Kyle shares how to approach design to make sure it's working for you, not against you, and acting as an asset in getting more customers to buy. Whether you're a pro with Photoshop or have no clue where to start when it comes to design, this episode will help. -- Did you know we certify full-suite marketing agencies? That’s right! If you own a marketing agency, and you need your entire team to understand the StoryBrand framework, apply to become a Certified Agency at StoryBrand.com/Agency. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll get: -onsite training on the StoryBrand Framework for your entire team (we do the training for you) -an exclusive license for your team to use the StoryBrand framework with your clients (everyone will use the same proven framework to get results) -access to our community of other certified agencies -and much more As a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll feel confident that your entire team knows how to create marketing that works. Apply today at StoryBrand.com/Agency. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.
2/23/2022 • 30 minutes, 42 seconds
#35: Creating a Social Media Ad Strategy That Works
Creating social media ads for your brand can feel like an infinite amount of guess work. Between trying to demystify platform algorithms, keeping up with OS updates, and targeting the right audience, you're often left feeling more confused than when you started! Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Mehrab Reza joins the conversation to help remove the mystery around the ever-changing world of social media ads. Mehrab breaks down how to target the right audience with your ads and convert them into paying customers. If you've been hesitant to start running ads for your business, or just haven't seen much success, this episode is for you. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Mehrab Reza directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Adlantica. -- Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on February 22 and 23, 2022. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Did you know we certify full-suite marketing agencies? That’s right! If you own a marketing agency, and you need your entire team to understand the StoryBrand framework, apply to become a Certified Agency at StoryBrand.com/Agency. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll get: -onsite training on the StoryBrand Framework for your entire team (we do the training for you) -an exclusive license for your team to use the StoryBrand framework with your clients (everyone will use the same proven framework to get results) -access to our community of other certified agencies -and much more As a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll feel confident that your entire team knows how to create marketing that works. Apply today at StoryBrand.com/Agency. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.
2/16/2022 • 34 minutes, 55 seconds
#34: Using Social Media to Promote Live (and Virtual) Events
When it comes to promoting events on social media, it's hard not to make the posts all about you. So how do you successfully promote your business's events without positioning your brand as the hero? Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, Clark Campbell, CEO of StoryBrand Certified Agency RVRB, joins the conversation to show you how to create engaging social media content that helps your audience envision themselves fitting into your brand or event, drawing them in to take part in the future. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Agency RVRB directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/RVRB. -- Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on February 22 and 23, 2022. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.
2/9/2022 • 27 minutes, 52 seconds
#33: Multiply Your Output, Not Your Effort with Social Media
When it comes to social media, being intentional is important. But finding the time to engage with your customers on every platform can feel close to impossible, especially for small businesses. You need ways to work smarter, not harder, and that's what you'll get from this episode. Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Bryan Switalski joins the conversation to show you how to take your short form video content and post across multiple platforms without adding more hours to your schedule. If you're ready to reevaluate how you spend your time promoting your brand over social media, this episode is for you! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Bryan Switalski directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Bryan-Switalski. Call 615-649-0705 and share your breakthrough moment or story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail telling us about your breakthrough moment, small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! We can't wait to hear from you! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
2/2/2022 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
#32: Creating Instagram Reels that Engage Your Following
While once an app just for sharing personal photos, Instagram has taken the business world by storm. In fact, 71% of U.S businesses claim to use Instagram as a company. But when it comes to Instagram, most companies struggle creating content that is actually engaging. That's why today's episode is packed with practical tips you can use to produce engaging Instagram content that works! Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris joins the conversation to break down how to craft and create effective Instagram content, specifically by using reels, that will catch your followers' eyes and help convert them into customers. If your Instagram content feels a little stale or your audience just isn't responding, this episode is for you! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Aleya-Harris. Call 615-649-0705 and share your breakthrough moment or story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail telling us about your breakthrough moment, small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! We can't wait to hear from you! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
1/26/2022 • 26 minutes, 43 seconds
#31: How to Build Your Social Media Content Calendar
When it comes to creating content for social media, most people come up with their posts in the moment. But trying to think of something that's new, creative, fun, entertaining, and educational on the spot is no easy feat. Especially when you're posting several times a week! Creating content in the moment leads to content that doesn't have a purpose or is boring, and often turns into just not posting at all. If you want to start creating engaging content AND make social media easier, you need a plan! Today J.J. and April are continuing our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan joins the conversation to break down how to build a content calendar for social media so your posts are intentional, timely, and meet your goals. If you want to make social media both higher quality and easier, this episode is for you! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Results. Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media before Friday, January 28, 2022 for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and share your social media story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
1/19/2022 • 26 minutes, 22 seconds
#30: Three Key Pieces Every Social Media Post Needs
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media before Friday, January 28, 2022 for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and share your social media story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you! -- Social media is a very effective way of connecting with your customers and growing your brand but it can also feel overwhelming. It's hard knowing which platform is right for your business, how often your should post, and most importantly, what kind of message to post. We've got you covered! Today's episode starts off our newest series all about clarifying your messaging throughout the ecosystem of your business and over the next few episodes J.J. and April are diving deep into all things social media. In this episode StoryBrand's Director of Marketing, Marlee Joseph, joins J.J. to breakdown three easy tips you can immediately implement within your social media messaging so it is clear and works. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
1/12/2022 • 29 minutes, 33 seconds
#29: Be the Guide in Your Business but the Hero in Your Life
Each week on the podcast, we show you how to use the StoryBrand framework in your marketing to invite customers into a beautiful story where you are the guide and they are the hero. But today's conversation is a little bit different. You're never going to believe it. You might even be shocked because today we are giving YOU permission to be the hero! While you should always play the guide as a company, brand or leader, when it comes to your own personal story and experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life, you should always play the hero. In today's episode, Donald Miller, host of the Business Made Simple Podcast and author of Building a StoryBrand, joins us to talk about how to create a life of meaning and purpose, all from his new book Hero on a Mission. If you want to wake up every morning interested in your own life, your own business, and your own story, then you will love today's conversation all about becoming a hero on a mission. When you preorder Hero On a Mission on Amazon, Audible, or wherever you buy books, you'll also get free instant access to Donald Miller's limited video series How to Transform Your Life with Story-Based Goal Setting. Just email your receipt to [email protected], and you'll unlock the course you need to achieve every goal you set using the power of story. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
1/5/2022 • 26 minutes, 14 seconds
Hero on a Mission Limited Series PREVIEW—What You Need in a Morning Ritual
Most of us are bored with the story we’re living. We’ve lost interest in our own lives, and as a result, we spend our days feeling anxious, restless or just flat out hopeless. But what if you stopped trusting fate to write the story of your life and started living like a character in an interesting story? Our new six-part limited podcast series, Hero on a Mission, will help you do just that! In this preview of an upcoming episode, host Donald Miller walks you through creating a morning ritual so you know exactly how you should be spending each day. Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed and every Thursday starting January 6th for six weeks we will unpack what you need to do to create a life plan that finally lets you live everyday with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. If you are ready to stop leaving your life up to fate and rediscover true purpose and meaning, the Hero on a Mission limited podcast series is exactly what you need. Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts and every Thursday for six weeks starting January 6th you will learn how to become a hero on a mission.
12/30/2021 • 3 minutes, 22 seconds
#28: From "Ah-ha" to Action—Revisiting Our Biggest "Ah-ha" Moments of 2021
Hero Makers, it's almost time to wrap up 2021, so we're wrapping up our biggest "ah-ha" moments of the year too. You know we always say that marketing should be easy, so we're making it super easy to take in the biggest lightbulb moments of the year. The moments that made you say, "I finally get it!" and "I can really do this!" In this episode, J.J. and April revisit four amazing "ah-ha" moments from these past conversations: Episode #2 - "Invite Your Customers Into a Beautiful Story" Episode #3 - "Discover What Your Customer Really Wants" Episode #4 - "What Specific Problem Do You Solve for Customers?" Episode #13 - "How to Create a Website that Works" -- Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Truly go from "ah-ha" to "action" and clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on February 22th and 23th, 2022. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
12/29/2021 • 34 minutes, 8 seconds
Discover True Meaning in Your Life's Story—New Business Made Simple Limited Series Coming January 6!
Most of us are bored with the story we’re living. We’ve lost interest in our own lives, and as a result, we spend our days feeling anxious, restless or just flat out hopeless. But what if you stopped trusting fate to write the story of your life and started living like a character in an interesting story? Our new six-part limited podcast series, Hero on a Mission, will help you do just that! Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed and every Thursday starting January 6th for six weeks we will unpack what you need to do to create a life plan that finally lets you live everyday with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. If you are ready to stop leaving your life up to fate and rediscover true purpose and meaning, the Hero on a Mission limited podcast series is exactly what you need. Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts and every Thursday for six weeks starting January 6th you will learn how to become a hero on a mission.
12/23/2021 • 3 minutes, 19 seconds
#27: From "Ah-ha" to Action—Revisiting the Framework That Makes Marketing Easy
Hero Makers, it's been a joy to serve you this year. We have been overwhelmed by the number of people in our listening community who have finally found clarity on how to craft marketing that works. We always say that marketing should be easy, so our gift to you this season is an episode that will make it even easier! In this two-part series, we're revisiting some of our biggest "ah-ha" moments of the year. The moments that caused a lightbulb to go off in your brain. The moments that made you say, "I finally get it!" and "I can really do this!" So buckle up, Hero Makers! You're in for a jammed packed episode of "ah-ha". In this episode, J.J. and April revisit our biggest "ah-ha" moment to date when they talked with Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple, about the StoryBrand framework, the framework that powers this podcast. Don will guide you through each part of the StoryBrand framework and how you can immediately use it to take action to clarify your message. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
12/22/2021 • 22 minutes, 42 seconds
#26: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Personal Brand?
In this series, we’re answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! Whether you're a speaker, realtor, business coach, or any other service where you're really selling yourself, you might be feeling like it's a bit of a paradox to make the customer the hero. After all, what you sell is literally all about you! Fortunately, there is a way to still sell yourself and your services AND elevate your customer to hero status. In today's episode, J.J. and April will show you how to uniquely implement the Storybrand framework for your personal brand. You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Ashley Falletta. Ashley shares some great practical marketing tips she used to help her client transform into a guide-minded personal brand. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ashley Falletta directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ashley-Falletta. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
12/15/2021 • 24 minutes, 27 seconds
#25: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Family-Owned Business?
In this series, we’re answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! Family-owned businesses tend to all sound the same when it comes to their messaging: their grandfather started the business from nothing 50 years ago! Unfortunately, leading with a message like this tends to get your customers sidetracked. If your family-owned business is struggling with creating a unique message, we have great news: StoryBrand will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April walk you through how you can continue to highlight your origin story to build authority and trust with customers while still making the them the hero. You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Alex Schauer. Alex shares her personal experience working with her father-in-law's business to clarifying its messaging. She also shows you how using the StoryBrand framework within a family-owned business not only puts the focus back on your customer but also helps to realign and unite your entire family around a single message. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Alex Schauer directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Alex. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
12/8/2021 • 24 minutes, 41 seconds
#24: Will StoryBrand Work if You're an Artist?
"I know the StoryBrand framework is great, but will it work if I’m an artist?” In this series, we’re answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! We often hear from artists and businesses who sell art feeling confused how to implement the StoryBrand framework. Well artists, we have some great news for you: StoryBrand WILL work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April walk you through exactly how to shape your marketing so you reach the right people and sell more. You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Lynn Tickner of Ink and Key. Lynn shares how she worked with two different artists to clarify their messaging then guides you through what you’ll need to replicate their success. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Lynn Tickner directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/LynnTickner. -- Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on December 6th and 7th, 2021. Register now at StoryBrand.com. At this two-day virtual event you will clarify your message, create a marketing plan that works, and get virtual coaching from our StoryBrand experts to make sure you’ve got it right. Now is the perfect time to clarify your message and create a marketing plan that works! Don't miss out and register for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on December 6th and 7th, 2021 at StoryBrand.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
12/1/2021 • 29 minutes, 9 seconds
#23: "How StoryBrand Worked for Me!" Celebrating Your Success
Nothing brings us more joy than when we see a business inviting their customers into a beautiful story. And we've got to say, our listeners have been killing it out there! We are seeing customers (and therefore businesses) winning left and right, and we couldn't be more proud. We want to take time to celebrate you—our Hero Makers—and the success you've experienced! In today's episode, J.J. and April are highlighting six stories of success from Hero Makers who've implemented the StoryBrand framework to clarify their message and how it's helping them win. -- Even if you have the best product in the marketplace,you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on December 6th and 7th, 2021. Register now at StoryBrand.com. At this two-day virtual event you will clarify your message, create a marketing plan that works, and get virtual coaching from our StoryBrand experts to make sure you’ve got it right. Now is the perfect time to clarify your message and create a marketing plan that works! Don't miss out and register for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on December 6th and 7th, 2021 at StoryBrand.com. Do you have a story about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework or building your sales funnel? We want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 615-649-0705 sharing your story of success, and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Just call us at 615-649-0705 and share your story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you! Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
11/24/2021 • 23 minutes, 38 seconds
#22: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Premium Products?
"I know the StoryBrand framework is great, but will it work for my premium products or luxury brand?" In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work with your premium products or luxury brand?” They'll also walk you through shaping your messaging for your high end products so you're reaching the right customers who want to buy. You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay. Wes guides you through how to craft your premium product's messaging around solving an identity problem and not a physical problem. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/WesGay. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
11/17/2021 • 29 minutes, 17 seconds
#21: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Non-Profit? - Part II
"I know the StoryBrand framework is fantastic in the for-profit world but will it work for my non-profit?" In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April continue the conversation, revealing the four areas most non-profits work and how you can pivot your messaging between those areas to maximize success! You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Beth Carr. Beth shares how she's utilized the StoryBrand framework to help her non-profit client engage with donors with amazing results! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Beth Carr directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/BethCarr. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
11/10/2021 • 30 minutes, 52 seconds
#20: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Non-Profit? - Part One
"I know the StoryBrand framework is fantastic in the for-profit world but will it work for my non-profit? " In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work with your non-profit organization?” If you run a non-profit, you definitely love today's episode! You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Shannon Litton. Shannon guides you through how to escape the vanilla rubber-stamped language most non-profits fall back on and how to can craft a message that actually works! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Shannon Litton directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/5by5agency. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
11/3/2021 • 29 minutes, 45 seconds
#19: Will StoryBrand Work If Your Business has Multiple Audiences?
"I sell direct to businesses AND direct to customers. Will the StoryBrand framework actually work for me?" In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work if you sell to businesses AND directly to customers?” And you’ll definitely like what we’ve got to say! You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Hunter Davis. Hunter shares how he helped a client serving both businesses and individual customers differentiate between the problems they solved for each audience and how that increased engagement! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Hunter Davis directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Hunter-Davis-B2B-Storybrand-Consultant-California. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
10/27/2021 • 14 minutes, 36 seconds
#18: Will StoryBrand Work for Your B2B Business?
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday October, 22 for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework or building your sales funnel and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and share your story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you! -- We get this question all the time: “My business is unique and I help customers fix a very specific problem, but will the StoryBrand framework actually work for my marketing?” You've been heard and we are answering! This is the first episode in our new series that answers the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work for your B2B business?” And you’ll definitely like what we’ve got to say! You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Toth, who shares how he helped his B2B-based client stop wasting thousands of dollars each month trying boost their SEO, and instead rebuilt their website using the StoryBrand framework! The success that followed is mind blowing. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Toth directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ryan. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
10/20/2021 • 26 minutes, 1 second
#17: How to Put Your Sales Funnel Into Action
Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday October, 22 for a chance to be featured on a future episode! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework or building your sales funnel and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and share your story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you! -- You’ve done it, Hero Makers! You’ve reached the final episode in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series. Over the last six episodes you downloaded and completed your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel Plan at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Now it's time for you to put it into action! We also know jumping in head first can feel overwhelming which is why on this episode J.J. and April give you a plan to begin implementing your sales funnel to grow your business in the form of six meetings you need to schedule with your team to jumpstart your progress! You'll also hear from StoryBrand certified guides, Julie Biddle and Horacio Gutierrez, who invited their clients to share how applying the sales funnel to their marketing lead to huge wins for their businesses. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Julie Biddle directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/FitSimply and Horacio Gutierrez at ClarifyYourMessage.com/CapitalTec. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
10/13/2021 • 28 minutes, 19 seconds
#16: Close the Deal with a Great Sales Email Campaign
While your nurture email campaign adds value and builds trust with potential customers, it's your sales email campaign that will close the deal! Creating a sales email campaign provides the perfect opportunity for you to share the full story of how your product is going to help solve your customers' problems setting you up to ask them to buy it. Welcome to Part Five in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April break down exactly how craft your sales email campaign. In this episode you'll learn: -Six types of sales emails you can use -How to ask for a commitment without being manipulative -What every effective sales email needs to include J.J. also talks with Kelley Hartnett, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who walks you step-by-step through an amazing sales email she wrote for her client. Get access to Kelley's sales email sample so you can follow along at Storybrand.com/SalesEmail. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
10/6/2021 • 37 minutes, 25 seconds
#15: Building Your Nurture Email Sequence
You'd never go on a first date then immediately propose marriage! Commitment takes time, and the same is true for your customers. Most customers don't want to buy your product right away and need time to build trust. And the best way to earn their trust is to deliver immediate value, which you can demonstrate through nurture emails! Welcome to Part Four in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April break down exactly how to craft your nurture email sequence. In this episode you'll learn: -Two key ways nurture emails lead to a sale -Three methods of offering value through nurture emails -Examples of what you should include in your nurture emails April also talks with Brandon Sok, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he helped his client develop a nurture email sequence that ultimately turned their six month sales cycle into two months! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Brandon Sok directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Brandon-Sok. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
9/29/2021 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
#14: Why You Need a Lead Generator and How to Build One
Now that you have a one-liner and website, your potential customer is curious about how you can help them solve their problem. That’s where your lead generator comes in. A lead generator is a free yet valuable asset you offer potential clients as a way of building authority and trust. Lead generators are also a key way to capture potential customers’ emails so you can continue guiding them on the journey to buying your product. Welcome to Part Three in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April break down everything you need to build the perfect lead generator. In this episode you’ll learn: The six things a great lead generator needs to do Examples of an effective lead generator How to get started building a lead generator J.J. also talks with Josh Brammer, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he helped his client create a lead generator that immediately helped solve their customers' problems and got them exited to buy! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Brammer directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Josh-Brammer-Indianapolis-Storybrand-Guide. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts.. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
9/22/2021 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds
#13: How to Create a Website That Works
Once a customer gets curious about how you can solve their problem, they're hungry for more information. This is where your website comes in. A great website can deliver hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for your business. The problem is too many brands are getting their websites wrong, which is why we’re giving you a website wireframe what works! Welcome to Part Two in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April breakdown everything you need to create a website that works. In this episode you’ll discover and learn about: The Nine Sections Your Website Needs The Most Effective Way to Layout Your Website The Three Questions Your Website Needs to Answer April also talks with Holly Fisher, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how overhauling her client’s cluttered and confusing website lead to an increase in sales. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Holly Fisher directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/HollyFisher. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide. Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts.. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
9/15/2021 • 25 minutes, 58 seconds
#12: Creating the Perfect Answer to the Question “So, What Do You Do?"
Words pick locks and the right words can allow you to pick the lock inside somebody's brain to win their trust, make them lean in and buy from you. But to do that you need a powerful tool called a one-liner - a concise statement you can use to clearly explain what you offer. Everywhere you put or say your one-liner acts like another hook in the water helping you reel in more and more fish! Welcome to Part One in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April breakdown how to create a great one-liner and show you: The three parts every one-liner needs Where to place your one-liner in your marketing and messaging Great examples you can refer to when creating your one-liner We also talk with Josh Taylor, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he helped craft a one-liner for his client that worked as an incredible tool to save them from needing to close their doors for good. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Taylor directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Josh-Taylor. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
9/8/2021 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
#11: Five Must-Haves for an Effective Sales Funnel
Want to know a secret that most people won’t tell you? Anyone can learn marketing. Seriously, anyone. Most people will tell you marketing is an art that only the few have the eye for, but we disagree. While there is art involved, it is very much a science. A science you can learn! In this episode, J.J. and April introduce everything coming your way in our next series: How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel. Learning to create a sales funnel and applying it to your marketing puts you ahead of an overwhelming number of pro marketers. We can’t wait to guide you through creating a marketing plan that’s easy and that works! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
9/1/2021 • 12 minutes, 55 seconds
#10: How to Take Action with the StoryBrand Framework
You’ve done it, Hero Makers! You’ve reached the final episode in our StoryBrand framework series. Over the last nine episodes you crafted your Brandscript using each part of the framework to clarify your message by inviting customers into a beautiful story. Now you are ready to implement and put it into action! You might be wondering how this actually plays out. Can it work for both small businesses and large brands? This week, you’ll learn how Brandon Hufstetler, Director of Sales and Business Development at Tempur-Sealy, and Brethany Robertson, VP at Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio, used the StoryBrand framework to create and implement their Brandscripts to realign their team and position themselves for substantial growth like never before! Align your team, clarify your message and grow your business with a private workshop. Just go to StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops to book a workshop today! You can also join us virtually for our upcoming two-day Livestream event. You’ll learn each part of the StoryBrand framework and how to implement them to clarify your message and build the sales funnel you need to thrive in the marketplace. Register for our next Livestream event on September 20 and 21 at StoryBrand.com Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
8/25/2021 • 25 minutes, 44 seconds
#9: Give Your Customers a "Happily Ever After"
Never assume people will understand how your brand can change their lives. You need to clearly tell your customer how buying your product will end in their success. This is best way to offer them what they want most: a happy ending to their story where they become the hero! This week, J.J. and April work the final section of the StoryBrand framework: Success. They’ll also show you: How to cast a vision of a climactic scene for your customers How to frame success against failure Examples of success language for your website We also talk with Anthony Dicks, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how creating a “happily ever after” vision for his client’s marketing helped win more customers and increase sales. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Anthony Dicks directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Anthony-Dicks. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Anthony Dicks, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
8/18/2021 • 24 minutes, 30 seconds
#8: Save Your Customers from Failure
A story lives and dies based on one question: Will the hero succeed or will they fail? This is also true for your marketing. You need to tell your customer what’s at stake if they don’t buy your product. Without clearly showing that failure, your customer has no motivation to make a purchase. This week, J.J. and April work through the Failure section of the StoryBrand framework and show you: Exactly how to talk about failure without overwhelming your customer How to breakdown and show the consequences related to not buying your product Whether to use short-term vs. long-term failure in your messaging We also talk with Jessie Congleton, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how introducing failure in her client’s marketing actually inspired customer’s to take action and buy during what was typically a slow season. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/JessieCongleton. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Jessie Congleton, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
8/11/2021 • 21 minutes, 45 seconds
#7: Challenge Your Customers to Take Action
In a story, a character never takes action on their own. They need to be challenged. The same is true for your customer! As the guide in your customer’s story, you must let them know what’s at stake if they don’t buy your product then clearly call them to action by asking for a commitment to buy. This week, J.J. and April unpack the Call To Action, or CTA, section of the StoryBrand framework and show you: How to create a strong Call To Action or CTA for your customer Specific examples of effective CTAs Exactly where to position CTAs in your website to increase customer engagement We also talk with Angie Schultz, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how clarifying her client’s CTA lead to amazing results! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Angie Schultz directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Angie-Schultz. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Angie Schultz, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.
8/4/2021 • 26 minutes, 5 seconds
#6: Customers Never Trust a Guide Without a Plan
You should always begin your customer's story by identifying what they want then define their problem to spark interest in how you can help them overcome that problem. Next, reveal yourself as their guide by expressing empathy and demonstrating authority. Now is the time to ask your customer for a commitment to buy your product however that won’t happen unless you have a clear and simple plan for them to follow. This week, J.J. and April unpack Plan section of the StoryBrand framework and show you how to: -Build a great three step plan, no matter your business, giving your customer a clear path to buying from you -Use specific language in your marketing to activate your customer to make a commitment to buy -Clearly show your customer how buying your product will make their life better April also talks with Raj Lulla, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he turned his client’s confusing and complicated multi-step plan into three easy-to-follow steps that immediately lead to an increase in sales! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Raj Lulla directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Fruitful -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Raj Lulla, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
7/28/2021 • 23 minutes, 23 seconds
#5: Your Customers Are Looking for a Guide, Not a Hero
Many businesses feel like they have something to prove and position themselves as the hero in their story. But customers aren't looking for another hero, they're looking for a guide! When you position yourself as the guide, showing customers exactly how your product can fix their problems and transform them into the hero, you're destined to win! This week, J.J. and April unpack the Guide section of the StoryBrand framework and show how you can: -Use specific language throughout your marketing to position your brand as the guide -Combine empathy and authority to build trust and engagement -Craft your marketing tools, like a sales email, through the voice of a guide J.J. also talks with Rob Hughes, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he worked with a client to reposition themselves as the guide and how it completely transformed their business! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Rob Hughes, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
7/21/2021 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
#4: What Specific Problem Do You Solve For Customers?
Can you name the specific problem your business solves for your customers? Identifying your customers' problem deepens their interest in the story you invite them in and shows you truly understand them. It’s the “hook” of your story, but without it, your customers have no reason to engage with your brand causing your story to fall flat. This week, J.J. and April guide you through the Problem section of the StoryBrand framework and how you can: -Clearly identify the problem you solve -Breakdown that problem into Three Levels of Conflict your customers are facing -Implement problem-language into your marketing and messaging J.J. also talks with Aleya Harris, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how she worked to specify the problem for a client who was stuck in the weeds trying to figure out exactly what they solved for their customers. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Aleya-Harris. -------- Clarify your messaging in only 48 hours by registering for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream happening July 19th and 20th. Businesses that clarify their message and build a sales funnel are the ones that thrive in the marketplace. At the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream, you'll get both done in 48 hours AND get real time coaching in an online breakout room to make sure that you’re getting it right. Register now at StoryBrand.com. Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Aleya Harris, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
7/14/2021 • 23 minutes, 37 seconds
#3: Discover What Your Customer Really Wants
As a brand, you must define what your customer wants. As soon as you define that, a story question forms in their mind: Can this brand really help me get what I want? Without this, the customer has very little interest in the story. This week, J.J. and April guide you through the Character section of the StoryBrand framework and how you can: -Define exactly what your customer wants -Plug that specific language into your marketing -Help transform your customer into the hero after they use your product or service to get what they want April also talks with Stacey Moore, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares an example of how she redefined what her client's customer really wanted and how it not only clarified their message but grew their business. -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our marketing guides, like Macy Robison, are the best marketers in the world. Hire one to help clarify your message at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
7/7/2021 • 20 minutes, 26 seconds
#2: Invite Your Customers Into a Beautiful Story
In every great story, the main character goes on a journey and by the end she transforms from zero to hero. This is called identity transformation. The same is true for your marketing. When you participate in your customer's identity transformation you are going to win! This week J.J. and April unpack the first part of the StoryBrand framework, identity transformation, and how you can apply it so your customers feel like they've transformed after purchasing your product or service. April also talks with Macy Robison, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, about how she directly used identity transformation inside the marketing of one of her clients and how it literally transformed their business! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our marketing guides, like Macy Robison, are the best marketers in the world. Hire one to help clarify your message at MarketingMadeSimple.com. Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
6/30/2021 • 20 minutes, 44 seconds
#1: Donald Miller—The Framework That Makes Marketing Easy
Does your company have a clear message? If not, it could be costing you thousands or more! That's exactly why we've invited Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple, as our first guest. Don will guide you through the StoryBrand framework which has already helped thousands of businesses clarify their message to turn browsers into buyers. Listen and learn how to create marketing that is easy and that works! -- Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the Hero and you become their Guide. When you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" and look for the smiling J.J. on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Implement the StoryBrand Framework into your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.
6/23/2021 • 23 minutes, 37 seconds
PREVIEW: Identity Transformation—Invite Your Customer Into a Beautiful Story
Showing your customer exactly how your product can transform their life is essential if you want your business to win! It's called identity transformation and in this upcoming episode of Marketing Made Simple, you'll learn what language to use in your messaging to engage your customer's identity transformation by inviting them into a beautiful story. -- Every Wednesday, starting June 23, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins will deliver practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework you can immediately apply to improve your marketing and get more cash in the door. On Marketing Made Simple we believe your marketing should be easy and it should work. Finally learn how to build your marketing the right way and SUBSCRIBE NOW!
6/16/2021 • 1 minute, 30 seconds
PREVIEW: Donald Miller—The Framework That Makes Marketing Easy
Does your company have a clear message? If not, it could be costing you thousands if not more. But don't worry because Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple, joins our inaugural episode to guide you through the StoryBrand framework which has already helped thousands of businesses clarify their message to turn browsers into buyers. -- Every Wednesday starting June 23, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins, will deliver practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework you can immediately apply to improve your marketing to get more cash in the door! Your marketing should be easy and it should work! Subscribe today to the Marketing Made Simple podcast and learn how to build your marketing the right way.
6/9/2021 • 2 minutes, 20 seconds
Introducing Marketing Made Simple!
Does your company have a clear message? If not, it could be costing you thousands if not more! That's why the Marketing Made Simple podcast is here for you! Every Wednesday starting June 23 marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins will deliver practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework you can immediately apply to improve your marketing to get more cash in the door. Your marketing should be easy and it should work! Subscribe today to the Marketing Made Simple podcast and learn how to build your marketing the right way.