Episode 94 - Marketing That Works: A No-BS Guide to Growing Your Business - Steven Lee

In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis chats with Steven Lee from Rogue Marketing at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 in Orlando. Steven, a former physical therapist turned marketing expert, breaks down marketing fundamentals, PPC advertising, email nurture strategies, and why most detailing businesses are doing social media all wrong. 

They discuss how small businesses can optimize their marketing on a budget, the power of retargeting, and why getting a landing page is more important than boosting a Facebook post. Steven also shares his own journey from healthcare to digital marketing, emphasizing the importance of following your passion and making smart business decisions based on strategy—not guesswork.

Key Takeaways:

1. Marketing is More Than Just Posting on Facebook
   • Many business owners expect instant results from posting on social media, but organic reach is slow and requires consistency, engagement, and a long-term strategy.
   • Instead of "boosting" posts, businesses should invest in targeted PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns with specific conversion goals.
2. Google Ads > Facebook Ads (For Leads That Convert Faster)
   • Google PPC is the best place to start because it targets customers who are already searching for services.
   • Facebook and Instagram ads work better for brand awareness and retargeting but have a lower immediate conversion rate.
3. Landing Pages Convert Better Than Websites
   • Sending ad traffic to your homepage is a waste of money because visitors get distracted.
   • A dedicated landing page keeps potential customers focused on one specific service and action, increasing conversion rates.
4. Retargeting Keeps Your Brand in Front of Customers
   • Most people need 8-12 touchpoints before making a buying decision. Retargeting ads on Facebook and Google help keep your business top of mind.
   • Retargeting campaigns re-engage people who already visited your website and drive them back into your sales funnel.
5. Email & SMS Nurture Boosts Sales with Little Effort
   • Email sequences with helpful content (not just discounts) build trust and keep leads engaged over time.
   • Automated SMS follow-ups increase conversion rates by keeping businesses in direct contact with potential customers.
6. Work With Your Budget and Scale Up Over Time
   • Steven recommends starting with at least $500/month on marketing and scaling up profits to reinvest into higher-budget campaigns.
   • Many small businesses try to do everything at once, but starting with Google PPC and building from there is a smarter strategy.

Final Thoughts:

Steven Lee breaks down marketing in a way that makes sense for small business owners, showing how smart ad targeting, follow-ups, and retargeting can transform lead generation. Whether you're a one-man mobile detailer or a shop looking to scale, this episode provides actionable marketing tips that will actually help grow your business—without wasting time or money.

https://rogue-marketing.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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