Mastering Local Marketing

Kristina Doukas, Director of Marketing at Swap-o-Rama flea markets, reveals how small business owners and side hustlers can turn weekend booths into serious revenue. From choosing products that actually sell to setting up a booth that draws a crowd, Kristin shares proven strategies that help vendors stand out and boost their bottom line.

Learn the most common mistakes new sellers make, the hidden tricks veteran vendors use to incr...

Virtual influencers are digital personas. Some are powered by AI, others curated by creative teams designed to look, sound, and behave like real people. They’re now getting brand deals, hosting live events, and attracting millions of followers. But why are they so effective? And how can small businesses learn from their rise and use them for their own brands?

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Want to make every checkout more profitable? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we reveal seven powerful strategies to lift your average order value—using real-world examples from small businesses that saw immediate results. From clever pricing frameworks to targeted promotions and checkout enhancements, you’ll get actionable steps to implement right away. Tune in to discover how a few smart adjustments can delight your ...

Unlock the hidden tactics driving your rivals’ success—without lifting a finger (well, almost). In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we show you how to peek behind the curtain at your competition’s secret playbook. From the ads they swear by to the emails, pages, and loyalty tricks that keep their customers coming back, you’ll learn clever, ethical ways to adapt proven strategies for your own brand. Tune in and turn their ...

Tired of bloated marketing plans that go nowhere? In “Three Lever Minimalist Marketing Playbook,” Brittany Downey explains why most businesses spend too much time on tactics that don’t produce results. She reveals how focusing on three core levers can unlock real growth, why clarity matters more than complexity, and how to strip away the noise from your strategy. Tune in for practical guidance that shows you how to do less, achieve...

Summer brings warm weather and longer days—but for many small businesses, it can also bring unpredictable foot traffic and shifting consumer priorities. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we unpack proven tactics to turn the dog days of summer into your busiest season yet. We’ll walk through real-world examples and by the end of this episode, you’ll have eight new ideas for standing out in a crowded summer marketplace. F...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we debunk the myth that buyer personas start and end with age, gender, or location. Instead, we explore how understanding your ideal customer’s behaviors—where they consume content, what pain points drive them, and their decision triggers—leads to more effective marketing. We share real-world success stories and outline a clear, step-by-step framework for building behavioral avatars: de...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we dive into seven proven “try-and-trust” tactics that move prospects from on-the-fence to sold. You’ll learn how simple but powerful offers—like at-home trial kits and iron-clad guarantees—can remove risk, build confidence, and give your small business an unmistakable edge when you find potential customers stuck at the consideration stage. Whether you’re a retailer, service provider, o...

At just 19, Connor Treacy was recruited by Universal Music Group to scout and develop talent. Since then, he’s helped launch a Grammy-winning album, generated over a billion streams, and built a multimillion-dollar nightlife brand. But his story doesn’t stop at music and nightlife—Connor is now at the intersection of culture, politics, and grassroots engagement, curating experiences that unite artists and changemakers. In this epis...

In today’s Mastering Local Marketing episode, we unpack seven high-impact tactics for writing email subject lines that break through the noise and drive opens. From curiosity hooks to data-backed A/B tests, you’ll learn how small businesses—from boutiques to service providers—can instantly boost their open rates and engagement. We’ll share real-world examples, actionable tips, and the “why” behind each approach so you can start wri...

Think your marketing is working just fine? You might be missing critical leaks, wasted ad spend, or underperforming channels. Today we’re joined by Grace Clemens, a seasoned digital strategist and global marketing expert who’s led growth for brands across e-commerce, B2B, nonprofit, travel, and fintech.

Together, we dive into what a digital audit actually is, what it uncovers, and why it should be your first move before spending an...

It’s not a matter of if—it’s when. Every small business will face a bad review, a salty comment, or a one-star rating that feels personal. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we talk about how to handle negative feedback online like a pro—without tanking your reputation or sanity.

You’ll learn how to respond with strategy (not emotion), when to engage versus ignore, and how to turn public criticism into a trust-building o...

Are you ready to get marketing help but unsure where to start? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down the three most common options small businesses consider: hiring a student, a freelancer, or a marketing agency. We cover what to expect from each, how to make the most of your budget, and how to avoid the most common hiring mistakes. Whether you’re overwhelmed or just tired of doing it all yourself, this episod...

What does it take for a grocery store that opened its doors in the 1950s to not only survive—but thrive—in today’s crowded, convenience-obsessed market?

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we sit down with the Renee Thometz, Marketing Manager of one of the Midwest’s most beloved regional grocers—a 23-location chain that has become a cornerstone of its community over the last seven decades. Far from being a relic of the pa...

In a world where clicks come faster than facts, one careless post can derail years of brand trust. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sharmin Attaran—marketing professor, TEDx speaker, and digital transformation expert—to explore the growing risks of misinformation in small business marketing.

We’ll uncover how the pressure to stay relevant online often leads to unintentional deception—and what business owners can do to stop it....

Not all great marketing comes from billion-dollar brands. In fact, some of the most creative, viral, and impactful campaigns have come from small businesses with big ideas. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we look back at the greatest small business marketing campaigns of all time—campaigns that broke the mold, built movements, and proved that smart strategy beats big budgets. You'll walk away inspired and equipped wit...

You could have the best product in town—but if you’re making these seven marketing mistakes, your growth is at risk. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down the "7 Deadly Sins of Marketing"—the most common (and costly) missteps we see small businesses make. From ignoring data to chasing trends, we’ll help you identify which sins might be hurting your business—and show you how to fix them. This episode is packed ...

EPISODE TOPIC:

If I opened a local brick-and-mortar business tomorrow and couldn’t spend a single dollar on marketing for the first 30 days, what would I do to get people in the door? In this episode, I walk through the exact grassroots tactics I’d use—from strategic partnerships to attention-grabbing events, sidewalk-level buzz, and tapping into existing communities. Whether you're launching soon or just trying to cut bac...

Episode Topic

At 26, most people are figuring life out. Our guest? He’s already turned his most difficult chapter—his journey to sobriety—into a powerful mission. In this episode, we sit down with a rising entrepreneur who built an online following by sharing his raw, unfiltered path to recovery and transformation. Now, he’s channeling that momentum into a new coaching business designed to help others do the same. We talk ...