In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell chats with Lori Sussle Bonanni, founder of Elssus communications consultancy, about common marketing language mistakes and how to communicate more effectively.

Key takeaways include:

• Write like you talk: Keep language natural and conversational rather than using corporate jargon
• Remove unnecessary filler words and be concise
• Avoid false urgency in marketing messages – be genuine about limited-time offers
• Pay attention to grammar and proofreading, even when using AI tools
• Consider tone and writing style as part of brand standards
• Be mindful of outdated or potentially offensive language
• Focus on ensuring your intended message reaches your intended audience

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell talks with Darleen Priday, Director of Business Development for Peachtree VA and founder of DP Consults, about marketing mistakes and lessons learned.

Key topics include:

• The challenges of transitioning from referral-based business to strategic marketing
• The relationship between sales and marketing functions
• Learning from a DIY Google Ads experience gone wrong
• The importance of having solid organic marketing foundations before investing in paid advertising
• Why clarity in messaging and target audience is crucial
• The value of working with experts rather than trying to do everything yourself
• Why consistent execution over time (3+ months) matters in marketing
• The benefits of getting outside perspective on your marketing and business strategy

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this solo episode, host Kristi Mitchell delves into the importance of having a strategic marketing plan in place before diving into specific marketing execution tactics. Kristi highlights the pitfalls of jumping straight to getting a new website or hiring a social media manager without a comprehensive marketing strategy.

She introduces the concept of the marketing funnel, emphasizing the need to address four key stages: Attract, Convert, Nurture, and Close.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for service-based business owners who have relied on referrals and word-of-mouth but are now looking to take their business to the next level with a more strategic approach to marketing.

Whether you’re reflecting on the past year’s successes and challenges or planning for growth in the coming year, Kristi’s insights will help you build a solid marketing foundation to generate sustainable and consistent leads.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of starting with a strategic marketing plan.
• Understanding the four stages of the marketing funnel.
• Why piecemeal marketing tactics often fail to deliver expected results.
• The benefits of investing in organic marketing foundations like SEO, email marketing, and lead magnets.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi is joined by special guest Laura Wright, where they unravel the “magic secret” to successful marketing: consistency. Tune in as Laura shares a compelling story of a client who achieved remarkable results by sticking to a steady marketing strategy, ultimately gaining 21 new clients and generating $275,000 in revenue.

The conversation dives into the balancing act between consistency and ongoing evaluation to refine marketing efforts effectively. Kristi and Laura emphasize the value of making small adjustments while maintaining overall consistency, drawing on Laura’s analogy of holding a magnifying glass to catch smoke.

Listeners will hear how consistent marketing, even when it seems ineffective, can keep businesses visible to potential clients who may engage later. Laura discusses the phenomenon of “lurkers” and the importance of planting seeds that will mature over time.

The episode touches on the need for a “purposeful pause” to reevaluate marketing strategies, advocating for quality over quantity in activities. Laura and Kristi also explore the significance of having a clear strategy and understanding your ideal clients before plunging into extensive marketing efforts.

This episode is packed with practical advice, including a unique approach to focusing on why a strategy works instead of if it is working, fostering a positive outlook on business efforts. Laura wraps up by talking about her free book “No Woman Down,” available on her website, which offers exercises aimed at boosting business growth.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi sits down with Amy Foley, co-founder of Inbound Back Office, to discuss the importance of diversifying marketing strategies beyond referrals. Amy shares her entrepreneurial journey, revealing the challenges she faced when her business, originally built on referrals, began to see a decline. Together, they explore the lessons learned, strategies for implementing effective marketing plans, and the significance of proactive marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• The danger of relying solely on referrals for long-term business sustainability.
• The benefits of diversifying marketing strategies to include multiple avenues of lead generation.
• Insights on the balance between focusing on a few effective marketing tactics and avoiding spreading oneself too thin.
• The role of a marketing consultant vs. an agency and how each can provide unique advantages.
• Practical advice for business owners on implementing consistent marketing efforts before they become a necessity.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell and guest Amanda Lockhart Davis, founder of Jax Consulting Services, delve into the challenges and lessons learned from their experiences with marketing service providers. Kristi underscores the critical role of effective communication between companies and clients, sharing her own struggles with a service contract plagued by poor communication and inexperienced staffing. Amanda recounts her journey from corporate life to launching her consulting firm, including the difficulties faced with a marketing firm that initially showed promise but ultimately underperformed.

Listeners will gain insights on important questions to ask when evaluating potential service providers, such as inquiring about the success rate of individuals, operational capacity, and the opportunity to meet the actual team rather than just sales representatives. The episode also highlights the importance of trust, word-of-mouth recommendations, and learning from real-life experiences. Additionally, Kristi advises on performing personal research and challenging marketing providers with unconventional questions to ensure they can meet unique business needs.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi dives deep into leveraging LinkedIn for effective marketing and sales with guest expert Bob Woods. Discover how to follow and engage with the right influencers, create value-driven content, and shift from industry jargon to addressing real customer pain points. Bob and Kristi share actionable insights on using LinkedIn polls, framing content for meaningful engagement, and targeting the ideal client profiles (ICPs) to drive offline conversations and potential sales.

Key Points:

• Importance of genuine engagement and adding value through insightful comments.
• Strategies for becoming a thought leader by demonstrating rather than telling.
• How to use LinkedIn polls for market research and initiating conversations.
• Challenges of internal post engagements and tips for targeting the right audience.
• Essential mindset shift to focus on helping rather than self-promoting.
• Advice on following and emulating influencers your potential clients follow.
• Discussion on micro-influencing and targeting specific niches effectively.
• Connecting with Bob Woods on LinkedIn and accessing his free eBook, “Thought Leaders Original Content Checklist” [link included in show notes].

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of creating a marketing strategy that resonates with personal values. Joined by Dr. Carrie Graham, an expert in adult and workplace learning with over 25 years of experience, the discussion addresses the emotional and intellectual struggles business owners face in adopting marketing practices.

Despite her discomfort with marketing due to a lack of formal training, Dr. Graham highlights the necessity of implementing a consistent strategy for business growth. This episode explores the journey from relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals to adopting proactive marketing tactics. Kristi and Dr. Graham also touch on the importance of flexibility, personal comfort, and authenticity in marketing strategies.

Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into:

• The importance of a well-defined marketing strategy for sustainable business growth.
• The challenges of adopting conventional marketing tactics that don’t align with personal values.
• The need for self-reflection to understand personal barriers in marketing.
• The benefits of working with collaborative service providers.
• How unique marketing strategies can honor the individuality of a business.

To learn more about Dr. Carrie Graham’s work and resources, visit her website atdr.carriegraham.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and review the podcast to support and continue learning valuable marketing insights!

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Welcome to Episode 21 of “Unfudge Your Marketing” with your host, Kristi Mitchell! In this solo episode, Kristi delves into current marketing trends and makes some insightful predictions for the future. Inspired by recent conversations with college students and their inquiries about the evolving landscape of marketing, Kristi shares her perspective on the role of AI and the shift towards using freelancers and contractors.

• Current Trends:
• Kristi discusses the noticeable trend of businesses adopting AI for content creation. She highlights the pitfalls of AI-generated content often lacking authenticity and personality.
• Personal Approach:
• Kristi introduces her approach to integrating AI without losing the essence of authentic content. She explains how she utilizes tools like CastMagic to repurpose her own content efficiently while maintaining her unique voice.

• Emerging Trend:
• Kristi touches on the growing popularity of small businesses leveraging freelancers or contractors for specialized marketing tasks. This approach offers cost benefits and the ability to access specific skills without the overhead of full-time employees.
• Pioneering the Shift:
• Kristi predicts a future where more businesses might move away from traditional marketing agencies in favor of specialized freelancers and strategic partners.

• Challenges with Agencies:
• Kristi shares insights from business owners who feel underserved by large marketing agencies. Common grievances include lack of personalized attention and one-size-fits-all strategies.
• Future Outlook:
• Kristi believes that the demand for more personalized and adaptable marketing solutions might challenge the traditional agency model.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode ofUnfudge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell welcomes Jen Goldman, a business transformist with over 30 years of experience, to discuss the critical importance of having a strategic marketing plan. Jen shares her own journey and the costly mistakes she encountered by not revisiting her marketing strategy after a rebrand. They delve into the nuances of finding the right copywriters, the importance of data in evaluating marketing efforts, and the ongoing nature of marketing strategy.

Key Takeaways:

Initial Strategy is Crucial:

• Investing time and resources upfront in a strategic marketing plan can prevent costly mistakes down the line.

Revisit and Revise:

• Regularly revisit your marketing strategies to ensure they align with your business’s current state and market trends.

Finding the Right Team:

• Tips on choosing copywriters and other marketing experts, emphasizing the need for good communication, use of data, and specialized skills.

Marketing as an Ongoing Process:

• Marketing is not a “set it and forget it” task; it requires constant tweaking and attention.

Utilizing Tools and Metrics:

• The importance of using tools and metrics to track the effectiveness of your marketing activities.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com