Brand Rescue: Marketing + PR Guidance for Small Businesses

Think billboards are outdated? Think again.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee gets brutally honest about advertising strategies and why so many businesses waste money by spreading their budget too thin. She breaks down when billboards actually work, when they don’t, and how to blend traditional and digital marketing for real results.Whitney shares the exact scenarios where billboards shine, like helping customers find a hidden location, promoting new businesses, or boosting awareness for local events. She also covers the biggest mistakes people make in billboard design, the six-word rule you should never break, and why billboards are about visibility, not education.If you’ve ever wondered whether a billboard is worth the investment, this episode is your guide to making smart, strategic advertising decisions that support your overall marketing plan.🎧 In this episode:Why stretching your ad budget too thin kills your ROIWhen billboards actually move the needleThe six-word rule that separates good billboards from bad onesHow right-hand reads and bold text boost visibilityWhy awareness is not a waste of moneyWhen niche businesses should skip billboards altogetherHow digital billboards add flexibility to your strategy---------------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes on TikTokYour Marketing Heroes Website

In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Margo McNaull, the founder and designer behind By Margot, to talk about how a personal jewelry dilemma turned into a thriving business. Margo opens up about leaving her government job, navigating entrepreneurship during the pandemic, and discovering her passion for creating legacy pieces that tell women's stories.From building a niche to building a community, Margo shares how she carved out her place in the fine jewelry world and why focusing on storytelling is the heart of her brand. She also talks about her big move to Nashville, the new opportunities it has created, and what’s next for By Margot.-------------Stór by Margot Custom Rings & Fine JewelryBy Margot on Instagram Connect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes Website

If you’re posting the same content on TikTok and Instagram and wondering why nothing is working… this episode is calling you out.Today on Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee breaks down the real differences between the two platforms and why your one-size-fits-all strategy is tanking your reach. She explains how TikTok rewards raw, real, fast-paced content while Instagram still wants a curated mix that builds trust over time.Whitney also dives into the rise of TikTok Shopping, why it’s becoming a major revenue driver, and why selling on Instagram feels like pulling teeth. From posting frequency to audience behavior to monetization opportunities, this episode shows you exactly how to stop fighting the algorithm and start using it.-----------Connect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes Website

She got fired over a bra, and turned it into her life’s mission.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessica Wenger McPhaul, a fashion industry veteran who turned a moment of exclusion into a movement for representation. Jessica shares the story of a fitting session gone wrong that exposed how deeply the fashion world overlooks women of diverse backgrounds and body types.What could have ended her career instead became the spark that inspired her to build something better: a lingerie brand rooted in inclusivity, awareness, and empowerment.From color ranges that actually match real skin tones to the emotional impact of feeling seen, Jessica and Whitney unpack what it takes to create products and brands that truly represent everyone.---------Naked Rebellion on Instagram Jessica on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes on Instagram

You launched an ad, spent your hard-earned cash… and nothing happened. Sound familiar?In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee calls out two of the biggest mistakes small business owners make when it comes to advertising. She explains why successful campaigns often take multiple tries, how to craft messages that actually land, and what it really means to “target the right audience.”Whitney also digs into the psychology behind why people buy, the power of a killer call to action, and how AI tools can help you refine your strategy instead of wasting your budget.If your ads aren’t working, this episode will show you how to turn things around with smarter targeting, clearer messaging, and a little marketing grit.--------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

What happens when an influencer goes way off the rails?In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down a recent viral clash between a local bakery and an influencer. From miscommunication to public callouts, Whitney unpacks where things went sideways and what both sides can learn from the fallout.Whitney also tackles the difference between media and influencers (they’re not the same), how to handle criticism without burning bridges, and the art of keeping your cool when the comments section catches fire.------------Your Marketing Heroes WebsiteYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

PR is changing and if you’re still pitching like it’s 2015, you’re already behind.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee sits down with Gloria Chou, a former U.S. Diplomat turned PR powerhouse, to talk about how small businesses can actually get seen in the new media landscape.They dig into what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to earning real visibility, standing out in an AI-driven world, and pitching your story with purpose.🎙️ Whether you’re DIY-ing your PR or just trying to figure out where to start, this convo is packed with insights that’ll make you rethink your entire approach to getting noticed.--------------About Gloria:A former U.S. Diplomat turned small business advocate, Gloria has been featured on more than 100 podcasts, was named “Pitch Writing Expert of the Year” in 2021 by the Influential Businesswomen Awards, and is a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. Beyond PR, she’s passionate about creating spaces where founders feel seen, supported, and celebrated. You can often find her on Instagram @gloriachoupr speaking unapologetically about her values, her healing journey with psychedelic plant medicine, and sharing resources for building visibility that removes gatekeeping and breaks outdated rules.--------------Important Links: Get Featured In Gift Guides + Dominate AI SearchConnect with Gloria on InstagramConnect with Gloria on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

💸 Think advertising is dead? Think again.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney Lee breaks down where smart business owners are putting their marketing dollars right now—and why old-school tactics might be making a serious comeback.From budget strategy to creative execution, Whitney shares the kind of insight that’ll make you rethink how you’re getting in front of your audience.🎧 Tune in for a reality check on what’s really working in advertising today—and how to make sure your money’s actually doing its job.---------Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes Website

From the classroom to the comms room—this week’s guest knows a thing or two about getting a message across.Whitney sits down with Bobby Parker, founder of Parker Gene Creative, who went from teaching lessons to teaching schools how to actually communicate. They dive into the wild world of education marketing—where every message has to speak to parents, students, teachers, and sometimes the whole town.Bobby shares how crisis comms can make or break a school’s reputation, what most schools get wrong about storytelling, and how his TEACH framework is changing the way education pros think about PR.🎤 Spoiler: great communication doesn’t just fill seats—it shapes futures.Whether you’re in education, nonprofit work, or just love a good brand rescue story, this episode will make you see school PR in a whole new light.---------Parker Gene Creative WebsiteConnect with Bobby on LinkedIn---------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram Your Marketing Heroes Website

🚨 Hot take: not running ads might be the most expensive mistake your business is making.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney cuts through the noise on paid advertising—calling out the four boneheaded moves that are draining wallets and stunting growth. (Don’t worry, if you’ve made one of these mistakes… you’re in good company.)From why “dabbling” in ads is a total waste, to how negotiation can change the game, Whitney dishes out some tough love every brand needs to hear.⚡ Spoiler: ads aren’t just about quick sales—they’re about building something bigger, longer, and way more profitable.------------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website