In today’s competitive landscape, providing an exceptional customer experience is crucial for businesses to thrive. In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Matt Wampler, an award-winning former franchisee turned tech founder of ClearCOGS, shares tips to prioritize the customer experience for driving growth.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around how to prioritize the customer experience:The importance of building in public and sharing behind-the-scenes storiesPrioritizing exceptional execution and customer experience over excessive marketingThe power of authentic storytelling and transparency in modern marketingLeveraging data and automation to enhance local marketing effortsThe evolution of marketing from overly polished campaigns to real, relatable contentResourcesConnect with Matt Wampler on LinkedIn.Learn more about ClearCOGS.Listen to Eric Knott’s episode on the Local Marketing Lab: Be the Mayor.Check out ClearCOGS’ integration on Toast.Other shout-outsShawn Walchef, Founder of Cali BBQ — Great person to follow when it comes to posting authentic content on social media and telling stories.Jimmy John’s — Their playbook for helping Matt be successful as a franchisee.Other great people to follow on social media who are posting great content:Nabeel, CEO of LunchboxAshwin, CEO of JUICERAndrew Simmons, CEO of Mama Romana’s PizzaCharlie Eblen, founder of Single Tree BBQPaul Tran, director of franchising at Hot Palette America

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Alec Hanson, the Chief Marketing Officer at loanDepot, shares his valuable insights on the power of consistency and authenticity in content creation for local growth. With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Alec unpacks proven strategies for local growth that have helped him and countless others achieve explosive business growth through content marketing. Alec also shares candid insights on overcoming excuses and embracing change, inspiring you to leverage new marketing channels for increased influence and local growth.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around proven strategies for local growth:The role of consistency and vulnerability in building trust and relationships with your audienceHow to find your unique voice and authentic style in content creationThe importance of embracing new marketing channels and tacticsLearning from successful content creators and industry leadersReal-life examples and success stories of content creators who’ve achieved explosive business growthResourcesFollow Alec Hanson on LinkedIn.Learn more about loanDepot.Listen to the Modern Lending podcast.Check out Alec’s books: “Bypassed” and “Modern Lending Playbook“.Other shout-outsGary Vee – His content is always a treasure trove of marketing wisdom.Chris Do – A master marketer.Anthony Hsieh – Founder of loanDepot; serve customers the way they want to be served.

In this illuminating episode of the Local Marketing Lab, mortgage industry veteran Brian Vieaux shares a fresh perspective on how loan officers can effectively reach and nurture the next generation of homebuyers. With over 34 years of experience and as the COO of FinLocker, Brian offers a wealth of insights on mortgage marketing and how the industry is changing. Learn tips and strategies to foster local connections and build credibility in your community.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around mortgage marketing:Strategies for reaching and nurturing early-journey, first-time homebuyersThe role of local loan officers as trusted financial educatorsLeveraging social media and podcasting to build a personal brandRepurposing long-form content for maximum impactThe value of a collaborative, abundance-driven mindsetResourcesConnect with Brian Vieaux on LinkedIn.Learn more about FinLocker.Check out Brian’s book, “Rethink Everything You “Know” About Being A Next Gen Loan Officer“.Check out “Rethink Everything: You “Know” About Social Media” by Kyle Draper.Listen to an episode of The Loan Officer Podcast.Other shout-outsDustin Owen from The Loan Officer Podcast.Learn more about Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit.

In this eye-opening episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Heather Cox, the owner and operator of Heather Cox Codes, reveals how to crush local digital marketing with AI. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Heather shares her proven strategies for leveraging AI-powered tools to streamline content creation, optimize local SEO, and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around local digital marketing with AI:Leverage Google My Business as a social media platformIncorporate customer-centric keywords into local contentUse AI tools like Canva, CapCut, and custom ChatGPT promptsImportance of video content and authenticity in local marketingConnect with customers through unique personal brandingResourcesConnect with Heather Cox on LinkedIn.Learn more about Heather Cox Codes.Listen to an episode of Into the Black.AI and design tools: CapCut, ChatGPT, Canva, MotionLeap, Videoleap, Beatleap, and Gencraft.Other shout-outsDean LaBay — The cost of inaction

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Ben Fox, the President of ProNexis and head of Customer Experience at Five Star Franchising shares his expertise on the power of localized content and creative in driving local business growth. With experience in sales, marketing, and customer experience across multiple industries, Ben offers a fresh perspective on how businesses can differentiate themselves and outperform their competitors in today’s digital landscape.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around localized content and creative:Strategies for creating authentic, value-driven content that positions your business as a trusted resourceThe role of social media and community groups in building local brand awarenessSharing behind-the-scenes processes and expertise with your audienceThe importance of customer experience in complementing marketing effortsTracking and optimizing localized content and creative through A/B testing and data analysisResourcesConnect with Ben Fox on LinkedIn.Learn more about ProNexis.Learn more about Five Star Franchising.Learn more about Five Star Marketing Service.Watch a webinar about the recent FCC changes for lead gen.Other shout-outsRehrig Pacific — supply chain solution that Ben previously worked at.Scott Abbott — founder of ProNexis.Spaulding Decon — a biohazard cleanup company with amazing lead generation content.Blue Bell ice cream and Tillamook.Check out Five Star Franchising’s brands: Bio-One, Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Mosquito Shield, 1-800 Packouts and 1-800 Textiles.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Nabeel 🦄 Alamgir, the founder and CEO of Lunchbox, shares his entrepreneurial journey and invaluable strategies for building a loyal local following for restaurants. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Nabeel’s expertise shines through as he unveils the secrets to making customers feel like regulars.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around making customers feel like regulars:Community engagement and local marketing for restaurantsStrategies for converting dine-in and third-party customers to a restaurant’s digital channelsExamples of effective marketing campaigns from other brandsTips for making customers feel like regulars and part of an exclusive communityThe role of storytelling and local narrativesResourcesConnect with Nabeel 🦄 on LinkedIn.Learn more about Lunchbox.Check out Bareburger and find a location near you.Other shout-outsDunkin’ Donuts for their marketing campaign with Ben AffleckClean Juice for innovating with their subscription service.Walk On’s for their great in-store experience and connectionsGeoff Alexander, CEO of Wow Bao, for leading the industry.

Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, shares strategies for local growth and customer loyalty in the restaurant industry. Topics: sampling products, reaching local businesses, customer feedback integration, unique value propositions, community partnerships. Emphasizes hands-on leadership and consistent customer service.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Olga Lopategui, an expert in restaurant loyalty and rewards programs, shares valuable insights on the importance of localized marketing strategies and personalization for brand loyalty. With over 15 years of experience working with renowned brands like Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays, Olga’s expertise sheds light on the evolving landscape of personalized messaging and the impact it has on driving repeat business in the restaurant industry. Whether you’re seeking to optimize digital marketing channels, launch effective loyalty programs, or manage online reviews, Olga’s insights offer actionable steps for enhancing your marketing strategies and customer engagement.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around localization and personalization for brand loyalty:Localized marketing strategies to boost customer engagement and loyaltyTailor your marketing efforts to individual customers that goes beyond basic localizationLeverage localized events to boost customer engagement and drive loyaltyEffective strategies to keep customers coming in with weather-based promotionsUse technology to streamline targeted offersResourcesConnect with Olga Lopategui on LinkedIn.Learn more about Restaurant Loyalty Specialists.Watch Olga’s episode on the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast.Other shout-outsSmokey Mo’s — Building their audience with law enforcement.El Pollo Loco — The evolution of their loyalty program.Dave’s Hot Chicken — A phenomenal job with their marketing and loyalty program.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Tim Sweetman shares his journey from working at Chick-fil-A to becoming a successful owner and operator, emphasizing the pivotal role of personalized customer experiences in driving local growth. He delves into the transformative power of hospitality excellence and small gestures, highlighting the impact of creating magical moments for customers.Here are some topics discussed in the episode about hospitality excellence:Creating memorable guest experiences through personal touchesFocus on hospitality fundamentals (good food, service, environment)Inviting top guests to special eventsMaking big community impacts with small budgetsGoing above and beyond with hospitality excellenceResourcesConnect with Tim Sweetman on LinkedIn.Check out Tim’s Tension Podcast.Find a Chick-fil-A location near you.Other shout-outsRead Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.Learn more about RIP Medical Debt.Watch Paul Tran’s episode on the Tension Podcast.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we go behind the scenes with Ashwin Kamlani, the revolutionary co-founder of JUICER, to uncover game-changing insights around the art and science of restaurant pricing. Learn how adopting a data-driven pricing strategy powered by location-based competitive intelligence enables restaurants to make smarter decisions that drive higher revenue. We dive into how JUICER leverages advanced technology to provide customized analysis and pricing recommendations tailored to each restaurant’s local market trends and individual menu dynamics.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around the science of restaurant pricing:Discover effective data-driven pricing strategies tailored for restaurants.Gain insights into competitive intelligence for analyzing restaurant pricing.Embrace the importance of a customer-centric mindset in business for lasting success.Uncover the art of leveraging transparency to engage your audience authentically.ResourcesConnect with Ashwin Kamlani on LinkedIn.Learn more about JUICER.Listen to our other episode with Carl Orsbourn, COO at JUICER around data-driven decisions for boosting your local marketing.Other shout-outsDrew Patterson — Co-Founder of JUICERDan Shapero — COO of LinkedIn for inspiring Ashwin to share his own stories on social media.Bartaco — A JUICER customer who is seeing massive incremental revenue with dynamic pricing on third-party channels.