Social Media News Live: Discussing the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers

Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t designers. But in today’s feed, visuals can make or break whether your content gets noticed. This week, I’m joined by Jim MacLeod, creative director, marketing strategist, and author of The Visual Marketer: The Marketer's Crash Course for Creating Memorable and Effective Visuals, to talk about how creators can craft scroll-stopping visuals without needing a design degree. Jim shares how to build a consistent, recognizable brand identity across platforms, why color and typography matter more than trends, and how to use AI and design tools to simplify the creative process. We also discuss balancing experimentation with consistency, considering when to try something new and when to stick with what’s working.If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas wondering how to make your graphics pop, or felt like your feed looks like everyone else’s, this episode will help you rethink how you approach visual marketing. You’ll walk away with practical, no-fluff advice for creating visuals that connect, convert, and keep your brand memorable.Key TakeawaysConsistency beats complexity: A recognizable look builds trust faster than any trendy effect or template.Your visuals should tell a story: Every image, color, and font choice should reinforce who you are and what you stand for.Don’t chase trends: own your style: Experiment, but anchor your brand in a consistent visual foundation.AI can’t replace taste: Tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and MidJourney help speed up design, but your creative direction still matters.Good visuals guide attention: Every post should have one clear focal point, whether it’s text, an image, or your face.Stay consistent across platforms: People should recognize your style, even when your logo isn’t visible.ResourcesJim MacLeod: jim-macleod.comJim’s Book: The Visual Marketer: How to Stand Out with Smarter Design ----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Conferences can be pricey, but are they worth it for creators? Paul Gowder joins me to share how in-person events can transform your business, your network, and your confidence.----------------------If you’ve ever stared at the price tag for a conference ticket and thought, “Do I really need to go?”, this episode’s for you. Between the travel, hotel, and time away from work, it’s a big investment, but one that might just change your business.This week, I’m joined by Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, who’s spent over 25 years building community both online and in person. Paul shares what he’s learned about finding real ROI at conferences, not just from the sessions, but from the conversations in the hallways, the introductions over coffee, and the long-term relationships that come from showing up.We dig into how to choose which events are worth it, how to prepare so you’re not wandering aimlessly, and the secret to making every trip pay off long after you’re home. Whether you’re an introvert looking to make your first conference count or a seasoned creator who wants better results, this episode will help you show up strategically and walk away with more than just a tote bag.----------------------Key TakeawaysFind your people, not just the speakers: The sessions are great, but the community you build is what lasts.Look for structure: Conferences that include table talks or networking sessions make connecting easier.Invest in yourself: The right event can lead to opportunities that pay for themselves.Prepare with purpose: Know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, and what value you can offer.Follow up fast: Message new contacts within a few days while the connection is still fresh.Consider volunteering: It’s a great way to save money, gain access, and meet more people.----------------------ResourcesPaul Gowder: paulgowder.com and powwows.comConferences mentioned:Ecamm's Creator CampLou Mongellos Momentum KIT's Craft & CommerceSocial Media Marketing WorldEcamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

We’ve all heard about the exciting side of AI: new tools, faster workflows, and creative possibilities that seem endless. But there’s another side of this technology that doesn’t always make the headlines. The one that’s darker, riskier, and potentially dangerous for small businesses and creators like us.This week, I’m joined by Ramon Ray, speaker, entrepreneur, and Bitdefender’s Small Business Ambassador. Ramon’s spent years helping entrepreneurs protect their businesses while building powerful personal brands. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes with AI development, from the rise of deepfakes to the new wave of cyber threats, and how you can stay one step ahead.SummaryRamon shares real-world stories of scams, hacks, and impersonations that are becoming more sophisticated thanks to AI. We talk about how creators and small business owners can protect themselves without becoming paranoid, what cybersecurity tools are worth using, and why awareness and simple systems can make all the difference.We also explore how the same technology that enables AI-driven attacks can be used for good, how to build trust with your audience in a world of fakes, and why strengthening your personal brand might be the best form of digital armor. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation about how to stay smart and secure while still showing up online.Key TakeawaysAwareness is your first defense: The biggest risk is assuming you’re safe. Vigilance and small daily habits prevent most attacks.AI raises the stakes: Deepfakes and voice cloning are real threats. Set up verification systems and “safe words” for family, clients, or teams.Keep your business a hard target: Use two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and cybersecurity tools like Bitdefender on all devices.Train your audience, too: Teach clients and followers what real communication from you looks like to prevent scams and impersonation.Protect your brand presence: The more consistent and recognizable your voice and visuals are, the harder it is for bad actors to fake you.Balance visibility with safety: Share authentically but thoughtfully—delay travel posts, keep some details private, and post smart.ResourcesRamon Ray: zoneofgenius.comBitdefender: bitdefender.com Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Ever gone live and wondered if anyone was actually watching? Or maybe you’ve been showing up week after week and thinking, “Okay… but how do I turn this into real leads and clients?” This week, I’m joined by my friend Tanya Smith, video strategist, business coach, and creator of the Stream Like a Boss framework. Tanya knows exactly how to turn your live streams into steady, sustainable revenue, and she does it without losing the fun or authenticity that makes live video so powerful.If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an empty chat window or wondering what to say next, you’re going to love this conversation. Tanya shares practical systems for building connection, creating offers that feel natural, and using live video as a lead-generating engine for your business.Key TakeawaysYour audience comes first: The more you focus on serving, the easier it becomes to show up consistently.Consistency creates credibility: Regular live streams build the trust that turns casual viewers into clients.Reverse-engineer your content: Start with your offers, then plan live topics that naturally lead to them.Engage beyond the broadcast: Reply to comments, follow up on DMs, and treat replay viewers like they’re live.Likes don’t pay the light bill: Focus on meaningful engagement and conversions, not vanity metrics.AI should support, not replace: Use it to save time, but your real advantage is your voice and experience.ResourcesTanya Smith: streamlikeaboss.tvEcamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

This week’s episode is a little different. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a four-part live training series called 'Social Media for Video People' with my friends over at Ecamm. We spent an entire week breaking down how creators can save time, use smarter tools, and show up with confidence on video. And since this last workshop fell right on my normal Friday slot, I decided to bring you along for the ride.In this session, we tackled one of the biggest questions creators wrestle with: where should I be posting my videos, and how can I stand out once I do? We dug into the strengths of different platforms, how to think about repurposing content without burning out, and the little things that make your videos thumb-stopping in a crowded feed. If you weren’t able to join us live, this replay gives you the full training so you can apply the same strategies right away. And if you’d like to catch the other three workshop days, covering planning, creation, and promotion, you can watch them all over on my YouTube channel.Key TakeawaysInstagram vs. TikTok vs. YouTube Shorts: Each has a different culture. Learn how to shape your video so it feels at home on the platform.Stop the scroll: Strong visuals, bold captions, and clear hooks are what grab attention in the first few seconds.Double up with email + social: Social brings people in, but email keeps them connected. Pair them for bigger impact.Growth without burnout: Build systems and repurpose smartly so you’re consistent without running yourself ragged.ResourcesWorkshop Replays on YouTube:Day 1: Social Strategy for Video CreatorsDay 2: How to Use AI for Video Graphics & Social ContentDay 3: AI for Editing & Repurposing Video Like a ProCheck out Conor Brown at VacationKingdoms.comGrab some popcorn and visit Katie's personal podcast: TheVHSClubPod.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Everywhere you turn, creators are talking about AI. Should you be leaning into tools that save you time, churn out content, and help with workflows? Or should your energy go into building real relationships and community that lasts? That’s the big question Conor and I tackled this week with our friend Paul Gowder of PowWows.com.Paul has been building thriving online communities since before AI was even on the radar, and he’s quick to point out that the smartest path forward is learning how to use both together. In this conversation, we wrestle with the balance: how to let AI assist without losing your personal voice, how email can be more than a broadcast channel, and why community is the thing that keeps creators relevant no matter what tech comes next. If you’ve been wondering whether to spend more time testing AI tools or strengthening the connections you already have, this episode will help you see where to put your focus.Key TakeawaysCommunity isn’t about size: Ten engaged people in your living room beats ten thousand ghost subscribers.Email builds deeper connections: Write like you’re talking to one person, not shouting at a crowd.Treat your newsletter as real content: Don’t just blast links. Make it valuable on its own.Invite replies and interaction: Polls, trivia, and questions make people feel part of something. Then respond when they do.AI is a helper, not a replacement: Use it to organize your thoughts or clean up drafts, but always add your own tone and stories.Don’t force community: Start by treating your audience like they’re already part of something. The structure (Facebook group, Circle, etc.) can come later.ResourcesPaul Gowder: powwows.comPaul’s new free creator community: onthewaycommunity.comConor Brown: vacationkingdoms.comSEPTEMBER 2-5TH: Free Video Creators Workshop: jeffsieh.com/workshop----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Ever buy a “miracle app” that promised to automate your business, write your copy, and maybe even walk the dog… only to have it end up collecting dust in a folder called Someday? Same here. That’s why this week Conor and I are comparing notes on the AI tools that actually stuck. These are the ones we’ve folded into our real workflows, the tools saving us time and keeping us sane when the content calendar feels relentless.From editing podcasts into social clips to spinning up client portals in minutes, these five tools are pulling serious weight in our businesses. We talk about Descript’s new AI B-roll, what feels different in ChatGPT 5, smart ways to chain prompts for images, why Notion + Notion AI is so versatile, how MidJourney’s video option is sneaking into our thumbnails, and where Perplexity and NotebookLM fit into our research and SOP systems. If you’ve wondered which AI apps are worth your time, you’ll find some solid answers here.Key TakeawaysDescript remains our editing hub: Upload the recording, use Find Clips for cold opens, and try the new AI-generated B-roll right in the editor. ChatGPT is our daily driver: We use it for planning, drafting, brainstorming, and research. The new 5.0 update makes it noticeably faster and more direct, which keeps our workflow moving smoothly.Prompt chaining beats giant prompts: Build images step-by-step—create the base, then layer in overlays, text, or tweaks for more consistent results. Notion + NotionAI: Spin up client portals, SOPs, and shared databases quickly. The Save to Notion clipper and mobile share sheet make it easy to stash articles and ideas on the fly. MidJourney’s new video option: Great for animated thumbnails, email GIFs, or short loops. NotebookLM for SOPs and team queries: Upload docs or transcripts, then let teammates search only your materials for answers. Keeps systems tight. ResourcesCheck out Conor's Vacation KingdomsConor's 60-day Content Challenge on Instagram My Toolbox, which includes all the tools we talked about!The Ultimate AI Tool for Beginners: Magai (affiliate)----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Join us for a high-impact conversation with Amanda Robinson, Meta Certified Lead Trainer and founder of The Digital Gal, as we break down what’s working, and what still needs a human touch, in Facebook advertising for 2025.Amanda shares how Meta’s AI-powered Advantage+ tools are reshaping the way small businesses run ads, from generating creative variations to expanding targeting. She explains where these features help level the playing field and where advertisers still need to step in and babysit campaigns.We also explore how to structure budgets, when boosting a post makes sense, and how to move into Ads Manager for more control. Amanda walks us through practical strategies for testing tiny offers, building email lists, and balancing automation with authentic creative.Whether you’re brand new to Facebook ads or ready to refine your funnels, this episode offers clarity and strategies you can put into practice right away.Key Points:How Meta’s Advantage+ AI tools work and where they still fall shortWhy creative assets now play a bigger role in ad performanceBoosted posts vs. Ads Manager: when to use eachSmart budget strategies for small businessesHow to build effective tiny offer funnels with Facebook adsUsing reach, traffic, and retargeting campaigns in the right orderTips for growing your email list with lead ads that attract quality subscribersResources:Amanda Robinson – The Digital Gal – thedigitalgal.comConnect with Amanda on Facebook – facebook.com/thedigitalgalPaul Gowder - paulgowder.com and powwows.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

In this episode, Conor Brown joins me to share the biggest lessons we pulled from two impactful business books that tackle burnout, balance, and what it really means to build lasting success.We break down the key takeaways from Lean Learning by Pat Flynn and The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom, exploring how creators and entrepreneurs can shift their mindset, set priorities, and focus on what really matters. From the dangers of information overload to the importance of defining wealth beyond money, these books offer a roadmap to help you create with purpose and avoid burnout.We also share our own reflections on applying these lessons in real life: setting boundaries, finding community, and designing workflows that leave space for creativity instead of constant hustle. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the grind, this episode is full of ideas and encouragement to help you recalibrate.Key Points:The risks of chasing every new idea without a clear learning frameworkWhy defining wealth goes far beyond financial successHow to recognize the early signs of burnout and pivot before it’s too latePractical ways to build systems that prioritize focus and balanceThe role of community and accountability in sustaining creative workOur personal takeaways from applying these lessons in our own businessesResources:Lean Learning by Pat Flynn – Available on AmazonThe 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom – Available on AmazonConor's Vacation Kingdoms – vacationkingdoms.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, as we explore how creators can make the most of networking opportunities, whether at large industry conferences or intimate local meetups.Katie shares how being intentional with your time, energy, and goals can transform any event into a meaningful connection-building experience. From navigating the overwhelming pace of mega conferences to embracing the relationship-focused nature of smaller gatherings, she offers practical advice for choosing the right events and showing up prepared.We also unpack the importance of following up after meeting someone new, creating systems to stay connected, and finding ways to contribute value to your network year-round. Katie’s insights will help you turn conference handshakes into genuine, lasting relationships that can support your creative and business growth.Key Points:Deciding between large conferences and small gatherings based on your goalsPreparing intentionally before attending events to maximize your experienceStrategies for building and maintaining genuine connectionsThe role of follow-up in nurturing new relationshipsFinding ways to contribute value to your network consistentlyResources:Creator Camp 2025Connect with Katie on LinkedIn!Join Katie and Nat at The VHS Club! (they rate movies with potatoes btw)Check out what Paul has going on at paulgowder.com and onthewaycommunity.com----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.