The Art of Franchise Marketing

In this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing, Erin Walter, Chief Marketing Officer at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, discusses the brand’s evolving marketing strategies amid its rapid growth, with over 60 new locations slated for 2025. Erin dives into Freddy’s data-driven approach to menu innovation, which reflects customer preferences, and the impressive growth of their loyalty program, which now has nearly 4 million app users.She also explores how digital marketing transforms franchisee engagement and enhances customer experience. Reflecting on her journey as CMO, Erin shares valuable insights on the power of mentorship, the importance of building strong relationships with franchisees, and her leadership development.

In this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing, Heidi Morrissey, President of Kitchen Tune-Up & Bath Tune-Up under the Home Franchise Concepts umbrella, shares key marketing strategies that have fueled her franchise growth. She discusses the evolution of the National Advertising Fund, the shift to a percentage-based structure, and the growing importance of digital marketing on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Heidi also highlights the value of diversifying marketing efforts with partnerships, offline tactics, and social media lead generation. Tune in for actionable insights on building a successful, adaptable marketing strategy for franchise growth.

On this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing, we are joined by Robert Mitchell, Chief AI Officer at WSI Digital Marketing Services. As an advisory service, WSI is at the forefront of integrating AI into digital marketing, helping franchise brands enhance their strategies with cutting-edge AI tools.Robert dives into the evolving role of AI in marketing, from data security and compliance risks to AI-powered automation and content generation. He explains how businesses can fine-tune AI models for proprietary use, leverage automation for efficiency, and navigate the shift from traditional SEO to AI-driven search visibility. 

In this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing Podcast, our new host, Erin Martin, sits down with Madeleine Zook, the podcast's original host and a dynamic force in the franchise world. With experience as a franchisee, franchisor, CMO, and consultant, Madeleine offers a candid, no-nonsense take on the marketing challenges stalling franchise growth. She emphasizes the importance of directness, trust, and speed in driving success. From revamping websites and streamlining call systems to optimizing paid media, Madeleine reveals how she helps brands achieve meaningful progress in just months, not years.In this episode, you'll learn how to optimize marketing budgets, harness AI for scalable growth, and sidestep the common mistakes that hinder franchise success. This episode is a must-listen for unfiltered, actionable insights on accelerating franchise marketing.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, Host Madeline Zook is joined by CMO, Kyle Smith. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, Kyle seamlessly transitioned into the franchising world, leveraging his expertise in brand promotion and business development. His story highlights the interconnectedness between marketing roles in different industries, emphasizing the importance of brand protection and growth across diverse sectors.Kyle's strategic vision is focused on doubling growth and expanding brand recognition while maintaining a customer-centric approach. He emphasizes the significance of metrics-driven marketing strategies, including targeted advertising, referral programs, and strategic partnerships with power partners. Kyle's journey exemplifies how adaptability, strategic planning, and customer-focused marketing can drive success in the competitive franchising landscape.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, our Host Madeleine Zook is joined by Kamille McCollum, Co-Founder and COO of BODYBAR Pilates. Kamille shares insights into the strategic decisions and operational intricacies that fueled the rapid expansion of BODYBAR Pilates from a regional presence to a nationwide franchise phenomenon. The dialogue delves into the intricacies of franchising, exploring the delicate balance between operational efficiency and franchisee support. McCollum's emphasis on trust, clear division of responsibilities, and a corporate ethos within franchise relationships offer valuable lessons for aspiring franchisors. As the conversation unfolds, McCollum hints at the brand's future trajectory, teasing potential expansions and service innovations that promise to further solidify BODYBAR Pilate's position as a frontrunner in the boutique fitness franchising landscape.

Join Eric Myers from My Place Hotels on The Art of Franchise Marketing as he delves into the dynamic world of hotel franchising. Eric offers valuable insights and expertise on guiding franchisees from vision to reality. With a background in finance and sales, Eric's role involves providing comprehensive support in navigating the complexities of opening and managing hotels, emphasizing the importance of strong financial backing and ongoing support post-launch. Discover the diverse pool of franchisees and investment opportunities available in this engaging discussion on transforming dreams into successful hotel ventures.

In this insightful conversation, Madeleine Zook interviews Kenny Reinbold, the Director of Advertising for Express Employment Professionals. With 13 years of experience, Kenny shares his career journey from local marketing to internal communications and corporate PR, ultimately diving into franchising. Discover the ins and outs of the franchise business model and gain insights on staffing processes and client relationships straight from Kenny's expertise. They delve into various aspects of the franchise industry, discussing the brand's history, growth goals, franchise model, impact on communities, and strategic advertising approach. The dialogue sheds light on how franchising can create meaningful impacts on individuals' lives while being a successful business venture.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with John Hewitt, a renowned CEO and founder in the franchising industry. With over 55 years of experience, John has shaped the landscape of franchise marketing, spearheading the success of Liberty Tax, Loyalty Brands, and numerous other ventures. In this conversation, John shares his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings to building billion-dollar companies.John's expertise shines through as he delves into the intricacies of franchising, highlighting innovative approaches like franchisee feedback sessions and strategic decision-making based on market dynamics. Through his insights, John provides a comprehensive blueprint for franchise success, drawing from his unparalleled experience and a deep understanding of the evolving franchising landscape.

On the Art of Franchise Marketing, guest Jennifer LoBianco, CMO of Best Life Brands delves into the challenges of digital marketing in today's landscape. From testing new tactics to maintaining a balance between data analytics and strategic focus, she offers practical tips for franchisees looking to optimize their marketing efforts.Jennifer highlights the significance of understanding target markets and tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse audiences. Drawing from personal experiences and industry expertise, she discusses the nuanced approaches to engaging both emotionally driven and pragmatically-minded individuals.Explore the intersection of branding, marketing, and franchise development with Best Life Brands, and discover actionable strategies for success.