Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer

Unlock the secrets of successful small business marketing with insights from Dave Charest, director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. Discover how even small, impactful actions can create "wow experiences" that fuel word-of-mouth marketing and elevate your brand's digital presence without emptying your wallet. Join us as we promise a transformation in your marketing approach, leveraging email, social channels, and automation to not only engage but also build lasting relationships with your customers.With Dave's expertise, we highlight the timeless power of word-of-mouth marketing, showing its relevance in today’s digital conversations. Learn the art of staying top-of-mind for potential customers by effectively integrating these strategies into your marketing framework and watching your small business compete with larger brands.Our conversation is packed with practical tips, including the strategic use of tools like Instagram, email, and text messaging. We emphasize aligning marketing strategies with specific business goals, ensuring every effort is purposeful and impactful. Whether it's setting personal benchmarks, conducting regular technology audits, or adopting a simple and focused approach to outsourcing, this episode has everything you need to enhance productivity and ensure continuous self-improvement.Guest LinksConstant ContactConnect with Dave on LinkedInBe a Marketer Podcast with Dave CharestLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Marketing is essential to growing your business, but hiring the right support can be confusing. Should you work with a marketing agency, bring in a consultant, or hire a Fractional CMO? Each option has its pros and cons, and making the wrong choice could mean wasted budget and minimal results.In this episode, I break down the differences between agencies, consultants, and fractional CMOS—so you can decide which is best for your business. I’ll share real insights from my experience in all three roles and explain why a fractional CMO offers the best mix of strategy, execution, and ROI. If you want to get smarter about your marketing spend and grow your business with real results, this is the episode for you!Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Elevate your marketing strategy by understanding the transformative power of public relations. Michelle Garrett shares expert insights on integrating PR with marketing efforts, emphasizing collaboration, authenticity, and the importance of writing in crafting compelling narratives. • PR as a game changer for brand visibility • Core writing skills as foundational for PR success • Understanding the role of AI in content creation • The evolving importance of press releases today • Integrating PR with social media and content marketing • Challenges in measuring PR success • Effective media outreach and building relationships • The growing role of authentic influencers in PR • Necessity for collaboration between marketing and PR teams • Long-term commitment required for PR effectivenessGuest LinksBuy B2B PR That Gets Results: A Guide to Simple and Targeted Public Relations Practices by Michelle GarrettGarrett Public RelationsConnect with Michelle on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Twitter has always been a major player in social media, driving traffic and engagement for businesses. But things, as you well know, have changed. In this episode, I reveal why I believe Twitter is no longer a true social media platform and why I now classify it as "political media." Using my own data and observations, I break down how Twitter's algorithm prioritizes political content over business conversations, why engagement is dropping, and what this means for marketers. Most importantly, I share my advice on where you should be focusing your time and resources instead. If your brand still relies on Twitter for visibility and traffic, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of e-commerce with Neil Twa, co-author of Almost Automated Income with FBA. Neil has spent over a decade helping businesses go from nothing to building scalable, profitable brands that thrive on platforms like Amazon, TikTok, and more. E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in digital marketing, offering incredible potential for entrepreneurs who are ready to identify profitable niches, connect with their ideal customers, and leverage multiple sales channels. Whether you’re new to the game or want to scale your current business, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your brand and even prepare for a lucrative exit. Get ready to learn how to turn your ideas into income!Guest LinksBuy Almost-Automated Income with FBA on AmazonVoltage (Neil's Company)Connect with Neil on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Navigating the complex landscape of startup marketing presents unique challenges, from building brand awareness to defining audience and managing budgets. By adopting strategic approaches, startups can transform their marketing hurdles into opportunities for growth and success. Inspired by the books I have written, including my recent Digital Threads and Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth, here is my definitive guide to startup marketing, including advice on:• Building brand awareness through digital channels • Defining ideal customers with data-driven decisions • Overcoming budget constraints with resourceful spending • Prioritizing quality leads for targeted engagement • Competing with established brands through creativity and agility • Strategies for scaling marketing efforts sustainablyLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

AI is redefining influencer marketing by enabling brands to identify the right influencers with unparalleled precision. In this episode, we discussed the transformative role of AI in influencer discovery, personalized outreach, and campaign performance analysis.• The continuous growth of influencer marketing and its increasing relevance • Importance of using AI for authentic influencer identification • Streamlining outreach processes through AI personalization • Enhancing campaign performance analysis with AI • Evolving landscape of influencer marketing with a focus on short video formats • Anticipated innovations in content production driven by AI Guest LinksHypeAuditorAlexander Frolov on LinkedInLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

This episode explores effective strategies for improving discoverability in 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to video content and content repurposing. Marketers are encouraged to leverage their existing assets and create tailored content to engage audiences on various platforms. • Importance of content as currency in digital marketing • Shift towards video-first strategies for discoverability • Understanding the need for tailored communication across platforms • The power of content repurposing for maximizing existing resources • Role of AI in enhancing content strategies • Balancing content creation with audience engagement Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

What if embracing the imperfections in your brand could make it more appealing? Nancy Harhut, a leading expert in behavioral science and author of Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, joins us to reveal how counterintuitive marketing strategies can set your brand apart in a crowded market. Discover the unexpected power of acknowledging flaws and strategic misspellings in capturing attention and building consumer trust. Nancy's groundbreaking insights promise to transform your approach to social media, email campaigns, and the overall customer experience by leveraging the quirks of human psychology.Learn how to harness the potential of the Prattfall effect and the door-in-the-face technique, tactics that defy conventional wisdom yet deliver impressive results. Nancy and I explore how the autonomy bias can double consumer compliance by giving them the freedom to choose, rather than directly pushing for a sale. You'll also hear about the effectiveness of follow-up communications and how subtle psychological cues, like prompts and nudges, can spur desired customer actions and elevate your marketing strategies.Nancy's wealth of knowledge extends across various industries, offering applicable insights for everyone from marketing professionals to business owners. Behavioral science has the power to enhance your efforts in both B2B and B2C arenas. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink your marketing tactics.Guest LinksConnect with Nancy on LinkedInBuy Using Behavioral Science in Marketing on AmazonCheck Out Nancy's Company HBT MarketingLearn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Unlock the future of digital marketing with me as I guide you through the transformative concept of the democratization of discoverability. Ever wondered how to maintain your business's visibility without constantly churning out social media content? This episode promises to reveal how long-lasting content like blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos can be your key to enduring discoverability. We'll explore the rapidly changing landscape of search, driven by large language models and AI, and discuss how platforms such as Bing and ChatGPT are becoming pivotal in driving traffic. Learn why adapting to these shifts is essential for sustaining your business's online presence in 2025 and beyond.Explore the evolution of search algorithms and the shift toward an audience-centric approach as AI redefines how content is discovered. Say goodbye to the days of keyword obsession and welcome a future where AI and social media reshape the discoverability landscape. As platforms like Google, YouTube, Amazon, and TikTok develop AI-driven user experiences, I'll share insights on the expanding influence of generative AI and large language models. These tools are not just changing how we find content; they're creating new pathways for discovery beyond traditional search engines.Learn More: Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com