The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

Lynn Smith, a former national TV news anchor and founder of Rylan Media, discusses her book, Just Keep Going. She highlights the importance of resilience for both children and adults, sharing insights on how to cultivate courage and self-awareness. Lynn emphasizes the role of storytelling in teaching emotional lessons and the value of modeling strength for kids. She also reflects on her career pivot and the challenges of writing for children, aiming to inspire listeners to keep moving forward at any age.

*This is a re-release of a previous DTM episode. John dives deep into the evolving landscape of SEO in this solo episode. He breaks down what today's marketers need to know about zero-click searches, AI content, Google Search Console, and how to build search strategies that actually drive conversions. Whether you're a local business owner or a digital agency, this episode delivers a fresh SEO playbook packed with actionable insights to boost visibility, authority, and high-intent traffic. Don't miss this essential update on what really works in SEO today. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introduction [01:52] Search Presence and Visibility [04:10] Embracing AI for Content [05:59] Local Search Isn't Going Anywhere [08:29] Prioritize Intent Based SEO [11:06] Link Building [13:58] Long Tail Queries Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

With over two decades of experience helping small businesses thrive, John dives solo into this episode to explore how AI is revolutionizing the buyer's journey. He breaks down the stages of his signature "Marketing Hourglass" framework and shares how businesses must adapt their strategies in an AI-driven world. Tune in to learn how to future-proof your marketing by aligning with evolving customer behavior, embracing self-service tools, and doubling down on authenticity and trust. Today we discussed: 00:00 Introducing Christine Perkett 00:09 The evolved buyer journey 02:29 Reintroducing the Marketing Hourglass as a flexible customer journey mode 03:43 How AI interrupts and reshapes journey stages like know, like, and trust 04:55 Recommendation engines and the rise of self-service experiences 06:12 The need to rethink SEO: focus on questions, not keywords 06:50 Combining digital efficiency with emotional, human-centered marketing 08:33 The journey is already changing—are you adapting? Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

Michael Aaron Flicker, founder of XenoPsi Ventures and co-author of Hacking the Human Mind, joins to delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology and marketing. He reveals how brands can harness behavioral science to enhance consumer loyalty and design impactful campaigns. Key insights include the magic of the number 17 in capturing attention and the Peak-End Rule, which emphasizes the importance of memorable customer experiences. Flicker also discusses ethical considerations in 'mind hacking' and shares practical strategies for effective marketing.

Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions, shares his wisdom on the transformative role of AI in marketing agencies. He discusses how agencies can adapt to shifting client expectations and navigate the complexity of AI integration. Listeners will learn about the challenges of AI adoption and the fine line between hype and reality. Brent also emphasizes the continuous relevance of SEO and the need for strategic thinking over routine tasks in the AI era, ensuring agencies stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Jim Murphy, a high-performance coach and author, discusses his viral book, sparked by NFL star AJ Brown reading it during a game. He emphasizes mastering the inner game for peak performance and fulfillment. Topics include redefining success, letting go of outcomes, and the power of vulnerability. Jim contrasts the mindsets of athletes and business leaders, stressing the importance of inner strength and authentic connection. He also explores how spiritual practices can lead to greater professional success.

Michael Tchong, an innovation expert and founder of Uber Trends, discusses the crucial shifts in consumer behavior and technology that are defining modern marketing. He distinguishes between lasting Uber Trends and fleeting fads, emphasizing the importance of seizing these opportunities. The conversation also covers the pivotal role of AI in marketing, highlighting transparency and immediate consumer needs. Michael shares insights on trend-spotting strategies, offering critical data analysis tips for businesses aiming to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Victoria Downing, President of Remodelers Advantage, has led successful peer groups for over 30 years, helping remodeling business owners enhance profits and leadership. She discusses how peer groups can halve growth timelines through structure and accountability. Victoria shares strategies for managing group dynamics and encouraging team investment. The importance of transparency for business expansion and harnessing technology to navigate marketing are highlighted. Notable success stories show how peer networking drives operational improvements and growth.

Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing and author of 'Unchained,' brings over 15 years of experience helping small businesses thrive. She discusses the shift from outdated marketing agency models to AI-enabled in-house capabilities. Nay emphasizes the risks of outsourcing and the importance of simplifying marketing strategies. She highlights the evolving role of marketers from doers to orchestrators in the age of AI and the necessity of owning marketing strategies as valuable business assets. Tune in to learn how to take control of your marketing!

Rhea Allen, the President and CEO of Peppershock Media and host of The Marketing Expedition Podcast, shares her expertise on branding and culture. She emphasizes that a strong internal team is essential for shaping how a business is perceived. Rhea discusses the importance of hiring for culture fit and using storytelling to foster employee buy-in. Fun initiatives like 'show and tell' can enhance morale, while authentic branding is vital in a world increasingly filled with AI-generated content. Rhea provides practical strategies for aligning HR and marketing to drive success.