

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast
John Jantsch
Insightful interviews with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share valuable marketing tips, growth strategies, and resources. Hosted by John Jantsch, one of America's top small business marketing experts, this show is dedicated to helping you craft effective marketing strategies that will grow your business. Whether you're a small business owner, marketing professional, or marketing agency owner, you'll gain valuable insights and actionable advice on topics such as marketing strategy, consulting, social media marketing, content marketing, SEO, email marketing, lead generation, business management, entrepreneurship and much more. With over 900 episodes since its inception in 2005, The Duct Tape Marketing podcast is your go-to resource for all things marketing or business growth. Join us each week as we dive into the latest marketing trends and strategies that will help you achieve your business goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Tune in to The Duct Tape Marketing podcast and start listening today!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2025 • 19min
The New SEO Playbook for Business Growth
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
Apr 16, 2025 • 23min
Win by Focusing on Your Core Users
Shane Murphy-Reuter is the President of GTM at Calendly, a leading scheduling software platform trusted by millions. With a proven track record in scaling SaaS companies like Intercom and Webflow, Shane brings deep expertise in product-led growth, sales strategy, and category creation. In this episode, he shares how Calendly has evolved beyond scheduling to serve SMBs and solopreneurs through AI-driven relationship management tools. Tune in to learn how focusing on your core users can drive sustainable growth, outpace competitors, and spark innovation in a crowded market. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Shane Murphy-Reuter [00:51] Extending Your Core Business [04:47] How Hyperfocus Protects Your Business [06:51] Find your Unique Advantage [10:28] Messaging for Clients with Different Needs [15:05] Shifting Mindset to Deal with Growth [17:00] Incentivizing Sales Teams [19:00] How Will AI Effect Scheduling Software More About Shane Murphy-Reuter: Check out Shane Murphy-Reuter's Website: https://calendly.com/ Connect with Shane Murphy-Reuter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanemurfy/ 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

Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
Bridging the Courage Gap in Your Business
Dr. Margie Warrell is a bestselling author, leadership coach, and global authority on courage, risk-taking, and transformational leadership. She’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, coached C-suite executives, and spoken at the US Congress—empowering thousands to lead with boldness and integrity. In this episode, we dive into her latest book, The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action, exploring how fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome silently sabotage decision-making and business growth. Margie shares powerful strategies for building your “courage muscle,” raising your rates with confidence, and taking bold action even amid uncertainty. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introduction to Margie Warrell [01:01] What is the Courage Gap? [02:57] The Difference Between Fear-based and Strategic Pausing [05:06] What Role Does Imposter Syndrome Play? [09:48] Finding the Courage to Charge Your Worth [12:15] Habits to Build Courage [14:35] Dealing with Fear of Rejection [17:10] Being Courageous Through the Unknown More About Margie Warrel: Check out Margie Warrels Website: https://margiewarrell.com/ Connect with Margie Warrel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiewarrell/ 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

Apr 9, 2025 • 22min
SEO Tactics That Actually Work in 2025
Prasanna Dhungel is the co-founder and managing partner at Grow By Data, with nearly two decades of experience leading innovation in marketing, tech, healthcare, and SaaS. A graduate of Cornell, Princeton, and Kellogg School of Management, Prasanna brings deep expertise in digital strategy and search engine evolution. In this episode, he breaks down the future of SEO in an AI-dominated world—covering Google’s AI overview, zero-click searches, and how brand visibility is being redefined. You'll learn what’s working in 2025, how to adapt your content strategy, and the key metrics top marketers are using to stay ahead. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Prasanna Dhungel [00:53] How to Prepare for Changes in Search? [05:06] Is Intent Driven Content the Way Forward? [07:16] What Metrics Should We Be Tracking? [10:39] Best Practices to Show Up in AIO [16:20] Measuring ROI Without Attribution More About Prasanna Dhungel: Check out Prasanna Dhungel's Website: https://growbydata.com/ Connect with Prasanna Dhungel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasanna-dhungel/ 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

Apr 3, 2025 • 22min
Your Book Launch Needs a Marketing Plan
With experience marketing over 1,000 books, Alex Strathdee (CEO of Shelf Life and author of Before the Bestseller), shares why most authors fail to sell books and what to do instead. From free reader seeding to building an author email list and launching with a strategy, he breaks down how to turn your book into a true business asset. If you’re an entrepreneur or author looking to drive serious book sales without wasting time or money, this episode is a must-listen. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introduction to Alex Strathdee [01:03] Do Publishers Promote Books? [02:45] Mistakes in Book Marketing [06:54] How is AI Affecting Book Marketing? [08:30] What is the Goal of your Book? [09:39] Seeding Readers with no Audience [13:34] Team and Tools to Help You with Your Book [16:03] Positioning Yourself to get Lucky More About Alex Strathdee: Check out Alex Strathdee's Website: https://www.getshelflife.com Connect with Alex Strathdee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-strathdee/ Read Before The Bestseller: Your Proven Path to Book Sales Without Wasting Time & Money: https://amzn.to/4iXgUen 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
Apr 2, 2025 • 24min
The Future of Marketing Is More Human Than Ever
Carlos Gil, global marketing leader, bestselling author of The End of Marketing, and Brand Evangelist at GetResponse, shares bold, future-focused insights on why traditional marketing is fading and how humanizing your brand is the key to standing out in the AI era. We dive into the evolving role of AI in marketing, the power of employee advocacy, and why building authentic brand relationships will define the next generation of marketing success. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Carlos Gil [02:23] Brands Need to Humanize [07:46] AI and the Need for Human Relationships [12:25] Communicating the Human Element of Your Brand [15:49] Omni-channel Marketing More About Carlos Gil: Check out Carlos Gil on https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosgilonline/ Read The End of Marketing: Humanizing Your Brand in the Age of Social Media by Carlos Gil: https://amzn.to/4bHn9Rh 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

Mar 27, 2025 • 21min
Build a Brand Gen Z Wants to Work (and Buy) From
I chat with Len Silverman—seasoned entrepreneur, longtime Learning Center owner, and author of Mesh: Aligning Your Personal Brand with Gen Z. With over 30 years of business experience and a front-row seat to Gen Z's development, Len offers expert insights into how businesses can attract, engage, and retain Gen Z employees. We explore what makes this generation tick, why traditional hiring practices fall short, and how aligning your company culture with Gen Z values can be a game-changer. If you're struggling to connect with the next generation of workers—or customers—this episode delivers the mindset and tools to bridge the gap. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introduction to Len Silverman [00:53] What is the Personal Brand of Gen Z [02:56] Common Stereotypes of Genz [04:16] The Old Ways Aren't Going to Work [06:39] The Employee Journey [08:35] Importance of Cultural Consistency [10:39] Changing Mindsets [12:44] Gen Z Customers [14:19] Common Mistakes Trying to Align with Gen Z [17:11] Turning Gen Z into A Players More About Len Silverman: Check out Len Silverman's Website: https://uptoelevenmarketing.com Connect with Len Silverman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/up-to-eleven-len/ Read MESH: Aligning the Personal Brand of Gen Z with your Company Culture by Len Silverman: https://amzn.to/3DKURsC 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

Mar 26, 2025 • 23min
Why AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Freeing You
I chat with Keith Lauver—serial entrepreneur, product launch veteran, and founder of Atomic Elevator, the company behind the high-definition marketing platform Ella. With over $34 million raised for product launches and clients like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, Keith brings deep expertise in strategic marketing and AI tools for entrepreneurs. We dive into how AI is transforming small business marketing—not by replacing people, but by freeing them to focus on what they do best. If you're curious about practical AI, marketing automation, and how to rethink your business structure for the future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Keith Lauver [01:52] Understanding the Practical Uses of AI [04:17] What are AI Agents? [07:45] How Does AI Affect Organizational Structure [11:46] AI Doesn't Change Human Value [16:22] Personalized Marketing [17:37] Ella AI [21:22] Privacy Concerns with AI More About Keith Lauver: Check out Keith Lauver's Website: https://www.atomicelevator.com Connect with Keith Lauver's on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdlauver/ 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 This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Ad Critter TV ads aren't just for the big guys! Ad Critter makes it easy and affordable to run connected TV ads that drive real results. Try it out for yourself at https://adcritter.com
Mar 20, 2025 • 23min
How Businesses Can Thrive in Uncertain Times
Struggling to navigate uncertainty in your business? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Bill Canady, seasoned business leader and author of From Panic to Profit. With over 30 years of experience driving business growth and optimizing operations, Bill shares how the 80/20 rule can help you focus on what truly drives profitability and efficiency. We discuss strategies for scaling smart, maximizing profits, and leading with confidence. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Bill Canady [01:01] What is Panic Mode for a Business? [03:54] The Stockdale Paradox [06:22] The 80/20 Principle [10:59] Small Customers that Need Much Attention [12:58] Earning the Right to Grow [15:11] Where to Start When Fixing Panic Mode [16:44] How Will AI Affect Business? More About Bill Canady: Check out Bill Canady's Website: https://billcanady.com Connect with Bill Canady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-canady/ Read From Panic to Profit - Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle by Bill Canady: https://amzn.to/4bsxUH9 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

Mar 19, 2025 • 26min
How to Outrank Big Competitors in Search
Join Sam Dunning, the founder of Breaking B2B and an SEO expert, as he shares insights on outranking big competitors. He emphasizes the importance of targeting revenue-generating keywords over mere traffic, warning against the 'traffic trap.' Sam explains why SEO is a long-term commitment, particularly for small businesses, and debunks myths about its decline in an AI-driven world. He also offers practical tips for effective local SEO and discusses how podcast appearances can boost visibility and enhance backlink strategies.