The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell

This week, I’m doing something a bit different…I’m handing the mic to my copywriter, Katy Prodromou, who’s interviewing me for a change. Shedding light on the biggest shifts I’ve ever seen in the online space and why coaches and consultants must pay attention.AI isn’t just changing how we create content. It’s changing everything. And if you’re still relying on random posting and hoping for leads, you’re already falling behind.In this episode, I share exactly how I’m helping coaches and consultants future-proof their business with my 5-step system, a structure that works with AI to make your marketing faster, smarter, and more effective.What you’ll take away:Why AI is disrupting marketing – and what to do before you get left behindThe difference between posting content and having a real strategyHow I use AI at every stage of my system (not just for content!)What most people get wrong in their social media bios and contentWhy your email list is still your most powerful business assetA look behind the scenes at my 5-step social selling systemHow the brand-new assessment will help you spot your biggest lead gen gapsSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 How AI Will Affect Your Work01:09 The Big Shift: AI's Impact on Coaches and Consultants01:41 Before and After AI05:55 AI's Role in Social Media Marketing07:55 The System to Stand Out as a Coach or Consultant10:37 Why Doing More Won’t Fix Broken Marketing11:19 Common Mistakes in Social Media Strategy16:57 Leveraging AI for Business Success23:15 The Five-Step System for Success22:48 Upcoming Free Workshop and Final ThoughtsWant to see this system in action?I’m hosting a free, live masterclass on 24th September where I’ll walk you through it all plus you’ll get a digital copy of my 2025 Content Planner and take my brand-new assessment live with me.👉 SAVE YOUR SEAT HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sat down with Maureen McCowen, public speaking coach and founder of Soft Skills Success. We talked about how the fear of speaking up, whether in meetings, presentations or even casual conversations holds back far too many professionals. Maureen shared real client stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts that help people go from staying silent to speaking with confidence and clarity.If you're a coach, business owner, or professional who avoids public speaking (or dreads it!), this episode is a must-listen.You’ll learn: ✅ Why fear of speaking is more common than you think ✅ How staying silent could be stalling your career ✅ Simple strategies to start building your speaking confidence ✅ The key difference between sharing a story and making it relevant ✅ How to present with more impact online and in-personSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Speak Without Fear00:18 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:18 The Fear of Public Speaking03:05 Practical Steps to Build Confidence05:32 The Importance of Preparation06:13 Set Your Intentions and Don’t Look For Perfection08:22 Change How You Speak To Yourself10:53 Common Mistakes in Presentations12:04 Effective Presentation Skills16:35 Handling Technical Difficulties19:04 The Difference Between Presenting In-Person and Online23:45 The Power Of Storytelling28:21 Final Takeaways and Free Gift!🎁 And if you’re stuck with your storytelling, Maureen has a free download full of storytelling prompts. Grab it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Domingo Silvas, serial entrepreneur, AI marketing pioneer, and founder of Think Smart Scale, Magpie, and Scale Up. We chatted about lead generation for service-based businesses, uncovering why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong metrics. He shared how his journey from survival-mode entrepreneurship to scaling 14 companies led him to develop high-converting systems especially using assessments. If you're a coach, consultant, or service professional looking to attract better clients and boost conversions, this episode is for you.You’ll learn:✅ Why quality leads matter more than quantity✅ The real reason viral content doesn't guarantee success✅ How to create and use assessments to qualify leads✅ Why mentorship and systems are key to scaling✅ How AI is changing the way we assess and convert leadsSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Viral doesn't mean anything...here's WHY.00:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:15 Domingo Silvas' Entrepreneurial Journey02:20 The Importance of Lead Generation02:52 Biggest Mistake on Lead Generation03:40 The 90-days Test04:47 The 'Easy Business' Narrative06:01 The Role of Mentorship and Systems07:36 How Do You Put Less Money on Your Business?08:15 People Buy What They WANT and Not What They NEED09:15 We All WANT Success But What We NEED is Systems10:59 Power of Assessments in Business15:22 Creating Effective and High-Performing Assessments19:21 AI in Business and Assessments22:29 Conclusion and Final TakeawaysConnect with Domingo:LinkedIn🎁 Grab Domingo's Free Gift here 👉 Magpai's 30-days Risk-Free TrialIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chatted with Lyndsay Phillips, content marketing strategist and podcast guesting expert.Lyndsay shares exactly why most podcast guest spots don’t convert and what to do instead. From “billboard-ready” topics to strategic one-sheets and content repurposing, she shared a smarter way to use guest interviews to build authority and generate leads.You’ll learn: ✅ Why most podcast guesting fails to generate leads ✅ How to choose strategic topics that match your offers ✅ What to send a host instead of a traditional one-sheet  ✅ Why repeating your message is powerful, not boring ✅ How to turn every guest spot into a content goldmineSHOW CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Lyndsay’s journey into podcast guesting01:58 The “bridge to profits” mindset03:26 Why visibility alone doesn’t get you leads04:31 What makes a podcast topic “billboard-ready”07:07 Mistake #1: Not looking at Podcast Guesting as a way to bridge pain to your offers08:49 Mistake #2: Choosing the wrong topic08:56 Mistake #3: Letting interviews go off-track11:26 Mistake #4: Relying on generic one-sheets and being too expert and technical14:23 "Message Papers" - Little stepping stones that are bringing that audience closer to your offers15:39 Why repeating your message is smart, not stale17:50 Repurposing guest content like a pro19:09 Tools Lyndsay loves for podcast content19:49 Free resource from LyndsayConnect with Lyndsay:LinkedIn🎁 Grab Lyndsay’s free gift: “Leverage Your Podcast to Get More Clients”, a free guide that goes even deeper into all of this.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, Louise talks with Mari Smith, world renowned  speaker, author, trusted advisor to Meta, and widely known as the Queen of Facebook.Mari shares her expert insights on where Facebook is heading, how the algorithm is evolving, and what businesses need to do in 2025 to stay ahead. From organic reach to AI-powered ads, she breaks it all down with clarity and honesty.You’ll learn:✅ What Meta’s AI-powered recommendation engine means for reach✅ How to get in front of non-followers with the right content ✅ The difference between professional mode and business pages ✅ Why Facebook ads still outperform other platforms ✅ How to prepare your content and messaging for 2025Is Facebook still worth your time? Tune in for an insightful conversation that will change how you think about Meta.SHOW CHAPTERS01:00 Why Facebook Is Still Relevant in 202503:00 Facebook vs TikTok – Are the Lines Blurring?06:00 Age Demographics and Platform Use07:00 How Facebook's Algorithm Has Changed09:00 Business Pages vs Professional Mode Profiles12:00 Meta’s £65 Billion AI Investment14:00 AI Tools for Organic, Video, and Ads17:00 Advantage+ and Smart Retargeting18:00 Content Quality and Message Alignment20:00 The New Rules of Reach and Organic vs Paid23:00 Concerns Around AI Bots and Future of the Platform26:00 Where Meta Is Heading NextConnect with Mari:FacebookInstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Ellen Finkelstein, internationally renowned trainer, coach, and founder of Change the World Marketing. She shares how she built her online business from the ground up, why funnels are essential for service-based businesses, and the simple steps to set up a profitable email funnel.Ellen offers straightforward advice on how to grow your list, nurture subscribers, and turn followers into paying clients.You’ll learn: ✅ The must-have components of a simple but powerful funnel ✅ How to move people from social media to your email list ✅ What to include in your welcome email sequence ✅ Tips for promoting your funnel consistently without overwhelm ✅ How to use free offers and low-ticket products to start generating salesIf you’re a coach or consultant who wants a consistent flow of leads and clients from your social media, this episode is for you!SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Ellen’s Start in Online Business03:00 The Power of Email Lists vs Followers04:00 What a Funnel Really Is06:00 First Steps to Building Your Funnel08:00 Tools and Tech You Need11:00 How to Keep Emails Valuable and Human13:00 Promoting Your Funnel on Social Media15:00 Why You Should Partner and Freebie Swap17:00 Funnel Pricing Tips19:00 How to Measure if Your Funnel is Working21:00 Building Trust Through Consistent Emails22:00 Ellen’s Free Workbook: Build Your First Funnel24:00 Final TakeawaysShe also shares a brilliant free resource called Build Your First Funnel, a step-by-step workbook to map out your audience, freebie, upsell, and sales sequence.GRAB IT HERE! Connect with Ellen:LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, Louise talks with Allyson Machate, bestselling author and publishing consultant who has worked with Simon & Schuster.Ally shares how to write, publish, and market a book that aligns with your business. She explains why many authors write the wrong book, how to avoid that mistake, and how to use AI tools without losing your voice. She also introduces her course, Don't Write the Wrong Book, to help you get started.You’ll learn:✅ What makes a book the wrong one ✅ How to choose the right book for your goals ✅ Using AI in writing without sounding robotic ✅ Common publishing mistakes to avoidIf you want to write a book that works for your business, this episode is for you.SHOW CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Ali Machete's Journey into Publishing 01:34 From Simon & Schuster to Freelancing 03:05 Helping Authors Publish the Right Book 04:27 Examples of Writing the Wrong Book 08:22 Strategies for Writing the Right Book 14:06 Types of Nonfiction Books 22:08 Impact of AI on Publishing 28:03 Final TakeawaysConnect with Ally:LinkedIn Join her free webinar training, Don’t Write the Wrong Book, where she walks through a step-by-step process for writing a book that supports your goals. 👉 Register hereShe also offers a free book strategy call for aspiring authors via her website: thewritersally.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Kimberly Weitkamp, a marketing strategist, podcaster, coach, and host of the More Conversations, Clients, and Cash podcast.Kimberly helps coaches and service providers create content that connects and converts. She combines proven copywriting techniques with AI to help business owners drive more sales and leads.We talk about what makes good copy work, how to get started with AI without sounding robotic, and why strategy still comes first.You’ll learn: ✅ Practical tips for writing persuasive copy that sounds like you ✅ AI tools that help you write faster without losing your voice ✅ How to use automation while keeping your marketing human ✅ Why you still need a clear strategy behind every piece of content ✅ Where to start if you want to save time without cutting cornersIf you’re creating emails, sales pages, or social content and want to do it better and faster, this episode is for you.SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Kimberly Weitkamp00:55 Kimberly's Journey into Copywriting02:15 Embracing AI in Copywriting04:18 Tips for Writing Persuasive Copy05:54 Favorite AI Tools for Copywriting09:42 Maximizing Productivity with AI15:31 The Importance of Strategy in AI-Powered Marketing17:47 Free Guide and Upcoming Challenge20:08 Final TakeawaysConnect with Kimberly:LinkedInJoin the 3-day Live Challenge : AI-Powered Lead Gen & Sales for Coaches with Kimberly WeitkampThis is a great way to get hands-on with using AI in your content and marketing strategy. 👉 SIGN UP HEREAlso, don’t miss out on this as Kimberly is giving away her free guide that walks you through five easy ways to start using AI in your business. It’s built for coaches and service providers who want to save time, write better and grow faster.GRAB YOUR COPY HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Lisa Bloom, professional storyteller, coach, and author of three bestsellers, including Seven Stories That Sell.Lisa has helped thousands of business owners use storytelling to build trust, stand out, and drive more sales. We explore how telling the right stories in the right way makes selling easier and more authentic.You’ll learn: ✅ The 7 types of stories that help you sell ✅ How to use personal stories to build trust and connection ✅ How to test your story so it resonates with the right audience ✅ Why storytelling is a key differentiator in an AI-driven world ✅ How to use AI as a support tool, not a replacement, for your voiceIf you want your marketing and sales to feel more human and more effective, you’ll get lots of ideas from this conversation.SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:33 Lisa Bloom’s Books and Storytelling Journey03:45 The Power of Authentic Stories07:16 Seven Stories That Sell09:13 Storytelling in Business and Personal Connection12:00 Testing and Tailoring Your Story18:31 Leveraging AI in Storytelling20:23 Final TakeawaysConnect with Lisa:LinkedInLisa is running a free Story Selling Workshop at three different times, between June 11-13, and I think it’ll be brilliant.If you’re tired of writing posts, running webinars, or pitching on calls and feel like it’s not landing...this workshop is for you!SIGN UP HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...

In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Jay Fairbrother, a mastermind strategist who’s helped hundreds of coaches scale with high-ticket masterminds.With 30+ years of experience, Jay shares how masterminds 10x’d his business and became a lifeline during tough times. We dive into the power of real connection, business resilience, and scalable offers that truly transform.What you’ll learn: ✅ What real masterminds are (and why most miss the mark) ✅ How to build one without a big audience ✅ The magic of exclusivity + peer learning ✅ Why human connection wins in the AI era ✅ How to shift from time-for-money to recurring revenueIf you’re ready to create a high-impact offer, stop trading time for money, and build a community that supports transformation…don’t miss this one.SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:05 Jay’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Turning Point02:15 The Mastermind That Saved His Business and Life03:10 What a Mastermind Actually Is (vs. Group Coaching)04:30 The Importance of Real Relationships and Peer Learning05:45 Different Formats and Why Hybrid Models Work07:00 Nailing Your Niche and Attracting the Right Members08:35 Success Story: Crafting Clear Messaging with “7X” Positioning10:30 Moving From Lower-Ticket Offers to High-Ticket Masterminds11:45 The Problem with the “Ascension Ladder” Model13:10 Who Should Join and Launch a Mastermind and Why It Works15:30 Post-Covid Business Loneliness and the Need for Connection16:40 Why Human Connection Is the New Currency18:00 Jay’s Mastermind Bootcamp: What to Expect20:00 Where to Connect with Jay OnlineConnect with Jay!LinkedInIf you need help building your own mastermind...Join Jay's Upcoming 3-day Virtual Mastermind Bootcamp🗓️ June 24–26SIGN UP HEREIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to my podcast because more like this is on the way!If you'd like to book a call to see how I can support you head over to my website here. www.sellonsocialmedia.academy/helloMy 2025 Social Media Content Planner & Guide is now available! Packed with 400 content prompts, expert tips, and $377 worth of free resources to help you save time and get results in 2025. Grab your copy now on Amazon! Amazon UK...