
The Social Media Takeaway - Louise McDonnell
Welcome to "The Social Media Takeaway," a marketing podcast hosted by Louise McDonnell, tailored for coaches, consultants, and online entrepreneurs eager to harness the power of social media for effective sales and lead generation. Each episode features Louise engaging in insightful conversations with a diverse lineup of guests, all of whom are distinguished experts in their respective fields.Dive deep with us into the ever-evolving world of social media as our guests unravel the best takeaways from their wealth of experience. Whether it's exploring the latest trends, uncovering industry secrets, or getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the digital marketing world, "The Social Media Takeaway" is your go-to resource.Listeners can expect a treasure trove of actionable advice, practical tips, and innovative strategies designed to amplify your online presence and boost your business. With Louise's engaging interview style and her guests' expert insights, this podcast is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the digital arena. Tune in to "The Social Media Takeaway" and transform your social media endeavors into a successful journey!
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 29min
AI Copywriting Tips & Tools: Persuasive Content in Minutes
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...

Jun 11, 2025 • 34min
Storytelling Secrets That Drive Sales and Build Trust with Lisa Bloom
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...

Jun 4, 2025 • 28min
Masterminds: The Secret to Recurring Revenue with a Small Group
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...

May 21, 2025 • 29min
How to Become a Paid Expert and Sell From the Stage
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Debbie Allen, one of the highest paid speakers in the world, and an internationally recognized market positioning expert who has built and sold multiple million-dollar businesses.At 19, she bought into her family’s business...now she’s spoken in 28 countries. We chat about what it takes to stand out in saturated markets and turn your expertise into income.Debbie talks about how to create speaking topics that SELL, help you identify your ideal target market that will pay you top dollar, and share valuable resources to help you launch your professional speaking business.This conversation is packed with honest, practical strategies, perfect for coaches, consultants, speakers, or anyone ready to shift from 1:1 hustle to scalable, expert-led business models.You’ll also learn: ✅ Why paid speaking isn’t always the best path and what to do instead ✅ How to reverse engineer your offers to drive sales ✅ The #1 mistake people make when selling from stage ✅ Why now is the time to double down on live events ✅ How to build brand authority and use social as your virtual stageWhether you want to book more stages, host your own events, or finally position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche…this episode will show you how to do it the smart, strategic way.SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Debbie Allen00:43 Debbie's Entrepreneurial Journey03:24 Transition to the Speaking Business04:10 Mastering Market Positioning05:51 Secrets of Speaking and Selling from the Stage10:43 Leveraging Social Media and Live Events12:57 Common Mistakes and Trends in Speaking17:05 Debbie's Gift and Final ThoughtsConnect with Debbie!LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieallenspeaker/ Grab your FREE COPY of her latest bestselling book Expert Positioning HERE!FREE MASTERCLASS - I highly recommend checking out her free event:Paid Speaker Marketing Machine with Debbie AllenIf 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...

May 7, 2025 • 13min
How To Get Clients From Social Media: Turn Followers Into Paying Clients
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful lead generation systems in your marketing toolbox.Social media isn’t about the most followers, it’s about an engaged, ready-to-buy audience. The best way to build that? An email list powered by smart, strategic lead magnets.Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The two things every successful lead magnet must do✅ How to tailor your lead magnet for cold vs warm audiences✅ The 5 lead magnet types that consistently deliver results✅ Why a discovery call might be the last thing you offer✅ How to make sure your freebie leads directly to your paid offerSHOW CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction: Why lead magnets matter more than followers00:42 – What makes a great lead magnet (and what most people get wrong)01:18 – Cold vs Warm Audiences: What it means and why it matters02:55 – 3 Questions to ask before choosing a lead magnet04:12 – Lead Magnet Idea #1: The Cheat Sheet05:00 – Lead Magnet Idea #2: The Quiz05:46 – Lead Magnet Idea #3: The Guide06:35 – Lead Magnet Idea #4: The Webinar or Masterclass07:40 – Lead Magnet Idea #5: The Discovery Call08:40 – Final Thoughts: Is your lead magnet working for you or against you?If you’d like deeper support with this topic, come and join my free LIVE masterclass this May 14th: Turn Your Social Media Time Into Sales… 10x Faster with ChatGPT 🗓️ Live Masterclass | May 14th | 3PM ET / 8PM BST🎁 Live attendees get a BONUS: ChatGPT Buyer Persona BuilderYou'll walk away with:✔ A clear, repeatable sales system✔ Proven ChatGPT prompts to save hours✔ Total clarity on what works (no more guessing) 👉 Save your spot 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...

Apr 23, 2025 • 27min
Pitching to Journalists: Strategies That Get Your Story Published
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Bobby Power, publisher of Go Wild Magazine, who shares how to leverage both print and digital media to boost your brand visibility.From his journey in traditional newspaper sales to building a thriving regional magazine business, Bobby reveals why print is far from dead, and how combining it with digital can supercharge your marketing strategy.Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make with print ads, and how to fix them ✅ How to craft press releases that actually get published ✅ Why print still matters in a digital-first world ✅ How to blend print with social media for broader reach ✅ The right way to pitch your business story to journalistsIf you're ready to increase brand awareness, get featured in the media, and attract new opportunities, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and Intro00:25 Guest Introduction: Bobby Power00:46 Bobby's Journey into Publishing02:23 The Value of Print Media in a Digital World03:29 Common Mistakes in Print Advertising06:25 Crafting a Newsworthy Press Release10:17 Leveraging Social Media for Press Coverage11:59 Tips and Contact Information14:06 Final TakeawaysConnect with Bobby:LinkedIn 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...

Apr 9, 2025 • 21min
Creating Recurring Revenue with a Small Community
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m joined by Lorna Lyons, a positive psychology expert and entrepreneur, to talk about building a sustainable, profitable business without chasing vanity metrics.We’re diving into: ✅ How positive psychology can help you manage mental well-being while growing on social media ✅ Why engagement matters more than going viral—and how to attract the right audience ✅ The recurring revenue model—how to create a profitable membership without burnout ✅ The power of storytelling and why an email list is your biggest asset in long-term successIf you’re tired of constantly chasing new clients and want to build consistent, predictable income, this episode is for you!🎧 Listen now & grab your free toolkit 👉 https://artisanal-hustler-4980.kit.com/0e6038aabf SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and Intro00:21 Guest Introduction: Lorna Lyons 00:51 Lorna's Journey from Teaching to Business 02:09 Positive Psychology and Social Media 04:04 Audience Growth vs. Vanity Metrics 11:03 Creating Recurring Revenue through Memberships 15:15 Social Media Strategies and Trends 18:56 Final Takeaways and Free ToolkitConnect with Lorna Lyons: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...

Mar 26, 2025 • 20min
Sales Made Simple: How to Book More Calls & Close Deals
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Wendy Weiss, founder of Salesology, to break down her proven 3-step prospecting method that helps businesses book more calls, convert leads, and grow revenue.Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The key difference between marketing, sales, and advertising—and how to use each effectively. ✅ Why marketing alone won’t replace sales (and what to do about it). ✅ Wendy’s 3-step method for booking more calls and closing deals. ✅ How to overcome fear of selling and master conversations that convert. ✅ The biggest mistakes people make in sales—and how to fix them.Wendy is sharing her Salesology Prospecting Toolkit, a step-by-step guide to mastering sales and increasing productivity!SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and Intro01:03 Guest Introduction: Wendy Wise01:29 Understanding the Difference Between Marketing, Sales, and Advertising03:05 The Importance of Sales in High-Ticket Items03:44 Wendy's Background and Prospecting Method04:29 Three-Step Model for Successful Sales Prospecting10:32 Effective Sales Conversations and Common Mistakes12:36 Sales Ology Prospecting Toolkit14:01 Trends in Sales Post-COVID and the Role of Cold Calling18:33 Conclusion and Final TakeawaysConnect with Wendy Weiss: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...

Mar 12, 2025 • 30min
How to Book More Podcast Appearances and Build Authority
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sit down with Liam Austin, co-founder of Talks.co and Entrepreneurs HQ, who has helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs grow their businesses through digital media. 🚀We uncover: ✅ How to create a standout speaker profile that gets you booked. ✅ The secret to finding the perfect podcasts for your expertise. ✅ Using AI to craft compelling content and boost your visibility. ✅ Strategies to promote podcast appearances and maximize reach. ✅ The truth about paid guest spots when (and if) you should charge.If you want to build credibility, expand your audience, and attract new business opportunities through podcasting, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧👇SHOW CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Liam Austin 00:34 Creating Your Speaker Profile 01:27 Maximizing Your Podcast Matches 03:01 Optimizing Your Speaker Profile 09:42 Leveraging Social Media for Podcasts 12:01 Monetizing Podcast Appearances 13:21 Future of Podcasting 14:54 Exploring the Talks Platform 16:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Liam Austin: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...

Mar 5, 2025 • 26min
Repurposing Content Like a Pro: Extend Your Social Media Reach
In this discussion, Deirdre Sullivan, a digital pioneer who transformed her traditional flower school into an online hit, shares her journey and secrets to success. She emphasizes that perfection is overrated and highlights the importance of consistency and showing up daily. Dive into her strategies for creating effective short-form video content and see how social media propelled her business to a global level. If you're feeling stuck, Deirdre's insights will inspire you to take action and elevate your brand!