
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

Aug 7, 2024 • 36min
Content Creation Secrets with Global Influencer Charlene Flanagan
In this week’s episode of the Social Media Takeaway, I have the pleasure of speaking with Charlene Flanagan, a global influencer and the visionary co-founder of Ella and Joe. In this episode, we'll uncover the strategies behind effective content creation and the pivotal role of user-generated content (UGC). Charlene will share her insights on building impactful influencer relationships and how these elements have contributed to her brand's international success. Tune in as we dive deep into the secrets of content that connects and converts. More about Charlene: WebsiteLinkedInFacebook InstagramIf 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...

Jul 31, 2024 • 31min
Customer Connection = Cash Flow: Strategies for Consistent Engagement
In this week’s episode of the Social Media Takeaway, I speak with Louise Lally, a learning and development consultant specialising in the retail sector and host of the Retail Podcast. We dive deep into the concept of valuing time as a critical component of customer interactions, emphasising that every minute spent with a customer should be seen as a fair exchange. Great customer service is crucial because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn drives business growth. Tune in to learn practical strategies for enhancing your customer service approach and ensuring that your interactions are always adding value.More about Louise Lally: WebsiteLinkedinFacebookInstagramIf 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...

Jul 24, 2024 • 36min
Mindset Shifts: Uncover the Lies Holding You Back
In this week's episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I am delighted to speak with Donna Kennedy, a seven-time best-selling author, psychologist, mentor, and highly sought-after professional speaker. Donna shares profound insights from her personal journey, demonstrating incredible strength and resilience forged through overcoming significant early life challenges. She discusses how these experiences have shaped her approach to personal development and her professional practice. In this episode, we delve into how mindset influences business decisions, explaining how a growth mindset helps overcome fears that hinder personal and business growth.More about Donna: WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInRemember to grab your own copy of Donna’s book here! CLICK 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...

Jul 17, 2024 • 32min
How to Use ChatGPT for Business: How Coaches and Consultants Can Stand Out and Be More Productive with Louise McDonnell
I really do believe that ChatGPT makes me way more productive and I get way better results from what I do. The Americans would say garbage in, garbage out. On this side of the Atlantic, we're more likely to say rubbish in, rubbish out. If you're putting generic prompts into ChatGPT, then you're going to get generic results.In this week’s episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I’m going solo and sharing with you exactly what I do to get better results and quality content from ChatGPT so you can get those too for your business. I'll dive into the key differences between the free and paid versions, explain why specific prompts yield better results, and show you how to create detailed buyer personas with ChatGPT. I share useful prompts that I use, which you can find on my website, so make sure to check that out! WEBSITEIf 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...

Jul 10, 2024 • 24min
How Social Media Content Moderation Can Impact Workplace Stress
In this episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Valentina Spagnesi, a body psychotherapist, about the stress caused by social media in the workplace, particularly for content moderators. We explore the mental and physical effects of exposure to disturbing content and discuss the benefits of body psychotherapy compared to traditional counseling. Valentina shares her journey and offers practical strategies to manage and recover from stress, providing valuable insights for anyone dealing with the pressures of social media.More about Valentina: WebsiteLinkedinFacebookIf 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...

Jul 3, 2024 • 24min
Trusting Your Instincts and Showcasing Your Business with a Personal Touch
In this week’s episode of the Social Media Takeaway, I chat with Tuesday Whitfield, owner of Willowbrook Glamping & Hideaways. We chatted about her journey of embracing her creativity and how her vibrant personality has influenced her family business. Despite facing challenges growing up, Tuesday learned the importance of being true to herself and realised that her authenticity would attract the right people to her business. By trusting her instincts and using her creativity for her business, Tuesday aims to make rural Ireland more diverse and inclusive! I love Tuesday’s story – whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone looking to bring a personal touch to your business, this conversation with Tuesday Whitfield is sure to motivate you.More about Tuesday: WebsiteFacebookInstagramIf 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 26, 2024 • 31min
Four-Day Work Week: Achieving Work-Life Balance with Charles Alexander
"We're busier than ever before and probably less productive than we've ever been." - Charles AlexanderIn this week's episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I speak with Charles Alexander, a renowned business coach and author of "Start Now, Quit Later." Charles discusses how to achieve a four-day work week by setting clear goals, tracking time accurately, and focusing on high-value tasks. He emphasizes the importance of identifying what you truly want to do with your free time and eliminating, batching, delegating, or automating other tasks. A four-day work week offers the potential for greater work-life balance, increased productivity, and more time to spend on personal pursuits and with loved ones. By reassessing how we manage our time and prioritize our tasks, we can break free from the constant busyness that hampers our productivity and enjoy a more fulfilling professional and personal life.More about Charles: WebsiteInstagramLinkedinIf 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 19, 2024 • 28min
LinkedIn and Twitter for Business Growth with the Tweeting Goddess, Samantha Kelly
Have you ever wondered how to turn your social media presence from a chore into a powerful tool for your business?In this week's episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I am thrilled to welcome Samantha Kelly, an award-winning Twitter expert, social media strategist, speaker, and author, known globally as the Tweeting Goddess. Samantha has graced stages around the world, sharing her invaluable insights on the power of social media and how to make it work for your business.Join us as we dive deep into Samantha's journey and uncover the strategies that have made her a leading figure in the social media landscape. From her early days of navigating the Twitterverse to becoming a sought-after speaker and consultant, Samantha shares her experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.More about Samantha:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter (X) 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...

Jun 12, 2024 • 39min
Facebook Groups for Audience Engagement with Fiona O'Neill
In this episode of the Social Media Takeaway, I interview Fiona O'Neill, the founder of Count On Us Recruitment, about using Facebook groups for expanding audience reach and customer engagement. Fiona shares her journey as a family carer turned entrepreneur, discussing how she identified a gap in the Irish labor market for family carers seeking part-time work. She explains the inception and growth of her Facebook group, which now has over 4,000 members, and offers valuable insights into engaging and expanding Facebook communities, addressing employer misconceptions, and balancing personal boundaries in social media interactions. The conversation touches upon effective strategies for group management, the importance of clear messaging, and the evolving role of AI in social media. Tune in to discover actionable tips that can help you use Facebook groups to their full potential.More about Fiona: WebsiteFacebookX (Twitter)LinkedInInstagramIf you’re interested in what Fiona does click 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 5, 2024 • 33min
From Writing to Marketing: A Bestselling Author's Guide
In this episode of 'The Social Media Takeaway,' I had the pleasure of speaking with 5-time bestselling romance author Lyndsey Gallagher about her incredible journey into writing fiction novels and her amazing marketing strategy. In this episode, she gives valuable advice to aspiring authors and stresses the importance of just getting started. We explore her effective marketing strategies, different writing styles and how she uses social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for book promotion. For anyone starting to write, Lyndsey's advice is invaluable. More about Lyndsey: FacebookInstagramTiktokYou can check out Lyndsey’s books 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...