
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

Apr 17, 2024 • 29min
Reprogramming Our Subconscious for Business Success
In this episode of the Social Media Takeaway, Alina Nikishina and I dive into detail of personal and professional transformation. We discuss the barriers to success and how to overcome them through conscious action and self-awareness.Alina Nikishina, a transformational coach and mentor for service-based entrepreneurs, shares her personal journey from her early life in Russia to becoming a certified public accountant in the United States, and finally to her transformation into a coaching role. Alina explains the principles of core transformation and hypnosis as tools for addressing subconscious self-sabotage patterns, enabling individuals to align their actions with their deepest desires. The conversation covers how subconscious beliefs formed in childhood can impact adult behavior and decisions. Alina also offers insights into recognizing and transforming self-sabotaging behaviors through subconscious work, ultimately leading to greater personal and professional fulfillment.If you need further help reprogramming your subconscious for business success, head over to Alina and get 20% OFF your first session and mention this podcast when you reach out!Also don't forget to subscribe to Alina's Sunday newsletter with more insightful content just like this! CLICK HEREMore about Alina:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInIf 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 10, 2024 • 45min
Gamification for Customer Growth and Engagement
Discover the world of gamification in this episode of the Social Media Takeaway! We'll explore how playful elements are changing business strategies, boosting employee engagement, and enhancing marketing efforts. Gamification isn't just for games anymore; it's improving engagement, learning, and productivity across different industries.In this episode of the Social Media Takeaway, I had the pleasure of interviewing An Coppens, a gamification expert with over 20 years of experience in creating behavioral change through games and play. An shares her journey from aspiring game designer to founder of Gamification Nation and Playearance.com. She discusses the power of gamification in change management, inclusivity in game design, and the psychology behind gamification. An Coppens also highlights the importance of understanding the player's psychology for successful gamification and shares insights into designing games that are appealing and inclusive for diverse audiences. If you're interested in utilising gamification to enhance customer engagement, check out Playerence to subscribe to annual or monthly subscription and use my code Louise20 for 20% off! More about An: WebsiteFacebookLinkedInTwitterIf 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 3, 2024 • 36min
Prioritizing Mental Wealth in the Workplace
Are you showing up as your best selves and prioritizing your well-being? Join us in this insightful episode with Emma Weaver, the founder of Mental Wealth International, as we delve into the importance of mental health first aid. In this episode, Emma shares her personal journey from young motherhood to pioneering mental health and suicide prevention solutions in the workplace. Her story emphasizes the significance of timely support, the inspiration behind Mental Wealth International, and the development of mental health first aid and toolbox talks for businesses. We also discuss utilizing AI for productivity and companionship, knowing the importance of community, and practical advice for managing loneliness, remote work, and social media with intentionality. Emma also offers insights into filling one's 'mental wealth vault' through daily well-being practices to build resilience for challenging times. Tune in now to discover how you can enrich your mental wealth and thrive in both work and life.More about Emma: Website FacebookInstagram LinkedInFREE GIFT 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...

Mar 27, 2024 • 31min
How to Use Networking to Grow Your Business
In this podcast episode, my guest, Tracey Currell, shares important advice on how you can work the room to make professional connections for your business. From being a novice networker to founding the award-winning global business network IntroBiz, Tracey offers advice based on her own experience on overcoming networking challenges and emphasizes the importance of preparing for the event, what to do during the event, and following-up after networking events. Whether you're experienced or just starting, her insights will help you make meaningful connections, ensuring that no opportunities are left on the table.More about Tracey: Website FacebookInstagram 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 20, 2024 • 34min
Breaking the Stigma: Why Therapy is Important for Everyone
"Our mental health struggles are gifts from the body for you to come home and take notice, and if you don't take notice, I tell you it will scream louder." - Mary McHughIn this episode, Mary McHugh, an award-winning psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience discusses her journey from a challenging personal life to establishing a successful career in psychotherapy, highlighting her work with various Irish support services and her role in founding counsellingonline.ie, a global counseling service. She shares her insights on the significance of normalizing therapy, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the importance of human connection in the age of AI and remote work. Mary also talks about the benefits of therapy, the potential of AI in counseling, and offers advice on maintaining well-being in today's fast-paced world. Let's help break the stigma, please share this with your friends and family.More about Mary: WebsiteFacebookInstagramTiktokLinkedInIf 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 13, 2024 • 44min
How To Get More Followers On Instagram With Sarah Butler
In this episode, Sarah Butler, a highly successful brand ambassador and best-selling cookbook author, discusses her journey on Instagram. She details how she grew her follower count from zero to over 170,000, and gives insights on how to effectively grow a business on Instagram. She shares advice on securing Instagram accounts, managing content, and understanding audience behaviors. Sarah also talks about her cooking and marketing business and the hurdles she faced, including getting her Instagram account hacked. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic, creating engaging content, maintaining consistency, and building relationships with followers and fellow business owners.More about Sarah: WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter (X) YoutubeSarah's PodcastIf 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 6, 2024 • 35min
The Importance of Putting Communications at the Core of Your Business Strategy
Are you struggling with communication in your business? Join us in this insightful conversation with Aisling O'Rourke, a seasoned communication coach and former news journalist, as we delve into the world of effective communication for businesses.In this episode, Aisling emphasises the critical importance of crafting clear and consistent messages for businesses. She reveals practical tips and strategies for honing your communication skills, whether it's conveying your brand story, engaging with your audience, or fostering productive internal communication within your team.But that's not all – Aisling introduces us to some cutting-edge productivity tools she relies on, including AI and Opus AI, that have revolutionised her workflow and enhanced her efficiency in managing communications tasks.Enjoy! Whether you seek insights, stories, or the newest trends, I've got everything you need. Subscribe now for upcoming episodes and you're very welcome to share your thoughts with me!More about Aisling: WebsiteLinkedinInstagramAisling’s PodcastFREE GIFTIf 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...

Feb 28, 2024 • 26min
Insights from Social Media Marketing World 2024: The Impact of AI and Strategies for Success
In this podcast, I’m excited to share my key takeaways from my experience at the Social Media Marketing World 2024 conference. Join me as I delve into the dynamic world of social media marketing, exploring the evolving landscape shaped by artificial intelligence. We'll discuss practical strategies to navigate these changes, from leveraging storytelling to mastering content themes. Tune in to this episode and learn how your business can not only adapt but thrive in this new digital era. 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...

Feb 21, 2024 • 35min
How To Get Better at Direct Sales: 8 Essential Steps to Follow
If you want to get better at sales, you must tune into this episode of the Social Media Takeaway. My guest, Jennie Bellinger unravels the complexities of sales conversations, highlighting the power of listening and problem-solving over mere selling. Uncover the secrets of how to engage in meaningful dialogues with your customers, how to identify their needs and offer solutions that make a difference in their lives.Here are great and important steps to follow: 1. Be Disciplined2. Solve Problems3. Art of Sales Conversation4. Follow-Up5. Permission-Based Selling6. Sharing Stories7. Understanding marketing and sales8. Personal Connection and TrustPacked with actionable tips, real-life examples, and Jennie's infectious enthusiasm, this episode is a must for anyone eager to get better at sales. Join us for an episode that could redefine your path to success in direct sales.Enjoy! Whether you seek insights, stories, or the newest trends, I've got everything you need. Subscribe now for upcoming episodes and you're very welcome to share your thoughts with me!More about Jennie: WebsiteLinkedInFacebookFacebook GroupYoutubeTikTokJennie's PodcastIf 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...

Feb 14, 2024 • 39min
Email Marketing: Big changes in 2024, What To Avoid and How to Build Relationships with New Subscribers
If you want to get better at email marketing, tune into the latest episode of the Social Media Takeaway where I speak to Email Marketing and Copywriting expert, Kimberly Weitkamp.There are so many great tips to takeaway in this episode including: 1️⃣ How to navigate the changes to email marketing that came into effect on the 1st of February2️⃣ Common mistakes in email marketing and how to avoid them3️⃣ What a welcome series is and how you can use them to build a relationship with new subscribers4️⃣ How to turn subscribers into paying customers.Enjoy! Whether you're looking for insights, stories, or the latest trends, I've got you covered. Subscribe now for future episodes and don't forget to let me know what you think!More about Kimberly: WebsiteLinkedInFacebookFacebook GroupX (Twitter)Kimberly's PodcastFREE GIFT: https://theaudienceconverter.com/giveawayIf 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...