Mastering Local Marketing: Sales and Marketing Strategies for Small Business Growth

EPISODE TOPIC: If I opened a local brick-and-mortar business tomorrow and couldn't spend a single dollar on marketing for the first 30 days, what would I do to get people in the door? In this episode, I walk through the exact grassroots tactics I'd use—from strategic partnerships to attention-grabbing events, sidewalk-level buzz, and tapping into existing communities. Whether you're launching soon...

Episode Topic At 26, most people are figuring life out. Our guest? He's already turned his most difficult chapter—his journey to sobriety—into a powerful mission. In this episode, we sit down with a rising entrepreneur who built an online following by sharing his raw, unfiltered path to recovery and transformation. Now, he's channeling that momentum into a new coaching business designed to help ot...

Your website should be more than just a digital brochure — it should be a lead-generating, revenue-driving machine. But without the right tools in place, you're missing out on major opportunities. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Matt shares his five favorite website tools that every local business needs to track visitors, capture leads, and turn traffic into paying customers. These a...

Ninety-nine percent of ads are bad! Most businesses throw ads out into the world and hope something sticks — but real results come from strategy, not guesswork. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down the five essential types of ads every local business needs to have in their back pocket to stay relevant, drive sales, and create momentum year-round. From building brand awarenes...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing , we're joined by the young entrepreneur behind Crema Avenue Coffee, a mobile coffee business that's been taking Chicago by storm—one handcrafted latte at a time. We dive into how Crema Avenue brewed up a brand from scratch, using three powerful strategies: showing up at the right local events, building genuine community relationships, and leveraging so...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing , we're joined by Katie Sannito—better known as the Gourmet Goddess. What started as a passion for creating unforgettable food experiences has grown into a thriving business, featuring curated brunches, cocktail events, and show-stopping grazing tables. Katie shares the three core strategies that fueled her growth: smart collaborations with other local...

You've poured money into Facebook ads, boosted a few posts, maybe even hired someone to "run your marketing"… and still, no consistent results. So what's the deal? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down why your ads aren't working—and it has nothing to do with your budget. We're exposing the common mistakes small business owners make when they think more money will fix bad str...

Tired of waiting around for word-of-mouth to magically grow your business? In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we're flipping the script on referrals. They're not a happy accident—they're a system you can build. We'll break down a simple, three-part strategy to turn satisfied customers into your most powerful marketing channel. You'll learn how to create natural referral moments, make sh...

Thinking about launching an online store? Before you dive into the world of eCommerce, there are some things you need to know—things that could save you time, money, and major headaches. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to sell online. From hidden costs and legal pitfalls to the pricing strategies and tech decisions that can make...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing , we'll share five types of in-person events that consistently bring new people through your doors, help you build community buzz, and increase sales — even on a tight budget. Whether you're a retail shop, service business, or something in between, these event ideas are designed to create energy, drive engagement, and get your local audience talking. --...

Your customer's words matter, but their body language, tone, and facial expressions could be making or breaking the deal. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we're diving into the nonverbal cues that many salespeople overlook—ones that could be costing your business sales. Mastering nonverbal communication can increase conversions, improve customer experience, and build stronger relation...

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we're talking with Summer Borkowski, the owner SummerGold Co. a successful beauty and wellness center that has grown rapidly in three short years. With ten years of marketing experience in the agency world, she's applied smart strategies to fuel her business's success. We'll explore how she's built strong partnerships and collaborations to expand her r...

Get ready for a revolutionary shift in the marketing landscape! In this episode, we sit down with AI expert Len Ward to explore the possibility of AI taking over marketing in 2025. From automating tasks to making data-driven decisions, AI is rapidly changing the way marketers operate. But what does this mean for the future of marketing? Will AI augment human capabilities or replace them entirely?...

As a small business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. But if you're constantly saying yes to every request, meeting, or low-value task, you're limiting your growth and success. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we dive into the power of saying no and how it can help you focus on what truly matters.  Saying no isn't about being difficult—it's about setting boundaries...

Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, or SEO enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you improve your local search rankings, attract more customers, and stay ahead of Google's ever-changing algorithm. We sit down with local SEO expert Greg Gifford to learn what really matters for local SEO, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what strategies will keep your bus...

Do prices really have a hidden influence on our purchasing decisions? In this episode, we're diving into the psychology behind pricing strategies and exploring how companies use pricing tactics to play on our perception of value. From anchoring effects to bundling, we'll discuss the secrets behind how prices can control our minds and wallets. Whether you're a savvy shopper or a business owner look...

Take your small business to the next level with an omnichannel marketing strategy! In today's competitive landscape, it's crucial to provide a seamless branding strategy across all touchpoints. Learn how to integrate your online and offline channels to increase brand awareness, stay ahead of the competition, and become a local celebrity. --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast fo...

Are you tired of feeling like your small business is stuck in neutral? Want to drive more sales, boost engagement, and build a loyal customer base? Look no further! In this episode, we're sharing the secrets to unlocking the full potential of email marketing for your small business. From crafting compelling subject lines to creating high-converting campaigns using personalization, we'll cover it a...

Did you know science plays an integral part in retail store environments? In this episode, Matt dives into scientifically proven methods that increase your store's traffic and sales through relatively no effort on your part. Let's let the store work for you!   --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on local marketing strategies, marketing tactics, and digital marketing t...

With camera phones and AI, many businesses think they have the tools to succeed when it comes to the photography needs of their business. However, in this episode, we sit down with photography expert Rick Bella to discuss how this could hurt your business.  --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on local marketing strategies, marketing tactics, and digital marketing that...

A team of one is held to the number of hours in a day, but a team of many multiplies your time, productivity, and the size of your business. In this episode we discuss the benefits of partnering with other businesses and specific examples of how that worked. --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on local marketing strategies, marketing tactics, and digital marketing tha...

There's a lot of talk about ChatGPT and AI, but beyond asking it to write your next ad or email, what are some of the other ways marketers are using automation to speed things up and spend less time? Matt discusses a variety of ways his clients are currently using automation and some tips on how you can use it in your business. --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on l...

Today we interviewed Mont Handley, serial entrepreneur who's first small business was funded on Shark Tank by Mark Cuban. Today, he continues to listen to customers in the ag space, which has led him to his latest small business that's revolutionizing an entire industry. Mont provides tips on how to look for opportunities along with funding and patent resources at universities throughout the U.S....

Does your business need a website, or you simply need to update your current website? Today, we sat down with Chris Barbauld, President of the Barbauld Agency to discuss the items that are most important when choosing your next website and the company to design it for you.   --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on local marketing strategies, marketing tactics, and digi...

Do you actually take the time learn and ask your customers what they need, want, and even demand? Matt discusses how there are two ways to deliver products/services, and why nearly half of you aren't asking the right questions.   --- Mastering Local Marketing is a small business podcast focused on local marketing strategies, marketing tactics, and digital marketing that drive real customer acquisi...