The Monster Marketing Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Monster Marketing Podcast is your inside source for growing your small business through digital marketing.
On Episode 14 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are at Rougarou Studios to talk about the importance of analytics for your business.
We cover the benefits of using analytics properly for your business, the three primary methods of business analysis, what KPIs you should be looking at, and what Michael Bolton and pop-up ads have in common.
Things discussed on the show:
- Image Extensions on Google Ads
- Predictive Capabilities in Google Analytics
- Google My Business Profile Upgrades?
- Bing Wordpress Instant Index Plugin
On Episode 13 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist, Clint Falcon are joined at Rougarou Studios by Chris Jordan - owner of Omnidek - to talk about building a SaaS company from the ground up, the struggles and reality of venture funding, and his vision for turning Omnidek into a hub for businesses and freelancers alike.
Chris's has developed an expertise in product/market placement, product design, fundraising and bringing product to market. Chris started Omnidek in 2016 with $2 million in startup/seed money from several local investment groups in the Baton Rouge area and continues to grow Omnidek - a Zero Code Business Portal for Your Employees, Customers, and Vendors to "DO WORKTOGETHER".
Find Omnidek Online:
- Omnidek Website
- Omnidek Linkedin
- Omnidek Instagram
- Omnidek Facebook
- Omnidek YouTube
On Episode 12 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist, Clint Falcon and intern Paxton are joined at Rougarou Studios by Babs Spano - owner & lead instructor at Twrl Pole Fitness in Baton Rouge, LA - to talk about running a small fitness studio, the misconceptions of the Pole Fitness industry, and what it's like to run a small business while also working full time as an RN.
Babs is a licensed massage therapist and registered nurse with an extensive knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and exercise physiology. Her journey with health and fitness led her to begin her Pole journey in 2012 and she quickly fell in love with the exciting, unique style of exercise. Today, Babs is bringing her passion to Baton Rouge through TWRL studio.
We had a great time speaking with Babs about Twrl and running a business during the COVID pandemic, her work as an RN with LA Plastic Surgery, and juggling work, motherhood, and finding time for herself (psst..there isn't a lot).
This podcast runs the gamut from running a business to our desire to bring drive-in movie theaters back, and why pole fitness may keep you alive during the zombie apocalypse. We hope you enjoy.
A couple of things we covered:
- Twrl Pole Fitness Website
- Twrl Instagram
- Twrl Facebook Page
- Black Lives Matter Donate
Have you ever wondered you you can travel more? How you can be your own boss? Set your own schedule?
On Episode 11 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined by Ania Krol - The Freelance Coach - to talk about how she made the switch to digital nomad. We also talk about her coaching business, where she helps others find work - and their place - in the digital word.
Ana Krol is the Freelance Coach. With 5 years experience in freelancing and coaching, Ania has mentored over 120 people in 15 countries in growing their freelance business. Through her website, Freelance-Coach.com, Ania offers assistance in finding your ideal client, pricing your services, marketing, and much more. She also runs a private Facebook community for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Connect with Ania:
- Freelance-Coach.com
- AniaKrol.com
- Ania Krol Linkedin
- Ania Krol Instagram
- Ania Krol Facebook
- Successful Freelancers & Entrepreneurs Facebook Group
On Episode 10 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are back at Rougarou Studios to talk about how Amazon is not your competition and why you should focus less on what they do and more on your customers' needs and worldview.
A couple of things we covered:
- Amazon
- Iverstine Farms
- Wal-Mart
- BBQ Guys
- Free Shopping Ads on Google
- Google Advertiser Identify Verification
- Scott Galloway
We are not affiliated with anything mentioned above.
On Episode 9 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are back at Rougarou Studios to talk about Pivoting Your Small Business During Crisis.
Whether it is something like COVID-19 which we are all dealing with currently, an economic downturn, or even a more personal issue, running a small business during times of crisis can be very stressful. It is important to pivot during these times and refocus to take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves while continuing to offer help to your customers and clients:
Some of the things covered:
- Adjust Marketing Campaigns and Scheduled Content Timelines
- Evaluate Your Imagery and Language
- Don’t Capitalize on the Crisis
- Don’t be an alarmist.
- Move Your Brand Online to Stay Connected to Your Customers
- Offer discounts during the time of crisis
- Focus on marketing
A couple brands doing great things right now:
- Agenda Trading Company
- Red Oxx
Good Deals Currently:
- Doodly - $67 lifetime
- Toonly - $67 lifetime
- AdZooma - Free until June 1
- Shopify - Free 90 Day Trial
This episode of the Monster Marketing Podcast was brought to you by DataSuite from Rougarou Studios. Get your 14-day free trial of DataSuite and release your inner data nerd.
On Episode 8 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined at Rougarou Studios by Jacob Bennett - Screen Printer and Owner of Agenda Trading Company - to discuss the importance of building your brand authentically.
Jacob started Agenda Trading Company - a Baton Rouge-based at the table in a rental house in 2009 and has been able to build a sustainable business through determination, hard work, and staying true to what he wants his brand and business to be. We had a great time speaking to Jacob about starting a business from the ground up, why it is important to stay authentic, and why Instagram is such a great tool for visual businesses. We also got into camping, hiking, backyard chickens, cryptids, and why neither of us want to run into a Bigfoot if they actually do exist.
About Agenda Trading Company
Agenda Trading Company is a one man screen printing business located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a life-time of camping under his belt and 10+ years in the printing industry Jacob Bennett decided to roll his interests and skill set together to encourage people to get outside, question the status quo, and make the most of this short life that we're all given.
Find Agenda Trading Company Online:
- Agenda Trading Company Website
- Agenda Trading Company Instagram
- Agenda Trading Company Facebook
- Agenda Trading Company YouTube
Other Things Mentioned on the Podcast:
- Hellbent Holler
- Marfa Lights
- Cop Screaming Video
On Episode 7 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined at Rougarou Studios by Shane Roberson - owner of Integrity Web Studios - to discuss the importance of web design, development and finding your marketing niche.
Shane started Integrity Web Studios in 2010 as a way to better develop his skills in web design and development while working at an e-commerce company. Over the years, Shane has helped hundreds of websites improve their online presence through improved web experience and marketing. Over the years, Shane has learned the benefits of developing his niche - focusing on Churches and Christian schools - to better serve his clients needs and improve his overall enjoyment of being an entrepreneur.
Shane's story of moving from the construction crew to running his own business is inspiring and one you need to hear if you are struggling with finding your path as a small business owner.
Things mentioned:
- Integrity Web Studios Website
- Integrity Web Studios Facebook
- Rougarou Studios
- The E-Myth Book
On Episode 6 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are bring you the most common SEO mistakes small businesses make and what you can do to correct them.
When you are starting a small business you have a lot going on and your website may be one of the things that suffers from inattention. It is important to remember, however, that your website is more than likely the first impression a potential customer has of your brand and your business, so you need to put your best foot forward.
Some of the most common SEO mistakes include:
- Having a Too General Audience
- Start imagining your “ideal customer”. Use your imagination along with the following questions:
- Is it a he or she?
- Where does he/she live?
- Education level
- Financial circumstances
- What does your ideal customer need or want?
- What are his/her biggest problems?
- Start imagining your “ideal customer”. Use your imagination along with the following questions:
- Not using analytics software
- GA is easy & free
- Broken websites & site errors
- Your website is your billboard – treat it like one
- Broken links
- Misleading links
- Slow web pages
- Improves customer experience
- Improves crawler experience
- Is a ranking factor
- Using the wrong keywords
- Keyword stuffing
- Poor on-site optimization
- Titles and descriptions
- Image optimization
- No follow pages
- Ugly anchor text for links
- XML sitemap not optimized
- Not optimizing for mobile
- This is the mobile era
- Major ranking factor for Google
- Ignoring Content Quality
- Blogs
- Videos
- Images
- Checklists
- Infographics
- Calculators
- Quizzes
- Write quality content. If you hire, check their work. Make sure it is informational, and enjoyable to read
- Not optimizing for local search
- See last episode
- Not building a social presence
- Build your audience
- Interact with audience
- Develop your brand voice
- Create relationships
Things mentioned on the website:
- Google Site Speed Tool
- Google Mobile Friendly Test
- Google Analytics
- Moz SEO Software
- Third Party Local SERPs : Search Engine Journal
On Episode 5 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined by special guest, Charles Dohs from SeenSEO to discuss local SEO and Facebook marketing.
Charles Doh’s founded his own marketing agency in 1995, where he did business with a venerable who’s who of fortune 1000 companies. Suzuki, Yamaha, igloo, Speedo, Hang Ten, Guess Jeans, Disney, Universal Studios,Coldwell Banker, C21, ReMax,Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Virgin Atlantic.
Over the last 25 years he has developed a deep experience in all channels including print, promotion, radio, television, internet, PR, trade shows, social media, SEO, SEM, and PPC. Charles is an experienced team builder, team player, and C-level leader and he brings a serial entrepreneur attitude where he never fails to succeed or learn.
On this episode, we go deep into what it takes to get your business optimized for local search, what it means to get into the Goole Map Pack, why local reviews are important, and why having your website as well as your listing citations in sync are vital to getting quality traffic for local businesses.
We also discuss Facebook marketing and the power of messenger bots.
Charles is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to local optimization and this is a must-hear for any small business owner.
Learn More about Charles Dohs & Seen SEO:
- SeenSEO Website
- Podcast Content & Collateral - a MUST have
- Top 200 Citations for Local Businesses
On Episode 4 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined by special guest, Kristy Hébert, the Founder of Cypress Hemp about Growing a Hemp Business in Southern Louisiana.
Along with starting Cypress Hemp, Kristy has been instrumental in driving hemp & CBD legalization and regulation in the state of Louisiana, working closely with government officials and legislatures to push for better laws and regulations to help ensure safety & quality.
On this episode, Kristy talks about how a car accident in 2012 - and the long recovery after - inspired her to learn more about the benefits of CBD products and hemp, and start Cypress Hemp with her partner Blake Bilger.
We also discuss what have been the biggest challenges in starting a hemp and CBD business from scratch, why they chose to be as sustainable as possible, what has worked well for her from the marketing side, and what she feels are the next biggest challenges.
We had a great time talking with Kristy and know you will fully enjoy her insights on the hemp industry, legal hurdles, why the best course of action is to remain calm, and starting a small business.
Learn More About Kristy Hébert & Cypress Hemp:
- Cypress Hemp Website
- Hemp Industries Association
- Cypress Hemp Instagram
- Cypress Hemp Facebook
- Hemp 101
On Episode 3 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon are joined by special guest, Marty Greif of SiteTuners to discuss conversion rate optimization (CRO) and why it is important for any website - large or small.
Marty Greif is the President of SiteTuners, a strategic conversion rate optimization agency founded in 2002 by Tim Ash. Marty joined SiteTuners in 2013, following a 10-year stint as President of PrivacyPartners, a company he founded in 2003.
With more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience, Marty is a conversion rate optimization expert, author, speaker, entrepreneur, senior executive, team leader and the kind of guy who likes to see everyone win.
On this episode, we learn why the average business owner is selfish and thinks of their own needs, and that by focusing on what the client needs, you have taken the first step to a CRO mindset, and Conversion Rate Optimization is the gift that keeps on giving.
We also learn some of the biggest mistakes almost all business owners make when building a website, and some simple steps to help ensure you get your website off on the right foot.
So of the things mentioned on this podcast episode:
- SiteTuners - Conversion Rate Optimization Agency
- Digital Growth Unleashed Conference - June 1-3, 2020
- Marty's soon-to-be released book (link coming soon!)
- Rougarou Studios
On Episode 2 of The Monster Marketing Podcast Jeff Löquist and Clint Falcon discuss some common mistakes small business owners make.
During the fist part of the show, we cover why Jeff and Clint love coffee so much, and why Jeff takes his coffee black (exciting stuff) as well as some exciting guests that we will have on the show in the very near future and whether opening Rougarou Studios - Jeff's agency and podcast studio - has been worth the anxiety and stress (psst...the answer is yes) and why Jeff does not think starting a business is the right choice for everyone, and why he usually advises people not to do it.
On this episode's main topic we cover:
Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make:
- Drinking your own kool-aid - "If you are not brutally honest with yourself, you can't make informed decisions that will truly improve your company.” - Lucas Carlson, ex-CIO at CenturyLink
- Looking at the wrong metrics – in order to understand your business, you have to understand which metrics actually drive the bottom line. It is easy to fall into vanity metrics, like CTR%, brand reach, or even conversion rate by itself.
- Make poor hiring decisions – it’s the dream to start a business you can pass on to your children, or you can use to hire your friends. This is almost always a bad idea. There is also the other side of waiting too long to hire. Long hours and burnout are a big price to pay to squeeze the money lemon.
- Overspending – Starting a business does not have to require a ton of money, and a lot of new business owners get caught up in the idea of needing the best of everything. That somehow that brand new work truck or that new piece of software will somehow make the difference.
- Under-spending – The polar opposite of that is refusing to spend money on anything – especially the important things – like advertising (to the right channels and demographics) or working equipment.
- Not Having a Website – according to a recent survey, 46% of small business owners do not have a website. In today’s market, any business needs to be find-able on the web. Depending on your business, you need at LEAST one page with information about who you are, what you do, and how people can get a hold of you – and no, a Facebook page does not count.
- Not Marketing - Marketing your business can be anything from word of mouth referrals, to traditional advertising, to online marketing. There aren't necessarily any rules when it comes to marketing; and the best marketing for your business depends on what you do and your target audience. The mistake is assuming you don't need to market and that business will come to you.
- Undervaluing your Product or Service – I have had a hard time with this one myself, and it is a big one for almost any small business owner. We want to be competitive, and sometimes there is a lack of confidence in our own abilities, so we think we need to discount our services to get clients. This is not the case. Impostor syndrome is a real thing. It takes a long time to come back from undervaluing once you set expectations, so do some market research, value your abilities and set a fair, competitive price.
Marketing Tip of the Week:
- Setting up your paid search campaigns properly
And remember, when you own you a small business you don't have a boss...you have ten or more.
On Episode 1 of The Monster Marketing Podcast, we get to know your host, Jeff Loquist, along with producer, Clint.
After introductions into both Jeff and Clint's background in marketing and the area of running a small business, we delve into the main topic of this episode, "So, You Want to Start a Small Business". Whether you are looking to start a marketing studio, brick and mortar store, online business, or a tree service, all small business owners know the struggle of trying to get a new business off the ground. And, if you don't - and you are thinking of starting your own business (are you nuts?!), this podcast is for you!
On this episode, we cover:
Challenges of Opening a Small Business
- Cash Flow
- How do you start a business without a lot of cash?
- Have six months living expenses – how much do I need?
- Have enough money for initial stock & advertising
- Finding Clients
- Be ready to network
- Understand you will have a job interview a few times/week
- Keeping Clients Happy
- You have to be able to exceed your client’s expectations
- Being too stretched out leads to burnout and you will not exceed expectations
- You are in the industry of making people happy
- Staying Positive
- You need to avoid burnout
- You will hit a wall – you have to be able to push through that
Marketing Tip of the Week:
- Find Your Niche
Places mentioned
- Rougarou Studios
- BBQGuys
- Gatorworks
And remember, no matter what you do, you ultimately deal in people.